This invention concerns a method of improving kidney function, whereby a negative pressure is induced in the kidney. One embodiment useful in this regard comprises a balloon catheter having at least one lumen therethrough where the proximal end of the lumen is connected to a vacuum source.

This invention relates to a method of improving kidney function. More specifically, this invention relates to a method of improving the hydrostatic forces and hemodynamics of the kidney through the manipulation of pressures within the urinary collecting system.
A fundamental understanding of renal physiology can be readily found in the available medical literature, such as xe2x80x9cSection 6: Alterations in Urinary Function and Electrolytesxe2x80x9d, Harrison""s Principle of Internal Medicine, McGraw-Hill, 1994, 13th ed., p. 235-262. The main function of the kidneys is to maintain the constancy of the body""s internal environment by regulating the volume and composition of the extracellular fluids. To accomplish this, the kidneys balance precisely the intake, production, excretion, and consumption of many organic and inorganic compounds. This balancing requires that the kidneys perform several more specific functions.
One of the specific functions of the kidneys is the excretion of inorganic compounds. The renal excretion of sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (K+), calcium ion (Ca++), magnesium ion (Mg++), hydrogen ion (H+), and bicarbonate ion (HCO3xe2x88x92) exactly balances the intake and excretion of these substances through other routes, for example, the gastrointestinal tract and the skin.
Another specific function of the kidneys is the excretion of organic waste products. Normally the kidneys excrete such waste products as urea and creatinine in amounts that equal their rate of production.
A third specific function of the kidneys is the regulation of blood pressure through the formation and release of renin. Renin is a major component of the reninangiotensinaldosterone mechanism which directly affects the tension in the walls of arteries. In addition, the reninangiotensinaldosterone mechanism also controls blood pressure by controlling body fluid volume.
A fourth function of the kidneys is the regulation of the production of erythrocytes through the formation and release of renal erythropoietic factor.
Finally, the last specific kidney function is the activation of Vitamin D. Vitamin D which is ingested must undergo two activation steps in the body before it can regulate calcium metabolism. The first activation step occurs in the liver, and the second occurs in the kidney.
An understanding of renal physiology requires familiarity with the anatomy of the kidney. The kidneys are located retroperitoneally in the upper dorsal region of the abdominal cavity and have bean-like shapes, as shown in FIG. 2. The concave curve or innermost part is called the renal pelvis, while the convex curve or outermost part is called the renal cortex. Between the cortex and the pelvis lies the renal medulla. The artery supplying the kidney is the renal artery, and the vein draining the kidney is the renal vein. The ureter, which drains the kidney of water, mineral and wastes, empties into the bladder, which in turn empties through the urethra. The renal artery, renal vein and ureter attach to the kidney at the renal pelvis.
On a microscopic level, each kidney is made up of approximately one million smaller units called nephrons. This basic functional unit of the kidney, as shown in FIG. 1, is composed of a glomerulus 10 with its associated afferent 12 (i.e., entering) and efferent 14 (i.e., exiting) arterioles and a renal tubule 16. The glomerulus 10 consists of a tuft of 20-40 capillary loops protruding into Bowman""s capsule 18, a cup-like shaped extension of the renal tubule which is the beginning of the renal tubule. The epithelial layer of Bowman""s capsule 18 is only about 400 xc3x85 thick, which facilitates passage of water and inorganic and organic compounds. In addition, the capillary endothelium is fenestrated (i.e., porous) with an incomplete basement membrane which further facilitates passage of water and inorganic and organic compounds. The renal tubule has several distinct regions which have different functions: the proximal convoluted tubule 20, the loop of Henle 22, the distal convoluted tubule 24, and the collecting duct 26 that carries the final urine to the renal pelvis and the ureter.
There are two basic types of nephrons, cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons. The cortical nephrons comprise about 85% of all nephrons in the kidney and have glomeruli located in the renal cortex. In addition, cortical nephrons have short loops of Henle which descend only as far as the outer layer of the renal medulla. The juxtamedullary nephrons are located at the junction of the cortex and the medulla of the kidney. Juxtamedullary nephrons have long loops of Henle, which penetrate deep into the medulla and sometimes reach the tip of the renal papillae. These nephrons are important in the counter-current system, by which the kidneys concentrate urine.
The constancy of the body""s internal environment is maintained, in large part, by the continuous functioning of its roughly two million nephrons. As blood passes through the kidneys, the nephrons clear the plasma of unwanted substances (e.g., urea) while simultaneously retaining other, essential substances (e.g., water). Unwanted substances are removed by glomerular filtration and renal tubular secretion and are passed into the urine. Substances that the body needs are retained by renal tubular secretion and are returned to the bloody by reabsorptive processes.
Glomerular filtration, i.e., the amount of fluid movement from the capillaries into Bowman""s capsule, is the initial step in urine formation. The plasma that traverses the glomerular capillaries is filtered by the highly permeable glomerular membrane, and the resultant fluid, the glomerular filtrate, is passed into Bowman""s capsule. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) refers to the volume of glomerular filtrate formed each minute by all of the nephrons in both kidneys. The glomerular filtrate then passes along the renal tubule and is subject to the forces in the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, the distal convoluted tubule and finally the collecting duct. The renal tubule functions either to secrete or reabsorb organic or inorganic compounds into or from the glomerular filtrate. Both of these renal tubular functions involve active transport mechanisms as opposed to passive transport mechanisms.
Glomerular filtration is proportional to the membrane permeability and to the balance between hydrostatic and oncotic forces. The hydrostatic pressure driving glomerular filtration is the gradient between intrarenal blood pressure and the pressure within the Bowman""s capsule (presumed to be approximately atmospheric). The intrarenal pressure is for all intents and purposes equivalent to the systolic and diastolic blood pressures measured peripherally. Since the intrarenal blood pressure in all living beings is greater than atmospheric pressure, the hydrostatic pressure can be conceptualized as the pressure driving fluid out of the glomerular capillary and into Bowman""s capsule. The colloid oncotic pressure gradient is the difference between the concentrations of particles on either side of a water permeable membrane through which the particles cannot pass. Since there are many particles within the capillaries that cannot pass through the-capillary endothelium including cells, platelet, and macromolecules, the colloid oncotic pressure gradient can be conceptualized as the pressure driving fluid into the glomerular capillary. When the hydrostatic pressure exceeds the oncotic pressure, filtration occurs. Conversely, when the oncotic pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure, reabsorption occurs.
In the body, the major determinant of GFR is the hydrostatic pressure within the glomerulus. In addition, the renal blood flow (RBF) through the glomeruli has a great effect on GFR; when the rate of RBF increases, so does GFR. There are several factors which control the RBF: (1) an intrinsic phenomenon observed in the renal capillaries called autoregulation, (2) sympathetic stimulation through the autonomic nervous system, and (3) arteriolar resistance.
The term xe2x80x9ckidney functionxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9crenal functionxe2x80x9d generally refers to the kidneys"" ability to clear creatinine. Creatinine clearance normally declines with age, as does GFR. Thus, kidney function is generally synonymous with GFR. The decline in GFR with age is due to declines in renal plasma flow, cardiac output, and renal tissue mass.
Renal failure is divided into two main categories: (1) acute renal failure and (2) chronic renal failure. Acute renal failure (ARF) is the clinical condition associated with rapid, steadily increasing azotemia (elevated level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN)), with or without oliguria ( less than 500 mL/day of urine output). Chronic renal failure (CRF) is the clinical condition resulting from a multitude of pathologic processes that lead to derangement and insufficiency of renal excretory and regulatory function (uremia).
ARF is further subdivided into three diagnostic categories: (1) prerenal azotemia, which is due to inadequate renal blood perfusion, (2) renal azotemia, which is due to diseases or abnormal conditions within the kidney itself, and (3) postrenal azotemia, which is due to obstruction of kidney outflow either at the point of the ureters, the bladder or the urethra.
A great deal of research has focused on the effects of postrenal obstruction on renal hemodynamics, metabolism, and filtration/concentrating ability, perhaps because postrenal obstruction is a rather common clinical condition. Diseases which cause postrenal obstruction include: (1) kidney and ureteral stones, (2) cancers of the ureter, bladder, or prostate, and (3) congenital anomalies such as posterior urethral valves. In all of these disease entities, the common pathologic process is an obstruction to the flow of urine with a subsequent rise in pressure in the collecting system. It is well known that when this occurs, renal blood flow is diminished, renal blood flow is redistributed from cortex to medulla, glomerular filtration decreases, and tubular concentrating ability fails. However, there is no known research conducted or reported on the effects of negative pressure applied to the renal collecting system with respect to renal physiology and the parameters mentioned above.
Because, anatomically, the kidney is one of the few areas of the body where the intravascular space is in direct extension with the external atmosphere (i.e., the vascular endothelium of the glomerulus is porous and in direct contact with the Bowman""s capsule and tubules of the nephron which connect to the ureter, bladder, and ultimately the outside world via the urethra), the physiology of the kidney can be altered by changing the atmospheric pressure. It is therefore desirable to reduce the pressure at the outflow tract of the urinary system, i.e., the renal collecting system, below atmospheric pressure, which would then be transmitted to the level of the Bowman""s capsule to increase hydrostatic pressure and thereby increase glomerular filtration and kidney function.
Experimentation has been conducted in a swine model to confirm this hemodynamic affect of negative pressure on the collecting system of the kidney. Under direct vision with the kidney exposed, the venal collecting system was brought to xe2x88x9240 cm H2O pressure in four otherwise healthy pigs. Average blood pressure was found to fall by 16 mm Hg systolic and 12 mm Hg diastolic. Heart rate rose by an average of 14 bpm.
Although it is conceivable that a single-lumen conventional ureteral catheter could be used for this purpose, there are several problems which would likely arise. Most importantly, once the lumenal portion of a ureteral catheter is positioned in the renal pelvis and suction is applied to this catheter, the drainage holes of the catheter may become occluded if they are sucked up against the mucosa of the renal pelvis. This would interfere with the negative pressure applied to the ureteral catheter from transmitting to the level of the glomerulus.
It is an object of the invention to provide a method of improving kidney function.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a method of improving the hydrostatic forces and hemodynamics of the kidney through manipulation of pressures within the urinary collecting system.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a ureteral catheter with a retractable cage apparatus which would prevent the suction and entrapment of the urinary collecting system mucosa in its drainage holes.
These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent from the description below.
The present invention is directed to a method of increasing kidney function by reducing the pressure of the urinary outflow tract. The present invention is further directed to a method of treating renal failure caused by renal disease or urinary outflow obstruction by reducing the pressure of the urinary outflow tract. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus which is used to reduce the pressure of the urinary outflow tract and to a method of increasing kidney function by reducing the pressure of the urinary outflow tract in conjunction with a drug that increases renal blood flow. Lastly, the present invention is directed to a kit which is portable and convenient and which reduces the pressure at the urinary outflow tract to increase kidney function.

Method of inducing negative pressure in the urinary collecting system and apparatus therefor

The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York


The device consists of a shaft with a detachable brush head. The brush head is a new design incorporating the utility of an expandable self adjusting area that yields a complete sample of the endocervix and exocervix regardless of varying individual anatomy. The brush head has protrusions disposed at strategic positions with flat surface collection areas. A ledge with protrusions samples the exocervical area and a middle portion samples the endocervical area. The middle portion automatically elongates from approximately 2 cm to 5.5 cm as to adjust to individual anatomies as the brush head is inserted into the cervical canal. The brush head is matched to a special collection container that permits the brush head to be detached and deposited into the container without the handling of the brush/head area. The special conical insert within the container automatically orients brush head for passage through horizontal slot at bottom of insert without operator's need to manually align. In this fashion the sampled cellular material can be completely, safely, and securely transported for laboratory evaluation.

This invention relates to the field of Cervical Cancer Screening with a new design and utility of both the sampling brush and transport system.
A pap smear is the most important screening tool to diagnose cervical cancer. The cervix has two cell types requiring sample, one each in the endocervical canal and the exocervix. Both of these cell types need to be seen by the pathologist with each and every pap screening sample. Cancers of the cervix develop both in the exocervical area and endocervical canal. Unfortunately the endocervical canal cannot be seen by the physician or healthcare provider. Due to this fact cancer of the cervix can be missed if the entire length of the endocervical canal is not sampled.
Currently there is no device available to the healthcare provider that automatically adjusts to the individual endocervical length and guarantee complete sampling. Currently the only way for the healthcare provider to guarantee sampling is with a two step process using two separate instruments.
Older combination brush designs that sample both the endocervical and exocervical cells have no methods employed that guarantee a complete sampling of the entire cervical canal. An example of this is the patient with a long endocervical canal which prevents the physician from discerning if the top of the cervix has been reached.
This brush design is self adjusting to the complete length of the endocervical canal.
Older brush and container designs require the brush to be washed in a solution within the container for cell collection. The brush, with still valuable cells, is then thrown away. Alternatively other current systems require the physical removal by handling and/or snapping off the brush or device tip. This has a drawback in that a loss and disruption of cellular material by human manipulation occurs when attempting to remove the brush head from the shaft. Other containers have a slot but the operator must look to facilitate alignment of the brush head with the slot.
With this more versatile design, the top of the brush can remain with the container after its removal from the shaft. All of the drawbacks of the earlier designs are eliminated with this new transport system. Operator's hands need not touch the brush head, preservative or sampled material. Not one collected cell is lost. Safely and cleanly removing the brush head from the shaft without contamination to the healthcare providers is also achieved with this system. There is no exposure to the mucous, blood, and cells of the cervix. The improved ease of operation is guaranteed due to the unique conical insert's ability to orient the brush head automatically without having to manually align.

Combination self adjusting endocervical / exocervical sampling device and cell transport / preservation system


Image projection illumination apparatus and methods are provided. A color wheel has a blue laser light reflecting region and other regions respectively coated with different color light emitting phosphors. Blue laser light of a given polarization is directed by reflection or transmission by a blue laser light polarization selective filter through a polarization changing element with changed polarization onto the color wheel. When the color wheel reflecting region is aligned with the incident light, incident light is reflected back through the polarization changing element with further changed polarization by the other of reflection or transmission by the filter for image projection. When the other regions are respectively aligned with the incident light, the different color light is emitted by the phosphors along the light path for image projection. In a described embodiment, the reflecting region has a portion coated with at least one of blue, green and cyan color producing phosphor and an uncoated reflecting portion; and aligning the reflecting region with the incident light directs both reflects incident light and phosphor emitted blue, green and/or cyan color light for image projection.

This relates to generation of sequential color illumination in solid state laser projection systems and the like.
An example solid state projector using blue lasers and a phosphor color wheel as an illumination source and a spatial light modulator for modulation of the emitted light is described in Patent Application Pub. No. US 2013/0242534 A1, published Sep. 19, 2013, entitled "Projector Light Source and System, Including Configuration for Display of 3D Images," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such system utilizes blue lasers as a direct source of blue color light and utilizes the blue lasers as an indirect source of other color light by energizing other color light producing phosphors with the blue color light from the blue lasers. Efficient blue lasers available for use in such solid state projectors are, however, often not of suitable wavelength to create a pleasing blue color when observed displayed on a screen or other display surface.
A typical phosphor color wheel as used in the described solid state projector has arcuate segments coated with different color emitting phosphors annularly positioned at circumferentially angularly spaced locations about a circular wheel. An example color wheel having circular tracks or bands of different color emitting phosphors spaced at different concentric radially spaced locations is described in Patent Application Pub. No. US 2011/0211333 A1, published Sep. 1, 2011, entitled "Wavelength Conversion," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The use of cyan phosphor in combination with blue laser light to form a more pleasing blue in a sequential color illumination system that utilizes a blue light wraparound path is described in Application No. 61/752,294 filed Jan. 14, 2013, entitled "Method of Utilizing a Cyan Phosphor to Color Correct a Laser Illuminated Projection System," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Phosphor wheel illumination using laser light reflective region


A software application to generate a Precision Fires Image (PFI) which provides a precision targeting coordinate to guide an air launched weapon using a forward deployed hand held hardware device executing the PFI software application. Suitable hardware devices to execute the PFI software application include the Windows CE handheld and the Army Pocket Forward Entry Device (PFED). Precision targeting coordinates derived from the PFI software application are compatible with most military target planning and weapon delivery systems.

1. Field of the Invention
A software application and a hardware device to generate a Precision Fires Image (PFI) which provides a precision targeting coordinate to guide a variety of coordinate seeking weapon. Coordinate seeking weapons are a class of weapons which includes, air launched weapons, ship launched weapons and ground artillery, all of which may benefit from a forward deployed hand held hardware device executing the PFI software application. Suitable hardware devices to execute the PFI software application include the Windows CE handheld and the Army Pocket Forward Entry Device (PFED). Precision targeting coordinates derived from the PFI software application are compatible with most military target planning and weapon delivery systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Military conflicts and targets of interest are increasingly situated in densely populated urban areas. The goal of the military is to prevent civilian casualties and minimize any collateral damage that may occur as a result of an air strike attacking a valid military target situated in a densely populated urban area. Modern enemies willingly exploit any non-combatant casualties and any collateral damage, creating the need for new precision targeting tools to accurately deploy guided munitions. Additionally, military commitments throughout the world strain budgetary and material resources, while stressing a risk-averse and casualty-averse approach to military operations, mandating the most efficient use of forward deployed forces and minimal exposure of those deployed military forces.
Generally, employing precision guided munitions relies upon the availability of very accurate geodetic coordinates. Historically, generating these accurate geodetic coordinates have required an extensive array of computer resources such as: a large amount of computer memory for data storage, high throughput computer processing hardware, fast memory devices, complex computer software applications, large computer display screens and a network of connected communications equipment.
It is known to correlate selected prepared imagery with imagery available from an airborne platform. Methods of performing multi-spectral image correlation are discussed in a patent issued to this inventor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,507,660 and titled "Method for Enhancing Air-to-Ground Target Detection, Acquisition and Terminal Guidance and an Image Correlation System".
It is also known to correlate a digitally created image to an image provided in real-time resulting in a composite image containing the edges of objects within a scene. This is accomplished by digital edge extraction processing and a subsequent digital data compression based on comparing only the spatial differences among the pixels. This process is discussed in a patent issued to this inventor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,803 and titled, "Simplified Image Correlation Method Using Off-The-Shelf Signal Processors to Extract Edge Information Using Only Spatial Data".
It is further known to obtain a true geodetic coordinate for a target using a Reference Point Method in conjunction with an optical stereo imagery database. Obtaining a true geodetic coordinate for a target using a Reference Point Method is discussed in a patent issued to this inventor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,049 and titled, "Apparatus and Method for Providing True Geodetic Coordinates".
Currently available, is a first-generation software application known as the Precision Strike Suite Special Operating Forces that is completely described in the patent application from which this continuation-in-part application claims priority. This first-generation software application is tied to bulky laptop computers and numerous cable connectors; in use by forward observers to obtain precision targeting coordinates. The laptop computers and cable connectors severely limit forward observer mobility when compared to the mobility available with hand held devices and wireless communications. Furthermore, the ability to generate the precision targeting coordinate from a single click on a hand held device greatly reduces the operator training and reduces workload while maintaining the overall quality of the precision targeting coordinate.
With wireless communications, the operator of the PFI enabled handheld device remains sheltered while an observer with a laser range finder is free to move wherever is necessary, be it across a rooftop or across terrain, in order to laser a target and transmit the target location to the operator of the PFI enabled device. The limitations associated with each one of the inventions patented by this inventor is that these inventions, in combination, are unsuitable for execution on a forward deployed hand held device having memory limited storage capacity, having a small user display and a minimal user interface streamlined for ease of use. It is an object of the PFI software application to preprocess numerous stereo images for synchronization, download and use on a forward deployed a hand held device for generating a true geodetic coordinate suitable for use as a target reference point for guided munitions.

Method and apparatus for generating a precision fires image using a handheld device for image based coordinate determination

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


Systems and methods to synchronize file loading operations are described. In one aspect, file loading operations are divided into multiple loading levels. The loading levels are incremental with respect to one another. The loading levels are executed in a sequential order. Each loading level includes operations that are independent and distinct of operations of all other loading levels. The systems and methods load a file to an allowed loading level. The allowed loading level includes operations associated with one or more of the multiple loading levels.

Loading executable files into a system generally requires synchronization, as shared resources and global state are inevitably involved. Some aspects of such synchronization involve system infrastructure operations. Other aspects of synchronization may involve loading of user code. Such operations typically include loading file dependencies (perhaps recursively) as part of the implementation. Accordingly, loading executable files typically requires a balanced approach to loading operations to enable maximal concurrency, while avoiding race conditions, deadlocks, and access to partially initialized state. A race condition is an undesirable situation that occurs when a device or system attempts to perform two or more operations at the same time, but because of the nature of the device or system, the operations must be done in the proper sequence in order to be done correctly. Deadlock is a condition that occurs when two processes are each waiting for the other to complete before proceeding. The result is that both processes hang. Access to partially initialized state is a condition wherein the state of the component or object being accessed has not been initialized.


A new tool handle mount for attaching an elongate handle to a tool. The inventive device includes an elongate tubular member having inner and outer surfaces, proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of side walls extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the tubular member is coupled to a tool head. The inner surface of the tubular member defines an interior space of the tubular member. The distal end of the tubular member has an opening into the interior space. The opening of the distal end is adapted for inserting an end of an elongate handle therethrough into the interior space of the tubular member. A fastening device is provided for holding a handle inserted into interior space of the tubular member to the tubular member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for attaching a handle to a tool and more particularly pertains to a new tool handle mount for attaching an elongate handle to a tool.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of devices for attaching a handle to a tool is known in the prior art. More specifically, devices for attaching a handle to a tool heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art devices for attaching a handle to a tool include U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,448; U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,594; U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,616; U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,045; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 252,652.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new tool handle mount. The inventive device includes an elongate tubular member having inner and outer surfaces, proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of side walls extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the tubular member is coupled to a tool head. The inner surface of the tubular member defines an interior space of the tubular member. The distal end of the tubular member has an opening into the interior space. The opening of the distal end is adapted for inserting an end of an elongate handle therethrough into the interior space of the tubular member. A fastening device is provided for holding a handle inserted into interior space of the tubular member to the tubular member.
In these respects, the tool handle mount according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of attaching an elongate handle to a tool.


An object of the present invention is to provide a processing method of a silicon substrate, capable of suppressing breakage of thin silicon or a thin film structure of an intermediate layer in etching first and second silicon substrates. According to the present invention, a first silicon substrate and a second silicon substrate are bonded to each other while holding an intermediate layer having an opening between both of the silicon substrates in a bonding step. A closed space defined by at least one of the first and second silicon substrates and the opening at least partly embedded with a filler in a filling step. Furthermore, a liquid supply port is formed in such a manner as to penetrate the filler in the opening and the second silicon substrate from the first silicon substrate in an etching step.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a processing method of a silicon substrate, in which a through port is formed in a silicon substrate by etching, and further, relates to a fabricating method of a substrate for a liquid ejection head by using the processing method, and a fabricating method of a liquid ejection head.
Description of the Related Art
A fine structure obtained by processing silicon is widely used in the fields of MEMS or a mechanism device for an electric machine. The fine structure is exemplified by a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid. Examples of devices using the liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid include an ink jet print head for use in an ink jet print system for ejecting ink onto a print medium, followed by printing. The ink jet print head is provided with a substrate having an energy generating element for generating energy to be utilized for ejecting liquid (i.e., ink) and an ejection port, through which the ink supplied from a liquid supply port formed in the substrate is ejected.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,587 discloses a fabricating method for the above-described ink jet print head, in which etching is performed in a state in which a mask is incorporated in a silicon substrate. In this method, first, a mask having a penetration pattern for processing a supply port, formed thereat is held between two silicon substrates (i.e., a first silicon substrate and a second silicon substrate). Next, an opening pattern for processing a common liquid chamber is formed at the reverse of the first silicon substrate. Thereafter, as the common liquid chamber is being processed by dry etching at the reverse of the second silicon substrate, the previously held mask for the supply port appears. The supply port is further etched via the pattern formed on the mask, thus forming a through port including the common liquid chamber and the supply port.
In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-161915 discloses a fabricating method for enhancing the formation accuracy of a supply port in the fabricating method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,587.

Processing method of silicon substrate, fabricating method of substrate for liquid ejection head, and fabricating method of liquid ejection head


A method for producing an xcex1-aminonitrile, is disclosed, which method includes the step of oxidizing a tertiary amine with oxygen by using a transition metal catalyst in the presence of a cyanide. The xcex1-aminonitrile thus obtained can be easily converted to amino acids as well as various nitrogen-containing physiologically active materials.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for producing an xcex1-aminonitrile by aerobic oxidation of a tertiary amine with a cyanide by using a transition metal catalyst.
2. Related Art Statement
In the fields of medicinal and material sciences, the necessity for the nitrogen-containing organic compounds has been increasing in recent years, and development of efficient and selective methods for constructing carbon skeletons of nitrogen-containing organic compounds has been urgently required. An xcex1-aminonitrile is obtained by cyanating carbon at a position adjacent to a nitrogen atom of a tertiary amine through catalytic oxidation with oxygen. Since this xcex1-aminonitrile is easily converted to an amino acid as well as various nitrogen-containing biologically active materials, the utility of the reaction is high.
It is known that such xcex1-aminonitriles are obtained by employing anode oxidation (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 91, 4181 (1969), a photo reaction (Tetrahedron Lett. 31, 4735 (1990), chlorine dioxide (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110, 4829 (1988), a benzoiodine xole (Tetrahedron Lett. 36, 7975 (1995)), or cyano iodine or the like. However, the above reactions are not industrially proper methods, since these should employ special reaction apparatuses, special reaction reagents that are difficult to obtain a large amount.
The present inventors discovered a method for producing xcex1-aminonitriles by the reaction of tertiary amines with trimethylsilyl cyanide in the presence of ruthenium chloride and peracetic acid (Japanese Chemical Society No. 70 Spring Season Annual Report 3J247). However, this method since it uses relatively expensive trimethylsilyl and peracetic acid and gives many byproducts needed further improvement for an industrial process. After further investigation in view of this, the present inventors discovered a method for producing xcex1-aminonitriles from tertiary amines by using metal cyanides and hydrogen peroxide both of which are inexpensive and easily available (JP-A 11-255,729). Although this method can produce the xcex1-aminonitriles relatively inexpensively, the efficient method using molecular oxygen, a method using a safer and cheaper oxidant, has been demanded to be developed.
Having examined oxidizing agents that satisfies sufficient safety and economy for industry process, the present inventors discovered that xcex1-aminonitriles are obtained by oxidizing tertiary amines with molecular oxygen, and reached the invention based on this discovery. That is, the present invention is to provide a method for producing an xcex1-aminonitrile, comprising the step of oxidizing a tertiary amine with oxygen by using a transition metal catalyst in the presence of a cyanide.
As the tertiary amine for a starting material is preferable a tertiary amine that is represented by a general formula R1R2NCH2R3 in which R1 is a phenyl group which may be substituted, R2 is an alkyl group or a phenyl group which may be substituted, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a phenyl group which may be substituted, provided that R1 and R3 or R2 and R3 may be bonded to form a nitrogen-containing ring.
(1-1) Substituting Group R1
As the phenyl group, which may be substituted, in the substituting group R1 of the compound represented by the general formula R1R2NCH2R3, mention may be made of, for example, phenyl group, lower alkyl-substituted phenyl groups such as 2-methylphenyl group, 3-methylphenyl group and 4-methylphenyl group, halogen-substituted phenyl groups such as 2-chlorophenyl group, 3-chlorophenyl group, 4-chlorophenyl group, 2-bromophenyl group, 3-bromophenyl group and 4-bromophenyl group, lower alkoxyphenyl groups such as 2-methoxyphenyl group, 3-methoxyphenyl group and 4-methoxyphenyl group, etc.
(1-2) R2, R3, etc.
As the alkyl groups for R2 and R3, mention may be made of, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, i-propyl group, n-butyl group, s-butyl group, t-butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group and cyclohexyl group. As the phenyl group which may be substituted, mention may be made of, for example, phenyl group, lower alkyl-substituted phenyl groups such as 2-methylphenyl group, 3-methylphenyl group and 4-methylphenyl group, halogen-substituted phenyl groups such as 2-chlorophenyl group, 3-chlorophenyl group, 4-chlorophenyl group, 2-bromophenyl group, 3-bromophenyl group and 4-bromophenyl group, lower alkoxyphenyl groups such as 2-methoxyphenyl group, 3-methoxyphenyl group and 4-methoxyphenyl group, etc.
As the nitrogen-containing ring which is formed when R2 and R3 are bonded to each other, mention may be made of piperidine, pyrrolidine, N-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, etc. As the nitrogen-containing ring which is formed when R1 and R3 are bonded to each other, mention may be made of 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, etc.
As specific examples for the tertiary amines, mention may be made of N,N-dimethylaniline, N-ethyl-N-methylaniline, N,N-diethylaniline, N-phenyl-N-methylaniline, N,N,4-trimethylaniline, N,N-dimethyl-4-bromoaniline, N,N-dimethyl-4-methoxyaniline, N-phenylpiperidine, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine, N-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 6-benzyloxy-N-phenyl-7-methoxy-1, 2,3,4-tetrahydroxyisoquinoline, etc.
As the cyanide for a starting material, alkali metal cyanides such as sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide, hydrogen cyanide or trimethylsilyl cyanide is preferred. From the reactivity and economical points of view, sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide are preferably used.
Although the use amount of the cyanide is not particularly limited, it is ordinarily 1 to 10 times in mole, preferably 1 to 3 times in mole as much as that of a substrate (tertiary amine). The cyanide may be used as it is, or in the form of a solution in which the cyanide is dissolved in a solvent mentioned later.
The xcex1-aminonitrile obtained in the present invention is preferably represented by a general formula R1R2NCH(CN)R3 in which R1 is a phenyl group which may be substituted, R2 is an alkyl group or a phenyl group which may be substituted, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a phenyl group which may be substituted, provided that R1 and R3 or R2 and R3 may be bonded to form a nitrogen-containing ring. Those recited in the above (1-1) and (1-2) are employed as specific examples for the R1, R2 and R3.
As specific examples for the xcex1-aminonitrile of the general formula R1R2NCH(CN)R3 produced by the present invention, mention may be made of, for example, N-phenyl-N-methylaminoacetonitrile, N-phenyl-N-ethylamino-acetonitrile, 2-(N-ethyl-N-phenylamino)propionitrile, N,N-diphenylamino-acetonitrile, N-(4-methylphenyl)-N-methylaminoacetonitrile, N-(4-bromophenyl)-N-methylaminoacetonitrile, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-methylaminoacetonitrile, 2-cyano-N-phenylpiperidine, 2-cyano-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine, 1-cyano-N-phenyl-1, 2,3,4-tetrahydroxyisoquinoline, 1-cyano-6-benzyloxy-N-phenyl-7-methoxy-1, 2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, etc.
As the transition metal catalyst used in the present invention, one or more transition metal catalysts selected from the group consisting of a ruthenium-based catalyst, a chromium-based catalyst, a manganese-based catalyst, an iron-based catalyst, a cobalt-based catalyst, a nickel-based catalyst and a palladium-based catalyst are preferred. For example, use may be made of ruthenium catalysts such as RuCl3-nH2O, n-Pr4NRuO4, Ru2(xcexc-OAc)4Cl, Ru3(xcexc-O) (xcexc-OAc)6(H2O)3, RuO2, KRuO4, RuCl2(PPh3)3, RuCl2(bpy)2, Ru(acac)3 and K4Ru(CN)6, chromium-based catalyst such as CrCl2, manganese-based catalysts such as MnCl2, iron-based catalysts such as FeCl3, cobalt-based catalysts such as CoCl2, nickel-based catalysts such as NiCl2 and palladium-based catalysts such as PdCl2. Among them, RuCl3-nH2O is preferably used. Either anhydrides or hydrates of them may be employed. The use amount of the transition metal catalyst is ordinarily not less than 0.01 mol % relative to a substrate (tertiary amine), and no value is posed upon its upper limit. However, the use amount is preferably in a range of 1 to 5 mol %.
Oxygen to be used in the present reaction may be supplied in the form of oxygen gas, a mixture of oxygen and an inert gas such as nitrogen or air, preferably at an oxygen pressure of 1 atm. Oxygen may be at a reduced or pressurized pressure.
(6-1) Solvent
A solvent may be used in the present reaction. As the solvent, hydrocarbons (hexane, heptane, toluene, benzene, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbons (methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, etc.), ketones (acetone, etc.), esters (ethyl acetate, etc.), alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, n-butanol, s-butanol, t-butanol, n-pentanol, etc.), carboxylic acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, etc.), etc. These compounds may be used singly or as a mixture of two or more of them. Preferably, a mixed solvent of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid may be recited, and its mixing ratio (alcohol/carboxylic acid) is ordinarily 0.01 to 100, preferably 0.1 to 10.
(6-2) Reacting Condition
The reaction temperature is ordinarily xe2x88x9250xc2x0 C. to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 20xc2x0 C. to 100xc2x0 C., more preferably 50xc2x0 C. to 80xc2x0 C. The reaction time is longer as the reaction temperature descends, whereas it is short as the reaction temperature rises. The reaction time is appropriately determined depending upon the reacting temperature.

Method for producing an xcex1-aminonitrile from a tertiary anime and a cyanide through oxidation with oxygen by using a transition metal catalyst


A method for reusing rhenium from a donor spent epoxidation catalyst, the method comprising: providing a donor comprising spent epoxidation catalyst comprising rhenium, the donor having a cumulative alkylene oxide production of 0.16 kT/m3 of the spent epoxidation catalyst or more; contacting the donor with an aqueous liquid to produce rhenium-depleted donor and aqueous extract comprising extracted rhenium; separating the aqueous extract and the rhenium-depleted donor; and, using the extracted rhenium as a source of rhenium in a subsequent process.

Rhenium is a precious metal which is extremely costly. Rhenium has a wide variety of uses. One use for rhenium is as a promoter on an epoxidation catalyst.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,075 (the '075 patent) describes a process for the preparation of silver-containing catalysts suitable for the preparation of ethylene oxide. The process deposits a number of materials, including silver and a promoting amount of rhenium, on a porous refractory support. The '075 patent also describes rhenium compounds that may be solubilized for deposition on a support. See col. 13, 11. 2-32.
Unfortunately, epoxidation catalysts are subject to a performance decline, which represents itself by a loss in activity of the epoxidation catalyst and a loss in selectivity in the formation of the desired olefin oxide. In response to the loss of activity, the epoxidation reaction temperature may be increased such that the production rate of the olefin oxide is maintained. The operation of commercial reactors is normally limited with respect to the reaction temperature. When the applicable temperature limit has been reached, either the production rate of the olefin oxide is reduced or the production of the olefin oxide is interrupted to exchange the existing charge of epoxidation catalyst for a fresh charge. A fresh charge of catalyst comprising rhenium is very expensive.
Some efforts have been made to regenerate epoxidation catalysts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,714 describes a process for regenerating silver-containing carrier catalysts used in the preparation of ethylene oxide which comprises treating a deactivated catalyst with a solution comprising a potassium, rubidium, or cesium component and a reducing agent.
A need exists for methods which reduce the cost of using rhenium as a promoter component on epoxidation catalysts.

Method for reusing rhenium from a donor spent epoxidation catalyst


A bar code scanner includes a window and a rotary spinner mounted therebelow having a plurality of circumferentially adjoining mirrored facets for sweeping light along a scanned arc. A light source projects a scan beam on the spinner, and a plurality of pattern mirrors are optically aligned with the spinner along the scanned arc in a forward path for diverting the scan beam outwardly through the window to a bar code for effecting a scattered beam therefrom. A collection mirror is optically aligned with the spinner along the scanned arc for receiving the scattered beam in a return path from the pattern mirrors and spinner in turn. A detector is optically aligned with the collection mirror for receiving the scattered beam, and a decoder is provided for decoding the scattered beam.

The present invention relates generally to bar code scanners, and, more specifically, to low profile scanners.
In a typical bar code scanner, a laser scan beam traverses a bar code having a sequence of varying width dark bars and white spaces and scatters back into the scanner. A common bar code uses the conventional Uniform Product Code (UPC) convention for encoding data therein. For example, in a merchandising point-of-sale facility, the UPC bar code encodes product description and price information which is read by the scanner at a checkout counter for totaling the cost of merchandise being purchased by a customer.
A typical omni-directional bar code scanner projects a laser beam on a rotating multi-faceted spinner which scans the beam across several pattern mirrors for creating corresponding scan lines which are projected out through a scan aperture or window toward the bar code being manually swiped thereacross. The bars and spaces of the bar code differently scatter light in a return path through the pattern mirrors to the spinner from which it is intercepted by a collection mirror and focused on a photodetector. The photodetector's signal is conditioned, digitized, and decoded in suitable decoding electronics to decode the scattered light for reading the data contained in the bar code.
The various pattern and collection mirrors typically found in a bar code scanner are suitably aligned therein for performing their separate functions and are typically located in different vertical planes which necessarily increases the overall depth or height of the scanner.
In one type of checkout counter, the scanner is mounted in the top of a counter in the form of a table which provides access thereunder for accommodating the legs and knees of an operator in a sitting position. However, conventional scanners cannot be made substantially shallow in depth in view of the required optical paths therethrough for the scan and scattered beams.
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a shallow bar code scanner for reducing the overall thickness of a table checkout counter for providing suitable ergonomics for the operator.


Hydrostatic drive having synchronized direct through-drive. The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive, in particular a vehicle drive. The hydrostatic drive includes a drive motor (1), a hydrostatic transmission (2), having a hydraulic pump (3) coupled to the drive motor (1) and a hydraulic motor (4) coupled to an output drive shaft (11). For the direct drive of the output drive shaft (11) there is provided a direct through-drive shaft (16), which can be coupled, releasably, to the drive shaft (11) via a separating clutch (17). For the synchronization of the drive motor side speed of rotation (n.sub.1) to the drive shaft side speed of rotation (n.sub.2) at the separating clutch (17) there are provided two speed-of-rotation sensors (18, 19). The synchronization is effected by means of purposive loading or de-loading of the drive motor (11) by means of the hydrostatic transmission (2).

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive, in particular for vehicles.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A hydrostatic drive with direct through-drive is known from DE-35 40 218 A1. The known drive includes a drive motor, a hydrostatic transmission with a hydraulic pump arranged in a hydraulic circuit, which pump is coupled to the drive motor, and a hydraulic motor which is coupled with an output drive shaft. Further, a direct through-drive shaft is present which directly couples the drive motor with the output is drive shaft, releasably via a separating clutch. The separating clutch is closed at a predetermined speed of rotation of the drive motor, in order to connect the drive motor directly with the output drive shaft, by-passing the hydrostatic transmission. Upon switching from drive via the drive hydrostatic transmission to a drive by means of the direct through-drive shaft there can, however, occur a change-over jerk.
In DE-40 26 659 A1, for the coupling of a mechanical countershaft transmission to a drive machine via a release clutch, it is proposed to so control the drive machine upon each release procedure that the speed of rotation of the drive machine is greater than the speed of rotation of the input shaft of the countershaft transmission. By these means it is ensured that the clutch is loaded in traction in every switching procedure.
Starting from DE 35 40 218 A1, the object of the present invention is to so further develop a hydrostatic drive with direct through-drive shaft that the change-over from a drive via the hydrostatic transmission to a drive by means of a direct through-drive shaft takes place substantially without jerking, and to indicate a method for the operation of such a hydrostatic drive.
With regard to the hydrostatic drive, the invention is solved by the features of claim 1.

Hydrostatic drive with synchronized direct through-drive


An image processing apparatus registers voice call destination information and data transmission destination information for a destination in association with each other. The image processing apparatus executes a voice call with the destination using the voice call destination information, and executes, after the voice call, data transmission to the destination using the data transmission destination information in accordance with a data transmission instruction input by the user.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which performs a voice call operation, facsimile communication, e-mail communication, and file transmission via a communication network such as an IP network, a control method thereof, and a storage medium.
Description of the Related Art
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-126485 discloses a method, which registers a voice call phone number and facsimile (FAX) number for one destination name in a FAX apparatus, and originates a voice call to the voice call phone number when a voice call instruction is input after one destination name is selected. When a transmission instruction is input in the FAX apparatus, FAX data is transmitted to the registered FAX number. Also, a recent MFP (Multi Function Printer) includes a communication unit with an IP network, and has a function of transmitting an e-mail message attached with read image data via the IP network. Also, the MFP has a function of transmitting a file to a shared folder of another PC by SMB (Server Message Block).
In recent years, along with the development of the IP network, an image processing apparatus which can make FAX communications via the high-speed IP network according to the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication) T.38 recommendation is commercially available. The image processing apparatus compliant with T.38 uses call connection processing called an SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) in a call connection with a communication partner. In an SIP session, an SIP URI (for example, sip:phone number@domain name like sip:firstname.lastname@example.com) described in a header part of an SIP message can designate a communication partner on the call reception side. That is, a communication partner can be designated using a phone number used in a public phone network (to be referred to as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) hereinafter). Then, in the SIP session, an SDP (Session Description Protocol) indicates a media type of data to be transmitted, and T.38 may use, for example, "still image" (image) and "application" (application). Also, "voice" (voice) can be designated as a media type in a voice call or G3 FAX communication by means of a deemed voice (so called "inband", to be described later). The call originating side transmits an INVITE including an offer SDP, and the call reception side returns a success response including an answer SDP to the call originating side, thus realizing a call connection. In this manner, the SIP instructs a call connection by exchanging IP packets.
Also, a technique for providing services on an NGN (Next Generation Network) network which replaces a conventional line switching type phone line network by a network based on the IP (Internet Protocol) technique has prevailed. The NGN network is an IP network which includes a bandwidth guarantee function and security function in a network itself, and integrally implements a phone service, video communication service, data communication service, and the like using the SIP. As a phone service in Japan, Hikari Denwa is provided. Then, FAX communications using the IP network may be made as the data communication service. Furthermore, along with the development of the IP network, an Internet phone service with which the call originating side and call reception side make peer-to-peer communications via the Internet by packetizing audio data in IP packets is becoming prevalent. Also, Skype™ or the like, which implements an Internet phone function by installing Internet phone software in a PC (Personal Computer) is known. Skype provides a paid voice call service using a conventional phone number in partner designation, but it allows free voice calls between Skype terminals using unique IDs called Skype names in place of the phone number.
However, the related arts suffer the following problems. For example, according to the related art, when a voice call instruction is input after one destination is selected, a voice call is originated to a registered voice call phone number. When a transmission instruction is input, FAX data is transmitted to a registered FAX number. Hence, a voice call or FAX call can be originated without any mistake. However, when FAX data is to be transmitted to the same partner after a voice call, a FAX transmission instruction has to be input again after the voice call is made by inputting a voice call instruction. Therefore, the partner has to be designated twice, resulting in troublesome operations.
Also, when the user wants to execute FAX transmission to the same partner after a voice call, he or she makes the voice call first, and then presses a start button on an MFP after the voice call with the partner to input a transmission instruction, thus attaining FAX transmission to the same phone number, that is, so-called manual transmission in the conventional G3 FAX communications using the PSTN. In some cases, the above sequence is used to prevent wrong partner designation, that is, wrong transmission.
In the following description, of phone services based on the IP technique, a service assigned a phone number (for example, 050-0000-0000) based on the numbering plan will be referred to as an IP phone service, and a service assigned a unique ID (for example, a Skype name) without any assignment of a phone number will be referred to as an Internet phone service. Some image processing apparatuses use a new infrastructure with a low communication cost such as an IP phone service, Internet phone service, Hikari Denwa, or Skype for a voice call, and use the high-speed, secure NGN for FAX transmission. In this case, the manual transmission cannot be used when voice call and FAX phone numbers of the partner are different. Also, since the Internet phone service such as Skype uses a character string such as a Skype name in place of a phone number upon designation of a call partner, the Internet phone destination (Skype name or the like) is different from the FAX transmission phone number.
Also, when the user wants to send an e-mail message after a voice call, a voice call destination and an e-mail address of the partner are different. Furthermore, when the user wants to make file transmission after the voice call, a voice call destination and file transmission destination of the partner are different. Then, the manual transmission cannot be used in a case in which communication units on the transmission side are different respectively for a voice call, FAX transmission, e-mail transmission, and file transmission.

Image processing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium


Methods of making a pet grooming and skin care appliance and grooming an animal with the appliance by rotating the appliance with a hand held power drill. The appliance includes a drum secured to a rigid arbor. The drum defines an axis of rotation and has an array of flexible and resilient fingers of specific durometer extending radially outward from the axis of rotation. The arbor extends coaxially away from a proximal end of the drum.

Numerous pet grooming and conditioning tools have been developed over the ages for facilitating care and cleaning of the pet's fur, coat, hair and skin. Each suffers one or more weaknesses including specifically but not exclusively the need for significant training, time and labor intensive, limited to use with only one of wet or dry conditions, effective only with select pet species, expense, etc. A substantial need exists for a pet grooming and conditioning appliance capable of facilitating care and cleaning of a pet's fur, coat, hair and skin that does not suffer these weaknesses.

Methods of making and using a pet grooming and skin care tool


The method regards manufacturing devices by replication, wherein each of the devices comprises a device surface. The method comprises producing the devices from a replication material by replication using a replication tool (1), wherein the replication tool (1) comprises a tool material comprising replication sites (4) comprising a replication surface (5) each. Each of the replication surfaces (5) corresponds to a negative of the device surface of a respective one of the devices. The tool material comprises, in addition to the replication sites, one or more mitigating features (7) for reducing asymmetric form errors of the device surfaces. Replication tools (1) and methods for manufacturing these are also described.

Ways of manufacturing optical devices on wafer level are known in the art. E.g., dozens, hundreds or thousands of lenses are produced in a single wafer-level replication process. A corresponding wafer-level replication tool can be used in a number of successive replication processes, so as to produce a number of times said dozens, hundreds or thousands of lenses using one and the same replication tool.
In mass production in general, and particularly in mass production of optical devices, reproducibility is of tremendous importance, as the properties of congeneric devices produced this way should be deviating as little as possible. Achieving a high reproducibility can result in high production yields and can simplify the overall manufacturing process by reducing efforts for reworking manufactured devices or of sorting out devices with properties deviating too much from set values.
It is thus highly desirable to achieve a high degree of process stability in replication, in particular in mass production.
Furthermore, the quality of the produced devices should be very high. Particularly the shape of the devices should deviate as little as possible from a desired shape. This is of major importance in case of optical devices, because for such devices, their respective optical properties (and thus also their—optical—quality) is intrinsically linked to their shape. Accordingly, surfaces of replicated devices should exhibit deviations from a desired device surface shape which are as small as possible.

Replication and related methods and devices, in particular for minimizing asymmetric form errors


A golf putter having a CORIAN putterhead [10] and a handle [110] affixed thereto. The putterhead is a three layer [20, 30, 40 ] hollow, [31], ear-shaped methacrylate sandwich fixedly encapsulating a variably sized lead shot weight filler [60, 70] in the hollow. Putting alignment inlays [50] are affixed in the top surface. The sandwich has a flat putting face [80] and a curvo-linear shaped body [90] the top edge of which is slanted [120]. The different colored CORIAN layers and alignment indicators add to the aesthetics of the putterhead. The CORIAN putting face [80] reduces the tendency of the golf ball to skid when it is contacted. The sandwich is made by adhering a hollowed [31] middle layer [30] to a flat end layer [20], inserting the lead shot [60] and resin filler [70], closing with a flat end layer [40 ] and shaping. The sandwich is then provided with the alignment inlays [50 ], final shaped [120], finished to a high luster and provided with a handle [110]. The layers [20, 30, 40] may each be made up of multiple layers [FIGS. 16, 17].

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a golf putter with a CORIAN.sup.1 putterhead apparatus and its method of manufacture, and, more particularly, to a CORIAN putterhead that is multi-layered, multi colored, made from slab stock and interiorly encapsulates lead shots as weight means. FNT .sup.1 CORIAN is a trademark of E. I. DuPont De Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. See, for example, U.S. Trademark Registration No. 821,790 registered Jan. 10, 1967. FNT The description and definition of CORIAN material is set forth infra in the specifications.
2. Discussion of Background and Prior Art
There are many putters with various types of putterheads available on the market today. The more common types are those with putterheads that are made from aluminum, steel, brass, or graphite. Putting is a very crucial aspect of a golfer's game. The type of putter a golfer uses can significantly affect his game because putterheads vary in the way they contact the golf ball. Aluminum, steel, brass, or graphite putterheads each have different surface characteristics which uniquely affects the golf ball when contacted. Results such as, the quality of control, speed, distance and accuracy of the ball, are all affected and dependent on the type of material used to manufacture the putterhead as well as other factors including the shape and weight of the putterhead. These various types of putters are widely used today.
One of the main problems with the existing putters is that a golf ball has a tendency to skid when it is first contacted by the putting face of the putterhead. This skid is analogous to an automobile skid. A skidding golf ball makes it more difficult to predict the speed, direction, and distance the ball will travel and, thus, more difficult to "hole-out".
Another problem with existing putters is that they do not provide enough resilience upon contacting a golf ball. This fact accounts in part for the ball's tendency to skid when it is hit. Aluminum, steel, and brass putters do not provide resilience because they are each made from metal. The graphite putter is made from carbon which also is not very resilient because it is too brittle and inflexible when finished.
A further problem with prior art putters is the absence of aesthetics. The color of present day putterheads is usually limited to the natural color, and a few variations, of the material from which it is made. This fact definitely limits the design and appeal of the putterhead since existing putters cannot be made from different layers of material which could incorporate different colors.
Thus, there is not available on the market today a golf putter with a putterhead made from a material that provides a more resilient contact with a golf ball. There is not available on the market today a golf putter with a putterhead made from CORIAN material. There is not available on the market today a golf putter with a putterhead made from multi-colored layers of CORIAN material which can provide great appeal to the aesthetics of the design of the putterhead.

Golf putter with a CORIAN putterhead apparatus and method of manufacture


The present invention includes a gas-permeable, hydrophilic, graphite fuel cell electrode for use in conjunction with an ionomer membrane. The fuel cell electrode includes a roughened, interstitial graphite surface enclosing micropores, upon which is deposited a catalyst for contacting an ionomer membrane. The graphite electrode has a thickness of about 40 microns.

The present invention relates to a fuel cell electrode and to a method for manufacturing the electrode. The electrode is designed to be utilized with an ionomer membrane in a fuel cell assembly.
Fuel cells are primary generators of electrical power. Fuel cells are similar to chemical batteries, such as lead or alkaline batteries, in that electricity is generated from a reaction of fuel and an oxidant. Unlike chemical batteries, however, the fuel and oxidant in a fuel cell are continuously resupplied. Thus, fuel cells never have to be electrically recharged. The cells require only a new supply of fuel and oxidant for continued operation.
A fuel cell includes two chambers, a first chamber for containing the fuel, usually hydrogen, and a second chamber for containing an oxidant, usually oxygen or an oxygen-rich gas such as air. The fuel and oxidant chambers sandwich two electrodes which, in turn, surround an electrolyte. Hydrogen molecules are adsorbed at one electrode, an anode, to break the hydrogen molecular bonds, creating hydrogen ions and free electrons. The electrons, as will be discussed, flow from the anode to a load device, such as a light bulb, and flow on to a second electrode, a cathode. Oxygen molecules are adsorbed at the cathode, and the hydrogen ions, migrating through the electrolyte, react with the oxygen molecules at the cathode in a reduction reaction to produce water. The adsorption of the hydrogen and oxygen molecules is stimulated by a catalyst layer serving as an interface between each of the two electrodes and the electrolyte. A potential difference existing between the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes, anode and cathode, respectively, thus creates an electrical current. Once the electrons reach the cathode, they are consumed by the reduction reaction.
Fuel cells which use an ionomer membrane as the electrolyte have a significant advantage over fuel cells which use a liquid electrolyte system. Liquid electrolyte systems, such as alkaline and phosphoric acid systems, require complex subsystems to assure the purity of the electrolyte, its continuous circulation and, most importantly, that a fixed three-phase boundary is maintained. The three-phase boundary is an interface at which the reactant gases, the electrode catalyst and the electrolyte meet. Unless precise controls are maintained, a liquid electrolyte can flood the three-phase boundary and thereby prevent the reactant gases from efficiently reaching the catalyst.
Ionomer membranes eliminate the need for complex electrolyte subsystems and the precise controls otherwise necessary to maintain a fixed, three-phase boundary in a fuel cell. There are many ionomer membranes currently being investigated for fuel cell applications. The most typical ionomer membrane for this application is a proton exchange membrane. In a proton exchange membrane, acid groups, bonded within the membrane, facilitate the transit of protons from one side of the membrane to the other. Hydrogen ions are the typical species of proton which are transported using a proton exchange membrane. The transport of hydrogen ions within the membrane proceeds via a complex mechanism, including a Grothius chain-type mechanism. Therefore, water molecules are normally required for hydrogen ion transport. If the ionomer membrane is not sufficiently hydrated, reduced hydrogen ion transfer will occur, and the fuel cell's performance will degrade. In extreme cases, dehydration of the membrane at elevated temperatures can lead to cracking of the membrane and loss of its ion-conducting capability. Recently, it has been reported that doping the ionomer membrane with a heteropoly acid can help alleviate the dehydration problem by substituting non-volatile acid groups for water in the membrane. The following is a sampling of the proton exchange membranes currently under investigation for fuel cell use: (1) the Ballard/Dow membrane, manufactured by Ballard Power Systems of Vancouver, Canada; (2) the Naflon series of membranes, manufactured by DuPont Chemical Company of the United States; (3) the Flemion series of membranes, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co. of Japan; and (4) the DAIS membrane, manufactured by DAIS Company of Palm Harbor, Fla. The membranes vary in thickness and in chemical composition.
One type of ionomer membrane, e.g., a DuPont product known as Nafion 117.RTM., eliminates a need for complex electrolyte subsystems and the precise controls otherwise necessary to maintain a fixed, three-phase boundary in a fuel cell. Nafion 117.RTM. is a proton exchange type of ionomer membrane. Acid groups, bonded within the membrane, facilitate the transit of protons from one side of the membrane to the other. Hydrogen ions are the typical species of proton which are transported using a proton exchange membrane. The transport of hydrogen ions within the membrane proceeds via a Grothius chain mechanism and, therefore, four to six water molecules are required for each hydrogen ion transported. If the ionomer membrane is not sufficiently hydrated, reduced hydrogen ion transfer will occur, and the fuel cell's performance will degrade. In extreme cases, dehydration of the membrane at elevated temperatures can lead to cracking of the membrane and loss of its ion-conducting capability.
Ionomer membranes have a second, potentially serious drawback. The membranes are comprised of essentially smooth, flat two-dimensional materials. The membranes, therefore, present an inherent impediment to extending a three-phase boundary into a third spatial dimension, which is unlike liquid electrolyte systems. In addition, ionomer membranes have a propensity to expand when wet. Consequently, it is difficult to attach a high-surface area electrode onto the ionomer membrane surface in order to extend the three-phase boundary. Thus, while ionomer membranes represent an advance over liquid electrolyte systems for fuel cell purposes, they present their own unique problems in designing a practical fuel cell assembly.
Some fuel cell designers have chosen to use a hydrophobic electrode in conjunction with the membrane. A hydrophobic electrode will tend to retain water within the membrane and thereby reduce the overall loss of water from fuel cell assembly during operation. Hydrophobic fuel cell electrodes are typically composed of high surface area carbon particles, a graphite cloth backing layer and Teflon.RTM.. Teflon.RTM. particles, dispersed in an aqueous suspension, and the carbon particles are mixed. The mixture is applied to the graphite cloth backing layer. The electrode is then heated in order to sinter the Teflon.RTM. particles. The sintered Teflon.RTM. particles are hydrophobic and also serve to provide channels for the reactant gases to reach the three-phase boundary. The electrical current produced at the catalyst layer flows via the carbon particles to the graphite cloth backing and then to a current collector. A typical hydrophobic electrode is the Prototech.RTM. electrode, manufactured by the E-Tech Company in Massachusetts.
Traditional fuel cell technology has relied upon hydrophobic electrodes based on a belief that hydrophobicity was necessary to prevent flooding of pores within the electrode, especially on the oxidant side of a fuel cell where product water is produced, and hence to maintain optimum contact between the three phases of the structure.
Unfortunately, hydrophobic electrodes also present significant water management problems. Indeed, water management has been a continuing and vexatious problem when hydrophobic electrodes are used in conjunction with a proton exchange membrane. In order to supply sufficient humidification for the membrane, water must be condensed onto the hydrogen-side, and sometimes, oxidant side electrode through the use of a separate complex subsystem. Moreover, because hydrophobic electrodes contain a significant amount of Teflon.RTM., which is an electronic insulator, their electronic resistance can be high.
Four different approaches have been tried in order to address a three-phase boundary extension problem. A traditional approach, which has been used in ionomer membrane fuel cells, includes pressing relatively large quantities of platinum black into the membrane. By using this technique, the three-phase boundary can be extended into a third spatial dimension and higher power per unit area can be achieved. These high platinum loadings are very costly, however. Platinum catalyst loadings of 6 milligrams of platinum per square centimeter of fuel cell stack, i.e., including both the fuel and oxidant side of the cell are not uncommon. In order for ionomer membrane fuel cells to achieve commercial viability, the amount of costly, precious metal catalyst per unit area must be substantially reduced from those levels.
A second approach to extending the three-phase boundary of an ionomer membrane fuel cell has been to use a laser to create tiny cavities in the membrane itself. These cavities serve to make the membrane a threedimensional surface and thereby increase its overall surface area. High platinum loadings appear to be required in this design as well, in order to take advantage of the increased surface area and to extend the three-phase boundary into the cavities.
A third approach has been to extend the three-boundary into the body of a pre-catalyzed, hydrophobic electrode by using liquid Nafion.RTM.. The liquid Nafione200 flows into the body of the electrode, thereby extending the three-phase boundary. The electrode itself contains very small quantities of platinum catalyst. The low catalyst loading is possible because the electrode serves as an electronically conductive support for the catalyst. Unfortunately, because the electrode is hydrophobic, its performance suffers because of electronic resistance within the electrode and humidification difficulties.
The fourth, and most recent approach, has been to mix pre-catalyzed carbon particles with an ionomer in liquid suspension (such as liquid Naflon) and to hot press the mixture onto the membrane together with a hydrophobic, Prototech-type electrode or wet-proofed carbon paper. See, e.g., Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,777 and the Matsushita electrode described in the Journal of Electrochemical Society, Vol. 142, p. 463 (Feb., 1995).
Thus, state-of-the-art fuel cell electrodes, when used in conjunction with an ionomer membrane, have three principal deficiencies. First, the electrodes rely upon a pressure contact between carbon particles in a binder for electrical conductivity. Even with a graphite cloth backing, there is significant electrical resistance within the electrode because of this type of binding reliance. Second, maintaining humidification of the membrane can be difficult and may require an elaborate subsystem. Third, depending on the design, high levels of platinum catalyst may be required for effective operation.

Hydrophilic, graphite fuel cell electrode for use with an ionomer membrane and method of making a fuel cell.


A data processing method, a related device and a system are disclosed. In an embodiment, a data processing method includes generating, by a client, a data digest for a stored data set, and sending the data digest to a server, wherein the data digest is used to trigger the server to determine, according to the data digest, feedback information for the client, receiving, by the client, the feedback information sent by the server, when the feedback information comprises a target data selection policy and a target policy parameter, determining, by the client, a data subset from the data set according to the target data selection policy and the target policy parameter, wherein the target policy parameter is used to limit a quantity of pieces of data in the data subset, and sending, by the client, the data subset to the server.

Data mining refers to a process of searching for hidden information in massive data by using an algorithm. The data mining is implemented by using methods such as statistics, analysis processing, information retrieval, machine learning, and pattern recognition. For example, a prediction model is obtained by means of learning according to a short message service message text with a labeled short message service message type (such as a spam short message service message and a normal short message service message), and a type of a new short message service message text is automatically recognized based on the model. This is a data mining process.
Currently, the data mining is usually a scenario based on a client-server architecture. For example, a prediction model in which a smart band automatically recognizes a current user behavior mode (such as walking, cycling, and swimming) is learned in a server and synchronized to the smart band. The band needs to constantly transmit new data to the server, so that the server constantly updates the prediction model to obtain a more accurate model. For another example, a prediction model in which an intelligent transportation surveillance camera automatically identifies a vehicle violation (such as driving ignoring a red light, driving against the traffic, and a violated lane-change) is learned in a server and synchronized to the camera. The camera needs to constantly transmit new data to the server, so that the server constantly updates the prediction model to obtain a more accurate model. However, because the client needs to constantly transmit new data to the server, the server needs to process massive data, and consequently, consumption of resources such as bandwidth, traffic, power consumption, or a computing capability is large. Therefore, the question arises how to reduce resource consumption in a data processing process.

Data processing method and related device, and system


This invention relates to an apparatus for optically measuring the relative displacement of an object with a diffraction grating, and the apparatus has a light projection system for spot-projecting a light beam onto the diffraction grating and light detection means for receiving an interference light beam obtained by multiplexing diffracted light beams of different orders from the spot projection position on the diffraction grating in a state in which the wavefronts of the diffracted light beams are matched with each other. The relative displacement of the object is measured upon light reception of the light detection means.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical displacement measurement apparatus and an information recording apparatus. More particularly, the present invention can be suitably applied to an encoder that utilizes modulation of an interference light beam owing to diffraction and interference that occur upon the irradiation of light onto an object, and a recording apparatus such as a hard disk that uses the encoder.
2. Related Background Art
As conventional apparatuses for obtaining various physical quantities such as movement, displacement, and the like of an object with high precision by irradiating light onto the object, for example, an optical encoder, a laser Doppler velocimeter, a laser interferometer, and the like are used. The features of these apparatuses using light are high precision and high resolution, and a further size reduction is now required of them for use in a broader application range.
As examples of such apparatuses, a compact encoder that uses three diffraction gratings, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-121314, an apparatus which is obtained by simultaneously realizing a size reduction of such devices with high precision in a simple way, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-279812, and the like are known.
A conventional encoder has high precision, but the following problems remain unsolved.
In the apparatuses disclosed in these references, the optical path of light emitted from a light-emitting source is split into two or more paths, the split light beams are irradiated on a movable diffraction grating, and interference light of diffracted light beams obtained based on these split light beams is received by a photoelectric conversion element. In such an arrangement, if light beams multiplexed by a multiplexing diffraction grating to be brought to interference with each other have a tilt therebetween, fringes are produced on the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element. In this case, in changes over time in intensity of interference light, the individual interference regions on the light-receiving surface have different phases in the presence of these fringes.
Accordingly, any tilt between the light beams to be multiplexed must be strictly prevented, and the interference states of all the interference regions on the light-receiving surface must be equally adjusted to a constant state. However, it is very difficult to adjust equally the interference states of the interference light beams multiplexed by the diffraction grating to a constant state in all the interference regions. Especially, as the main body resolution is improved, the interference state varies more easily due to any attachment errors, and the like.
Such interference state variations lower the amplitude of a signal detected by averaging changes over time in intensity of the interference light on the light-receiving surface upon production of interference fringes, resulting in an unstable signal amplitude. On the other hand, in an apparatus in which, for example, a multiplexing diffraction grating is made up of a plurality of diffraction gratings with different phases, and interference light components that leave these gratings are individually detected to obtain A- and B-phase signals, if multiplexed light beams have a tilt therebetween, the phase difference between signals obtained from different interference regions is not stable. Also, the amplitudes of signals detected from the individual interference regions are unstable.
Taking the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-279812 as an example, interference state variations owing to attachment errors of a head unit and a scale unit respectively provided with a projection means and a light-receiving means, are problematical. If attachment errors that produce rotation about an axis perpendicular to the formation surface of a diffraction grating have occurred, interference fringes parallel to the arrangement direction of the diffraction grating are formed. On the other hand, if attachment errors that produce rotation about an axis perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the diffraction grating have occurred in the formation surface of the diffraction grating, interference fringes parallel to this rotation axis direction are formed. In the following description, the rotational angle of rotational attachment errors about the axis perpendicular to the surface formed with the diffraction grating will be referred to as an "azimuth angle (.eta.)", and the rotational angle of rotational attachment errors about the axis perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the diffraction grating in the formation surface of the diffraction grating will be referred to as a "rotational angle (.phi.)".
When collimated light beams are used as two light beams to be brought to interference, even when attachment errors in the rotational angle direction have occurred, the two interference light beams have a small angle deviation as long as the errors are small. However, if deviations have occurred extremely in the rotational angle direction, the interference state becomes unstable. On the other hand, when attachment errors in the azimuth angle direction have occurred even slightly, the two interference light beams have a large angle deviation, and the interference state becomes unstable sensitively.

Optical displacement measurement apparatus and information recording apparatus


A plasma display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate arranged substantially parallel to the first substrate, and barrier ribs arranged between the first and second substrates and defining discharge cells. A plurality of first discharge electrodes are arranged in the discharge cells, and a plurality of second discharge electrodes are arranged in a direction crossing the first discharge electrodes and below the barrier ribs. A minimum area of the second discharge electrodes required for addressing protrudes towards the discharge cells.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plasma display panel (PDP), and more particularly, to a PDP including electrodes that compensate for different discharge characteristics of differently colored discharge cells.
2. Discussion of the Background
Generally, plasma display panels (PDPs) include front and rear panels facing each other with a plurality of discharge cells therebetween. Discharge electrodes arranged on the panels generate a discharge within the discharge cells, which contain a discharge gas, thereby generating ultraviolet (UV) rays. The UV rays excite a phosphor layer within the discharge cells to emit light that forms visible images.
Such PDPs may be direct current (DC) PDPs or alternating current (AC) PDPs depending on the driving voltage applied to the discharge cells. Further, they may be facing discharge PDPs or surface discharge PDPs according to electrode configuration.
In a conventional three-electrode surface discharge PDP, barrier ribs may be arranged between the front and rear panels to define a plurality of pixels. A phosphor layer is coated on surfaces of the barrier ribs, and vacuum UV rays are converted into visible rays through the phosphor layer, thereby displaying an image with the pixels. However, before a pixel is discharged to display an image, signals are transmitted to the corresponding address electrodes.
In a method of manufacturing a rear panel, address electrodes, which are used to generate an address discharge to select discharge cells, are formed on the rear panel, a dielectric layer is printed on the address electrodes, barrier ribs are formed on the dielectric layer, and red, green, and blue phosphor layers are formed on the sides of the barrier ribs. The address electrodes may be formed in strips.
FIG. 1 is a view showing discharge electrodes, as disclosed in Korean Laid Open Patent Application No. 2003-13036, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a PDP including the discharge electrodes of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, display electrodes 16 and scanning electrodes 18 are alternately disposed, and address electrodes 14 are disposed in a direction crossing the display electrodes 16 and the scanning electrodes 18. Additionally, barrier ribs 12 of the strip pattern are disposed in non-discharge areas to partition discharge cells.
The address electrodes 14 include non-conductive regions 14a where the address electrodes 14 face the display electrodes 16. The non-conductive regions 14a do not include any address electrode material, they correspond to the display electrodes 16, and they are formed entirely within the address electrodes 14.
The address electrodes 14 structured as described above have reduced areas where they face the display electrodes 16. Thus, charges generated in address periods accumulate on a region of a transparent dielectric layer 20 covering the scanning electrodes 18 and on a region of a dielectric layer 22, which covers the address electrodes 14, facing the scanning electrodes 18. Substantially no charges accumulate on the dielectric layer 22 above the non-conductive regions 14a.
As such, the non-conductive regions 14a prevent charges from accumulating on the dielectric layer 22 facing the display electrodes 16 and from traveling towards the display electrodes 16 to accumulate on the transparent dielectric layer 20 at the display electrodes 16.
Thus, when selectively discharging display cells by applying a discharge sustain voltage Vs between scanning electrodes 16 and display electrodes 18, if wall charges do not accumulate towards the display electrodes 16 as described above, a difference between the amount of wall charges predicted during designing and the amount of wall charges generated by actually applying an address voltage may be minimized.
Although the conventional strip type address electrodes 14 may improve erroneous discharge, designing a PDP that may adjust the discharge characteristics of discharge cells coated with red, green, and blue phosphor layers, as well as decrease electric field interference between neighboring address electrodes 14 in adjacent discharge cells, is desired.