A method of enhancing in vitro development of a mammalian embryo is disclosed which comprises supplementing the culture medium with a prostaglandin, or a prostaglandin analog, in an amount effective to promote complete hatching of the embryo (i.e., freeing of the embryo from the zona pellucida). The quality of human blastocysts is enhanced in vitro by culturing with a prostacyclin agonist, Iloprost. The in vivo implantation potential and live birth potential of an in vitro fertilization embryo is thereby enhanced and establishment of a viable pregnancy is facilitated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for in vitro culturing of mammalian embryos and for enhancing achievement of pregnancy after implantation of the cultured embryo in the uterus of a suitable mammalian host. More particularly, the invention pertains to such composition and methods which employ a prostaglandin or prostaglandin analog for enhancing blastocyst quality and improving implantation potential of a treated embryo.
2. Description of the Related Art
The environment within the oviduct enhances the fertilization potential of sperm and promotes the development of cleaving embryos. Embryos co-cultured with oviductal epithelial cells have been shown to have improved development, hatching and implantation [Xu, 2001; Xu, 2000]. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is traditionally thought to be involved in maintaining blood and vascular homeostasis. However, recent observations in gene knock out mice suggest that it may have other physiological functions. The importance of endometrium-derived PGI2 is underscored by the observations made in the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 knockout mice [Lim, 1997]. The endometrium of the COX-2 knock out mice failed to decidualize normally. As a result, transferred wild type embryos could not implant in the female mice deficient in COX-2. The aforementioned abnormalities could be, to some extent, corrected by administration of an exogenous PGI2 analog to the mother [Lim, 1999].
The role of oviduct-derived PGI2 in the development of pre-implantation embryos is not clear, because the litter size of PGI2 receptor (IP) knockout mice has not been compared with that of the wild type [Murata, 1997]. However, the genotypic distribution of pups arising from mating heterozygous IP knockout mice failed to conform to Mendel's Law: the prevalence of male and female pups with homozygous IP knockout genotype were 37% and 20%, respectively, less than expected [Murata, 1997].

Enhancement of mammalian embryo development

Board of Regents of the University of Texas System


A method of processing refuse wherein layers of resin-coated pulverized refuse are cross-blended, compressed, heated, recompressed, shaped and cured to form useful structural members.

1. Field of the Invention
The method of this invention resides in the area of the manufacture of structural beams out of refuse and more particularly relates to a method of manufacture of structural beams, panels and shapes made of refuse particulate produced by the agglomerate grinding of landfill material joined together at points of contact by resin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recycling of refuse has become important in today's conservation-minded society. Prior art processes exist for the recycling of waste metals, glass, plastic, and paper into a wide variety of forms for reuse.

Method of producing refuse member structures


The invention is footwear having an outer sole(s) with an ergonomic gripping or traction surface. More particularly, the ergonomic gripping or traction surface is a gripping and traction pattern, formed as an integral part of a shoe sole, that is based on a natural footprint or hand print of a human. A footprint or hand print is not a flat surface, but a combination of various anatomical elements of differing size, shape, and contour. The present invention is molded as an integral part of an elastically deformable and compressible outer sole, and incorporates the elements and characteristics of the footprint or hand print, or combinations thereof. The sole has multiple projections which stand away from the base of the sole, thereby creating adjacent raised and recessed areas. The projections correspond to the actual anatomy of the human foot or hand.

It is known in the art to provide a traction or gripping surface made of an elastically deformable and compressible material having a tread pattern of differing shapes and designs to improve the traction of the device to which it is attached, specifically shoe soles, gloves, and mechanical gripping devices. Heretofore, shoe soles have included varying patterns of geometric shapes. During the act of walking or running, the anatomy of the bare human foot, with its numerous curves, contours, and recesses, provides superior traction and gripping ability. Therefore, the need for a sole with an outer surface that very closely approximates the anatomy of a human foot or hand is evident. Previous attempts to provide such a sole have proven inadequate.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A disengageable surfboard that starts out as a long, paddle-sized board that a surfer uses, either in the standard prone position or standing with a paddle, to enter the surf. Once the surfer has used the board to catch a wave, he or she quickly releases the back portion of the board, typically made of a soft foam, through a quick move of his or her foot, leaving the surfer with a smaller, higher performance surfboard that would have been initially difficult for the surfer to catch without the extra length afforded through the disengaged piece.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of this invention relates generally to the field of surfboards and particularly to a composite, two piece board that can disengage from a large paddle board sized board into a smaller, high-performance surfboard once in the surf.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Surfing and all modes of wave catching have been popular endeavors for decades. A person wishing to catch a ride on a breaking wave can paddle into the waves on his or her stomach, paddle into and catch the wave, and then stand up and ride the moving wave. This is typically accomplished with a surfboard, of varying lengths and shapes, made of polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam that is covered with layers of fiberglass cloth and polyester or epoxy resin. Boogie boards are another popular way to catch waves, which are smaller, square-shaped and made of foam. Boogie boards generally are too small to allow for standing up once in the wave, but do provide a means for catching a wave with a short board that is made of soft material.
Additionally wave riding tools include kayaks, which can catch waves through the use of paddles while the rider is seated in a kayak. Also, kneeboarders can catch waves and only rise as high as their knees rather than their feet for deeper riding in the wave. With regard to paddling into the surf, the physical stamina required diminishes as he or she ages. Stand-up paddle boards have recently been added to the equipment for wave riding, particularly for those whose upper body strength and stamina are on the wane due to age.
As experienced and accomplished surfers know, the highest performance offered when surfing is given by a short board. As aging surfers also know, paddling into and catching a wave with a short board requires the sort of physical ability not often seen in those over the age of forty.
Accordingly, there exists a need for the aging or otherwise enfeebled surfer (through injury and the like) to catch a wave and still be able to enjoy the sort of ride that is offered by a short board. The instant invention offers a long board, which is generally defined as a board between nine and twelve feet long, that can be used either lying prone or with a paddle to catch the wave, but that can be converted into a smaller board once standing on the wave in the water through a quick release action using the surfer's foot to release the excess of the board that was required to catch the wave. This excess material is made of the same sort of soft foam used in the manufacture of boogie boards.
Heretofore, there has not been a board that can be used to catch and ride waves that breaks apart in the water so as to offer the surfer the ability to ride a short board. Prior art in the field has included surfboards that can break into more than one piece, but these inventions require assembly and disassembly while outside of the water and are primarily designed to provide the ability to change the size and shape of the board on the beach, prior to paddling out, depending upon surf conditions or that provide for the breakdown of the board into smaller pieces for ease of travel. Some examples of these types of boards can be found U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,121,909 and 6,656,005.

Method and apparatus for catching waves utilizing a disengageable surfboard


A method and system is provided for the output of an information message in a vehicle, whereby an information message is stored, the current location of the vehicle is determined, a driver of the vehicle triggers an assignment of a stored information message to a location, and the information message assigned to a location is automatically emitted when the vehicle is situated at this location.

This application claims the priority of German Application No. 10 2006 009 091.8, filed Feb. 28, 2006, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a method and system for the input of an information message in a vehicle, and to a correspondingly equipped vehicle.
Vehicles with navigation systems are known, in which an indicating device is controlled as a function of the currently determined location of the vehicle. For example, an intersection is shown on the indicating device when the vehicle is located in proximity of the intersection. When the routing system is activated, the correct route is additionally illustrated in a highlighted manner—superimposed on the display of the intersection. In addition, it is known to inform the driver acoustically of the correct route by the output of a corresponding voice message. In this case, the output of information is based on information stored in a read-only manner, for example, on a DVD, which information—with the exception of the destination—cannot be changed by the driver.
Situations therefore occur, in which these known systems do not guide the driver corresponding to his individual wishes. The driver may, for example, at certain times, want to drive a route deviating from his customary route (when the routing system is deactivated) or drive a route deviating from the route which was suggested by the navigation system (while the routing system is activated). Reasons for this deviation may be a temporary construction site; an errand which always has to be run on a certain weekday; a special traffic situation occurring only at certain times, or a driver's personal preference for certain routes at certain times.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a system and method which makes it easier for a driver of a vehicle to drive the route desired by him.
This object is achieved by a method for the output of an information message in a vehicle, and a correspondingly equipped vehicle system, in which method an information message is stored, and the current location of the vehicle is determined. A driver of the vehicle triggers an assignment of a stored information message to a location. The information message assigned to a location is automatically emitted when the vehicle is situated at this location.
Advantageous further developments of the invention are described and claimed herein.
The invention is, therefore, also based on the idea of reminding the driver at certain locations to drive a different route which deviates from his customary route or from the route suggested by the navigations system, specifically the route that most corresponds to his individual wishes. These wishes may be a function of the time or of the situation.
For this purpose, the driver sets up or triggers an assignment of a reminder or information message to be emitted to a location where he is to be reminded or where the information message is to be emitted. The reminder or the output of an information message will then take place automatically when the vehicle is situated at the location or in the proximity of the location which is assigned to the information message.
The driver is thereby enabled to set a reminder point, which links a certain location with an information message. Based on this stored reminder point, the output of the corresponding, preferably location-dependent, information message will then take place when the vehicle is again situated in this location.
The information message or several information messages are stored or intermediately stored in a storage device. The information messages may be acoustic, optical and/or haptic signals (or indications which are, for example, preset by a vehicle manufacturer or are selected or generated by the driver). An information message preferably includes a voice message generated by the driver. However, the invention also contemplates the generating and output of single signal tones as information messages.
In order to adapt the automatic output of such a location-dependent reminder or information message as easily as possible to the wishes of the vehicle driver or to make the setting of such a reminder by the driver as simple, comfortable, and intuitive as possible, it is preferably provided that, during the drive, the driver himself triggers or establishes the assignment of an information message to the location at which the information message is to be emitted, by actuating an actuating element. With the actuating of the actuating element, an information message is automatically assigned to the currently determined location of the vehicle, thus to the location of the vehicle at the point in time of the actuating of the actuating element. In order to make the triggering of an assignment of an information message particularly comfortable and ergonomic, it is preferably provided that the actuating element is a rotary push button, particularly a rotary push button which is already present anyhow for operating another device, for example, a navigation system or an audio system.
The information message to be assigned is preferably selected, generated or entered beforehand by use of the actuating element. Particularly preferably, with the actuating of an actuating element, a voice recording device is activated in order to thereby input and store an information message by using the voice of the driver, and simultaneously the assignment of this information message to the currently determined location is triggered.
The location to which an information message is assigned may be the current location of the vehicle, a location in proximity of the current location of the vehicle, or a location which has a fixed local or time-related relationship with the current location of the vehicle. For this purpose, preferably the routes driven by the vehicle are intermediately stored for a preset past time period.
By actuating an actuating element, preferably that location, which is situated before the current location in the driving direction by a given distance or a given driving distance or a given driving time (when a given speed or the current speed is assumed), is automatically assigned to an information message. An actuating or a delayed actuating of an actuating element for triggering an assignment of a location to an information message, for example, only after or directly at a turn-off point to be selected, may nevertheless have the result that, during the next traveling of the route, the corresponding information message is emitted on time, for example, before the turn-off point to be selected. Thus, after the reminder by the information message, the driver will have sufficient time in order to, for example, change a driving lane, actuate a turn signal, and prepare himself for the turn off from the customary route or the route suggested by the navigation system.
In addition to the assignment of a location to an information message, it is preferably provided to also assign a driving direction to the information message. This is preferably an automatically determined current driving direction of the vehicle when triggering the assignment of a location and of the driving direction to an information message, particularly the automatically determined current driving direction of the vehicle when actuating the actuating element. As a result, it becomes possible to automatically emit the reminder or the information message not only at the correct location but also only when the vehicle is in the appropriate driving direction, specifically essentially in the stored driving direction assigned to the information message.
The driving direction to which an information message is assigned may be the current driving direction of the vehicle or a driving direction which the vehicle had at a location which is in a fixed preset local or time-related relationship with respect to the current location of the vehicle. For this purpose, the driving directions of the vehicle are preferably intermediately stored for a given past time period.
The information message is preferably not emitted when the vehicle is not situated at the location and/or is not situated in the driving direction which is assigned to the information message.
The information message is particularly preferably only emitted when a routing module of a navigation system integrated in the vehicle is deactivated.
The object on which the invention is based is preferably also achieved by a vehicle having a location determination device, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, for the determination of the current location of the vehicle, having a storage device for storing at least one information message, having an input device for triggering the assignment of a stored information message to a location, and having an output device for the emission of an information message. A control device, which interacts or is connected with the above-mentioned components, is set up such that the information message assigned to a location is automatically emitted when the vehicle is situated in this location. The current driving direction is preferably determined by use of the location determination device or by use of a driving direction determination device.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Systems and methods for output of information messages in a vehicle

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


An escape/rescue ladder that can be mounted in a non-useable condition on the side of a building and can be placed in a useable condition to allow persons to enter and exit from any of a plurality of vertically spaced openings in the building located alongside the ladder. The ladder includes rungs pivotally connected to the building, a rail pivotally connected to the rungs, and a bar extending and constrained to move in the vertical direction adjacent to the building. The bar is connected to the building by at least one counterbalance spring and to at least one rung by a cable fixedly attached to the bar so that as the bar is moved the rungs pivot from their non-useable positions into their useable positions. The springs are selected to approximately counterbalance the weight of the rungs and rail throughout their movement from the non-useable condition to the useable condition. Rest brackets are provided above and below the inner end of each rung so as to support the rung from both directions when the rung has pivoted from a non-useable position at an acute angle with the side of the building into a generally horizontal useable position. Support is provided to the rung by the bracket below at a location further from the side of the building than the inner pivotal axis of the rung and above at a location closer to the side of the building than the inner pivotal axis of the rung.

Folding escape ladders for multistoried buildings have been known for many years. Typically, folding escape ladders are comprised of a fixed rail attached to the side of the building and a movable rail attached to the fixed rail by a plurality of spaced rungs, the rungs pivotally attached so that the ladder can be folded up against the building. However, to be of practical use, particularly for buildings of more than a few storeys, designs for folding ladders need to provide a release mechanism to deploy the movable rail so that the rungs become horizontal and the ladder useable. The release mechanism should be operable from any floor and should deploy the entire ladder. Further, some means must be provided to prevent the movable rail from continuing to move downward after the rungs become horizontal so that once the rungs become horizontal, the ladder provides a firm and stable means of escape. The ladder should not depend upon the ground or some other surface for support (which could shift or give way), but should be self-supporting, relying only upon the building wall for support. Further, for large buildings it is essential that an escape ladder be capable of distributing weight over the entire ladder structure so as not to risk failure of the ladder by concentrating the weight in any particular portion of the structure.
One of the first folding escape ladders is Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 295,127 (Mar. 11, 1884), in which the release mechanism is a cable actuated by a lockable lever near the ground and the lower end of the movable rail rests upon the ground when the ladder is deployed. Disadvantages of the Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 295,127, design are that only someone at ground level with a key may deploy the ladder and that as the rungs are not individually secured against pivoting beyond a horizontal position, the ladder may be somewhat rickety.
Bracklo, U.S. Pat. No. 719,990 (Feb. 10, 1903) appears to improve upon the ladder disclosed in Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 295,127, by providing for release by a cord that may be cut at any window and by increasing rigidity by providing the rungs d with cam-heads d.sup.2. Each rung d appears to support itself when the ladder is deployed as each cam-head d.sup.2 presses against the side of a building. Disadvantages of the Bracklo, U.S. Pat. No. 719,990, design are (1) that an unauthorized person at ground level could apparently deploy the ladder by cutting the cord and (2) as the ladder as a whole is held by the cord, the release of the ladder would take place with considerable force as no means is provided to slow the fall of the ladder into deployed position, possibly damaging the ladder or injuring bystanders.
Padlo, U.S. Pat. No. 2,957,539 (Oct. 25, 1960) discloses a folding escape ladder for small size building having release mechanisms (FIG. 5) inside the building for releasing the ladder. A hydraulic cylinder 45 is provided to slow the release of the ladder 10. The lower end 18 of the movable rail 12 rests upon the ground G when the ladder 10 is deployed. A side brace 50 shown in FIG. 3 is provided to stabilize the ladder 10.
Padlo, U.S. Pat. No. 3,024,864 (Mar. 13, 1962) discloses a folding ladder in which the rungs nest inside each other.
Wedvik, U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,081 (Dec. 3, 1968) discloses a contractible ladder apparently suitable for a two storey building that does not need support from the ground when deployed. Instead, stops 30 on the ends of the rungs 18 provide stiffening of the ladder by bearing against the legs 10, 12 when the ladder is deployed. A single lever 38 deploys the ladder.
Reinhard, U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,263 (Apr. 20, 1971) discloses a folding fire escape ladder. Each rung 21 is stiffened by stop rivets 34 and 38.
Messera et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,347 (Sep. 4, 1973) discloses an emergency escape ladder. A lifting bar 52 is used to deploy the ladder by lifting hook 58 out of hole 62. The lifting bar 52 and flange 30 are each provided with cam wedges 76 and 78, respectively, which urge the lower end of the moveable subassembly 14 away from the stationary sub-assembly 12 when the lifting bar 52 is raised. If the moveable subassembly 14 does not rest upon the ground or some other surface when the ladder is deployed, then it appears that the moveable subassembly 14 is restrained from movement beyond the desired deployed position entirely by the bottom rung 24 bearing against notch 80.
Shull, U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,686 (Jul. 26, 1977) discloses an escape ladder formed of channel-shaped pieces, the cross-members 45 folding inside of and hinged to the side pieces 15, 16 so that the ends of the cross-members 45 abut the insides of the side pieces 15, 16 in deployed position.
Reinhard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,028 (Feb. 19, 1980) discloses a folding fire escape ladder generally similar to Reinhard, U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,263. Stop pins 27, 33 are provided to limit movement of the rungs 16.
Rossey, Sr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,119 (Jan. 6, 1981) discloses a folding building side mounted fire ladder having an articulated brace 40 between the upper ends of the side rails 26, 28. No means are provided to stiffen the individual rungs 30.
Reinhard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,983 (Jan. 17, 1984) discloses a folding fire escape ladder generally similar to Reinhard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,028 (Feb. 19, 1980) and Reinhard, U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,263.
Grin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,829 (Aug. 7, 1984) discloses a portable foldable ladder. A locking mechanism (FIGS. 6-8) stabilizes the ladder when in an open mode as latch 62 engages catch plate 72.
Pugliese, U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,060 (Jul. 7, 1987) discloses a collapsible ladder device. Rungs 20 are restrained from swinging past their horizontal positions as the ladder is deployed by the expedient of mounting bracket members 22-28, which are located at the ends of the rungs 20 on pins 29 that are located off-center so that brackets 22-28 engage the bottom wall of the channels 16, 18, limiting the rotational motion of the brackets.
Nilsen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,347 (Oct. 27, 1987) discloses a folding fire escape ladder with separate release stations and safety belts with locking brackets. The ladder disclosed is composed of sections that link together to form an escape ladder for a multi-floor building. As each section is deployed, the sections below (but not above) are also deployed.
Soucy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,717 (Jan. 20, 1981) discloses a fire escape ladder having support braces, one end of which pivots from the inner end of one rung and the other end of which slides along the rung above as the ladder is opened.
Byrnes, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,736 (Feb. 21, 1989) discloses a disappearing ladder the opening of which is actuated by a rod which rotates the rungs of the ladder about their longitudinal axes. Eriksson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,920 (Aug. 23, 1994) discloses a foldable fire-escape ladder. Each rung pivots on axes that are centered off the center line of the rung, thereby apparently improving the stability of the ladder.
Of the ladders disclosed in the patents discussed above none seem suitable for multistoried buildings of more than a few storeys.


The thermosetting adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet has a structure in which a thermosetting adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive layer made of a thermosetting adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing an acrylic polymer (X) containing at least an alkyl(meth)acrylate (a) in which the alkyl moiety thereof has from 2 to 14 carbon atoms and a cyano group-containing monomer (b) as monomer components and a phenol resin (Y) is protected by a release liner which does not substantially contain a silicone component. The acrylic polymer (X) may further contain a carboxyl group-containing monomer (c) as a monomer component. A release liner having a release layer made of polyethylene is suitable as the release liner which does not substantially contain a silicone component.

In electronic instruments, a flexible printing circuit board (sometimes referred to as "FPC") is widely utilized. In such an FPC, an adhesive is used in (1) a step of adhering and laminating a conductive metal foil (for example, copper foils and aluminum foils) on a heat-resistant substrate (for example, polyimide-made substrates and polyamide-made substrates) to prepare FPC or (2) a step of adhering FPC to a reinforcing plate (such as aluminum plates, stainless steel plates, and polyimide plates). As such an adhesive to be used in adhesion of FPC, there have hitherto been widely utilized nitrile rubber (NBR)/epoxy resin based adhesives, acrylic rubber/epoxy resin based adhesives, and acrylic rubber/phenol resin based adhesives (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,175 and 3,900,662).
However, in adhesives containing an epoxy resin, such as nitrile rubber (NBR)/epoxy resin based adhesives and acrylic rubber/epoxy resin based adhesives, though their adhesive strength is thoroughly satisfactory, since the adhesiveness is revealed by a chemical reaction of the epoxy resin, there is encountered a problem that the storage stability as an adhesive is low.
Also, in recent years, FPC has been used in precision electronic parts (instruments). Depending upon applications of FPC, in order to prevent contact failure from occurring, it is demanded to exclude silicone based materials even in adhesive tapes or sheets to be used in adhesion with respect to FPC.

Thermosetting adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet, and process of producing the same


An electronic marketplace allows owners of unused Internet domain names to lease the domain names using a bidding process. The system allows owners to monetize domain names and lessees to obtain customers who are redirected from targeted domain names.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to monetization of unused Internet domain names and online advertising.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Internet domain monetization allows domain name owners to earn revenue from domain names that are unused, e.g. have only place-holder web sites. Currently monetization is accomplished by placing sponsored links on unused domains, also referred to as "parking" a domain. For example the owner of cellphones.com might place sponsored links to destination sites such as verizon.com, att.com, and nextel.com. The domain owner is then paid for every click on a sponsored link, or for every click on a sponsored link that results in the conversion of the end user into a customer on the destination site.
Sponsored links are provided by advertising networks such Google AdWords, Yahoo! Search Marketing, and LinkShare. These advertising networks have agreements with advertisers such as Verizon, AT&T, and Nextel. Alternatively, sponsored links are provided by an intermediary, who specializes in optimizing the revenue produced by unused domains. Intermediaries provide sponsored links from one or many advertising networks. There are a number of intermediaries that provide this type of service including DomainSponsor, Parking.com, and Sedo.com.
The main limitation of monetizing unused domains with sponsored links is that it is contingent on end users clicking on links. In many cases only few end users click on the sponsored links and so the domain owner does not monetize the bulk of the Web traffic to their website. For example, in the case of cellphones.com, if 1,000,000 users visit the site every day and only 5% of the users click on sponsored links, then 950,000 of the daily users are not monetized.
Another limitation of monetizing unused domains using sponsored links is that advertisers have their sponsored links placed next to competing services and have to vie for the attention, and clicks, of end users.
A different type of advertising network is provided by TrafficRouter.com. TrafficRouter sells electronic real-estate on websites. Customers can purchase banner advertising space or text advertising links on various websites that register with TrafficRouter. Customers bid to gain the right to have their banner shown on another website or to have a link on another website point to their destination site. The TrafficRouter model also suffers from the limitation that website owners, or domain owners, are only paid when end users click on banners or links. Furthermore, it does not allow advertisers to fully own the user experience.
U.S. Patent Application 20010034657 shows a system that allows domain owners to sublicense sub-domains, also known as third-level domains. For example, the owner of house.com could sublicense chicago.house.com or philadelphia.house.com. This model has two significant limitations. First, it is much more likely that individuals surfing the web would type-in a second-level domain such as house.com compared to a third-level domain such as chicago.house.com. Thus, a service that offers access to second-level domains is much more attractive to advertisers. Second, since sub-domains are simply licensed for a fixed fee, there is no mechanism for identifying a fair price for domains.
On eBay, users sell blocks of traffic. For example, a user might create an auction for 10,000 users who will be sent to the winner's website. The winner of the auction receives traffic from various sources, including redirects from unused domains. A problem with this model is that the advertiser does not get to pick the specific domains that will send it traffic. Another problem is that advertisers are bidding for fixed blocks of traffic, so they have to keep buying blocks in separate lots in order to have a continuous level of redirected traffic.

Electronic marketplace used to lease domain names and redirect web surfers from leased domain names


A flexible jewel pouch for holding a jewel, comprising a metal mesh dimensioned to hold the jewel therein, having a top opening and having a plurality of apertures, the largest aperture being smaller than the jewel; a mesh carrying arrangement slidingly attached to the mesh along the top opening, wherein when the jewel is placed in the mesh, the mesh suspends from the mesh carrying arrangement and the weight of the jewel causes the mesh carrying arrangement to at least partially close the top opening of the mesh thereby securing the jewel therein.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a mesh pouch, bag or purse made of a metal chain formed to enclose a jewel and providing advantages as described.
2. Description of Related Art
The following art defines the present state of this field:
Molinari, U.S. Des. 161,954 describes an open mesh knitted shoulder bag design.
Tully, U.S. Pat. No. 672,499 describes a laundry bag consisting of a series of strands converging at the bottom, the said strands being knotted and then lying extending parallel to form a double thickness for the bottom portion; said strands forming loops and a ring in the loops.
Schoch, U.S. Pat. No. 6,89,232 describes a metal cloth of concavo-convex plates each having at its periphery a series of arms bent backwardly and inwardly, and connecting-links with crossheads at opposite ends joining one plate with another.
Irons, U.S. Pat. No. 726,166 describes a chain fabric comprising a plurality of finished chains and links connecting each finished chain with its adjacent finished chain at intervals, all the links of each finished chain being connected in rows, and links of the finished chains being cross-connected by links to form meshes of which the finished chains are two sides and the connecting links are the other two sides.
Aucoc, U.S. Pat. No. 898,166 describes a metallic web or fabric for the purposes specified, comprising a plurality of rings connected in groups, each ring having a central inset portion provided with a setting for the reception of ornamental stones, and each group of rings being centrally connected by a member comprising a stud having a head and a setting therein; and the rings of said groups being connected in pairs by links.
Moody, U.S. Pat. No. 1,084,584 describes a green food feeder for poultry and the like comprising a tubular reticulated container member of flexible material, a spreader member within said container at the bottom thereof and having an aperture therein, the marginal meshes of one end of said container passing through said aperture and fastened on the opposite side of said spreader member.
Rice, U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,994 describes a holding device including a mesh container having a closed end and an opposite open end defining an interior. A tassel may hang from the container proximate the closed end. The mesh container may be formed by a plurality of strands braided and tied together in a series of knots such that a diamond-shape weave appears. A drawstring is inserted through the interstices of the mesh at the open end of the container. A cinching mechanism, such as a draw bead, slidably engages the drawstring for opening and closing the open end of the container. The drawstring may have a connecting ring for enhancing safety.
The prior art above teaches: a mesh bag, a metallic web or fabric, a metal cloth for purses, chatelaine bags etc., a laundry bag, a green food feeder for poultry, an open mesh knitted shoulder bag, and a purse or the like, but does not teach a combination mesh pouch with closure and enclosed jewel wherein the weight of the jewel is sufficient to close the mesh pouch. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.


A method and a device for attaching an elevator guide rail to a substrate via a floating mount. The floating mount includes at least one of a base support, a side support, and a backside support. Each of the supports has a moveable part, a stop and a flexible element floatingly supporting the moveable part. Deforming forces cause the guide rail and the moveable part to move in a deforming direction deforming the flexible element until the deforming force exceeds a predetermined limit whereupon the stop limits further movement of the guide rail.

The invention relates to a method and a device for attaching an elevator guide rail in an elevator shaft.
Guide rails are used for guiding objects, i.e. for guiding elevator cars. Generally, several guide rails are connected to form a longitudinal rail section, with the guide rails being individually installed on the base using fixing devices. The elevator cars are moved hanging from cables and are guided along the rail section using guide wheels. The straightness of the guide rails is important for ensuring a comfortable ride. Where the guide rails are not absolutely straight this will lead to vibrations in the elevator car. These vibrations are particularly noticeable in case of long rail sections and fast elevator cars, as used, for instance, in high buildings, where these vibrations are perceived as disadvantageous by passengers.
The straightness of the rail section is influenced by a variety of interfering forces, such as the contraction of the building in which the rail section is installed, compression or deformation of the rail section by the operating load, deformation of the rail section by wind load, thermal expansion of the rail section or of the fixing devices, etc.
In order to eliminate these adverse effects, efforts are made to install the guide rails in such a way that only movement in the longitudinal direction of the rail section is possible between the guide rails and the fixing devices, whilst any movement in transverse direction to the rail section is prevented.
European patent document EP 0 448 839 shows in this respect a device for attaching a guide rail, in which the guide rail with a rail base is positioned laterally against brackets, with the brackets protruding partially over the rail base and pressing the guide rail onto the substrate with the back of the rail base. The brackets also contain spring assemblies, radially pressing the pretensioned guide rail, i.e. on one plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, onto the substrate. The pretensioning force is set with interchangeable spacer blocks in the brackets and an interchangeable support lining between the back of the rail base and the substrate.
As another prior art example, European patent document EP 0 763 494 shows a procedure and a device for attaching a guide rail, in which the rail base is laterally held by holding elements, whilst clamping elements, partially projecting over the rail base, radially guide the guide rail with a predetermined play, i.e. on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail in relation to the substrate, to prevent the guide rail from lifting off the substrate. The play between the clamping elements and the top of the rail base is adjusted with adjusting nuts. The adjusting nuts are screwed onto threaded bolts of the holding elements and are adjustable on the thread sections of the threaded bolts. The thus set and predetermined play is secured with a securing means.

Method and device for fixing a guide rail


Standard electrophysiology via the patch clamp technique is a well-developed and powerful tool in both academic and industrial research in the study of ion channels and transporters. Although widely accepted as the gold standard for these types of measurements, the patch clamp technique is considered labor intensive and relatively slow, limited to measuring only one biological sample at a time. This invention describes and demonstrates a device whereby electrophysiological measurements can be made on cells or cell membranes in a manner which allows for multiple measurements to be made in parallel, without direct human intervention, thereby enhancing the cost effectiveness, throughput and general applicability of the technique in fields such as pharmaceutical drug screening.

The present invention relates generally to the field of electrophysiology, wherein electrical measurements are made on biological cells and cell membranes to understand interactions between specific membrane components such as ion channels and transporters. Such measurements may be performed on living cells, membranes, or vesicles, as well as artificial membranes. More particularly, the invention resides in methods and apparatus enabling electrophysiological measurements to be made in parallel, without direct human intervention, thereby enhancing the cost effectiveness, throughput and general applicability of the technique to pharmaceutical drug screening and other procedures.
The electrical behavior of cells and cell membranes is of profound importance in basic research as well as in modern drug development. A specific area of interest in this field is in the study of ion channels and transporters [1]. Ion channels are protein-based pores found in the cell membrane that are responsible for maintaining the electro-chemical gradients between the extra cellular environment and the cell cytoplasm. Quite often these membrane channels are selectively permeable to a particular type of ion, e.g. potassium or sodium. The channel is generally comprised of two parts; the pore itself, and a switch mechanism that regulates the conductance of the pore. Examples of regulation mechanisms include changes in transmembrane voltage or the activation or deactivation of a membrane receptor via a chemical ligand. Ion channels are passive elements in that once opened, ions flow in the direction of existing chemical gradients. Ion transporters are similar in that they are involved in the transport of ions across the cell membrane, however they differ from ion channels in that energy is required for their function and they tend to actively pump against established electrochemical gradients.
Ion channels are prevalent in the body and are necessary for many physiological functions including the beating of the heart, voluntary muscle contraction and neuronal signaling. They are also found in the linings of blood vessels allowing for physiological regulation of blood pressure and in the pancreas for control of insulin release. As such, the study of such channels is a very diverse and prolific area encompassing basic academic research as well as biotech and pharmaceutical research. Experiments on ion channels are typically performed on cell lines with endogenously express the ion channel of interest (xe2x80x9cnative channelsxe2x80x9d) as well as on recombinant expression systems such as the Xenopus Oocyte or mammalian cell lines (e.g. CHO, HEK etc.) where the channels are inserted by well-known transfection techniques [2] [3]. Electrophysiology is also performed on isolated cell membranes or vesicles as well as in synthetic membranes where solubilized channels are reconstituted into a manufactured membrane [4].
To date, the most useful and widely utilized tool for the study of ion channels and transporters is via a technique called patch clamping. This technique was first introduced almost 25 years ago [5] [6] [7], and consists of using a small glass capillary to function as an electrode in measuring currents and voltages from individual cells. FIG. 1 depicts a typical patch clamp measurement geometry. A glass capillary 2 is first heated and pulled to a fine tip. The capillary is then filled with a saline buffer solution 4 and fitted with a Ag/AgCl electrode 6. The function of the Ag/AgCl electrode is to provide an electrical connection to a wire via the reversible exchange of chloride ions in the pipette solution.
Through the use of a microscope and micromanipulating arm (not shown), the user finds a biological cell or cell membrane 8 containing ion channels 10 of interest and gently touches the cell membrane with the pipette. The measurement circuit is complete via the external ionic solution 12 and a second Ag/AgCl bath electrode 14. A high-impedance operational amplifier 16 senses the current flowing in the circuit which is subsequently recorded and analyzed with a data recording system 18. The key to the function of the technique is the ability to form a high electrical resistance (xcx9c1Gxcexa9) seal between the glass pipette and the cell membrane 20, so that the current recorded by the amplifier is dominated by ions 22 flowing through the cell membrane and not ions flowing around the glass pipette directly into the bath solution.
Once a high-resistance seal is achieved between the pipette and the cell membrane, there are many measurement configurations that the system can take, the scope of which is beyond this disclosure. One of the more common is the whole cell voltage clamp. In this configuration it is necessary to permeabilize the portion of membrane at the end of the pipette 24 so as to effectively place the pipette electrode inside the cell. This in turn allows for an external voltage command 26 to be placed between the intracellular pipette electrode and the extracellular bath electrode, thereby providing control of the cell""s transmembrane voltage potential. The term xe2x80x9cwhole cellxe2x80x9d is derived from the fact that with this configuration, the instrument measures the majority of the currents in the entire cell membrane.
The electrical permeabilization of the membrane at the end of the pipette can be induced in many ways but is often achieved by voltage pulses of sufficient strength and duration such that the membrane inside the pipette physically breaks down. This is commonly referred to as xe2x80x9czappingxe2x80x9d [8] and is a well-known technique in the field. Another technique utilized to electrically permeabilize the membrane is through the use of certain antiobiotics such as Nystatin and Amphotericin B [9]. These chemicals work by forming chemical pores in the cell membrane that are permeable to monovalent ions such as chloride. Since chloride is the current carrying ion for the commonly used Ag/AgCl electrode, these antiobiotics can produce a low resistance electrical access to the interior of the cell. The advantage of the chemical technique is that the membrane patch remains intact such that larger intracellular molecules remain inside the cell and are not flushed out by the pipette solution as with the zapping technique. The use of chemicals to electrically permeabilize the membrane is also a commonly used technique in the field and is referred to as a xe2x80x9cperforated patchxe2x80x9d [8] [9][10].
The formation of the high-resistance electrical seal enables the measurement system to detect very small physiological membrane currents, (e.g. 10xe2x88x9212 amp). In addition, by perforating a portion of the cell membrane either electrically or chemically, it possible to control the voltage (voltage clamp) or current (current clamp) across the remaining intact portion of the cell membrane. This greatly enhances the utility of the technique for making physiological measurements of ion channel/transporter activity since quite often this activity is transmembrane voltage dependent. By being able to control the trans-membrane voltage (or current), it is possible to stimulate or deactivate ion channels or transporters with great precision and as such greatly enhance the ability to study complex drug interactions.
The development of the patch clamp technique revolutionized the field allowing for the direct electrical measurement of ion channel/transporter events in living cells, cell membranes and artificial membranes. However, existing patch clamp techniques require the use of a skilled operator using a microscope and micromanipulating arm to record data from a single cell or membrane preparation using a small glass capillary. Typically, a recording session may take tens of minutes to complete and requires a high level of dexterity by the operator. In addition, especially in the case of drug screening, it is generally preferable to obtain a new cell sample for each different chemical entity to be tested. As such, the technique is not relevant to looking at thousands of different conditions (e.g. chemical stimuli) per day, a common need in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,260 to Olesen describes a system intended to improve the throughput and decrease the fluid volume required of standard patch clamp technology. The improvement relies on using a standard HPLC autosampler apparatus integrated into a standard patch clamp arrangement in order to more easily inject multiple fluids samples into the measurement system. The invention claims to increase throughput by making multiple sequential fluid additions to the same biological membrane faster and easier. However, the Oleden invention is deficient in several respects. First, it does not allow for a plurality of different biological samples to be measured simultaneously. In addition, it does not eliminate the labor intensive aspects of micromanipulation involved in standard patch clamp electrophysiology, nor does it address cases in biological drug screening where multiple chemical reagent additions to the same biological sample are to be avoided (as in the case of high-throughput drug screening).
Published PCT Application WO 99/66329 discusses the use of a perforated screen to conduct tests on biological materials, but is clear from the disclosure that the proposed system presents significant severe limitations in terms of a practical implementation. First, all embodiments discussed in the WO 99/66329 application utilize multiple apertures per fluid well, placing reliance on the growth of confluent cell matrices to effectuate sealing of the multiple perforations formed in relatively thick material. In addition, although the published application makes reference to automation, no workable, fully integrated systems are disclosed which are capable of high throughput and reliability.
In broad and general terms, the invention described enables electrophysiological measurements to be made more quickly than with standard patch clamp techniques. The invention uses a thin, preferably layered substrate having a properly sized hole, on the order of a few microns in diameter, allowing a cell or biological membrane to be maneuvered by fluid flow to the hole independent of direct human intervention, thereby eliminating the use of a microscope and micromanipulating arm. This approach not only makes the measurement easier, it also provides a platform by which a plurality of measurements can be made simultaneously, greatly improving measurement throughput.
Through proper selection and processing of the substrate material, hole geometry, and attention to the way in which the biological membrane interacts with the substrate, a high-resistance electrical seal on the order of several hundred Mxcexa9 to 1 Gxcexa9 is achieved. Preferred substrates include thin plastic films in which small holes have been photomachined using a laser. These substrates were then vacuum deposited with thin layers of glass in order to aid in the formation of the high-resistance seal. Silicon substrates are also described, wherein standard photolithographic/wet etching techniques are to make the holes. In both cases, individual cells are then positioned onto isolated holes using differential pressure.
The invention further contemplates a substrate geometry which is directly applicable to the development of a high-throughput instrument whereby thousands of single cell electrophysiological recordings could be acquired in a single day. In addition, the invention encompasses an integrated electrophysiogical measurement system which includes a computer controlled data collection system, an integrated electronics head for making parallel electrical measurements, and an integrated fluidics head used in part to transfer test compounds into the measurement process.

High-throughput electrophysiological measurement apparatus


An actuator assembly for an active chassis of a motor vehicle that includes an actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a first rack and a second rack, and a drive pinion that is in operative engagement with the first and second racks. Substantially linear movement of the first and second racks in opposite directions causes rotational movement of the drive pinion. The assembly also includes a locking mechanism wherein the locking mechanism prevents rotation of the drive pinion and linear movement of the racks.

This invention relates in general to an active roll control system for use in a vehicle suspension system, and is more particularly directed to an apparatus and method for improving the dynamic response of such an active roll system.
Vehicle suspension systems have as their goal the control of chassis motion during vehicle operation. One operating motion characteristic, which is controlled by known suspension systems, is chassis roll. A vehicle typically experiences chassis roll during a turning or cornering maneuver. During chassis roll, the chassis tilts or "rolls" about the vehicle's fore-to-aft axis toward an outside direction of the turn.
It is known to counteract the roll effect of the chassis by providing an opposing force to the chassis. Several methods are known to apply the opposing force. One method includes applying a chassis lifting force via corner actuators located on the vehicle side that is on the outside of the turn and/or a chassis lowering force via corner actuators located on the vehicle side that is on the inside of the turn.
Another known method is to utilize a stabilizer bar that extends laterally across the vehicle. The stabilizer bar, which is also known as a roll-control bar, acts as a torsion spring to apply the opposing force. Further, it is known to vary the opposing force that the stabilizer bar applies to the chassis. One way to vary the opposing force is to utilize and control one or more hydraulic actuators in the connection of the stabilizer bar. An example of such a system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,094 to Jensen.
To determine the amount of roll-opposing force to be applied to the chassis, such active vehicle suspension systems require an indication of lateral acceleration to which the vehicle is subjected during the turning or cornering maneuver. In one known system, an estimated value of lateral acceleration is calculated. The lateral acceleration calculation requires a sensory input from a steerable road wheel angle sensor, a sensory input from a vehicle velocity sensor, and the value of the vehicle wheel base dimension. In one example, the road wheel angle sensor is a steering shaft angle sensor and the vehicle velocity sensor is a drive-train (e.g., transmission) sensor. Such systems can include the use of pumps and control valves directed by an electronic control unit. Such a system requires many components thereby leading to an increased cost.
Both hydraulic as well as electromechanical actuators are known. One example for a hydraulic actuator is a positioning cylinder which is actuated by hydraulic fluid. The advantage of such a system is that the actuator is of a relatively small size, while at the same time having a relatively high efficiency. That is attributable to the fact that the drive source, i.e. the hydraulic pump, may be spaced apart from the actuator. Also known are electromechanical actuators, in particular linear drives. However, these linear drives require comparatively large construction spaces in the case of high power demands, because in their case the drive source, i.e. the electromotor, cannot be spaced apart from the actuator.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an electromechanical actuator, in particular a linear drive, which is characterized by a relatively small construction space while having a relatively high efficiency that provides a system to improve ride handling including a reduction in body roll which is simple and low cost.

Active roll control system for a vehicle suspension system


Zinc electrodes for use in batteries, the electrode containing an organic gelling agent, an organic binding agent, calcium zincate and an electro-active element. A method of manufacturing such electrodes, and use of such electrodes in primary and secondary batteries.

Batteries having the combined characteristics of high capacity, high power, rechargeability, long discharge/charge cycle life, minimum size and weight, economy of manufacture, and environmental safety remain to be developed.
Zinc (Zn) has been used in many battery applications as the anode material. This is due to the high energy capacity of zinc and to its chemical stability in the electrolyte. Zinc electrodes provide high current densities and a flat discharge curve. Battery systems such as nickel-zinc, silver-zinc, zinc-chloride, zinc-bromide, zinc-manganese etc. are well known. A zinc electrode can be made from a solid plate, pellets or powdered zinc materials.
If a powdered zinc material is used for the electrode, an organic gelling agent may be added to allow sufficient electrolyte penetration and to maintain Zn—Zn particle contact area. This is important in order to obtain high electronic conductivity. However, there are problems associated with the use of such gelling agents, including their tendency to break up due to repeated swelling and contraction of the zinc electrode, destruction of the uniformity of distribution of zinc powder by impact and the formation of passive layers under high discharge current densities. Accordingly an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode with improved Zn—Zn particle contact area.
Reaction rate at a zinc electrode made from zinc powder is dependent on active surface area and so theoretically shape and available surface area of the zinc particles should be optimal to give best performance. Various additives have also been used in zinc electrodes in an attempt to increase activity and stability. For example, graphite has been added to electrodes to increase particle-particle contact area and calcium zincate has been used to improve the stability.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a zinc electrode with increased activity and stability.
For secondary batteries with zinc as the active anode material, low cost and relatively high energy density can be obtained but this is offset by the short cycle life of the battery. Charging the zinc electrode results in deposition of zinc on the electrode surface and on previously deposited zinc in the form of zinc crystals or dendrites. The build up of zinc on the outer electrode surface may block the interior electrode surface and reduce the capacity of the system after repeated charge and discharge cycling. In addition zinc dendrites spread out forming needle like zinc crystals penetrating the cell separator and causing short circuit of the battery system.
Shape change is defined as the migration of zinc. Most common is the migration from the top and sides of the electrode to the bottom. This is due in part to the dissolution of zinc during the discharge cycle. Zinc, in oxide form, and partially dissolved in potassium hydroxide, is moved to other areas of the electrode. Movement occurs down the concentration gradient of the dissolved zinc hydroxides and so zinc is moved to other areas of the electrode, to a great extent in the lower portion, where the zinc is redeposited on charge. During charge/discharge cycles, the general tendency is for zinc to leave certain areas of the electrode and concentrate in other areas. Usually zinc is concentrated in the lower part of the electrode due to gravitational forces, causing the lower portion of the electrode to become denser than the upper part. Potential differences over the electrode surface may also result in local shape changes.
Prevention of this zincate diffusion within the battery is the main challenge for obtaining rechargeable zinc batteries. Zinc is extremely soluble in strong alkaline environments. The high solubility allows for rapid current spikes typically unattainable with other battery systems. However, zinc diffusion leads to the well-known phenomena of electrode shape change and the presence of zinc dendrites within the battery.
Attempts to control shape change and dendrite formation include:                redistribution of zinc by starting out with zinc depleted at the centre and agglomerated at the edge;        modifying the electric field experienced by the zinc electrode;        using separators resistant to zinc dendrites;        decreasing the solubility of zinc by using complexing agents.
Incorporation of binders such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in battery electrodes in an attempt to reduce shape changes is also known, but one particular problem in this context is that when PTFE alone is incorporated into the electrode, the PTFE tends to coagulate as a film on the outside of the electrode during cycling. This not only reduces the useful effect of the binder in avoiding shape changes but also increases the resistance of the electrochemical cell, including the electrode.
French Patent No. 2264401 describes a secondary zinc electrode which is produced by applying to a collecting grid a non-hardened mixture containing particulate zinc oxide, a binder such as PTFE, and other substances, such as rayon fibres or metal powders. However, this electrode still suffers from problems of dendritic growth and, in particular, shape changes or deformations, probably as a result of movement of the electrolyte parallel to the surface of the electrode during the charge and discharge cycles.
A further possible approach to controlling shape change and dendrite formation in rechargeable zinc electrodes is by containing the zinc in a matrix by encapsulation, typically using a gelling agent. Organic gelling agents with high ionic conductivity, such as acrylate polymers (e.g. CARBOPOL), can be used to encapsulate zinc powder. With the use of gelling agents the multiplicity of pores and the high tortuous paths within the resulting matrix limit the mobility of zinc oxide/zinc hydroxide during the discharge of a battery and, thereby, retard the migration of zinc, which is equivalent to shape changes in a conventional zinc electrode. Thus the cycling of the battery is extended.
A problem with such gelling agents is their tendency to break up due to repeated swelling and contraction of the zinc electrode which occurs due to the volumetric difference between the metallic zinc and the zinc oxides because the density of ZnO is lower than that of Zn. As the electrolyte is saturated with zincate, ZnO (zinc oxide) will be deposited. With encapsulated zinc particles this deposition will occur inside the encapsulation and as a consequence changes in the size of the electrode occur which can break up the encapsulating effect of the gelling agent around the zinc particles.
Due to the density variations in the electrode the encapsulating effect of the polymer gelling agent is removed. Open channels are produced in the electrode structure allowing transport of zinc ions and subsequently the build-up of dendrites or shape changes on the electrode during charging.
A further problem with such gelling agents is the swelling nature of the agents when in contact with the alkaline electrolyte (e.g. KOH) due to incorporation of the electrolyte into the organic polymer. Such swelling of the polymer may result in both positive and negative effects on the electrode. Severe swelling results in an increased particle contact resistance within the electrode as the zinc particles are removed from each other under repeated charge/discharge cycling. This reduces the capacity of the system and limits the number of charge/discharge cycles. The current collector pressed into the electrode or implemented in the battery can also suffer from these effects as part of it loses electronic contact with the zinc matrix. In addition dry spots can occur in the electrode, reducing the utilisation of zinc.
However, if the electrode swells to a lesser extent a positive effect may be observed in that it may result in the formation of a thin electrolyte layer around the zinc particles which can give superior discharge characteristics.
Further drawbacks with such gelling agents are destruction of the uniformity of distribution of zinc powder by impact and the formation of passive layers under high discharge current densities.
An object of the present invention is to provide a zinc electrode which is stable after repeated charge/discharge cycling.


A dispensing container provides that after discharging content, the content which has not been returned to an internal container is prevented from leaking out of a discharge port. The dispensing container has an internal container which contains content and an external container in which the internal container is attached. The external container is provided with a suction port for sucking external air in between the internal container and the external container. A discharge cap is attached to a spout and is provided with a discharge port for discharging the content. The discharge cap includes an inside plug which closes the spout and a cylindrical body covering the inside plug and being provided with the discharge port. The inside plug is provided with a communication port. A valve that is slidable along an axial direction of the communication port is provided to open and close the communication port.

In terms of dispensing containers configured to discharge liquid content primarily by pressing the container, a delaminating container having an internal container (inner layer) containing liquid content and an external container (outer layer) on the inner side of which the internal container is layered has been being used in the related art. As an example of such container, a dispensing container as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. This dispensing container includes: a container body having a flexible internal container which contains content and deforms so as to deflate with a decreasing amount of the content and an external container in which the internal container is attached, the external container being provided with a suction port for sucking the external air in between the internal container and the external container; a discharge cap which is attached to a spout of the container body and provided with a discharge port for discharging the content; an external-air inlet port which communicates between the outside and the suction port; and an air valve which switches between the communicated state and shutoff state of the communication between the external-air inlet port and the suction port. The discharge cap includes a cylindrical body member having a top-closed cylindrical shape, an outlet pipe which communicates with the inside of the cylindrical body member, and a check valve which switches between the communicated state and the shutoff state of the communication between the cylindrical body member and the outlet pipe.


A radiation sensor means for detecting a radiation comprises a radiation sensor element outputting a current which is generated by the incident radiation power, a detection circuit detecting the current generated by the radiation sensor element, and a reset circuit connected to the radiation sensor element in such a way that, when said reset circuit is driven by a reset signal, the charge carriers produced by the incident radiation power recombine at a rate which is higher than the rate without the reset signal, the reset signal being adapted to be applied to said reset circuit by means of the detection circuit.

The prior art already discloses radiation sensor means which are used e.g. for detecting a quantum radiation. A disadvantage of such sensors is that special problems arise in connection with the detection of radiations occurring comparatively rarely and as punctiform radiation. Due to the low occurrence probability, a large sensor surface is necessary so as to be able to detect the events. On the other hand, the punctiform event is averaged by the large surface, the sensors lose sensitivity and the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates.
This problem can be solved by using a plurality of individual elements which are arranged in a matrix.
However, also this type of arrangement of the individual elements in a matrix entails essential problems. These problems arise when the matrix elements are read, which detect the punctiform radiation occurring with little probability. Due to so-called systematic addressing, a complete addressing cycle of the whole matrix is required in each individual case. The result obtained is the address as well as the value of the active matrix element, which is normally referred to as pixel.
A special disadvantage arises in cases of use where only the events are detected, i.e. where it is only detected how often radiation falls on the sensor. In this case, a very high percentage of the information supplied by this kind of addressing cannot be utilized.
A further problem arising in connection with these cases of use is that the reaction velocity of individual sensor elements may exceed by far the system clock for the whole sensor element matrix. Reaction velocity means, in this connection, the velocity with which the charge carriers generated by the incident radiation are decomposed in the radiation sensor element. This decomposition is normally referred to as recombination. A problem arises in the case of a renewed pass of the system clock, if the reaction time of the sensor, which is determined by the reaction velocity, has not yet elapsed after a previous incidence of radiation. In this case, the sensor will output a signal with regard to which it is not known whether it has been generated by new radiation falling on the sensor or by not yet fully recombined charge carriers.
DE-4224358 C1 describes a radiation sensor means having a high sensitvity and a high dynamic range and serving to detect quantum radiation. When such a known radiation sensor means is used for detecting how often a radiation falls on said sensor, the above described problems with regard to the reaction velocity and with regard to the system clock arise when said radiation sensor means are read.
DE 41 18 154 A1 describes an array comprising a sensor matrix and a reset arrangement. This known array comprises a plurality of sensors which are arranged in a matrix and which are sensitive to light and X-rays, respectively, said sensors generating charges in response to the incident amount of radiation. Each of the sensors comprises an electric switch. The arrangement is provided with a switching line for each line of sensors, which is adapted to be used for activating the individual switches so that the charges generated will flow off through associated read-out lines. For eliminating residual charges after a read-out operation, the array comprises a reset arrangement activating the sensors after the read-out operation via the read-out line thereof, whereby the electric switches of the sensors are rendered conducting and the residual charges, which are stored in the sensors after the previous read-out operation, flow off via the associated read-out lines. After a predetermined number of clocks of a reset clock, the respective read-out lines are deactivated again.

Radiation sensor arrangement for detecting the frequency of radiation impinging thereon

Sarad Gesellschaft Fur Komplexe Leistungen Zur Sanierung Radiologisch Belasteter Objekte MbH


Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically and conditionally setting service triggers in a communications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for dynamic and conditional trigger insertion includes a dynamic trigger insertion (DTI) rules database for maintaining conditions or rules for dynamic trigger insertion and a DTI screening module for receiving a first mobility management message that is associated with a mobile subscriber, using the DTI rules database to determine whether a condition or rule for dynamic trigger insertion is satisfied, and, in response to determining that a condition or rule for dynamic trigger insertion is satisfied, generating a second mobility management message that includes a dynamically inserted trigger condition.

Service triggers associated with a subscriber, such as originating call attempt triggers, terminating call attempt triggers, and others, may be set at a switching office. These triggers may be fired or activated at a switching office based on an attribute of the call (e.g., inbound, outbound), the called or calling party associated with the call/call attempt, or other call attributes. In general, a trigger is implemented in software at a switching office and causes the generation of a database query message when a condition is met.
In a traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN), a switch, which may include a central office (CO), a service switching function (SSF), or a service switching point (SSP) acts as the trigger point for further services to be invoked during a call. The switch implements the basic call state machine (BCSM), which is a finite state machine that represents an abstract view of a call from beginning to end (off hook, dialing, answer, no answer, busy, hang up, etc.) As each state is traversed, the exchange encounters detection points (DPs), such as an initial detection point (IDP), at which the switch may invoke a query to the SCP to wait for further instructions on how to proceed. Trigger criteria are defined by the operator and might include the subscriber calling number or the dialed number. The SSF is responsible for entertaining calls requiring value added services.
In some instances, it may be desirable to conditionally set service triggers in a communications network. For example, in mobile communications networks, a mobile communications service provider may desire to conditionally set triggers for subscribers of its network only when the subscribers are roaming. Triggers for mobile network subscribers are stored in subscriber records stored in an HLR. In one example where the CAMEL protocol is used, triggers are stored in CAMEL subscription information records stored in the HLR. Although CAMEL subscription information records are used to store triggers and can be used to set such triggers for mobile subscribers, they cannot be conditionally set using the conventional insert subscriber data procedure because all triggers stored in a CAMEL subscription information record in the HLR would be communicated to the serving mobile switching center (MSC) regardless of whether the subscriber is roaming or not. As a result, triggers that are intended to be set for roaming subscribers would also be set when the subscriber is located in the home network, resulting in unnecessary service invocation.
Accordingly, in light of these difficulties, there exists a need for methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically and conditionally setting triggers in a communications network.


A powdered lubricant composition that minimizes fugitive dust and a method of treating seeds with dry lubricant that minimizes fugitive dust. Addition of oil powder to dry lubricants is found to minimize fugitive dust created during the application of the dry lubricant. Mica coated titanium dioxide is an ideal dry lubricant for combining with oil powder.

A common practice in modern agriculture is to treat crop seeds prior to planting with pesticides that protect the seeds from disease and insects and other pests. More recently, the use of biological agents to protect plants and promote seedling growth has also become a more common practice. These practices have intensified over the past 20 years as better crop seed with advanced genetics to improve yield have increased in value and thus the importance for producers to be successful in establishing the crop the first time the seeded is planted. Further, seeding equipment (planters and seed drills) have evolved with new levels of precision to singulate and plant seeds precisely with respect to depth, spacing, population, and even seed orientation within the soil. The new seeding devices involve many mechanical and air driven complexities that along with electronic automation work together to accomplish the desired seeding performance.
As the practice of developing advanced seed treating methods, seed genetics, and precision seeding methods have evolved, so have the formulations of the seed treatment products designed to work effectively within the mechanical and biological limitations of the seed treating and seed planting systems used. It is well understood within the industry that pesticide/biological treated seeds flow and handle differently than untreated seed. Typically treated seed does not flow as well through seeding/planting devices and can build residues on seed handling and planting equipment surfaces.
Accordingly, the industry has long accepted the use of seed lubricants to improve seed flow and plantibility. The most well-known seed lubricants are talc and graphite. Other dry lubricants are also known to decrease wear on seeding mechanisms. These lubricants are applied dry and mixed onto the seed after any liquid seed treatments have been applied. The lubricant can be applied either shortly after liquid seed treatments have been applied or in the field at the time of planting before the seed is loaded into the planting and seeding systems.
The key to seed lubrication performance is even coating of the dry lubricant on the seed. Adequate coating and coverage on the seed is challenging for most grower/operators in the field. Because of this issue, commercial seed care operators who treat seed with the liquid (e.g., pesticides, nutrients, or plant growth promoters) seed treatments have begun to apply dry seed lubricants immediately following liquid pesticide seed treatment while the seed remains in the liquid seed treatment applicator. This has been made possible with the use of improved dry seed lubricants which deliver effective seed lubrication performance at lower use rates than graphite and talc. For example, farmer applied talc at the time of planting in the field often requires 2-4 ounces per 50 lbs. of seed, the new low rate lubricants may perform as well or better at 0.25 to 0.5 ounces per 50 lbs. of seed when applied correctly with good coverage on the seed which can be accomplished with commercial seed treating equipment.
Commercially treated seed with dry lubricant application immediately following liquid seed treatment application eliminates the need for the farmer growers to apply the lubricant in the field and performance is typically much better with new lower rate powders commercially applied.
Particularly, dry powdered seed treatment lubricants are often used to improve the flow and planting characteristics of seed that has been treated with a liquid seed treatment products. While dry powdered seed treatment products are traditionally applied by the farmer/grower in the field at the time of planting the seed, commercial seed care operators have begun adding dry powdered seed coating lubricants immediately following liquid seed treatment application. This commercial application has been made feasible by the use of specialty coated products such as very finely ground mica coated with a lubricating and cosmetic agent that shines the seed.
The new "coated" powders can be effectively applied in either the continuous flow treating systems or the batch seed treating systems, immediately following the liquid treatment application but while the seed is still within the applicator. For continuous flow treating systems the treatment zone is typically within the final third of the secondary mixing phase (polishing drum), after slurry based seed treatment has been distributed on the seed, but while treated seed remains in a post-treatment "tack" stage.
While the application of commercially applied seed lubricants has become widely accepted in recent years, especially in such crops as soybean and cotton, the operators of seed treating equipment who apply the dry lubricants must now contend with the fugitive dust within the facility and the nuisance and irritation of the dust to workers. Fugitive dust is a workplace hazard, which without mitigation or precautions causes serious health and safety ramifications for workers.
Of particular concern is particulate matter air pollution comprised of fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. These particles are small enough to get deep into workers lungs. Fine inhalable particles also cause visibility issues.
The fugitive dust problem in commercial seed care operation facilities creates the need for expensive dust control and air exchange systems. Fugitive dust also has a negative impact on worker job satisfaction.


An electrical connection box includes a plurality of circuit components at least partially overlapped one above the other and substantially parallel with each other each circuit component having a substrate including a switching member and an electric power conducting path; and a supporting member that retains the circuit components. The switching member capable of attaching and detaching is arrayed on an upper plane of an upper substrate. The electric power conducting path of a lower circuit component is provided with a terminal connectable by extending above the upper substrate with the switching member.

1. Field of the Invetion
The present invention relates to an electrical connection box.
2. Description of the Related Art
In JP-A-2003-164039, known is an electrical connection box constructed with a control circuit substrate, a switching member arrayed on the surface of the control circuit substrate and controlled by the control circuit substrate and an electric power conducting path arrayed on the back of the control circuit substrate and connected with a power source.


A system and method for regulating the voltage at an input node of a varying current demand circuit is provided. The input node may be a power supply node and the varying current demand circuit may be a controllable oscillator. In addition, a frequency synthesizer may be formed from a phase locked loop which includes the controllable oscillator and a voltage control circuit. The voltage control circuit may receive an input control signal that varies as the current demand of the controllable oscillator varies. In response to the input control signal, the voltage control circuit may provide a more stable voltage supply to the controllable oscillator even as the current demands of the oscillator vary widely. The input control signal may be generated by generating a signal from the loop path of the phase locked loop. The frequency synthesizer may be utilized in a data storage system data detection circuit, such as for example, a data detection circuit used for recovering data from an optical disk.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the controllable oscillators, and more particularly, regulation of a supply voltage for a controllable oscillator of a frequently synthesizer utilized in data detection circuits such as, for example, data detection circuits used with optical data disks.
2. Description of Related Art
In many data detection circuits an electrical signal is received from a data storage media, such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk, magnetic hard disk, magnetic tape etc. In the case of optical disks, the electrical signal is generated from light that is reflected off an optical disk and converted to electrical pulses. The electrical pulses may then be transmitted to a data detection circuit for further signal processing to recover the data in a useable form. Data detection circuits may also be combined with circuitry for write operations. For example, circuitry for both read and write operations may be combined read/write channel circuits utilized with magnetic hard disks . In contrast, some optical disks are utilized in read only systems and thus the data detection circuit need not be combined with write circuitry. In general both read only and read/write data detection circuits may also include servo circuitry.
No matter what type of data storage media or data detection circuitry is utilized, a frequency synthesizer is often utilized to generate a clock signal for various circuit elements within the data detection or data write circuitry. For example, the continuous electrical pulse from an optical disk is generally converted into a discrete sample sequence by sampling the electrical pulses with an analog to digital converter (ADC) which may be clocked by the frequency synthesizer. Typically, the frequency synthesizer includes a phase locked loop (PLL). As shown in FIG. 1, a frequency synthesizer 1000 may be a phase locked loop (PLL) which may include a current controlled oscillator (ICO) 1013 and a reference clock input signal 1001. The phase locking loop is completed by feeding back the output of the oscillator to a phase/frequency detector which also receives the reference clock signal. More particularly, the reference clock 1001 is provided to a divider circuit 1003 which divides the reference clock signal by a value of N. The output of the divider 1003 is provided as one input to the phase/frequency detector 1005. The output of the phase/frequency detector is provided to a charge pump 1007 which in turn provides an output to a loop filter 1009. The voltage output of the loop filter 1009 is provided to transconductance stage 1011 which converts the voltage output of the loop filter to a current output. The transconductance stage 1011 has an output which is provided to the current controlled oscillator 1013. The current controlled oscillator may receive a voltage supply 1015. The output 1017 of the current controlled oscillator 1013 is provided as an output clock and also utilized in a feedback loop which is provided to the divider 1021 which divides the output 1017 by M. The output 1023 of the divider 1021 is then provided as the second input to the phase/frequency detector 1005. The M and N values may be called the PLL loop divisors since the output frequency at the PLL output 1017 is F.sub.S, and is given by EQU F=(M/N)F.sub.REF
where F.sub.REF is the reference clock frequency which may be typically provided from a crystal oscillator.
A frequency synthesizer such as shown in FIG. 1 is often sensitive to phase noise and jitter introduced at the current controlled oscillator. One factor which impacts the phase noise and jitter of the current controlled oscillator is the noise of the voltage supply 1015. Noise in the voltage supply will change the oscillation rate of the current controlled oscillator and inject phase noise in the phase locked loop output. In order to limit the impact of voltage supply noise, voltage regulators have been added between the voltage supply and the current controlled oscillator. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, a voltage regulator circuit 1025 and capacitor 1029 may be coupled to the power supply input node 1027 of the current controlled oscillator 1013. However, it has been desirable to obtain improved voltage regulation over that obtained by use of a voltage regulator. In particular, it has been noted that the current demands drawn by the oscillator from the power supply may vary greatly and these large current demands tend to degrade the regulation performance of the voltage regulator which in turns degrades the performance of the current controlled oscillator. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved frequency synthesizer having an improved voltage regulation for the current controlled oscillator to improve noise and frequency jitter performance. Furthermore, it would be desirable to obtain such improved performance while utilizing a less complex voltage regulator.

System and method for improving the regulation of a supply voltage for a controllable oscillator using feed forward control techniques


The invention relates to a work holder device designed for holding work for machining by a machine tool and to a machine tool equipped with such a holder device. The work holder device includes a carrier fixture and at least one transferable jig adapted to be attached to the carrier fixture, such transferable jig having a work trap for receiving and holding the work, the at least one transferable jig being able to be inserted on a linear guide arrangement like a drawer into a trap of the transferable jig in an insertion plane and being able to be fixed in the trap in a fixing position.

The invention relates to a work holder device for holding work for machining by a machine tool and a machine tool fitted therewith.
The machine tool is for example a milling machine, a drilling machine or a metal turning machine, which machines the work by chip removal. Furthermore the machine tool may be an assembly machine. The work, as for example a piston rod or a pitman, is held by the work holder device during machining by the machine tool. The work holder device, for example a work table with one or more work traps, may be pivoted in a work area of the machine tool.
The traps for the work must be adapted to suit the respective type of work. For example abutment members can be arranged on the work holder device and form the trap and hold the work. When another type of work is to be machined, it is necessary either for the entire work holder device to be replaced or the work holder device must be reconfigured, for example by replacing holders and/or mounting them at a different position on the work holder device. Such reconfiguration is complex and expensive and leads to idle times for the machine tool.

Work holder device and a machine tool fitted with it


A method for supporting remote control of a container crane, the container crane being configured to move containers from one location to another. The method is performed in a container crane control system, and includes the steps of: receiving work order information, each work order specifying a location of a container to be picked up and a destination of the container to be placed; obtaining a first video stream of images of a pick-up location; identifying the container to be picked up in the images of the first video stream; modifying the first video stream images, which includes highlighting the container to be picked up; and presenting the modified video stream of images on a display.

Container cranes are used to handle freight containers, to transfer containers between transport modes at container terminals, freight harbors and the like. Standard shipping containers are used to transport a great and growing volume of freight around the world. Trans-shipment is a critical function in freight handling. Trans-shipment may occur at each point of transfer and there is usually a tremendous number of containers that must be unloaded, transferred to a temporary stack, and later loaded on to another ship, or back onto the same ship or loaded instead onto another form of transport.
Traditionally, the container cranes have been controlled in an operator cabin mounted on the container crane. Recently however, container cranes have become remote controlled. This allows an operator to sit in an office and control the crane. This has eliminated many situations in which port workers have been exposed to inconvenience, danger and even injury. Loading and unloading the ship is seen as a critical stage or a bottleneck in terms of freight handling as the ships are idle in port during the time that loading and/or unloading takes place. To reduce this idle time, the container cranes are normally run continuously on long shifts until the loading or unloading of each ship is completed. By allowing remote control, changeover time for operator changes (due to new shift, breaks, etc.) is greatly reduced.
Any improvement in the remote control interface for controlling a container crane is of great benefit for the efficiency of loading/unloading of containers.

Modified video stream for supporting remote control of a container crane


A control terminal driver IC for a switching circuit having series connected high and low side output transistors, an associated split power supply and a floating input, the gate drive IC, an exemplary, but non-limiting, example of which is a Class D audio amplifier. The IC includes an input circuit, a voltage to current converter connected to the input circuit, a level shifter formed in a mid well of the IC, which is operative to transfer the input signal to the low side without the need for a power supply input to the mid well, a current to voltage converter on the low side coupled to the level shifter; and an output circuit which is operative to generate control terminal drive signals for the high and low side transistors.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to integrated circuit (IC) control terminal drivers for switching amplifiers and other switching applications having a split power supply and a floating input, and more specifically to such drivers in which the static well associated with the signal input circuitry includes no logic circuits and therefore does not require a power supply input for that portion of the chip.
The invention is described in the context of a Class D audio amplifier, but the invention also has utility in other switching applications in which + and − bus supplies are required for series connected power transistors such as MOSFETS or IGBTS used to drive a load from a common node between the transistors.
2. Relevant Art
The Class D amplifier is representative of many switching applications, amplifiers, in which a gate driver for a pair of high and low side switches must accommodate an input signal lying close to a ground potential between the high and low side bus voltages. In the construction of the required IC gate driver, there must be two isolated wells, one for driving the high side switch and the other for receiving the input signal.
Conventionally, logic circuits are required in both wells, and consequently, power supplies for both wells are also required. Since space and packaging costs are always a factor in ICS, any architecture which permits decreasing the size of the chip or otherwise permitting employment of a smaller or less expensive package can represent a significant commercial advantage.

Gate driver with level shift between static wells with no power supply