The present invention includes a pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with gluten intolerance in a patient, comprising: administering to the patient an effective amount of an antibody having specific activity against gluten or gluten-derived peptides. Such diseases include, for example, celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Celiac disease, also known as Celiac Sprue, is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of the small intestine that affects approximately 1% of the population. There is a genetic component to the disease, and an autoimmune component, but the triggering cause of celiac disease is the response to gluten proteins and peptides derived therein. In susceptible individuals, ingestion of gluten leads to the stimulation of T cells specific for gluten-derived peptides and the induction of an inflammatory response.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a dermatologic disorder that is also controllable by limiting intake of gluten. Therefore, treatments for celiac disease may also be useful for treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis.
Celiac disease typically presents with diarrhea, but it also presents with failure to thrive in young children, anemia, neurological problems, and osteoporosis (Green, P H R and Jabri, B. Celiac disease. Annu. Rev. Med. 57:14.1-14.15 (2006) (pre-publication online)). Some patients have atypical presentations or are asymptomatic. However, even among asymptomatic patients, nutritional deficiencies can develop.
Relatives of celiac disease patients are at increased risk of developing celiac disease. Celiac disease is diagnosed by testing for the presence of IgA endomysial and tissue transglutaminase antibodies. A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy of the upper small intestine. The characteristics of celiac disease include villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. A positive clinical effect of gluten withdrawal from the diet is also used in the diagnosis of the disease.
Celiac disease can be effectively controlled by rigorously excluding gluten from the diet. However, maintaining a gluten-free diet is very difficult because of the ubiquity of gluten-containing products. Gluten is an integral component of wheat, barley and rye. Gluten is frequently present in small amounts, even in products that are not primarily grain-based. Maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is difficult and expensive. Therefore, there is a need for products that can be used to reduce the exposure of celiac disease patients to the toxic effects of gluten.
Gluten proteins are the storage proteins found in wheat, rye and barley grains. The gluten proteins are encoded by at least 100 genes (Jabri, B, Kasarda, D D, and Green, P H R. Innate and adaptive immunity: the Yin and Yang of celiac disease. Immunol. Rev. 206:219-231(2005)).
Wheat gluten is isolated from wheat flour by working wheat flour dough under a stream of water. The starch fraction is washed away, leaving gluten. This preparation normally containing about 75% by weight protein, 8% by weight lipid, and with the remainder being ash, fiber and residual starch. Although a gluten ball cannot be washed from rye or barley flour doughs, the celiac disease community calls the proteins derived from rye and barley gluten, because they are close in amino acid sequence to gluten proteins of wheat and because they are active in celiac disease.
There are two major components of gluten, the gliadins, which are monomeric proteins, and the glutenins, which are polymeric proteins bound together by disulfide bonds.
Gliadin is a single-chained protein having an average molecular weight of about 30,000-40,000, with an isoelectric of pH 4.0-5.0. There are four classes of gliadin proteins: α-gliadin, β-gliadin, γ-gliadin, and ω-gliadin. Gliadin proteins are extremely sticky when hydrated and have little or no resistance to extension. Gliadin is responsible for giving gluten dough its characteristic cohesiveness. Glutenin is a larger, multi-chained protein with an average molecular weight of about 3,000,000 ranging from 100,000 to several million. The isoelectric pH of glutenin is about 6.5-7.0. The glutenin fraction is broken down into two main classes, the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits and the low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits. Glutenin is resistant to extension and is responsible for the elasticity of gluten dough.
Generally, wheat gluten is fractionated into gliadin and glutenin proteins by initially solubilizing the gluten in dilute acid and then adding ethanol until a 70% solution is achieved. The solution is then neutralized with base and left to stand overnight at refrigeration temperatures. The ethanol-soluble gliadins go into solution while the glutenins precipitate out. Final separation involves decantation or centrifugation to yield the separate proteinaceous fractions (from U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,277). Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,277 describes an alcohol-free method for separating gliadin and glutenin. Therefore, the methods used to separate and define the wheat fractions of gluten, gliadin and glutenin are well understood in the art. Both wheat gluten and wheat gliadin can be purchased from SigmaAldrich.
The pathogenesis of celiac disease is fairly well understood. Gluten proteins are poorly digested by humans due to the large number of proline and glutamine residues, resulting in the presence of intact peptides in the small intestine. The peptides are deamidated by tissue transglutaminase 2, generating negatively charged peptides. The negatively charged peptides bind to HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, the HLA types most strongly associated with celiac disease, and stimulate T cells. Furthermore, the deamidated gluten peptides appear to activate the non-specific innate immune response, generating an inflammatory response. All classes of gliadin and glutenin proteins are apparently harmful to celiac disease patients (Jabri, B, Kasarda, D D, and Green, P H R. Innate and adaptive immunity: the Yin and Yang of celiac disease. Immunol. Rev. 206:219-231 (2005)). All of the gliadin and glutenin proteins contain large numbers of prolines and glutamines.
Although there are no therapies available for celiac disease, there are several therapies in early stages of development. These therapies are based on what is known about the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
Inhibitors of tissue transglutaminase 2 have been proposed as therapies for diseases related to gluten intolerance (see US patent applications 20040167069 and 20060035838). It is believed that these inhibitors would block the ability of the enzyme to deamidate glutamine residues in gluten or gluten-derived peptides, thus blocking the resulting immune activation. However, animals in which transglutaminase 2 has been selectively inactivated display impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (Bemassola, F, et al., Role of transglutaminase 2 in glucose tolerance: knockout mice studies and a putative mutation in a MODY patient. FASEB J. 16: 1371-1378 (2002)). Therefore, drugs inactivating this enzyme may be found to have serious health consequences and it is desirable to find more benign means of treating celiac disease.
A second approach that is being considered to treat celiac disease is to use a peptide or peptidomimetic that will bind to HLA-DQ and prevent the binding of the gluten-derived peptide and thus the resulting activation of the gluten-specific T cell response (see US patent application 20050256054). However, this approach, if successful, might be expected to have more general immunosuppressive activity. Each individual has a limited number of HLA molecules that are used to present the universe of peptides to the individual's T cells. It is possible that the dominant T cell response to a pathogen in a given individual will be restricted by the HLA-DQ allele blocked by the inhibitory peptide, thus inhibiting the protective immune response. Therefore, it is desirable to find a therapy for celiac disease that does not create the possibility of untoward immunosuppression.
A third approach that is being considered is to use an enzyme or mixture of enzymes to break down gluten in the digestive tract. The enzyme that is most widely discussed is prolyl endopeptidase, but other enzymes have been considered as well (see US patent application 20030215438). Although enzymes have been shown to degrade gluten in a variety of settings, doubts have been raised about the potential effectiveness of the enzyme in vivo. In particular, it has been suggested that the kinetics of degradation may not be sufficient to be effective in vivo, and that the enzyme will not be active as it moves through the acidic environment of the stomach (Matysiak-Budnik, T, et al. Limited efficiency of prolyl-endopeptidase in the detoxification of gliadin peptides in celiac disease. Gastroenterology 129:786-96 (2005)). Furthermore, the activity of the enzyme may be affected by the pH of the food in which the gluten is ingested. Therefore, there is a need for a therapy that will be more predictably effective in blocking the toxicity of gluten and gluten-derived peptides.

Antibody therapy for treatment of diseases associated with gluten intolerance


A method and apparatus of fluid treatment for a plurality of fluids with a first and a second non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit sleeved within at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduit providing a plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

The present invention relates to the prevention and removal of deposits such as scale, corrosion, paraffin and asphaltene that form within conduits and on the surfaces of equipment utilized in the transmission of fluid columns. The instant invention also provides for the separation of contaminants and other components that comprise a fluid column receptive to magnetic treatment.
It is common for contaminant deposits to accumulate within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation and transmission of fluids. For example, in oilfield pipelines a mixture of oil, water and minerals typically flow out of a well into apparatus utilized to separate marketable oil from water and other components of the fluid column. Paraffin, asphaltene and mineral scale deposits forming within conduits used to transport this fluid mixture restrict the flow of fluid within the pipeline. Further, such deposits and the congestion they create typically lead to the deterioration of pumps, valves, meters and other equipment utilized to propel and monitor the flow of fluid through a pipeline system. These types of deposits typically result in lost production and substantial expenditures for thermal, mechanical or chemical remediation to restore full flow capacity to a pipeline.
Many thermal exchange systems, such as cooling towers or boilers, utilize water as a heat transfer medium. Scale and corrosion deposits can restrict the flow of water and impede the efficient operation of pumps, valves and other equipment. Further, deposits on thermal exchange grids act as layers of insulation and inhibit the transfer of heat carried by the water. Periodic descaling of heat exchange equipment typically results in process downtime and substantial labor and remediation expenditures. Therefore, contaminant deposits result in restricted flow, lost efficiency and increased energy consumption in thermal exchange systems.
In closed-loop systems where water is continuously circulated to facilitate heat transfer from one area of a system to another, one common method of removing corrosion and scale deposits, along with controlling algae and bacterial growth, utilizes chemical treatment of the water. Over time, the build-up of chemicals, minerals and other contaminants within the water typically results in it being unfit for continued use. Further, chemical laden water typically requires additional treatment to make it suitable for discharge into the environment and usually incurs a substantial surcharge for its permitted release into a municipal wastewater disposal system. Chemical treatment of fluid columns is costly, requires the storage, handling and dispensing of dangerous chemicals and increasingly gives rise to growing environmental concerns directed to the quality of the water being discharged.
One alternative to chemical treatment is the utilization of magnetic field generators to introduce magnetic flux to a contaminated fluid column. Magnetic field generators are commonly divided into two distinct groups, permanent magnets and electromagnets. Each group utilizes magnetic energy to treat a fluid column. The density of the magnetic flux available in the fluid treatment area, which is typically the interior of a conduit through which a fluid flows, can be measured and is typically expressed in Gauss Oersted units. Commonly referred to as "gauss", this unit of measurement is useful in the comparison of magnetic fluid treatment devices. While the use of magnets has proven to provide positive benefits in the treatment of certain fluid columns, prior art magnetic field generators are challenged by a number of deficiencies.
Permanent magnets typically generate magnetic flux via a fixed array of rare earth magnets proximate the flow path of a fluid through a segment of conduit. Even though many types of permanent magnets have the capacity to generate large amounts of magnetic energy near their surface, the strength of their magnetic fields is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Further, when using a gauss meter to measure the magnetic energy of a permanent magnet, the strength of the magnetic energy tends to rapidly diminish as the probe of the gauss meter moves away from its surface. Therefore, effective magnetic treatment can best be realized by passing a fluid as close to the surface of a permanent magnet as possible.
The flow rate of a fluid as it passes through the fixed strength of a permanent magnet is a primary factor in determining the effectiveness of the treatment provided by such a device. Effective treatment of a contaminated fluid column may occur when the flow rate of a fluid is matched to a specific sized array of fixed magnets. If the velocity of a feedstock through a permanent magnet varies from the required flow rate, or the fluid passes too far from the surface of a permanent magnet, desired treatment of a fluid column may not occur. Thus, when the velocity of a fluid is not matched to a fixed ratio of conduit size to the length of a fixed magnetic field strength required to provide the conduction coefficients necessary for effective treatment, use of permanent magnets may result in lost efficiency or a total lack of magnetic fluid treatment.
Electromagnets may be formed by electrically charging a coil of an electrical conducting material, such as a length of metal wire. Coiling an electrically charged wire allows the magnetic field that radiates from the circumference of the wire to concentrate within the center of the coil of wire. Wrapping a strand of electrical conductor, such as a length of copper wire, around a conduit, such as segment of pipe, and connecting the ends of the electrical conductor to power supply is a common method of making an electromagnet. A basic principal of electromagnetic field generation states the strength of the magnetic field is determined by multiplying the number of turns of a coil of wire by the electrical current, or amperage, flowing through to the coil. This calculation of amperage and wire turns is commonly referred to as amp-turns, with the gauss provided by a simple electromagnet typically being proportional to its amp-turns. The magnetic field generated by an energized coil of wire may be strengthened by increasing the number of turns of wire, increasing the voltage supplied to the coil or increasing both the number of turns and the intensity of the electrical supply. The strength of the magnetic field generated by such a device may be increased or decreased by adjusting the voltage supplied to the coil of wire.
In addition to creating an electromagnetic field, this configuration of coiled electrically charged wire typically generates heat. Heat generation has been a major limitation in the development of the maximum electromagnetic field strength of prior art electromagnet devices. For example, heat generated by an electrically charged coil of wire increases the resistance within the coil of wire. This increased resistance results in a drop in the flow of current through the device and reduces the amp-turns, or gauss, of the electromagnet. Excessive heat generation typically leads to the failure of prior art electromagnet devices when heat retention within the coiled wire is sufficient to cause segments of the wire coil to melt and contact each other. The resulting short circuit reduces the efficiency of the device due to fewer amp-turns being in effect. Heat also causes the coil of wire to part and cause an open circuit so no magnetic field can be generated. The generation and retention of heat impedes the flow of current through the wire coil of prior art electromagnet devices and makes them less effective, or totally useless, in fluid treatment until the continuity in the entire electrical circuit is restored.
In some instances, a protective housing may be utilized to protect the coiled wire from cuts, abrasions or other damage. However, encasing a wire coil within a protective housing typically promotes the retention of heat generated by the energized coil. To disperse the heat from the coil, the protective housings of prior art devices are typically filled with mineral oil, graphite or other materials. Oil and other heat dispersing materials add significant weight to these prior art devices, making them difficult to handle and install. Further, the potential of oil or other heat dispersing materials leaking from the protective housings and causing damage to the environment, along with other maintenance issues, pose additional problems for end users.
Heat dissipation is critical to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an electromagnetic filed generator. Heat generated by a wire coil contiguous with the outer surface of a conduit may radiate through the conduit and into a fluid flowing through it. Heat generated by the outer layer of a cluster of wire coiled around a conduit may dissipate into the atmosphere if the device is used in an open-air configuration or transferred through heat dispersing materials to the body of an enclosure and then into the atmosphere if it is encased within a protective housing. However, the inability of prior art devices to transfer and dissipate heat generated by their wire coils typically results in open circuits or short circuits. Thus, prior art devices are typically limited in the number of layers of coiled wire that may be utilized to produce an electromagnetic field generator due to the generation and retention of heat within a cluster of wire.

Method and apparatus for preventing scale deposits and removing contaminants from fluid columns


A memory cell includes a ferroelectric capacitor and a transistor connected between one side of the capacitor and a bit line. A drive circuit includes an operational amplifier having an output, an inverting input, and a non-inverting input. A plate line is connected between the other side of the capacitor and the output. The non-inverting input is connected to a data-in line through a first resistor and to the bit line through a second resistor. The inverting input is connected to a constant voltage source through a third resistor, and to the plate line through a fourth resistor. A first buffer amplifier is connected between the bit line and the second resistor, and a second buffer amplifier is connected between the plate line and the fourth resistor Voltage is connected to the other one of the operational amplifier inputs.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention in general relates to electronic memories, and more particularly to such a memory that applies the full programming voltage across the memory element during the read and write functions.
2. Statement of the Problem
It is well-known that ferroelectric materials are capable of retaining a polarization which can be used to store information in a non-volatile memory. For example, if a strong enough electric field is placed across a ferroelectric capacitor, when the electric field is removed, a polarization in the direction of the field remains. If the field is placed across the same capacitor in the opposite direction, when the field is removed, a polarization in the opposite direction remains. Electronic circuits have been designed to associate the polarization in one direction with a digital logic "1" state, and polarization in the opposite direction with a logic "0" state. Some examples of such memories circuits are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,225 issued to Klaus Dimmler and S. Sheffield Eaton, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,893 issued to S. Sheffield Eaton, Jr. and Michael Parris, U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,664 issued to S. Sheffield Eaton, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,733 issued to Kenneth J. Mobley, U.S. Pat. No. 893,272 issued to S. Sheffield Eaton, Jr., Douglas Butler, and Michael Parris, U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,708 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,627 issued to S. Sheffield Eaton, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,518 issued to Haruki Toda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,323 issued to Leonard J. Schwee, U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,412 issued to James M. Jaffe and Norman E. Abt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,706 issued to Andreas G. Papaliolios, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,510 issued to Takashi Mihara, Carlos A. Paz De Araujo, and Larry D. McMillan. All these patents utilize memory array structures including memory cells arranged in rows and columns, each memory cell including at least one transistor having a gate and a pair of source/drains, a capacitor having a pair of plate electrodes, and the memory also including in some form plate lines connected to one plate of the capacitor in each cell, bit lines connected to the other plate of the capacitor through the transistor, word lines connected to the control gate of the transistor, and sense amplifiers. Each is characterized by the bit line having a certain capacitance, which can be represented by a bit line "capacitor". Each of these memories is read by placing a programmed voltage sufficient to switch the ferroelectric capacitor across the ferroelectric capacitor. In each memory, the transistor is closed during a read operation, thereby placing the programmed voltage across the combination of the ferroelectric capacitor and the bit line capacitor. If the ferroelectric capacitor switches, a different voltage appears on the bit line than if the ferroelectric capacitor does not switch. The sense amplifier senses the difference and amplifies it to provide the output data signal.
In the read operation of all the above devices, the bit line voltage is allowed to float. This results in the ferroelectric capacitor and the bit line capacitor forming a capacitive divider, with part of the programmed voltage appearing across the ferroelectric capacitor and part on the bit line. Since the voltage required to switch the ferroelectric capacitor is just a little less than the nominal operating voltage of these circuits, i.e. three to five volts, most of the voltage must appear across the ferroelectric capacitor to facilitate the possibility of ferroelectric switching, and therefore, the bit line capacitance must be large in comparison to the ferroelectric capacitance. However, the bit line capacitance cannot be so large that the bit line voltage is too small to be sensed reliably by the sense amp. These opposing constraints severely limit the design possibilities in a ferroelectric memory. For example, the small voltage requires very sensitive sense amplifiers, and designs that keep noise to a minimum. As another example, the requirements of bit line capacitance essentially determines the number of cells that can be connected along a single bit line. Further, the opposing constraints lead to ferroelectric memory designs that are unreliable, since if the tolerances are off just a small amount in either direction, the memory does not work. Thus, a ferroelectric memory in which the voltage across the ferroelectric capacitor was independent of the bit line parameters would be highly desirable.
3. Solution to the Problem
The present invention solves the above problem by driving the bit line with a voltage that can vary. The invention provides a feed back connection from the bit line to the circuit that drives the plate line, and the plate line driving circuit using the feed back to drive the plate line to the voltage that creates the full programming voltage across the ferroelectric capacitor, no matter what the voltage is on the bit line. This allows the bit line capacitance to be tailored to other design goals. For example, the bit line capacitance can be closer to, or even equal to the ferroelectric capacitance, increasing the bit line voltage and therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at the sense amp. This makes the design much less susceptible to tolerance variations and other defects, and therefor increases yield.
The invention provides ferroelectric memory comprising: a memory cell including a ferroelectric memory element capable of taking on a first polarization state corresponding to a logic "1" state and a second polarization state corresponding to a logic "0" state, the memory cell including at least one electrical; a drive circuit having an output for applying an electrical voltage to the terminal of the ferroelectric element; a feedback circuit for providing a feedback signal from the memory cell to the drive circuit; and the drive circuit including an amplifier circuit for adjusting the signal output to the terminal to maintain a predetermined voltage across the memory cell. Preferably, the amplifier circuit includes an operational amplifier having an inverting input, a non-inverting input, and an output, the operational amplifier output comprising the output for applying an electrical voltage to the terminal. Preferably, the ferroelectric memory element comprises a ferroelectric capacitor having a plate line connected to one side of the capacitor and a bit line connected to the other side of the capacitor. Preferably, the output of the operational amplifier is connected to the plate line and the feedback circuit is connected between the bit line and one of the inputs of the operational amplifier. Preferably, the bit line is connected to the non-inverting input, and the plate line is connected to the inverting input. Preferably the memory further includes a transistor connecting the bit line to the other side of the capacitor, a source of a variable voltage, a source of a constant voltage, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor and a fourth resistor, the first resistor connected between the source of variable voltage and the non-inverting input, the second resistor connected between the bit line and the non-inverting input, the third resistor connected between the source of a constant voltage and the inverting input, and the fourth resistor connected between the plate line and the inverting input. Preferably, the varying voltage can take on a value representative of a logic "0" and a value representative of a logic "1", and the constant voltage is half way between the logic "0" voltage and the logic "1" voltage. Preferably, the first resistor has the value "r", the second resistor has the value "a.times.r", the third resistor has the value "R", and said fourth resistor has the value "a.times.R", where 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.3. Preferably, the feedback circuit includes a buffer amplifier.
In another aspect the invention provides an integrated circuit memory comprising: a memory cell; a drive circuit for applying a voltage to the memory cell; and a connecting circuit electrically connecting the memory cell and the drive circuit, the connecting circuit including a buffer amplifier. Preferably, the memory cell includes a ferroelectric memory element.
In a further aspect, the invention provides an integrated circuit memory comprising: a memory cell; a drive circuit for applying a voltage to the memory cell, the drive circuit including an operational amplifier. Preferably, the memory cell includes a ferroelectric memory element. Preferably, the ferroelectric memory element comprises a ferroelectric capacitor, and the operational amplifier includes an output connected to one side of the ferroelectric capacitor. Preferably, the operational amplifier includes an input and the other side of the ferroelectric capacitor is connected to the input of the operational amplifier. Preferably the integrated circuit includes a bit line connected to the memory cell and a plate line connected to the memory cell, the operational amplifier includes two inputs, and the bit line is connected to one of the operational amplifier inputs and the plate line is connected to the other of the operational amplifier inputs. Preferably, the integrated circuit includes a source of a constant voltage and a source of a variable voltage, the operational amplifier includes two inputs, the source of a constant voltage is connected to one of the operational amplifier inputs, and the source of a variable
The invention not only frees up the bit line design criteria, but also ensures that the full programming voltage always appears across the ferroelectric capacitor. Thus, the memory will essentially automatically adjust for variances in manufacturing tolerances that could make prior art designs inoperable. Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A receiver including a mixer, a clock generator, a plurality of capacitances, a plurality of resistances, and a controller. The mixer includes a plurality of switches. The clock generator is configured to generate clock signals to drive the plurality of switches of the mixer. The plurality of capacitances couples the clock signals to respective inputs of the plurality of switches. The plurality of resistances couples to the respective inputs of the plurality of switches. The controller is configured to output a first signal to the plurality of resistances. The first signal determines one or more attributes of the clock signals. One or more switching characteristics of the plurality of switches of the mixer are based on the one or more attributes of the clock signals.

RF communication apparatus have found widespread use in both consumer and commercial applications. For example, cellular or mobile telephones, widely used across the globe, include RF circuitry. The RF circuitry is rather sophisticated, as it often meets the specifications for more than one communication protocol or standard, for example, 2G and 3G. As a result, the RF circuitry often has to meet competing specifications and performance criteria.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Mixer circuits with programmable characteristics


A flexible pipeline for transporting a pressurized flowable medium, includes two pipes of metal which are corrugated transversely of their longitudinal direction, an inner pipe and an outer pipe which are arranged concentrically relative to each other with the inclusion of an annular gap. A vacuum insulation is arranged in the annular gap between the two pipes. On the other side of the inner pipe is mounted a tension proof reinforcement which is connected at both ends of the inner pipe fixedly to the inner pipe.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a flexible pipeline for transporting a pressurized flowable medium, which consists of two pipes of metal which are corrugated. transversely of their longitudinal direction, an inner pipe and an outer pipe which are arranged with the inclusion of an annular gap concentrically relative to each other, and in which a vacuum insulation is mounted in the annular gap between the two pipes (EP 2 253 878 B1).
2. Description of the Related Art
Such a pipeline is required, for example, for supplying superconductive magnetic systems or cryo pumps with a cooling medium. The pipeline is supposed to be flexible and should also have a rather long length. For bridging the length, the cooling medium must be transported with an increased pressure in the inner pipe. This is also true for other media, such as water. The increased pressure of the respective medium, for example starting at 25 bar, can easily lead to a plastic deformation of the inner pipe and consequently, may to some extent, lead to a deflection of the same from its central position. The efficacy of the vacuum insulation is permanently reduced by such a plastic deformation.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,010 B1 describes a vacuum tight annularly corrugated pipe of synthetic material or metal which, for its stabilization, is lined with a nonwoven fabric which is at both ends thereof attached to the pipe. For protecting the pipe and for its use as a pressurized pipe, it also possible to arrange, on the outside around the pipe, a nonwoven fabric which extends over the entire length of the pipe. This nonwoven fabric is also attached at both ends of the pipe to the same.
The pipeline serving for transporting a deep frozen medium according to the above mentioned EP 2 253 878 B1 does not have the above described deficiency. Over the inner pipe of this known pipeline is arranged a second pipe system which consists of an inner metal pipe, which is corrugated transversely of its longitudinal direction, and an outer metal pipe arranged at a distance and coaxially with the same which is also corrugated transversely of its longitudinal direction. The vacuum insulation and the outer pipe of the pipeline are located above the outer pipe of the second pipe system. The inner pipe of the second pipe system is arranged spatially tight at the inner pipe of the pipeline, and holds the same with the intermediate arrangement of a spacer member of insulating material immovably in its relative position. This known pipeline has been found useful in practice. However, it is of complicated construction.


The present invention rerlates to medical techniques, in particular, to methods and apparatus applied in minimally invasive vascular surgery to eliminate occlusion of blood vessel, using grafts and to prevent rupture of abdominal aorta using grafts or stent-grafts. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for locating and securing intravascular devices, substantially grafts, through a duct specially created by the surgeon to approach the blood vessel lumen. There is suggested a new and improved method for fixating an intravascular device to a blood vessel wall in combination with a new and improved stapler design based on this method. The stapler comprises a hollow body at the proximal end whereof there are mounted a guiding head and a die, and at the distal end, at a certain angle to the latter, a holding handle and a control lever, pivotally connected to this handle, and this control lever is operatively connected, via a movable pressure member, to a tip located inside the body, head and die. In the die there are disposed fastener means. The movement of control lever is converted into radial forces necessary for punching the wall of an intravascular device and surrounding blood vessel wall, location and fixation of fastener means, with simaltaneous bending of their ends. For maximum sinking of heads of fastening elements in the wall of an intravascular device, additional pushing members are movably mounted in radial slots of the die. The intravascular device, substantially graft, is fixated to a blood vessel wall, substantially aorta, via a set of at lest two staplers, and in each of the staplers there are disposed simultaneously several fastener means.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to medical techniques, in particular, to apparatus and methods used in minimally invasive vascular surgery using grafts for eliminating occlusion of blood vessels or stent-grafts for preventing rupture of abdominal aorta, as well as to methods for their location and fixation. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for securing intravascular devices, such as grafts or stent-grafts, to the walls of blood vessels in direction from inside these vessels to their outer surface.
2. Description of Related Art
Occlusion of great blood vessel resulting from formation of calcic or adipose deposits on their inner walls, or from thrombogenesis causes deterioration of blood supply to most important organs, such as the heart and brain, and to such dangerous situations for the patient, as infarction or insult.
To prevent occlusion of great blood vessels, in modern medicine there are widely used different methods of centura of main blood vessels based on minimally invasive surgery. In the course of centura, inside the main blood vessel, succesively, under X-ray control, there is introduced a guide, and over the latter a catheter with a balloon at the free end. When deposits of essential volume or a thrombus is detected inside the blood vessel, the balloon is inflated by pressure of fluid, so that the corresponding portion of the vessel expands and opens. In case it turns out to be insufficient, and the lumen in the blood vessel remains narrow, there is inserted inside the corresponding portion of this blood vessel a guide with a balloon, carrying on its outer surface a stent in compressed state. When liquid is delivered inside the balloon under pressure, the stent deploys, separates from the balloon and takes the desired position inside the blood vessel. All these manipulations are carried out under X-ray control. Fixation of the stent on the walls of a blood vessel is performed via elastic forces of material the stent is made of, the stent is usually shaped as a spring or has elastic members bearing up against the blood vessel wall or hooking thereon.
When the location of a stent for elimination of narrowing or occlusion of a blood vessel is insufficient, a surgical operation is performed for suturing in a natural or synthetic graft.
An aortic aneurysm (or its rupture) is a most common form of arterial aneurysms. It is a very common type of deteriorating disease affecting the ability of a lumen to conduct fluids and may be life threatening. The aortic aneurysm is a ballooning of the wall of an artery resulting from the weakening of the artery's wall due to disease or other conditions. Left untreated, the aneurysm will frequently rupture, resulting in loss of blood trough the rupture—the condition, which often leads to death.
The aorta is the main artery, which supplies blood to the circulatory system. The aorta arises from the left ventricle of the heart, passes upwards and bends over behind the heart, and passes down through the thorax and abdomen. Among other arterial vessels branching off the aorta along its path, the abdominal aorta supplies two side vessels to the kidneys, the renal arteries. Below the level of the renal arteries, the abdominal aorta continues to about the level of the fourth lumbar vertebrae (or the navel), where it divides into the iliac arteries. The iliac arteries, in turn, supply blood to the lower extremities and perineal region.
It is common for an aortic aneurysm to occur in that portion of the abdominal region between the renal arteries and the iliac arteries. This portion of the abdominal aorta is particularly susceptible to weakening, resulting in an aortic aneurysm. Such an aneurysm is often located near the iliac arteries. An aortic aneurysm larger than about five centimetres in diameter in this section of the aorta is ominous. Left untreated, the aneurysm may rupture, resulting in rapid, and usually fatal, hemorrhaging. Typically, a surgical procedure is not performed on aneurysms smaller than five centimetres because no statistical benefit exists in performing such procedures.
Aneurysms in the abdominal aorta are associated with a particularly high mortality rate; accordingly, current medical standards call for urgent operative repair. Abdominal surgery, however, results in substantial stress to the body. Although the mortality rate for an aortic aneurysm is extremely high, there is also considerable mortality and morbidity associated with open surgical intervention to repair an aortic aneurysm. This intervention involves penetrating the abdominal wall to the location of the aneurysm to reinforce or replace the diseased section of the aortic aneurysm. A prosthetic device, typically a synthetic tube graft, is used for this purpose. The graft serves to exclude the aneurysm from the circulatory system, thus relieving pressure and stress on the weakened section of the aorta at the aneurysm.
Beside synthetic grafts, there are developed and widely used all over the world particularly to prevent the rupture of the aorta wall intravascular devices of "stent-graft" type. They are inserted and positioned similar to stents. Fixation of a stent-graft on aorta walls is performed via elastic forces of the material of the stent-graft itself which usually has springy elements bearing up against the blood vessel wall or hooking thereon. When the forces of elastic or springy elements of the stent-graft are insufficient for its fixation in a blood vessel, the stent-graft may be displaced from the assigned position and moved along the aorta under the action of blood flow and peristelsic oscillations of walls of this blood vessel, and that is very dangerous for the patient.
Repair of an aortic aneurysm by surgical means is a major operative procedure. Substantial morbidity accompanies the procedure, resulting in a protracted recovery period. Further, the procedure entails a substantial risk of mortality. While surgical intervention may be indicated and the surgery carries attendant risk, certain patients may not be able to tolerate the stress of intra-abdominal surgery. It is, therefore, desirable to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with intra-abdominal surgical intervention.
In recent years, the common repair means is to deploy a stent-graft within the lumen of the affected aorta in the region of the aneurysm. These methods and devices have been developed to attempt to treat an aortic aneurysm without the attendant risks of intra-abdominal surgical intervention. Among them are inventions disclosed and claimed in Parodi, Juan C. et al., WO 010487A1 for Graft Device for Treating Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and its patent family, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,219,355, 5,522,880, 5,571,171, 5,643,208, 5,683,452, 5,693,087, 6,102,942, EP 461791A1, EP 809980A3, EP 903118A2, EP 903119A3, EP 903120A3 etc.
Parodi discloses a stent-graft device for locating inside an aorta affected by an aneurysm causing the aorta to have an inner diameter smaller than the sum of inner diameters of the iliac arteries. The graft has an upper main tubular portion dividing into two pending graft limbs capable of accommodating together within the restricted inner diameter of the aorta without the restriction of the aorta affecting the diameter of the limbs. The limbs have respective distal end portion having diameters larger than the diameters of the graft limbs so as to be accommodated and retained within the iliac arteries Parodi's stent-graft is inserted using a tubular device also disclosed in his patent.
In other Parodi's patents there are disclosed stent-graft designs having a metal wire frame collapsible to a minimal size sufficient to insert the stent-graft into the artery through a puncture in its wall and expandable inside the aorta to a required size under the action of a radial force, such as a balloon. This frame is covered by a sheath which can contract and expand together with the frame under the action of external forces. Aforesaid stent-grafts are provided with means for mechanical fixation to the walls of the aorta or iliac arteries. Among those means we find balloon cuffs of a special shape at the stent-graft ends, see WO 010487A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,880, U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,355, various hooks, elements shaped as scales, spirals and similar elements designed for fixation on the wall of the aorta or artery, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,733 Endovascular Expander of a Non-migrant Positioning, EP 948945A2 Endovascular Prosthesis with Fixation Means.
The problem of fixation of stents and stent-grafts inside the aorta and iliac arteries is PARTIALLY solved by other inventors likewise.
Lindenberg, Josef in EP 711135A1 discloses a stent with an improved anchorage in a vessel. The stent can be expanded from a radially contracted insertion state into a radially expanded positioning state such that in the radially expanded state at least one end has a larger radial extension than the remaining main body of the stent.
Samuels in U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,851 discloses a method and apparatus for affixing an endoluminal device to the walls of tubular structures within the body which utilizes incremental inflation of a balloon cuff to deploy radially projecting barbs attached to the cuff within plurality of recesses.
Kugler, Chad disclose in their patent WO 19943A1 a stent-graft comprising radially expandable portions attached to one another and anchored to the aorta walls by a radial force. This stent-graft can bend to match the aorta longitudinal section by relative angular displacement of its portions.
Houser, Russel in WO 15144A1 discloses a system and components for treating aortic aneurysms includes a reinforcing graft and combinations of fittings and rings for securing the graft to a host vessel, to branch vessels, for example the iliac, and renal arteries.
Edwin, Tarun et al., disclose in EP 868154A1 a structurally supported graft having a support structure with strain relief sections containing an internal surface, an external surface, or a wall thickness of a tubular graft member. The structural support forms a spiral about the tubular graft.
Numerous suggestions of stent-graft inventors present various hooks and anchor members, integral or not integral with the stent-graft frame to fixate the latter inside the aorta or iliac arteries. Such suggestions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,431, EP 747020A2, EP 701800A1, EP 657147A2, EP 466518A2, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,936, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,347, U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,325, U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,399, U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,413.
All the above-mentioned inventions have, in our opinion, a common drawback, which consists in the fact that the stent-grafts fixation on the inner walls of the aorta and iliac arteries is not reliable enough and bring to many complications. Therefore, under the action of blood flow and peristaltic oscillations of artery walls, stent-grafts are displaced from their proper positions, which may have grave consequences for the patient and result in his death because of the aorta rupture.
3. The Prior Art
Closest to the present invention are inventions disclosed and claimed in Taheri, Syde, U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,169 for Apparatus and Method for Stapling Graft Material to a Blood Vessel Wall while Preserving the Patency of Orifices and inventions disclosed and claimed by Tanner, Howard, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,750 for Method and Apparatus for the Surgical Repair of Aneurysms, U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,940 for Fasteners for Use in the Surgical Repair of Aneurysms and U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,556 for Surgical Fastener.
Taheri, Syde in U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,169 discloses an apparatus for stapling graft material to a blood vessel wall comprising a stapling device, a balloon catheter, a sheath, and an inflation means.
The apparatus design suggested by Tahery is, in our opinion, inoperative as the radial force generated by a balloon is inadequate to insert a securing member shaped as a nail into the wall of the aorta or artery. It is especially unlikely if the wall of the aorta or artery is covered with calcium plaques.
Tanner, Howard in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,750 discloses an attachment assembly and repair graft for securing to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. The apparatus also comprises a visualization apparatus for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall, which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,940 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,556, H. Tanner also discloses fasteners for use during a surgical procedure for securing surgical components to the blood vessel wall under a compressive force. According to the inventions, the fastener assemblies are shaped as a coiled spring or spiral or plurality of entwined coil springs or ring type fasteners including a plurality of rings.
All the described inventions by Howard Tanner have, in our opinion, a complicated and not adequately reliable design and limited functional possibilities. So, in particular, the apparatus for setting the securing elements cannot be brought in operative position inside iliac arteries having a small lateral diameter. Because of limited space it is impossible to bend the end of the apparatus working head for setting the securing elements in the stent-graft wall. The efficiency of this apparatus for drilling holes in the walls of the stent-graft, aorta and iliac arteries is doubted, especially if these walls are calcified and covered by calcium plaques. In general, we think that the apparatus presented by Howard Tanner can be used only inside the aorta and not inside iliac arteries. As far as the suggested securing elements are concerned, we believe that their fixation in the inner walls of the aorta and iliac arteries is not reliable enough. Therefore, under the action of blood flow and peristaltic oscillations of artery walls, the stent-graft may be displaced from its proper position, which may have grave consequences for the patient and may result in his death due to the aorta rapture.
And finally, there are known devices developed in France by Thierry Richard, Eric Perouse et al., such as "Surgical staple inserter", see U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,115; WO 9217117; EP 0533897 and "Surgical staple for tissue", see Pat. FR 2746292.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,115; WO 9217117; EP 0533897 describes a surgical staple inserter for joining two ducts such as a blood vessel and blood prosthesis. The staple inserter ejects staples in a radial direction relative to the axis of the ducts. In one embodiment, it includes a staple holder surrounded by the prosthesis and containing a series of staples arranged in at least one ring. All the staples are ejected simultaneously. The staple inserter also includes an anvil outside the organic duct, and a device for spacing apart the anvil and the staple holder in relation to their relative working position. Projections hold he prosthesis in place during the insertion of the staple holder into the ducts.
This device is essentially complicated in design, and the main drawback of it is that it is impossible to bend the ends of staples when they are extended from the device body outside, through the prosthesis and wall of the blood vessel. Therefore it is necessary to provide the device with anvils located outside the operated blood vessel, which makes the device itself and the whole surgical procedure for setting a stent-graft considerably more complicated and expensive.
Pat. FR 2746292 describes a surgical staple, which has a circular spiral formed of metallic wire. It extends on a complete spiral, which is augmented over part of its length. The staple can have a barbed end. The device for these staples inserting comprise a guide tube, extending towards the front by an inwardly curved section with a guide channel. At least a section of metal wire moves in the guide tube. A pusher moves the wire section towards the distal end of the guide tube.
This device also has some essential drawbacks. So it is a difficult procedure to set the staples, as it is necessary to achieve very precise positioning of the device relative to the prosthesis wall. It is impossible to set simultaneously several staples with this device design. Besides, an essential part of staples project inside the prosthesis, which may result in accelerated thrombogenesis in this inner lumen of the prosthesis.
In general, at present, the authors of the present invention have no information on any methods and apparatus for fixation of grafts and stent-grafts on the walls of a blood vessel from inside this vessel, which are developed, ready for full-scale production and applied in real life in minimally invasive surgery.
An object of the present invention is to provide reliable and relatively simple means for securing a graft, stent-graft or other intravascular devices to the wall of the aorta, iliac arteries or other arteries, in particular, a new and improved method for stapling and stapling apparatus based on this method.
Another object of the present invention is to provide suturing of the prosthesis to a blood vessel simultaneously over the entire perimeter of the connection, and assuring necessary strength and leak-proofness of this connection, including even such hard-to-reach spots as the aorta neck or the area directly under the renal arteries.

Method and apparatus for intraluminal fixation of intravascular devices


A tip shield of a catheter assembly has a resilient clip compartment, which may become blood-filled during use of the catheter assembly. The resilient clip inside the compartment is released upon withdrawal of the needle of the catheter assembly to disengage the catheter hub from the tip shield. The resilient clip also prevents re-exposure of the needle after being withdrawn into the tip shield. The blood-filled compartment may potentially leak or splash through an opening from the compartment when the resilient clip is released. A covering blocks the opening from the tip shield to minimize the risk of blood exposure. In addition, the covering minimizes the risk of premature release of the resilient clip and re-exposure of the needle.

The present invention relates to a catheter assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a tip shield for a catheter assembly.
Intravascular catheters are used for infusing fluid into a patient, withdrawing fluid from a patient, or monitoring various parameters of the patient's vascular system. Typically, a needle is used to introduce the catheter into a patient's blood vessel. A catheter is mounted over a needle that has a sharp distal tip with at least the distal portion of the catheter tightly engaging the outer surface of the needle to prevent peel-back of the catheter during insertion into the blood vessel.
A clinician inserts the catheter and needle through the patient's skin and into the patient's blood vessel. Once a flashback of blood is seen within a flashback chamber, the catheter is threaded over the needle and inserted completely into the blood vessel. The needle is then withdrawn from the catheter leaving the catheter in place. Once the needle is withdrawn from the catheter, the needle is a "blood-contaminated sharp" and must be properly handled.
In recent years, there has been great concern over accidental needle sticks by blood-contaminated sharps. Although aware of the need to properly handle blood-contaminated sharps, accidental needle sticks with contaminated needles still occur, for example, during emergency situations or as a result of inattention or neglect. As a result of this problem, various needle shields have been developed. Besides protecting clinicians from accidental needle sticks, needle shields should also minimize exposure to blood during and after the catheter insertion process.

Catheter assembly with tip shield closure


An optical modulator module is disclosed, comprising a bendable flexible printed circuit board in which a circuit pattern is formed, and to which control signals are inputted from the outside; an optical modulator element modulating an incident light according to a driving voltage and sending out the modulated light; an at least partially transparent substrate through which the incident light and the modulated light pass, and in which a circuit pattern is formed; and a driving integrated circuit electrically connected with the flexible printed circuit board, and supplying the optical modulator element with the driving voltage according to the inputted control signals, the flexible printed circuit board being electrically connected with the substrate.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an optical modulator module, more specifically, to a miniature optical modulator module employing a flexible printed circuit board for a portable device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A micro-machine refers to a miniature machine indiscernible with naked eyes. It can also be called a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS), and mainly fabricated by semiconductor manufacturing technology. These micro-machines are applied in information devices such as a magnetic and optical head by using micro-optics and limitation elements, and also applied in the bio-medical field and the semi-conductor manufacturing process by using various micro-fluidics. The micro-machines can be divided based on their function into a micro-sensor, a micro-actuator and a miniature machine.
The MEMS can also be applied in optics. Using MEMS technology, optical components smaller than 1 mm may be fabricated, by which micro optical systems may be implemented.
Conventional optical systems are comprised of a mirror, and a lens mounted on a large and heavy optical bench. The size of the lasers is also large. Significant effort is required in arranging an optical axis, reflection angle and reflection surface to obtain better performance. However, the micro-miniature optical system using MEMS technology reduces such space and efforts, and will show advanced performance.
Micro optical components belonging to the micro-miniature optical system such as a micro-mirror, a micro-lens, and the like are applied in telecommunication devices, display devices and recording devices, due to such advantages as quick response time, low level of loss, and convenience in layering and digitalizing.
As display technologies have advanced, the demand on large screen display devices has grown. The majority of current large screen display devices (mainly projectors) are using liquid crystals as a light-switcher. Such a liquid crystal projector has been popular due to the fact that it is smaller, cheaper, and has a simpler optical system than a CRT projector. However, in the liquid crystal projector, an amount of light is lost while passing through a liquid crystal panel and also projected to a screen. A micro-machine such as an optical modulator element using reflection is employed to reduce such light loss, by which brighter images are obtained.
Also, the demand for portable devices having advanced multi-media functions is increasing to play games or to enjoy DMB broadcast while traveling. The portable devices refer to small size electronic devices designed to be conveniently carried so as to be used for games and mobile communication. The portable device includes a mobile communication device, a PDA (personal digital assistant) and a PMP (personal multimedia player).
A diffraction type optical modulator element having micro-mirrors may be employed as a micro-miniature optical system in the portable device. In general, a conventional diffraction type optical modulator element has been manufactured in hybrid form, because modularizing by building a driving integrated circuit on a separate substrate produces a higher yield and is more cost-effective than integrating the driving integration circuit on the same die.
However, due to the fact that the conventional diffraction type optical modulator element, unlike other elements, uses light, the modularizing process for the diffraction type optical modulator element should be specialized from existing modularizing processes.
Besides, the micro-mirror of the conventional diffraction type optical modulator element is so weak to moisture that it should be seal packed, and the micro-mirror should be designed to discharge heat generated while the light is illuminated and the element is operating to the outside to stabilize its operation and to enhance its durability.
In FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrated an optical modulator module for solving the aforementioned problems.
FIG. 1A is a plan view of a conventional optical modulator module, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the conventional optical modulator module.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the optical modulator module comprises an optical modulator element 10, a transparent substrate 20, driving integrated circuits 30a to 30d and a printed circuit board 40. The optical modulator module may further comprise a heat discharging plate and/or a connector.
A lower side of the transparent substrate 20 is attached to the printed circuit board 40. The optical modulator element 10 is attached to an upper side of the transparent substrate 20 in correspondence to a hole 45 formed on the printed circuit board 40.
The optical modulator element 10 modulates incident light inputted through the hole 45 and the transparent substrate 20, and sends out the modulated light. The optical modulator element 10 is connected by flip-chip bonding on the transparent substrate 20. The optical modulator element 10 is sealed from the outer environment since an adhesive is applied around its circumference. The optical modulator element 10 is electrically connected due to an electric wiring distributed along the surfaces of the transparent substrate 20.
The driving integrated circuits 30a to 30d are connected by flip-chip bonding near the optical modulator element 10 attached to the transparent substrate 20, and supply the optical modulator element 10 with driving power according to control signals inputted from the outside.
A first circuit pattern 21 is formed between a lower metallic pad of the optical modulator element 10 and a lower pad for the driving integrated circuit so as to transmit electric signals outputted by the driving integrated circuits 30a to 30d through the lower metallic pad to the micro-mirror of the optical modulator element 10.
A second circuit pattern 23 is formed between a lower pad for the driving integrated circuit and a wire bonding pad 22 of the transparent substrate 20 so as to transmit electric signals inputted through the wire bonding pad 22 from the printed circuit board 40 to the lower pad for the driving integration circuit.
A wire bonding pad 31 on the printed circuit board 40 is wire-bonded to the wire bonding pad 22 of the transparent substrate 20, thereby transmitting electric signals.
Since the printed circuit board 40 is made of a rigid printed circuit board, the optical modulator module illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is inflexible. This inflexibility makes it difficult to mount the optical modulator module on a space smaller than the printed circuit board 40.

Miniature optical modulator module using flexible printed circuit board


An apparatus for manufacturing a non-circular coil, includes a pair of swinging pieces, an operation piece to be inserted and removed from between the distal ends of the pair of swinging pieces to increase or reduce the distance between the distal ends of the pair of swinging pieces, and a winding mechanism for winding a wire around an outer circumference of a distal end of the pair of swinging pieces so as to form a non-circular coil, wherein side surfaces of the operation piece, which avoid contact with the pair of swinging pieces, bulge outward to be curved and are formed so as to be continuous with outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of swinging pieces, around which the wire is wound, in a state in which the operation piece is inserted between the distal ends of the pair of swinging pieces.

In a speaker to be used for a small-sized device such as a cellular phone, a circular coil having a relatively small size, which is obtained by winding a relatively thin wire in a circular fashion, is conventionally used. As a method of manufacturing the circular coil described above, a winding apparatus for winding a wire for a coil around a core having a circular cross section is known (JP1997-148168A). In the winding apparatus, the wire wound around the core into a coil shape is removed from the core to obtain the circular coil having a desired diameter.
In recent years, a speaker having an oval or oblong cross section is often used as the speaker to be used for the small-sized devices. For the speaker having the oval or oblong cross section, a non-circular coil having an oblong, oval, or ellipsoidal cross section is used.

Apparatus and method for manufacturing non-circular coil


Systems and methods for hydraulic droop control of an aircraft wing. One embodiment is a hydraulic droop panel system for an aircraft wing. The hydraulic droop panel system includes a first hydraulic actuator attached to a flap of the aircraft wing, and a second hydraulic actuator attached to a droop panel of the aircraft wing and fluidly coupled with the first hydraulic actuator. The second hydraulic actuator is configured to move the droop panel to a droop position corresponding with movement of the flap and the first hydraulic actuator.

Aircraft wings include flight control surfaces that change the shape of the wing surface to help maneuver the aircraft during various phases of flight. For example, trailing edge flaps may be extended to increase lift. Additionally, spoilers in front of the trailing edge flaps may be actuated to control speed and descent. Some aircrafts use a drooped spoiler configuration in which a spoiler and a trailing edge flap are mechanically linked together to provide high lift at low-speeds for take-off and landing. However, the mechanical links are long and take up a large amount of integration space in the wing.

Hydraulic droop control for aircraft wing


Methods and systems for allowing software components that operate at a specific exception level (e.g., EL-3 to EL-1, etc.) to repeatedly or continuously observe or evaluate the integrity of software components operating at a lower exception level (e.g., EL-2 to EL-0) to ensure that the software components have not been corrupted or compromised (e.g., subjected to malware, cyberattacks, etc.) include a computing device that identifies, by a component operating at a higher exception level (“HEL component”), at least one of a current vector base address (VBA), an exception raising instruction (ERI) address, or a control and system register value associated with a component operating at a lower exception level (“LEL component”). The computing device may perform a responsive action in response to determining that the current VBA, the ERT address, or control and system register value do not match the corresponding reference data.

Modern software systems are often split into multiple modules/components that each have a different level of privilege or access to the computing device's resources (e.g. system resources, processor resources, memory resources, etc.). An example of such a split is between the operating system (OS) kernel and user applications in which the user applications are given a much more limited level of access to system resources than the OS kernel.
To facilitate similar splits at the chip level, certain processors and computing architectures (e.g., ARM, RISC-V, Hexagon DSP, etc.) include features that support hierarchical protection domains and/or implement different levels of privilege. Such systems typically only operate at one level of privilege at a time, and the level of privilege ("current privilege level") may only be changed when the device processor takes or returns from an exception. For this reason, the privilege levels are commonly called exception levels (ELs). These exception levels may be numbered (e.g., EL-0 to EL-3) so that the higher levels of privilege have higher numbers. For example, software with the lowest levels of privilege (e.g., user applications, etc.) may operate at EL-0, whereas software with the highest levels of privilege (the system monitor, etc.) may operate at EL-3.

Security enhancement in hierarchical protection domains


A method of fabricating microconnectors. A wafer is provided, and a dielectric layer is formed on a first surface of the wafer. The dielectric layer is bonded to a support wafer, and a thinning process is performed. A second surface of the wafer is then bonded to the support wafer, and a conductive wiring pattern is formed on the dielectric layer. An insulating layer is formed on the dielectric layer and the conductive wiring pattern. A portion of the insulating layer is removed to expose the conductive wiring pattern, and a portion of the dielectric layer and the wafer is removed to divide the wafer into a plurality of microconnectors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating microconnectors, and more particularly, to a method of fabricating a conductive wiring pattern after thinning a wafer to a predetermined thickness so as to efficiently prevent contamination caused by thinning the wafer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Multi-functional and miniature electronic products have become a trend in electronic product development. In practice, each function generally must be realized in an independent chip. In other words, multi-function applications require multiple-chip solutions. However, if connections between independent chips are formed in a printed circuit board (PCB), a size of an electronic product inevitably grows. Therefore, recent packaging technologies are developed to accommodate a system-in-a-package (SIP). The main idea of the SIP is to set a plurality of chips that form a multi-function application on a connector, such connections between each of the plurality of chips occur across the connector. Furthermore, the aforementioned chips and the connector are packaged together to form a system package structure, and chips are electrically connected to one another through a conductive wiring pattern inside the connector.
Because a size of the connector affects a size of the system package structure, the prior art method of fabricating the connector performs a polishing process on the connector in order to reduce a thickness of the connector after fabricating the conductive wiring pattern inside the connector. In this way, the size of the system package structure is decreased. However, the prior art method as described increases a probability of contaminating the conductive wiring pattern, thereby reducing a process yield.


The present disclosure is directed to methods for promoting neuronal health and/or development in a subject by providing nutritional compositions comprising a neurologic component, wherein the neurologic component may promote brain and nervous system development and further provide neurological protection and repair. The neurologic component may include lactoferrin, zinc sulfate, one or more organosulfur compounds, and mixtures thereof.

The brain makes up only 2% of total body weight, yet it is a demanding organ that uses up to 30% of the day's calories and nutrients. (Harris, J. J. et al, The Energetics of CNS White Matter. Jour. of. Neuroscience, January 2012: 32(1): 356-371). The human brain and nervous system begin forming very early in prenatal life and both continue to develop until about the age of three. This early development can have lifelong effects on overall brain and nervous system health. Accordingly, brain nutrients can be important additives in the diets of infants, children and pregnant and lactating women because of their ability to promote early brain development and prevent and protect from brain and nervous system injury or illness. Additionally, brain nutrients are important for adults, as many nutrients promote nervous system repair and provide neuroprotective health benefits.
Numerous nutrients are believed to be involved with supporting healthy brain development. Recently, however, it has been discovered that certain organosulfur compounds, for example ALA, when combined with lactoferrin promote neurogenesis and/or neuronal differentiation on human adipose-derived stem cells ("hADSCs") and human neuronal stem cells ("hNSCs").
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, is one of the major multifunctional agents present in human milk. It has the capacity to bind two molecules of iron in a reversible fashion and can facilitate the uptake of iron within the intestines.
Zinc Sulfate has the molecular formula ZnSO4. Generally zinc is an essential trace mineral that needs to be provided by the diet. Zinc is required for the biological function of more than 300 enzymes and stabilizes the tertiary structure of some proteins. In the central nervous system, zinc may be concentrated in the synaptic vesicles of specific glutaminergic neurons, which are found primarily in the forebrain and connect with other cerebral structures.
Allyl sulfide, also commonly known as diallyl sulfide is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C6H10S. Allyl sulfides, for example diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide, are principle constituents of garlic oil. In vivo allyl sulfide may be converted to diallyl sulfoxide and diallyl sulfone by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1).
Sulforaphane ("SFN") is a molecule within the isothiocyanate group of organosulfur compounds having the molecular formula C6H11NOS2. SFN and its isomers, for example L-Sulforaphane ("L-SFN"), are known to exhibit anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties in experimental models. SFN may be obtained from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage. SFN is produced when the enzyme myrosinase reacts with glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate, transforming glucoraphanin into SFN.
What is needed is a method for promoting neuronal health and development, by administering a composition that comprises a neurologic component, in order to support brain and nervous system health. The neurologic component includes lactoferrin, at least one organosulfur compound, and combinations thereof. These nutritional compositions disclosed herein may have additive and/or synergistic nervous system health benefits. Accordingly, the disclosure is directed to methods of promoting and supporting brain and nervous system health by providing a nutritional composition comprising a neurologic component.

Methods for promoting neuronal development and/or health


A first communication apparatus sequentially generates a pulse sequence having pulse signals arranged based on the UWB communication system, performs a framing process to form a frame having at least a preamble and a data portion on the generated pulse sequence and inserts a preamble segment including a sequence of steady pulse signals in the data portion at a predetermined time interval, and transmits it as a radio wave. A second communication apparatus receives a pulse sequence as a radio wave transmitted from the first communication apparatus, and detects at least the preamble segment from the frame contained in the received pulse sequence through a detection window structured to have a predetermined time length, whereby a transmission timing for the pulse sequence to the first communication apparatus 2 controlled according to a state of detection of the preamble segment.

Recently, UWB-based wireless communication which executes communication using pulse signals having a very narrow time width is being realized. In the UWB communication, pulse signals having a very narrow time width of 1 nanosecond to 2 nanoseconds are used, and the positions and phases of the pulse signals on the time axis are changed to transfer information. While the use of pulse signals having a very narrow time width of 1 nanosecond or less significantly widens the signal band where signals for UWB communication occupy to 500 MHz or greater, the modulation process itself becomes unnecessary, so that the spectral power density can be reduced. This achieves a high data transfer characteristic and high-precision distance measurement.
Therefore, a wireless communication system using the UWB can suppress the influence of noise low at the time of communication, and hence can eventually lead to cost reduction. In addition, the wireless communication system using the UWB can reduce the influences of various kinds of noise including a multipath.
However, the UWB-based wireless communication system has a difficulty in carrier sensing which is peculiar to the UWB communication. Accordingly, there is an increasing necessity of designing a system capable of detecting radio signals transmitted from a counterpart communication apparatus with a high reliability.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the format structure of packet data to be used in ordinary UWB-based wireless communication. The example of the format structure relates to a frame based on the standards of, for example, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.4 or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, frame data has an SFD (Start Frame Delimiter) 102 added to a preamble 101 for indicating the presence of the frame data, and a payload portion 103 added following the SFD 102. A gap of, for example, 12 bytes may be provided between frames.
Dummy information to prevent reception failure of frame data is written in the preamble 101. In the UWB-based wireless communication, in case of making the preamble 101, a plurality of regular codes of pulse signals having a very narrow time width are arranged, and after that a plurality of inverted sequences of the pulse signals are arranged.
The transmitted signal is acquired and evaluated by the preamble 101 first. When it is discriminated that a correct signal has been transmitted, communication is initiated in synchronism with the signal.
Because the preamble 101 has the pulse signals arranged regularly according to predetermined codes as mentioned above, a communication apparatus which has received the frame data added with the preamble 101 can capture signals, execute synchronization and channel prediction, and thus execute communication by detecting the regular sequence of pulse signals and codes thereof in the preamble 101. Other communication apparatuses excluding the counterpart communication apparatus which is currently in communication can easily determine whether the channel is occupied currently by acquiring information written in the preamble 101.
The SFD 102 has predetermined codes arranged therein and serves as a boundary between the preamble 101 and the payload portion 103.
The payload portion 103 is a real data portion generated by a user who performs communication using a communication apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, while a signal which constitutes the payload portion 103 is partly added with a pulse sequence indicated by "S" in the diagram, an area where no real data is present is treated as an empty area. That is, the payload portion 103 is expressed by codes which are a combination of a pulse sequence indicated by "S" in the diagram and an empty area. The codes in FIG. 2 are merely an example, and there are various sequences of codes according to real data. That is, the payload portion 103 is structured to have a sequence of pulse signals and empty areas arranged irregularly.
Therefore, other communication apparatuses excluding the communication apparatus which is currently in communication can determine whether a channel is occupied by acquiring information written in the preamble 101 of frame data transmitted by the communication apparatus which is currently in communication. However, mere acquisition of information written in the payload portion 103 makes it difficult to discriminate whether a channel is occupied. When other communication apparatuses excluding the communication apparatus which is currently in communication determines that a channel is not occupied at a present time, the other communication apparatuses themselves may use the channel. Accordingly, a plurality of different communication apparatuses start communicating with one communication apparatus using the same channel, and interfere with one another.
That is, it is necessary to provide a situation where when data is transmitted from another communication apparatus to one communication apparatus, a further communication apparatus will not start data communication using the same channel.
Conventionally, as illustrated in Non-patent Document 1, for example, there has been proposed ALOHA which can ensure multiple access using dynamic codes to suppress intersignal interferences. However, channel identification by the ALOHA has a problem that it is limited by the characteristics of devices installed in a communication apparatus, such as the processing performance, memory capacity and power supply.
There is a technique disclosed which time-sequentially controls reception of accesses from other communication apparatuses in order to prevent data transmission by different communication apparatuses at the same time (see, for example, Non-patent Documents 2 and 3). However, the technique has a difficulty in achieving synchronization.
Non-patent Document 1: R. Merz, J. Widmer, J. Y. Le Boudec, and B. Radunovic "A Joint PHY/MAC Architecture for Low-Radiated Power TH-UWB Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks", Wireless Communication and Mobile Computing Journal, Special issue on UWB communications. 5 (5): 567-580, 2005
Non-patent Document 2: Moe Z. Win and Robert A. Scholtz. "Ultra-wide bandwidth time-hopping spread-spectrum impulse radio for wireless multiple-access communications," IEEE Transactions on Communications, 48 (4): 679-691, 2000.
Non-patent Document 3: M.-G. Di Benedetto, L. De Nardis and M. Junk etc, "(UWB)˜2: Uncoordinated, Wireless, Baseborn, medium access control for UWB communication networks," Mobile Network and Applications, special issue on WLAN optimization at the MAC and Network levels, 2004.

Interactive wireless communication device

National Institute of Information and Communications Technology


This invention relates to an adaptor for use with a a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training mannequin. The adaptor has a top layer, a conductor and an adhesive. An additional backing layer may be provided. This invention is also directed to methods of modifying a CPR mannequin through application of an adaptor having communicating conductive areas.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mannequin adaptor for use with a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) mannequin for training operators in the use of an automatic or semiautomatic external defibrillator (AED). This invention is also directed to methods of modifying a CPR mannequin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One frequent consequence of heart attacks is the development of cardiac arrest associated with a heart arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation. This abnormal heart rhythm is caused by an abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. During ventricular fibrillation the heart cannot pump blood effectively. Ventricular fibrillation may be treated by applying an electric shock to the patient's heart through the use of a defibrillator. Defibrillation clears the heart of the abnormal electrical activity and allows the heart's natural pacemaker areas to restore normal function. Because blood is no longer pumping effectively during ventricular fibrillation, the chances of surviving a heart attack decrease with time after the attack. Quick response to a heart attack by administering a defibrillating shock as soon as possible after the onset of ventricular fibrillation is therefore often critically important.
Increasing the number of potential defibrillator operators who are trained on the proper use of an external defibrillator increases the likelihood that a trained defibrillator operator is available in an emergency and thus could ultimately reduce defibrillator deployment time. Because of the importance of training defibrillator operators, the prior art has developed different approaches to defibrillator operator training. In one approach, a device generates an electrical signal that simulates either a normal or abnormal heart condition. The signal is delivered to a simulated torso or training mannequin at positions where the sensing electrodes would be properly applied to a patient. The torso also includes terminals for receiving the electrodes that provide the electrical shock. The trainee uses an actual defibrillator on the training mannequin during the training exercise in the same manner as treating a live patient. See, e.g., Spivack U.S. Pat. No. 3,453,745; Ungs et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,572.
In an alternate approach, the trainee does not use an actual defibrillator. Instead, training is conducted on a separate training device which may look like an automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator and simulates the operation of a defibrillator. See, e.g., the Laerdal 911 Trainer. This second type of training device cannot actually be used to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient. Medical organizations following this defibrillator training approach must therefore have two sets of instruments, one for training and one for actual use. This results in a significant increase in cost.
Yet another approach is the use of a defibrillator having training mode as well as a treatment mode. The training mode simulates the operation of a defibrillator in treatment mode, thus eliminating the need for separate training equipment. See, Cole et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,815, issued Mar. 18, 1997 and Cole, U.S. application Ser. No. 08/648,776 filed May 16, 1996. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. Using a defibrillator with a training mode allows the trainer to use the same defibrillator that is deployed in the field for purposes of training potential users without actually charging and discharging the defibrillator.
It is often useful to train defibrillator users in proper electrode placement. Electrode pads that do make adequate electrical contact with the patient on proper sites on the patient's torso may not deliver effective electrotherapy to the patient. Many defibrillators, when in use to treat a patient, detect whether electrodes pads have been placed on the patient by measuring the impedance between the electrode pads. If the impedance is below a threshold value, then the defibrillator assumes that the electrode pads are on the patient. An impedance value above the threshold value could indicate that one or both of the electrode pads are not connected to the patient. A defibrillator training approach should somehow allow for training on correct electrode placement.
In one training device, a mannequin is provided that has two electrode placement sites provided with Hall-effect sensor arrays. Correct pad placement is determined based on the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnets located in each electrode relative to the sensors. The training defibrillator then prompts the user to relocate the pads as necessary until the correct location has been established. See Ungs et al. EP 0499744 A2. The sensor arrays raise the cost of this training mannequin, however.
The Physio-Control LifePak 100 defibrillator training device was used on a training mannequin with electrode connectors or studs to which metal wire had been attached in an X pattern across the mannequin's electrode connectors. During a training session, the trainee attached the defibrillator training device's electrodes to the mannequin's chest. The defibrillator training device measured the impedance between its electrodes. An impedance below a certain threshold value indicated that the training device's electrodes were properly on the mannequin, i.e., over the metal wire, which completed the circuit between the device's electrodes. The drawback of this approach, however, is that it required the use of a mannequin with protruding metal electrode connectors.
What is needed is a mannequin adaptor and defibrillator training method that permits defibrillator training with all mannequins.

Method and apparatus for modifying a resuscitation training mannequin


A water heater system includes a gas burner configured to selectively produce flue gases, and a heat exchanger for heating water in the water heater system. The water heater system is operable in a heating mode, and a standby mode. An exhaust assembly is in communication with the heat exchanger, and includes a condensate collector configured to receive the flue gases and condensate. A first temperature sensor is positioned to sense a temperature of the condensate within the condensate collector. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a rate of temperature change of the condensate. A controller is configured to determine a leakage when the rate of temperature change adjusts from a first state to a second state when the water heater system is in the standby mode after the water heater system was in the heating mode.

Generally, water heaters fall into one of two types: (i) tankless or instantaneous water heaters, and (ii) storage or tank water heaters. Each type of water heater may further use hot flue gases produced by a gas burner for heating the water. This type of water heater may be termed as a condensing water heater. The present invention relates to a control system configured to determine whether an error has occurred within a condensing water heater.

Leakage detection in condensing water heater


Disclosed is an assembly for filtering debris flowing in an in vivo fluid stream, the assembly comprising at least one balloon configured to volumetrically expand and, during at least a portion of the expansion, operatively connect with a filter, and to contract following the expansion. The assembly further comprising a filter configured to operatively connect with the at least one balloon during at least a portion of the volumetric expansion of the at least one balloon, such that the filter expands during the operative connection in order to filter debris from a fluid flowing in a fluid stream within which the expanded filter is disposed.

In 1977 Andreas Gruntzig performed the first successful balloon angioplasty on an obstructed human artery, thereby opening the vessel and allowing improved flow of blood.
Balloon angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure in which a long, thin tube with a deflated balloon at the tip is inserted into an artery. The balloon is guided to a stenotic lesion using X-ray fluoroscopy, rapidly inflated to a pressure of several atmospheres and deflated. Several rounds of inflation and deflation cause the stenotic lesion to crack and squash radially outward, thereby opening the obstructed lumen.
Balloon Angioplasty may be indicated for improving circulation to virtually any stenosed organ vasculature or peripheral vasculature, including opening occluded vessels during an acute heart attack; and in place of surgical endarterectomy, treatment of carotid artery stenosis, in high-risk surgical patients.
A problem associated with balloon angioplasty is that the stenotic lesion may release debris that travels to vital organs, for example the brain and/or lungs, causing vascular blockage, tissue necrosis and/or patient death.
To prevent such draconian sequela, a number of in vivo debris filter devices have been developed that are designed to capture debris released from stenotic lesions during an angioplasty procedure.
Using a guide passage, such a debris filter is positioned downstream of the intended angioplasty site and expanded to press against the tissue surrounding the lumen, thereby effectively filtering all blood passing through the lumen. A balloon angioplasty catheter is then introduced into the artery and the balloon is positioned adjacent the stenotic lesion. The balloon is inflated, the lesion releases debris and the filter captures the debris. After deflation and removal of the balloon, the filter is contracted and removed with the captured debris.
The use of in vivo debris filters during balloon angioplasty, however, may fail to prevent vascular blockage, tissue necrosis and/or patient death. To be effective, in vivo debris filters are positioned quite a distance downstream from the lesion undergoing angioplasty; considerably raising the chances that a vessel branching off the treated vessel will be located between the angioplasty balloon and the filter. Debris generated by the angioplasty will likely find its way into the branch vessel and travel to the lungs or brain, causing the above-noted sequela.
Additionally the filter itself may pose a health hazard to the patient. The deployment zone for the filter often comprises healthy vascular tissue. Positional adjustments and expansion of the filter against the healthy vascular tissue can cause tissue scars and plaques that, of themselves, provide a breeding ground for additional, full-blown, stenotic lesions.
In spite of the above-noted risk and health hazard, use of a debris filter is indicated for patients having "rupture-prone" lesions; stenotic lesions characterized by thin fibrous caps and large lipid cores. Even though it is impossible to introduce a filter once the balloon angioplasty has begun, in theory, pre-operative identification of a rupture-prone stenotic lesion would allow the patient and surgeon to weigh the risks and benefits of using an in vivo debris filter in addition to the angioplasty balloon catheter.
Unfortunately, the above theoretical solution is almost totally unworkable in practice because the very lesions that are rupture-prone are often not visible by x-ray angiography.
(Z. A. Fayad et al: "Clinical Imaging of the High-Risk or Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque"; Circulation Research. 2001; 89: 305.)
The surgeon and patient, therefore, are left to grope in the dark for answers as to whether to risk patient health and deploy a debris filter.
In general, existing devices and technology present a number of additional disadvantages associated with the stand-alone in vivo debris filter, including:                1) the additional thousands of dollars to pay for each disposable filter for each surgery;        2) the difficulty in surgically deploying the filter in addition to a balloon angioplasty; and        3) the additional surgical fee charged by the surgeon for performing a second surgical procedure associated with the filter.


A hunting arrow having a hollow shaft accommodating a sound generator actuated upon impact with a target to aid in finding the arrow. The shaft has one or more slots that function to direct the generated sound. The sound generator includes a piezio electric element and a tone control device that causes the element to emit separate sequential sounds of varying frequencies. An electrical contact mounted on the sound generator maintains continuous electric contact after impact.

Hunting arrows having audible sound generating systems are know in the art M. R. Murphy, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,319, discloses a hunting arrow having a sound generator, shown as a buzzer, that is connected to an electrical switch circuit with a manually operated switch. The circuit includes a timer to delay the operation of the buzzer.
Radio transmitters have been used as location apparatus with arrows. Inertia activated switches are used to turn the transmitters on. A radial receiver carried by the hunter is used for finding the direction of the arrow accommodating the transmitter. Arrows having transmitters are shown by J. M. Ratkovich, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,790,948; C. R. Robinson, B. A. Robinson, and T. Robinson, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,683; D. D. Boy and H. H. Frederick, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,612; L. D. Brailean, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,198; and R. R. Capson, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,935.