The invention involves a device and method for acquiring bone marrow aspirate. The system includes an elongated cannulated fastener having a threaded end for attachment to a bone. The threaded portion includes a directional aperture sized to allow marrow to be drawn into the cannula. The directional aperture also allows the user to direct the aperture in a desired direction within the bone for acquisition of the marrow. The distal end of the cannulated fastener includes a connector which may be in the form of a Luer lock to allow vacuum to be applied to the cannula for drawing the marrow into a syringe or the like.

In the U.S., bone grafts are most commonly used in spine fusion surgery and, more generally, in the fusion or arthrodesis of any skeletal joint to bridge a gap between bone segments, and may also provide a three-dimensional scaffold on which the bone can grow.
In addition, bone graft may be used in trauma surgery for the treatment of fresh fractures and non-unions where the bone has been shattered, or where the patient is at a very high risk of developing a non-union fracture.
Joint reconstruction and revision surgery is another area where a patient is likely to need a bone graft because a large void may result from the removal of the original joint or implant.
There are different types of bone graft materials that may be used to assist a patient's body in bone regeneration. These bone graft materials are typically classified as either natural or synthetic materials.
Natural bone graft materials are classified in the following groups. Autograft is bone graft material that is obtained from the same individual that will receive the bone graft material. Allograft is bone graft material that is obtained from another human source, which typically is from cadavers. Xenograft is bone graft material that is obtained from another species.
Bone grafts can also be categorized by their bone-forming properties as osteoconductive, osteoinductive or osteogenic. Osteoconductivity is the ability of a material to provide an appropriate scaffold or matrix upon which new bone tissue can form. Osteoinductivity is the ability of a material to stimulate the patient's own system to form new bone. Osteogenic material generates new bone tissue itself. Osteoblasts, which can be found in bone marrow and mesenchymal cells, are the only cells that can create new bone.
Autograft bone has historically been the standard of care because of its osteoconductive, osteoinductive and osteogenic properties. At the time of surgery, bone is taken from a donor site in the patient, often the iliac crest bone, but others are used, and is then re-implanted back into the patient at the surgical site.
However, autograft is often not used because obtaining the graft generally requires a second surgical procedure with associated risks and expenses. In addition, the autograft may also result in significant post-operative issues, most significantly pain.
Therefore, what is needed in the art is a device and method of acquiring bone marrow aspirate that does not require a second surgical site. The device through which the bone marrow aspirate is acquired should provide additional function in the procedure, wherein acquiring the bone marrow aspirate is an additional feature provided by the device. The device should be simple to operate and quickly assembled, requiring minimal tools. Moreover, the device should assemble and function in such a way as to not distract or obstruct the surgeon from completing the surgery.
Thus, the present invention provides a device and method of acquiring bone marrow aspirate which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art bone marrow acquiring systems. The fastener and bone marrow acquisition device of the present invention not only provides for relative ease of use, it also permits the securement of surgical fixtures without the need of additional fasteners. The present invention also provides a tip suitable for boring pilot holes into bone, thereby eliminating or reducing the need for Jamshidi needles and Kirshner wires.

Fastening device for acquiring bone marrow aspirate


An ornamental water ball includes a semi-spherical ball horizontally mounted on a frame through a rubber seal. In the rubber seal, there is a transparent viewing window which has an article holder located herein. The ball is filled with water or a mixture of water and oil. The article holder may contain a variety of practical or decorative goods such as a clock or picture. The viewing window may also hold decorative figures. All the components are detachable and may be assembled or disassembled as desired. All decorative goods are changeable to add practicality and amusement effect.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an ornamental water ball and particularly to a ornamental water ball that includes different changeable decorative articles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventional ornamental water ball such as the one shown in FIG. 1 usually includes a spherical ball filled with water and mounted on a base seat. Inside the ball, there could be held a decorative article to increase amusement effect. The ball is fixed on the base seat at an opening by means of a water tight rubber seal. Since the ball is fixed to the base seat, the decorative article held inside is not changeable. It thus lacks variation and becomes not appealing or attractive after a short period of time.


A lightweight spacecraft dispenser, which consists of a material made from composite materials, and of a ring structure with several payload ports. The ring structure has a surface that extends between opposite ends of the ring structure and that is at least partially spherical. The surface can be completely spherical or partially spherical between the opposite ends.

The present invention relates to a lightweight spacecraft dispenser, especially for launching small satellites.
The demand for small spacecraft launches requires effective, reliable and affordable multiple launch systems, which must avoid possible risks to the primary spacecraft.
Currently there are manufacturers that deliver turn-key launch systems for small spacecraft in the range from 20 kg to 300 kg (micro and mini-satellites). Various systems are already known which refer to distributors or dispensers for small satellites.
There is a system called ESPA ("EELV Secondary Payload Adapter"; EELV standing for "Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle"), developed by CSA Engineering, Inc., that uses a metallic ring concept, based on a thick monolithic aluminium alloy cylinder, with several ports, and which was first built in 2001. The article "Adapter Ring for Small Satellites on Responsive Launch Vehicles" (Joseph R. Maly, Vann M. Stavast, Gregory E. Sandford, Michael E. Evert, CSA Engineering, Inc.; 7th Responsive Space Conference, Apr. 27-30, 2009, Los Angeles, Calif.), describes a modular multi-payload adapter for small launch vehicles based on the ESPA ring
U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,797 B2 refers to "Payload adapters including antenna assemblies, satellite assemblies and related systems and methods". It discloses a payload adapter with a ring structure having an opening. A circular sidewall extends between opposite ends of the ring structure, and the ring structure may include several payload ports.
EP 2407384 B1, referred to a "Dual evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) secondary payload adaptor (ESPA) port small satellite design", discloses an apparatus and a method that provide payload volume for larger satellites. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus and method include a plurality of small satellite components, a payload adaptor ring, and at least one pivoting hinge system. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of small satellite components includes at least one payload, one bus, and/or one solar panel. The small satellite components are mounted on the payload adaptor ring. At least one pivoting hinge system connects together at least two of the small satellite components. Upon deployment of the small satellite components from the payload adaptor ring, at least one pivoting hinge system combines together at least two small satellite components, thereby creating at least one single larger satellite.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,830 B1, referred to an "Efficient Solar Panel Wing-Stowage on a Space Launch Vehicle", discloses an adapter assembly for interconnection with a launch vehicle, which comprises a structure with an adapter. Generally, the adapter assembly is positioned between two separable components of a launch vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle to structurally interconnect the components. In an embodiment, a solar panel having a stowed state and a deployed state is interconnected to the adapter assembly. In a stowed state, the solar panel can be positioned within the interior space of the adapter assembly to utilize space within the launch vehicle that would otherwise not be fully utilized.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,653 A refers to a "Multisatellite distributor for launcher", and discloses a distributor held in the upper stage of a satellite launcher. The launcher has an outer protection surface. Satellites are clustered around a central hub and placed symmetrically at angular intervals and at two levels. The satellites are held in place on the central hub by interface units, which have mechanical fixing/release mechanisms and electrical interfaces between the satellite and launcher.
Although there are several launch systems for small spacecraft, there is a need to provide alternative dispensers which allow a better adaptation to standard mechanisms.


Methods and apparatuses are provided for improving word prediction candidate selection in an electronic device. Input of one or more characters is received via a capacitive physical keyboard. A word prediction process generates a set of word prediction candidates, determines a unique character in each word prediction candidate, and displays the word prediction candidates along with visual indicia to indicate the unique character. A second input is then received comprising a tap input of a single character on the keyboard. The electronic device determines whether the second input corresponds to a unique character associated with any of the word prediction candidates, and if so, displays the selected word in an input field on the display.

Advances in technology permit electronic devices, such as computers, netbooks, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants, tablets, etc., to process text input increasingly quickly and on increasingly smaller devices and keyboards. Examples include word prediction and disambiguation algorithms configured to suggest or recommend during the input process and, in some instances before the process is completed, words that users are trying to type. These functions increase both data entry speed and accuracy. Many users now demand and depend on these features. Nevertheless, further optimization of textual entry is desirable.

Method and apparatus for word prediction selection


Balance spring including, tangent to each other:                a first inner coil at a first angle at the center and of decreasing section in a first ratio;        a second coil at a second angle at the center and of constant section;        a third coil at a third angle at the center and of increasing section in a third ratio;        a fourth coil at a fourth angle at the center and of constant section;        a fifth coil at a fifth angle at the center and of increasing section in a fifth ratio;        a sixth outer coil at a sixth angle at the center and of increasing section in a sixth ratio.

Obtaining and maintaining the isochronism of a mechanical timepiece oscillator are major difficulties of watch design. The quality of the balance spring is an essential factor of the precision of a timepiece. Numerous advances have been made, particularly by implementation of twisting inner or terminal coils.
Other research has made it possible to maintain a flat development of the balance spring. Thus, BE Patent No 526689 in the name of Emile MICHEL, or CH Patent No 327796 in the name of ASUAG propose a balance spring wherein at least one part of the strip has a straight section different from that of the rest of the strip, in order to obtain, during operation, a concentric development of the balance spring. However, the teaching is very general, and those skilled in the art have to perform lengthy experiments to define suitable parameters.
EP Patent Application No 2299336 A2 in the name of ROLEX SA discloses a flat balance spring for a timepiece balance including a wound coil, arranged to ensure a substantially concentric development of the balance spring, and almost zero force exerted on the pivots and the rigid point of support, during a rotation of less than 360° of the inner end relative to the outer end thereof in both directions from its rest position. The rigidity of the strip decreases gradually and over more than 360°, from each end thereof, and more specifically from, on the one hand, a point located between the inner end and second coil thereof, and on the other hand, from a point located between the outer end and penultimate coil thereof, the lowest rigidity being located in the median part of the strip.
EP Patent Application No 2151722 A1 in the name of ROLEX SA concerns a balance spring including a plurality of strips wound into a spiral, in one piece with a common collet of larger section than the sections of the coils of the various strips, and in one piece with an outer common ring of larger section than the sections of the coils of the various strips.

Abstract: In a variant, a seventh more rigid segment deviates from this sixth coil.

Abstract: Movement including this balance spring.

Abstract: Watch including this movement.


A seal wire heat control system adapted to record in memory the immediate history of the operation of the seal wire and to adjust the time duration of the application of voltage to the seal wire in accordance with a predetermined program. The application of heat is controlled according to the running history of the machine. At start up, a relatively long pulse of power is sent through the wire to make a seal for a predetermined number of times. When the count is reached, an intermediate pulse is provided to the wire for a predetermined number of times. When this count is reached, a short pulse is provided to the wire. A reset timer monitors idle time. If no seal is executed after a predetermined time, the entire system, including counters, resets to prepare for delivery of a long pulse to the wire. A safety timer is also provided for limiting the duration of power to the wire within the wire's safety threshold value.

This invention relates to seal wire heat control systems and, more particularly, to seal wire heat control systems for sealing plastic films used in plastic packaging.
For the past 40 or 50 years, hot wires have been used to make seals when sealing plastics, particularly plastic films such as those used in plastic packaging, especially shrink packaging. In some cases, the hot wires are used to merely make a seal in the edge of the film, but more frequently they are used to seal and sever the edge of a pouch or bag from the succeeding pouch and/or from a selvedge edge of the film. In a typical application two layers of film, one superimposed on the other, will be sealed together by means of a hot wire pressing against the film and trapping it between the wire and an elastomer bed. The hot wire will simultaneously seal the edges of the film together on both sides of the wire while severing, by melting and/or softening, the film trapped between the wire and the elastomeric bed.
For many years control of the temperature of the wire has been a major problem in the industry. If the wire runs too cool, it will not make a proper seal and cut in the thermoplastic film. If the wire runs too hot, it may destroy the seals adjacent to the wire by overheating them, and the excessive temperature will cause some films to stick to the wire and gum up. Some films, such as polyethylene, will smoke, and films such as PVC will give off fumes and form a black carbonaceous residue on the seal wire if the wire gets too hot. Thus, seal wire temperature control is extremely important.
Known sealing systems have suffered from the foregoing problems. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,490,981 and Re 30,010 to F. G. Shanklin show an L-Sealer machine using hot wire seals such that two seal wires are brought together at a corner to form an "L" U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,988 to Shanklin et al shows a Form-Fill-Seal machine in which a single seal wire makes the transverse seals. Both types of prior art machines encounter similar problems in controlling the seal wire temperature.
Temperature control of the wire, in prior art devices, was accomplished with several types of systems, each of which was prone to inaccuracies of control. The earliest form of such wire temperature control was an impulse hot wire seal in which voltage was imposed across a length of a resistance wire for a period of time that was predetermined by a timer. The wire would heat to a certain temperature and then shut off. As long as packaging speeds were slow (10-12 packages per minute), this system seemed to work quite well. As soon as speeds increased, the seal jaw would heat up and the wire would build up residual heat as the machine continued to run. The seal wire and jaw would gradually overheat with the resultant problems of poor seals and gummed up wires.
The next step in the process of improving wire temperature control was to add a wire temperature switch, sometimes called a compensator switch, to the seal wire system. The wire temperature switch consisted of a limit switch or set of electrical contacts mounted on an adjustable base, which was positioned so that the switch would be operated by a wire follower as the seal wire expanded. Customarily, seal wires have one fixed end and one movable end, and tension in the seal wire is maintained by a spring attached to a wire follower to which is attached the movable end of the seal wire. As the seal wire expands the follower will move, driven by the spring. At a predetermined temperature setting, the wire will have expanded a certain amount allowing the wire follower to move until it actuates the limit switch turning off the power to the wire. A low voltage current across the wire can be maintained at all times to prevent the wire from returning to room temperature. This shortens the time cycle required to make a first seal and results in a more uniform operation of the sealer.
With all the above mentioned systems, as the machine ran faster and more power was input to the seal wire, residual heat would build up in the seal wire and the mating beds, and, notwithstanding the wire temperature switch control, the machine would run hot. Such excessive heat would cause smoking, gumming, and deterioration of the seal.
An additional problem occurred with the above described system. Since a system with a wire temperature switch (or compensator switch) depends on measuring the length of the seal wire to determine the seal wire heat, the distance between the fixed end and movable end of the wire must remain constant. Any increase in the length of the arm upon which the switch was mounted due to thermal expansion would also add to the temperature of the seal wire. In fact, the seal wire would increase in temperature by an amount equal to the increase in temperature of the seal arm multiplied by the coefficient of expansion of the seal arm and divided by the coefficient of expansion of the seal wire. Thus, since the most common construction for seal arms is aluminum with a coefficient of expansion of 13.times.10.sup.-6 and the seal wires are made of a nickel, chromium, iron alloy with a coefficient of expansion of approximately 8.times.10.sup.-6, one degree rise in the temperature of the seal arm will result in 1.6 degrees temperature rise of the seal wire. It is not unreasonable to expect a temperature rise in the seal arm of at least 70.degree. F. which will cause a 112.degree. F. increase in temperature of the seal wire. This is in addition to the temperature increase from increased residual heat accumulating in the wire and beds. It can be seen from the foregoing that it is not possible to accurately control the seal wire temperature by measuring the length of the seal wire with a device that is mounted on a seal arm which gets hot from use.
Other prior art devices measured the temperature of the seal wire by measuring the resistance of the wire between impulses of heat. Thus, a device can be built that will impose a brief pulse of power to a seal wire, disconnect the power, and measure the resistance of the wire, then resume applying power to the wire, then again measure the resistance, etc. until the resistance measured corresponds to the desired seal wire temperature. Although these systems have been built, they suffer from un-reliability One reason for this is that the resistance of the seal wire is already very low, on the order of 2 ohms for a 60" length of a typical seal wire, and the rate at which the resistance of the seal wire changes in relation to the temperature of the wire is very small. Thus, any resistance that is entered into the system, such as by a poor wire connection, moisture, corrosion, etc., will have considerable effect on the control of the seal wire resulting in erratic temperatures. A further disadvantage to this prior art system is that it has been very expensive.
In summary, three systems have been used in the prior art for determining and controlling a seal wire's temperature. The first system imposed a voltage across the seal wire for a period of time that was predetermined by a timer. This system neglects the effect jaw parts due to residual heat from previous seals. The second system measures the length of the seal wire as it expands with increased temperature. This system is faced with the inaccuracies that occur from elongation of the seal arm caused by thermal expansion of the seal arm as it heats up due to previous seals. The third system measures the resistance of the seal wire and, by using resistance wire with a proper resistance to temperature gradient, translates the resistance into seal wire temperature and then controls the power to the wire. This system runs into errors occurring from trying to accurately measure extremely small resistance changes in a very low resistance wire and from other resistances that can occur anywhere in the seal wire circuit.


A sheet feeder having a platform for supporting a stack of sheets, a feed head assembly for feeding sheets seriatim from the top of a sheet supply stack on the platform, a mechanism for moving the platform relative to the feed head assembly, and a device for controlling operation of the platform moving mechanism. The control device for the platform moving mechanism includes a sensor for detecting marginal edges of sheets in the sheet stack on the platform, and producing a signal indicative of sheet edge detection. Additionally, a sensor is provided for detecting the location of the topmost sheet on the sheet stack on the platform, and producing a signal indicative of such top sheet location detection. A signal is set representative of the top of the sheet stack being in proper operative relation to the feed head assembly, this set signal being based on the signal from the top location sensor for the particular location of the top of the stack when the marginal sheet edge detection signal is first produced. Periodically thereafter, a control signal is produced for actuating the sheet stack supporting platform moving mechanism until the signal indicative of detection of the topmost sheet from the top location sensor is substantially equal to the set signal.

The present invention relates in general to supporting platforms for sheet stacks for reproduction apparatus, and more particularly to a control for the sheet stack supporting platform of a reproduction apparatus which accommodates for variations in sheet evenness (flatness) to maintain the topmost sheet in a sheet stack in proper relation with a sheet feed head assembly.
In typical reproduction apparatus such as copiers or printers, for example, information is reproduced on individual cut sheets of receiver material such as plain bond paper or transparencies. Receiver sheets, of the various types, are stored in stacks and respectively fed seriatim from such stacks when copies are to be reproduced thereon. The sheet feeder for the reproduction apparatus must be able to handle a wide range of sheet types and sizes reliably and without damage. Sheets must be accurately fed individually from the sheet stack; that is, without misfeeds or multi-feeds.
A recently described highly efficient and reliable sheet feeder is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,133, issued Sep. 6, 1994, in the name of Jantsch et al. In such apparatus, a stack of sheets is stored in a supply hopper. A sheet feed head assembly, including a plenum, a vacuum source in flow communication with the plenum, and a mechanism, such as a feed belt associated with the plenum, urges a sheet acquired by vacuum in a sheet feeding direction away from the sheet supply stack. The sheet supply stack is supported so as to maintain the topmost sheet in such stack at a predetermined level in spaced relation with respect to the urging mechanism of the sheet feed head assembly. A first positive air supply directs a flow of air at the sheet supply stack to levitate the top several sheets in the supply stack to an elevation enabling the topmost sheet to be acquired by vacuum from the sheet feed head assembly plenum; and a second positive air supply directs a flow of air at an acquired sheet to assure separation of any additional sheets adhering to such topmost sheet.
It is clear that the sheet stack must be accurately maintained in operative relation with the sheet feed head assembly to assure the desired sheet feeding, in proper timing, from the stack. In the aforementioned sheet feeder, a stack height sensor monitors the location of the topmost sheet in the stack. A drive for the stack supporting platform drive then maintains that topmost sheet within an operating window relative to the sheet feed head assembly. However, the air flow for sheet separation causes the lead edge of the sheets in the stack on the supporting platform to fluff during sheet feeding. The fluffing action causes the stack height sensor to indicate that the topmost sheet in the stack is at the proper elevation relative to the feed head assembly, even when advance of the stack supporting platform is required to maintain the top of the stack at the proper feeding location. Moreover, any unevenness (i.e., lack of flatness) in the sheets of the stack, such as sheet curl for example, has an adverse effect on the ability to properly locate the top of the stack relative to the sheet feed head assembly. This is due to the fact that the unevenness alters the actual location of the top sheet relative to the sheet feed head assembly when such sheet is first detected by the height sensor.

Control for a sheet stack supporting platform


This invention relates to a process for obtaining dry sodium aluminum hydride from a slurry containing the production products from a sodium aluminum hydride plant.

This invention relates to dry sodium aluminum hydride and a process for its manufacture
Sodium aluminum hydride, NaAlH.sub.4, is a powerful reducing agent and as such has numerous applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Commercially, sodium aluminum hydride, hereinafter SAH, is produced by "direct synthesis", that is, in accordance with the following reaction, EQU Na+Al+2H.sub.2 .fwdarw. NaAlH.sub.4.
The reaction occurs at elevated temperature and pressure, e.g. 285.degree. F. and 2000 psig, and in the presence of a rate promoting amount of titanium which is introduced to the reaction mass along with the aluminum. A catalyst, NaAlH.sub.2 (C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2, is also used. This catalyst can be produced in situ by the reaction of triethyl aluminum with the sodium, aluminum and hydrogen which are already in the reaction mass. The reaction takes place in a toluene reaction medium which forms a slurry with the SAH solid product. This slurry will also contain some aluminum, catalyst and by-product sodium aluminum hexahydride, Na.sub.3 AlH.sub.6. While the SAH product can be kept in the slurry for storage and shipping purposes it must be realized that the slurry is not stable in air and will react violently if it comes in contact with any moisture. Furthermore, the slurry is subject to settling-out, is not always the easiest medium to pump and, because of its liquid component, requires a large storage volume.
As an alternative, the SAH can be stored, shipped etc, in solution with a solvent, such as dimethoxy ethane. This technique answers some of the objections associated with a slurry, but still will require a large storage volume. Also, the use of such ether solvents presents a safety hazard as SAH forms an explosive mixture with ether solvents at relatively low temperatures.
Therefore, there is a need for an SAH product which can be stored, shipped and used safely without any of the problems associated with SAH slurries or solutions.

Process for preparing dry sodium aluminum hydride


To protect against flexure-induced failure of the conductors of an electrical cord terminated by an electrical connector, a strain relief in the form of an exterior collar is integrally formed with the connector in aligned relation with an exit opening in the connector body from which the cord emerges. The collar surrounds the exiting portion of the cord and is configured to provide longitudinally offset fulcrums for establishing longitudinally displaced flex points in the cord conductors depending upon the direction of flexure of the cord beyond the connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices and particularly to a strain relief for electrical cordsets.
2. Description of the Related Art
A particular problem that has historically plagued electrical cordsets is conductor breakage at a point adjacent the exit of the electrical cord from connectors electrically terminating the cordset. Particularly in the case of light duty cordsets where the conductor size is 18 gauge or smaller, the electrical cord is extremely flexible. During normal use, the cord is typically subjected to flexure-induced stresses concentrated at a point where the cord exits the electric connector terminating the cordset. At this point of connector exit, the cord is no longer constrained and thus is free to bend on an extremely small radius. During normal use over years of service, the cord is repeatedly flexed in opposite directions about opposed fulcrums where the connector engages the cord at the exit opening in the connector body from which the cord emerges. Consequently, the high stress in the copper conductors of the cord are concentrated at this exit point where flexure or bending begins. In time, the copper conductors can be fatigued to the point of breakage. The resulting loss of electrical continuity renders the cordset useless.
In recognition of the problem, manufacturers have resorted to using semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride molding materials for the connector so that a relatively flexible sleeve can be included to surround an extended portion of the cord exiting the connector. This strain relieving sleeve enforces a larger bend radius on the cord as it undergoes flexure. When the bend radius is increased, less stress is concentrated in the cord conductors at the initial flex point where the cord emerges from the sleeve. Thus, work hardening and fatigue of the cord conductors are reduced. However, the use of semi-rigid vinyl connectors with strain relieving sleeves has the disadvantage of added material and manufacturing costs and poor elevated temperature performance. Rigid plastic molded materials are preferable because of lower manufacturing and material costs and superior elevated temperature stability.
Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) have devised a safety/performance test that manufactured cordsets must pass in order to be listed. This test requires that a cordset undergo a 2500 cycle flex test which involves suspending a 4 oz. weight from the cord, while the connector is rotated through a 180.degree. sweep, 2500 times. The cordset passes, if at the end of this extremely rigorous test, the cord conductors retain continuity.


The invention relates to a method of producing a screening smoke which is one-way transparent in the infrared spectrum (780 nm-14.0 xcexcm) and opaque in the visible spectrum. According to the invention a known pyrotechnic screening smoke which is highly absorbent in the visible spectrum (380 nm-780 nm) is generated in the form of an aerosol, pyrotechnic scattered particles between 10 and 100 xcexcm in size are simultaneously produced in said aerosol, and the resulting two-component smoke is irradiated by an infrared radiation source (spectrum: 780 nm-14.0 xcexcm) from the smoke producer side.

The subject of the present invention is a process for the production of a screen smoke one-sidedly transparent in the infrared spectral range, whereby scattered particles of suitable size introduced into an aerosol are impinged against by means of infrared radiation so that there is given a strongly marked forwards scattering on the scattered particles. The aerosol itself consist of known screen smoke strongly absorbing in the visible range.
In the case of military deployment and also in the case of police deployment against barricaded prepetrators, is of considrable advantage when, for a short time, ones own change of position cannot be observed by the opponents. Since today an observation takes place not only in the visible range but also via IR and radar technology, in the past smoke-producing mixtures have been developed to a large extent which are brought as thrown bodies between ones own position and that of the opponent and there produce a local wall of smoke which slowly breaks up in the air or is driven away by the wind or are burnt in so-called smoke pots, whereupon the smoke cloud produced is spread out with the wind between ones own position and the position of the opponents (cf. EP 0 106 334 A2, DE 43 37 071 C1, DE 40 30 430 C1). Although such smoke screens give a very good protection not only in the visual but also in the infrared spectral range, they have the disadvantage that during the time in which the smoke is impenetrable (usually about 20-60 seconds), not only the smoke producer but also the opponent can change the position so that for a subsequent use not only the opponent must again ascertain his own position but one must oneself again also ascertain the position of the opponent. The smoke producer would, therefore, have a considerable tactical advantage when, during the effective phase of the artifical smoke, he could admittedly camouflage his own actions but, at the same time, could also follow the actions of the opponent and react thereon.
Therefore, the task forming the basis of the invention is to develop a one-sidedly transparent screen smoke.
The known screen smokes usually consist of aerosols of solid and liquid particles, whereby the size of the individual particles lie in the order of magnitude of the wavelength of the radiation to be weakened so that they are suitable for a scattering and absorption of the light.
From U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,010 is known a one-sided camouflage action in the visual range in the case of which such a mist cloud containing an absorbing aerosol is simultaneously produced with an aerosol cloud of particles which do not absorb the light but merely scatter, whereby the absorbing cloud in closer to ones own position and the scattering cloud to that of the opponent. In this way, the light coming from the opponent is less weakened than the light from ones own object observable by the opponent so that, in all, a residual light can be observed sufficient for the ascertainment of the opponent""s position. Insofar as both mist clouds mix with one another, the effects for both sides are the same so that the above advantage is lost. It is a disadvantage of this device that the simultaneous production of the two mist clouds at definite intervals from one another and to the discharge and target is difficult and, due to different local wind influences, the mist clouds are also additionally displaced against one another. Therefore, this manner of procedure is not suitable for practical use.
According to DE 196 01 506 A1, a one-sidedly permeable sight barrier is thereby achieved in that one brings to shining a per se transparent artificial mist, consisting of aerosol particles or gases, by radiation with electromagnetic radiation of appropriate wavelength (fluorescence, Raman scattering, diffuse reflection). Since this lighting up is an isotropic effect, i.e. also takes place on the side of the mist producer, a pulsed radiation source is used, the impulse frequency of which is adapted to the period of time of the emission effects.
By means of a closure, the detector of the mist user is shut off during the radiation time go that only electromagnetic radiation is detected in the radiation pauses. The radiation frequency is typically so high that the opponent sees a continuously emitting mist cloud. In order to prevent countermeasures of the opponent, the impulse sequence of the radiation source is modulated by an algorithm not known to the opponent. The disadvantages of this process are, on the one hand, the devices necessary for the laborious, expensive and susceptible exciting and detection process and, on the other hand, the toxicologically hazardous fluorescing substances in the mist cloud necessary for the radiation excitation.
Because of the discussed disadvantages (function of the one-sided vision barrier only in the case of ideal wind conditions not occurring in practice; requirement of a laborious and expensive detection process or presence of toxicologically hazardous substances in the aerosol cloud), neither of the two processes have hitherto been used in practice.
The invention solves the above-described problems in that there is produced a smoke one-sidedly transparent in the infrared spectral range with the features of the main claim. The solution is promoted by the means described in the subsidiary claims.
The producer of this smoke can carry out the detection of the opponent during the effective phase by means of suitable electronic sids (IR camera), whereas the sight not only in the visual but also in the infrared spectral range is removed from the opponent by irradiation of the LOS (line of sight).
The present invention uses a per se known smoke, impenetrable in the visual spectral range (xcex=380 nm-780 nm) but transparent in the infrared spectral range (xcex=780 nm-14.0 xcexcm), from an aerosol with particle size of 0.1-5 xcexcm which contains additionally produced scattered particles of a size of 10 to 100 xcexcm. This two-component smoke is irradiated with an IR radiation source from the side of the smoke producer.
In FIG. 1 is to be seen a schematic illustration of the configuration. For both sides, the visual spectral range is covered by the first smoke component 6. The irradiation with electromagnetic waves in the IR range, which is made available either by a high capacity lamp with appropriate filters or by means of a pyrotechnic radiator 2, brings about, in the case of the second smoke component, the produced scattered particles 5, a characteristic forwards scattering 7 of the IR radiation in the direction of the opponent 9, whereas the scattering back portion of the IR radiation remains negligibly small.
The so resultant irradiation in the direction of the opponent 9 prevents the observation of the smoke producer 1 by means of an IR camera (typical detection wavelengths: 8.0-14.0 xcexcm), whereas with the IR camera of the smoke producer 3, the observation of the opponent 9 is possible without problems.
In order to make clear the physical effects of the scattering of the IR radiation on the produced scattered particles 5 or the aerosol particles of the smoke components 6 covering in the visual spectral region, there were calculated radiation diagrams according to Mie""s scattered light theory. In contradistinction to the Rayleigh scattering, in the case of knowledge of the optical and geometric properties of the scattered particles (complex refractive index m (xcex); size parameter (x), this theory offers exact solutions for isotropic spheroidal scattered particles on any desired size.
Since most observation apparatus work in the wave-length range of 8.0-14.0 xcexcm, as reference wavelength there was chosen xcex=10.0 xcexcm.
As example for the size-adapted scattering centres, there is used a spheroidal-shaped quartz particle with a radius of r=20 xcexcm, whereby there is given the size parameter x of 12.57. The wavelength-dependent complex refractive index amounts to m(xcex)=2.67-0.05 i for xcex=10 xcexcm. The quartz particle is present in the centre of the polar diagram in FIG. 2. The incident electro-magnetic wave coming from 180xc2x0 is scattered. There is plotted the phase function P which is given as arithmetical middle value of the scattered light intensity l of the wave polarised vertically to the scattering plane and scattered light intensity 12 of the wave polarised parallel to the scattering plane. One recognises the extremely marked forwards scattering and the negligible intensity of the lateral or backwardly scattered parts.
Therefore, scattered particles with a radius of 5-50 xcexcm, i.e. a size of 10-100 xcexcm, are especially suitable for such an anisotropic scattering of IR light. Since it is only a question of the scattering size and not of the chemical composition, solid particles were preferably used which are not toxic or irritating to the respiratory tract and are envirnmentally compatible. Quartz or glass meal, organic or inorganic salts are especially suitable.
In order to demonstrate the scattering effect of the IR radiation on the cloud Components l, i.e. the aerosol particles, there are used data of a typical aerosol particle of a smoke exclusively effective in the VIS region, consisting of red phosphorus, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride for the scattered light analysis. After the burning, these form with the atmospheric moisture fine droplets which absorb the VIS light.
In the case of an assumed relative atmospheric moisture of 50%, the particle radius amounts ot 0.27 xcexcm, i.e. the size parameter x amounts to 0.17. The complex refractive index for xcex=10 amounts to m(xcex)=1.63-0.69 i.
FIG. 3 shows the corresponding radiation diagram. There is present an almost isotropic intensity distribution. The intensity of the scattered electromagnetic wave is smaller by two powers of magnitude than in the case of the quartz particles, i.e. in the case of irradiation with an IR light source, no one or two-sided cross-fading occurs.
The action factor of the scattering Qsca is defined as the ratio of optically-effective particle surface, the scattering cross-section Csca, to the geometric cross-sectional surface of the particle (in the case of spheroidal particles there applies Qsca=Csca/xcfx80r2), is, in the case of the chosen wavelength of xcex=10.0 xcexcm, in the case of quartz particles greater by the factor 104 than in the case of the aerosol particles of the smoke component l. Thus, the quartz particle produces an efficient and strongly directed scattering radiation of the incident electromagnetic wave in the direction of the opponent.
In order to achieve a complete camouflaging of the target object with regard to the heat image apparatus of the opponent, the difference of the radiation intensity of the target object and the radiation intensity of the background of the position of the detector must sink below a threshold value dependent upon the particular heat image apparatus. For the quantitative assessment of the detectability of the target object with the help of the IR camera of the opponent, one uses the contrast function c(r) dependent upon the distance r which is defined as                               c                                (            r            )                          =                                                            l                t                                                          (                r                )                                      -                                          l                b                                                          (                r                )                                                                        l              b                                                  (              r              )                                                          (        1        )
whereby lt(r) represent the intensity of the target at the distance r and lb(r) the intensity of the background at the distance r. The contrast detectable without attenuation by atmosphere or artificial aerosols is given by:                               c                                (            O            )                          =                                                            l                t                                                          (                O                )                                      -                                          l                b                                                          (                O                )                                                                        l              b                                                  (              O              )                                                          (        2        )
The intensity of the target object at the distance r amounts to
lt(r)=lt(O)xc2x7T(r)+lp(r)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3)
whereby T(r) is the transmission at the distance r and lp(r) is the sum of the intensity radiated into the LOS (e.g. forwards scattering on aerosol particles). Correspondingly, for the intensity of the background at the distance r, there applies:
lb(r)=lb(O)xc2x7T(r)+lp(r)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(4)
With equation (3) and equation (4), for the contrast function c(r) there is given:                               c                                (            r            )                          =                              c                                      (              O              )                                            l            +                                          [                                                                            l                      p                                                                                (                      r                      )                                                        /                                                            l                      b                                                                                (                      O                      )                                                                      ]                                                          [                                  1                  /                                      T                                                              (                      r                      )                                                                      ]                                                                        (        5        )

Method of producing a screening smoke with one-way transparency in the infrared spectrum


An elongated hollow fishing lure pouch is made of a relatively flexible elastomeric material having high memory retention and is operable by squeezing the ends of the pouch to open a slit extending lengthwise of the pouch for placement of a lure into and removal from the pouch. Hook and loop fastener tabs are provided on the pouch for attaching it to a fishing rod, thereby enabling the lure to be kept on the rod when not fishing or while transporting the rod. The pouch is deformable with one hand while enabling the other hand to be used for steadying the rod.

The sharp barbed tips of fishing hooks are well known for causing injuries to fishermen and snagging other things with which the hooks may come into contact. When the hooks are part of a lure having a body which is designed to attract fish, they oftentimes have multiple barbs, sometimes three or more to a lure. This makes handling a bit treacherous and increases the potential hazard of snagging, not only as a danger to a user, but also causing delays in whatever task was in progress at the time, since it frequently takes a considerable period of time to unsnag a hook from the object or person snagged.
It is known to provide covers for surrounding lures and enabling them to be retained on a fishing rod while not in use. One such cover consists of a molded hard plastic box which is large enough to contain the lure and also snap over a rod. It has a container section, a closable lid, usually a living hinge for the lid, and a snap means for retaining the lid in closed condition when containing a lure. The fishing line to which the lure is attached can extend laterally outwardly between the lid and container section, and presumably has the capability of preventing kinking of the line. While this version of lure protector is suitable, it would appear to require two hands to operate its being opened or closed to either remove or return the lure to the box and rod. This would complicate handling due to the necessity to lay down or prop up the rod and reel when ready to commence or discontinue fishing. This may be a necessity several times if the fisherman wishes to change from one location to another while stream fishing, and must walk through brush which poses a snag potential. The hard plastic also presents some risk of lure damage from jostling about in the box and the lure also has the possibility of its hook damaging the rod.
Another known cover is a flat rectangular flexible wrap with hook and loop fastener means such as the well-known Velcro around its outer edges. The wrap is made of a waterproof material normally not subject to being snaggable. By holding the wrap in the palm of his hand with the rod tying in its center and with the fastener means facing upwardly on each side of the rod, a fisherman can direct the rod to settle the lure onto one side of the wrap. Then, by bringing the other side of the wrap over and toward the tire, he can close his hand to cause the wrap to surround and fasten the lure to the rod. The sharp fish hook or hooks can directly contact and damage the rod and line unless the wrap is large enough to fully enclose the lure. At the time the wrap covers the rod, the fisherman must work his fingers around the outer edges of the wrap to assure that the lure, particularly its sharp barbs, is fully enclosed so as to remove any danger of snagging. Care must be taken to have a wrap which is large enough to surround the lure, and if the wrap is just large enough without much room to spare, the lure must be placed near perfectly within the wrap to avoid a hook sticking out of a side. It ordinarily requires two hands to remove the wrap when ready to begin fishing, necessitating either laying down or propping up the rod in order to do so.
Both of the above prior art devices are presently on the market, at least through catalog sales. They, as well as the design about to be described herein, typically come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the different sizes of lures used by an average lure fisherman.
In addition, a variety of lure protectors are known in the U.S. patent art. Some such devices which can be kept covered and on a fishing rod when not fishing are:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,208, cylindrical tube with slotted side for threading a line thereinto to capture a lure within the tube, and finger at the outer back end of the tube for entering a rod eyelet to enable slack removal from the line;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,014, flexible, resilient molded plastic material folds over a rod, line and lure, and has fasteners to connect the sides opposite the fold line;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,245, complicated hinged box which is fastened around the rod, lure and line;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,658, cover is wrapped about a lure and attaches to the rod by hook and loop fastener means;
U.S. Pat. No. 5.625,977, hinged box in the shape of a fish operates like a clothes pin to open and close the box; and
U.S. Design Pat. No. 275,338, hinged cylindrical lure protector covers lure.


A corona charger includes a case provided in the vicinity of a device to be charged. The case includes an opening facing the device, a discharge electrode, a first charging region, and a second charging region. The discharge electrode provided inside the case and supplied with a voltage so as to generate a corona discharge charges a surface of the device from the opening by supplying the corona discharge to the surface. The first charging region includes no grid electrode at a position upstream of the opening in a surface moving direction of the device. The second charging region includes a grid electrode to which a predetermined voltage is applied at a position downstream of the opening. The voltage applied to the discharge electrode is an alternating current (AC) voltage superimposed on a direct current (DC) voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary aspects of the present invention generally relate to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a facsimile, and a printer, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus including a corona charger.
2. Discussion of the Background
A corotron charger is known as an example of a corona charger. A corotron charger is formed of a metal case made of, for example, aluminum, having a cylindrical shape or a square-cylindrical shape with an open portion.
In substantially a center of the metal case, tungsten wires having a diameter of approximately 50 μm are suspended as a corona electrode.
Direct-current (DC) voltage, alternating current (AC) voltage, or AC voltage superimposed on DC voltage is applied to the corona electrode. DC voltage or ground voltage (0V) is applied to the metal case. When such voltages are applied to the corona electrode and the metal case, a so-called corona discharge occurs.
A device to be charged is disposed facing the opening of the metal case. Ions generated during corona discharge are supplied to the device so that the surface thereof is charged. An advantage of the corotron charger is that its structure can be simple and economical.
However, in order to satisfy growing demand for an electrophotographic device capable of outputting high-quality images, when the corotron charger is used as a charger for charging a photoreceptor serving as an image carrier which carries electrophotography, charge uniformity tends to be difficult to achieve.
For this reason, the corotron charger is less likely to be used as a main charger of the photoreceptor. Instead, the corotron charger is used for purposes such as discharge and adjustment of toner charging polarity.
A scorotron charger including a grid electrode is known as a corona charger having good charge uniformity compared to the corotron charger. The grid electrode is provided between the corona electrode and the photoreceptor as a device to be charged and is supplied with DC voltage or a grid voltage.
The scorotron charger is constructed in such a way that a part of corona discharge flowing from the corona electrode to the photoreceptor is supplied to the grid electrode to which the grid voltage is applied, so that the flow of the corona discharge flowing from the corona electrode to the photoreceptor is controlled. Accordingly, the photoreceptor is charged to a substantially similar if not identical potential as the grid voltage.
Therefore, this structure is advantageous in that it is easy to control the charge potential of the photoreceptor, and to achieve charge uniformity.
In order to maintain the grid electrode at a certain potential, a method in which a constant voltage passive component serving as a self-bias voltage applicator is connected to the grid electrode is known.
Compared to the corotron charger, this type of scorotron charger is advantageous in that the charge potential of the photoreceptor is easy to control.
However, in a case of a direct-current (DC) type scorotron charger, in which DC voltage is applied to the corona electrode, a potential fluctuation of approximately 10 to 50 V is likely to occur due to variations in atmospheric temperature and humidity.
Consequently, charge uniformity is not sufficient, and thus enhancement of charge uniformity is further desired.
In addition, in the scorotron charger, there is corona discharge which flows to the grid electrode rather than to the photoreceptor. Thus, compared to the corotron charger, the scorotron charger is inefficient.
Furthermore, when using the direct-current (DC) type scorotron charger for an extended period of time, the grid electrode is exposed to the corona discharge for an extended period of time. Consequently, the surface of the grid electrode is degraded, and/or a foreign matter adheres to the surface of the grid electrode.
The deterioration of the grid electrode surface causes the voltage to decrease so that the effective voltage of the grid electrode changes, resulting in fluctuation of the charge potential.
Consequently, uniformity of the charge potential of the photoreceptor is not sufficient over time.
In light of the above, use of an alternating-current (AC) type scorotron charger has been considered.
In the AC-type scorotron charger, the grid electrode is provided between the corona electrode and the photoreceptor as a device to be charged and is supplied with DC voltage or a grid voltage. The voltage, including the AC component with AC voltage superimposed on DC voltage, is applied to the corona electrode.
In the AC-type scorotron charger, the above-described drawbacks associated with the DC-type scorotron charger are remedied. Accordingly, a charger with good charge uniformity is achieved.
However, the AC-type scorotron charger has a drawback, in that high-speed charging ability is degraded because positive and negative corona discharges alternatively occur.
High-speed charging ability herein refers to a maximum moving speed of the photoreceptor which the charger can accommodate to charge to a desired charge potential when the traveling speed of the photoreceptor increases. High-speed charging ability may refer to a minimum width of an opening of the charger at which the charger can charge to a desired charge potential.
In order to remedy deterioration of high-speed charging ability in the AC-type scorotron charger, the voltage applied to the charger may be increased, or a width of an opening in the surface moving direction of the photoreceptor may be increased.
However, an increase in the applied voltage may cause the size and the cost of a power source to increase. Consequently, the size and the cost of an entire apparatus may increase accordingly.
Furthermore, when the width of the opening of the charger increases, a ratio of the charger to a circumference of the photoreceptor increases, increasing the size of the apparatus and limiting flexibility of parts allocation and location of devices near the photoreceptor.
In order to rectify the above-described problems, JP-H05-2988-A, for example, proposes a DC/AC double charger consisting of an AC-type scorotron charger connected to a downstream portion of a DC-type corotron or scorotron charger.
According to such a related art charger, the DC-type corotron or scorotron charger charges the photoreceptor to a certain level, and the AC-type scorotron charger evenly charges the photoreceptor. By taking advantage of characteristics of both the AC-type and DC-type chargers, a corona charger which satisfies both high-speed charging ability and the charge uniformity is attained.
However, the DC/AC double charger has a drawback, insofar as the width of opening of the charger further increases. In general, in order to stably generate the corona discharge, it is necessary to dispose the case and the grid electrode 5 to 10 mm away from the discharge electrode in the corona discharge charger.
Consequently, one side of the case needs to have a length of 10 to 20 mm. According to JP-H05-2988-A, two such charges having a similar if not identical size are needed, thereby doubling the space occupied by the two chargers near the photoreceptor.
As a result, such problems may arise as the size of the apparatus increases, and flexibility of parts allocation and the location of devices near the photoreceptor is significantly reduced. Furthermore, when there are more types of applied voltage, the size and the cost of the power source may increase, thereby causing the size and the cost of the entire apparatus to increase as well.
In order to facilitate an understanding of the background art, a description will now be given of an image forming apparatus such as a copier and a printer for a color image using electrophotographic processing that employs the above-described corona charger as a device for charging the photoreceptor.
Various types of image forming apparatuses forming a color image by overlapping a plurality of toner images on a photoreceptor are disclosed, for example, in JP-S63-172286-A, and JP-3646278-B and JP-3385008-B. The process employed by these image forming apparatuses is a so-called photoreceptor color overlapping method.
One example of such an image forming apparatus is equipped with a charger, an exposure unit, a plurality of developing units, a transfer unit, and a cleaning unit disposed around a photoreceptor. In the image forming apparatus, charging, exposure, and development are repeatedly performed for each different color so that a plurality of toner images are overlaid on one another on the same area of the photoreceptor.
Subsequently, the toner images are transferred onto a transfer sheet all at once and are fixed to produce a color image.
The image forming apparatus using the photoreceptor color overlapping method includes a single photoreceptor, and does not use an intermediate transfer member. Thus, the image forming apparatus of this type contributes to space saving and resource reduction.
In the image forming apparatus disclosed in JP-3646278-B, a charger, an exposure portion, and a developing unit are provided for each color around the photoreceptor.
Without rotating the photoreceptor for a number of times, a plurality of colors is overlaid on the photoreceptor. Therefore, the image forming apparatus of this type is advantageous in that high-speed image formation is made possible without reducing image forming speed.
However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in JP-3646278-B, since the charger, the exposure portion, and the developing unit are provided for each color around the photoreceptor, there is not much room around the photoreceptor. Thus, reduction of the size of the charger is an important issue in order to reduce the space occupied by the charger.
In the image forming apparatus of the photoreceptor color overlapping method, a non-contact type developing unit for a non-contact developing method is used.
In such a non-contact type developing unit for the non-contact developing method, a developer on a toner carrier and a photoreceptor are disposed facing each other in a non-contacting manner so that the toner image formed on the photoreceptor is not distorted during the subsequent developing process, in which a toner image to be overlapped later is developed.
Even if the non-contact developing unit is used, however, the amount of toner to be overlaid on the photoreceptor is reduced due to the toner image already being formed on the photoreceptor, leading to a reduction in the amount of toner to be overlapped.
One cause of this problem may be that the size of the electrical charge in the toner layer formed on the photoreceptor causes the potential after exposure not to decrease as much as the non-toner adhesion area. Consequently, the potential after exposure rises.
In order to solve this problem, JP-2782872-B proposes using a DC/AC-double charger consisting of an AC-type scorotron charger connected to a downstream portion of a DC-type scorotron charger during a process in which the photoreceptor is charged to a desired potential after the toner image of the first color is formed thereon.
In the image forming apparatus, the DC-type scorotron charger of the DC/AC-double charger temporarily charges the photoreceptor to a potential higher than the given potential, and the AC component of the downstream portion of the AC-type scorotron charger reduces the potential to the desired potential. Accordingly, the potential of the toner layer is reduced.
When such a method is used, it is possible to reduce the amount of the electrical charge of the toner layer, and to reduce the reduction in the amount of toner adhered to the toner images overlaid on one anther.
As described above, the AC-type scorotron charger with a large width of the opening and the DC/AC-double charger are effective as chargers that facilitate both high-speed charging ability and charge uniformity. However, the space which the charger occupies is most likely large.
When such a charger is utilized in the image forming apparatus using the photoreceptor color overlapping method as described above, there is less space around the photoreceptor. Therefore, an increase in the size of the charger is a problem.

Corona charger having two charging regions


Processes are disclosed for preparing piperidine derivative compounds of the formulae I, II or III:

Carebastine, 4-[4-[4-(diphenylmethoxy)-1-piperidinyl]-1-oxobutyl]-α,α-dimethylphenylacetic acid, is the carboxylic acid metabolite of ebastine, [4′-tert-butyl-4-(diphenylmethoxy)piperidino]butyrophenone.

Both compounds possess potent selective histamine H1-receptor blocking and calcium antagonist properties and exhibit similar utility to terfenadine and fexofenadine as potent non-sedating antihistamines useful in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,116 to Soto et al. describes preparation of piperidine derivatives related to carebastine by reacting the ω-haloalkyl substituted phenyl ketone with a substituted hydroxypiperidine derivative of the formula:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,130 indicates that ω-haloalkyl substituted phenyl ketones, wherein Z is hydrogen, are prepared by reacting an appropriate straight or branched lower alkyl C1-6 ester of α-α-dimethylphenylacetic acid with a compound of the following formula:
under the general conditions of a Friedel-Crafts acylation, wherein halo and m are described in column 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,129. The reaction is carried out in carbon disulfide as the preferred solvent.
It has been found that the Friedel-Crafts methods have two significant shortcomings: (1) only acyl halides or anhydrides can be used; (2) in the particular case of the fexofenadine intermediate phenyl ketones, a higher regioselectivity of the Friedel-Crafts acylation would be desirable.
In another approach, which is the subject of a series of patents to D'Ambra and others (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,589,487; 6,153,754 and 6,201,124), carebastine is synthesized by a regioselective method employing non-Friedel-Crafts acylation. The processes of the D'Ambra patents involve acylation of an aromatic ring at a position already para-substituted with a reactive species. Acylation can be carried out by a variety of techniques, including a butyl derivative acylating agent, a 4-(α,α-disubstituted)-toluic acid derivative acylating agent, or an organometallic coupling reaction. Since such procedures do not involve replacement of hydrogen on an aromatic ring, they are distinguished from electrophilic aromatic substitutions like the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction.
The present invention is directed toward an improved process for preparation of carebastine and related piperidine derivatives.


Systems and methods for generating a visually enhanced image of a digital document are disclosed. In one example, a method includes receiving, by a computing device, a selection of an original document to be viewed by a user; obtaining, by the computing device, visual annotations for the original document from a remote computing device, wherein the visual annotations indicate one or more visual effects parameters associated with one or more pages of the original document; determining, by the computing device, visual effects to be applied to one or more pages of the original document based on the visual annotations; and applying the visual effects to render, by the computing device, a visually enhanced version of the original document for viewing by the user.

The present invention relates generally to digital document viewing and, more particularly, to dynamically generating a visually enhanced image of a digital document.
Various computer program products exist that are configured to present an image or document to a user for viewing via a graphical user interface (GUI). Such products may include viewing tools that enable a user to manually adjust how a document appears to a viewer on a display screen. For example, a Portable Document Format (PDF) viewer may include various tools for adjusting how a PDF document is viewed, such as tools for changing orientation of the document, or zooming in or out of the document.
One type of image document is a First Notice of Loss (FNOL) document. Typically, in an insurance claim process, initial reports are submitted to an Insurance provider regarding a loss, damage, theft, or other injury of an insurance asset, and an FNOL document is generated. FNOL documents may include hand written text that has been converted to digital form, digital photos taken at the location of an incident, a collection of various reports, or combinations thereof. Typically, such documents can be neither recreated, duplicated or modified. In general, insurance flow processes take into consideration even minute information in the FNOL document to generate a decision on an insurance claim. Accordingly, business analysts may make use of content navigation software including a content renderer to render an image of the FNOL document for viewing on a display. The content navigator software may include content visual enhancement tools enabling a user (e.g., business analyst) to manually change display properties of the entire document as a whole, such as brightness, contrast, luminance, hue or gamma properties, to better read or view the content of the document.

Dynamically generating a visually enhanced document

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A network device. The network device includes a gateway switch to receive an incoming call and to identify a source of the call. A parser then receives a request associated with the incoming call and produces a parsed request. A message parser within the parser receives the request depending upon the source of the call. A policy switch then receives the parsed message and transmits the request to a policy processor based upon the parsed message.

1. Field
This disclosure relates to network devices, more particularly to network devices in used for authentication, authorization or accounting (AAA) and other administrative functions.
2. Background
Many networks use AAA servers to control access and accounting for network use. For example, a wholesale network provider that owns the physical network of wires and cables sells time on the network to an Internet service provider (ISP). Generally, there is an agreement between the wholesaler and the ISP that governs how many calls per a given time period, such as calls per second, that ISP gets for a particular level of service. The parameters of this agreement are typically contained in a service level agreement (SLA).
However, many SLAs are not enforced or are not enforced consistently. This leaves the wholesaler in the position of having to buy or lease extra equipment to handle the maximum call traffic, or fail to meet their obligations to one customer when another customer exceeds their SLA. As a solution to this, many wholesalers and ISPs use single point solution to provide an AAA server, enforce port policy management (such as the number of ports allowed for a given endpoint), as well as handle the routing of the incoming calls. An example of this type of network configuration is shown in FIG. 1.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the wholesale network AAA server 10 is accessed by equipment at several points-of-presence (POP), 12a-12n. This server then routes the AAA information to the various ISP AAA servers 14a-14n, as well as routing the incoming call. This single-point solution allows one network device, such as a server, to coordinate the port policy enforcement, enforce SLAs, and to provide AAA information to the correct data.
In current implementations, basic dial-up AAA administrative messages may be switched by an AAA proxy server. They act as a 'proxy' for the AAA servers, receiving AAA messages intended for more than one AAA server. The proxy server then routes the AAA message to the appropriate server.
However, as can be seen in FIG. 1, this single-point of either an AAA server or an AAA proxy server becomes a choke point in the network. If the system uses other resource management servers, these contribute to the traffic backlog at these single point implementations. This is further complicated as high-bandwidth-requirement services are desired, such as the ability to place voice calls over data networks as in Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.
VoIP, and similar voice services, may place a strain on the network if managed poorly. Many providers set out their service levels for voice versus data calls in their SLAs. This makes the enforcement of these agreements even more critical. Similarly, the high-bandwidth requirements of these types of services consume network resources, contributing to the network delays that may occur at the AAA servers.
It would be useful to have a method and apparatus that could separate the various enforcement issues, such as AAA, port policy enforcement and SLA management, from the routing of the traffic itself.


A client-server system which improves efficiency of each server by distributing loads to a plurality of servers having a plurality of storages for sequentially storing data which are distributed in each of the plurality of storages; a plurality of servers, each of which is connected to the plurality of storages, for accessing the data distributed and stored in each of the plurality of storages; an administration apparatus which is connected to the plurality of servers for administrating the data sequentially stored in the plurality of storages, and the plurality of servers; and a client which is connected to both the administration apparatus and the plurality of servers, the clients specifies a server which is connected to a storage where a head block of the data is stored by inquiring to the administration apparatus, and accesses the data in the plurality of servers according to the order of the data storage sequence from the specified server.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data storage/access system, and a data restoration system when a system fault occurs, in a client-server system which consists of a plurality of servers and clients inter-connected.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, an enthusiastic research and development have been achieved on a video server which stores a lots of video programs such as movies, and distributes moving pictures upon a demand from a client. In a conventional video server system, when a whole system needs extension due to lack of capacity of server computers, it has been solved by replacing the old ones with a higher performance server computer, or by increasing the number of server computers so that a load of processing is distributed over a plurality of server computers. The latter way of extending the system by increasing the number of server computers is effective in terms of work load and cost. A video server as such is introduced in "A Tiger of Microsoft, United States, Video on Demand" in an extra volume of Nikkei Electronics titled "Technology which underlies Information Superhighway in the United States", pages 40, 41 published in Oct. 24, 1994 by Nikkei BP.
FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a conventional video server system. The configuration of FIG. 31 comprises a network 1, server computers 2 which are connected to the network 1 and have a function as a video server, magnetic disk unit 3 which are connected to the server computers 2 and stores video programs, clients 5 which are connected to the network 1 and demand the server computers 2 to read out a video program. Each server computer 2 has a different plurality of set of video programs such as a movie stored in the magnetic disk units 3. A client 5 therefore reads out a video program via one of the server computers 2 which has a magnetic disk units 3 where a necessary video program is stored.
A conventional video server system where each one of a plurality of server computers stores a independent set of video program, the whole system is utilized efficiently when each demand on a video program is distributed to different server computers. However when a plurality of accesses rush into a certain video program, a work load increases on a server computer where this video program is stored, namely a work load disparity will be caused among server computers. Even if the other server computers remain idle, the whole capacity of the system has reached to the utmost level because of the overload on a capacity of a single computer. This deteriorates the efficiency of the whole system.
It is an object of the invention to provide a client-server system comprising a plurality of server computers in which a work load is distributed over the all of the plurality of server computers to improve the efficiency of the whole system, even if there is a rush of access to a certain program.
It is another object of the invention to increase the reliability of the system when a fault occurred on the system.

Client-server system with parity storage


In one embodiment, an electronic device comprises control circuitry. The control circuitry disables termination circuitry coupled to one or more input/output (I/O) signals of the electronic device during at least a portion of a relatively low frequency operation which causes insubstantial signal reflections at the I/O signals. The control circuitry re-enables the termination circuitry prior to the electronic device performing a relatively high frequency operation after completion of the low frequency operation, the high frequency operation causing substantial signal reflections at the I/O signals. The electronic device is a memory device in one embodiment. This way, the termination circuitry may be disabled during at least a portion of a refresh operation performed by the memory device and re-enabled prior to the memory device resuming normal operation (i.e., reads and writes) after completion of the refresh operation.

Many types of electronic devices such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, memory devices, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and the like typically terminate their input/output (I/O) signals to reduce signal reflections which occur at high frequencies. Reducing signal reflections reduces interference. An I/O signal is typically terminated by coupling the signal to a termination circuit such as a terminating resistor, which in turn is coupled to a termination voltage node. The termination circuit provides a termination voltage to the I/O signal which helps to reduce signal reflections at high frequencies. However, some electronic devices perform both high and low frequency operations where substantial signal reflections occur only at high frequencies and not low frequencies.
Take, for example, a conventional DRAM (dynamic random access memory) device. During normal operation such as reads and writes, its I/O signals operate at high frequencies to boost performance. Termination circuitry coupled to the I/O signals reduces interference caused by signal reflections which arise at high frequencies. DRAM devices also periodically perform a refresh operation to prevent data loss. The I/O signals of the DRAM device do not operate at high frequencies during a refresh operation. Instead, the I/O signals are typically held at a fixed voltage level while the refresh operation is performed.
One type of DRAM refresh operation is a self-refresh where the DRAM device is externally instructed to perform a refresh. For example, a GDDRx SDRAM (graphics double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory, version x) can be instructed to perform a self-refresh operation by driving its chip select (CS), row address strobe (RAS), column address strobe (CAS) and clock enable (CKE) input signals low and its write enable (WE) input signal high at the rising edge of the clock input. However, the CKE input signal is typically terminated at a high voltage level. This causes static current to flow between the termination node and CKE input signal during the refresh operation because the CKE signal is held at a voltage level different than its termination voltage. For some DRAM devices, the CKE input signal draws approximately half of the total current consumed by the DRAM device during a self-refresh operation due to the termination-to-signal voltage mismatch. Generally, any I/O signal of an electronic device having a termination-to-signal voltage mismatch during a low-frequency operation (i.e., an operation which does not cause substantial signal reflections) unnecessarily draws current during the low frequency operation.

Method and apparatus for selectively disabling termination circuitry


An arcuate building structure containing at least three five-sided building blocks, at least three six-sided building blocks, and said five-sided and six-sided building blocks are independently able to provide means for connecting one of said five-sided building blocks to at least one of said six-sided building blocks. The top side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape, and is substantially parallel to the bottom side of the six-sided block. The front side of the six-sided block has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. The right edge and the left edge have equal lengths and form equal angles with the bottom edge. The back side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape with at least two sides equal in length to each other. The left and right sides of the six-sided block are congruent with each other, are in the shape of a parallelogram, and contain a recess and projection within their borders. The five-sided block contains a top side with a substantially rectangular shape and a recess and projection disposed within such shape, a left and right side (each of which are congruent with the left and right sides of the six-sided block), and a front and back side (each of which are congruent with each other and with the back side of the six-sided block).

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,261,194, 5,329,737, and 5,560,151, a building structure is disclosed which is comprised of building blocks which are substantially triangular; the entire description of each of these United States patents is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification. This prior art building structure contains building blocks which require an independent key.
Furthermore, in this prior art structure, the key way, or recess, creates an undercut in the block which complicates its manufacture.
It is an object of this invention to provide a building block which can be more readily assembled than prior art building blocks.
It is another object of this invention to provide a building block which can be readily locked into tangential position of a radial structure upon assembly.
It is another object of this invention to provide a single type of building block which can be used variously for the construction of right circular cylinders, vaulted arches, straight vertical walls with vertical reinforcing ribs, and walls which are inclined slightly from the vertical, for use as a structural retaining wall.
It is another object of this invention to provide a novel interlocking radial structure which does not have an independent key and which can be made from a simple two piece mold without undercuts.


Transfer paper suitable for inkjet printing, provided, at least on the side to be printed, with a release or barrier layer, the layer having a porosity of at most 100 ml/min, and a method for manufacturing a transfer paper and a method for printing transfer paper with an inkjet printer with an aqueous dispersion of a sublimable ink.

The invention relates to transfer paper.
Transfer paper is used for printing textile and material provided with a polyester coating, in particular textile of polyester, and mixtures of polyester with other fibers. To this end, by means of common printing techniques (flexographic, offset, intaglio, or rotary screen printing), a pattern, design or printing image is applied to the paper. Depending on the printing technique, the ink is thin-fluid or in the form of a pasty mass. The ink or paste contains sublimable dye components. By means of heat, the sublimable components of the ink are subsequently transferred, in the transfer process, onto the surface that is eventually to be printed. In this process, the temperatures common for transferring the dyes are within the range of from about 170° C. to about 210° C. During the transfer of the dyes in the ink, by means of heat and pressure, a portion of the dyes often stays behind on the paper. The extent to which the sublimable dye is transferred from the paper onto the textile during the transfer process is referred to as transfer efficiency.
In the case of a barrier layer, this layer prevents the dyes of the ink from penetrating too deep into the paper. The layer may also be applied to the paper to ensure that the material that is applied to the layer can easily be given off again or removed otherwise. In this case, such layer is referred to as release layer. In many cases, the release and barrier function can be achieved by the same material.
Through the application of a release or barrier layer to the paper, less dye remains behind on the paper after the transfer printing process, which is economically advantageous. Suitable materials for this release or barrier layer are, in particular in the case of water-based inks, hydrophilic polymers such as carboxymethylcellulose. Through the application of the layer, the extent in which the dye is transferred from the paper onto the surface to be eventually printed is increased. The effect that the application of such layer has on the transfer efficiency of the dyes is, for instance, described in an article by Dr. U. Einsele and Prof Dr. Herlinger, Melliand Textilberichte, 7, 1987, pp. 487-494.
As a matter of fact, applying such barrier layer to the reverse side of the paper (hence not the side to be printed) is known for preventing the "ghosting effect." This effect occurs, inter alia, during the storage of the printed transfer paper. This storage is usually effected in rolls. Such paper with an anti-ghosting barrier generally has a porosity of about 200 ml/min.
The porosity is defined as the air permeability as determined according to the ISO standards. ISO standards applicable hereto are, inter alia, ISO standard 8791-2 for determining the roughness of the paper and ISO standard 5636-3 for the air permeability or porosity of the paper. This can be done with an L&W Bendtsen Tester of AB Lorentzen & Wettre, Kista, Sweden.
A drawback of the printing of paper, such as in this case transfer paper, by means of contact printing processes, and in particular a rotary screen printing process, is that a printing form has to be made, such as a screen or a template. The making of a printing form entails costs. These costs are as high for small batches (small lengths) or samplings as for great batches (great lengths). Consequently, for smaller lengths, samples and one-off designs, relatively high costs have to be made. For such utilizations, this generally renders the use of contact printing processes expensive.
Another possibility for the printing of transfer paper is the contactless printing process. In this process, a digital image is transferred onto the support material by means of an inkjet printer or another, for instance electrostatic technique. This technique has the advantage over the contact printing process that no templates, screens or other printing forms have to be used. When computer control (for instance DTP techniques) is used, it is possible to print an image directly onto the transfer paper.
Numerous publications are known relating to paper that is suitable for printing with an inkjet printer. Some of those will now be dealt with. For instance, European patent application EP-A 0 730 976 discloses a paper for an inkjet printer which is suitable for being printed with an ink based on a water-soluble dye which substantially contains carboxyl groups as hydrophilic functional groups, which paper does not contain calcium carbonate, while on at least the side of the paper that is to be printed, a water-absorbing pigment and an aqueous binder are provided as main components.
DE 19628342 describes a paper for inkjet printing provided with a synthetic layer which, after printing, can melt under the influence of heat to form a layer resistant to water and light.
DE 19604693 describes a paper for inkjet printing which comprises a layer containing pigment and binding agent, the pigment substantially consisting of bentonite and the binding agent consisting of a hydrophilic binder or a mixture thereof with a hydrophobic binder.
DE 19618607 describes a paper for an inkjet printer comprising a support material and a color-receiving layer, while on the color-receiving layer a layer is present built up from finely-porous cationic charge centers including inorganic pigments and/or fillers. The color-receiving layer may contain, inter alia, carboxymethylcellulose.
DE 19628341 describes a paper suitable for printing with an aqueous ink, in which a layer has been applied to a temporary support material, which layer consists of thermoplastic synthetic particles and a binder, while as binder, a carboxymethylcellulose can be used, inter alia.
EP 770729 describes a paper suitable for inkjet printing with water-based inks, in which dimensional instability is prevented by subjecting the paper, before the coating process, to a treatment which obviates the shrinkage caused by the coating process.
French patent specification 76022691 describes the composition of a water-based ink containing sublimable dyes, for printing transfer paper with an inkjet printer.
The inks for sublimation transfer printing that are used both in contact printing processes and in contactless printing processes can be water-based. Water-based inks are inks produced with water as main liquid component, in which the dye particles are dispersed in the liquid. To such inks, thickeners may be added to enable processing the ink as a pasty mass in, for instance, a rotary screen printing process. Inks as can be employed in the above-described processes typically contain dye particles having a particle size in the region around 0.1 μm.
A drawback of the use of water-based inks in a contactless printing process, in particular inkjet printing, is that the aqueous composition of the ink causes the different color areas to run into one another, so that a reduced color contrast is obtained. Consequently, as far as acutance of the image and contrast of the color areas are concerned, the result of the printing process is often of reduced quality. Also, the uniformity of the color areas may be adversely affected. This drawback of water-based ink occurs during the printing of known types of transfer paper by means of an inkjet printer. Paper types that are specifically suitable for inkjet printing are not suitable for the use as described hereinabove, either, inter alia because of an unduly low transfer efficiency.
Thickening the ink into a pasty mass, as in the contact printing process, does not apply to inkjet printing, because the ink can then no longer be jetted. With this, the problem concerning the flowing of the ink in the case of inkjet printing cannot be solved.
Hence, a dilemma is involved.
On the one hand, in a contact printing process, the flowing of the ink and the non-uniformity of the printed image can be prevented with a pasty ink, but this entails the higher costs of producing a printing form.
On the other, the costs of making a printing form can be avoided by a contactless printing process such as inkjet printing, but in that case, a thin-fluid ink is used and the ink can flow.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Transfer paper for printing with an inkjet printer

W.A. Sanders Papierfabriek Coldenhove B.V.


A kit (100) for constructing a support surface (10) for a sleeping person. The kit (100) comprises: an air-permeable layer (20) having at least one pair of opposing layer-edge portions stretchable at least in the direction between the layer-edge portions (11, 12, 13, 14) to form the support surface; at least one pair of parallel opposing frame sections (30, 32, 34, 36) fixedly disposable at a distance therebetween for forming at least a portion of a frame (15) supporting the support surface; at least a first of said frame sections (30, 32, 34, 36) comprising a layer-edge engaging portion (31, 33, 35, 37) configured for fixedly engaging a corresponding layer-edge portion (11, 12, 13, 14); and a tensioning mechanism configured for moving the layer-edge engaging portion (31, 33, 35, 37) together with the layer-edge portion (11, 12, 13, 14) relative to the opposing frame section (30, 32, 34, 36) to at least partially tension the air-permeable layer (20) between the frame sections (30, 32, 34, 36).

Sleep is considered to be a time of growth and rejuvenation for organisms. Teenagers and adults typically sleep between 6-8 hours per night, while children and the elderly often require more sleep and thus spend more time in bed. It is therefore important that the surface that one sleeps on, no matter what one's age, does not pose any risks for any health or physical harm.
One of the many aspects of infant care includes the position in which an infant should sleep. Based on current research, parents are advised to place a sleeping infant in a supine (face-up) position, as opposed to a prone (face-down) position, due to the possible risks involved with prone sleeping. These risks include suffocation, which may occur if air (oxygen) flow to the infant is obstructed. Such an incident is more likely when the infant is positioned in a manner wherein its mouth and nose are in close contact with or are enveloped by a soft mattress or a mattress cover. Similarly, in a prone position, the infant may breathe into a small unventilated space, so that it may inhale exhaled carbon dioxide for an extended period of time, which in a subset of infants can lead to asphyxiation and death.
Although the sleeping infant may be positioned in its crib or bed in a supine position, when the infant is strong enough to turn over by itself, it may change on its own to a prone position. In many cases, an infant may be strong enough to turn from a supine to prone position, but not the reverse. Thus, if an adult does not notice that the infant has turned over, the infant may remain in the prone position for an entire night.
It is therefore important that the surface upon which an infant sleeps is air-permeable to allow the infant to breathe naturally and fully without obstruction, even in a prone position.
The American Academy of Pediatrics [www.aap.org] discloses that a firm mattress is helpful in preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and in promoting child development. There have been various attempts by the prior art to overcome to problems associated with sleeping infants; however, they each have drawbacks or difficulties of their own.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,273 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,525 disclose different mattress assemblies for supporting a sleeping infant or child.

Support surface assembly and tensioning method for a sleeping person