A measuring instrument includes a display on which measurements are displayed. The display is provided by an organic electroluminescent panel or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic electroluminescence devices and includes: a display controlling section that displays a plurality of scale segment images at an equal interval and a pointer image at a position corresponding to the measurements among display areas displayed by the plurality of scale segment images; and a scale information input section that specifies at least one of the display areas and inputs scale interval information of the scale segment images on the specified area. The display controlling section includes a scale interval changing section that, based on the scale interval information, displays the scale segment images on the specified area commanded by the scale information input section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a measuring instrument. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measuring instrument including a display on which measurements are displayed.
2. Description of Related Art
A dial gauge is known as a measuring instrument for reading dimensions and the like of an object to be measured using a pointer and scales (see, for instance, Patent Literature 1: JP-A-2002-310601).
The dial gauge includes a spindle axially movable in a main body case and is configured to convert a displacement amount of the spindle to a rotary movement of the pointer via a magnification mechanism. The dimensions and the like of the object is measured by reading a rotation angle of the pointer from scales of a scale plate.
The scales are printed on an outer periphery of the scale plate at a predetermined interval. The scale interval is one factor for showing usability of the dial gauge. With a wide scale interval, the scales are easily read, whereas a stroke of the spindle per rotation of the pointer becomes short since the number of divisions in one round of the scale plate becomes small, thereby narrowing a measurement range. On the other hand, with a narrow scale interval, the measurement range can be enlarged since the stroke of the spindle becomes long per rotation of the pointer, whereas the scales are difficult to read.
Accordingly, in a typical dial gauge, an optimum scale interval is set in consideration of readability while ensuring a certain measurement range and is set entirely over the measurement range.
Since the optimum scale interval is set entirely over the measurement range in consideration of readability while ensuring a certain measurement range in a measuring instrument for reading dimensions of an object using the pointer and the scales as described above, disadvantages may occasionally occur.
For instance, for measuring a large variety of dimensions of a plurality of components, the measurement is possible since a relatively wide measurement range can be ensured. However, when the components have a small variety of dimensions and it is required to check whether or not the measurement value falls within a preset dimensional tolerance against the reference value, the scales are occasionally difficult to read within the range of the dimensional tolerance since the scale interval is set at an equal interval entirely over the measurement range.


A trigger assist system. The system utilizes a means to detect cycle progress of a pneumatic gun and communicates to a means to forcibly return the trigger to a released position. The trigger is forcibly released against the user's applied finger pressure allowing the gun to complete a cycle and come to position whereby the gun is ready to be fired, or cycled, again. The trigger assist system then relaxes the trigger allowing the user's applied pressure to again pull the trigger. In one embodiment, the means to detect cycle progress is a switchable pneumatic valve in communication with the bolt of the gun. In another embodiment, the means to detect cycle progress is an electronic circuit in communication with the trigger system. In one embodiment, the means to forcibly return the trigger to a released position is a pneumatic piston. In another embodiment, the means to forcibly return the trigger to a released position is an electronic solenoid. In another embodiment, there is also a means to control cycle speed. In one embodiment, the means to control cycle speed is an adjustable flow controller in communication with the bolt.

Semi-automatic pneumatic guns are well know in the firearm arts. A well known type of pneumatic gun is the paintball gun. The paintball gun is a pneumatic gun that propels gelatinous balls filled with a marking paint, called paintballs. Paintball guns are generally used for recreational purposes including mock battles where the idea is to shoot the opposing team members. The paintballs break when they strike an opponent and mark the opponent with the paint. Another common use for paintball guns is the marking of cattle by ranchers for identification.
There are two basic types of pneumatic paintball guns: open bolt and closed bolt. The bolt is the part of a gun that moves the ammunition into the barrel of the gun, in this case the ammunition being a paintball. In the open bolt system, the bolt is normally in the rearward position. When the trigger is pulled, the bolt moves forward pushing a paintball into the barrel of the gun. A blast of propellant then pushes the paintball out of the gun. The propellant is usually CO.sub.2, compressed air or nitrogen. The bolt is then returned to the rearward, or open, position awaiting the next pull of the trigger.
In the closed bolt system, the bolt is normally in the forward position with the paintball already in the barrel. When the trigger is pulled, a blast of propellant pushes the path. When the bolt reaches the fall rearward position, it slides forward and pushes the paintball into the barrel. It remains in the forward position with the paintball in the barrel until the trigger is pulled again.
A non-semiautomatic firearm, also known as pump action or bolt action, would require the user to manually move the bolt after each pull of the trigger. A semi-automatic firearm is one in which a full cycle of the bolt is accomplished by each pull of the trigger; a full cycle being both firing and reloading of the ammunition. A fully automatic firearm is one in which the bolt will continue to fully cycle until the trigger is released. Pneumatic guns, such as paintball guns, are also available as automatic, semi-automatic or non-semiautomatic versions.
Pneumatic guns, especially paintball guns, have been the subject of many patents. Most of the prior art relates either to conversion of non-semiautomatic guns to semi-automatic guns or to improvement in the bolt action and propellant delivery systems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,137 to Fusco demonstrates a method of converting a non-semiautomatic paintball gun to a semi-automatic gun. U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,282 to Dobbins et al. demonstrates a "gas powered gun" that can either be non-semiautomatic or semiautomatic within the same gun.
One of the limiting factors of semi-automatic firearms and pneumatic guns is the users ability to continually pull the trigger in a rapid manner when higher rates of fire are desired. Human finger speed can be quick for only a short period of time and would not be continually uniform. The use of a fully automatic gun is often cost prohibitive and fully automatic guns are sometimes not allowed in paintball tournaments. Fully automatic guns also have complicated internal mechanisms which make them more prone to jamming and breaking and makes them harder to fix. The prior art has not addressed these issues. Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is room in the art for significant improvement on the prior art with regard to the trigger action. The present invention addresses these needs.


A steering system with an actuating device (1), in particular a rear axle steering system, having a spindle drive (3) with a spindle (5) and a spindle nut (4) which is fitted into the housing (2) of the steering system in a positionally fixed but rotatable manner and is driven by an electric motor (9). The electric motor (9) is a vernier motor that drives the spindle drive (3) and is integrated in the spindle drive (3). The actuating device (1) is used for a rear axle steering system of a motor vehicle.

Steering systems with actuating devices having a threaded spindle for axial displacement are known in a variety of designs. In a first version according to JP 2002079947 A2 for steering the wheels on a front axle, a so-termed vernier motor is used, which by virtue of a special structure and the control of numerous coils produces a high torque while occupying little fitting space. This spiral drive is arranged at the end of a steering gear system, whereby the steering has a large axial extension and therefore takes up a lot of space.
The structure and advantages of a vernier electric motor are described in DE 60204965 T2 with various applications in mind.

Steering system with an actuating device, and use of the steering system with actuating device


A system and method are provided herein for designing and transmitting RF pulses which cause a reduced off-resonance magnetization transfer saturation. An RF pulse shape may be optimized according to a set of Bloch solutions defining a desired magnetization profile. An RF pulse may be transmitted according to this optimized shape according to a k-space trajectory which traverses a high amplitude portion of the RF pulse more times than one or more low amplitude portions. In addition, a generally alternating slice select gradient may be applied during transmission of the RF pulse.

The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging, and more specifically, to a system and method designed to reduce the effects of magnetization transfer on image quality and resolution. By transmitting tailored RF pulses according to particular k-space trajectories, the transfer of magnetization from excited nuclei in a desired slice to nuclei of neighboring slices may be reduced.
When a substance such as human tissue is subjected to a uniform magnetic field (polarizing field B0), the individual magnetic moments of the spins in the tissue attempt to align with this polarizing field, but precess about it in random order at their characteristic Larmor frequency. If the substance, or tissue, is subjected to a magnetic field (excitation field B1) which is in the x-y plane and which is near the Larmor frequency, the net aligned moment, or "longitudinal magnetization", MZ, may be rotated, or "tipped", into the x-y plane to produce a net transverse magnetic moment Mt. A signal is emitted by the excited spins after the excitation signal B1 is terminated and this signal may be received and processed to form an image.
When utilizing these signals to produce images, magnetic field gradients (Gx, Gy, and Gz) are employed. Typically, the region to be imaged is scanned by a sequence of measurement cycles in which these gradients vary according to the particular localization method being used. The resulting set of received NMR signals are digitized and processed to reconstruct the image using one of many well known reconstruction techniques.
One factor affecting the strength and/or signal to noise ratio (SNR) of these NMR signals is known as "magnetization transfer." Magnetization transfer is the exchange of magnetization between macromolecular or "bound" protons and bulk or "free" protons, most prevalent in water. This exchange can occur, for example, by dipolar interaction or chemical exchange between different tissue types and molecules. Magnetization transfer is generally proportional to transmit power, though it also depends upon other conditions. Since the T2 times of bound protons are generally much shorter than the T2 times of free protons, it can be difficult to directly acquire MR signals from bound protons. Therefore, some processes, typically referred to as "magnetization transfer imaging" (MTI) techniques, use the degree of interaction between bound protons and free protons as an image weighting.
Frequently, however, magnetization transfer can have an adverse effect on image quality and/or SNR of non-MTI imaging. When an RF pulse is applied at a resonant frequency for a given slice, nearby off-resonant bound protons can become saturated due to magnetization transfer. The extent of saturation is dependent upon several factors including the type of tissue of interest, the T1 of the tissue of interest, the T2 of nearby bound spins, and the rate of exchange of magnetization therebetween, but often extends about 10 kHz on either side of the selected slice. The saturation of the off-resonant bound protons can then transfer to free protons of the slice to be imaged, further affecting signal quality. Conversely, when tissues having many bound protons are to be imaged (such as white matter), magnetization transfer can reduce the amount of net magnetization in the tissue(s) of interest and affect the imageability thereof.
One type of pulse which may limit transmit power (SAR), as compared to a conventional sinc pulse, is known as a variable rate selective excitation (VERSE) pulse. VERSE pulses are typically employed as a technique for reducing peak and total power over a high amplitude portion of a pulse sequence. These pulses are usually derived from an RF pulse conventionally shaped for a desired flip angle, duration, and bandwidth. However, the higher amplitude portions of the pulse are then reshaped to reduce peak and total power. As shown in FIG. 1, a VERSE pulse 2 is generally characterized by a lengthened or stretched main lobe 4 that is significantly longer than other lobes 6 of the pulse. Although the RF power is reduced, it is spread over a larger region. As a result, though the MT effect is reduced over the 10 kHz on either side of the slice select location, there are more spins being affected and thus more aggregate MT within that band. During the stretched mainlobe 4, the slice select gradient 8 is reduced. This has the effect of spreading the MT effect over a wider extent in the slice select direction, acting to increase the cumulative MT effect in a multi-slice sequence. This spreading effect mitigates the previously mentioned lowering of MT effects. Thus while VERSE pulses lower SAR, they are still prone to producing MT effects in multi-slice acquisitions, and may therefore produce poor signal quality in certain circumstances.
It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method capable of reducing the occurrence of off-resonance magnetization transfer saturation while maintaining a high signal quality and acceptable specific absorption rate (SAR) for MR imaging.

MR imaging with an RF pulse producing reduced magnetization transfer

Catholic Healthcare West, California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation


The present invention relates to stabilized compositions, preferably in the form of oil-in-water emulsions, for imparting an artificial tan to human skin. The water phase of these compositions contains dihydroxyacetone and at least one alkyl hydroxyalkylcellulose or derivative thereof. The oil phase contains at least one fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. The weight ratio of fatty acid or fatty acid derivative to alkyl hydroxyalkylcellulose is most preferably from about 10:1 to about 5:1. In further embodiments, these emulsion compositions contain one or more sunscreens, and are also useful for protecting human skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation.

It is generally known that dihydroxyacetone, when applied topically to human skin, will produce a tanned appearance, i.e. an artificial tan. U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,865, to Turner, issued Nov. 24, 1987 describes the use of hydro-alcoholic solutions of dihydroxyacetone for tanning the skin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,805, to Welters, issued Aug. 21, 1984 describes hair and skin coloring formulations containing dihydroxyacetone; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,949,403, to Andreadis et al., issued Aug. 16, 1960 describes artificial tanning formulations containing dihydroxyacetone in an oleaginous base. However, it is also known that emulsion products containing dihydroxyacetone have a short shelf life, tending to darken and develop disagreeable off-odors over time with a concomitant loss of emulsion integrity. Dihydroxyacetone is relatively sensitive to heat, light, moisture, and alkaline pH. Dihydroxyacetone can react with other ingredients in a formulation, especially with nitrogen-containing compounds, such as amines, amino acids, and the like. In fact, without being limited by theory, dihydroxyacetone is believed to provide an artificial tan to human skin by its reaction with the nitrogen containing proteins of the skin. See L. Goldman et al., "Investigative Studies with the Skin Coloring Agents Dihydroxyacetone and Glyoxal", The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 35, pp. 161-164 (1960); and E. Wittgenstein et al., "Reaction of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) with Human Skin Callus and Amino Compounds", The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 36, pp. 283-286 (1961).
Currently available artificial tanning products have the disadvantage of not providing the desired control over color development of the tan. Artificial tans are often either too light or too dark, and tend to be too orange, uneven, or unnatural in appearance. Furthermore, artificial tans tend to take too long to develop, and once obtained, tend to fade too quickly and unevenly. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide dihydroxyacetone containing products which are chemically and physically stable, which are aesthetically pleasing, and which overcome these color development limitations.
A sun-tanned appearance is a symbol of a healthy, dynamic, and active life. Yet, the damaging effects of sunlight and artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation on the skin are well documented. Furthermore these effects are cumulative and potentially serious. These effects include erythema (i.e. sunburn), skin cancer, and premature aging of the skin. These adverse effects associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation are more fully discussed in DeSimone, "Sunscreen and Suntan Products", Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 7th Ed., Chapter 26, pp. 499-511 (American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C.; 1982); Grove and Forbes, "A Method for Evaluating the Photoprotection Action of Sunscreen Agents Against UV-A Radiation", International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 4, pp. 15-24 (1982); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,089, DePolo, issued Jun. 7, 1983; the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Sunscreens are the most common agents used for sun protection. However, sunscreens also have the disadvantage of preventing or greatly diminishing the cosmetically desirable tanning response. Thus, if an individual uses a sunscreen for protection from ultraviolet radiation, he or she is forced to forego a tanned appearance. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, and yet at the same time deliver a tanned appearance to the skin.
Furthermore, even if an individual is willing to accept the risks associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation in order to obtain a tan, there are situations in which it may not be practical or even possible to do so because of time constraints, weather conditions, time of day, season of the year, geographic limitations, unavailability of an artificial ultraviolet radiation source, and the like. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide products that can deliver a tanned appearance whenever desired without the need for ultraviolet radiation.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a dihydroxyacetone containing emulsion for delivering both an artificial tan and also for providing protection from ultraviolet radiation. The combination of 3% dihydroxyacetone with 0.25% lawsone as a sunscreen active combination is described in the Federal Register, Vol. 43, No. 166, pp. 38206-38269, Aug. 25, 1978, this reference being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, this combination is unsuitable for high SPF products. Furthermore, lawsone is a high melting bright yellow solid which is difficult to formulate and which is not readily available from suppliers in the United States. U.S. Pat. No. 3,177,120, to Black et al., issued Apr. 6, 1965 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,434,154, to McShane, issued Feb. 28, 1984 disclose dihydroxyacetone containing formulations which also incorporate a sunscreen. The '120 patent teaches compositions limited to the use of a single sunscreen not containing active amino groups (e.g., either homomenthyl salicylate or 2-ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamic acid); the '154 patent is limited to the use of octyl dimethyl PABA. However, homomenthyl salicylate is a very weak sunscreen unsuitable for use in products designed to deliver a high sun protection factor (i.e. SPF). Similarly, it is difficult to deliver high SPFs using either 2-ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamic acid or octyl dimethyl PABA, alone. Furthermore, due to growing consumer concerns over the use of PABA and PABA esters in sunscreen products, it would be preferable to develop dihydroxyacetone containing products which do not contain PABA and PABA derivatives. Therefore, the need exists for stabilized products which are effective for providing an artificial tan and which also provide adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide emulsion compositions for imparting an artificial tan to human skin. Another object of the present invention is to provide emulsion compositions for imparting an artificial tan which exhibit a high degree of chemical and physical stability. A further object of the present invention is to provide stabilized emulsion compositions which are aesthetically appealing to consumers. A still further object of the present invention is to provide compositions for both imparting an artificial tan to human skin and also for protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation. It is an even further object of the present invention is provide a method for artificially tanning human skin. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for both artificially tanning human skin and for providing protection against ultraviolet radiation.
These and other objects of this invention will become apparent in light of the following disclosure.

Composition and method for imparting an artificial tan to human skin


A new variety of carnation named ‘KLEDP09102’ particularly characterized by its nearly white flowers having a purple-pink center, a medium growth habit, and upright flower stems, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of carnation botanically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name 'KLEDP09102'. 'KLEDP09102' was discovered as a seedling resulting from a cross conducted in June 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany between the proprietary female carnation plant, 'DCP 03 010' (unpatented) and the proprietary male carnation plant, 'DCP 03 212' (unpatented). A single plant selection was subsequently chosen for further evaluation and for asexual propagation.
The new variety was first propagated via vegetative cuttings in July 2005 in Stuttgart, Germany and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by vegetative cuttings in Stuttgart, Germany for approximately seven to eight generations. 'KLEDP09102' has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations via vegetative cuttings.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have not been applied for. 'KLEDP09102' has not been made publicly available or sold more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.


A grading control system using an excavator is disclosed, which determines and controls an operation amount of an attachment by combining an estimated pose of the attachment and an operator's operation signal of a joystick when a working mode for grading the ground is selected. The grading control system using an excavator includes an actuator connected to a hydraulic pump, an attachment driven by the actuator, a control valve shifted to drive the actuator, an electric joystick, a pressure detection means, a means for setting a working mode, and a controller, and repeatedly performs receiving a joystick operation signal value, a pressure value of an arm cylinder, and information on whether to set the working mode, calculating an external force that is applied to the attachment by the pressure value generated in the arm cylinder if a grading mode is selected, estimating a pose of the arm by the calculated external force value, performing a signal process by filtering the pose of the arm, and calculating operation amounts of a boom and the arm by combining the estimated pose of the arm and a control signal value according to an operator's operation of the joystick and proceeding to an initial stage.

In general, in the case of performing a grading work using an excavator, it is required for a skilled operator having a long operating experience to perform an appropriate operation to linearly control the trace of a bucket end due to a complicated link structure of an attachment, such as a boom or an arm. In order to smoothly perform such an operation, automation technology to control the track using an angle sensor for measuring the pose of the attachment or a cylinder displacement sensor has been attempted.
Such automated grading work requires high costs, and during the automated grading operation, the operation of the attachment is limited to a set speed regardless of an operator's operation amount of the attachment. Further, if an operator simultaneously performs another type of work, it is necessary to repeatedly change the automated function setting and automated function release every time, and thus the operator's work fatigue is increased and the work efficiency is lowered.

System for controlling land leveling work which uses an excavator


A liner (100) and closure (106) are provided for being initially assembled and subsequently installed on a container (104) of a product to create a package (107, 107A). The liner (100) is provided for being disposed between, and sealed to, the container (104) and the closure (106) mounted thereon. The liner (100) includes a metallic substrate layer (200) that is an aluminum alloy and that is located between first and second heat-sealable layers (212, 200), respectively. The liner (100) has a through hole (252), and the metallic substrate layer (200) has a laterally inward edge surface (210) that is exposed at the through hole (252).

Closures are employed to selectively prevent or permit communication between the exterior and interior of a system (e.g., machine, equipment, containment system (including bottles and pouches), etc.) through an opening in the system. A closure specifically designed for dispensing a fluent substance may be described as a dispensing closure. One type of closure includes at least (1) a receiving structure (e.g., a body, base, fitment, etc.) located at an opening to the system interior, and (2) a closing element (e.g., a lid, cover, overcap, pivotable disc top type actuator, etc.) that is cooperatively received by the receiving structure.
In one type of closure, the receiving structure is a separate structure that (a) can be attached at such a system opening, and (b) defines at least one access passage through the receiving structure for communicating through such a system opening with the interior of such a system.
The closing element is typically movable relative to the receiving structure access passage between (1) a fully closed position occluding the access passage, and (2) an open position at least partially exposing the access passage. Some closures may include additional elements (e.g., tamper-evident features, locking elements, etc.).
Some closures are specifically intended for being attached to an open end or mouth of a container that contains contents such as a product. In such a case, the closure, container, and product together define a "package". The product may be a fluent product, as well as a non-fluent product.
A container closure can be conveniently molded or otherwise manufactured from a suitable material (e.g., a thermoplastic material). Such a container closure typically has a receiving structure in the form of a hollow body that, when installed at the open end of the container, defines an opening ("access passage") through the body to the container interior. Such a closure typically includes a closing element in the form of a lid (which may or may not be hingedly mounted on the closure body) that can be lifted up or otherwise moved to provide communication through the closure body opening ("access passage") with the container open end and container interior.
For some types of products, it can be desirable to provide a closure that incorporates a valve in addition to, or as part of, a closing element. Such a valve typically has (1) a closed (typically unpressurized) condition for occluding the opening ("access passage") in the hollow closure body; and (2) an open (typically pressurized) condition for allowing product to be dispensed from, or accessed within, the container interior through the opening ("access passage") in the hollow closure body.
With some closures, a "liner" in the form of a disc of material may be disposed between, and bonded or otherwise attached to, both a portion of the closure receiving structure (e.g., body) and the upper end of the container across the container opening ("mouth") to provide a tamper-evident seal and/or a substantially permanent seal between the closure and the container. Such a seal may also prevent or minimize out-leakage of the product to the ambient environment or in-leakage from the ambient environment of atmospheric gases or other substances (which could be liquid, solid or gaseous contaminants). Some liners may be manufactured by providing a sheet of liner material having a metallic substrate layer, and punching or stamping the sheet of liner material to create a generally annular configuration or other configuration having a through hole that is defined by one or more cut edges that are exposed to the open interior of the container. Such exposed liner edges may come into contact with the contained product. The U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,423 discloses such a liner wherein the metallic substrate layer (e.g., aluminum foil) is sandwiched between, and attached to, two outer, heat-sealable thermoplastic layers. The metallic substrate layer of the liner functions to heat up in an induction heating system through which the assembly of the closure, liner, and top end of the container pass so as to fuse and heat seal (bond) each of the two, outer, heat-sealable layers to a respective one of the closure body and container.
Although a metallic layer is not required in a liner that is to be installed using other processes such as adhesive or conduction heat bonding (instead of induction heat sealing), such other bonding processes could be employed even with liners that have a metallic substrate layer (that in such an application would not serve an induction heating function). In any event, the inventors of the present invention note that if a liner with an exposed inner edge metallic substrate layer is used in a closure/container assembly, then the exposed metallic substrate layer edge could undesirably contact the contained product as explained below.
The inventors of the present invention note that a liner having a through hole with an exposed edge metal component (e.g., an aluminum substrate layer) could be used on a container of a product, and over time the metal could be oxidized or otherwise corroded by the product (e.g., an acidic or salty product (e.g., ketchup, salad dressing, etc.)). That could create undesirable reaction by-products or cause undesirable changes to the product (e.g., discoloration, taste changes, etc.) when the exposed metallic substrate layer edge interacts (e.g., reacts) with the product over time. Indeed, the inventors have noted that such a metallic substrate layer can become oxidized or otherwise corroded after contact with the product or with gases evaporating from the product. Such corrosion can result in a visually unappealing appearance, as well as other undesirable changes to the product, including changes in taste or other characteristics.
The inventors of the present invention have determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved metallic substrate layer liner having a through hole defined by a cut edge, and a package using the improved liner, wherein the liner can be disposed between, and sealed to, a container and closure whereby the amount, if any, of the above-described undesirable reaction by-products and/or changes to certain products packaged within the container would be insufficient to be noticeable or objectionable to the user over the useful life of the package.
The inventors of the present invention have also noted that use of such heat-sealable liners having a metal component (e.g., aluminum) may allow the closure to be too easily removed completely from the container and allow undesirable access to the container interior through the open mouth of the container. For example, such a possibility of closure removal is not desirable with some packages wherein the closure closing element is openable to permit the dispensing of the product at only a low flow rate, and the package supplier does not want a user to be able to quickly remove a large quantity of the product from the package or refill the package. The inventors of the present invention have determined that in such applications, it would be advantageous to provide an improved liner, and a package using the improved liner, wherein the improved liner can be disposed between, and sealed to, a container and closure such that the closure could not be easily removed from the container without applying a very high removal torque to the closure and/or causing damage to the liner and/or closure and/or container.
Further, the inventors have determined that the use of such an improved liner should advantageously be readily employed with conventional container finishes (e.g., threads or snap fit beads) and conventional closure mating configurations so that the closure and/or container need not be manufactured with special structural features (e.g., anti-rotation abutments) that otherwise might be necessary to inhibit removal of the closure.
Additionally, the inventors have determined that it would be desirable to provide an improved heat-sealable liner, an assembly of the liner and closure, and a package using such an assembly so that the package could be made without requiring the application of such high amounts of induction energy that would damage or weaken the liner components in a way that would adversely affect the function of the liner and/or reduce the corrosion resistance of the liner's metal component.
The inventors have invented an improved, innovative liner and package using the improved liner, as well as an assembly of a closure and improved liner, wherein the liner can be installed with the closure on a container to provide a package which addresses the above-described problems, and which provides a solution not heretofore contemplated in the packaging industry or suggested by the prior art.

Liner for a container closure and package using the closure and liner


A controller for an electric power distribution system includes processing circuitry and a memory that includes instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to determine that a first switch of the electric power distribution system is a primary switch communicatively coupled to an intelligent electronic device (IED) of the electric power distribution system, determine that a second switch of the electric power distribution system is a backup switch communicatively coupled to the TED, and distribute a first copy of a security association key (SAK) to the first switch and a second copy of the SAK to the second switch in response to determining that the first switch is the primary switch and the second switch is the backup switch to enable the first switch and the second switch to establish respective media access control security (MACsec) communication links with the IED.

This disclosure relates to systems and method for establishing a secure communication link between devices of an electric power distribution system. In particular, this disclosure relates to establishing a backup secure communication link between the devices.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of any kind.
Electric power distribution systems carry electricity from a transmission system to residential communities, factories, industrial areas, and other electricity consumers. An electric power distribution system may include various intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) that may communicate with other devices of the electric power distribution system during operation of the electric power distribution system. For example, the IED may receive and/or transmit a signal and/or data in order to perform a functionality, such as to control a circuit breaker in response to electrical measurements of the electric power distribution system. Secure communication links between the IED and other devices of the electric power distribution system are used to enable the devices to securely communicate with one another. During operation, however, an established secure communication link between the IED and another device may become unavailable. As a result, the IED may not be able to communicate with the other device until another secure communication link has been established between the IED and the other device.

Systems and methods for establishing a backup secure communication link in an electric power distribution system

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.


A carrier phase synchronizing circuit is disclosed, that comprises an AFC loop and a PLL, the AFC loop including an AFC complex multiplexing device, an LPF, a PLL complex multiplying device, a phase detector, a loop filter, an AFC filter, and a NCO, the PLL including a PLL multiplying device, a phase detector, a PLL filter, and a NCO. A loop range, a frequency control width, and a control time interval of each of the AFC filter and the PLL filter are controlled corresponding to a time change amount of the frequency error that is detected in the PLL.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a carrier phase synchronizing circuit, in particular to, a carrier phase synchronizing circuit for use with a demodulator for receiving a modulated wave that is used for a communication system such as a non-stationary satellite of which a carrier frequency largely fluctuates.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a satellite communication system of which a burst signal of for example a voice signal should be transmitted on real time basis, the phase of the burst signal that is sent from an earth station, a satellite, or a terminal unit should be synchronized at high speed. However, the carrier frequency has an offset due to a Doppler shift, a drift of the local oscillator of the earth station or the satellite. The offset of the carrier frequency adversely affects the establishment of the synchronization of the carrier frequency. Conventionally, the synchronization of the carrier frequency against the offset is established by the following method.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a carrier phase synchronizing circuit using a conventional primary phase synchronizing loop (or phase lock loop PLL). The phase of a quasi-coherently detected output signal and the phase of an output signal of a voltage controlling oscillator (VCO) 20 that oscillates in accordance with a control voltage are compared by a phase comparator 17. An output signal of the phase comparator 17 is supplied to a phase detector 18. The phase detector 18 outputs phase error information. The phase error information is smoothed (filtered) by a low pass filter of a loop filter 19 and a output of the loop filter 19 supplied as the control voltage to the voltage controlling oscillator 20.
In the case that a receive signal contains an angular frequency offset .DELTA..omega. (=2.pi..DELTA.f) of a carrier frequency, if the phase detector 18 with sine wave characteristics is used, a non-linear differential equation of first order that represents the response of a phase error .theta..sub.e (t) following expression is given by the following formula. EQU d.theta..sub.e (t)/dT=.DELTA..omega.-K sin .theta..sub.e (t)(1)
where K is a loop gain. To allow the phase of the carrier frequency to be synchronized and the carrier frequency to be stable, the following relation should be satisfied. EQU d.theta..sub.e (t)/dT=0.
With the formula (1), the following relation should be satisfied. EQU .vertline..DELTA..omega./K.vertline.=.vertline.2.pi..DELTA.f/K.vertline..lt oreq.1 (2)
The formula (2) represents that when the frequency offset .DELTA.f exceeds K/2.pi., the phase is not locked. When the loop gain K becomes large, the range of the carrier frequency that can be captured becomes wide. However, when the loop gain K becomes large, the phase jitter of the reproduced carrier can be decreased while the condition of a low C/N is satisfied. Thus, the range of the carrier frequency that can be initially captured with the primary PLL has a limit. The carrier phase synchronizing circuit using the primary PLL can be simply structured. In addition, the circuit does not need adjustments. Therefore, the demodulating unit can be accomplished at low cost. However, when the initial frequency error is out of the frequency capturing range of the PLL, the synchronized phase of the carrier frequency cannot be captured and synchronized.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a carrier phase synchronizing circuit that allows a frequency to be captured with a large frequency error as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 5-41717. In FIG. 4, a frequency error detecting circuit 27 detects a frequency error. When the frequency error is larger than a predetermined value, the carrier frequency signal is captured with an AFC loop composed of a frequency error detecting circuit 27, an automatic frequency controlling (AFC) loop filter 28, a sample hold circuit 29, a numeric controlling oscillator 30, a multiplying device 21, a low-pass filter 22, a multiplying device 23, and a phase detector 24. On the other hand, when the frequency error becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the sample hold circuit 29 holds an output control signal of the AFC 28 with a control signal of the frequency error detecting circuit 27. Then a PLL composed of a loop filter 25, a numeric controlling oscillator 26, the multiplying device 23, and the phase detector 24 performs the PLL operation instead of the AFC loop operation. Thus, even if the frequency error becomes large, the carrier frequency can be captured at high speed and stability.
In the conventional carrier phase synchronizing circuit using the PLL, the AFC loop or the PLL is selected depending on the magnitude of the frequency error. Thus, even if the frequency error is large, the carrier frequency can be captured at high speed. In addition, the phase of the carrier frequency can be stably synchronized. However, in the case that the carrier frequency of a receive signal fluctuates time by time as with a non-stationary satellite in particular a low orbit satellite communication, since the frequency error detected by the PLL fluctuates time by time, it is not effective to switch the loops depending on the magnitude of the frequency error. Thus, it is difficult to capture the carrier frequency at high speed and to stably synchronize the phase of the carrier frequency.


A cable plug retention clip having a clip body adapted to secure a cable plug to a power distribution unit. The clip body has a first retention mechanism adapted to secure the clip body to the power distribution unit, and a second retention mechanism adapted to secure the clip body to the cable plug. A system having a power strip comprising a power outlet adapted to receive a plug of a power cord, and a plug retainer adapted to couple the plug to the power strip. The plug retainer has a first retention mechanism engageable with the power strip, and a second retention mechanism engageable with the plug.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present technique that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Power distribution units, such as power strips, are often utilized to power electronic devices, such as desktop computers, servers, and rack systems. These power distribution units generally have one or more power outlets, which are coupleable with plugs of power cords of the various electronic devices. Unfortunately, these plugs are not securely coupled to the power outlets. Thus, minor movements can cause disconnection of the plugs from the power distribution unit.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A process for reducing the amount of overhead data in ATM cell headers prior to transmission both upstream and downstream on an HFC cable plant or other transmission media using SCDMA on at least the upstream path, without loss of either IP or Ethernet addressing information. A virtual link between each remote unit and a central unit is established using multiplexing to establish a virtual link to every remote unit. Downstream ATM cells are optimized by stripping off all but 2 bytes to leave a 50 byte cell. Incoming IP packets have their IP addressing information used to look up Ethernet domain address information for the RU and destination process to which this RU is coupled. An Ethernet header is appended to each IP packet as is RFC 1483 bytes to signal the start of the packet. The packet is parsed into 48 byte ATM cell payloads. VPI/VCI information for the virtual link of the remote unit to which the packet is bound is looked up using the Ethernet address information. The last cell in the packet is indicated by encoding 9th bits. The CU cable data modem formatter then generates optimized downstream 2-byte headers for each downstream ATM cell by stripping off all but 2 bytes of VPI/VCI data. 9th bits are added to each byte, and these 9th bits are encoded with last cell, normal cell and idle cell information and start codes so that cell boundaries can be located.

The invention pertains to the field of provision of low overhead ATM over SCDMA connectivity over a hybrid fiber coax plant between processes coupled to customer premises cable modems and head end cable modems using an optimized ATM cell with smaller header and using synchronous code division multiple access in at least the upstream direction.
In order to provide bidirectional digital data communication over a cable TV coaxial network to multiple subscribers with multiple services available over a single coax cable (hereafter called interactive systems), several problems have to be solved. First, there is the problem of noise and interference. A second major problem, but related to the first problem, is synchronization of data transmission so that effective, error-free communication can be achieved. Cable networks typically involve a so-called head end or central unit from which video is transmitted to subscribers coupled to one or more main trunk lines from which extend numerous branch lines which may enter subscriber homes or which may couple to other branch lines. At each junction of a branch line to the trunk line or another branch line there is a directional coupler which is intended to direct transmissions from the head end to the subscribers in one direction and to direct transmissions from the subscribers back to the head end without leaking energy intended for transmission to the head end into branch lines coupled to other subscribers. In order to send digital data over video coax, a modem is necessary at both the head end and at all the subscriber locations to modulate digital data onto the coax as RF signals, and to receive RF signals carrying digital data and derive the digital data therefrom. Because RF signals are propagating along the cables, and because the couplers are not perfect, reflections occur at the directional couplers that cause noise and interference. This is because the reflections are frequently of the opposite polarity depending upon the impedance mismatch and the distances involved. These reflections are therefore sometimes additive and sometimes subtractive, thereby resulting in random variations in the amplitudes of the RF signals. These random variations make discrimination during the demodulation process to derive the digital data more difficult.
Further, because the subscribers are at physically different distances from the head end, the signals from each subscriber's modem arrive at the head end at different times because of different propagation delays. Because digital data is transmitted in frames and because all subscribers must be synchronized to the same frame timing, these different propagation delays for each subscriber cause problems in synchronizing data.
In the typical interactive system, there are bidirectional amplifiers. Each amplifier has two channels, one of which amplifies signals in a high frequency range from 45-750 mHz for transmission of data from the head end to subscribers, and the other of which amplifies signals in a low frequency range from 5-42 mHz for transmission of data from the subscribers to the head end.
Interactive systems typically involve in excess of one hundred different channels on which separate digital data streams can flow in addition to the separate channels on which the video signals are provided for normal cable TV service. To send digital data as RF signals, very complex constellations of separate amplitude and phase combinations are used to encode the digital characters being transmitted. Because of the large number of data points, the differences in phase and amplitude between the different points are not large. Therefore, the impairments described above can cause errors by causing misinterpretation by demodulators of what characters were actually sent.
All of the above applies to the physical layer of the OSI model for data interchange between computers. At the higher protocol levels in the OSI model there are several standard protocols that are currently known. One of these protocols is the TCP/IP protocol used on the Internet. This protocol is not satisfactory for provision of high demand services such as video teleconferencing and video on demand since TCP/IP has no provision to guarantee quality of service and provide guaranteed bandwidth capacity. Because there is no concept of reservation of bandwidth in TCP/IP protocol, it is not suitable for delivery simultaneously of audio, video and data services to multiple subscribers.
The ATM protocol is the currently favored local area network protocol which is designed to simultaneously deliver integrated voice, video and data services. However, the ATM protocol was designed for local area networks where there is no shared media which is used to simultaneously deliver ATM cells between more than one pair of communicating devices. ATM is a point to point communication protocol that cannot be directly used on a CATV plant with its point to multipoint/multipoint to point topology.
A major problem addressed by the method disclosed herein is the high overhead and wasted bandwidth associated with standard 53 byte ATM cells. Since bandwidth is at a premium and a standard 53 byte ATM cell has a 5 byte header, not all of which is needed in the HFC environment described above, some bandwidth approaching 10% is wasted by use of standard ATM cells.
Therefore, a need has arisen for a more bandwidth efficient method of using ATM protocols to support interactive digital systems carried out over HFC cable plants.

Lower overhead method for data transmission using ATM and SCDMA over hybrid fiber coax cable plant


A composition, method, and test device for determining a low concentration of total available chlorine concentration in a test sample are disclosed. The test device includes a test pad having a suitable carrier matrix incorporating an indicator reagent composition capable of converting combined available chlorine to free available chlorine and of interacting with free available chlorine to produce a detectable and measurable response for total available chlorine over a range of 0 to about 2 ppm total available chlorine in the test sample. An indicator reagent composition contains: (a) an indicator dye that is responsive to free available chlorine, such as tetramethylbenzidine, (b) a buffer, (c) an optional surfactant, (d) a catalyst, and (e) a polymer. An indicator reagent composition is incorporated into a carrier matrix, like filter paper, to provide a test pad useful in a dry phase total available chlorine assay of a test sample, such as a source water for a hemodialysis unit.

The use of chlorine as a sanitizer or disinfectant for various water supplies and various types of equipment, like food processing equipment and medical equipment, such as a hemodialysis unit, is common. Because the amount of available chlorine in an aqueous solution relates directly to the disinfecting or sanitizing activity of the solution, a test which rapidly and accurately measures available chlorine is important.
The available chlorine family is comprised of compounds which, when in aqueous solution, yield solutions of hypochlorous acid. The available chlorine family is further divided into compounds containing free available chlorine and compounds containing combined available chlorine. The sum of free available chlorine and combined available chlorine is termed total available chlorine.
Free available chlorine encompasses chlorine-containing compounds in aqueous solution such as hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ion, and, in strong acid solutions, free chlorine. The use of free available chlorine as a disinfectant for water supplies and equipment is widespread because of its low cost, convenience, and effectiveness as an antiseptic agent in relatively low concentrations. For example, free available chlorine is used as a disinfectant in a majority of hemodialysis centers.
Combined available chlorine, also termed bound available chlorine, mainly encompasses organic chloramines, which release only a small amount of free available chlorine in aqueous solution. Chloramines are formed from chlorine reacting with amine compounds in water. The amine compounds can be an impurity in the water or arise from ammonia added to water with chlorine during water disinfection. Ammonia and chlorine are added to the water to form chloramines which stabilize chlorine from decomposition and/or evaporation, and also increases the bacteriocidal potency of chlorine. Depending on the ratio of chlorine-to-ammonia and the acidity of the water, chloramines formed from chlorine and ammonia are a mixture of monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine at various ratios. Although monochloramine is the main chloramine of concern due to its toxicity, removal of all chlorine is essential for safe and effective operation of a dialysis water purification system.
Conventionally, combined available chlorine has not been considered an effective disinfectant or sanitizer. Accordingly, prior chlorine assays have focused on assays for free available chlorine, i.e., the active disinfectant. For example, assays disclosed in Rupe et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,115 and Ramana et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,094, consider combined available chlorine as an interferant in the assay for free available chlorine, and the assays have been designed only to measure free available chlorine. However, in some applications, it is important to assay for total available chlorine.
For example, chlorine is used in hemodialysis centers to sanitize hemodialysis units because chlorine is an effective and economical sanitizing agent. It is important to clean and disinfect a hemodialysis unit between each dialysis session to prevent pathogen contamination from patient to patient. However, chlorine also is a very toxic compound that can cause hemolysis even when only a trace amount of chlorine diffuses from the hemodialysis unit into the blood of an individual. Therefore, if an assay for residual chlorine in a hemodialysis unit detects only free available chlorine, a potentially toxic amount of combined available chlorine, which slowly generates free available chlorine, can be present to adversely affect an individual subsequently connected to the hemodialysis unit. Trace amounts of free available chlorine also can adversely affect filtration membranes of the hemodialysis unit.
Combined available chlorine is considered highly toxic because of its electronic neutrality and ability to penetrate cell membranes. In a municipal source water, combined available chlorine always exists in various proportions relative to total available chlorine. Combined available chlorine is formed in a reaction of free available chlorine either with amine compounds, which are present as contaminants in the source water, or with ammonia, which is added to the water with free chlorine to stabilize the chlorine and to increase the bacteriocidal potency of the chlorine disinfectant.
With respect to a dialysis unit, all chlorine species in a water supply are removed before the water can be used in hemodialysis. Chlorine removal is usually performed by passing the water through a water purification tank containing activated carbon, and then through a reverse osmosis column. The presence of combined available chlorine in the water affects the efficacy of the carbon tank in removing all chlorine species. Knowledge of the concentration of total chlorine is important in designing the water purification system, as well as devising a method of monitoring chlorine in the purified water.
Occasionally, a trace amount of chlorine leaks through the tank. If the chlorine leaking through the tank is all, or substantially, combined chlorine, this suggests exhaustion of carbon tank capacity. However, if the chlorine leaking through the tank contains a high proportion of free chlorine, this indicates the presence of a mechanical defect, such as channelling through the activated carbon inside the tank or an insufficient contact time between the water and the activated carbon. Determination of both the free and combined available chlorine is important in managing the water purification for dialysis.
Therefore, when a sanitizing solution is used in medical or food processing equipment, two critical chlorine levels must be monitored. First, the free available chlorine concentration must be sufficiently high to perform a sanitizing or disinfecting function, i.e., at least about 1000 ppm (parts per million) free available chlorine is needed to effectively sanitize equipment. Typically, a chlorine concentration sufficient for equipment sanitization is about a 1 to 10 volume dilution of a 5.25% (by weight) sodium hypochlorite with water, to provide a solution containing about 0.5% to about 0.6% (by weight) sodium hypochlorite, i.e., about 5000 to about 6000 ppm chlorine. During the sanitizing process, the sanitizing solution is assayed periodically to ensure that sufficient free available chlorine is present to sanitize the equipment.
After the sanitizing function is completed, and before use, the equipment is rinsed with water to flush residual chlorine from the equipment. The rinse water also is assayed for available chlorine to ensure that the level of residual available chlorine is below the maximum allowable level, e.g., 0.5 ppm as recommended by the Association of Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). In practice, the residual available chlorine concentration is essentially zero, or at least below the previous lowest detectable levels of about 0.1 to about 0.2 ppm, i.e., equivalent to a 1 to 100,000 water dilution of 5.25% (by weight) sodium hypochlorite.
A chlorine test strip having a broad range chlorine sensitivity of up to 5,000 ppm can be used to monitor the presence and absence of chlorine during the sanitizing and cleaning process. However, when assaying the water quality of a purified source water for use in a dialysis unit, a much more stringent water quality standard is used.
Municipal water normally contains 0.5 to 3.0 ppm chlorine in order to suppress the growth of microorganisms during the transport of water from the water treatment plant to consumers. Because free chlorine is not stable and quickly decomposes during water distribution, ammonia commonly is added with chlorine to generate chloramine. As previously stated, chloramine is less reactive than free chlorine, and is much more stable. Therefore, chloramine is a more effective disinfectant because of its long-lasting reactivity. For the same reason, chloramine also is considered a more toxic water contaminant, particularly when the water is to be used in hemodialysis units.
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards rate water containing greater than 0.1 ppm of chloramine as unsafe for hemodialysis use. In almost all dialysis facilities, the tap (e.g., the source) water, therefore, is routinely filtered through a bed of activated carbon to remove any trace amount chlorine and/or chloramine. The effectiveness of the carbon tank is constantly monitored to ensure that the chlorine total/chloramine level is less than 0.1 ppm, and preferably zero. Because of the extremely low concentration of chlorine and, particularly, because of the slow reactivity of chloramine, no presently available test strip allows a convenient quantitative assay for low concentrations of total available chlorine.
Commercial assay systems are available for assaying hemodialysis units for available chlorine. One assay utilizes tablets or dry powder, and another utilizes dry chemistry test strips. Each assay has advantages and disadvantages, and neither assay satisfies the different testing requirements needed for a hemodialysis unit.
The tablet method has good sensitivity (e.g., 0.1 ppm) and is less expensive per assay. However, the tablet method is more cumbersome to perform and requires more technician time. The dry chemistry test strips usually are not as sensitive as the tablet method and can cost more per test. Nevertheless, the strip test is very easy and convenient, particularly when operating a mobile hemodialysis unit. In most hemodialysis centers, the test strip is used as a screening test for residual chlorine, whereas the tablet method is used for more critical water testing. Because of the differences in test requirements, most hemodialysis centers are forced to stock both the tablet and dry chemistry test systems.
Dialysis facilities rely on the tablet method using a liquid chemistry assay procedure for the determination of low concentrations of total available chlorine in water. In the assay, chloramine is allowed to react with iodide ion to form iodine, which in turn reacts with N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) indicator to generate a light pink color. The sensitivity of the test is achieved by increasing the depth of view through a long verticle path of the reaction tube. As previously stated, the test is cumbersome and time consuming. Conversion of this test method to a strip format is difficult because such a long depth of view is not feasible.
HI SENSE REAGENT STRIP, marketed by Serim Research Corporation, Elkhart, Ind., is another commercially available chloramine test device. In the test, chloramine first is reacted with an iodide ion solution to form iodine, which in turn reacts with a leuco dye impregnated on a membrane. The test requires multiple operation steps and about approximately eight (8) minutes to complete. The test provides only qualitative results by showing positive or negative with no color. The test lacks quantitative information on the chloramine level and also lacks the convenience of a single step test and short reaction time of 60 seconds or less, which are essential for a rapid routine assay.
In the parent application, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,254, a single assay for assaying both the high and the low available chlorine concentration range was disclosed. That disclosure showed that it was possible to cross the 10,000 fold difference in chlorine concentration between a working sanitizing solution and a residual chlorine concentration, and detect and differentiate concentration levels over a broad range. Using the test strips makes it difficult to detect ultralow levels of chlorine, i.e., below 0.1 ppm. As opposed to the dip-and-read, it now was found that by repeatedly exposing the strip to the test sample, the strip can detect lower levels of chlorine. Yet, sensitivity still is limited because the process also causes rinsing of the indicator from the strip, thereby making the color on the reagent pad barely visible. Furthermore, the iodide ion in the test pad also is quickly rinsed from the test pad to such a low concentration that catalytic conversion of chloramine by iodide became very slow. This makes the prior test strip less reliable for low-level total chlorine testing.
In order to overcome these problems, it is necessary to immobilize the indicator on the substrate matrix to prevent it from being rinsed off the test pad, and the iodide ions must be anchored in such a way that they are slowly released during the test. The present disclosure sets forth a practical, approach to solving these problems. In particular, the present invention is directed to providing an assay for total available chlorine that is capable of quantitatively measuring total available chlorine concentration over the range of 0 to about 2 ppm, and especially about 0.05 to about 1.50 ppm.
The present invention, therefore, is directed to an assay method and device that can be used to assay for total available chlorine, both free and bound available chlorine, present at 2 ppm or less. Accordingly, a test strip can be used to test for residual chlorine in the rinse water after cleaning the hemodialysis unit or for the chlorine content of the source water for the dialyzer. As illustrated hereafter, the present test strips have a good sensitivity and a detection range over 0 to about 2 ppm total available chlorine with a continuous color response. Such a determination provides important information with respect to whether potentially harmful amounts of available chlorine are present in rinse water or dialysis water.
The present method of assaying for total available chlorine in an aqueous test sample yields trustworthy and reproducible results by utilizing an indicator reagent composition that undergoes a color transition in response to a low concentration of total available chlorine, and not as a result of a competing chemical or physical interaction, such as a preferential interaction with another test sample component. For example, the present indicator reagent composition has sufficient sensitivity to quantitatively detect 0.1 ppm or less total available chlorine.
In accordance with the present invention, an indicator reagent composition can be incorporated into a carrier matrix to provide sufficient sensitivity and color differentiation to assay for total available chlorine concentration over the range of 0 ppm to about 2 ppm, and typically about 0.05 to about 1.50 ppm. In addition, although dry phase test strips have been used to assay for chlorine concentration, no dry phase test strip has been used to quantitatively assay for total available chlorine over such a low concentration range. Examples of prior disclosures relating to assaying for chlorine include Storm U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,605; Reiss U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,926; Ross, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,049,382; Frant U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,442, Harp U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,650; O'Brien et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,605; and J. D. Johnson et al., Analytical Chemistry, 40(13), pages 1744-1750 (1969).

Low range total available chlorine test strip


A diode laser and optical system uses the minimum number of elements to obtain a small diameter beam (1 mm). A large numerical aperture lens collimates the full energy from the diode and the oval shaped output of the collimator is corrected for astigmatism by means of a cylinder lens and made circular by two identical prisms arranged to receive the corrected, collimated beam directly at a right angle surface of the first prism and transmit the beam after deflection to the second prism further which demagnifies the beam producing the round (.ltoreq.1 mm diameter) beam spot output of the laser. The output beam is well collimated (1 mRad) and wave front aberration is diffraction limited. The spot size at 50 feet distance is maintained. In order to hold total Gaussian distribution energy, the prisms are coated with a multilayer dielectric thin film eliminate reflection and to transmit the TE mode wave without loss at the Brewster angle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to laser light sources and more particularly to laser light radiation sources for precision measurements, having extremely small beam diameters with Gaussian intensity distribution and circular shape. These lasers generally use solid state diode laser sources in combination with optical elements for specific applications including optical disk recording and laser printing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A diode laser is very small compared with a gas laser, but it emits high optical power. The beam is divergent. The divergence is different in two directions. When it is collimated, the beam is oval shape and the spot focused is elongated. To obtain a small, high energy, circular spot the beam must be made round in shape. This is done using two prisms as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,258 to Adachi et.al. The application of such a collimated beam is for optical disk recording with the beam diameter 4 mm, or for laser printers, a beam diameter of 8 mm. There is need for a smaller diameter beam with strong intensity for applications as an optical "pointer" for alignmnent, and robotics vision (line illumination). In order to obtain a small diameter beam, in accordance with the prior art U.S. Pat. No. '258, a diverging beam is collimated by a lens and the oval shaped beam is corrected by a beam shaper consisting of two prisms, obtaining a 4 mm beam diameter, then demagnifying the beam diameter using an inverse Gallileo type telescope as shown in FIG. 1.
In order to make this system work:
1. The beam before the demagnifier must be well collimated
2. The air space adjustment of the demagnifier is very critical and must be carefully made.
At those steps, the output collimated beam qualities are tested by a Radial Shearing Interferometer as shown in FIG. 2. The analyzing interferogram is adjusted to the best wavefront aberration. The spot at the 50 ft test distance is compared. The flare makes a soft spot and a very difficult to obtain 1 mm sharp spot.
See: D. Malakara: Optical shop testing P. 145, Radial Initial Caps John Wiley and Sons 1977
Another method to collimate the beam is to use a graded index rod lens (Selfoc). This method loses the energy almost 35% because the numerical aperture NA of the Selfoc lens is small (=0.3) The 3 mm diameter Selfco lens has to be stopped to 2 mm to avoid any variation in refractive index distribution. The residual spherical aberration is 0.25, wave peak to valley. This has to adjusted by focus at the defined distance. Because the beam is not shaped, the spot is oval shaped.

Diode laser having minimal beam diameter and optics


Methods for making articles comprising crystalline material. Exemplary articles made by a method described herein include electronics enclosure (e.g., a watch case, cellular phone case, or a tablet case).

A large number of amorphous (including glass) and glass-ceramic compositions are known. The majority of oxide glass systems utilize well-known glass-formers such as SiO2, B2O3, P2O5, GeO2, TeO2, As2O3, and V2O5 to aid in the formation of the glass. Some of the glass compositions formed with these glass-formers can be heat-treated to form glass-ceramics. The upper use temperature of glasses and glass-ceramics formed from such glass formers is generally less than 1200° C., typically about 700-800° C. The glass-ceramics tend to be more temperature resistant than the glass from which they are formed. In addition, many properties of known glasses and glass-ceramics are limited by the intrinsic properties of glass-formers. For example, for SiO2, B2O3, and P2O5-based glasses and glass-ceramics, the Young's modulus, hardness, and strength are limited by such glass-formers. Such glass and glass-ceramics generally have inferior mechanical properties as compared, for example, to Al2O3 or ZrO2. Glass-ceramics having mechanical properties similar to that of Al2O3 or ZrO2 would be desirable.
Shaping of ceramics into parts with intricate geometries is a laborious and expensive process. While many green body techniques such as pill-pressing, injection molding, slip-casting, gel-casting etc. have been devised, the issues associated with sintering to full densities (such as shrinkage, warpage, cracking) remain. In practicality, many ceramic articles are machined into a final shape in a fully dense state. Typically, the final surface finish is produced by grinding and polishing; various surface structures are also machined in. Machining and finishing in many cases can add up to 50% of a final cost of a ceramic and, therefore, undesirable. Novel ways to make near-net shaped parts with a minimum subsequent finishing are actively sought after.
Various pressure-assisted consolidation methods are known in the art and include hot-pressing, die-extrusion, hot-isostatic pressing, sinter-forging and variations of thereof. These consolidation methods are assisted by application of external force either directly through the use of punches as in hot-pressing, die-extrusion and sinter-forging, or indirectly through gas pressurization of a sealed container as in hot-isostatic pressing. In the latter method, the material to be consolidated is placed in a metal or glass container and evacuated and sealed from an atmosphere. The sealed material is mechanical pressed thereby isostatically pressurizing the container with gas and causing the container to shrink.
Glasses exhibiting glass transition temperature, Tg, can be successfully consolidated from glass powders into an article and, if desired, reshaped by heating to temperatures between Tg-Tx range (Tx−crystallization temperature) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,509 (Rosenflanz et al.). In many instances, conversion of glasses to glass-ceramics is accompanied by shrinkage which is often undesirable.

Articles comprising crystalline materials and method of making the same


An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generating unit, an X-ray image receiving unit, a control unit, and an arm unit. The X-ray generating unit radiates X-rays. The X-ray image receiving unit receives X-rays radiated by the X-ray generating unit. The control unit controls the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray image receiving unit. The arm unit is configured to extend so as to position the X-ray generating unit and the control unit above the X-ray image receiving unit and to retract in the case of transportation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray tube, an X-ray image receiving unit, a control unit that controls the X-ray tube and the X-ray image receiving unit, and an arm unit that extends above the X-ray image receiving unit.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, an X-ray imaging apparatus used for medical diagnosis or the like has become more portable due to reduction in the size and weight of an X-ray generator including an X-ray tube and has come into use in an emergency or home medical care.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-56170 discloses a technique in which an X-ray tube is used by being suspended vertically above an examination region of a subject by a holder that is capable of being assembled/disassembled. In an X-ray imaging apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-56170, however, the holder has to be assembled and installed before X-ray imaging is performed, which requires time and effort and is therefore an issue. Furthermore, since the X-ray tube and the holder are separated from each other, portability itself is poor, which is also an issue.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-136028 discloses a structure in which an arm unit to which an X-ray tube is attached is fixed with a clip or a sucking disc. With the structure described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-136028, reduction in the size of the entire apparatus including the arm unit may be achieved. However, the positional relationship between the X-ray tube and an X-ray image receiving unit has to be adjusted with a rotary encoder and a motor provided in the arm unit before imaging. Therefore the structure described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-136028 has an issue in that prompt X-ray imaging is difficult. Furthermore, with fixation using a clip or a sucking disc, it is difficult to maintain a certain level of strength, which is also an issue.


A mixture of material is transported by a vibrating conveyor (B), deposited thereon by belt conveyor (A), before an inlet (11) of a suction mouth (1). Suction mouth (1) is adjustable in all directions and by using the adjustable units (2) mounted on the suction duct (4), the height of the mouth (1) may be adjusted above the transported mixture of materials which is to be treated. The width of the opening (11) of suction mouth (1) is adjustable (20-26) to shape the mouth either symmetrically or asymmetrically. The suction power at the inlet (11) of the suction mouth (1) is regulated by adjusting its width combined with outside air supply using an air inlet valve (3) associated with suction duct (4) and adjustments of the capacity of exhaust fan (8). The exhausted air is fed to a cyclone (5) in which the materials which are sucked up and transported with the air have to be deposited. The behavior and velocity of flow of the air entering cyclone (5) are adjustable by using the air inlet valve (3) and adjustment of fan capacity. The suction of fan (8) is connected at the outlet pipe (7) of the cyclone (5). The air exhausted via fan (8) is blown through a dust filter (9) and collected particles are transported by conveyor (10) into a bag (C).

Systems for separation of materials using adjustable suction power are already described in the Dutch patent specifications 8701807 and 7604097, for example. With the installations mentioned above, the suction power is regulated by using an adjustable valve placed inside of the suction duct. This method suffers from the disadvantage that the behaviour and velocity of the airflow into and through a cyclone have a bad influence on the operation of the cyclone.
This invention, for example, can separate crushed stone, rubbish, different kinds of metal (i.e., after the shredding of cars), glass, compost and paper. The position of the suction mouth is adjustable in all directions as well as the width of opening of the suction mouth. The suction power at the inlet of the nozzle is also adjustable. With this invention exhausted air containing materials is fed through a cyclone to deposit those materials and overcomes the foregoing prior art problems.
Regulation of the air velocity in pipes supplying air using air inlet valves are also known. The disadvantage of such a regulation is the adjustment of suction power which is only possible at the inlet of the suction mouth.
For the best results of separating the materials it is necessary to combine the adjustment of suction power and the adjustment of the width and position of the suction mouth in accord with this invention.
An object of this invention is to create a system which is suited to separate as many as possible different kinds of materials and as many different sizes of material parts. This can be accomplished by the provision of the adjustment of suction power and the position and width of the suction mouth. Therefore it is required that the state of the exhausted aid, in its behaviour and velocity, makes it possible for the parts of material exhausted to deposit in a cyclone.

System for separation of materials using suction air power


After a photoresist is applied onto a wafer, a contrast enhancement material (CEM) layer is applied onto this photoresist. A pattern is projected through this CEM layer onto the photoresist. Next, this CEM layer is removed from the photoresist and thereafter a new CEM layer is again applied onto the photoresist. Another pattern is projected through this new CEM layer onto the photoresist, whereby the photoresist is exposed in accordance with a composite pattern of the two patterns. This composite pattern can surpass the resolution limit of projection optical system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exposure method and exposure apparatus used in forming fine patterns of semiconductor devices or liquid crystal displays.
2. Related Background Art
With progress of semiconductor fabrication techniques, integration rates of semiconductor integrated circuits have been improved heretofore. The resolution of projection exposure needs to be enhanced in order to improve the integration rates. The resolution depends upon the wavelength of exposure light and the numerical aperture of projection optical system. Namely, the resolution increases with decreasing wavelength (.lambda.) of exposure light or with increasing numerical aperture (NA).
The wavelength of exposure light used in recent projection exposure apparatus comes to be as short as that of the excimer laser, and the numerical aperture is approximately 0.5.


A packaged glass sealant product, is formed of a sealant composition having a processing temperature in the range of from greater than 70° C. up to 220° C. and a skin of thermoplastic polymeric material around said sealant composition. The skin constitutes no more than 10 wt % of the total weight of said product, and said polymeric material has a minimum film forming temperature of at least 50° C. and a softening point which is lower than the processing temperature for application of said sealant composition by a difference of more than 10° C. The product alleviates the necessity of disposing of non-recyclable, silicone coated packaging by environmentally unfriendly methods in particular land-fill.

As consumers demand guaranteed performance of double glazed windows, manufacturers of the windows similarly demand performance guarantees from their suppliers of the components which they employ to make the double glazing units. In this regard, the formulators of sealants used to seal the edge of the double glazing units are generally required to provide the units' manufacturers with assurances, if not guarantees, concerning the performance of the sealants. For a composition to be successful as a sealant useful in the manufacture of double glazed window units, it must be formulated to provide both short-term and long-term (i.e. at least 10 years, preferably at least 15 years, more preferably at least 20 years or more e.g. 25 years) bonding of the sealant to the glass. The short-term bonding properties of the sealant to the glass are important, as it is the sealant which holds the components of the unit together prior to the unit being fitted in a window. The long-term bonding properties of the sealant to the glass are important, as it is the sealant which renders the unit weatherproof (providing that it is properly glazed) and so determines the lifetime of the unit in service.
The short-term properties of the sealant tend to be directly related to the amount of adhesion promoter present in the formulation. However, as the sealant becomes weathered the adhesion promoter in the sealant degrades, which can lead to detrimental effects on the long-term properties of the sealant (such as its bond with the glass interface). An excess of adhesion promoter can adversely affect the short-term properties of the sealant. The long-term properties of the sealant tend to benefit in proportion to the amount of adhesion promoter incorporated in the formulation, and which may be higher than desirable for the ideal short-term properties. There is a very fine balance between the amount of adhesion promoter the formulator can include in the composition to obtain the optimum between the short-term and long-term properties of the sealant. The formulator has to resolve conflicting requirements arising from both the nature of the application itself and limitations imposed by the characteristics of the raw materials used so as to produce a viable, balanced composition. In view of this fine balance, the glass sealant formulator is very reluctant indeed to make even minor adjustments to the amount of adhesion promoter employed in the sealant composition. Typically, a sealant will incorporate from 0.25 to 2.5 wt % adhesion promoter.
The formulations of compositions suitable for use as sealants useful in the manufacture of double glazing window units have developed over time, as formulators have obtained experience of the short-term and long-term performance of their products and the effects that varying the components and amounts thereof has on performance.
Whilst artificial weathering conditions may provide formulators with the ability to predict the long-term bonding properties of a particular sealant formulation, they tend to rely upon their actual experiences of the true performance of their products before they are prepared to give their customers written guarantees or other forms of assurances regarding the long-term performance of their products. This attitude has tended to make not only the glass sealant formulators but their customers as well very conservative and reluctant to change for fear of breaching their assurances, particularly with regard to the long-term performance properties of their products.
Glass sealants are generally complex formulations which tend to be flexible, substantially non-tacky solids at room temperature (18-20° C.). As the sealants are heated, for example up to their processing temperatures, which are typically more than 135° C. up to 220° C., e.g. 180° C., their physical characteristics slowly change from flexible, substantially non-tacky solids to very tacky, generally highly viscous fluids or pastes. Although the sealants demonstrate a softening point or range at temperatures from 0° C. to 220° C., under pressure during application they simply become more fluid as temperatures increase. The properties of the glass sealants make application of the compositions particularly difficult. Although such glass sealants are often commonly referred to as "hot melt" sealants, at no time do the formulations melt per se to form thin mobile liquids, for example as would be generally observed with a hot melt adhesive used in packaging. Although the glass sealants are substantially non-tacky solids at room temperature, they tend to adhere to surfaces when contacted with them for more than just a few seconds. This property of "blocking" leads to handling and storage problems, especially for storage at high ambient temperatures. Accordingly, historically, glass sealants have been supplied to manufacturers of double glazing window units in cardboard boxes which are either lined with silicone release paper or coated with a silicone resin. Either mode of packaging is expensive but, as it is more time consuming and labor-intensive to use silicone release paper, glass sealant formulators prefer to package their products in cardboard boxes coated on the lining with silicone resin.
Once the manufacturer of double glazing window units has removed the glass sealant from the packaging, the packaging is discarded. Being non-recyclable, the silicone coated cardboard is usually disposed of into land-fill sites. For environmental reasons, however, such form of disposal is highly undesirable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,682 discloses a method for the tackless packaging of hot melt adhesive. The method comprises pumping or pouring molten hot melt adhesive in liquid form into a cylindrical tube of plastic film, sealing the molten hot melt adhesive filled cylinder and allowing it to cool and solidify. The outer surface of the tube of plastic film is in direct contact with cooled water. The adhesive is pumped or poured at a temperature at or above the melting point of the plastic film. Although the inventors state that the coating of the adhesive with a plastic film provided no detrimental effects, the results of Table 1 clearly indicate that in both tests the sample with film had reduced adhesive properties compared to the control.
EP-A-0957029 discloses a method for packaging e.g. a hot melt adhesive by a process in which a liquid adhesive is co-extruded into a protective sheath of non-adhesive material and then subjecting the extruded product thus formed to a solidification process.