The present invention provides methods of treating a human or other mammal infected with a parasitic microorganism by administering an effective amount in unit dosage form of a C8-C16-alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde, such as trans-2-dodecenal, to the human or other mammal. The parasitic microorganisms may include trypanosomes, bacteria, fungi and nematodes.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the treatment of infectious diseases and, more particularly, to methods for treating infectious diseases in humans and other mammals caused by parasitic trypanosomes, bacteria, fungi and parasitic nematodes.
Description of the Prior Art
Infectious diseases caused by protozoa, parasitic nematodes, bacteria and fungi, are a major health issue worldwide in spite of decades of development and use of antimicrobial agents to control and treat such diseases.
Antibacterial agents have been in use since the 1940's with great success, but development of drug resistance by pathogenic bacteria has gone hand in hand with that use. Currently, multidrug resistant strains of many bacteria present a serious problem for treating infectious diseases. Thus, the need for new antibacterial drugs is great. (Payne, D. et al., Curr. Opinion. Micro., 7:435-8, 2004) In particular, gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes are widespread and cause a great diversity of infections and diseases in humans and animals. The diseases range from minor skin infections to life-threatening pneumonias and wound infections. (Tortora, G. J. et al., 2007. Microbiology: An Introduction, 9th ed., Pearson Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco Calif.). Drug resistant strains of S. aureus, including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and, more recently, vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA), are a major health threat. Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is another serious problem in human health. We are reaching a stage where there are no drugs available to treat some of these serious and life-threatening infections. (Moellering, R. C., Jr., et al., Amer. J. Medicine, 120(7):S4-S25, 2007.)
Fungal infections are perhaps even more of an issue because the number of effective antifungal drugs is limited to start with, and development of drug resistance is also an issue for these microbes. Treatment of systemic or disseminated fungal infections has a high failure rate, creating a large burden of morbidity and mortality for these infections, especially among immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, antifungal agents frequently have serious side effects that limit their usefulness and make treating of fungal infections even more challenging.
Current drug development tends to concentrate on investigating existing categories of antibacterial or antifungal agents rather than identifying novel or new types of drugs. Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies have reduced their efforts in drug development for antimicrobial agents so that there are few new drugs in the pipeline for development. (Walsh, C., Nature Reviews Microbiology 1:65-70, 2003) Natural products have traditionally been a source of new types of drugs, although that approach has lessened in recent years as the number of new drugs found from natural sources has been limited. Most antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources come from other microorganisms, although a few have been developed from nonmicrobial sources.
For hundreds and even thousands of years, medicinal plants having antimicrobial activity have been used in folklore medicine across the world, a practice generally referred to as "folk medicine" or "traditional medicine" for treating a myriad of ailments including parasitic nematode infections (Dagar, H. S. et al., Economic Botany, 45:114-119, 1991). Scientific investigations have led to the discovery of many plant-based drugs, such as quinine and artemisinin, which are well-known antimalarial derivatives from the Cinchona bark and Artemisia annua, respectively (Curtis, C. F. et al., Natural and synthetic repellants. In: Curtis C. F. (Ed.) Appropriate technology in vector control. CRC Press, 76-92, 1990; Bodeker, G. et al., Health in the Commonwealth, 9:287-289, 1998). Other plant-, D. I., Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Supplement, 88: 17-19, 1994; Gruber, J. W. et al., Laboratory Medicine, based drugs include vinblastine, camptothecin, pancrastistatin, canasol, morphine from the opium poppy and reserpine, a hypotensive alkaloid from Indian snakeroot (Phillipson 27(2): 100-108, 1996). Drug development, however, has not kept pace with the evolution of some microorganisms and there still are no effective drugs for some types of infectious diseases.
For example, parasitic nematodes have long presented significant public health problems. There are approximately 15,000 nematodes of worldwide distribution, which parasitize both plants and animals (Croll, N. A. et al., 1977, Biology of nematodes, Blackie and Son, Glasgow). Many of these parasites are problematic because of their pathological effects on their hosts. For example, the hookworms, such as Ancylostoma duodenale and Ancylostoma caninum, are important gastrointestinal nematode parasites of humans and of both food and companion animals. These hematophagous organisms are the causative agents of severe anemia in humans, with accompanying impairment of physical growth and cognitive development (Granzer, M. et al., International Journal of Parasitology, 21(4), 429-440, 1991).
Strongyloides stercoralis, a gastrointestinal parasitic nematode of dogs, humans and other primates, was first described by Nolmand in 1876 and afflicts 30 to 300 million people in 70 countries. S. stercoralis infections can be exceedingly chronic and can persist in humans for thirty years or more (Grove, D. I., Strongyloidiasis, In: Warren. K. S. and Mahmoud. A. A. (Eds.), Tropical and Geographic Medicine, New York: McGraw Hill, 393-399, 1990). Although chronic infections are asymptomatic in healthy individuals, poor nutrition, ill health and/or immunosuppressive therapy can exacerbate infections, giving rise to disseminated strongyloidiasis, which can be fatal (Mansfield, L. S. et al., (1992), American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 47(6):830-836, 1992).
Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic, economically important, gastric parasitic nematode of ruminants, including goats, sheep and cattle. This passively ingested parasite poses a worldwide threat to the goat industry, particularly in sub-temperate and temperate regions like the Southeastern United States, where infections are more prevalent. Infected goats commonly present with anemia, diarrhea, dehydration, and peripheral and internal fluid accumulation. They also have lower growth rates, markedly reduced reproductive performance and have higher rates of illness and death. Other parasitic nematodes, such as Parastrongyloides trichosuri, are considered important because they could be sources of biological control agents. P. trichosuri is a parasite-specific nematode of marsupial brushtail possums, which are a major environmental and agricultural pest in New Zealand. P. trichosuri is being evaluated as a potential self-disseminating delivery system for engineered fertility control vaccines in possums (Cowan, P. E. et al., New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 32:9-16, 2005). The pathological effects of infections by parasitic nematodes, however, far outweigh any associated potential benefits.
A variety of commercial anthelmintics has been developed to control and prevent parasitic nematode infections in humans and animals. Among these are tetramisole, levamisole, praziquantel, doramectin, the benzimidazoles, which include thiabendazole and albendazole, and ivermectin. Some of these drugs are known for their effective treatment of helminth infections. For example, ivermectin, a broad-spectrum drug, is highly effective against many parasitic nematodes including Onchocerca volvulus, H. contortus, hookworms and S. stercoralis infections in humans and animals. It also has activity against insects and acarines. Albendazole is effective against A. caninum and, along with tetramisole, has demonstrated 100% efficacy rates against H. contortus infections. Doramectin was shown to reduce P. trichosuri infections in possums by 99%.
However, while some anthelmintics are remarkable in their treatment, others have demonstrated poor efficacy. For example, thiabendazole has been the drug of choice for treating strongyloidiasis, but its relative high cost, poor efficacy and associated unpleasant side effects have militated against its use, particularly in third world countries of the tropics where infections are most prevalent. Along with the rise of drug resistance by parasitic nematodes, the search for alternative sources of treatment is an urgent on-going process. For example, high-level anthelmintic resistance has been demonstrated by A. caninum against pyrantel (Kopp, S. R. et al., Veterinary Parasitology, 143(3-4): 299-304, 2007), and H. contortus has exhibited resistance against the benzimidazoles (Tiwari, J. et al., Veterinary Parasitology, 138(3-4): 301-307, 2006) and ivermectin (Gill, J. H. et al., International Journal of Parasitology, 21(7), 771-776, 1991; Vickers, M. et al., New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 49(3):101-105(5), 2001).
In Jamaican Letters Patent 3325, entitled "Medicaments for the treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis infections [anthelmintic activity of E-2-dodecenal, derived from Eryngium foetidum (Ammiaceae), against Strongyloides stercoralis (Nematoda)]," issued Sep. 23, 2002, there is disclosed anthelmintic activity of trans-2-dodecenal derived from Eryngium foetidum against the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. This patent discloses an in vitro study of trans-2-dodecenal (eryngial) taken for various durations of time, but does not disclose dose-response parameters for eryngial against S. stercoralis.
Another example of a class of parasitic microorganisms is parasitic trypanosomes. Currently, there are very few active agents to treat diseases caused by these microorganisms. The drugs that are available are expensive and often have associated side effects that militate against their use by infected individuals. More worrisome is the increase in the number of drug-resistant trypanosomes (Kaminsky, R. et al., Acta Tropica, 54:279-289, 1993.).
In the past, plant compounds have been shown to be somewhat successful in displaying anti-trypanosomal properties. For example, muzigadial, derived from a Ugandan medicinal plant (Warburgia ugandensis), has shown trypanocidal characteristics similar to diminazene aceturate and geneticin. Both are popular anti-trypanosomal agents (Olila, D. et al., African Journal of Biotechnology, 4: 134-137, 2005).
It is difficult, however, to find compounds that are effective against trypanosomes because they have a variant-specific glycoprotein (VSG) coat. Effective treatment further is complicated by the trypanosome's ability to switch from one VSG to another (Rifkin, M. R., National Academy of Sciences, 87:801-805, 1990).
Trypanosomes are flagellated protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma. Various species of Trypanosoma cause numerous diseases in humans and other mammals. For example, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucie rhodesiense cause trypanosomiasis, also referred to as African sleeping sickness, transmitted by tsetse flies of the genus Glossina.
In South America, a different trypanosome, Trypanosoma cruzi, causes Chagas disease, which affects the nervous system and heart. This parasite is not transmitted by tsetse flies but by a different type of blood-sucking arthropod, Triatoma infestans, also referred to as the triatomine kissing bug. (Schmidt, G. D. and Roberts, L. S., 1989, Foundations of Parasitology, 4th ed. St. Louis: Times Mirror/Mosby, p. 55-79). Other species, restricted in distribution to Africa and Asia, cause diseases of horses and cattle. Control measures include elimination or reduction of the insect carrier populations and measures to reduce the likelihood of bites.
Trypanosomes have a complex life cycle. They use invertebrate hosts, such as insects and leeches, which then transmit the parasite to vertebrate animals. Domesticated animals, such as dogs, cats and cattle, can serve as reservoir hosts for these parasites before they are passed to humans (Abenda, J. N., African J. Biotechnology, 4: 134-137, 2005). For example, T. cruzi exists as a long, slender trypomastigote form that circulates in a vertebrate animal's blood. Trypomastigotes are ingested by an insect vector (triatomine bugs) during a blood meal. The parasites migrate to the insect's midgut where they change to an epimastigote form, which subsequently multiplies to become metacyclic trypanosomes. These form s are short and stumpy and are passed via feces from the insect vector and deposited on the skin of an unsuspecting vertebrate. They enter the vertebrate through mucus membranes or scratched skin and travel in the blood to muscle tissue. In the muscle tissue, they lose their flagella, change to an amastigote form, reproduce and then change to a trypomastigote form. These then enter and circulate in the vertebrate's blood stream where they can be ingested by an insect during a blood meal. (Schmidt, G. D. and Roberts, L. S., 1989, Foundations of Parasitology, 4th ed., St. Louis: Times Mirror/Mosby, p. 55-79).
There is a need, therefore, for new types of antimicrobial drugs to treat infections caused by parasitic protozoa, bacteria, fungi and nematodes.

SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC.


A stepped catheter comprising a distal portion of smaller diameter than a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion defines a flow aperture configured to deliver fluid passing through the catheter from the proximal portion to the flow aperture. The catheter may include a flow restrictor located within a lumen of the catheter at or near the flow aperture. A filter element may also be included and located within the lumen of the catheter at a location upstream of the flow restrictor.

Implantable infusion systems are used to provide programmable long-term delivery of a therapeutic agent, e.g., infusate drug, to a target tissue location within, for example, the brain, spinal canal, or epidural space. These systems typically include a pump implanted at a remote location, e.g., within the abdominal or chest cavity, wherein the pump is connected to a catheter, the catheter having its distal end implanted at the target tissue location. In use, the therapeutic agent is delivered from a reservoir in the pump to the target tissue location via the catheter.
Some therapies, e.g., treatments of many neurological diseases, may benefit from infusion of a therapeutic agent to multiple locations within the body. For instance, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, it may be beneficial to deliver a therapeutic agent, e.g., Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), to both hemispheres of the brain (bilaterally). Infusing the therapeutic agent to such multiple target tissue locations can be accomplished by using multiple infusion systems, e.g., a separate pump and catheter with a single exit hole for each target tissue location. However, multiple systems result in not only increased costs and patient invasiveness (as compared to single target tissue location systems), but also increased complexity that is inherent in such multiple systems.

Stepped catheters with flow restrictors and infusion systems using the same


A system and methods for efficiently and consistently creating and delivering content tailored to a user's specific needs and channel of distribution. The system generates coherent, precise, and logical content that is in full compliance with the relevant policies, rules, regulations, and laws of users of the system. The content created and delivered by the system may be in any form, such as, but not limited to a video, a script, a press release, a social media post, and a keynote speech.

Current content management systems exist, but fail to effectively create and synthesize new pieces of content in and from a variety of different mediums, such as text to video, or social media posts, or speech. Specifically, existing systems fail to maintain proper context across various applications since they are typically not readily customizable or adaptable. The result is often the delivery of an incoherent and disjointed message, or a message useable in only one or very limited contexts resulting in much wasted time, resources, and money. Because of these limitations of current content management systems, many organizations must use multiple separate content management systems and content creation systems to manage and create content for all of their different use cases like managing content on a website platform, video management platform, video creation platform, document creation software, document management software, team review and collaboration tools, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, business archive and storage platforms, etc. This becomes problematic when multiple systems must be kept up to date with large amounts of content.
Conventional content creation systems rely on adaptations to use pre-existing databases for transmitting data throughout the systems to create content. However, these systems are not adapted to produce a wide range of useful custom content. Instead, the custom content created by these conventional systems is often unintelligible and has an artificial feel. Specifically, existing content creation systems are not usually designed for mass customization, and taking into account human reaction, person-to-person communication nor do they deliver consistent, genuine, and psychologically-reinforced messaging for their customers.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a system and method for efficiently and consistently creating and delivering content tailored to a user's specific needs and channel of distribution. The system and method should generate coherent, meaningful, precise, and logical content that is in full compliance with the relevant policies, rules, regulations, and laws of the user.

System and method for content creation and delivery


The invention relates to a hardware implemented filtering method including establishing a representation DIS of the derivative of at least a part of a time-quantized input signal IS, and establishing at least one sample of a time- and amplitude-quantized output signal OS by performing filtering on the basis of at least a part of a filter representation IFC1, IFC2, IFC3 and the representation DIS of the derivative of at least a part of the input signal IS. The invention further relates to a hardware implemented decimation method for decimating a time-quantized input signal IS including dividing the time-quantized input signal IS into intervals, for each of the intervals establishing a sample of a time- and amplitude-quantized output signal OS according to the above mentioned filtering method. The invention further relates to a fast filtering means FFM implementing the above-mentioned methods.

It is a well-known fact that decimation of a signal without corresponding filtering, e.g. anti-aliasing or low-pass filtering, may cause the decimated signal to be distorted or otherwise damaged.
Conventional FIR-filtering is usually performed by convolving a finite number of impulse response coefficients h[k] of a desired FIR-filter with an equivalent number of samples from the input signal x[n] in order to establish one sample of the output signal y[n]:
            y                    [        n        ]              =                            h                                [            k            ]                          *                  x                                [            n            ]                              =                        ∑                      k            =            0                                N            -            1                                            (                                    h                                            [                k                ]                                      ·                          x                                            [                                  n                  -                  k                                ]                                              )                      ,where N is the length of the impulse response h[n].
Thus, for each output sample, N multiplications and N−1 additions have to be made. For practically all signal processors multiplications form a bottleneck and with a FIR filter having a resolution of, e.g., 384 coefficients, i.e. an N of 384, this results in 384 multiplications per sample. When the sample rate of the input signal is high, e.g. 200 MHz and the filtering is performed on each sample these 384 multiplications should be carried out within less than 5 nanoseconds. This is practically impossible or requires at least extremely expensive and demanding signal processing means. Also, when the FIR filter to be applied is very complex, e.g. having thousands of coefficients or very high-precision coefficient values it may be almost impossible or at least require excessive processing power
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for applying a filter to a signal in such a way that less processing power or time is needed for the filtering, e.g. for use with signals of a relatively high frequency, e.g. 200 MHz, or for relatively advanced filters.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide the option of decimating the signal rate to a lower frequency, e.g. 1.5 MHz or 384 kHz.

Fast filtering means and filtering and decimation methods


A method of preparing intermediates for carbapenem antibiotics characterized by treating a N-deprotected acetoxy conpound of the formula: ##STR1## in the presence of a Lewis acid or a silylating agent to yeild an intermediate; and cyclizing the intermediate in the presence of rhodium (II) acetate to form a bicyclic ketoester.

The discovery of thienamycin of formula I and analogous 1-carbapenem antibiotics derived from various strains of Streptomyces has resulted in an intense interest in the synthesis of the novel carbapenem skeleton.
Although a chiral synthesis of thienamycin starting from L-aspartic acid has been achieved by Salzmann et al. and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,947, this earlier work entailed a large number of steps and the use of strenuous reaction conditions which are not amenable to commercial production. Of particular concern was the chemistry used to elaborate a side chain at the 4-position of an azetidin-2-one compound.
The formation of a carbon-carbon bond at the 4-position of an azetidin-2-one compound opens up a wide variety of synthetic pathways to the carbapenems. The known methods, however, suffer from low yields, complex reaction conditions, and functional group limitations.


The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for supporting a sports ball net, such as a volleyball net. The system includes a first support standard and a second support standard. The first support standard includes a main body, a net tensioning assembly secured to the body, and an adjustable lower support assembly secured to the body for removably securing the first support standard with a first floor support sleeve. A second support standard includes a main body and an adjustable lower support assembly secured to the body for removably securing the second support standard with the second floor support sleeve. The system further includes a net support line removably attached to the tensioning assembly of the first support standard and to the second support standard. The adjustable lower support assembly includes a drive member for driving a slide member, a slide member housing, and at least one expansion member operatively connected to the slide member for engaging the corresponding floor support sleeve.

The present disclosure relates in various exemplary embodiments, to a system and apparatus for supporting a sports ball net, such as a volleyball net. It includes, but is not limited to, standards or uprights having an adjustable floor support or internal net tensioning assembly. The embodiments find particular application in conjunction with volleyball systems that are designed to be setup and torn down frequently, as for example in a school gymnasium. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other like applications.
Over the years, a number of volleyball standard systems have been designed to accomplish the task of rigidly supporting a volleyball net. Traditionally, two upright vertical posts are placed at either end of the volleyball net and secured to the ground. In most cases, the uprights or standards are fabricated from steel tubular material and usually include a means for attaching a volleyball net support line to either upright or standard. In addition, an external winch is usually attached to one standard to allow for tensioning of the support line. Generally, the external winch is a relatively bulky component having a cable take-up spool, a hand crank and a ratcheting mechanism to prevent the spool from unraveling. The external winch mechanism includes several drawbacks. One drawback involves the danger of a player or referee coming into contact with the winch during game play and causing injury to themselves. A further drawback involves the non-aesthetic appeal of an external winch.
Another disadvantage involving traditional uprights or standards involves the method of securing the standard to a floor. One method that has been devised involves the use of a floor sleeve which is recessed into the floor or playing surface and provides an open cavity designed to receive the lower end of the standard. Typically, these sleeves range in diameter from 3 inches to 4 inches. A problem is thus encountered when a mismatch occurs between the diameter of the standard and the floor sleeve. For instance, a 4 inch diameter standard would obviously not fit into a 3 inch diameter floor sleeve. Conversely, a 3 inch diameter standard would fit too loosely in a 4 inch diameter floor sleeve.
This disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the aforementioned problems and others.

System and apparatus for supporting a sports ball net


A focus adjustment device includes: a first focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state for a subject image in a first focusing area; a second focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state in a second focusing area through a method different from a method adopted by the first focus detection unit; a judgment unit that makes a judgment as to whether or not the first focusing area and the second focusing area have a specific positional relationship; and a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment based upon focus detection results obtained via the first focus detection unit and focus detection results obtained via the second focus detection unit when the judgment unit decides that the first focusing area and the second focusing area have the specific positional relationship.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical device and a camera having a focus adjustment function.
2. Description of Related Art
Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. 2002-328293 discloses an automatic focus detection/adjustment method that may be adopted in a camera, achieved by adopting a hybrid autofocus (AF) technology whereby two AF methods, the phase detection method and the contrast detection method, are used in combination.

Focus adjustment device, focus adjustment method and camera


A radio network controller 11 for controlling a base station in a CDMA or W-CDMA mobile communication system includes a state measurement part 21, a call control processing part 31, and a frequency load distribution processing part 41. The frequency load distribution processing part 41 is provided with a frequency state change processing 42 for updating each frequency's state data 44 and next assignment management data 45 by referring a frequency state change notice notified when a state is changed by call control, and frequency assignment control processing 43 for selecting a frequency by referring to the updated next assignment management data and for returning a frequency assignment response, in response to a frequency assignment request transmitted from the call control processing part. With this constitution, load distribution of multiple frequencies is achieved by deriving a next assigned frequency on the basis of operating states of each frequency.

The present invention relates to a mobile communication system and a load distribution method of multiple frequencies in the system, and more particularly, to a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) or W-CDMA (Widebanded-CDMA) mobile communication system and a load distribution method of multiple frequencies in the system.
Recently, a CDMA mobile communication system has been widespread because it has such features as large subscriber capacity, asynchronous access capability, strong resistance to mutual interference with other systems, and high concealability.
The conventional CDMA mobile communication system performing frequency assignment will be described referring to FIG. 1.
In FIG. 1, each of base stations: BTS61, BTS62, and BTS63 has three carrier frequency bands of frequencies 71, 72, and 73. Each of these frequencies transmits respectively different pilot signals, and congestions or failures of the frequencies are detected and notified to a radio network controller 11.
Each of mobile units 81 to 83 of CDMA system is able to use the frequencies 71 to 73 as a carrier frequency and has a Pilot search function for different frequencies. Each mobile unit searches the pilot signal in order to detect the base station most appropriate for communication, to thereby notify the radio network controller 11 of a shift regarding the base station when a cell switches.
A present-day frequency assignment method does not focus on frequencies, but determines the frequency on the basis of a Pilot search result of the mobile unit. A carrier terminal using a pilot carrier cell exceptionally performs hard hand-off at times such that the radio network controller 11 designates the frequency. However, even in the case that multiple frequencies cover the same cell as usual, the radio network controller 11 merely examines the frequency selected by the mobile unit whether it is available or not by performing failure checking 37 to failure information 26.
The frequency assignment method in the conventional CDMA mobile communication system as described above has a first problem of inability to distribute loads to each frequency because of not consulting state changes of frequencies when assigning them, and a second problem of inability to consider load distribution in the unit of frequencies due to mobile unit-led frequency assignment.
It is, therefore, an object to provide a mobile communication system capable of distributing loads to multiple frequencies and a load distribution method.

Mobile communication system and load distribution method of multiple frequencies in the same


Mixing individualized media content. When individualized media content is generated from separate media clips or files, mixing the separate media clips includes controlling the audio. The volume of the audio in each clip is determined and normalized with respect to other media clips as the individualized media content is mixed. This provides a consistent audio experience even when the media content is generated from multiple sources having different properties. When more than one track of audio is present, such as voice audio and background music, the volume of one track is lowered such that the other audio track is audible. The volume of the background music, for example, is reduced such that the subscriber can hear the instructions in the voice audio.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of mixing and producing media content. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for adjusting volumes of the components that are mixed together.
2. The Relevant Technology
Audio mixing relates to combining separate audio media components to produce a single combined output audio media. A problem arises, however, where the separate audio media components have different attributes such as different volume or content attributes. For example, a first audio media may have a greater intensity of sound (i.e. volume) when output on the same audio device as another audio media. In other words, the volume of the one media often differs from the volume of another media. Moreover, audio media is often recorded on separate equipment, under different circumstances, or have other content attributes that cause differences when played. As a result, mixing different audio media components together results in unsatisfactory output media. Abrupt changes in volume, pace, and the like can be disconcerting to a listener.
Moreover, some of the media components may have other attributes that are not accounted for in conventional mixing methods. For example, the content of a first audio media may be more important than the content of a second audio media being mixed with the first audio media (or any number of audio media having any relative content importance). Thus, the content of a first audio media may make the first audio media more important to be perceived than another audio media being mixed with the first audio media. Thus, mixing separate audio media having different relative content attributes has often created inconsistent and unsatisfactory mixed audio media.
Therefore, there is a need for improved mixing of audio media. Moreover, there is a need to create customized instruction audio, such as personalized workouts, where volume of the audio has been adjusted during mixing to increase and the consistency of the mixed audio media.


The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any coolant. In addition, the integral housing is insulated with a potting material, which electrically insulates the integral housing and its components, and also limits the amount of noise emitted from the housing during operation. In an alternative embodiment, enhanced thermal and electrically insulating properties are achieved through the use of a potting material disposed in selected areas of the tube interior. The potting material cooperates with optimized airflow through the tube assembly to effectively and continuously remove heat therefrom.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to x-ray generating devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an x-ray tube having an integral housing assembly that allows for improved performance, reliability, safety and patient comfort.
2. The Relevant Technology
X-ray devices are extremely valuable tools for use in a variety of medical applications. For example, such equipment is commonly used in areas such as diagnostic and therapeutic radiology.
Regardless of the particular application involved, the basic operation of medical x-ray devices is similar. In general, x-rays, or x-ray radiation, are produced when electrons are produced, accelerated to high speeds, and then stopped abruptly. Typically, this entire A process takes place within an x-ray tube housing that defines an evacuated envelope. This evacuated envelope is typically constructed of glass, metal, or a combination of metal and glass. Disposed within the evacuated envelope is a cathode assembly, which produces the electrons, and an anode assembly, which is axially spaced apart from the cathode and oriented so as to receive electrons emitted by the cathode.
In operation, a voltage potential is applied between the cathode and the anode. This potential causes the electrons that are emitted from the cathode filament to form a thin stream or beam, and accelerate to a very high velocity towards a target surface positioned on the anode. This target surface (sometimes referred to as the focal track) is comprised of a refractory metal having a high atomic number, so that when the electrons strike it, at least a portion of the resulting kinetic energy is converted to electromagnetic waves of very high frequency, i.e., x-rays. The resulting x-rays emanate from the target surface, and are then collimated for penetration into an object, such as an area of a patient""s body. As is well known, the x-rays that pass through the object can be detected and analyzed so as to be used in any one of a number of applications, such as a medical diagnostic examination.
In general, a very small part of the input energy results in the production of x-rays. A majority of the kinetic energy resulting from the electron collisions at the target surface is converted into heat, which can reach extremely high temperatures. The heat is absorbed by the anode and is conducted not only to other portions of the anode assembly, but to the other x-ray tube components within the evacuated envelope. Over time, this heat can damage the anode, the anode assembly, and/or other tube components, and can reduce the operating life of the x-ray tube and/or the performance and operating efficiency of the tube.
Several approaches have been used to help alleviate problems arising from the presence of these high operating temperatures. For example, in some x-ray devices the x-ray target, or focal track, is positioned on an annular portion of a rotatable anode disk. The anode disk (also referred to as the rotary target or the rotary anode) is then mounted on a supporting shaft and rotor assembly that can then be rotated by a motor. During operation of the x-ray tube, the anode disk is rotated at high speeds, which causes the focal track to continuously rotate into and out of the path of the electron beam. In this way, the electron beam is in contact with any given point along the focal track for only short periods of time. This allows the remaining portion of the track to cool during the time that it takes to rotate back into the path of the electron beam, thereby reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the anode.
While rotation of the anode reduces the amount of heat present at the focal spot on the focal track, a large amount of heat is still transferred to the anode, the anode drive assembly, and other components within the evacuated housing. This heat must be continuously removed to prevent damage to the tube (and any other adjacent electrical components) and to increase the x-ray tube""s efficiency and overall service life.
One approach has been to place the housing that forms the evacuated envelope within a second outer metal housing, which is sometimes referred to as a xe2x80x9ccan.xe2x80x9d This outer housing or can serves several functions. First, it acts as a radiation shield to prevent radiation leakage. As such, it must be at least partially constructed from some type of dense, x-ray absorbing metal, such as lead. Second, the outer housing serves as a container for a cooling medium, such as a dielectric oil, which is circulated by a pump over the outer surface of the inner evacuated housing. As heat is emitted from the x-ray tube components (anode, anode drive assembly, etc.), it is radiated to the outer surface of the evacuated housing, and then at least partially absorbed by the coolant fluid. The heated coolant fluid is then passed to some form of heat exchange device, such as a radiative surface, and the heat is removed. The fluid is then re-circulated by the pump back through the outer housing and the process repeated.
The dielectric oil (or similar fluid) is also often relied upon to provide functions other than cooling. For example, the oil serves as an electrical insulator between the inner evacuated housing, which contains the cathode and anode assembly, and the outer housing, which is typically comprised of a conductive metal material. The presence of the fluid insulator reduces the possibility of electrical arcing between the evacuated housing and the outer housing, and also provides electrical insulation between any high voltage leads connected to the evacuated envelope.
While useful as a heat removal medium and/or as an electrical insulator, the use of oil and similar liquids can be problematic in several respects. For example, use of a fluid adds complexity to the construction and operation of the x-ray generating device in several areas. First, use of fluid requires that there be a second outer housing or can structure to retain the fluid. This outer housing is constructed of a material that is capable of blocking x-rays, and it must be large enough to be completely disposed about the inner evacuated housing and allow fluid to be disposed therein. This increases the cost and manufacturing complexity of the overall device. Also, the outer housing requires a large amount of physical space, resulting in the need for an overall larger x-ray generating device. This can limit the device""s ability to be used in close proximity to a patient and/or can increase discomfort to the patient during certain types of procedures.
Also, the space required for the outer housing reduces the amount of space that can be utilized by the inner evacuated housing, which in turn limits the amount of space that can be used by other components within the x-ray tube. For example, the size of the rotating anode is limited; a larger diameter anode is often desirable because it is better able to dissipate heat as it rotates.
The need for an outer housing adds expense and manufacturing complexity to the overall device in other respects. When liquid is used as a coolant, the device may need a pump and a radiator (or similar heat removal device), that in turn must be interconnected within a closed circulation system via a system of tubes and fluid conduits. Also, since the oil expands when it is heated, the closed system must provide a facility to expand, such as a diaphragm or similar structure. Again, these additional components add complexity and expense to the x-ray device""s construction. Moreover, the tube is more subject to fluid leakage and related catastrophic failures attributable to such a fluid system.
The presence of a liquid coolant/dielectric is also detrimental because it does not function as an efficient noise insulator. In fact, the presence of a liquid may tend to increase the mechanical vibration and resultant noise that is emitted by the operating x-ray tube. This noise can be distressing to the patient and/or the operator. The presence of liquid also limits the ability to utilize other, more efficient materials for dampening the noises emitted by the x-ray tube due to space restrictions and the need for effective electrical insulation.
Use of a liquid coolant gives rise to safety concerns as well. In particular, during operation, the temperature of the coolant reaches extremely high temperatures. The structures containing the fluid must therefore be extremely robust to insure that there is never any accidental leakage. This need is especially acute since the x-ray tube is often in very close proximity to a patient. Obviously, any leakage could be catastrophic.
Use of liquid coolant is problematic in yet another respect. In particular, the need to dispose of a dielectric oil, as well as the lead-lined outer housing, gives rise to a number of environmental concerns. In particular, the disposal of such materials is often governed by strict local and national regulations. Compliance is often expensive and time consuming, which adds to the cost of using such equipment.
Some prior art x-ray tubes have eliminated the use of an outer housing and fluid as a coolant/dielectric medium. For example, some solutions utilize forced air to remove heat from the evacuated housing and its components. However, these approaches have not been entirely satisfactory for a variety of reasons. Also, proposed solutions are not well suited for certain types of x-ray applications, such as x-ray mammography and similar applications.
For example, known x-ray generating devices that utilize forced air as a cooling medium are adapted for high voltage x-ray applications; such applications typically utilize a 150 kV operating potential, or higher, between the anode and cathode. High operating voltages result in higher operating temperatures, and to ensure sufficient heat removal with air convection, these x-ray tubes typically are equipped with fins, or channels formed on the outer surface of the evacuated envelope so as to enhance heat removal. As with previous solutions, this need for additional structure increases manufacturing complexity, and involves additional physical space requirements for the assembly. Moreover, in these types of devices, since the outer housing is eliminated, the housing forming the evacuated enclosure must provide a sufficient level of radiation shielding. To do so at such higher operating voltage levels, the walls that form the enclosure must either be very thick, or must be constructed of more expensive materials. Again, this requires increased physical space and/or results in higher manufacturing costs.
In addition to the increased shielding capacity that must be provided by the walls of the evacuated enclosure, prior art devices must also provide additional shielding within the enclosure itself. For instance, openings are typically provided through the top and bottom portions of the evacuated housing, for example, to allow for the passage of electronic wires to the cathode assembly. Additional shielding structure must be provided so as to block any x-rays from escaping through these openings. Again, this adds to the amount of physical space that is available to other components, and increases manufacturing complexity of the x-ray tube.
Radiographic devices utilizing air cooling must also replace the dielectric oil as the means for electrically insulating the evacuated envelope (the cathode and the anode) from the rest of the assembly. Also, the device must provide some facility for reducing the amount of noise emitted by the x-ray tube during operation. As previously noted, the occurrence of noise resulting from a rotating anode can be especially troublesome to patients during some applications, such as mammography procedures.
Thus, what is needed in the art is a radiographic device that does not require the use of an outer housing for containing oils or similar fluids for the removal of heat and/or for providing an electrical insulator. Such a device would thereby eliminate the liabilities associated with the use of such fluids, such as increased manufacturing complexity, potential for failure, the need for increased physical space and problems associated with the proper disposal of the fluid. The device should also preferably maintain safe levels of radiation containment, and should also emit low amounts of audible noise during operation. Finally, the device must be extremely safe in all respects, and should present minimal environmental problems.
Briefly summarized, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an x-ray generating apparatus that eliminates the need for a liquid coolant contained within an outer x-ray tube housing or xe2x80x9ccan.xe2x80x9d Instead, embodiments utilize an x-ray tube having a single integral housing assembly that is capable of providing the vacuum enclosure that contains the cathode and anode assemblies. Moreover, the assembly is designed so as to provide a sufficient level of cooling and radiation blocking. In preferred embodiments, the x-ray generating apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in low power applications, where the energy potential between the anode and the cathode is approximately 25-30 kV, with an operating current at approximately 80-100 mA. These lower kV levels produce x-rays that have a lower energy spectrum, and the lower energy x-rays are better absorbed by softer breast tissue, resulting in an overall better contrast in the resulting x-ray image. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention can also be used with other applications and environments, including applications utilizing higher power. Also, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to a variety of voltage potential configurations, including a grounded anode mode, a grounded cathode mode, double ended mode, or any other appropriate combination depending on the needs of the particular application.
In one embodiment, the single integral housing is formed as a generally cylindrically shaped body. Supported on a cathode mounting structure within the interior of the housing is a cathode having an emission source, such as a filament, for emitting electrons. The cathode is supported so as to be positioned opposite from a focal track formed on a rotating anode. The focal track is positioned on the anode so that x-rays are emitted through a window formed through the side of the housing. In one embodiment, the cathode is freely supported on the cathode mounting structure, insofar as it is supported without the use of an oversized radiation shield or disk for blocking x-rays from exiting an opening formed through the housing. The elimination of a need for a larger x-ray blocking disk on the cathode frees up space within the interior of the housing for use by other components, and reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost. In preferred embodiments, portions of the cathode itself are constructed with a radiation blocking material, which prevents x-rays from exiting the opening formed through the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the cathode mounting structure is shortened, allowing for the implementation of an x-ray tube having a shorter overall length. In another embodiment, the use of a cathode support arm is eliminated entirely, and the cathode is attached directly to the interior surface of the evacuated housing, or is integrated within the wall of the housing itself. Again, this shortens the length of the x-ray tube. In certain applicationsxe2x80x94especially mammographyxe2x80x94this can improve patient comfort, as well as allow for a greater freedom of maneuverability of the x-ray generating apparatus.
In one embodiment, at least a portion of the integral housing is formed of low cost material such as copper, stainless steel, alloys thereof, or any other material that possesses thermal conduction characteristics that allow heat to be absorbed from the anode assembly during operation, and then conducted to the outer surface of the integral housing. Also, at least that portion of the housing that is adjacent to the rotating anode includes walls that are of sufficient thickness so as to block x-rays, preferably in a manner so as to comply with applicable FDA requirements. When used in a lower power mammography application, the x-rays are of relatively lower intensity, and thus the wall thickness needed to shield x-rays is relatively lowxe2x80x94even with copper or stainless steel. Again, this reduces the overall size of the integral housing, as well as its cost. Other materials, including those that exhibit a higher degree of x-ray blocking characteristics, could also be used.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a forced air convection system to remove heat that is transferred to the outer surface of the integral housing, and to remove heat emitted from the stator, or motor assembly that is used to rotate the anode drive assembly. This eliminates the need for coolant fluids, such as dielectric oil and the like, and therefore eliminates the problems inherent with the use of such fluids. In one embodiment, a fan is used to direct air over the outer surfaces of the integral housing; preferably the airflow is directed with an airflow shell that is disposed about at least a portion of the integral housing. In some embodiments, a particular airflow to obtain optimal cooling can be provided by positioning air flow directors at specific locations within the airflow shell. The heat transfer characteristics of the integral housing, together with the cooling airflow, provide a sufficient level of heat removal so that the integral housing does not require external or internal fins, channels, or other similar means for conducting heat away from the surface. This, too, reduces manufacturing complexity, and reduces the overall physical size of the evacuated housing. It will be appreciated however that, depending on the needs of a particular application, such structures could be utilized to provide even further cooling of the integral housing.
Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention also include means for insulating the evacuated housing. In preferred embodiments, an electronic potting compound or encapsulant is used for the insulating means. For example, in one embodiment a dielectric gel is disposed between the integral housing and points external to the housing. A variety of other potting materials could be also used. Depending on the needs of the particular application, the material used preferably provides several functions. First, it the material may provide an electrical insulating function. For example, it may electrically insulate the high voltage (or groundxe2x80x94depending on the configuration) connection to the anode assembly, thereby preventing arcing and charge up of the evacuated integral housing (especially if there is a glass portion). Second, the material may preferably act as a dampening material that absorbs vibration and acoustical noise that originates from the anode rotor assembly. Reduced noise emissions are especially important to maintain the comfort of the patient and to help reduce any anxiety that would otherwise result from high noise emissions. Third, in some embodiments, the material may include an amount of a radiopaque material to provide additional levels of x-ray shielding to the integral housing. Finally, in preferred embodiments, the potting material is thermally conductive, so that it conducts heat away from surfaces it contacts. For example, the potting material would conduct heat away from portions of the evacuated housing, further enhancing the overall cooling of the operating x-ray tube.
In preferred embodiments, the insulating material, such as a potting compound, is positioned within selected areas of the x-ray tube assembly by way of an insulating shield positioned about portions of the evacuated housing. For example, the shield may be positioned about selected portions of the housing so as to define a gap between the shield and the outer surface of the housing. The potting material can then be placed within these gaps. The shield can also be used to form other chambered areas or volumes for containing the insulating material, depending on the needs of the application.
Some embodiments may optionally have additional features relating to the improved operation of the tube. For example, embodiments may include environmental sensors and controls for evaluating and controlling the operating environment within the evacuated housing, such as temperature regulation. Thus, in one embodiment, temperature sensors could be positioned within the evacuated housing, and airflow from a variable speed fan could be adjusted depending on temperature conditions. Alternatively, operation of the tube could be halted in the event that a maximum operating temperature is exceeded. Sensors for monitoring other environmental conditions, such as humidity could also be used. Also, devices that monitor electrical current and/or voltage levels could be utilized to monitor and protect electrical components, including the cathode filament, from various fault conditions such as filament over-current.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, and the claims that follow.

X-ray tube having an integral housing assembly


A living cell transplanting device has a flexible tube capable of accommodating living cells and a cell pushing shaft inserted into the tube. The tube has a lumen penetrating therethrough and a reduced diameter front end open portion. The shaft has a small diameter end portion having a diameter smaller than that of the reduced diameter front end open portion and an enlarged diameter portion having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of reduced diameter front end open portion. Owing to contact between the enlarged diameter portion of the shaft and the reduced diameter front end open portion of the tube, a progress of the shaft is regulated. By pushing the shaft into the tube after the contact between the enlarged diameter portion and the reduced diameter front end open portion finishes, the enlarged diameter portion of the shaft passes through said reduced diameter front end open portion with expanding the reduced diameter front end open portion of the tube and projects beyond the reduced diameter front end open portion of the tube.

Primordial follicles which are the sources of the ova exist in the ovary. The number of the primordial follicles reaches the peak in the prenatal period and does not increase after they are born, but decreases with age. With the outbreak of menstrual discharge, about 1,000 primordial follicles are activated from a dormant state every month and start to grow and continue to grow under the influence of the factor produced at the locals of the ovary and the endocrine action of the gonadotropin secreted from the pituitary, thus ovulating. When the number of the primordial follicles remaining inside the ovary becomes not more than about 1,000, periodical activation of the ovarian follicles does not occur, with the result that the estrogen excreted from the granulosa cells of the grown ovarian follicles becomes deficient and that menopausal symptom and amenorrhea occurs owing to growth failure of an endometrium. Thus, at the same time, ovulation does not occur, and menopause occurs.
A disease in which the number of ovarian follicles in the ovary rapidly decreases, the number of remaining ovarian follicles becomes not more than a limit value (not more than about 1,000) at the age of less than 40, and menopause occurs is called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI; primary ovarian insufficiency). The premature ovarian insufficiency occurs naturally in one out of 100 women. As the cause of the occurrence of the primary ovarian insufficiency, the abnormality of chromosome and gene, an autoimmune disease, and an iatrogenic disease (ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) are known. But the causes for many of the primary ovarian insufficiency are unknown. An effective treatment method for the primary ovarian insufficiency is embryo transplanting of in-vitro fertilization to be carried out by using donated ova (donor ova). It is very difficult for women having the premature ovarian insufficiency to become pregnant with her ova. But in Japan, in-vitro fertilization to be carried out by using the donated ova has not spread. As a reason for that, it is conceivable that women having the primary ovarian insufficiency have a strong feeling of becoming pregnant not with other woman's ova, but with her own ova. Although the donation of ova is not prohibited in Japan, there is a rule that ova should be provided free of charge. Further, it is risky to collect ova by stimulating the ovary. Furthermore, a donor is required to undergo ova collection treatment. Thus, there are very few ova donors.
An artificial activation remedy (IVA: in-vitro activation) for dormant primordial follicles proposed by Mr. Kawamura and other groups is effective for the primary ovarian insufficiency. It is conceivable that clinical application of the artificial activation remedy will make progress in the future.
The following procedures are performed in the artificial activation remedy for the dormant primordial follicles:    1) Laparoscopic ovariectomy    2) Freezing of ovarian tissue and inspection of remaining ovarian follicles    3) Culturing of ovarian tissue: After a thawed ovarian cortex is broken into a cubic shape or a rectangular shape having a dimension of 1 to 2 mm, an ovarian tissue is cultured for 48 hours by using a PTEN inhibitor and a P13K activator to activate a P13K-Akt signal.    4) Autologous transplantation of ovary: After the culturing of the ovarian tissue, the ovarian tissue is sufficiently cleaned. Thereafter autologous transplantation of the ovary is laparoscopically performed. A patient who has developed the primary ovarian insufficiency has a poor blood flow in the patient's ovary. Thus, conceivably, it is difficult to engraft the transplant ovary in the patient's ovary. Thus, the transplantation of the ovary to the serosa of the ovary rich in the blood flow, easy to be observed by transvaginal ultrasound and facilitates an ovary collection procedure is selected.    5) Monitor for examining growth of ovarian follicles and embryo transplanting of in-vitro fertilization: after the autologous transplantation of the ovary finishes, the patient is subjected to a hormone test (LH, FSH, E2) and transvaginal ultrasound to examine the growth of the ovarian follicles every two weeks. In a case where the ovarian follicles have grown, an ovum is collected as in the case of normal in-vitro fertilization. In a case where a mature ovum is obtained, the ovum is fertilized with a sperm by insemination or micro-insemination. Thereafter, temporarily, the embryo is cryopreserved by a vitrification method. Withdrawal bleeding is caused to perform transplanting of the thawed embryo in a hormone supplementation period.


A lid for a bowl of a food processor for processing a relatively large size or large volume of foodstuff including a top lid wall and a feed tube extending from the top lid wall along a feed axis. The feed tube including an inner feed surface defining a feed cavity and a mouth for accessing the feed cavity. A feed tube lid is movably secured to the mouth of the feed tube. A food pusher is movably mounted to the feed tube lid. The food pusher and feed tube lid cover the mouth of the feed tube when the feed tube lid and food pusher are in a working position. The food pusher is movable relative to the feed tube in first and second directions in the working position. The first direction is generally parallel to the feed axis and the second direction is generally perpendicular to the feed axis.

The present application is directed to processing foodstuff and, more particularly, to a food processor lid that that is configured for the processing of a relatively large size or a large volume of foodstuff.
Food processors commonly include a lid with a feed tube extending generally perpendicularly from a lid top surface, a food pusher that is slideably positionable within the feed tube and a bowl with a mouth that removably receives the lid. The feed tube is used to insert food into the bowl during processing and is sized to prevent a user's hand from entering the bowl while the processing tool is in operation. Food may be inserted into the bowl through the feed tube during processing or a foodstuff that is sliced or grated by a rotating disk that is positioned near a rim of the bowl may be inserted through the feed tube. Specifically, Underwriters Laboratories food processor safety requirements demand a feed tube with an average inside diameter that is less than two and one-half inches (2.5″) with no dimension greater than three inches (3″) and that the processing tool must be recessed at least four inches (4″) below the mouth of the feed tube. Underwriters Laboratories requirements also demand that if the average inside diameter of the feed tube is two inches (2″) or less, the distance that the tool must be below the plane of the feed tube may be reduced to three and one-half inches (3.5″). The above-listed dimensions for a feed tube are directed to preventing a relatively small hand from being inserted through the feed tube and into the bowl during operation.
Based upon the above-described safety limitations for the feed tube, only relatively small, long and narrow foodstuff may be inserted into the bowl during processing. For example, many potatoes have a minor diameter or width of at least one and one-half inches (1.5″) and, therefore, only a single potato may be inserted into the feed tube for processing at one time. In addition, when grating or slicing a large volume of foodstuff, an initial volume of foodstuff is positioned in the relatively small feed tube, a food pusher pushes the foodstuff onto the rotating disk and into the bowl, the food pusher is removed from the feed tube and the process is repeated multiple times until the large volume of grated or sliced foodstuff is produced. Therefore, the size of foodstuff that may be processed and the time that it takes to process a relatively large volume of foodstuff is often prohibitive for food processors with feed tubes that fall within the above-described dimensional safety requirements.
Enlarged feed tubes or feed tubes that have feed dimensions that are greater than the above-described safety dimensions often include covers over their mouths that limit access to the feed cavity and bowl during processing. Such enlarged feed tubes may include a pivoting door comprising a side of the enlarged feed tube that actuates a safety switch when the door completely closes the feed tube, thereby denying access to the feed cavity when the door is open. In addition, enlarged feed tubes having enlarged food pushers that actuate safety switches only when the enlarged food pusher is positioned within or over the enlarged feed tube are used to process relatively large size or a large volume of foodstuff. However, these prior art food processors often do not permit continuous feeding of foodstuff into the enlarged feed tube during processing. A safety switch often cuts power to a motor when the feed cavity is exposed and processing is terminated until the feed cavity is closed or the enlarged food pusher is inserted into the enlarged feed tube thereby expanding processing time.
The preferred embodiment of the lid for a food processor in accordance with the present application has an enlarged feed tube and permits processing of relatively large size or a large volume of foodstuff. The lid of the preferred embodiment also permits limited access to the enlarged feed tube during processing without disabling the cutting tool. The lid is generally simple to use and relatively easy to clean. Permitting access to the relatively large feed tube during operation permits insertion of ingredients into the feed tube without disabling the food processor. In addition, when the enlarged feed tube is exposed and a user's hand is insertable into the mouth of the enlarged feed tube, the lid of the of the preferred embodiment renders the tool and food processor inoperative so a user's hand does not come into contact with a rotating cutting tool. Accordingly, the food processor lid of the preferred embodiment allows processing of relatively large size or a relatively large volume of foodstuff while maintaining safety.


An optical element irradiated with a light flux having a wavelength of 350 nm to 450 nm, is provided with a synthetic resin base material; and an antireflection film provided on the synthetic resin base material and including a contact layer being in contact with the synthetic resin base material, wherein the contact layer is a film made of a material containing no oxygen atom or a film made of a mixed material or a material containing no oxygen atom and a material containing an oxygen atom in which the mixed material contains the material containing an oxygen atom less than 10%.

The present invention relates to an optical element and an optical pickup device, and in particular, to an optical element that transmits a light flux coming from a light source with a short wavelength and to an optical pickup device employing the optical element.
In recent years, there have been advanced rapidly the research and development for the high density optical disc system that can conduct recording and reproducing of information by the use of a violet semiconductor laser with a wavelength of about 400 nm. As an example thereof, in the case of the optical disc conducting recording and reproducing of information under the specifications of NA 0.65 and light source wavelength 407 nm, information of 20-30 GB per one side can be recorded for the optical disc with a diameter of 12 cm that is the same as that of DVD (NA: 0.6, wavelength of light source: 650 nm and storage capacity: 4.7 GB).
(Patent Document 1) TOKKAI No. 2003-303436
(Patent Document 2) TOKKAIHEI No. 8-179103
Incidentally, in the optical pickup device, there is used an optical element made of plastic and is relatively inexpensive and can be manufactured easily on a mass production basis, and on the optical surface of the optical element, there is formed an antireflection film. However, according to the tests made by the inventors of the present invention, it was found that, when a laser beam with a short wavelength emitted from the violet semiconductor laser was applied to the optical lens made of plastic for a certain period of time, optical characteristics of the irradiated optical element were deteriorated considerably. Incidentally, in the Patent Document 2, there is disclosed a technology for forming a film of a material MgFx (x=2-2.1) on a base board. In this case, however, optical characteristics are not deteriorated even if the laser beam with a short wavelength is applied, because the base board is made of glass.

Optical element and optical pickup device


In a method of operating a 4-stroke internal combustion engine selectively in a compression ignition operation, in which an outlet valve of the internal combustion engine is closed at a comparatively early closing time point with respect to a crank angle (α) and in spark ignition operation, in which the outlet valve is closed at a comparatively late closing time point with respect to the crank angle (α), during the changeover from the spark ignition mode of operation to the compression ignition mode of operation, the closing time point of the outlet valve is transferred from the late closing time point to the early closing time point in steps distributed over multiple 4-stroke cycles.

The invention relates to a method for the operation of an internal combustion engine which can be operated selectively in a compression ignition mode and in a spark ignition mode.
To achieve reduced fuel consumption, 4-stroke internal combustion engines can be operated in different operating modes. In one operating mode with compression ignition, a high efficiency engine operation and, consequently, a low fuel consumption are established. Under corresponding operating conditions with a suitable temperature and with a corresponding cylinder pressure, a homogeneous air/fuel mixture is subjected to autoignition with correspondingly favorable combustion conditions.
Compression ignition operation, however, is restricted to the part-load range, since, with a rising load, the maximum cylinder pressure also rises and may overshoot a permissible value. This results in increased noise emission and in an undesirably high load on the engine components. With higher rotational speeds, furthermore, the knocking tendency of the cylinder charge increases in an undesirable way. A further disadvantage is the exponential rise in the formation of nitrogen oxides as the maximum process temperature rises as a result of excessively high load.
To avoid the disadvantages mentioned, a corresponding internal combustion engine is operated in the higher load range in a second operating mode with conventional spark ignition. In this case, the known Otto-cycle combustion takes place, which is suitable for operation under higher loads.
Particularly in a motor vehicle an internal combustion engine is exposed to changing operating loads. A change between the two operating modes is desired as a function of the prevailing load.
The change between two operating modes may be brought about by a cyclic change in the control times of the corresponding inlet and outlet valves. For this purpose, electromechanical valve controls (EMVS) or electrohydraulic valve controls (EHVS) are known, by means of which the opening and closing times of the inlet and outlet valves can be adapted, as required. By a variation in, for example, the outlet control times, the outlet valve can be closed comparatively early. This causes exhaust gas retention in the cylinders, as a result of which an increased pressure and an increased temperature are established, which lead to compression ignition.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,436 discloses a method for the operation of a 4-stroke internal combustion engine, in which a change can be made, as required, between compression ignition operation and spark ignition operation. Adaptation of the valve control times to the respective operating mode by means of a variably adjustable valve drive is proposed. The operating conditions for compression ignition operation with autoignition are set via exhaust gas recirculation.
A disadvantage which became apparent is that, during the change from spark ignition operation to compression ignition operation, while the operating parameters otherwise remain unchanged, an undesirably increased noise emission occurs.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a method by which the changeover between a compression ignition operating mode and a spark ignition operating mode is facilitated.

Method for the operation of an internal combustion engine


A vane rotor, a bush, and a press-fitting member are connected with a camshaft of an engine. The bush is supported by an inner surface of a front plate of a shoe housing. The press-fitting member is contact with an end surface of the camshaft. The bush and the press-fitting member are respectively press-fitted into both end surfaces of the vane rotor. Due to a press-fitting force difference between the bush and the press-fitting member, the vane rotor is slightly warped in a press-fitting direction of the bush to rotatably slide on an inner surface of the front plate.

JP-8-121122A shows a valve timing controller that is provided with a housing receiving a driving force from an crankshaft of the engine and a vane rotor accommodated in the housing to transfer the driving force to a camshaft. The vane rotor rotates in advance direction and retard direction to adjust an angle phase of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. A cylindrical member is press-fitted into the vane rotor on one end surface thereof. The housing includes a front end plate that has a boss rotatably supporting the cylindrical member.
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the cylindrical member 210 is press-fitted into the receiving hole 220 of the vane rotor 200, an inner periphery of the receiving hole 220 is expanded so that the vane rotor 200 is warped in the axial direction as shown by arrows in FIG. 5B. This may causes a leakage of operating fluid between an advance chamber and a retard chamber.


A running tool having an annulus seal assembly and casing hanger attached thereto may be sent into to the wellhead to lock and preload the casing hanger in a single trip. The running tool may be rotated a first time to drop the annulus seal assembly on the casing hanger, a first pressure may be applied axially above the annulus seal assembly to set the annulus seal assembly, the running tool may be rotated a second time to close a gap between the annulus seal assembly and the wellhead, and a second pressure may be applied axially above the annulus seal assembly to preload the casing hanger.

A casing hanger is a component used in the completion of oil and gas production wells. The casing hanger is set in the tree or the wellhead and suspends casing within the well. In well operations, the casing hanger is often necessary to provide means for supporting a casing string within a wellhead or other wellhead component. Casing hangers generally include an outer body hanger and inner body hanger, where casing hangers function by locking the outer hanger body in place to the tree or wellhead and allowing a casing string to hang from the inner hanger body.
A landing string and landing tool may be used for lowering and locking the casing hanger. A subsea annulus seal assembly may be used to seal the annulus between the casing hanger and the wellhead. However, cyclical movement of the annulus seal assembly may prevent proper sealing.
The casing hanger allows a casing string to be lowered into a wellbore below a tubing head in a wellhead and latched downhole. To lock the casing hanger, a dedicated trip is required to install a casing hanger lockdown bushing for all producer wells. This may prevent continued cyclic movement of a subsea annulus seal assembly. It also ensures the tubing string is not exposed to the buckling that can occur with conventional tubing hanger applications. Alternatively, a rigidizing nut from completion equipment may be used to prevent this cyclic movement of the subsea annulus seal assembly. However, the rigidizing nut complicates the installation of the completion equipment because the rigidizing nut is installed by running it on drill pipe to torque the rigidizing nut and rigidize the casing hanger.
Prior proposed casing hanger and landing systems having included a variety of constructions for supporting a casing string and for effecting a seal between the casing hanger and the wellhead. In such prior systems, locking the casing hanger in the wellhead required either difficult mechanical manipulation of the landing tool or auxiliary hydraulic actuation systems. Such prior proposed systems were complex, were time-consuming, and in some instances, were likely to create additional problems. For example, during manipulation of the landing tool and string to achieve locking, parts of the landing system might be detached during rotation of the landing tool and landing string.

Single run preloaded casing hanger and annulus seal assembly and methods of use thereof


Several products and processes for preventing the occurrence of rust stains resulting from irrigation systems using water having iron ions, such as well water, and for cleaning off rust stains resulting from the use of said irrigation systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, ammonium sulfate is mixed with well water and then this mixture is mixed with incoming well water being sprayed on the surfaces. In another embodiment, ammonium bisulfate is used for the removal of rust stains. Then ammonium sulfate is mixed with the incoming well water being sprayed in the next cycle, to prevent rust formation.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to treating clean surfaces with well water containing an agent to inhibit the formation of rust and to cleaning off rust stains from surfaces that have been treated with water containing iron ions, such as the porous surfaces of plants and concrete which have been sprayed with water drawn from a well.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art it was known to clean off rust stains from the porous surfaces of plants and concrete that have been treated with water containing iron ions, such as surfaces which have been sprayed with water drawn from a well. The most common cleaners contain oxalic acid. This acid containing product is applied after the spraying has ceased. Once applied, this acid had to be treated with water the remove it; after it had cleaned off the rust.
Rust inhibitors containing other substances were then mixed with the incoming well water being sprayed in the next cycle, to prevent further rust formulation.
We have found that current products are not effective over the long run in preventing rust stain reoccurrence.

Product and processes for preventing the occurrence of rust stains resulting from irrigation systems using water containing iron ions and for cleaning off rust stains resulting from using said irrigation systems


A guide assembly in one embodiment includes at least one guide rigidly supported by a table saw, a bearing assembly including a first, a second, and a third bearing engaged with the at least one guide, and a fence base assembly supported by the bearing assembly, wherein the first and the second bearings are biased in a first direction with respect to the at least one guide and the third bearing is biased in a second direction with respect to the at least one guide, the second direction at least partially opposite to the first direction.

The typical table saw includes a cutting instrument, usually a saw blade, attached to a motor mounted beneath a work surface, commonly called a table. The table has an opening that allows a portion of the blade to extend therethrough. To make a cut, a user places material on the table and directs the material through the rotating blade. To assist users in making accurate cuts, many table saws are adapted to mount work piece or material guides.
One type of guide commonly found on table saws is the rip fence. Rip fences are table saw guides that assist users in making lengthwise cuts through material. Most rip fences traverse the table parallel to the cutting direction of the blade. In order to make cuts of varying work piece width, a user slides the fence closer to or farther from the blade. To ensure an accurate cut is made the fence should be securely fastened at a precise orientation with respect to the blade.
A clamping system is commonly used to secure the rip fence with respect to the blade. The clamping system secures the fence to a guide mounted on the edge of the table. The guide extends perpendicularly to the cutting direction of the blade and often traverses the entire width of the table or even wider than the table. Previously known rip fence clamping systems utilize a rip fence that slides along a guide mounted on the side of the table proximal the user. When the user places the fence in the desired position he or she engages a clamp that secures the end of the fence proximal the user to the guide or, in some instances, at the rear of the fence. These clamping arrangements adequately secure the fence to the table, but some users may find it advantageous to have an arrangement that provides additional clamping force.
In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a guide assembly for a table saw where the guide assembly provides increased clamping force. It would also be advantageous if the guide assembly could be easily secured to the table. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the guide assembly could be automatically oriented with respect to the blade. An additional benefit would be if the guide assembly remained oriented with respect to the blade both when clamped and when being moved. It would be further advantageous if movement of the guide assembly could be accomplished in a smooth manner.


A safety gate locking strap configured to prevent an opening of a safety gate by a child or pet is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the safety gate locking strap includes a strap portion having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion; a fastening member coupled to the strap portion, which is configured to enable the first end portion of the strap portion to be engaged to, and disengaged from, the second end portion of the strap portion by a user; and a protrusion extending from the strap portion, the protrusion configured to engage with a groove in a component of a safety gate so as to prevent the safety gate from being opened by a child or a pet. A safety gate assembly and method of securing a safety gate, each of which utilize the safety gate locking strap, are also disclosed herein.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to a safety gate locking strap and a safety gate assembly including the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a safety gate locking strap configured to prevent an opening of a safety gate by a pet or child, and a safety gate assembly that includes the safety gate locking strap to secure the safety gate.
2. Background
In homes occupied by small children and pets, portable barrier devices are frequently used in order to restrict access to a particular room or portion of the house. These barrier devices are typically placed within an opening to a room in the house (e.g., across a door opening leading to the room). When they are effective, these portable barrier devices operate as impassable barriers to the prohibited space or room so as to prevent the passage of the small child and/or pet through the access way into the space or room. As such, when effective, the portable barrier devices help to ensure the safety of the small child and/or pet by restricting them to a permissible area in the house (e.g., away from dangerous and/or restricted areas, such as stairs, and dangerous items in the house, etc.). Also, the portable barrier devices may be used to protect the contents of the space or room from potential damage that may be inflicted on the room contents by the small children and/or pets (e.g., damage to furniture, etc.).
However, these portable barrier devices commonly have a number of shortcomings that inhibit their effective use in homes. First of all, the latching device that is provided on these portable barrier devices for securing them in place is often able to be disengaged by the small child or pet, thereby circumventing the restriction imposed by the barrier device. For example, as a child gets older, he or she may eventually learn how to disengage the latching device on the portable barrier device. Similarly, a pet may be able to disengage the latching device by applying a sufficient force against the portable barrier device. In addition, an attempt to prevent the unwanted disengagement of the latching device on the portable barrier device by the small child or pet may result in a barrier device arrangement that inhibits the ability of the barrier device to be easily removed by an adult when required (e.g., placing obstructions in front of the barrier may help prevent the unwanted opening of the barrier, but it will also inhibit its intended functionality). Because these barrier devices are often restricting access between two rooms in a house, they need to be easily removable when the passage between the rooms is desired by adults.
Therefore, what is needed is a device for preventing the unwanted opening of a portable room barrier device or safety gate by a small child or pet. Moreover, a safety gate assembly is needed that effectively prevents the unwanted opening of a safety gate by utilizing a locking device that is virtually unable to be disengaged by a small child or pet. Furthermore, there is a need for a device that prevents the unwanted opening of a portable room barrier device or safety gate, but does not substantially interfere with the portability of the safety gate or the ability of an adult to remove the safety gate when desired.

Safety gate locking strap and a safety gate assembly including the same


In a passively mode-locked short pulse laser arrangement including a laser resonator to which a pump beam is supplied, a titanium-sapphire (Ti:S) laser crystal, an optical Kerr element formed by the laser crystal itself, and an aperture restricting the resonator laser beam, the aperture has an arcuate or polygonal shape for adaptation to the beam cross-section.

Such laser arrangements are used for scientific purposes, on the one hand, and can be used in material processing, on the other hand, particularly if fine structures are to be produced.
In the mode-locked state, a laser emits laser pulses instead of a continuous laser light (continuous wave (cw) operation), by storing energy and emitting it in pulse-like manner. The duration of the periods of these pulses will generally correspond to the round trip time of the pulses in the laser resonator, and, e.g., with a length of the linear resonator of 2 m, pulses with a frequency of approximately 75 MHz will be generated; at this, the laser light pulse passes the laser resonator in both directions, which in the instant example will correspond to a length of 4 m. For mode-locking, a loss is periodically introduced (with the resonator round trip frequency), so that the laser begins to pulse. This results in a peak power of the pulses that is substantially higher (amounting to 100 kW to 200 kW, e.g.) than the output power of the laser in cw operation (which is 150 mW to 300 mW, e.g.).
Basically, it can be differentiated between two types of mode-locking.
In active mode-locking, a periodic loss is introduced by means of an active element, a modulator, which is supplied with energy from the outside via a driver. Thus, the laser is forced to perform its laser activity in those time intervals in which there is a lower loss, whereas the laser can store energy in those time intervals in which there are high losses.
In passive mode-locking, the effect of an optical non-linearity in the resonator is utilized, i.e. an optically non-linear element is arranged in the path of the laser beam, and this non-linear element changes its optical properties, such as the transmission or reflectivity, proportionally to the intensity of the laser beam. As such a non-linear element or Kerr element, the laser crystal itself may, e.g., be used which, in combination with a linear loss element, forms a so-called saturatable absorber in which the total loss will become the lower the higher the intensity of the impacting laser light. By a fluctuation in the laser power, a pulse is generated which "sees" a substantially lower loss than does the laser in cw operation (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,772 A). The laser body (solid laser) consists of a non-linear material whose optical "thickness" varies with the field intensity distribution of the laser radiation. The non-linear index of refraction, e.g., is a function of the square of the field intensity, i.e. the laser beam whose spatial field intensity distribution may be considered to be like a Gaussian curve, effectively "sees" an element with an optical thickness that varies over its cross-section in the case of a laser crystal having plane-parallel faces. In this manner, a focusing lens results from a plane-parallel non-linearity.
This optical Kerr effect may be utilized for mode-locking in two manner (so-called "Kerr-lens mode-locking"): In the case of the so-called "soft" aperture (cf. Spence et al., Optics Letters, Jan. 1st, 1991, Vol. 16, p. 42-44), the pump beam (in Ti:S lasers the energy is supplied by means of green laser, such as, e.g., argon laser) is very much focused in the laser crystal so that the resonator beam produced by the Ti-S laser (approximately 800 nm, infrared) may then take up the greatest part of the pump energy, i.e. experience the highest gain, if it has the smallest diameter. Thus, the higher the intensity or the field strength of the pulse, the more the laser pulse will be focused and the greater its gain at any passage through the laser crystal, whereby its intensity is increased again. This positive feedback leads to a stable mode-locking.
In the case of the so-called "hard" aperture (cf. e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,772 A and U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,471 A) the effect that an aperture restricts the resonator beam at a site where it has a larger diameter at that time when the intensity (field strength) is lower, and has a smaller diameter at that time when the intensity is higher and the resonator beam thus is focused in the laser crystal. The invention particularly relates to such a laser arrangement, i.e. one having a "hard" aperture.


A projector includes an illuminating device having a light source device, a first lens array having plural first small lenses, a second lens array having plural second small lenses corresponding to the plural first small lenses, and a superposing lens; an electro-optic modulator, and a projection optical system. A conjugate point of an image forming area in the electro-optic modulator is located on the light source device side or the projection optical system side from the vertex of a lens curved surface in each first small lens of the first lens array. An eccentric amount of each second small lens in the second lens array is adjusted such that each principal ray of the partial light beam passing through each first small lens in the first lens array passes an approximately central portion of the image forming area on the image forming area of the electro-optic modulator.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a projector.
2. Related Art
A projector having a first lens array, a second lens array and a superposing lens as a light integrator optical system is formerly known (for example, see JP-A-8-304739 (FIG. 11)). In accordance with the former projector, an illuminating light beam emitted from a light source device is divided into plural partial light beams by the first lens array having plural first small lenses. Each of these partial light beams is superposed in an illuminated area (an image forming area of an electro-optic modulator) by the functions of the superposing lens and the second lens array having plural second small lenses corresponding to the plural first small lenses. Therefore, it is possible to approximately uniform an in-plane light intensity distribution of light for irradiating the image forming area of the electro-optic modulator.
In the former projector, a conjugate point of the image forming area in the electro-optic modulator is located at the vertex of a lens curved surface in each first small lens of the first lens array. Therefore, for example, when dust is attached onto the lens curved surface of the first small lens and a flaw, etc. exist on the lens curved surface, images of such dust, a flaw, etc. are focused and formed on the image forming area. Therefore, the images of the dust, the flaw, etc. are included within an image projected on a projecting face. Accordingly, a problem exists in that image quality of the projecting image is reduced.