A diaper changing kit is disclosed for assisting an individual in cleaning a soiled child. The diaper changing kit comprises a container defining an interior chamber and a container aperture for accessing the interior chamber. A tool cleans the soiled child and provides both a functional and a humorous characteristic. A first body item positions on the individual and provides both a functional and a humorous characteristic. A second body item positions on the soiled child and provides both a functional and a humorous characteristic. The tool, the first body item and the second body item are positioned within the container for transporting.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to diaper changing and more particularly to a diaper changing kit that is both functional and humorous.
2. Background of the Invention
The task of diaper changing of babies is generally an easily acceptable task for women, yet a formidable task for many men, especially first time fathers. A series of devices have been produced which attempt to make the task more easily accomplished. As with many other unrelated tasks, humor tends to be introduced simply because the circumstances produce an environment which is conducive to humor. The following U.S. Patents and Patent Applications are examples of attempts of the prior art to increase the ease of completing the diaper changing task.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,955 to Carter et al discloses an upwardly opening open-top housing including opposite side and end walls interconnected at their lower marginal edge portions by means of a bottom wall extending therebetween with a top wall being provided and removably positionable over the open upper side of the housing for closing the latter. The inside of the housing includes parallel spaced upstanding partitions dividing the housing interior into three longitudinally spaced compartments and one of the end compartments includes a horizontal partition spaced at least slightly above the bottom wall of the housing and having openings formed therethrough whereby upright containers such as feeding bottles and jars of baby food resting on the bottom wall and projecting upwardly through the horizontal partition may be supported against lateral shifting into engagement with each other. Also, the underside of the top wall of the housing includes means by which an inverted facial tissue box may be removably supported from the top wall for ready dispensing of facial tissues therefrom when the top wall is swung to its open position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,378 to Finkel et al. discloses a single use, disposable kit receives, and retains, toiletries and a diaper for the care of a baby in a sanitary, tamper-proof fashion. The kit is executed in a thin plastic film that is folded over upon itself so that the toiletries and diaper are enveloped within the interior of the kit and are protected against degradation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,161 to Jonese discloses a disposable kit having a plurality of baby care supplies stored within a moisture impermeable enclosure. The kit includes supplies for two complete diaper changes, and it is easy to manufacture and extremely compact. A tear line, fabricated from a weakened portion within one of the enclosure walls, permits for easy access to the contents stored within the enclosure. These contents are two diapers, two moisture impermeable disposal bags, two wet wiping elements, baby powder, and baby cream. To provide the enclosure with a uniform and pliable surface, the two diapers are arranged to be substantially entirely in contact with opposing sides of the enclosure.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,022 ward et al. discloses a baby supplies carrying case including a panel of fabric having a first fold line extending across the panel and a second fold line in spaced parallel relationship to the first fold line. The first fold line and sides of the panel define a first section in the panel. The first and second fold lines and sides of the panel define a second section of the panel. The second fold line and sides of the panel define a third section. The panel is foldable such that the first section overlies the second section. The panel is foldable such that the second section overlies the first section. The third section includes fasteners for maintaining the third section in overlying relationship to the first section. The panel has a first pocket formed therein and located within the first section. The panel has a second pocket opening in the second section and extending into the third section. A third pocket overlies the first pocket and is located within the first section. The first pocket is suitable for receiving a wipe case therein or other similar sized items. The second pocket is suitable for receiving a diaper therein or other similar sized items. A handle is connected to the panel and extends outwardly therefrom so as to allow the case to be suspended from an exterior object.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,304 to Juliussen discloses an infant care tote bag for holding infant care supplies therein. The infant care tote bag includes a pair of body portions pivotally coupled together. An elongate shoulder strap is provided having a pair of opposite V-shaped ends which are detachably attached to the body portions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,993 to Kalozdi discloses a diaper bag providing an enclosure includes a top, bottom, front, back and side panels. The front panel is attached to the side and top panels by a zipper, allowing access to an interior compartment. Two back panel interior compartments are made of mesh and may be sealed by separate zippers. Front panel interior compartments include a full-width zipped pocket upon which are mounted four pleated front panel pockets made of mesh with elastic closures. A changing pad is carried in the bottom of the interior compartment, and may be removed for use. A flip-out compartment array is attached to an upper portion of the front wall. When the enclosure is opened, the flip-out compartment array may be removed from the interior compartment. A support assembly carries the entire diaper bag by a tab located on an upper portion of the flip-out compartment, thereby orienting all compartments for easy access. At least one base interior compartment is attached to the bottom panel. Front and back external compartments are defined between the front and back panels and a clear plastic and a mesh panel, respectively, and are accessible without opening the enclosure. A tethered compartment is attached to the interior of the enclosure by a line, and includes a zippered pocket which is removable from the enclosure for easier access.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,084 to Silvers discloses a compact portable pack for holding diapers, wet baby wipes, and reclosable disposable bags. The pack comprises a container base of plastic material comprising a rectangular sidewall and a partition wall. The rectangular sidewall extends between two opposing ends and includes pairs of parallel sides. The partition wall intersects all sides separating the container base into a wipe compartment at one end and a diaper compartment at the other end. The wipe compartment holds wet baby wipes while the diaper compartment holds diapers. Lids of plastic material are integrally hinged to the rectangular on different sides and at opposite ends of the container base. Each lid is movable between open and closed positions. In the closed position the lids engage the container base to close the diaper compartment and wipe compartment. A resilient clip is supported by the lid covering the diaper compartment and retains reclosable disposable bags.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,080 to Habib et al. discloses a prepackaged diaper changing kit which is compact and convenient to carry and use and which is capable of being both dispensed from a conventional vending machine, as well as being displayed on shelves and sold in conventional retail establishments. A preferred embodiment of this prepackaged diaper changing kit includes a disposable diaper, at least one (1), and more preferably two (2), prepackaged moist baby wipes, a prefolded baby liner, a prepackaged instant hand sanitizer and a prefolded disposable plastic bag. These items are preferably prepackaged together in a durable waterproof outer wrapper, such as an opaque plastic outer wrap film. The prepackaged diaper changing kit in accordance with the present invention provides all of the supplies needed to change a diaper for, for example, a newborn or infant, and, when finished, allows the user to secure and discard the dirty or wet diaper, as well as the used moist baby wipes and other left over packaging materials, in a safe and convenient manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,895 to Silvers discloses an apparatus for assisting in the changing of diapers for a baby in the form of a portable diaper caddy. The tray has a base adapted to rest upon a surface. The tray includes multiple selectively sized compartments including a diaper compartment in the tray adapted to contain a plurality of diapers, a pad compartment in the tray adapted to contain a baby changing pad, and a wipe compartment in the tray adapted to contain a plurality of wet baby wipes. A lid covers the wipe compartment, the lid sealing against a top portion of the wipe compartment to prevent evaporation of liquid contained in the wet baby wipes. A handle extends from the tray to allow persons to grasp the tray for carrying the tray.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,848 to Snell discloses a diaper folded about lengthwise foldlines between side elastic banded edges and is folded along a widthwise foldline such that the diaper length is reduced by at least 50%. A central portion of the diaper is visible and the remainder thereof is hidden from view within the folds. Thereafter, a height of the folded diaper is reduced by compressing the diaper with opposed surfaces of a press and the diaper is sealed within an encasement having an interior volume that closely corresponds to the diaper. Sealing is done under a vacuum sufficient to result in further compression of the diaper to a very firm and dense state in which the surface of the diaper is hard. The vacuum-sealed diaper is packaged with a diaper accessory with the diaper and accessory located within separate interior spaces isolated by an air impermeable material such that a pressure differential may exist therebetween.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,368 to Cheaure et al, discloses a package for consumable products includes an enclosure having a top, a bottom and opposing side portions, the enclosure containing one or more items chosen from a first set of consumable products, a first seal disposed about, and spaced inwardly from the periphery of, three adjacent side portions of the enclosure, a resealable closure adjacent the fourth side of the enclosure, the enclosure being folded so that the periphery of the fourth side is disposed adjacent to and parallel with the periphery of the side opposite to the fourth side, a second seal formed at the periphery of the folded sheets to form a second compartment of a size sufficient to house one or more items chosen from a second set of consumable products, and a third seal formed inwardly of the second seal and spaced outwardly of the first seal, the third seal being a perforated seal that enables detachment of a strip of material disposed between the periphery of the sheets and the third seal. The second compartment is enclosed within said first compartment, and the first and second sets of consumable goods comprise edible items, diaper changing items, or first aid items.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,521 to Cheaure et al. discloses a container and a method of making the container. The process consists of arranging two sheets of material in face-to-face relationship with mating fastening elements carried by the sheets being disposed adjacent one another. Three sides of the sheets are sealed together to form an enclosure, a product is placed in the enclosure, the fastening elements are engaged to seal the fourth side of the sheets, the sealed enclosure is folded over on itself and a second product is placed between the now facing sides of the enclosure, and the folded over enclosure is sealed with a breakable seal disposed outside of the first seal such that the first and second products are captured and sealed within the so-formed container. An embodiment of the container is disclosed which comprises a diaper changing kit enclosing a diaper and at least one of a variety of baby changing accessories.
U.S. Patent Application 2006/0283205 to Carriere discloses a 3-in-1 diaper bag/cooler/bottle warmer or baby food warmer having three separate compartments. Two outside zip closed pockets each have insulated foil lining and sewn in mesh pockets. One compartment on one side of the bag has cooling packs such as ice packs in the compartment to keep milk and baby food cold. Another compartment on another side of the bag also has wrap around heating packs that can warm up a chilled bottle or jar of baby food. The center compartment between the two outside compartments holds a baby's essentials that will be needed while away from home, such as diapers, wipes, clothes, and blankets and serves as in insulating layer between the other two compartments.
U.S. Patent Application 2007/0233032 to Rau discloses a disposable diaper changing kit including a disposable package having a front wall and a rear wall of double wall construction including an inner rear wall and an outer rear wall. The front wall and inner rear wall are joined to one another to define a first pocket, with their top edges being releasably joined to one another by a releasable fastener, such as a bead and groove-type fastener, for example. The inner rear wall and outer rear wall are joined around their peripheral edges to define a second pocket. A disposable diaper and a disposable diaper changing mat are received within the first pocket. At least one disposable baby wipe is packaged within the second pocket. A slot is formed by perforations through the outer rear wall for providing access to, and dispensing of, the disposable wipe. The slot may be releasably sealed by an adhesive strip.
U.S. Patent Application 2008/0108965 to Christensen et al discloses a sanitary diaper changing kit including a package, a pair of disposable gloves in the package, and a re-sealable disposal bag in the package. Alternatively, the kit may include other materials such as small single-use package of moist wipes or towelettes, a small single-use package of antiseptic wipes, a small single use package of petroleum jelly and a small single-use package of powder. The sanitary diaper changing kit may be packaged and sold with a disposable diaper, or may be sold separately from diapers to be used in conjunction with a disposable diaper. The kit allows the person changing the diaper to be isolated from the contaminated diaper during the diaper changing operation and provides a convenient means by which the soiled diaper and other used or soiled materials may be disposed of in a sanitary procedure and diaper wearer remains isolated from care giver.
U.S. Patent Application 2008/0289993 to Flannery discloses an apparatus including a first compartment for storing and heating baby wipes, a second compartment for storing plastic bags for use as dirty diaper bags, a first fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing hand-lotion, a second fluid receptacle for holding and dispensing anti-bacterial lotion, and a tube receiving and squeezing mechanism that can hold one of a variety of tubes and that can squeeze cream such as diaper rash ointment from the tube.
U.S. Design Pat. D341,027 discloses an ornamental design for a diaper changing kit.
Although the aforementioned prior art have contributed to the development of the art of diaper changing, none of these prior art patents have solved the needs of this art.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved diaper changing kit for new fathers which addresses the problems of the prior art.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved new fathers diaper changing kit which combines humor and utility.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A system and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle may measure rotation speed (RPM) of an engine, transmit the rotation speed of the engine to a control unit, determine an opening of a valve which opens/closes an exhaust pipe of the engine in the control unit based on the rotation speed of the engine to maintain the back pressure of exhaust gas generated by the exhaust brake to be constant, and control the valve according to the valve opening determined by the control unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle that improves a low and medium speed of an engine and prevents damage to vehicle components by maintaining back pressure of the exhaust brake to be constant at any rotation speed of the engine.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, commercial vehicles such as trucks have an exhaust brake supporting a main brake such as a footbrake. The exhaust brake degrades the engine operation by forcibly suppressing exhaust gas which is released into the atmosphere after burning inside an exhaust pipe communicating with an exhaust manifold.
The conventional exhaust brake for vehicles has a butterfly valve equipped at an exhaust system of engine for controlling an exhaust gas flow. If the butterfly valve is closed, then back pressure is generated by shutting off the exhaust pipe and the engine speed is reduced by rotational resistance of the crank shaft, and as a result the vehicle slows down.
In this case, a hole might be formed in the butterfly valve so as to satisfy permissible back pressure, and the performance of the exhaust brake can be fine-tuned by adjusting the size of the hole.
However, the conventional exhaust brake has a problem of performance degradation at low and medium engine speeds such as the main speed of an engine by fixing the valve opening of the exhaust brake so as to maintain the back pressure below the permissible back pressure at a maximum rotation speed of the engine.
The conventional exhaust brake has a further problem that components of the engine can be damaged by excessive back pressure caused by an excessively high engine speed, because the opening of the butterfly valve is constantly maintained even when the engine speed is excessively high.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

System and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle


The present invention provides an organic semiconductor device comprising an organic semiconductor layer having good charge carrier transport property, wherein a carrier injection to the organic semiconductor layer is easy. The above problem is solved by an organic semiconductor device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode facing to each other, and an organic semiconductor layer provided in between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a charge carrier injection promoting layer is formed in between the organic semiconductor layer and at least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic semiconductor device. Particularly, the present invention relates to an organic semiconductor device comprising an organic semiconductor layer containing a liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material having excellent charge carrier mobility.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing one example of a conventional organic semiconductor device. A conventional organic semiconductor device 100 comprises a substrate 101, a gate electrode 102, a gate-insulating layer 103, an organic semiconductor layer 104, a source electrode 105 and a drain electrode 106. In the organic semiconductor device having such configuration, the organic semiconductor layer is required to have sufficient charge carrier mobility. Therefore, the organic semiconductor material having high charge carrier mobility is being investigated recently.
As a material having high charge carrier mobility, a liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material is known. For example, by Haarer et al., it is reported that a high carrier mobility of 10−1 cm2/V·s is obtained in meso phase of a long chain triphenylene based compound, which is a typical liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material (for example, see Nature, Vol. 371, p. 141 (1994)). And by Hanna et al., it is reported that a smectic E (SmE) phase of rod-shaped liquid crystal material having phenylnaphthalene skeleton exhibits high charge carrier mobility of 10−2 cm2/V·s (for example, see Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 73, No. 25, p. 3733 (1998)). These liquid crystalline organic semiconductor materials are expected as film-forming material constituting a channel region for an organic semiconductor element.


A system for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes a memory configured to store parameters of a g-g plot defining admissible space of values of longitudinal and lateral accelerations. The g-g plot parameters define a mapping between user driving preferences and constrained control of the autonomous vehicle. The g-g plot parameters include a maximum forward acceleration, a maximum backward acceleration, a maximum lateral acceleration and a shape parameter defining profile of curves connecting maximum values of forward, backward, and lateral accelerations. The system accepts a comfort level as a feedback from a passenger of the vehicle, determines a dominant parameter corresponding to the feedback, updates the dominant parameter of the g-g plot based on the comfort level indicated in the feedback, and controls the vehicle to maintain dynamics of the vehicle within the admissible space defined by the parameters of the updated g-g plot.

Currently most computerized advanced driver assist or autonomous driving systems are designed to be deployed in the developed economy markets, such as the American, European or Japanese markets, where there are long histories of wide spread use of private motor vehicles and associated large population of experienced drivers, as well as strictly enforced codified traffic laws. These systems tend to mimic an idealized rule, following a risk averse driving style. The autonomous driving systems typically do not provide a sense of customization particular to the owner, and give the vehicles more of a generic feel—like a taxi instead of your own car. See, e.g., US US20150158486A1.
An autonomous vehicle can carry one or more passengers from one destination to another. Different passengers may have different requirements of an autonomous vehicle or preferences regarding the operation of the autonomous vehicle. Therefore, a uniform style of autonomous driving system may not be desirable for some users.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method for controlling autonomous vehicles adaptively based on user preferences.

Control of autonomous vehicles adaptive to user driving preferences

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.


Water is adhered to the bottom face of a non-woven fabric having a large number of pores, then a heat generating powder composition is sprayed onto the top face of this fabric to be held in place. Another non-woven fabric is then superposed on the top face of the first non-woven fabric and the two non-woven fabrics are compressed. Water or a solution of electrolytes in water is then sprayed on the fabrics. Thereby, a sheet shaped heat generating body can be provided which uses a heat generating composition which generates heat when contacting air, which prevents concentration of the heat generating composition in one direction, and which is thin, flexible and has good heat generating properties.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention broadly relates to sheet shaped heat generating bodies, particularly to such thin and flexible heat generating sheets which reduce displacement and concentrate placement of heat generating composition, and the manufacturing method thereof
2. Related Art
Heat generators which have as their main component oxidizable metals such as iron powder are widely used as pocket heaters, wherein the heat generating composition which contacts with oxygen in the air to emit heat is packed in air permeable bags.
Although these kinds of heat generators are advantageous in that they may be used in a simple manner, they have problems in that when wearing the generator on the body, the heat generating composition moves down to the bottom of the bag due to its weight, not only during sports but also when standing still, so that the change of shape causes an uncomfortable feeling to the wearer and the heat generating feature becomes less effective.
Various efforts have been made to hold the heat generating composition in or between supporting members to form a sheet-like product as a means for reducing these defects. Described below are examples of such efforts:
a) A method of holding the heat generating composition with wire mesh or net shaped plastic objects (Patent Laid-Open Sho 53 (1978)-84246 Publication); PA1 b) A method of superposing metal foils such as aluminum foils on non-woven fabric made of activated carbon fiber and impregnated with chloride, water or other oxidation auxiliary agents (Patent Laid-Open Sho 63 (1988)-37181 Publication); PA1 c) A method of spraying a heat generating agent on Japanese paper impregnated with an oxidation auxiliary agent, and thereafter subjecting it to pressure to mold such product into a sheet-like shape (Utility Model Sho 64 (1989)-42018 Publication); PA1 d) A method of laying one over the other a plurality of non-woven fabrics made of heat-fused fibers which may include plant fibers, and then distributing chemical heat generating agent therein (Patent Laid-Open Hei 2 (1990)-142561 Publication); and PA1 e) A method of distributing heat generating agent on a supporting sheet which comprises unevenly layered fibers with a large number of very fine pores, and to hold the agent thereon (Patent Laid-Open Hei 3 (1991)-152894 Publication). PA1 a) When holding the generator with wire mesh or net shaped plastic objects, the sheet-like product becomes more rigid and is impractical for use, and the heat generating composition powder becomes easily detached. PA1 b) In products made by superposing metal foils such as aluminum foils on non-woven fabric made of activated carbon fibers, etc. impregnated with oxidation auxiliary agents, the metal surface area is considerably small in comparison to products using metal powders, such that a good heat generating effect cannot be achieved. If the number of foils is increased, this results in reducing the flexibility of the product. PA1 c) In products made by spraying the heat generating agent on paper which is then subjected to pressure to form a sheet, the heat generating agent comes off through folding or shaking, which is not practical. PA1 d) The combination of a plurality of non-woven fabrics by utilizing the water holding property of plant fibers and the heat fusion of synthetic fibers not only renders the structure and processing complicated, but also has practical problems in that the sheet-like object lacks flexibility due to instances where the non-woven fabrics do not adhere to each other, depending on the type and blending ratio of the heat fusive fibers and due to the rigid net-like structure in heat fusion. PA1 e) Concerning the method of distributing heat generating compositions on the supporting sheet made of irregularly layered fibers with a large number of very fine pores, this is a good method in that the composition may be distributed and held inside the pores in a homogenous manner. However, due to the fact that after securing the iron powder, a suspension liquid containing activated carbon, etc. is sprayed, it is difficult to hold the heat generating composition as a whole in a homogenous mixture.
Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention
However, the related art described above has the following problems in the manufacturing process of the heat generating sheet or the resulting heat generator.
As shown above, it is strongly desired to develop a flexible heat generating body, wherein the heat generating sheet is manufactured so as to allow easy and homogenous distribution and holding of the heat generating composition while preventing leakage of the powder, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Sheet type heating element and method of manufacturing the same


In some examples, an additive manufacturing process may be operated by a method that includes depositing a plurality of preliminary layers of build material over a build surface and applying thermal energy governed by closed-loop control to heat the preliminary layers. The method includes analyzing a temperature distribution across a layer of the preliminary layers to map the locations of any hot spots relative to the build surface. The method includes selecting a spray pattern to apply a cooling agent to the mapped locations.

A three-dimensional (3D) printer, which may also be called an additive manufacturing process, may include a receiving platform, a dispensing device (to distribute a build material onto the receiving platform), a liquid applicator (e.g., a print head), a thermal imaging device, and a heater. The heater is to soften, melt, or fuse portions of the build material. In some cases, softening, melting, or fusing is performed with the aid of a fusing agent or a detailing or cooling agent, which may be sprayed or printed on the build material by the liquid applicator.

Additive manufacturing processes with closed-loop control

HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.


A purification system for a colloidal dispersion containing an unwanted dissolved substance in the dispersing liquid phase is described which includes a back-pressure regulating feature, disposed in a first conduit and downstream of a semi-permeable filter element. This is used to force a portion of the unpurified dispersing liquid across the filter element and into a second conduit. The second conduit is associated with an adsorptive element that serves to remove the unwanted dissolved substance from the filtered portion of the dispersing liquid. A mixing chamber is disposed downstream of the back-pressure regulating feature whereby the purified dispersing liquid portion from the second conduit rejoins the bulk flow of the colloidal dispersion passing through the first conduit. In a preferred embodiment, hollow fibers are used which serve as the back-pressure regulating feature, the adsorptive element, and the mixing chamber before being discharged at the outlet of the device.

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent in the United States due to its rapid onset and short duration of action. Propofol is a non-polar molecule, which currently is administered using an emulsion formulation. Diprivan® is a common formulation of propofol and is a lipid microemulsion whereby propofol is dissolved in a small variety of oils, most commonly soybean oil, and is then emulsified with lecithin as a stabilizing agent. One major drawback of this microemulsion is the occurrence of pain on injection of the propofol emulsion (Sundarathiti et al., 2007). It has been reported that pain is observed approximately 60% of the time (Jalota et al. 2011). A cause of the pain on injection has been attributed to the concentration of free propofol in the aqueous phase of the emulsion (Doenicke et al. 1996). Various interventions have been tried to reduce the pain on injection, which include using lidocaine, opioids, or remifentanil prior to injection (Lee et al. 2007), and the use of the antecubital vein or hand vein with occlusion (Jalota et al. 2011). These techniques have failed to gain widespread popularity and the search for alternative interventions continues.
Another safety issue associated with the use of propofol formulations is hemolysis. According to Weihui et al. (2012), propofol formulations with low in vitro hemolytic activity were likely to have a low free propofol concentration in the aqueous phase. The reason for this may be due to the high affinity of propofol within the red blood cell membrane due to its high lipid content. As a result, much work has been done to develop new emulsion formulations, including microemulsions that naturally have lower concentrations of free propofol in the aqueous phase.
These drawbacks are evidence of free propofol in the emulsion. The propofol concentration in the aqueous phase of the current drug, Diprivan, has been reported as 18.571 μg/ml (Babl et al., 1995). An approach to reduce the concentration of free propofol could be the development of a small adsorptive filtering device that removes and/or reduces the level of free propofol at the time the emulsion is injected into the patient. For example, the filtering device might contain an adsorbent material such as activated carbon (charcoal), a water compatible hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbent that provides binding sites of the propofol in the aqueous phase (Li et al., 2002), or even lipid-based materials that have a high partition coefficient of propofol. In a study by Davies et al. (2002), microfiltration of a propofol emulsion was explored as a way to decrease propofol induced pain on injection. An effect was observed, but it wasn't clear what the mechanism of action was. Since the filter membrane must allow the oil droplet phase of the emulsion (which contains the bulk of the drug propofol) to pass through, this limits the kinds of filters membranes that can be used since they could be easily clogged by the oil droplet phase.
There is therefore a need to provide a purification system that works with liquid colloidal dispersions including emulsion formulations, such as those containing propofol, with the goal to remove a dissolved substance (or substances) from the dispersing liquid phase (such as free-propofol) at the time of use.

Method and apparatus for purifying the dispersing liquid in a colloidal dispersion


Disclosed herein is a protection circuit module (PCM) including a protection circuit for controlling overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent of a battery. The protection circuit module includes a pair of connecting members, which are mounted to a rectangular lower end of the PCM and electrically connected to a protection circuit, and a pair of coupling members coupled to the corresponding connecting members while plate-shaped electrode terminals of a battery cell are interposed between the connecting members and the coupling members, and a battery pack including the protection circuit module, which is electrically connected to a battery cell. According to the present invention, a welding or soldering process, which requires a large amount of time and a high degree of technical skill to manufacture a battery pack, is not necessary, the coupling force between the battery cell and the PCM is increased, and the inner space of the battery pack is maximally utilized.

As mobile devices have been increasingly developed, and the demand of such mobile devices has increased, the demand of secondary batteries has also sharply increased. One of the secondary batteries is a lithium secondary battery having high energy density, high operation voltage, and excellent storage and service life characteristics, which is now widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as various kinds of mobile devices.
However, various combustible materials are contained in the lithium secondary battery. As a result, there is a possibility of danger in that the lithium secondary battery can be heated or explode due to overcharge, overcurrent, or any other external physical impacts. In other words, the lithium secondary battery has low safety. Consequently, a protection circuit module (PCM) for effectively controlling the abnormality of the battery, such as overcharge, is mounted in the lithium secondary battery while the PCM is connected to a battery cell of the lithium secondary battery.
The PCM includes a field effect transistor (FET), which serves as a switching element for controlling electric current, a voltage detector, and passive elements such as a resistor and a capacitor. The PCM interrupts overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, short circuits, and reverse voltage of the battery to prevent the explosion or the overheating of the battery, the leakage of liquid from the battery, and the degradation of the charge and discharge characteristics of the battery, and to suppress the lowering of the electrical efficiency of the battery and the abnormal physicochemical behavior of the battery, thereby eliminating dangerous factors from the battery and increasing the service life of the battery.
Generally, the PCM is connected to the battery cell using a conductive material, such as a plate, by welding or soldering, which increases a coupling force between the PCM and the battery cell. However, the welding or soldering process requires a high degree of technical skill with the result that skilled persons are needed. Also, the welding or soldering process requires large working space. Furthermore, when physical impacts are applied to the battery cell, electrical shorts may occur, and therefore, the battery cell may catch fire or explode. In other words, safety-related problems may occur.
Consequently, research on various no-welding type technologies, which can complement drawbacks of the welding or soldering process while maintaining advantages of the welding or soldering process, is being rapidly pursued. For example, Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-0015314 discloses a structure for mounting a protection circuit to a battery cell wherein a printed circuit board, which includes a protection circuit part and a protruding contact pact, is coupled to a fixing part, which is formed by injection molding of plastic, through the coupling between the protruding contact pact and the fixing part, and then the fixing part is mounted to the battery cell. Also, Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-0074197 discloses a structure for mounting a protection circuit to a battery cell wherein a component part, which surrounds a circuit board and has a coupling-type protrusion formed at the outer surface thereof, the protrusion being provided with a jaw, is manufactured by molding, and the component part is connected to the battery cell using the protrusion. Furthermore, Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-0062914 discloses a structure for mounting a protection circuit to a battery cell wherein a hook is formed at the lower end case of a battery such that a terminal can be coupled to an electrode part in a hook fashion, grooves are formed at the terminals, and the protection circuit is assembled to the terminal in a hook fashion.
According to the above-described methods, additional members, which include the protection circuit, are connected to the battery cell in a coupling fashion without using the conventional welding process, whereby the problems caused from the conventional welding process are solved. However, the above-described methods are not suitable for a battery cell including various kinds of electrode terminals, such as plate-shaped electrode terminals. In addition, since the connection between the additional members including the protection circuit and the battery cell is accomplished merely in an inserting and coupling fashion, the coupling force between the additional members including the protection circuit and the battery cell is low, and therefore, a possibility that the additional members including the protection circuit is separated from the battery cell is high. Furthermore, the protection circuit and the electrode terminals are electrically connected with each other merely through the contact between the protection circuit and the electrode terminals, and therefore, the connecting force between the protection circuit and the electrode terminals is also low.

Prefabricated PCM and battery pack containing the same


A patient monitoring system incorporating a pneumatic switch which is responsive to a pair of pressure generators, including a first armable pressure generator which is attached to the patient and which is triggered upon movement of the patient beyond a certain range and a second force actuated generator having a portion to which a patient applies pressure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a patient monitoring system and more particularly to such a system incorporating a pneumatically actuated switch which is connectable to a nurse call system and which is responsive to multiple pressure generators.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known in the art to use pneumatically actuated switches, rather than electrical switches, as part of nurse call systems. Such switches, disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,823,285 to Dwyer, are particularly beneficial where combustion concerns may be present, as in oxygen rich environments, because the construction of the switch limits the possibility of arcing which is a problem associated with electrical switching.
However, all known systems involve the use of one pressure generator for creating a pressure pulse associated with one pneumatic actuated switch which is connectable to the receptacle of a nurse call system. Not known in the art is a system incorporating a single pneumatic switch responsive to multiple pressure generators. Such capability is useful for example to provide for the combination of an armable pressure generator attached to a patient which generates a pressure pulse when the patient moves beyond a certain range and a second force actuated pressure generator which generates a pressure pulse in response to pressure applied to the generator by the patient.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a patient monitoring system in which a pneumatically actuated switch is responsive to multiple generators.
It is a further object of the present invention to increase the functionality of a pneumatically actuated switch of a monitoring system for a patient by providing a system in which one switch is responsive to multiple pneumatic pulse generators thereby allowing for a generator associated with a perimeter monitor for the patient and another generator associated with a nurse call device for the patient.
It is yet another object of the present invention to increase the capability of a nurse call system for multiple patients by providing a system in which one pneumatically actuated switch is responsive to multiple pneumatic pulse generators thereby allowing for separate generators associated with nurse call devices for separate patients connected to a single receptacle of a nurse call system.

Pneumatically actuated patient monitor having multiple pulse generators


Haptic response is controlled in a device having a touch sensor, a force sensor, and a haptic response actuator operably coupled to a touch surface. A user touch to the touch surface is detected by the touch sensor. A force applied to the touch surface is sensed by the detected user touch. Electrical power supplied to the haptic response actuator is adjusted based at least in part on the sensed force satisfying a haptic condition. The haptic response to the touch surface is actuated based at least in part on satisfaction of the haptic condition and the supply of the adjusted electrical power to the haptic response actuator.

Computer users have grown accustomed to a physical sensation of a click when selecting something with a touchpad (e.g., a touch-sensitive trackpad). Modern systems rely on haptic response actuators to provide the physical sensation of a click when a user selection is made using a touchpad. Haptic feedback which may give the impression of a click may be activated when sufficient pressure is applied to a touchpad or trackpad.


The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming an elongated tubular metal member from a tubular metal blank. The method comprises: i) placing a tubular metal blank having a generally oval cross-section into a die cavity and orienting the tubular metal blank such that a relatively larger cross-sectional dimension of the generally oval cross-section extends generally in a direction of the relatively larger cross-sectional dimension of the die cavity and such that a relatively smaller cross-sectional dimension of the generally oval cross-section extends generally in a direction of the relatively smaller cross-sectional dimension of the die cavity; ii) engaging and sealing opposite ends of the tubular metal blank; and iii) injecting fluid under pressure into the tubular metal blank so as to expand the tubular metal blank into conformity with the surfaces defining the die cavity and thereby transform the tubular metal blank into the elongated tubular metal member.

The present invention relates generally to hydroforming methods and die assemblies, and more particularly to a hydroforming method and die assembly for hydroforming a tubular metal blank in a manner which avoids the need for a pre-crush operation for inserting the blank into the die cavity.
Hydroforming methods are commonly known as a means for shaping a tubular metal blank having a circular cross section into a tubular component having a predetermined desired configuration. In particular, a typical hydroforming operation involves the placement of a tubular metal blank having a circular cross section into a die cavity of a hydroforming assembly and providing high pressure fluid to the interior of the blank to cause the blank to expand outwardly into conformity with the surfaces defining the die cavity. More particularly, the opposite longitudinal ends of the tubular metal blank are sealed by hydraulic rams, and high pressure hydroforming fluid is provided through a port formed in one of the rains to expand the tubular blank.
Typically, the tubular blank having the circular cross-section is roll formed from sheet metal into its initial configuration. The roll formed tubular blank must then he placed into the hydroforming die cavity, typically having a boxed, rectangular, or irregular cross-section. Because the circumference of a circular tubular blank that would fit easily into the die cavity is significantly less than the circumference or cross-sectional perimeter of the surfaces defining the die cavity, significant expansion of the blank would be necessary to conform the blank to the die cavity. Such significant expansion may cause significant wall thinning of the tubular blank, so that a blank of substantial initial wall thickness would be required. Moreover, if such significant expansion is required, it becomes more difficult for the blank to conform into the corners within the die cavity. To minimize the amount of expansion necessary and to provide a tubular blank that has a circumference that initially conforms more closely to the cross sectional perimeter of the die cavity, it has been a conventional practice to provide a tubular blank having circular cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the width of the die cavity and to crush the tube diametrically in a pre-crush station to enable the tube to be initially placed into the relatively narrow die cavity. The pre-crush operation, however, is costly in that it requires dedicated machinery and is time consuming.
It is object of the present invention, therefore, to eliminate the need for the costly pre-crush operation while using a tubular blank that conforms better to the contours of the die cavity. This object is achieved in accordance with the principles of the present invention by a method of forming an elongated tubular metal member having a cross-sectional configuration such that it includes a first cross-sectional dimension which is greater than a second cross-sectional dimension orthagonal to the first cross-sectional dimension along an extent thereof. The method utilizes a die assembly having first and second die structures having surfaces cooperable to define a die cavity having a first cross-sectional dimension which is greater than a second cross-sectional dimension generally orthagonal to the first cross-sectional dimension. The method comprises i) roll-forming sheet metal to form a tubular metal blank having an oval cross-section, the oval cross-section including a major axis along a greater diameter thereof and a minor axis along a smaller diameter thereof, the major and minor axes being generally orthagonal to one another; ii) placing the tubular metal blank into the second die structure, the second die structure being constructed and arranged to receive the tubular metal blank having the oval cross-section without distorting the tubular metal blank from its oval cross-section, the tubular metal blank being placed into the second die structure such that the major axis of the oval cross-section thereof extends in generally the same direction as the first cross-sectional dimension when the first and second die structures cooperate to form the die cavity and such that the minor axis of the oval cross-section thereof extends in generally the same direction as the second cross-sectional dimension of the die cavity when the first and second die structures cooperate to form the die cavity; iii) engaging opposite ends of the tubular metal blank with tube-end engaging structures so as to substantially seal opposite ends of the tubular metal blank; and iv) injecting fluid under pressure into the tubular metal blank placed in the die cavity to expand the tubular metal blank into conformity with the surfaces defining the (die cavity.
The object is also achieved in accordance with the principle of the present invention by an apparatus for forming a tubular metal blank into an elongated tubular metal member having a substantially box-shaped transverse cross-section along an extent thereof. The apparatus comprises a die assembly having an internal die surface defining a die cavity, the die cavity having a substantially box-shaped surface configuration and being constructed and arranged to receive the tubular metal blank having a generally oval cross-section. Clamping structures are positioned on opposite ends of the die cavity and constructed and arranged to securely clamp spaced-apart portions of the tubular metal blank. The clamping structures present clamping surfaces defining a generally oval surface configuration generally conforming to a generally oval outer peripheral surface of the tubular metal blank. The apparatus further comprises tube-end engaging structure constructed and arranged to engage and substantially seal opposite ends of the tubular metal blank, the tube-end engaging structure presenting a generally oval outer surface configuration conforming to a generally oval inner peripheral surface of the tubular metal blank.
The object is also achieved in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing a method of forming an elongated tubular metal member, the elongated tubular metal member being formed in a die cavity having surfaces constructed and arranged to provide the die cavity with a shape generally corresponding to a shape of the of the elongated tubular member. The cross-section of the elongated tubular member and hence of the die cavity has a relatively larger dimension thereof transverse to a relatively smaller dimension thereof. The method comprises: i) placing a tubular metal blank having a generally oval cross-section into the die cavity and orienting the tubular metal blank such that a relatively larger cross-sectional dimension of the generally oval cross-section extends generally in a direction of the relatively larger cross-sectional dimension of the die cavity and such that a relatively smaller cross-sectional dimension of the generally oval cross-section extends generally in a direction of the relatively smaller cross-sectional dimension of the die cavity; ii) engaging and sealing opposite ends of the tubular metal blank; and iii) injecting fluid under pressure into the tubular metal blank so as to expand the tubular metal blank into conformity with the surfaces defining the die cavity and thereby transform the tubular metal blank into the elongated tubular metal member.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be realized in accordance with the following detailed description, appended drawings and claims.

Hydroforming of a tubular blank having an oval cross section


A method for analyzing human brain physiology and pathology according to metabolic data obtained by non-invasive means. Metabolism is detected using in vivo proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (.sup.1 H MRS) using pulse sequences that provide nuclear magnetic resonance signals from a living human brain. Factors which might decrease performance of artificial neuronal network analysis, e.g. the residual water signal, are eliminated from the nuclear magnetic resonance signal, e.g., by means of a singular value decomposition algorithm. Moreover, the artificial neuronal network analysis accepts as input all of the metabolite resonances, not just selected features, for analysis. The artificial neuronal network analysis yields metabolite concentrations and the nature of tissue type in focal lesions, such as tumors, stroke lesions, epileptic foci, traumatic scars, and also in more diffuse pathologies such as metabolic brain disorders as well as in post-therapeutic changes. The method can provide automated classification procedure of human brain tissue histology for clinical use.

Specific diagnosis of a number of human brain disorders demands extensive use of a number of imaging methods, such as computer assisted tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), recording of spontaneous and evoked electrical activity, but very often also open craniotomy to obtain a specimen from the tissue for microscopic examination. While the imaging methods and extracranial electrical recordings are non-invasive, in other words contain neither immediate patient management nor health risk, open cranial biopsies or electrical recordings intracranially pose given risks for the subjects. Both CT and MRI are capable of imaging anatomy in great detail, but they do not provide information from the type of pathology in question. Consequently, their value in neuroradiological diagnosis currently is twofold; firstly, to locate the pathology and secondly, to guide neurosurgeons in determining the site for the open biopsy procedure.
It is technically possible to record non-invasively metabolic information by water-suppressed proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (.sup.1 H MRS) with high degree of volume-selection from human brain regions. This method has made it possible to approach brain metabolism both in healthy and diseased human subjects without immediate harms. Brain metabolites that can be visualised by .sup.1 H MRS, provides different type of information than either CT or MRI do. CT indicates absorption of X-rays in the brain tissue and MRI probes magnetic properties of water molecules and sometimes also those of fat. .sup.1 H MRS reveals specific biochemical compounds which reflect metabolic activity of both normal and abnormal brain. These include N-acetyl aspartate, creatine+phosphocreatine, choline-containing compounds, myo-inositol, scyllo inositol, glutamic acid, glutamine, lactic acid, adenine nucleotides as well as portions of mobile fat and protein moieties.
The conventional in vivo .sup.1 H MRS data processing is accomplished by means of peak integration or peak fitting of signals from the assigned metabolites. This type of data analysis, however, is prone to several technical flaws which are user-biased and therefore both biochemically and diagnostically useful information may become overruled. Also .sup.1 H MRS artefacts, such as prominent residual water signal have made previous efforts of metabolic classification according to the spectral information ambiguous. Metabolite quantification by ANN relys on simulated or empirically measured reference material and the test sample is compared with the former data set. Therefore the metabolite quantification procedure is independent of many technical difficulties such as signal intensity quantification and determination of relaxation parameters.

Automated method for classification and quantification of human brain metabolism


An electromechanical lock includes a lever coupled with a locking mechanism configured to receive mechanical power from an user, and to output the mechanical power to mechanically disengage the locking mechanism provided that a support of the fulcrum is in an open position, and a return mechanism for the support of the fulcrum including a reset spring whose other end is configured to, during the reception of the mechanical power from the user, move past the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical power outputted by the lever, and, finally, force the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical energy outputted by the return spring through the lever back to a locked position.

Electromechanical locks are replacing the traditional mechanical locks. Further refinement is needed for making the electromechanical locks to consume as little electric power as possible, also during the return of the lock to a closed state. This is especially important with self-powered locks, or with such locks that import electric energy sporadically from some external source.


The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and computer program for workload balancing in an asynchronous messaging system. The number of server instances, which process work items from a queue of messages, is controlled based upon that queue's average queue depth and one or more predetermined thresholds.

Messaging systems such as IBM(R) WebSphere(R) MQ can deliver messages to an input (application) queue of a server program. The server program is then able to remove (read destructively) such messages and action them.
It is often a requirement that instances of the server program are created dynamically, as and when needed, in order to maintain some performance objective. For example, a first instance is typically created when there is some work for the instance to do (i.e. a message has been delivered to server's application queue) and additional instances are created when the number in existence is not enough to provide a timely service.
IBM's WebSphere MQ messaging product provides a facility known as "triggering" which helps to achieve this requirement. In triggering, certain queues are monitored (those designated as "triggered") for particular transitions. These transitions are specified by users and can be, for example, a transition from queue empty to queue not empty.
When such a transition occurs, a "trigger message" is created containing details of the transition and the trigger message is put onto an initialisation queue. The initiation queue is typically specified by a user as an attribute of a triggered queue.
By reading trigger messages from initiation queues, special programs known as trigger monitors are able to decide if a new server instance is required to process messages. If a new instance is required, then one is created.
A problem with this is how to decide if a new server instance is required. Ways to do this include monitoring the extent to which existing server instances are achieving performance targets and monitoring resource utilization by existing server instances.
WebSphere MQ SupportPac™ MA0L (available from www.ibm.com/software/ts/mqseries/txppacs/ma01.html) uses queue depth (i.e. the number of messages on the queue) to decide when to start a new server instance. (Another example of this can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,173.) A system using this solution will however react to transient peaks rather than to actual increases in workload.
For most real-world scenarios, the number of pending service requests is subject to large short-term fluctuations. For example, one server instance might be processing messages from a queue A. If an application batches and puts 500 messages to queue A, this sudden increase in work might cause an additional 5 server instances to be created. The workload on the queue may then return to a typical rate of 10 messages on the queue at any one time. In other words, the increase in work is very short term and consequently the newly created 5 server instances are no longer necessary.
Creation and termination of server instances is costly both in terms of processing power and time. It is therefore desirable to avoid unnecessary creation of sever instances, whilst optimising the number necessary for timely processing of an application queue.
(More detail on triggering in a WebSphere MQ environment can be obtained from WebSphere MQ Application Programming Guide, IBM Publication number SC34-6064.)
There are also alternatives to triggering. For example, the z/OS™ operating system (available from IBM Corporation) provides a Workload Manager (WLM) which monitors resource utilization (e.g. CPU usage)
However it has been determined that queue depth is a far more accurate method for determining when a new server instance is required. However queue depth does not take account of transient workload.
A system is desired which will react to trends in workload rather than to random (atypical) fluctuations.

System and method for workload balancing by resetting an average queue depth upon the start of the server instance

International Business Machines Corporation


A device may obtain raw heartbeat data associated with a plurality of wavelength channels. The device may generate, based on a feature vector transformation, a plurality of feature vectors, each corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of wavelength channels. The device may identify a set of selected feature vectors, from the plurality of feature vectors, based on a plurality of squares of correlation coefficients, each associated with a respective pair of the plurality of feature vectors. The device may generate, based on a principal component analysis, an average feature vector of the set of selected feature vectors. The device may determine initial heartbeat cycle data based on the average feature vector. The device may correct heartbeat cycle gaps in the initial heartbeat cycle data in order to determine final heartbeat cycle data.

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is an optical technique that can be used to detect volumetric changes in blood in peripheral circulation (as blood volume changes due to the pumping action of the heart). PPG is a non-invasive method that makes measurements at the surface of the skin (e.g., at a fingertip, a wrist, an ear lobe, and/or the like). A PPG device may take the form of a multispectral sensor device (e.g., a binary multispectral (BMS) sensor device) that provides heartbeat time-series data associated with multiple wavelength channels (e.g., 64 wavelength channels). The multispectral sensor device includes multiple sensor elements (e.g., optical sensors, spectral sensors, and/or image sensors), each to receive one of the multiple wavelength channels (via a respective region of a multispectral filter) in order to capture the heartbeat time-series data.

Autonomous full spectrum biometric monitoring


A lightweight, portable easel designed for use with a standard photographic tripod as a means for painting on location. The easel is equipped with an angled retaining ledge, a retractable brush holder mounted on the left and right side for easy access, a retractable hook for suspending a container, and a base mount for connection to a tripod. By utilizing the angle adjustments of the tripod, the work surface can be adjusted to the preferred angle of the user.

1. Field of the Invention
A portable easel designed for painting with watercolors "on location" where the need for a portable, lightweight easel has distinct advantages over other watercolor easels.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The activity of painting outside on location ("en plein air" [to paint from life]) has become increasingly popular. Although there are portable easels specifically available for other mediums, such as oil paints, acrylic paints and pastels, there is nothing that meets all the specifications of our invention for painting watercolors. One of the requirements unique to watercolor painting is a source of fresh water for mixing paints and cleaning brushes. It is also often necessary to tilt the watercolor forward, backward or from side to side to accomplish a technique called a "wash."
Another requirement of watercolor painting on location is a stable work surface. Other types of available easels, while being relatively stable, are heavy to transport and complex to set up.
The Collapsible Flow Control Easel in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,346 to Bahm, 1987 Oct. 13, does not have a bottom ledge for stabilizing the work (watercolor block or board). Furthermore, this easel does not have a retractable watercolor brush holder, or a retractable hook for a water container.
The Artist's Painting Kit and Tripod Adapter in U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,653 to Thomas, 1971 May 25, has a hook for a water container that is located on the side of the paint box, which can affect the easel's balance. The hook is not retractable for both compactness and portability. Moreover, the easel has no retractable brush holder or a retaining ledge to support the work. It is also comprised of many parts and needs many adjustments to use, limiting its portability and ease of use.
The Work Holder in U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,606 to Millen, 1973 Jun. 12, when adjusted to the horizontal position required in painting watercolors, would throw the Work Holder off balance and therefore, would become unstable. Moreover, it has no retractable hook for a water container or a retractable brush holder.
The brush holder in the Portable Easel Assembly in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,987 to Jones, 2004 Aug. 10, pivots on a centerpoint and has no positive stop and therefore can be moved or damaged at any time. Moreover, the holes in the brush holder are not positioned in an increasing or decreasing size order, making brush selection more difficult. This easel has no retractable hook to provide water container placement. Furthermore, if during the process of painting a watercolor wash the need to tilt the easel to the left or right is required, it can't be done with this easel, which only tilts forward and backward. In addition, the retractable legs are difficult to set up and fold back.
The Palette and Easel Assembly in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,651 to Maier, Aug. 12, 1997, is designed for attachment to a photographic tripod; however, it has no watercolor brush holders or hook for a water container. The palette extends from the work surface towards the artist, hindering the artist's arm movement when painting on the lower portion of the work surface. Furthermore, it is also comprised of many parts and needs many adjustments to change the work angle, limiting its ease of use.
The Artist's Lap Easel in U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,471 to Hutton, Mar. 9, 1982 does not provide for mounting on a photographic tripod, and has no hook for a water container. Furthermore, although it provides storage for pencils and brushes, there is no provision for having wet brushes at the ready.
Accordingly there is a need for an improved watercolor easel that is lightweight, portable, holds the artist's watercolor brushes, water container and at the same time allows the artist to adjust the angle of the work surface while executing a wash through manipulating the attached tripod. There is also a need for an easel that offers no obstruction, such as a drawer, palette or other appendage, between the artist's hand and the work surface, so that he or she can freely brush on the paint.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. Further objects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawing and ensuing description. Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the portable watercolor easel described in our patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:                (a) to provide an easel that is lightweight and portable for painting outside at any location;        (b) to provide an easel that has an angled ledge that holds the work;        (c) to provide an easel that can easily be mounted to a lightweight photographic tripod;        (d) to provide an easel that when attached to a photographic tripod, can easily be tilted in order to move the work surface forward, backward, left or right;        (e) to provide an easel that has retractable brush holders for easy brush access and storage of the easel;        (f) to provide an easel where the brush holders are mounted on the left and right side for use by left or right-handed people;        (g) to provide an easel that is equipped with an attached L-shaped retractable sliding hook for suspending a water container and for easy storage of the easel; and        (h) to provide an easel where the water container can easily be attached, making water convenient to the painter, the container is located in a position that balances the easel, and is designed with a hook to minimize water container movement.


An optical transmissive fiber tip assembly having a radiation-scattering particles incorporated therein and a reflective end surface is disclosed for use in phototherapy. As radiation propagates through the fiber tip, a portion of the radiation is scattered in a cylindrical (or partially cylindrical) pattern along the length of the fiber tip. Radiation which is not scattered during this initial pass through the tip is reflected by at least one surface of the assembly and returned through the tip. During this second pass, the remaining radiation (or at least a major portion of this returning radiation) again encounters the scatterers which provide further radial diffusion of the radiation. In one embodiment, a diffusive tip assembly is disclosed for diffusing radiation from an optical fiber. The tip assembly is adapted to receive the distal end of said fiber in order to direct the radiation outward, and includes a light transmissive tube or housing aligned with the distal end of the fiber. The tube includes a reflective end cap and a light scattering medium disposed therein such that radiation propagating through said fiber enters the scattering medium and a portion of the radiation is scattered outward through said tube, and another portion passes through the scattering medium and is reflected by the end cap for retransmission through said scattering medium. Preferably, the scattering medium and the reflective end cap interact to provide a substantially uniform axial distribution of laser radiation over the length of the tip apparatus.

The technical field of this invention is phototherapy and, in particular, methods and devices which employ optical fibers or other flexible light waveguides to deliver radiation to a targeted biological site.
Fiber optic phototherapy is a increasing popular modality for the diagnosis and/or treatment of a wide variety of diseases. For example, in surgery, infrared laser radiation will often be delivered to a surgical site via a hand-held instrument incorporating an optically transmissive fiber in order to coagulate blood or cauterize tissue. Similar fiber optic delivery systems have been proposed for endoscopic or catheter-based instruments to deliver therapeutic radiation to a body lumen or cavity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,809 (Clark) and U.S. Reissue Pat. No. RE 34,544 (Spears) disclose that hematoporphyrin dyes and the like selectively accumulate in tumorous tissue and such accumulations can be detected by a characteristic fluorescence under irradiation with blue light. These patents further teach that cancerous tissue that has taken up the dye can be preferentially destroyed by radiation (typically high intensity red light) that is absorbed by the dye molecules during phototherapy.
Others have proposed the use of fiber-delivered radiation to treat artherosclerotic disease. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,492 (Sinofsky et al.) discloses the used of infrared radiation to heat blood vessel walls during balloon angioplasty in order to fuse the endothelial lining of the blood vessel and seal the surface. Another application of fiber-delivered radiation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,033 (Clarke) which teaches that restenosis following angioplasty can be inhibited by application of UV radiation to the angioplasty site to kill smooth muscle cells which would otherwise proliferate in response to angioplasty-induced injuries to blood vessel walls.
Nonetheless, a number of problems limit the expanded use of fiber-optic phototherapy. Typically, an optical fiber emits light from only its end face. Thus, the emitted light tends to be focused or at best divergent in a conical pattern and, therefore, exposes only a small region directly in front of the fiber's distal end. The small exposure area limits the power available for phototherapy since overheating of the target tissue must often be avoided.
Although "sideways-emitting" fibers have been proposed to permit greater flexibility in phototherapy, this approach still does not allow uniform irradiation of large volumes of tissue and can also be ill-suited for applications where circumferential uniformity is desired. Because sideways-emitting fibers expose limited regions, they do little to alleviate the problem of "hot spots" which limit the intensity of radiation which can be delivered via the fiber to the treatment site.
Others have proposed diffusive tips for optical fibers to enlarge the region which can be irradiated and/or reduce the potential for overexposure. However, diffusive tips have not been satisfactory for many therapeutic purposes because of their complexity of manufacture and/or because the radiation may not be scattered uniformly enough to alleviate the problem of "hot spots." Prior art diffusive tip structures have not be capable of delivering high power radiation, e.g., on the order of ten watts or more, to facilitate photocoagulation therapy or the like.
There exists a need for better apparatus for fiber-optic phototherapy. In particular, diffusive fiber tip assemblies which can provide circumferential (or large angle) exposure regions in radial directions (e.g., sideways) relative to the fiber axis without hot spots would satisfy a long-felt need in the art. Moreover, diffusive assemblies which illuminate or irradiate an azimuthal angle of less than 360.degree. would meet a particularly important need in the field of minimally-invasive, phototherapeutic surgery. In addition, diffusive fiber tip assemblies which can extend the longitudinal extent of irradiation and provide greater flexibility during use would likewise satisfy a need in phototherapy.


There is provided a boat in which the units and control lines for effecting the switching processing of remote control units at the time of switching steering stations can be easily configured, and the system for effecting the switching processing can be easily simplified. A boat includes a first remote control unit connected to boat propulsion units, and a second remote control unit connected to the first remote control unit, the first and second remote control units including remote control levers for operating the boat propulsion units, and remote control selector switches. The first remote control unit has a switching determination section. The switching determination section performs switching processing between the first and second remote control units when the remote control levers of the first and second remote control units are both in the neutral state and the remote control selector switches are in the ON state.

1. Field
The present invention relates to a boat having a remote control system for controlling a propulsion unit of the boat, and more particularly to a boat having a plurality of remote control units.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are known boats in which a boat propulsion unit such as an outboard motor as is arranged in the stern of the hull, a main remote control station is disposed at the center of the hull, and a sub remote control station is disposed above the main station. In such a boat, an operating lever for operating the outboard motor is provided in each of the remote control stations, so a single outboard motor or each of a plurality of the outboard motors can be operated with the lever of each of the stations.
When the operating levers and the outboard motors are mechanically coupled to each other such as by a wire or the like, operating the lever of one steering station causes the lever of the other station to move in the same way and to assume basically the same operating position. Thus, the operation states of a plurality of levers for operating the same outboard motor can be made the same at all times.
In a boat using a remote control unit adapted to transmit the operation amount of the lever as an operation signal to the control section of the outboard motor, however, since the remote control levers for operating the same outboard motor are not mechanically coupled, they can be operated independently from each other. As such, a situation can arise in which the operation amount of one remote control lever differs from the operation amount of the other remote control lever.
Upon switching the control station in this state, the operation signal inputted to the outboard motor can change abruptly, thus causing a corresponding abrupt change in operation of the outboard motor. Accordingly, proposals have been made for preventing the operation signal inputted to the outboard motor from changing abruptly at the time of switching the steering stations. Such an example is disclosed in Japanese Patent document JP-B-3019984.


The present invention relates to methods of identifying a molecule from a library of molecules that inhibits binding of human immunodeficiency virus nucleocapsid 7 polypeptide (NCp7) to an oligonucleotide which comprises admixing an NCp7 polypeptide with at one labeled HIV-1 psi-site oligonucleotide and an amount of the molecule to be tested under binding conditions; and determining the amount of oligonucleotide bound to the NCp7 polypeptide, wherein a decrease in the amount of oligonucleotide bound in the presence of the molecule compared with the amount of oligonucleotide bound in the absence of the molecule indicates that the molecule inhibits binding of NCp7 polypeptide to the oligonucleotide.

It is estimated that there are greater than 30 million cases of HIV infection and AIDS worldwide. There are steep rises of new infections in Eastern Europe and Latin America. In the Caribbean region, AIDS is the primary cause of death among young men and women. In Asia, some 7 million people are living with HIV. In industrialized countries, AIDS continues to have a significant impact in minority communities where complacency in the face of a major health risk is a growing problem (Report of the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)).
HIV-1 is a retrovirus and thus utilizes RNA as its genomic message. Genome packaging is directed by a gag polyprotein produced in the host cell during late stages of the infectious cycle. An element of gag that is essential for genome recognition and the packaging of infectious RNA is a 55 amino acid nucleocapsid protein, NCp7. NC proteins of all known classes of retrovirus (except spumavirus) contain one or two copies of a retroviral zinc finger (ZF) motif, Cys(X)2Cys(X)4His(X)4Cys, where X is a variable amino acid and Zn2+ is coordinated to the invariant cysteine and histidine residues. As part of gag, NCp7 initiates genomic RNA encapsidation by recognition of a ca. 120 nucleotide sequence (psi-site or Ψ-site) of the RNA genome that contains four stem-loop (SL) sequences in its secondary structure (e.g., SL1, SL2, SL3, and SL4). Although multi-drug therapy of AIDS with inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and HIV-1 protease has dramatically delayed the onset of clinical disease and death due to AIDS, problems with this therapy are of increasing concern.
Currently available drugs for the treatment of HIV include six nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (zidovudine, didanosine, stavudine, lamivudine, zalcitabine and abacavir), three non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nevirapine, delavirdine and efavirenz), and five peptidomimetic protease inhibitors (saquinavir, indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir and amprenavir). Each of these drugs can only transiently restrain viral replication if used alone. However, when used in combination, these drugs have a profound effect on viremia and disease progression. In fact, significant reductions in death rates among AIDS patients have been recently documented as a consequence of the widespread application of combination therapy. However, despite these impressive results, 30 to 50% of patients ultimately fail combination drug therapies. Insufficient drug potency, non-compliance, restricted tissue penetration and drug-specific limitations within certain cell types (e.g. many nucleoside analogs cannot be phosphorylated in resting cells, which is required for biological activity) may account for the incomplete suppression of sensitive viruses. Furthermore, the high replication rate and rapid turnover of HIV-1 combined with the frequent incorporation of mutations, leads to the appearance of drug-resistant variants and treatment failures when sub-optimal drug concentrations are present Therefore, novel anti-HIV agents exhibiting distinct resistance patterns, and favorable pharmacokinetic as well as safety profiles are needed to provide more treatment options.
Currently marketed HIV-1 drugs are dominated by either nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or peptidomimetic protease inhibitors. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have recently gained an increasingly important role in the therapy of HIV infections At least 30 different classes of NNRTI have been described in the literature (De Clercq) and several NNRTIs have been evaluated in clinical trials. Dipyridodiazepinone (nevirapine), benzoxazinone (efavirenz) and bis(heteroaryl) piperazine derivatives (delavirdine) have been approved for clinical use. However, the major drawback to the development and application of NNRTIs is the propensity for rapid emergence of drug resistant strains, both in tissue cell culture and in treated individuals, particularly those subject to monotherapy.
Furthermore, although work continues to advance in the development of vaccines against HIV-1, there is currently no vaccine available with proven effectiveness in humans (Amara et al, Science 2001 Apr. 6; 292(5514): 69-74). In addition, it is clear that there is a need for anti-HIV drugs targeted against novel viral targets that are less prone to the development of resistant virus. These facts stress the importance of methods for the identification of new anti-HIV molecules or compounds and HIV targets that possess the following properties: 1) anti-HIV molecules or compounds against the new targets would not exert cross-resistance with current anti-HIV drugs that affect other targets, 2) structural distinctiveness of the target compared to mammalian counterparts such that new molecule or compound selectivity can be achieved toward the HIV target, and 3) target structural and functional conservation so that mutational escape toward drug-resistance is minimized.

Methods for identifying compounds which inhibit binding of nucleocapsid 7 protein to HIV-1 RNA


A cleaning device for an intermediate transferring member, comprising:                a first cleaning roller that is placed so as to rotate while being made in contact with a surface of the intermediate transferring member;        a first bias-applying device that applies a bias voltage to the first cleaning roller;        a second cleaning roller that is placed so as to rotate while being made in contact with the surface of the intermediate transferring member on a downstream side from the first cleaning roller in a surface-moving direction of the intermediate transferring member; and        a second bias-applying device that applies a bias voltage having a polarity different from that of the bias voltage applied by the first bias-applying device to the second cleaning roller,        wherein the first cleaning roller is a foam roller having a foam layer on a surface thereof, with a cell wall face in the foam layer having an opening ratio in a range of 3% or more to 50% or less, and        the second cleaning roller is a brush roller, and an image-forming apparatus equipped with said cleaning device for an intermediate transferring member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an intermediate transferring member in an image-forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, a facsimile and a laser printer, of an electro-photographic system that forms monochrome images or color images, and an image-forming apparatus provided with such a cleaning device.
2. Description of the Related Art
The intermediate transferring member is a member that is used for holding a toner image primarily transferred from a surface of a photosensitive member onto its surface, and allowing the image to be secondarily transferred on a recording medium such as a sheet of paper after transporting the toner image in an image-forming apparatus. Since objects to be cleaned such as residual toner, toner external additives, powder of recording medium and filling materials of recording medium, are present on the surface of the intermediate transferring member, the image-forming apparatus is provided with a cleaning device for cleaning and removing the objects to be cleaned from the surface of the intermediate transferring member.
As such a cleaning device, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-229344 has proposed an intermediate transferring belt cleaning device as shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, the device includes a first cleaning brush 151A and a second cleaning brush 151B, and a positive bias voltage is applied to the first cleaning brush 151A and a negative bias voltage is applied to the second cleaning brush 151B. Thus, the negative toner of the residual toner on an intermediate transferring belt 104 is collected by the first cleaning brush, and one portion thereof is positively charged. The positive toner can be cleaned by the second cleaning brush.
However, in the case when an amount of residual negative toner on an intermediate transferring belt increases, the toner, which is neither collected by the first cleaning brush, nor positively charged, increases to cause toner that cannot be collected even by the second cleaning brush. For this reason, by increasing a density of planted brush hairs, contact portions with the toner are increased; however, although cleaning performance is enhanced, the effect was not sufficient. Since the first cleaning brush has a higher possibility of contact with the toner than the second cleaning brush, the toner is retained in the first cleaning brush. As a result, it is not possible to solve the problem of degradation of cleaning performance with time.
In the case when a cleaning operation on the intermediate transferring belt becomes insufficient, such toner retained on the intermediate transferring belt and continuously turned around, and also fixed to the belt (to cause filming) is generated. When the filming occurs, smoothness and conductive property of the belt surface deteriorate, failing to obtain a good transferring function to cause degradation of image quality.

Cleaning device for intermediate transferring member and image-forming apparatus

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


There is provided a conductive adhesive with which the connection stability between objects that are conductive members is excellent, the connection stability is maintained even when the conductive adhesive is subjected to high temperature, and rising towards the back side of an object is less likely to occur.

Printed circuit boards are frequently used in electronic apparatuses such as cellular phones, video cameras, and notebook computers in order to incorporate circuits into the mechanisms. In addition, printed circuit boards are also utilized for the connection of movable portions such as printer heads to control portions. In these electronic apparatuses, electromagnetic wave shielding measures are essential, and also for the printed circuit boards used in the apparatuses, shielded printed circuit boards subjected to electromagnetic wave shielding measures are used.
The shielded printed circuit boards have, for example, a structure in which an electromagnetic wave shielding film is placed on a substrate film including a printed circuit so that the adhesive face of the electromagnetic wave shielding film in which an adhesive (adhesive layer), a metal thin film, and an insulating layer are stacked in this order adheres closely, and subsequently the adhesive adheres to the substrate film by heating and pressurization (thermocompression bonding).
The printed circuit boards are used with electronic components mounted. For printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) that are bendable are known. For printed circuit boards used for FPCs, electronic components are likely to fall off when the sites on which the electronic components are mounted bend sharply, and therefore for the purpose of preventing this, reinforcing members may be provided on the printed circuit boards. For the reinforcing members, reinforcing members having conductivity that can be grounded to external potentials may be used for the purpose of allowing electromagnetic waves that enter or are produced in printed circuit boards to escape externally. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a printed circuit board with a reinforcing member including a reinforcing member having conductivity and a conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A conductive adhesive 1 includes a binder component 12, and metal particles (A) 11 having a 20% compressive strength of 25 MPa or less in a 170° C. environment. The metal particles 11 preferably include a metal having a melting point of 280° C. or less. The content of the metal having a melting point of 280° C. or less in the metal particles (A) 11 is preferably 80% by mass or more.


A method of operating a memory system to compress data efficiently is described. The user data and the associated metadata are separated so that user data having repeating data patterns of greater length than a single user data structure may be assembled for storage. The user metadata and the repeating pattern metadata are stored in non-volatile memory such that the repeating pattern metadata can be used to reconstruct the repeating pattern of individual user data blocks. The reconstructed user data blocks are combined with user metadata, if any, and returned to the user in response to a read request.

NAND FLASH memory is electrically organized as a plurality of blocks on a die (chip), and a plurality of dies may be incorporated into a package, which may be termed a FLASH memory circuit. The chip may have more than one plane so as to be separately addressable for erase, write and read operations. A block is comprised of a plurality of pages, and the pages are comprised of a plurality of sectors. Some of this terminology is a legacy from hard disk drive (HDD) technology; however, as used in FLASH memory devices, some adaptation is made. NAND FLASH memory is characterized in that data may be written to a sector of memory, or to a contiguous group of sectors comprising a page. Pages can be written in order within a block, but if page is omitted, the present technology does not permit writing to the omitted page until the entire block has been erased. This contrasts with disk memory where a change to data in a memory location may be made by writing to that location, regardless of the previous state of the location. A block is the smallest extent of FLASH memory that can be erased, and a block must be erased prior to being written (programmed) with data.
Earlier versions of NAND FLASH had the capability of writing sequentially to sectors of a page, and data may be written on a sector basis where the die architecture permits this to be done. More recently, memory circuit manufacturers are evolving the device architecture so that one or more pages of data may be written in a write operation. This includes implementations where the die has two planes and the planes may be written simultaneously. All of this is by way of saying that the specific constraints on reading or writing data may be device dependent, but the overall approach disclosed herein may be easily adapted by a person of skill in the art so as to accommodate specific device features. The terms "erase" and "write" in a FLASH memory have the characteristic that when an erase or a write operation is in progress, a plane of the FLASH memory chip on which the operation is being performed is not available for "read" operations to any location in a plane of the chip.
One often describes stored user data by the terms sector, page, and block, but there is additional housekeeping data that is also stored and which must be accommodated in the overall memory system design. Auxiliary data such as metadata, including error correcting codes and the like that are related in some way to stored data is often said to be stored in a "spare" area. The spare area may be allocated on a sector, a page, or a block basis. Typically the organization of the data and auxiliary data follows that format of the disk memory systems due to the use of legacy user software. But, a page of a block or the block of data may be somewhat arbitrarily divided into physical memory extents that may be used for data, or for auxiliary data. So there is some flexibility in the amount of memory that is used for data and for auxiliary data in a block of data, and this is managed by some form of operating system abstraction, usually in one or more controllers associated with a memory chip, or with a module that includes the memory chip. The interface between the non-volatile memory cells and the chip bus is typically a volatile buffer memory, and the buffer memory may have a size equal to that of a data page plus the space for auxiliary data.
The management of reading of data, writing of data, and the background operations such as wear leveling and garbage collection, are performed by a system controller, using an abstraction termed a flash translation layer (FTL) that maps logical addresses (LBA), as understood by the user, to the physical addresses (PBA) of the memory where the data values are actually stored. The generic details of a FTL are known to a person of skill in the art and are not described in detail herein. The use of a FTL or equivalent is assumed, and the discussion herein takes the view that the abstraction of the FTL is equivalent of mapping the logical address of a page of user data to a physical memory location. The location may be a page of a physical memory block. This is not intended to be a limitation, but such an assumption simplifies the discussion.
SCSI compatible disk drives may be reformatted to 520-byte sectors, yielding 8 extra bytes per sector. These 8 bytes have traditionally been used by RAID controllers to store internal protection information. The T10-DIF (Data Integrity Field) is an extension to the SCSI Block Commands that standardizes the format of the 8 extra bytes associated with each 512 byte user sector and defines ways to interact with the contents at the protocol level.
Each 8-byte DIF tuple is split into three chunks:                a 16-bit guard tag containing a CRC of the data portion of the sector;        a 16-bit application tag; and,        a 32-bit reference tag which contains an incrementing counter for each sector.
The T10-DIF format has been standardized, so both initiators and targets (as well as potentially transport switches in-between) are able to verify the integrity of the data. When writing, the host bus adapter (HBA) may DMA (direct memory access) transfer 512-byte sectors from a host memory, generate the matching integrity metadata and send out 520-byte sectors to the storage device. The disk controller will verify the integrity of the data before committing it to non-volatile storage. When reading the data, the disk controller will send 520-byte sectors to the HBA. The HBA will verify the data integrity and DMA 512-byte sectors to host memory. Since current generation software products are usually designed to be used with rotating media storage systems, a FLASH memory system, while not subject to many of the constraints of a mechanical disk system, is nevertheless constrained to be at least compatible with the existing software architectures.