The present invention relates to the support mechanism for a grill having a grill bottom, grates for supporting fuel and food, and a cover. The mechanism is detachably attached to the grill without fasteners by projecting pieces that go through holes in the bottom portion or kettle of the grill, some of the projecting pieces supporting the grate for the fuel and other projecting pieces supporting the grate for the food. Only one fastener, for example, a screw with a wing nut, is used to support the mechanism and fasten it to the grill bottom. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism also has toggle locks to lock together the grill bottom and the cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a grill having a grill bottom, grates for supporting coals and food, and a cover. The invention relates more specifically to a support mechanism for a grill, the mechanism detachably attaching to the bottom portion or kettle of the grill without fasteners and having projecting pieces that go through holes in the kettle, some of the projecting pieces supporting the grate for the coals and other projecting pieces supporting the grate for the food.
2. Description of Prior Art
Grills to be used outdoors for cooking a variety of food items have long been known. There are grills, for example, which are smokeless, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,784 B1, and grills which have two or more food supporting sections, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,882. Further, the grill disclosed in Schlosser et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,749, is designed to be permanently assembled and installed in a backyard or on a large patio. Schlosser et al. discloses a kettle grill whose bottom is generally semi-hemispherical; the legs are attached to the bottom using screws or bolts fastened with nuts. These bolts extend through the legs and the grill, so that the rack which holds the charcoal can be placed on or supported by these bolts. Thus this grill, and other similar grills, contain many parts, including multiple screws or bolts with nuts or wing nuts, and often require special equipment for assembly. Also, the legs of this grill attach on the bottom portion of the bottom half of the grill; the legs are bolted to the grill both on the sides and in the center of the grill bottom. Grills having multiple fasteners are difficult to assemble, suffer from failure to be assembled due to lost parts, and are sometimes incorrectly assembled due to using the fasteners incorrectly or not adequately tightening the fasteners.
There is a need for a grill having a support system which contains a minimal number of parts, is sturdy and is easy to assemble and disassemble without the use of special tools or equipment. The present invention fills the need for such a grill in a unique manner.


Textile articles to be treated are fed on to shapes fitted to supporting members. Gliding independently each other on a platform of the boarding or semi-boarding machine, and positioned in mutual contact at respective sides along a polygonal pathway defined by a guiding device. The supporting members are transported in step along the polygonal pathway, by the engagement with a towing device acting independently at each linear stretch of the polygonal pathway, so that in each step at least one position at the concurrence of two linear stretches of the polygonal pathway is maintained unoccupied. At least one of the supporting members, on which the textile articles to be treated are fed, is arranged in a halt position upstream from a semi-boarding station and then is moved to take the shapes into the semi-boarding station. After the semi-boarding treatment, this supporting member is transferred to a station where the textile articles, treated, are extracted from the shapes.

It is known that during production the above mentioned textile products undergo such treatments as to give them a desired aspect. In particular, socks undergo a treatment of semi-boarding or of thermal boarding. In order to perform this semi-boarding, the articles are fed on to and held taut by special shapes and then subject to a pressing treatment, in some cases preceded by a steaming treatment of the articles to be treated. Sometimes the semi-boarding treatment is combined with a boarding treatment by means of pressurised steam.
Automatic boarding or semi-boarding machines currently known are substantially composed of a turntable, around the edge of which are positioned fitting shapes, which the articles are fed on to and by which they are held taut. The rotation of the turntable takes the articles fed on to the shapes to a steaming station and successively to a semi-boarding station in which suitable pressing means operate. In a different version of the machine the semi-boarding treatment is accomplished by means of boarding with pressurised steam, provided by a suitable autoclave, and by means of a successive drying phase with hot air. The articles are then extracted from the boarding shapes and sent onto the subsequent packaging phases.
Boarding shapes are preferably solid shapes of a metallic material, most commonly aluminium, and shaping at the toe the foot contour.
The fitting of the boarding shapes in a position rigidly defined on the turntable of the semi-boarding machine considerably limits the operation of the machine itself. In fact all shapes move simultaneously and in the same step, which is defined by the loading phase of the articles on to the shapes. Normally the turntable proceeds in a single or multiple step in the machines that realize the semi-boarding phase by means of pressing, while in the machines provided with boarding by pressurised steam the turntable proceeds in double step at least, i.e. moving in each step two shapes to each station, in order to obtain a sufficient stay of the articles in the autoclave.
This functional rigidity is in contrast with the current productive requests, concerning the maximum flexibility for the different textile articles to be treated, and can affect the ergonomics of the machine, as the operator has to accomplish the loading of two different shapes.
Moreover the known boarding or semi-boarding machines show a complex and expensive structure, caused by the need to realise the different operational phases in positions where operational members are moved rotationally. The circular structure of the turntable also produces a considerable space occupied and, as a consequence, limits the number of shapes.

Method and machine for treating textile articles


A steering drive for a steeled wheel of an industrial truck, particularly a rear wheel of a three-wheeled industrial truck, comprising a steering bolster supporting the rear wheel which is supported to be pivotable about a vertical steering axle inside the flame of the industrial truck, a steeling motor coaxial with the steering axle, a bearing assembly between the flame of the industrial truck and the bolster, and a steering transmission between the steering motor and bolster, wherein the steering transmission has a single-stage or multi-stage stepped planetary mechanism or planetary coupler mechanism which is coaxial with the steering axle and the bearing assembly for the bolster is arranged within the steering transmission.

Electrically driven counterweight-type trucks including a three-wheeled chassis mostly have a steered, non-driven rear wheel. The real wheel mostly is designed as a twin wheel and is rotatably mounted on the vehicle frame by means of a body bolster. The steering motion is transferred to the rotary bolster by means of a steering rack or transmission.
From DE 101 13 775 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a steering transmission has become known where the steering motor acts on the steering bolster via an eccentric drive. The steering bolster is supported on the vehicle frame by means of a four-point support.
It is the object of the invention to provide a steering drive for a steered wheel of a three-wheeled industrial truck which exhibits an improved efficiency for the steering transmission, allows for a smaller construction size of the steering motor and steering transmission, and reduces the effort for a support of the steeling bolster.

Steering drive for a steered wheel of an industrial truck, particularly a rear wheel of a three-wheeled industrial truck


An activated carbon manufacturing system can efficiently heat a wood material or carbide to promote a drying process, a carbonization process and an activation process in manufacturing activated carbon, and can reduce the environmental load involved in the manufacture of activated carbon. Specifically, a drying process of a wood material is achieved by heating the wood material with saturated steam at an appropriate temperature, and an initial carbonization process of the wood material is achieved by heating the wood material with superheated steam. Therefore, the wood material can be heated with high heat transfer efficiency, so that the heat loss can be reduced, and neither a drying device nor a first carbonizing device produces a gas containing a harmful constituent in the heating processes, so that the adverse effect on the environment can be reduced.

Conventionally, wood pieces or scraps resulting from lumber sawing or processing, cut tree branches, tree bark, felled trees, wood chips resulting from crushing of scrap wood or other waste wood have often been disposed of by incineration, reclamation or the like. In recent years, from the viewpoint of the effect of the disposal by incineration, reclamation or the like on the environment, there has been proposed a method of carbonizing the waste wood and activating the carbide to produce activated carbon for use in order to exploit the waste and reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of.
An example of such conventional activated carbon manufacturing apparatuses is described in JP 2004-161574 A.


A query optimization system is described that, at runtime, optimizes the execution pipeline generated for a query. Based upon communications between nodes in the execution pipeline, the execution pipeline generated for a query is optimized by modifying the execution pipeline to create a modified execution pipeline. The modified execution pipeline is then executed to execute the query and results obtained for the query. The changes or modifications made to an execution pipeline may include changing the capabilities (e.g., changes to inputs and/or outputs of a node, changing the task(s) or function(s) performed by the node) of one or more nodes within the execution pipeline. The changes may include changing the position of one or more nodes within a directed acyclic graph representing the execution pipeline.

Data records are frequently stored in one or more databases. Queries (e.g., an SQL query) are used to request specific information from these databases. A data processing system may execute the query on the one or more databases in order to retrieve, from the one or more databases, those data records that are relevant to the query. These retrieved data records may then be output as results of that query. In some instances, the query may also specify how the retrieved data records are to be manipulated and/or processed and the results of the manipulations and/or processing may then be output as the result of that query.
In a query processing engine, an input query (e.g., some form of SQL query) is translated into an execution pipeline consisting of multiple nodes, with each node configured to receive an input, perform incremental processing on its input, and produce an output, which, in some cases may then be provided as input to another node. Raw data from the input sources is streamed through the execution pipeline and the output of the final node is the result of the query.
Given the widespread use of queries, it is important that query execution be performed in an efficient and timely manner. Developers are constantly looking for ways to improve query execution since these improvements have a huge impact on the performance of applications using the queries.

Dynamic self-reconfiguration of nodes in a processing pipeline


A compact optical system for a particle analyzer and particle analyzer using same are provided. The optical system for a particle analyzer of the present invention comprises a light source, an irradiation optical system for irradiating particles passing through a flow cell with light from the light source, a photodetector for receiving the scattered light from the particles, a light shielding member for blocking the direct light from the light source from impinging the photodetector, and a detecting lens for directing the scattered light toward the photodetector, wherein the irradiation optical system forms a first focus that focuses the light from the light source on the particle passing through the flow cell, and forms a second focus that focuses the light from the light source at a position between the detecting lens and photodetector, and disposes the light shielding member at the position of the second focus.

Methods using flow cytometers are generally known as methods for detecting hemocytes in blood and the tangible constituents found in urine and the like.
Flow cytometers analyze particles by irradiating particles flowing in a flow cell, and detecting optical information from the particles.
For example, flow cytometers provided with the optical system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are known (U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,964). The optical system shown in FIG. 1A is configured by a laser 101, beam separator 102, photodetector 103, a lens pair 106 including cylindrical lenses 104 and 104, obstacle 113 such as a wire or the like, microscope objective lens 115, opaque screen 117, lens 118, and photodetector 119. FIG. 1B shows the light path of the incident radiation from the laser 101 that has passed through the cylindrical lenses 104 and 105.
Light from the light source laser 101 is focused at points 112 and 114 by the cylindrical lenses 104 and 105. Point 112 is focused on the cells passing through the channel 107. Point 114 is focused on the wire 113. That is, the wire 113 blocks all the light from the lens pair 106 directly through the point 112. Thus, the direct light from the lens pair 106 is blocked by the wire 113. At point 112, the light scattered by the cells (scattered light) passes the wire 113 and reaches the microscope objective lens 115. The scattered light is collected by the positioned in the center of the image plane of the objective lens 115. Therefore, only the scattered light passes through the aperture 116 and reaches the photodetector 119.
In recent years, demand has increased for compact analyzers provided with flow cytometers, for example, blood analyzers. In the optical system of the flow cytometer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,964, a space is required to dispose the light shielding member of the wire 113 between channel 107 of the flow cell and the microscope objective lens 115, which functions as a detecting lens. Therefore, the distance is lengthened between the channel 107 and the microscope objective lens 115. Moreover, a predetermined distance is required between the photodetector 119 and the microscope objective lens 115 to ensure a suitable optical magnification in the photodetector 119. This requirement resulted in problems inasmuch as the longer distance made the detector unit larger, as well as the particle analyzer itself.

Optical system for a particle analyzer and particle analyzer using same


A force field separator which can utilize either electric or magnetic fields to separate materials which are sensitive to those forces. As an electrostatic precipitator it produces higher separation efficiencies with smaller equipment and lower cost. As a magnetic separator it separates paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials with lower strength fields. It employs small sectional area rods which generate high field gradients between adjacent rods which are oriented at an angle to the flow direction inside an elongate housing which contains the fluid stream. The separation forces are a resultant of the force propelling the fluid through the housing and the field forces produced by the field gradients. The resultant force direction is towards multiple openings along the outside length of the housing where a separate plenum flow of separated materials is created.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a separator which diverts selected components of a fluid stream out of the main stream using force fields.
2. Prior Art
Force fields can be created by electric voltages and currents and are known as electric and magnetic fields. In both electric and magnetic separators, field gradients are produced which are changes in field strength with respect to position in the field volume. Electric fields produce forces on molecules or particles which have a net electric charge due to either missing or extra electrons. Magnetic fields will also produce forces on those molecules if they are also in motion across the magnetic field. Magnetic field gradients produce forces on molecules or particles which have a non zero magnetic susceptibility.
Previously patented separators using electric fields such as electrostatic precipitators, use a high voltage electric field to produce a corona between electrodes, which charges suspended particles and molecules in a fluid stream. The charging can take place upstream of the collecting fields, as in the two stage precipitation system, see U.S. Pat. No. 1,343,285, or the particle charging can take place at the collecting field, as in the single stage precipitator. The charged or ionized particles are then collected on a surface, which is in the fluid stream and which has a high gradient electric field surrounding it. The forces are Coulomb forces, which are proportional to the particle charge and intensity of the collecting field. The collected particles are then released from the surface by mechanical rapping.
The fundamental technical problem with this arrangement is reentrainment or rerelease of the collected particles into the fluid stream. Reentrainment may occur by direct scouring of the collecting electrode surface by the gas stream because the collecting electrode is in the main fluid stream. Or reentrainment may occur by redisposition of collected particles during rapping, again, because the collecting electrode is in the main fluid stream. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 342,548 and 895,729 and 1,132,124 and 1,343,285. To minimize reentrainment, previous precipitators were designed for low fluid flow velocities. This meant that they had to be large and expensive.
Previously patented separators using magnetic fields such as magnetic separators use a high strength magnetic field to produce magnetic gradients in the fluid flow. Magnetic materials in the fluid interact with the magnetic gradients because of the magnetic forces between them.
The intermittent type of magnetic separators such as the Kolm type, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,337, have the magnetic gradients randomly distributed throughout the volume of fluid flow and rely on the magnetic forces to embed the magnetic materials in the magnetic gradient areas. They must be turned off and periodically flushed to clean the magnetic materials away.
To overcome the requirement of periodically flushing, several continuous magnetic separators have been proposed.
Kelland in U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,815, discloses a separator apparatus in which a grid of fine ferromagnetic wires are arranged parallel to the flow of the fluid to be separated and a strong magnetic field is produced perpendicular to the wires and flow. The wires distort the magnetic field and result in a magnetic gradient around the wires which concentrates magnetic materials on opposite sides along each wires axis. As the wires near the end of the magnetic field there is a grid matrix for separation of the flows from each wire. This results in the need for small openings for each wire, which can become clogged and are difficult to fabricate.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,006 I previously patented a continuous magnetic separator which employs rods comprised of alternating sections of nonmagnetic and ferromagnetic materials. This invention is an improvement on that patent because this invention includes other force fields besides magnetic, and is more efficient because the field gradients are continuous across the separation region.


A mining machine is controlled by a fiber optic controlled remote control system that includes one or more fiber optic cables that extend from a remote control station through a hose supplying water to the mining machine. The fiber optic cables exit the water hose for connection to electrically operated equipment onboard the mining machine. Connectors having sealing glands with apertures therethrough allow for insertion of the cables into the water hose and exiting of the cables from the hose at the mining machine while preventing the escape of water from the hose at the points of insertion and exiting. The fiber optic cable is supported and positioned for movement in the hose to relieve tension on the cable when the hose is stretched.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a combination fiber optic raceway and water hose for use in remote control of an underground mining machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Remote control systems for use in underground mining machines have developed in recent years to better ensure safety of operating personnel by permitting operation of mining machines at a point remote from the mine face where unsupported roof and ribs can be an immediate hazard. Similarly, redundant remote control systems are being utilized to provide backup in the event of a failure of the primary remote control system. The backup or secondary remote control system gives some assurance that personnel will not be exposed to danger present at the face in order to manually recover the miner or repair the primary remote control system. On such fiber optic redundant remote control system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,189.
It is also known to practitioners in the art to include the remote control cable, typically carrying a low energy electrical signal, within the three-phase power trailing cable electrical supply source to the miner. U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,847 discloses the use of a fiber optic cable for transmitting communication signals from a remote location to a mining machine.
Since the electrical signals have previously been the practically exclusive method for providing remote control through the trailing cable, it has been impracticable to place the control cable within the water supply hose. The proximity to water and its inherent conductive electrical properties would invite unreasonable risks of fault currents and system failures. However, with the advent of fiber optic technology these risks are eliminated.
Most, if not all, mining machines are provided with water supply means when mining coal, for dust control, fire suppression and other reasons. A flexible water hose is used to connect the fixed pipe water supply to the continuous miner water distribution system. Normally, means is provided to protect the water supply hose from being broken, as when the moving treads run over the hose. In practice it is more frequently encountered that the mining machine will run over its power trailing cable than it will pierce its water supply hose.
Fiber optic cable technology is not readily adaptable to field splicing in the environment of coal mines. A relatively clean and dry area which is well illuminated is required to align the fine fibers and join them using an epoxy. While it is known to remotely control the operation of electrical equipment in an underground mine by a fiber optic control system, the known devices expose the fiber optic cable to damage and interruption of the transmitted communication signal.
Also, measures must be taken to protect the integrity of the fiber optic cable and not subject it to undue stress as encountered when tension is applied to the cable, as occurs when it is stretched. To allow for efficient conveyance of the cable to the power equipment and permit the cable to move with the power equipment, the cable must be supplied from a source, as from a spooling device or the like. Known spooling devices for cables are well known as disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,384,153; 1,940,701; 1,904,702; 4,174,816 and 5,117,859 as well as U.K. Patent No. 2,152,476, Canadian Patent No. 538,927 and German Patent No. 2720159. However, with a fiber optic cable reeling and unreeling the cable from a rotating spool exposes the internal optic fibers to damaging stresses. Therefore, there is need to provide method and apparatus for efficiently protecting the fiber optic cable from damage.

Fiber optic remote control system for a continuous miner and method of use


In an example embodiment, biometric data and environmental data are obtained from sensors. Corporate information system (CIS) information is retrieved for a worker, with the CIS information including a schedule of tasks assigned to the worker. A task currently being performed by the worker is determined based on the schedule of tasks. Weights are assigned to the biometric data and the environmental data. The weights vary between data from different sensors, with the weights assigned based on the task currently being performed by the worker. A current safety score is assigned for the worker based on the calculation of a formula, with the formula using the assigned weights as coefficients to variables, with the variables being values obtained from the biometric data and the environmental data. The current safety score is compared to a safety threshold, and if the threshold is violated, an alert is generated to the worker.

The safety of a field engineer in an industrial environment is of upmost concern to an employer. Many of the duties undertaken by field engineers can be dangerous. Safety-related costs, both for preventative measures and dealing with safety incidents, can easily cost a company millions of dollars annually. Safety equipment, despite recent advances, is still very low-tech. Current approaches include mandatory use of safety equipment, the buddy system (where workers perform tasks in pairs), periodic check pointing (where workers communicate with a command and control center reporting status), body sensors, and use of remote monitoring technology such as closed circuit television. While accuracy of various body sensors have been improved, this safety equipment lacks the ability to judge context. Many body parameters may change and fluctuate in normal situations. For example, a heart rate monitor may be able to determine whether a worker's heart rate is exceeding a particular threshold, but there is no regard for whether this threshold is proper given the current context. For example, a heart rate of 150 beats per minute (bpm) may be perfectly acceptable if the worker is currently performing a physically intensive task, such as lifting a heavy object, but may not be acceptable if the worker is currently sitting watching someone else lift a heavy object. Because the thresholds used in traditional sensors are often wildly inaccurate for the present context, there is a tendency to ignore alerts issued based on those thresholds, and once a worker begins to ignore alerts, there is an increased tendency for the worker to ignore an alert that is truly necessary.


An FSK demodulator for demodulating first and second baseband signals obtained from a received frequency shift keying signal, the first and second baseband signals having a quadrature relation therebetween, a lead and lag relation between the first and second baseband signals being changed in accordance with frequency shift from a carrier frequency of the frequency shift keying signal, comprises: a voltage change judging circuit for judging whether a magnitude of the first baseband signal increases or decreases within a predetermined interval; and an inverting circuit responsive to an output of the voltage change judging circuit and the second baseband signal for outputting a demodulated signal produced by inverting the second baseband signal in accordance with the output of the voltage change judging circuit. In addition, a second voltage change judging circuit and a second inverting circuit and a combining circuit for combining the results of said first and second inverting circuits may be provided to improve noise resistance. Inflection points in the baseband signal are detected to select one output from the first, second inverting circuit and the combining circuit in accordance with detection of the inflection points.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an FSK data demodulator for demodulating FSK (frequency shift keying) data and particularly to an FSK data demodulator for demodulating FSK data with a converting circuit for converting a transmitted FSK signal into a baseband signal directly.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An FSK data demodulator is known. Such FSK data demodulator demodulates a received FSK data signal such that it obtains quadrature baseband signals and it decodes the quadrature baseband signal to a data signal. It obtains the baseband signal by direct conversion. That is, the baseband signals are directly converted from the received data signal.
Such a prior art FSK demodulator is disclosed in Japanese patent application provisional publication No. 58-19038. Hereinbelow will be simply described a prior art FSK data demodulator with reference to FIG. 10.
In FIG. 10, an FSK received signal applied to an input 60 is supplied to a mixer 61 and to a mixer 63 through a ninety-degree phase shifter 62 at the same time. The received signal and an output of the ninety-degree phase shifter 62 are down-converted by mixing them with an output signal of a local oscillator 64 respectively, and then, passed through low pass filters 65 and 66 for passing baseband signals to obtain I and Q signals 67 and 68 respectively. The I signal 67 is formed into a digital signal 70 by an amplitude limiting amplifier 69. The Q signal 68 is subjected to phase shifting by a ninety-degree phase shifter 71, and then, is formed into a digital signal 73 by an amplitude limiting amplifier 72. Data is decoded by a logic operation circuit 74 having inputs 70 and 73.
The reason why the direct conversion is adopted is that it is easy to implement its circuit in an IC because the circuit structure is simple. However, if communication speed is high such that a symbol rate of a transmitted data is equal to or higher than an FSK phase shift amount, there is a problem that the ninety-degree phase shifter should have an extremely broad band because it is necessary to shift a phase of the received data signal from a low frequency to a frequency of an order obtained by a sum of the modulation frequency shifting and the symbol rate to effect accurate decoding. Generally, a ninety-degree phase shifter capable of phase shifting a signal of a low frequency has a difficulty in implementation of its circuit into an integrated circuit (IC) because it needs a large capacitor in the circuit configuration. Thus, it prevents saving power consumption and miniaturization.
Moreover, in the actual receiver including the prior art FSK demodulator, there is a problem that if a high speed FSK signal mentioned above is received, demodulation is difficult because the signal to be phase-shifted contains a lot of discontinuous points, so that phase shifting becomes imperfect by the ninety-degree phase shifter and is difficult in demodulation.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An inductor integrated in a semiconductor device comprises a first and second lower electrical trace, an upper electrical trace, aligned at a first end with a first end of the first lower electrical trace and at a second end with a second end of the second lower electrical trace, a first via intercoupling the first end of the upper electrical trace with the first end of the first lower electrical trace, and a second via intercoupling the second end of the upper electrical trace with the second end of the second lower electrical trace.

Since the development of tuned circuits, various types of energies such as electricity, light, and electromagnetism have been used to transmit various forms of stimuli, improving the quality of every day life. The stimuli transmitted from tuned circuits may be in the form of sound, e.g. phones and stereos, or in the form of light, e.g. television and data via a computer monitor. Such elements have enabled businesses as well as families to communicate with other counterparts across the globe conveniently and virtually without delay, resulting in closer bonds.
Tuned circuits have recently been introduced to semiconductor integration technologies. Though semiconductor technology has advanced in virtually every possible way, there is still difficulty when implementing tuned circuit technology. It has been very difficult to integrate large tuned circuit elements without sacrificing frequency extraction capabilities or quality factor ("Q-factor").
An important tuned circuit element making the previously mentioned systems possible is the inductor. Inductors can have a respectively low frequency response, thus they can be utilized for low frequency extraction or limiting, depending on the configuration. Using inductors along with other circuit components make it possible to receive, extract, process, manipulate, and transmit information in the form of energies coving a broad spectrum of frequencies.
Recently, on-chip inductors have been introduced to the semiconductor fabrication process for integration. This process has experience some difficulties. Inductors are essentially a coil of wire or some electrically conductive material. Generally, as the size shrinks, so does their inherent inductance quality factor. Therefore, integrated inductors have respectively low inductances.
Including inductors in semiconductor technologies is also difficult due to the electromagnetic interference generated therein. The fields generated by one circuit element tends to interfere with the signals within other adjacent circuit elements. Additionally, inductors in semiconductor technology tend to couple fields to the substrate inducing Eddy currents within the substrate.

System for integrating a toroidal inductor in a semiconductor device


A luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly and a vertically oriented high intensity discharge lamp extending downwardly from a lamp socket carried by the housing, and a reflector carried by said housing for distributing the light emitted from the lamp. The reflector is positioned in relation to the housing and the lower portion of the housing is shaped to extend upwardly and outwardly from the lamp socket to the periphery of the housing to effectuate a convective uniform airflow upward and outward away from the electronics assembly during operation of the lamp.

Luminaires typically include an optical assembly and an electrical assembly. The optical assembly contains the lamp and the refractor and/or reflector, which produces and directs light at varying degrees. The electrical assembly provides power to the lamp and has a housing which is generally formed of metal and which encloses the electrical circuitry that generally includes a ballast. The ballast is commonly utilized to provide necessary circuit conditions for starting and operating an electric-discharge lamp, such as high intensity discharge ("HID") lamps of the high pressure sodium, metal halide, or mercury type, among others.
The electrical assembly of prior art luminaires, and particularly the respective housing, can be large due to need for relatively large surface area to dissipate ballast heat. Depending upon the positioning of the electrical assembly relative to the optical assembly (i.e., above or below), the size of the housing may result in less uplight or downlight, respectively, and thus contribute to an overall less efficient lighting system.
Prior art designs have the ballast located within the housing with other components of the luminaire, including the light source. As a result the operation temperature of the ballast and the control components are increased due to exposure to the light source. The useful life of the components is reduced, and the components must be replaced more often.
Another feature of existing luminaires is that the light source is often mounted within the mounting structure. This feature has the drawback that a significant amount of the light from the light source emanates upward, thereby degrading the amount of light from the luminaire. Although reflectors may be used to deflect some of the light emanating upward, a large portion of the light from the light source may be lost.
Thus, there is a need in the art to provide for a luminaire that provides for an efficient distribution of light. There is also a need in the art to provide for air flow management in a luminaire. Improved luminaires and methods according to embodiments of the present subject matter may be used to improve the light output of a luminaire through various techniques not taught by or known in the lighting industry. Therefore, an embodiment of the present subject matter provides a luminaire for a light source. The luminaire may comprise a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion mated to the upper portion forming an internal cavity, and a central recessed portion formed in the lower portion. The housing may also possess an electronics assembly positioned within the cavity, a socket positioned within the central recessed portion. The socket may be operatively connected to the ballast and adapted to operatively and removably receive a light source. The housing may further comprise insulation positioned within the cavity intermediate the electronics assembly and socket. The luminaire may also include a reflector supported from the housing and reflector positioned to encompass a light source operatively received in the socket. The upper end of the reflector may be positioned in proximity to but spaced from the lower portion with the reflector reflecting downwardly light incident thereon emitted from a light source operating in the socket. The luminaire may comprise a reflective surface covering at least a major portion of the external surface of the lower portion. The reflective surface may surround the central recessed portion and extend outwardly and upwardly from the central recessed portion toward the periphery of the lower portion where the reflective surface possesses a shape for reflecting downwardly light incident thereon emitted from a light source operating in the socket.
Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a luminaire for a light source comprising a housing assembly defining an internal cavity and having a lower portion extending upwardly and outwardly from a central recessed portion formed therein and an electronics assembly positioned within the cavity. The luminaire may further include a lamp socket positioned in the central recessed portion and operatively connected to the electronics assembly, the socket being adapted to operatively and removably receive a light source therein. The housing assembly may also support a reflector. The reflector may be positioned to encompass a light source operatively received in the socket with the upper end of the reflector positioned in proximity to but spaced from the lower portion such that the reflector reflects downwardly light incident thereon emitted from a light source operating in the socket.
A further embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method of dissipating heat generated from a high intensity discharge lamp carried in a luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly, the lamp extending downwardly from a lamp socket carried by the housing. The method may comprise the steps of shaping a lower portion of the housing to extend upwardly and outwardly from the lamp socket to the periphery of the housing to thereby effect a convective uniform airflow upward and outward away from the electronics assembly during operation of the lamp.
An additional embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method of adjusting the light distribution of a luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly, a vertically oriented high intensity discharge lamp extending downwardly from a lamp socket carried by the housing, and a reflector carried by said housing for distributing the light emitted from the lamp. The method comprises the step of selectively moving the vertical position of the socket relative to the reflector.
Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method of enhancing the downward distribution of light in a luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly, a vertically oriented high intensity discharge lamp extending downwardly from a lamp socket carried by the housing, and a reflector carried by the housing for downwardly distributing the light emitted from the lamp. The method comprises the step of providing a reflective surface extending upwardly and outwardly from the periphery of the socket to the periphery of the housing to thereby downwardly reflect incident light thereon emitted from the lamp.
One embodiment of the present subject matter provides a luminaire for a light source comprising a housing assembly defining an internal cavity and having a lower portion extending upwardly and outwardly from a central recessed portion formed therein and an electronics assembly positioned within the cavity. The electronics assembly may include a ballast and a programmable microprocessor adaptable to communicate with a controller. The luminaire may further comprise a lamp socket positioned in the central recessed portion, operatively connected to the electronics assembly, and adapted to operatively and removably receive a light source therein. The luminaire may also comprise a reflector supported from the housing assembly.
A further embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method of monitoring power usage of a luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly and a high intensity discharge lamp connected to a lamp socket carried by the housing. The method comprises the steps of monitoring selected operating characteristics and transmitting information related to one or more of the operating characteristics from the luminaire to a remote database.
One embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method of establishing an operational schedule of a luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly and a high intensity discharge lamp connected to a lamp socket carried by the housing. The method comprises the steps of transmitting information from the luminaire to a remote database and receiving operational commands at the luminaire in response to the transmitted information.
These embodiments and many other objects and advantages thereof will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a perusal of the claims, the appended drawings, and the following detailed description of the embodiments.

Ballast housing for electronic HID luminaire


Techniques for deserializing stream objects are disclosed. The system may receive data representing a stream object. The data can include an object descriptor, a class descriptor, and stream field values corresponding to the stream object. The system may select a particular deserialization process, from among a plurality of deserialization processes. The selection may be based at least in part on the object descriptor and the class descriptor. The system can deserialize the data representing the stream object using the selected deserialization process, yielding one or more deserialized objects.

In the context of data storage, serialization is a process by which data structures and/or object states are translated (e.g., encoded) into a data stream format that can be stored (e.g., in a file or memory buffer) or transmitted (e.g., across a network connection link) and reconstructed later (possibly in a different computer environment). During deserialization, the resulting data stream is read according to the serialization format, and can be used to create an object that is semantically identical to the original object, with the exception of any members of the original object that are excluded from serialization (e.g., object members marked as transient). For many complex objects, such as those that make extensive use of references, this process is not straightforward.
Java provides automatic serialization for objects when the classes of the objects implement the java.io.Serializable interface. Implementing this interface marks the class as "okay to serialize", and Java then handles serialization internally. The standard encoding method uses a recursive graph-based translation of the object's class descriptor and serializable fields into a data stream. Primitives as well as non-transient, non-static referenced objects are encoded into the stream. Each object that is referenced by the serialized object via a field that is not marked as transient must also be serialized. If any object in the complete graph of non-transient object references is not serializable, then serialization will fail. However, serialization may allow access to non-transient private members of a class that are not otherwise accessible. Types containing sensitive information (for example, a password) should not be serializable.
Types that are "data carriers" (e.g., simple aggregates of data) are often viewed as requiring significant effort to implement. To write a data carrier class properly, a user must write a significant amount of repetitive, error-prone code: constructors, accessors, methods including equals( ), hashCode( ), toString( ), etc. Developers are sometimes tempted to cut corners such as omitting these important methods, which can lead to surprising behavior or poor debuggability. Alternatively, a developer may try to utilize an alternate but not entirely appropriate class to avoid declaring an appropriate new data carrier class. Finally, a developer may declare a record class that directly indicates data to be aggregated (e.g., using the declaration record Point (int x, int y) { }).
The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

Deserialization of stream objects using multiple deserialization algorithms


An auger mining apparatus includes a support frame holding a tilt platform. A tilt mechanism displaces the tilt platform at a pitch between 0.degree.-45.degree. relative to the support frame. A stacked, dual carriage arrangement is carried by the tilt platform. A bidirectional auger drive system is mounted to the upper carriage. The dual carriages are mounted for reciprocal movement along independent paths extending substantially perpendicular to one another. An auger clamp mounted to the tilt platform includes a pilot member for guiding auger sections and a mechanism allowing movement on the pilot member through two separate planes; the second perpendicular to the first. The auger clamp also includes a clamping/decoupling plate and a mechanism for moving the plate in a third plane orthogonal to the first and second planes. Thus, the pilot member with the clamping/decoupling plate may also be utilized to clamp and hold an auger line in position even in steeply pitched seams.

Coal is a fossil fuel formed primarily from vegetable matter decomposed without access to air under the influence of pressure, temperature, and moisture. Specifically, the process of coal formation begins with the accumulation of vegetable matter. The weight of the top layers of vegetable matter compact the lower layers. This is done primarily by squeezing out large amounts of water. Over time, the plant material is buried further by sediments with the loss of water and volatile materials resulting in the formation of lignite. With increasingly deeper burial increases in pressure occur that compress the lignite. The resulting compression effected by the increasing depth of burial further devolatilizes the coal so that the rank of coal becomes progressively higher rising from lignite to sub-bituminous, bituminous, semi-anthracite, anthracite and meta-anthracite stages.
As a result of the formation process, coal is generally found horizontally inclined underground in sedimentary rock sequences. Geologic/tectonic activity, however, causes these sequences or strata to be gently folded pitching the coal seams at inclines of up to 40-45%. While modern mining equipment operates with a relatively high degree of efficiency on moderate grades, operating problems limit or effectively prohibit operation of such equipment in seams pitched greater than approximately 10%.
More specifically, continuous miners are unable to maintain the necessary grip or traction to efficiently cut coal when either transversing or following step grades. Likewise, conventional mining equipment is difficult to bring into proper position for mining step grades. Further, step grade mining subjects the mining equipment to unusual stress that the equipment was not designed to bear. Accordingly, significant maintenance problems result leading to an increase in downtime for costly repairs and lost productivity. Thus, it should be appreciated that if pitched seam coal reserves are to be recovered, the need exists for the development of efficient and effective mining equipment for this purpose.


An optical waveguide fiber having a core surrounded by a cladding. The core may have only a central segment, or a central segment and an annular segment surrounding the central segment. The central segment has a positive relative refractive index profile. The annular segment has a negative relative refractive index profile. The relative refractive index of the optical fiber provides an LP02 cable cutoff less than 850 nm and an LP21 cable cutoff less than 850 nm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to optical fiber for telecommunications and more specifically to an optical fiber capable of dual mode operation at wavelengths below about 1260 nm and single mode operation at wavelengths above about 1260 nm.
2. Technical Background
Multimode fiber suitable for operation at 850 nm has typically been chosen for wiring homes and small businesses because the various system components (e.g. lasers, receivers) used in conjunction with this fiber are inexpensive. However, conventional 850 nm multimode fiber has undesirably low bandwidth and can support only a relatively low bit rate. Furthermore, conventional 850 nm multimode fiber is incompatible with higher bit rate components, such as 1300 nm single mode lasers and receivers. Thus, both components and fiber typically must be replaced to upgrade to a higher bit rate system.
Known experimental fibers capable of both multimode operation at 850 nm and single mode operation at 1300 nm have been reported in the literature, however, those fibers had step index profiles and tended to have very low bandwidth at 850 nm.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0161597 ("'597 Publication") discloses an optical fiber capable of multimode operation at 850 nm and single mode operation at 1300 nm. The embodiments disclosed in Table I the '597 Publication have bandwidths of 0.6 to 1.5 GHz.km and would only be capable of transmitting 10 Gb/s signals along distances of 60 to 150 m, lower than needed in most local area networks.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0033039 ("'039 Publication") discloses an optical fiber with modest bandwidths at 850 nm.
Intermodal noise is a problem typically associated with multimode fibers. Intermodal noise is related to a variation of the optical intensity at a given optical fiber output location due to optical interference between modes of different phase. Many factors may act singly or in combination to produce phase changes that can cause intermodal noise. Some factors include: changes in temperature; mechanical distortions (including movement or vibration); and, changes in optical source wavelength.
Intermodal noise is a common problem in multimode fibers when used with highly coherent light sources, e.g., lasers, because the relative coherence of the modes allows the modes to affect the intensity of the light by interfering with each other. Less coherent sources, such as LED's, have a short coherence length and therefore are only subject to intermodal noise in very short lengths of fiber. However, LED sources are polychromatic and cause significant pulse broadening in the fiber, and pulse broadening reduces bandwidth. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a fiber designed for operation with coherent light sources which does not suffer from intermodal noise.


A damping device to isolate electronic equipment from its surrounding environment may including a housing comprised of a lower housing and an upper housing, a base pad attached to a bottom side of the lower housing, a suspension material in connection with to a top side of the lower housing, an absorptive material in connection with the suspension material, the upper housing surrounding the absorptive material, and a top pad attached to a top side of the absorptive material. The diameter of the suspension material may be smaller than the diameter of the absorptive material, which may be smaller than the diameter of the upper housing, forming spaces to isolate the absorptive material within the housing.

Unwanted vibrations in audio and optical equipment can lead to degradation in the performance of the devices. For example, undamped vibration, movement, or shocks, can lead to degradation in the quality of the signal output from audio equipment such as speakers, amplifiers, microphones, audio mixers and related equipment. Audio equipment such as speakers typically rest on a surface, such as a shelf, floor, or other horizontal surface. Vibrations either coming into or out of the audio equipment into the surrounding surfaces typically degrade the quality of the signal from the audio equipment. Dampers between audio equipment and the surface the audio equipment rests on may reduce unwanted vibration. For example, dampers may be placed under electronic equipment to control vibrations moving into or out of the electronic equipment.


A liquid ejecting head includes a first casing, a second casing, a seal member and a valve assembly. The first casing is fixed to the second casing with the seal member therebetween. A storage space is created in the first casing and the second casing. The valve assembly is accommodated in the storage space and forms a channel along which liquid flows. The valve assembly is fixed to the first casing and separated from the second casing.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to the manufacturing of a structure including a channel along which liquid flows.
2. Related Art
To date, several configures in which components (referred to below as "channel forming sections") forming a channel along which liquid flows are housed in a casing have been proposed. For example, JP-A-2012-206424 and JP-A-2012-218195 disclose a configuration as exemplified in FIG. 6. In this configuration, a base section 92 is fixed to a cover section 94 by a plurality of screws 96 with a seal member 90 made of an elastic material therebetween. In addition, a channel unit 98 including an adjusting valve and a filter is formed in the inner space of the configuration. The channel unit 98 is a channel forming section in which a plurality of channel members 982 are stacked. By fixing the base section 92 to the cover section 94 such that the seal member 90 is sufficiently pressed and shrunk, the evaporation of moisture in the inner space is prevented.

Channel structure, liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus


A vending machine has a front panel with plural removable storage and dispensing trays extending through the enclosure, and defining a rear vertical chute curving gradually in a horizontal direction under the trays and communicating with a vend opening. The machine includes a bar code reader or similar input apparatus for receiving plural control and inventory inputs representative of a UPC code for articles to be inserted in each tray position, the quantity of articles inserted in each tray position, the identity of the tray position and the selection button corresponding to each tray position. A sensor is located at the back of each tray position at the exit into the chute, for detecting when an individual article passes into the chute to provide a sensing output, the operation of the tray position being continued until an article is dispensed into the chute.

The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for vending articles, and in particular to automated techniques for reliably vending articles of increased value.
There have been a number of systems and methods developed for vending articles of relatively modest cost, such as candy bars, soft drinks, cigarettes and the like. Some prior art systems suffer from reliability, when a machine jam occurs, and are also susceptible to theft losses.
There has been developed in the prior art automated vending and retrieval machines for certain articles of increased value, such as video tapes. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,705 to Brown.

Automated apparatus, system and method for reliably vending articles of increased value


A folding device for a baby carriage has an operating arm, a first cover, an engaging unit, an elastic unit, a first abutting unit, a second abutting unit, and a second cover. The operating arm has two opposite ends. The first cover is connected to one of the two opposite ends of the operating arm. The first cover and the second cover are pivotally mounted with each other. The engaging unit, the elastic unit, the first abutting unit, and the second abutting unit are received in the first cover and the second cover. The folding device for a baby carriage not only avoids dust or foreign objects accumulating on the inner structures received inside the first cover and the second cover, but also prevents fingers from accidentally pinching.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a folding device, and more particularly to a folding device applied to a baby carriage that can prevent fingers from being pinched.
2. Description of Related Art
A baby carriage adopts many folding devices to make the baby carriage foldable and to enable the baby carriage to be easily carried and stored. With reference to FIG. 9, a conventional baby carriage has a main frame 70 and a seat 80. The main frame 70 has a supporting pole 71 and a handle 72 pivotally assembled on the supporting pole 71. The seat 80 is assembled on the handle 72. With reference to FIG. 10, the handle 72 is foldable to minimize the storage space of the baby carriage. A gap 90 is formed between the supporting pole 71 and the handle 72 when the handle 72 is folded, and the gap 90 exposes an inner structure between the supporting pole 71 and the handle 72. The exposed inner structure not only easily accumulates dust and foreign objects, making the handle 72 hard to be folded, but also raises the risk of pinching fingers.
To overcome the shortcomings of the conventional baby carriage, the present invention provides a folding device for a baby carriage to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.


The present invention belongs to the field of medicinal chemistry. Specifically disclosed is a class of URAT1 inhibitors for promoting uric acid excretion, which are compounds as represented by the structure of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Experiments show that the compounds provided by the present invention have a very good inhibitory effect on the transport of uric acid by hURAT1 in HEK293 transfected cells, and that such compounds have a good application prospect in the treatment of hyperuricemia or gout.

Gout is one of the most common types of arthritis caused by hyperuricemia. At present, there are nearly 100 million gout patients worldwide, and its market size is huge. According to statistics, the incidence of gout in Europe is about 1-2%, mostly in middle-aged men (Michael Doherty, Tim L Jansen, George Nuki, et al. Gout: why is this curable disease so seldom cured? Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2012, 71(11): 1765-1770). The number of gout patients in the US has also reached 8.3 million (Zhu Y, Pandya B J, Choi H K. Prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the US general population: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008. Arthritis Rheumatol 2011, 63(10): 3136-3141). The number of hyperuricemia patients in China is about 120 million, of which more than 50 million are gout patients, and the number of male gout patients is much higher than that of women.
Usually, when the patients' serum uric acid is greater than 6.8 mg/dL, we call them hyperuricemia patients. When the uric acid concentration exceeds the maximum solvency in the serum, urate will form crystal deposits in the synovial fluid of tissues, the cartilage of the peripheral joints, the auricles of the ears, and the olecranon of the elbows (Richette P, Bardin T Gout. Lancet. 2010, 375 (9711): 318-328), causing repeated inflammatory arthritis, producing gout flares, and eventually leading to severe chronic joint disease and even bone erosion (Schlesinger N. Difficult-to-treat gouty arthritis: a disease warranting better management. Drugs, 2011, 71(11): 1413-1439). When urate crystals form and deposit in the subcutaneous tissue, tophi will form, which can rupture the human epidermal tissue, causing pain and even infection.
At present, the standardized treatment for gout includes a treatment for lowering the concentration of serum uric acid (urate-lowering therapy, ULT), which can lower the serum uric acid concentration below the saturation concentration without forming urate crystals, and can make the urate crystals dissolved at the lesions. Gout will no longer form after the disappearance of urate crystals in the body. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommend that the serum uric acid concentration of patients with general gout should be treated to be less than 6 mg/dL, while the serum uric acid concentration of patients with tophi should be treated to be less than 5 mg/dL. Multiple studies have shown that continuous reduction of serum uric acid concentration can reduce the severity of clinical gout, the incidence of acute gout flares (Shoji A, Yamanaka H, Kamatani N. A retrospective study of the relationship between serum urate level and recurrent attacks of gouty arthritis: evidence for reduction of recurrent gouty arthritis with antihyperuricemic therapy. Arthritis Rheum. 2004, 51(3):321-325), and the size and number of tophi (Perez-Ruiz F, Calabozo M, Pijoan J I, et al. Effect of uratelowering therapy on the velocity of size reduction of tophi in chronic gout. Arthritis Rheumatology, 2002, 47(4): 356-360).
ULT mainly includes decreasing uric acid production therapy (such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors) and increasing uric acid excretion therapy (such as URAT1 inhibitors) according to the mechanism of action. The more often used xanthine oxidase inhibitors mainly includes allopurinol and febuxostat, which are the first-line treatments for gout patients in Europe and the United States, but a large number of studies have shown that about 80-85% of hyperuricemia patients suffer the disease due to the inadequate excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. (Cheeseman C Solute carrier family 2, member 9 and uric acid homeostasis. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2009, 18(5): 428-432). Therefore, the clinical treatment effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitor is not satisfactory, about 40-80% of patients fail to achieve the purpose of controlling serum uric acid level by the treatment of uric acid production inhibitors (Edwards N L. Febuxostat: a new treatment for hyperuricaemia in gout. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2009, 48(2): 15-19). Since allopurinol has a weak clinical efficacy (Rashid N, Coburn B W, Wu Y L, et al. Modifiable factors associated with allopurinol adherence and outcomes among patients with gout in an integrated healthcare system. Journal of Rheumatology. 2015, 42(3): 504-512), most patients who received a dose of 300 mg/day allopurinol still have a serum uric acid concentration above the target value, and fatal rash and a variety of adverse reactions may be caused; although 80 mg/day of febuxostat has a better efficacy than treatment of allopurinol 300 mg/day (Schumacher H R, Jr., Becker M A, Wortmann R L, et al. Effects of febuxostat versus allopurinol and placebo in reducing serum urate in subjects with hyperuricemia and gout: a 28-week, phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial. Arthritis Rheumatology. 2008, 59(11): 1540-1548), there are still 40%-52% of patients whose serum uric acid concentration has not dropped to the target value, and febuxostat also has serious side effects of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal discomfort and liver toxicity. Therefore, the ACR guidelines for management of gout recommend the addition of a drug that promotes uric acid excretion (Khanna D, Fitzgerald J D, Khanna P P, et al. 2012 American College of Rheumatology guidelines for management of gout, part 1: systematic nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapeutic Approaches to hyperuricemia. Arthritis Care & Research. 2012, 64(10): 1431-1446).
Increasing uric acid excretion drugs plays an important role in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. The mechanism of action is to inhibit the reabsorption of uric acid in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney and increase the renal excretion of uric acid, thereby decreasing the concentration of serum uric acid. Human urate anion transporter 1 (hURAT1) is a member of the organic anion transporter (OAT) superfamily. It is encoded by the SLC22A12 gene, and its cDNA has many mutations that cause uric acid metabolism abnormally. hURAT1 protein, which is specifically expressed on the brush border membrane of epithelial cells of human renal proximal convoluted, is the most important uric acid reabsorption protein in human body and controls the reabsorption of more than 90% of uric acid after glomerular filtration (Michael F W, Jutabha P, Quada B. Developing potent human uric acid transporter 1 (hURAT1) inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2011, 54: 2701-2713). Inhibition of hURAT1 transport can effectively reduce uric acid reabsorption, promote uric acid excretion in the kidney, and decrease serum uric acid levels in the body (Michael F W, Jutabha P, Quada B. Developing potent human uric acid transporter 1 (hURAT1) inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2011, 54:2701-2713).
URAT1 inhibitors currently used for gout treatment include benzbromarone, Zurampic, probenecid and sulfinpyrazone. Benzobromarone is currently the most effective drug for increasing uric acid excretion on the market. However, benzbromarone has severe liver toxicity and has not been approved in the US market. And it has been withdrawn from most European countries in 2003 (Jansen T L, Reinders M K, van Roon E N, et al. Benzbromarone withdrawn from the European market: another Case of "absence of evidence is evidence of absence". Clinical Experimental Rheumatology, 2004, 22(5): 651). Another disadvantage is that it has a strong inhibitory effect on the liver CYP2C9 of P450s enzymes. However, due to the lack of good gout drugs on the market, it is still used in more than 20 countries including China, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and New Zealand. Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone have very low efficacy and severe side effects.
Lesinurad (RDEA-594), trade name as Zurampic, is a novel URAT1 inhibitor developed by Ardea Biosciences. AstraZeneca acquired the drug by spending S1.26 billion acquiring Ardea in 2012. Zurampic was approved in the United States and Europe in December 2015 and February 2016 at a dose of 200 mg/day in combination with allopurinol, which is much worse efficacy than benzbromarone (50-80 mg/day). A phase III clinical trial of Zurampic in combination with febuxostat in the treatment of gout showed after 12 months of uric acid control treatment by using a combination group of 200 mg Zurampic+80 mg febuxostat and placebo group (80 mg febuxostat alone), there was no significant difference in the percentage of patients with reaching serum uric acid sUA<5 mg/dl. Zurampic also has a variety of toxic side effects: (1) the drug may cause a major cardiovascular adverse event in patients with fatal cardiovascular disease, non-fatal myocardial infarction or cerebral palsy. (2) There is a renal function-related adverse reaction immediately after the start of treatment with Zurampic. When taking 400 mg Zurampic alone, there is the highest incidence of serious adverse events. Therefore, high-dose single-use of Zurampic is prohibited clinically, and renal function should be detected regularly before and after treatment. Therefore, the FDA requires to indicate its severe renal toxicity with a black box in its drug label. (3) The drug can cause mild to moderate liver damage. Although the FDA has approved the listing of Zurampic, the lack of significant efficacy and toxicity has made the product's prospect bleak.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

URAT1 inhibitor for promoting uric acid excretion

JIANGSU ATOM BIOSCIENCE AND PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.


A transmitting arrangement, in particular for mobile radio, has a quadrature modulator with an upstream, digital signal processing unit. In order to suppress side bands and the carrier frequency, which may occur as a result of excessive matching tolerances between the components which are used, a feedback path couples the modulator output to the digital signal processing unit. The feedback path provides the envelope of the transmission signal at the input of the digital signal processing unit in order to provide preemphasis in the digital signal processing. The envelope can be provided by an undersampling A/D converter in the feedback path.

Modern, broadband mobile radio systems use not only phase modulation but also an amplitude component for modulation in order to achieve a wider bandwidth, in order to make it possible to comply with the relatively stringent requirements for data transmission rates.
Linear modulation methods of this type, such as those envisaged in the GSM EDGE (Global System for Mobile Communication) Standard, place more stringent requirements on the linearity characteristics of transmitting and receiving arrangements in mobile radio and on carrier and side band suppression at the output of a transmitting arrangement, however. These are in turn dependent on manufacturing tolerances, in particular matching tolerances between the components used in a transmitting arrangement.
Quadrature modulators in transmitting arrangements for mobile radio to which, for example, a complex baseband signal can be supplied, which is modulated onto a carrier frequency, require a local oscillator signal which likewise comprises two components shifted through 90° with respect to one another. Discrepancies from signal orthogonality, that is to say from the phase shift of 90° for the carrier signal, lead, for example owing to excessively large matching tolerances between the components in an upstream frequency divider, to inadequate side band suppression in the frequency mixer and/or in the IQ modulator.
Furthermore, offset voltages in the baseband signal (which may arise, for example, because of mismatches between the components that are used) cause inadequate carrier suppression in the mobile radio transmitter. The carrier suppression may also be made worse as a result of inadequate isolation between the local oscillator signal input and the signal output of the modulator, causing crosstalk from the carrier signal to the modulator output. However, inadequate carrier and side band suppression results in a phase error in the digitally modulated output signal of the transmitting arrangement.
The document by M. Faulkner, T. Mattsson, and W. Yates entitled "Automatic Adjustment of Quadrature Modulators", Electronics Letters, Jan. 31st, 1991, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 214-216, describes a quadrature modulator with a feedback path which acts on a correction network at the input of the modulator in order to compensate for phase errors as well as offset errors in the transmitting arrangement by appropriate preemphasis of the baseband signal. In this case, however, a directional coupler for outputting the radio-frequency transmission signal, an additional amplifier as well as a downstream power detector are required in the feedback path which is connected to the output of the modulator, and these result in a relatively large chip area requirement, additional, undesirable power consumption, and increased manufacturing costs.
An object of the present invention is to specify a transmitting arrangement, in particular for mobile radio, which can be produced with little complexity and is suitable for mass production, while maintaining the carrier and side band suppression that are required for linear modulation methods.

Transmitting arrangement for mobile radio


The present invention relates to polypeptides capable of raising a specific T-cell response, wherein the polypeptide comprises a peptide consisting of at least 9 consecutive amino acid residues of ML-IAP, as well as to the use of such polypeptides as medicaments. The invention furthermore relates to use of such polypeptides for treatment of a clinical condition, such as cancer. The invention also relates to methods of selecting a peptide comprising a peptide fragment of ML-IAP for use in a vaccine compositions as well as to vaccine compositions comprising isolated ML-IAP (SEQ ID NO:1) and/or one or more polypeptide fragments thereof.

It is well established that peptide epitopes derived from human tumor-associated antigens (TAA) can be recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the context of MHC molecules1 and that most—if not all—tumors express such antigens. Consequently, exciting clinical efforts are ongoing to target these TAA in strategies such as vaccination and adoptive T cell therapy in order to generate effective anti-tumor CTL responses in patients2-5.
For melanoma, the tumor for which the largest number of CTL defined TAA have been characterized, powerful CTL responses against antigens have been induced by vaccination and some patients have experienced a complete remission of their disease6-7.
However, immunoselection of antigen loss variants can be a serious obstacle for the curative potential of most of the known CTL epitopes in clinical oncology, and the selection of antigen deficient mutant tumors is a well-recognized limitation in therapeutic strategies when targeting antigens that do not have a role in cancer growth5,27,28. The reason is that most characterized peptides are derived from polypeptides, which are not essential for the survival of the tumor cell. Thus, if powerful CTL responses are induced against these peptide antigens by therapeutical measures such as vaccinations, tumor cells lacking the expression of the targeted antigen are very likely to escape the raised immune responses8,9.
There is a need for more efficient therapeutical vaccines and improved methods of treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.


A method for generating an internal pack coating having different, controlled thicknesses includes partially filling a root opening of a turbine blade having a cavity therein with a first powder and a second powder having different formulations so that the first powder contacts a first predefined portion of the surface of the cavity and the second powder contacts a second predefined portion of the surface of the cavity. The method further includes heating the object with the first powder and the second powder therein to thereby produce a coating of the internal cavity having different coating thicknesses over the first portion of the surface of the cavity and the second portion of the surface of the cavity.

This invention relates generally to methods for selectively coating internal passageways of an object with protective coatings having different thicknesses and to objects having such selectively coated internal passageways. The invention has particular use when the object being coated or which is so coated is a gas turbine blade, but the invention is not limited to gas turbine blades.
In an aircraft gas turbine (jet) engine, air is drawn into the front of the engine, compressed by a shaft-mounted compressor, and mixed with fuel. The mixture is burned, and the hot combustion gases are passed through a turbine mounted on the same shaft. The flow of combustion gas turns the turbine by impingement against an airfoil section of the turbine blades and vanes, which turns the shaft and provides power to the compressor. The hot exhaust gases flow from the back of the engine, driving it and the aircraft forward.
The hotter the combustion and exhaust gases, the more efficient is the operation of the jet engine. There is thus an incentive to raise the combustion and exhaust gas temperatures. The maximum temperature of the combustion gases is normally limited by the materials used to fabricate the hot-section components of the engine. These components include the turbine vanes and turbine blades of the gas turbine, upon which the hot combustion gases directly impinge. In current engines, the turbine vanes and blades are made of nickel-based superalloys, and can operate at temperatures of up to approximately 980–1150 degrees Celsius, or roughly 1800–2100 degrees Fahrenheit. These components are subject to damage by oxidation and corrosive agents.
Many approaches have been used to increase the operating temperature limits and service lives of the turbine blades and vanes to their current levels while achieving acceptable oxidation and corrosion resistance. The composition and processing of the base materials themselves have been improved. Cooling techniques are used, as for example by providing the component with internal cooling passages through which cooling air is flowed. However, as engine temperatures increase, the temperature of available cooling air also increases.
In at least one known configuration of gas turbine blade, a portion of the outer surfaces of the turbine blades is coated with a protective coating. One type of protective coating includes an aluminum-containing protective coating deposited upon the substrate material to be protected. The exposed surface of the aluminum-containing protective coating oxidizes to produce an aluminum oxide protective layer that protects the underlying surface.
Different portions of the outer surface of gas turbine blade require different types and thicknesses of protective coatings, and some portions require that there be no coating thereon. One known method for selective protection of the outer surfaces of a gas turbine blade is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,914 B1, issued Nov. 25, 2003 to Langley, et al. and assigned to General Electric Aviation Service Operation Pte. Ltd. In this method, a gas turbine blade that has previously been in service is protected by cleaning the gas turbine blade and then first depositing a precious metal layer over portions of the blade. The method includes a first deposition step in which a precious metal such as platinum is deposited on a surface of the blade, preferably by electrodeposition. The first layer is deposited on an airfoil first layer region of the airfoil. In the usual case, the first layer includes only portions of the surface of the airfoil, but not the trailing edge of the airfoil or the surface of the dovetail. The thickness of the first platinum layer is controlled to be about 0.002 mm to about 0.0032 mm, or about 0.00008 to about 0.000125 inches. In a second deposition step, a precious metal second layer is deposited overlying at least part of the platform portion of the second layer, but not overlying the airfoil portion of the first layer. The result is that the total thickness of the precious metal on the bottom side of the platform is greater than the total thickness on the airfoil.
A platinum alunimide protective coating is then formed by depositing an aluminum-containing layer overlying both the platform and the airfoil and interdiffusing the platinum and the aluminum. A vapor-phase aluminiding process is used in which baskets of chromium-aluminum alloy pellets are positioned within about 25 mm (one inch) of the gas turbine blade to be vapor-phase aluminided, in a retort. The retort containing the baskets and the turbine blade (or a plurality of blades together) are heated in an argon atmosphere at a heating rate of about 28 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) per minute to a temperature of about 1080 degrees +/−14 degrees Celsius (1975 +/−25 degrees Fahrenheit), held at that temperature for about 3 hours +/−15 minutes, during which time aluminum is deposited, and then slow cooled to about 120 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit), and thence to room temperature. The times and temperatures may be varied to alter the thickness of the aluminum containing layer. The first, second, and third layers interdiffuse to form an interdiffused airfoil platinum aluminide protective coating over the airfoil first layer region, and a platform interdiffused platinum aluminide protective layer over the platform first layer region. A further heating can be applied to further interdiffuse the layers, and the layers cleaned. The resulting platform interdiffused protective layer has a different thickness than the airfoil interdiffused protective layer, largely as a result of differences in the thicknesses of the separately applied precious metal layers.
As noted above, however, modern gas turbine blades are cooled by passing cooling air through internal cooling passages. As engine temperatures increase, the temperature of available cooling air also increases, and corrosion can occur in these internal passages as well as on the external surfaces.
Internal coating thickness requirements for turbine blades vary depending upon location. For example, a thin coating is required in high stress areas such as the blade shank, and a robust, thick coating is required in other areas such as airfoil cavities to protect against the environment. If only a single thickness can be accomplished, the areas that require a thicker coating may experience a reduction in environmental life, or areas that require a thinner coating may experience a reduction in mechanical life. At least one type of turbine blade with a thin aluminum coating in the airfoil is known to have experienced airfoil internal oxidation. However, due to high shank stresses and technical challenges relating to the size of the blade, the internal coating is targeted to meet the shank requirement (less than 0.0254 mm or 0.001 inch coating thickness) and is the same throughout the internal cavities.
There is at least one known pack coating process, described in patent application Publication No. U.S. 2003/0211242, published Nov. 13, 2003, that coats an entire internal passage with a single coating thickness. However, small blades or other objects cannot be plumbed with vapor phase coating (VPC) to target a different coating thickness to different locations using this process.

Methods for generation of dual thickness internal pack coatings and objects produced thereby


Expandable laser catheters for utilizing laser energy to remove obstructions from body passages are described. In one embodiment, the laser catheter includes a shaftway having a distal end including a flexible portion configured in a series of radial folds. Multiple optical fibers, configured to transmit laser energy, extend along the shaftway and are attached to the flexible portion. An inflatable, ring-shaped balloon is attached to the catheter within the flexible portion. In use, the catheter is inserted into a body passage such as an artery, and advanced until the distal end is adjacent to an obstruction. The balloon is inflated to expand the flexible portion and to bring the optical fibers nearer the inner wall of the body passage. Laser energy is directed by the optical fibers toward targeted regions of the obstruction. As the catheter is advanced and the process repeated, a core is formed from the obstruction and contained within the flexible portion. The flexible portion is then contracted to hold the core, and the core is removed from the body passage by withdrawing the catheter.

This invention relates generally to laser catheters and more particularly, to an expandable laser catheter for removing obstructions from body passages.
Atherosclerotic plaque is known to build up on the walls of arteries in the human body. Such plaque build-up restricts circulation and often causes cardiovascular problems, especially when the build-up occurs in coronary arteries. Other body passages such as the esophagus, ureter and bile ducts, for example, are subject to blockage by tumorous tissue. Accordingly, it is desirable to remove or otherwise reduce plaque build-up and other tissue obstructions from such body passages.
Known catheters use laser energy to remove plaque build-up on artery walls. One such known catheter has a laser source and a catheter body. The catheter body has a proximal end and a distal end, or head, and multiple optical fibers extending between the proximal and distal ends. The laser source is coupled to the optical fibers at the proximal end of the catheter body and is configured to transmit laser energy through the optical fibers.
To remove an obstruction from a body passage, such as atherosclerotic plaque in an artery, the catheter is positioned in the artery so that the distal end of the catheter is adjacent to the plaque. The laser source is then energized so that laser energy travels through the optical fibers and photoablates the plaque adjacent the distal end of the catheter. The catheter is then advanced further through the artery to photoablate the next region of plaque build-up.
While known laser catheters are generally acceptable for removing small obstructions, such catheters are limited to opening a path the size of the catheter head on each pass through the body passage. The multiple passes which are required for removing larger areas of obstruction increase the possibility of damaging the passage inner wall. In addition, multiple passes increase the possibility that a piece of the obstruction will break free, enter the blood stream and result in vessel blockage. Other known laser catheters are limited by the relative inflexibility of the catheter distal end which may inflict damage to body passage inner walls as the catheter is advanced.
Accordingly it would be desirable to provide a laser catheter which can remove substantial portions of an obstruction in a single pass. It would also be desirable to provide a laser catheter having a flexible, adjustable distal end which can substantially conform to the inner dimensions of the body passageway to minimize damage to the inner wall. It would be further desirable to provide a laser catheter which can expand and contract during photoablation to increase the area of obstruction which may be photoablated in a single pass through a body passage.
These and other objects may be attained by a laser catheter which, in one embodiment, includes a shaftway having a proximal end and a distal end including a flexible portion. The flexible portion is fabricated from a pliable material and is configured in folds which are radially oriented about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The flexible portion is configured to be expanded by, for example, an inflatable balloon which is attached within the flexible portion. Optical fibers extend along the length of the catheter to transmit laser energy from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter, and are attached to the catheter at the distal end. The ends of the optical fibers, at their attachments to the distal end, are directed toward targeted regions of an obstruction.
In use, a guidewire is inserted into a body passage such as an artery and advanced past the obstruction. The catheter is then advanced over the guidewire through the artery until the distal end of the catheter is adjacent to the obstruction, such as atherosclerotic plaque. The balloon is then inflated to expand the flexible portion of the distal end. Upon expansion, the flexible portion substantially conforms to the inner dimensions of the body passage and is enlarged so that the flexible portion can hold a core of material from the obstruction. A laser connected to the optical fibers at the catheter proximal end is then energized, and the laser energy transmitted through the optical fibers photoablates the obstruction in the regions targeted by the optical fibers. The catheter is then advanced and the process repeated.
As the catheter is advanced and targeted regions photoablated, the catheter detaches a separate core of material from the obstruction. As the core is formed the catheter advances over the core so that ultimately the core is completely contained within the flexible portion. To remove the core of the obstruction, the balloon is deflated and the flexible portion contracts and holds the core of the obstruction. The catheter is then withdrawn from the body passage to remove the core of the obstruction from the body passage.
In an alternative embodiment, the laser catheter utilizes mechanical spring force to expand the distal end of the laser catheter. In this alternative embodiment, the optical fibers are attached to a stiff shaftway. A fin structure including a plurality of fins fabricated from a spring material is attached to the distal end of the shaftway. The stiff shaftway is capable of transmitting torque to the distal end so that the fin structure can be rotated, thus facilitating advancement of the fin structure, and complete removal of the obstruction. The fins have a substantially rolled shape and are expandable from a retracted position to an extended position. In both the retracted position and the extended position the fins retain a substantially rolled shape which substantially conforms to the inner dimensions of the body passage, to minimize damage to the inner wall of the body passage. At the fin structure the ends of the optical fibers are attached and spread across the fins and are directed parallel to the shaftway. The laser catheter further includes an outer catheter body or sheath slidably disposed over the shaftway to retain the fin structure in the retracted position.
In use of the alternative embodiment, a guide wire is introduced into a body passage and advanced past the obstruction. The laser catheter is introduced over the guide wire and advanced toward the obstruction. When the distal end of the catheter is adjacent the obstruction, the shaftway is rotated and advanced so that the fin structure is pushed out of the outer catheter body, thus releasing the fins from the retracted position and allowing them to expand to the extended position. In the extended position, the fins contact the passage inner wall and the ends of the optical fibers are directed parallel to the inner wall of the passage. The fin structure can be further advanced along the passage wall by advancing the shaftway and sliding the fin structure along the passage wall. Laser energy is used to photoablate regions of the obstruction targeted by the optical fibers. The mounting of the optical fibers on the fin structure allows the obstruction to be removed from around the passage central axis (around the guide wire) to the outside diameter of the passage, with the fins protecting normal passage inner wall from photoablation. When the obstruction has been removed, the fin structure is rotated and pulled back into the outer catheter body, thus causing the fins to retract to the retracted position. The catheter is then removed from the body passage.
In additional alternative embodiments especially useful for opening in-stentrestenosis, laser energy may be directed radially outward from the shaftway instead of parallel to the shaftway. This may be accomplished by attaching the ends of the optical fibers at the fin structure so that the ends of the fibers are directed radially outward from the shaftway, or alternatively, by coupling prisms to the ends of the optical fibers at the fin structure to direct laser energy radially outwards from the shaftway.
The above described laser catheter removes substantial portions of an obstruction in a single pass by expanding the distal end of the catheter to substantially conform to the inner dimensions of the body passage. The laser catheter further minimizes damage to the body passage inner wall with a flexible, adjustable distal end. Further, the laser catheter may be expanded and contracted during photoablation to increase the area of obstruction which may be photoablated in a single pass. By removing substantial portions of an obstruction in a single pass, the laser catheter obviates the need for multiple and potentially damaging passes through the body passage.


The invention pertains to a tubular threaded joint provided with a device opposed to over-screwing or unscrewing. The joint includes a male component (3) with an external threading (8) and a female component (2) with internal threading (6), these two components capable of being assembled with predetermined amount of torque. A female portion (7) arranged beyond the female threading (19) and a male portion (13) arranged beyond the male threading (12) provide between their internal surface (14) and external surface (15) an annular zone in which one part at least forms a calibrated zone (20) in which an adhesive ensures mechanical connection between the female portion (7) and the male portion (13). Use of the joint particularly for the oil and gas industry.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a new threaded joint for pipes which is provided with a device to oppose over-screwing or unscrewing in order to avoid undesirable and uncontrolled rotations of one of the tubular elements with respect to the other after the two tubular elements have been joined by the joint in accordance with the invention.
2. Discussion of the Background Art
The majority of presently available joints are not provided with devices that oppose over-screwing or unscrewing, and it suffices to apply a torque greater than the torque which was used for the assembly of two tubular elements in order to cause rotation of one element with respect to the other, this rotation being effected in the direction of complementary screwing, or in the direction of unscrewing.
However, in certain circumstances it is necessary to prevent any relative rotation of one tubular element with respect to another after tightening of the joint to the desired torque, such unscrewing or over-screwing capable of being caused in operation due to the forces and displacements to which the pipes are subjected, forces and displacements which can create torques greater than the coupling torques. Such unscrewing or over-screwing may also be produced in particular because of vibrations with the applied torques which can in this case be less than the torques used in the initial connection.
Generally, one will resort in this case to welded joints, which of course have the disadvantage of requiring a considerably heavy material. These joints cannot be taken apart and are used only with easily welded materials.