A rivet remover has a casing with a rivet contacting region that is shaped for emplacement on a rivet head and has an interior passage that extends to that region. A rotatable drill bit carrier rod is movable along the passage to cause the bit to cut into the rivet head. The carrier rod may extend out of the casing to enable use of an electric drill motor to drive the tool. The rivet contacting region is on a casing end member which may be disengaged and replaced with any of a series of other end members that have differing rivet contacting regions adapted for conforming with rivet heads of differing sizes and/or shapes. The preferred embodiment uses an ordinary twist drill bit and apertures in the casing side wall discharge shavings that are drawn into the casing by the bit. An adjustable stop limits penetration of the bit into rivets to avoid damaging of the riveted structure.

Extraction of a rivet requires removal of at least the flange portion of a rivet head at one side of the riveted construction to enable ejection of the rivet at the other side of the construction. Removal of the rivet head with a grinding tool or with a general purpose drill can easily result in damaging of the structural members that are secured together by the rivet. It is difficult to position and control such tools in a manner which will accomplish the desired result without grinding or cutting into the structural members. Such damage may be unacceptable in instances where new rivets will be installed to enable reuse of the riveted structure.
An ordinary drill can also be ineffective for rivet removal in instances where the rivet is loose and simply rotates with the drill.
Prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,635, issued Nov. 16, 1971 to Bert L. DalBianco and which is entitled "Rivet Removing Tool", discloses a tool which is specifically designed for rivet removal. One end of a tubular casing of the tool is provided with teeth and is shaped to fit onto the rivet head in a centered relationship. Rotation of the rivet is prevented by exerting pressure on the rivet head with the casing. A rotatable drill bit within the casing may be traveled towards the casing. The bit has teeth of specialized configuration which make a circular cut that separates the peripheral portion of the rivet head from the central portion thereby enabling removal of the remainder of the rivet.
Prior rivet removers of the above discussed kind are proportioned for use with rivets of a particular size or limited range of sizes. Thus a number of such tools of different sizes are needed for optimum performance in extracting rivets of widely varying size. It would be advantageous if a single such tool was adaptable to rivets of diverse different sizes.
Avoiding damage to the riveted structural members during use of the prior rivet removers is dependent on operator skill. It would also be advantageous if the tool itself limited penetration into the rivet head and did so in a manner that is compatible with rivets of varying sizes.
The above discussed prior rivet remover uses a drill bit of specialized configuration which, as noted above, is designed for use on rivets of a particular size or size range. If an ordinary twist drill bit were to be used in the prior rivet removers, the spiral grooves on such a bit would act to draw rivet shavings up into the casing of the tool and the accumulation of such material could adversely affect the operation of the device.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems discussed above.


A surface-conditioning composition can form a denser phosphate coating film having more satisfactory coating weight on the surface of a metal material compared to a conventional one and, therefore, can reduce the electrolytic corrosion of a metal material during a chemical conversion treatment, form a chemical conversion coating film having a satisfactory coating weight even when applied to a hardly convertible metal material (e.g., an aluminum metal material, a high tensile strength steel plate), improve the productivity rate of the chemical conversion treatment, resulting in the reduction of the time required for the chemical conversion treatment, and enables a metal phosphate particle to be dispersed in a surface-conditioning solution highly stably. This composition includes a particle of a phosphate of a bivalent or trivalent metal and has a pH value ranging from 3 to 12. The particle has a D50 value of 3 μm or less. The composition additionally includes (1) a phenolic compound and (2) a stabilizing agent.

Automotive bodies, home electrical appliances and the like have been manufactured in which metal materials such as steel sheets, galvanized steel sheets, and aluminum-based metal materials are made into a molded metal form, and thereafter painting, assembly and the like are performed. The painting of such a molded metal form is performed through various processes such as degreasing, surface conditioning, chemical conversion treatment, and electrodeposition coating.
Generally, in surface conditioning, phosphate nuclei are formed on the surface of a metal material by dipping into a treatment liquid for surface conditioning. The surface conditioning is performed for the sake of the subsequent phosphate chemical conversion treatment, in which a chemical conversion coating film made of phosphate crystals is formed on the entire surface of the metal material uniformly, quickly and with high density. As a treatment liquid used for such a surface conditioning treatment, a composition is known in which bivalent or trivalent metal phosphate is combined with various stabilizers (e.g., Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).
Patent Document 1 discloses a pretreatment liquid for surface conditioning used before the phosphate chemical conversion treatment of a metal, which has a pH adjusted to be 4 to 13, and which includes: at least one selected from phosphate particles including at least one kind of bivalent or trivalent metals including a particle of a diameter of no more than 5 μm; an alkali metal salt, an ammonium salt or a mixture thereof; and at least one selected from the group consisting of an anionicly charged and dispersed oxidant fine particle, anionic water-soluble organic polymer, nonionic water-soluble organic polymer, anionic surfactant, and nonionic surfactant.
Patent Document 2 discloses a treatment liquid for surface conditioning before phosphate chemical conversion treatment, which contains at least one kind of phosphate particle selected from phosphate containing at least one of bivalent and/or trivalent metals, and which further contains (1) at least one kind selected from monosaccharide, polysaccharide and a derivative thereof; (2) orthophosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid or an organic phosphon acid compound, and at least one kind of water-soluble polymer compound consisting of a polymer or a derivative of vinyl acetate, or a copolymer of monomer, which is copolymerizable with vinyl acetate, and vinyl acetate; or (3) a polymer or copolymer resulting from polymerization of: at least one kind selected from a particular monomer or a, β unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer; and no more than 50 mass % of a monomer which is copolymerizable with the monomer. Moreover, Patent Document 3 discloses a surface conditioning composition in which clay mineral is used together with phosphate.
However, even the treatment liquids for surface conditioning disclosed in these documents may not have sufficient chemical conversion properties. For example, in the portion where aluminum-based metal materials come in contact with steel sheets or galvanized steel sheets, the aluminum-based metal materials become an anode, and the steel sheets or galvanized steel sheets become a cathode, and therefore electrochemical corrosion reactions (electrolytic corrosion) tend to occur due to the potential difference of the different kinds of metal. This leads to a problem in that it is difficult to form a chemical conversion coating film on the surface of the aluminum-based metal materials at the time of the chemical conversion treatment. Due to this, a surface conditioning composition, which can suppress electrolytic corrosion of the aluminum-based metal materials in a chemical conversion treatment, is intended to be developed.
In addition, when these treatment liquids for surface conditioning are applied to conversion resistant metal materials such as aluminum-based metal materials and high-tensile steel sheets, there is a problem in that a sufficient amount of chemical conversion coating film is not formed on the surface of the metal materials in a chemical conversion treatment. In addition, the required level of corrosion resistance has been increased in recent years, and the formation of a more dense chemical conversion coating film has been desired. Moreover, regarding these treatment liquids for surface conditioning, the particle size of the phosphate particles is large, and the dispersion stability of particles in the treatment bath is insufficient, and there is a problem that phosphate particles tend to precipitate. Due to this, a surface conditioning composition which solves these problems and which has further superior properties has been desired.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H10-245685
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2000-96256
Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. S59-226181

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Surface-conditioning composition, method for production thereof, and surface conditioning method


A main-shaft malfunction-state detector in an air bearing type machine tool, in which an abnormal contact of a main shaft with a housing is reliably and automatically detected. The contacting state of the main shaft 11 and the housing 13 is detected through the presence of electric conductivity by a contact detection means 31. A contact decision means 32 determines the contact of the main shaft 11 with the housing 13 based on the detected conductivity, thus automatic and certain preventative measures, such as the main shaft of the machine tool stops and so on, are based on the above decision.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a main-shaft malfunction-state detector in an air bearing type machine tool, using for detecting an abnormal contact of a main shaft in a machine tool for a cutting process of a relatively heavy load in which the main shaft is supported in an air static-pressure bearing, and so on.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a machine tool is used for, for example, cutting various metallic materials.
The machine tool has a cutting tool attached at an end of a main shaft rotatably supported, in which the tool is rotated by rotatably driving the main shaft with a shaft driving motor, thereby performing a cutting process for a work piece.

Main-shaft malfunction-state detector in an air bearing type machine tool


A manually actuable blind riveting tool comprises a housing carrying a sleeve member at the front end thereof. Fixed in the front sleeve member is a mouthpiece member for accommodating a pulling mandrel of a blind rivet while a collet for clamping the pulling mandrel is arranged in the front sleeve member behind the mouthpiece member. The collet is connected to a movable pulling plunger which extends through the housing of the tool and which in its interior has a discharge passage for receiving mandrels after they have been torn off a respective rivet. Two pivotal levers are mounted on the housing for applying an axial force to the pulling plunger to produce a stroke movement thereof during the actual riveting operation. The stroke movement of the pulling plunger is adjustable by a variation in the spacing between the mouthpiece member and the collet.

A typical form of manually actuable blind riveting tool comprises a tool housing with a front sleeve or tube which is disposed at the front end of the tool housing and the front end of which carries a mouthpiece member for receiving a pulling mandrel of a rivet. A collet for clamping the pulling mandrel is disposed in the front sleeve or tube member, behind the mouthpiece member and is connected to a movable pulling plunger which extends through the tool housing and which is in the form of a discharge passage for mandrels which have been pulled off. The tool further has two pivotal levers which are mounted laterally on the tool housing, for transmitting an axial force to the pulling mandrel, for the production of a stroke movement during the actual riveting operation.
With such a tool therefore, to carry out a riveting operation, the two levers must first be moved entirely into the fully open position in which they are pivoted away from the tool housing to the greatest possible extent. By virtue of that movement, the pulling plunger is moved forwardly in the tool housing and the clamping collect is opened by virtue of positive co-operation thereof with the mouthpiece member which is of a complementary configuration, so that the pulling mandrel of the blind rivet to be set can then be inserted into the mouthpiece member. The two pivotal levers are then firstly moved towards the closed position again until the pulling mandrel is gripped by the clamping collet as it slides rearwardly in the tool housing. In the actual riveting operation which is now effected, the two pivotal levers are further pressed inwardly towards the tool housing so that an axial force component is applied to the pulling mandrel of the rivet by way of the pulling plunger. As a result, the pulling mandrel breaks off at a predetermined desired-rupture location, thereby forming the rivet setting head.
As the angle to which the pivotal levers having to be opened to carry out the actual riveting step increases with increasing pulling mandrel diameter, in such a blind riveting tool the force required for setting a rivet increases with the size and strength of the blind rivet to be set.
The usual practice in dealing with that problem is to use a set of different blind riveting tools which are adapted to the respective rivet dimensions involved. It is also possible to use blind riveting tools which have an interchangeable front sleeve or tube member, with the amount of force applied to set the rivet being suitably adjusted in dependence on the size and strength of the blind rivet to be set, by using a sleeve or tube member of suitable size.
However, both those situations involve a considerable amount of expenditure on items of equipment as either it is necessary to provide a set of different hand riveting tools, or each hand riveting tool must include a set of for example three or four interchangeable sleeve or tube members of specific sizes and configurations. In addition, in the latter case, interchanging the sleeve or tube members not only takes up a relatively great amount of time, but it is also a nuisance and a burden from the point of view of the operator.


This invention provides novel genes and polypeptides of the transient receptor potential channel family, and use of these genes and polypeptides for the treatment of pain and identification of agents useful in the treatment of pain.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to novel vanilloid receptor (VR) related nucleic acids and polypeptides. In particular, the invention relates to proteins that are homologous to known VRs, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, identification of trkA+ pain-specific genes, and the use of these genes and polypeptides in methods of diagnosing pain, methods of identifying compounds useful in treating pain and methods of treating pain.
2. Background
Pain has been defined as the sensory experience perceived by nerve tissue distinct from sensations of touch, pressure, heat and cold. Individuals suffering from pain typically describe it by such terms as bright, dull, aching, pricking, cutting, burning, etc. This range of sensations, as well as the variation in perception of pain by different individuals, makes a precise definition of pain difficult. Pain as suffering, however, is generally considered to include both the original sensation and the reaction to that sensation. Where pain results from the stimulation of nociceptive receptors and transmitted over intact neural pathways, this is termed nociceptive pain. Alternatively, pain may be caused by damage to neural structures, often manifesting itself as neural supersensitivity, and is referred to as neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain is a particular type of pain that has a complex and variable etiology. It is generally a chronic condition attributable to complete or partial transection of a nerve or trauma to a nerve plexus or soft tissue. This condition is characterized by hyperesthesia (enhanced sensitivity to a natural stimulus), hyperalgesia (abnormal sensitivity to pain), allodynia (widespread tenderness, characterized by hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli) and/or spontaneous burning pain. In humans, neuropathic pain tends to be chronic and debilitating, and occurs during conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, late-stage cancer, amputation or physical nerve damage.
Most drugs including conventional opioids and antidepressants are not practical against chronic pain such as neuropathic pain, either because they are not effective or have serious side effects. For these reasons, alternate therapies for the management of chronic or neuropathic pain are widely sought.
Stimuli such as heat, cold, stretch, and pressure are detected by specialized sensory neurons within the Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG). These neurons fire action potentials in response to these mechanical and thermal stimuli, although the molecular mechanism for such detection is not known. Recently, two channels, vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) and vanilloid receptor-like protein 1 (VRL1), have been isolated from DRG that respond to different thresholds of high heat, and hence act as pain receptors. These channels belong to a family of TRP channels that in C. elegans and D. melanogaster are involved in mechano- and osmoregulation.
The VR1 is a calcium channel with six transmembrane domains and a putative pore domain. The channel can be activated by many distinct reagents, including heat, low pH (high proton concentration is present during injury and inflammation), and capsaicin (the active ingredient in hot chili peppers). The knockout of VR1 in mice has demonstrated that this channel plays a role in pain propagation; however, since the phenotype is rather subtle, it also implies that VR1 is not the sole receptor for high heat and pain. To date, one other homologue of VR1 is known in mammals—the VRL1. VRL1 is structurally very similar to VR1, but is expressed on DRG neurons that are not involved in pain reception (in contrast to VR1).
The somatic sensory neurons detect external stimuli such as heat, cold and noxious stimuli through the activation of thermal and mechanical receptors/channels. The VR family represents the first example of molecules expressed within the DRG that have such activation capabilities. Since these molecules are relatively specific to sensory neurons (for example, VR1 knockout mice do not have phenotypes outside of pain perception), they represent highly promising targets for developing drugs against pain or other thermal noxious stimuli. VR1 knockout mice have demonstrated that other molecules have to be involved in pain perception. However, despite the large amount of interest generated in the scientific community concerning this class of receptors, so far, no other receptors of this class have been identified.
In view of the role of the VR members in pain perception, the identification of new members of VR would allow the development of therapeutic candidates specifically designed to block these new TRP channels, which would enable the treatment of various disorders associated with chronic pain. In addition, the identification of new VR members would permit the screening of various drugs to identify those compounds suitable for further, in-depth studies of therapeutic applications.

Transient receptor potential channel TRPV3 and its use


A robot system has first and second joint control units that respectively calculate first and second current values to be supplied to first and second motors based on deviations between first and second operation targets for the motors that are input from a higher device and actual operation of output shafts of the motor, and control operation of the output shafts by supplying current to the motors based on the current values, and an error estimation unit estimating an error in operation of a second joint due to bending and/or twisting of a robot arm based on the first current value and the actual operation of the output shaft of the first motor, in which the second joint control unit calculates the second current value to control the rotation angle of the output shaft of the second motor in a manner compensating for an angle error of the second joint.

Conventionally, there has been known a robot control device capable of enhancing a vibration suppressing effect at a distal end of a robot arm (see, for example, PTL 1).
This robot control device has an angular velocity control system that performs, for a control target that is a robot arm having an elastic mechanism, proportional integration control of an angular velocity of a motor and outputs a current command value to the motor, an observer that has a nonlinear dynamic model of the robot arm, receives the angular velocity of the motor and a current command value as inputs, and estimates an axial torsion angular velocity and an angular acceleration of a link, and a state feedback unit that calculates an axial torsion angular velocity from the difference between the angular velocity of the link estimated by the observer and the angular velocity of the motor and feeds back the axial torsion angular velocity to the angular velocity control system.

Robot system and method for controlling robot system


A surface acoustic wave device in the present invention is provided with a piezoelectric substrate, a supporting substrate being jointed to the piezoelectric substrate and including a material different in expansion coefficient from the piezoelectric substrate and an interdigital electrode for exciting a surface acoustic wave, the electrode being arranged on the surface of the piezoelectric substrate. Either the interdigital electrode or the piezoelectric substrate is configured so that the interdigital electrode is 40% or more to 70% or less as long as the piezoelectric substrate in the direction to which a surface acoustic wave propagates.

The present invention relates to a surface acoustic wave device and a communication terminal using the same.
Hitherto, a Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-229455 has proposed "a surface acoustic wave device whose piezoelectric substrate is 5 μm to 100 μm thick, joint surface is roughly polished, and supporting substrate consists of silicon of which both surface layers are oxidized to be 0.1 μm to 40 μm thick" as a surface acoustic wave device "formed from a piezoelectric substrate and a supporting substrate smaller in expansion coefficient than the piezoelectric substrate, both substrates being bonded together with an adhesive layer."

Surface acoustic wave device and communication terminal using the same


An alternative fuel system and compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kit, primarily for smaller size industrial vehicles, such as compact loaders and lift trucks restricted in the space available in the engine compartment for the components of a CNG system where the vehicle was initially engineered for other fuel systems such as gasoline liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or diesel fuel having substantially fewer parts and components and less complex systems. A CNG tank is mounted horizontally outside of the engine compartment and a high pressure line connects from the tank to a regulator mounted inside the engine compartment for decompressing the gas to a pressure suitable for mixing with air in the carburetor of the engine. The CNG system has a refilling receptacle with an electrical interlock to the ignition preventing accidental drive-away. Within the engine compartment, a mounting arrangement takes advantage of limited space and more efficiently transmits heat from the engine cooling system to counteract the refrigeration effect due to gas decompression in the components of the system. The arrangement outside the engine compartment utilizes guarding structures to protect the high pressure lines, valves, and fittings from damage, including taking advantage of the existing vehicle structure to prevent damage from hazards in the workplace during normal operation of the vehicle.

CNG has recently been reevaluated as an alternative fuel for industrial engines burning gasoline, diesel or liquid propane gas fuels (LPG), especially with an increased emphasis being placed on all off-highway vehicle emissions. The highway vehicles, such as trucks, buses and automobiles have long been using CNG alternative fuels, but because of the fewer total miles or hours of operation, industrial vehicles, such as forklift trucks, have been exempt from the more stringent air quality standards that have applied to highway vehicles. Many workplaces, where off-highway vehicles are used, are now subject to those same standards.
CNG fuel produces substantially lower harmful emission products than gasoline, diesel or LPG. LPG-propelled lift trucks have long been preferred in a closed environment over gasoline or diesel fuel. However, emission tests have shown that the CO levels are 90% higher, and the reactive hydrocarbons (excluding natural gas or methane) are 70% higher in LPG than in CNG. Indoor applications such as in transport terminals and warehouses create difficult air quality conditions. While many warehouses are adequately ventilated, others are not. Trailers are loaded from the rear and when backed into the loading dock of the warehouse, they block off, for much of the time, fresh air which would otherwise enter the building. Environmental authorities, state and federal, are pressing for improvements to be made in the ventilation systems of buildings where powered equipment is used to meet even lower emission levels than is possible with LPG-propelled machines. The cost to industry of upgrading the ventilation system in existing structures is often prohibitive.
For economic reasons, it is expected that CNG as a fuel source will begin replacing, in many instances, the LPG-powered engines, especially in high density, long cycle operations of the type where lift trucks are used and where the existing ventilation system proves inadequate to lower the emission levels to that required by the stricter environmental standards, and upgrading the existing ventilation systems is more costly than converting the lift truck fleet over to an alternative CNG fuel system.
Typically, a single LPG tank for operating a lift truck will hold enough liquid propane to last a normal eight-hour shift, about 33 pounds, without being replaced with a fresh tank. Empty tanks are placed in a rack normally located outside the building, where they are picked up periodically by a service company for recharging.
Unlike propane, natural gas is delivered to the workplace by gas pipeline, since the same natural gas is used also for other purposes, such as heating the building. The local natural gas company will often install a fueling station for the natural gas customer and simply add the service fee to the monthly bill for natural gas which is metered out for the truck fleet as well as for the other natural gas consumption on the premises. A fueling station comprises a compressor, charging cylinders, a control panel and associated equipment for storing and dispensing natural gas under pressure. A station will typically have a standard 12 or 14-foot length of hose connected to a dispensing tower and manifold equipped with pressure gauges and shut-off valve for turning on and off the gas supply. A filling nozzle at the end of the hose is insertable into a refueling receptacle on the truck. The shutoff valve at the manifold is turned on at the dispensing tower and the filling nozzle on the hose inserted into the refueling receptacle of the truck. The nozzle is opened, allowing natural gas under pressure to flow from the dispensing tower into the tank on the truck.
Unlike propane, natural gas is lighter than air and even at high pressure (3000 psi at 70.degree. F.), it remains a gas. As a result, a CNG tank must have a thicker wall, reinforced, usually with wound glass strands. The wall thickness of the tank may be 1/4 inch or more. The specifications for such tanks are strictly controlled by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Tank manufacturers are issued permits by the DOT, and the manufacturing process is subject to periodic inspection, plus the tanks are required to undergo periodic pressure testing.
The outside dimensions of the CNG tank will be about twice those of the typical LPG tank to provide the equivalent amount of fuel capacity to operate a lift truck for a normal eight-hour shift. In terms of usable energy for the normal work cycle of the truck, 670 cu. ft. of natural gas at 3,000 psi and 70.degree. F. equates to about 28 pounds of propane.
One difficulty with CNG systems has been mounting the bulky tank in the limited space available outside the engine compartment on smaller machines, such as compact loaders and lift trucks.
Mounting CNG fuel components inside the engine compartment of a compact vehicle, which for reasons of cost, must ordinarily be designed for the higher unit sales of gasoline, diesel or LPG fuel trucks, is difficult to accommodate in the restricted space environment allowed for these fuel systems. The additional parts of the more complex CNG fuel systems has required mounting not only the tank, but high pressure lines and sensitive components outside the engine compartment. This leaves them exposed to being struck while the vehicle is moving by protruding objects or unstable loads, possibly causing a release of high pressure fuel.
Unlike the LPG fuel system, where the refueling operation comprises replacing the empty tank with a recharged one from a convenient storage rack, in the CNG system the tank remains mounted on the truck and is backfilled with gas under pressure delivered by a nozzle inserted in a refueling valve in the high pressure lines. Fuel supply is not totally interrupted during the refueling of the CNG system, as it is in the case of the tank replacement for an LPG system, hence, it is possible, despite cautions to the contrary, to refuel with the engine running.

Alternative fuel system for powered industrial vehicle


There is provided a susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus that offers excellent thermal uniformity of a substrate being secured by vacuum chucking. A susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes an aluminum-nitride support member in which heater electrodes are buried to heat the substrate, a recessed wafer pocket formed on an upper surface of the support member, a through hole formed in the wafer pocket, and a seal band that supports the substrate at a periphery of the wafer pocket, and on an upper surface of the seal band, a plurality of gas channels are formed to allow gas in a chamber to pass through the gas channels from an outer circumference of the seal band toward the wafer pocket.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus that secures a substrate by vacuum chucking.
2. Description of the Related Art
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-184844, susceptors for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus have been known which include a support member on which a substrate is placed, a recessed wafer pocket formed on an upper surface of the support member, a seal band that supports the substrate at a periphery of the wafer pocket, and a through hole formed in the wafer pocket, and which secure the substrate onto an upper surface of the seal band by evacuation through the through hole from the upper surface of the support member toward a lower surface of the same. Such a susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus can prevent a warp or displacement of a substrate when it is machined.
According to the conventional susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, however, pressure reduction in a space between the wafer pocket and a rear surface of the substrate hinders heat transfer from the susceptor to the substrate in a wafer pocket area, so that the temperature of a substrate region above the wafer pocket becomes comparatively low. In contrast, the seal band, which is in direct contact with the substrate, transfers a large amount of heat from the susceptor to the substrate, so that the temperature of a substrate region above the seal band becomes comparatively high. Therefore, this conventional susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus produces a heat-distributed condition in an in-plane direction of the substrate when vacuum chucking is being done, which makes the thermal uniformity of the substrate worse.
The present invention has been made to solve the aforementioned problem, and an object thereof is to provide a susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus which exhibits excellent thermal uniformity of a substrate even when vacuum chucking is being done for the substrate.

Susceptor for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus


The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a musical instrument, in which method a musical instrument is manufacturing for one or several parts and of which parts at least one part is manufactured of plastic material compound, which includes thermoplastic polymer. The present invention relates also to a musical instrument, which instrument has been manufactured of one or several parts and of which parts at least a part has been manufactured of plastic material compound, which includes thermoplastic polymer. Characteristic to the method in accordance with the invention is the fact that plastic material compound is made by mixing natural fibers to thermoplastic polymer and that a musical instrument or its parts are manufactured of plastic material compound by injection moulding such that the natural fibers in plastic material compound are directed mainly in certain, desired direction in respect of the musical instrument or its part while moulding. Characteristic to the musical instrument in accordance with the invention is the fact that the musical instrument or its parts have been made of thermoplastic polymer, with natural fibers mixed to it, and that in the musical instrument or part of it natural fibers have directed mainly in certain, desired direction in respect of the musical instrument or its part.

Traditionally parts, which form the body of various wind instruments and guitars, are mainly made of wood. Wood is an excellent material in terms of sound engineering because wood is extremely stiff material in respect of its weight, and its vibrating properties generally please the human ear. The length of tone is suitably short while wood suitably damps the vibration.
The problem of wood is the fact that it is laborious and relatively slow to work to achieve the exact shape and degree of finishing (for example desired coarseness of the surface) required. In addition, the inconvenient influence of pores, possible resin pockets in grain structure and other invisible unevenness on the surface of wood often appear only while testing the finished instrument. In the most disadvantageous situation you may notice that the great amount of work done for manufacturing a musical instrument has been wasted and the instrument has to be rejected due to its unqualified tone.
For example, working a neck of an electric guitar is an especially laborious and skill requiring working phase, while space must be prepared for a truss rod, which functions as a counterforce against the pull of the strings inside the neck. Three alternative techniques have become common in preparing the space for a truss rod; in the first alternative the lower part of the neck is made of one object to the upper surface of which a groove is worked for a truss rod, and after mounting the truss rod, an upper part made of separate object is mounted on the lower part. In the second alternative a groove is made to the lower surface of the neck reaching above the middle point of the cross-section of the neck, which groove is plugged after mounting the truss rod by glueing a covering object of the length of the groove and of the thickness less than the depth of the groove to the groove under the neck. In the third alternative the neck is made of two halves of the neck divided horizontally in the middle, to sides, which are to be glued against each other, of which a groove has been made vertically at the same place. In all these cases, the neck parts are glued together. Glueing requires great exactness and it always worsens the tone properties of the finished neck, while the glue material remaining in the connection behaves acoustically differently than the surrounding wood.
In use, wood also encounters very annoying problems, which are due to swelling, and shrinking (so-called humidity-related dimensional changes) caused by humidity of the air. For example, the tuning state of an electric guitar may change due to the different degree of humidity and its changes at a concert region (continental climate, sea climate) even during a concert. Sometimes the humidity of the air may increase in a concert hall also, for example, due to a great number of people.
Changes due to humidity cause problems also in respect of the finishing stage, while parts experiencing no changes due to humidity must be attached to wood, for example, frets made of metal, tuning mechanisms and so on.
Especially troublesome are dimensional changes in typical enlarging direction of wood, e.g. against grains, on the neck area of an electric guitar due to humidity changes. In the neck of an electric guitar it means the same direction in which position the earlier said frets made of metal are. In case a guitar has been manufactured and finished in a damper place than the place of use is, the end of frets stick out in more dryer conditions, and may even harm the fingertips of the player.
Further, the problem with wood is, among other things, the fact that many species of wood suitable for material of musical instruments are endangered nowadays. For example, ebony and Brazilian rosewood are protected in many countries.
Problems of wood instruments have been tried to avoid by facilitating various plastic and composite manufacturing techniques. The humidity-related dimensional changes of necks have been decreased, for example, by mounting aluminium strips to the neck, manufacturing the neck of wood enforced with carbon fibre or thermoset compound enforced with carbon fibre. The humidity-related dimensional changes have also been tried to minimize with heat treatment of wood.
In addition, the body of a guitar, among other things, has been made by injection moulding of acryl (PMMA) or some other amorphous polymers, for instance. The method is excellent in terms of production, while in this way, the body part will be of extremely uniform quality and the final shape may be achieved straight without separate finishing stages.
Non-enforced plastics commonly used in injection moulding of the body of an electric guitar are acoustically not as good as wood. The duration of tone is longer, stiffness smaller and these together create a "hollow" and "monolevel" sound, which is hard to define. In addition, so called "attack", that is the sensitivity of a tone to kindle in an electric guitar with this kind of a body remains on a modest level.
Acoustic disadvantages of a body made by injection moulding have been tried to be reduced by lowering the specific weight of material with various flotation techniques. Stiffness has been tried to increase by adding various reinforcements, such as fibreglass or carbon fibre. Results from both ways have remained acoustically modest while both said reinforcements increase the specific weight of the material and lengthens the duration of tone, that is the inner dampening having influence on the duration of tone remains on a modest level.
The object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a musical instrument or its parts, with the use of which the earlier said problems related to recognized manufacturing methods of musical instruments and to musical instruments manufactured by those are eliminated. Especially, the object of the invention is to provide a method, with which musical instruments or its parts may be manufactured of plastic materials such that tone, corresponding to a high quality musical instrument made of wood is achieved. In addition, the object of the invention is to provide a musical instrument manufactured with the method in accordance with the invention.

Method for manufacturing musical instrument and a musical instrument


A flexible strap has a locking head and a free end. The strap is received in a passage in the locking head where it is engaged by a locking tab which is biased toward engagement with the strap as it passes into and through the passage. The locking tab prevents withdrawal of the tie from the locking head. The strap can be released for withdrawal from the locking head by moving the tab against the bias. An opening is provided in the locking head generally opposite to the location of the locking tab. The strap, throughout the major portion of its extension, has a width which is less than the width of the opening. The opening in the locking head is preferably provided with spaced shoulders in the area of the engagement between the locking tab and the straps serrations. An inclined lip is provided in the area through which the strap exits the locking head. The lip is angled such as to displace the strap from the normal exterior of the strap.

This is invention relates to flexible ties and, more particularly, ties of the parallel entry type.
Flexible ties for use in bundling elongated members such as wires, cables, etc. are well known. Typically, such ties include an elongated flexible strap made of suitable plastic material. The tie usually has a free end and a locking mechanism at the opposite end. The strap is capable of being turned on itself 360.degree. for insertion into the locking head after which the diameter of the loop thus formed can be adjusted to snugly fit over the intended bundle.
A parallel entry tie is one wherein the insertion of the strap into the locking head and then its extension into and through the locking head is generally in alignment with the loop which is formed, as opposed to being at a lateral angle to the loop.
Various constructions of parallel entry ties have been proposed. The desirable characteristic in any tie, and particularly so in a parallel entry tie, is a low insertion force while obtaining a positive and reliable connection of the strap in the locking head to maintain the adjusted loop diameter. For the most part, prior ties of this type have been lacking in either one or both of those characteristics.


A non-gravity type resistance exercise apparatus that includes a base assembly, a connector strut having a first end pivotally connected to the base assembly, a second end spaced apart from the first end and an intermediate portion, a first pair of sheaves rotatably connected to the connector strut, a selector assembly connected to the connector strut, a body engaging member, a second pair of sheaves rotatably connected to the body engaging member and a resistance assembly for yieldably resisting movement of the body engaging member, the resistance assembly comprising a pair of elastomeric belts entrained about the first and second pairs of sheaves.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an exercising apparatus and more particularly to a compact, multi-purpose exercise device for accomplishing a number of progressive resistance-type exercises using a novel elastomeric cord-resistance unit which provides a variable resistance to the performance of the exercises.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 Cfr 1.97 and 1.98
The therapeutic value of progressive resistance exercises has long been recognized. Exercising muscles against progressively increasing resistance not only results in added strength and endurance in the muscles, but also in the improvement of neuromuscular coordination and in a more efficient functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
In the past, various types of progressive weight training machines have been suggested. Typically, the prior art exercise apparatus uses one or more weights selected from a stack of weights to provide gravity resistance to the movement of a carriage or other body engaging means. Such apparatus is inherently very heavy and not well suited for use in certain facilities. Additionally, the prior art apparatus is typically quite bulky and difficult to use in confined areas having limited ceiling heights. Further, the weight and bulk of the prior art devices makes their storage and transport quite difficult.
The apparatus of the present invention overcomes many of the drawbacks of the prior art exercise devices by providing an apparatus that is compact, lightweight, and readily usable in confined areas. The apparatus includes a non-gravity selectorized resistance module that is made up of a plurality of elastomeric cords which offer variable resistance to the trainee.


In one embodiment, the present application relates to a process of making a compound of formula I.

(1R,2S,5S)-6,6-dimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3,1,0]hexane-2-carboxylic acid, methyl ester hydrochloride is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/908,955 which was filed Jul. 19, 2001, and 10/052,386 which was filed Jan. 18, 2002, which are each incorporated herein by reference.
The compound of formula I is a key intermediate used in preparation of the hepatitis C virus ("HCV") protease inhibitor having the following structure of formula Z.

The compound of formula Z is useful for treating hepatitis C and related disorders. Specifically, the compound of formula Z is an inhibitor of the HCV NS3/NS4a serine protease.
There remains a need for methods of synthesizing compounds useful in the treatment or prevention or amelioration of one or more symptoms of hepatitis C.
In view of the importance of hepatitis C virus ("HCV") protease inhibitors, new, novel methods of making such antagonists are always of interest.

Process and intermediates for the preparation of (1

Abstract: and to certain intermediate compounds that are made within the process of making the compound of formula I.


A machine for dosing a plurality of products in capsules, or similar containers, includes a plurality of dosing units for filling the capsules with respective products and a turret arrangement that rotates intermittently and is arranged for housing and moving the capsules in sequence through the dosing units. The machine further includes a plurality of checking units, each of which is located downstream of a respective dosing unit for measuring a quantity of product dosed in the capsules by the respective dosing units.

The present invention relates to machines for filling capsules, or similar containers, with pharmaceutical products, in particular it refers to a machine for multiple doses that is suitable for filling capsules with two or more different products.
The invention also relates to a method for filling and checking capsules, or similar containers, with two or more pharmaceutical products.
In capsule-filling processes, in particular capsules of hard gelatine, with pharmaceutical products the need is known to fill capsules with combinations of two or more different products, the products differing by type (liquids, powders, granules, tablets, microtablets, late-effect drugs, etc.) and/or by the composition of the active principle.

Machine and method for filling and checking capsules

I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.


A latch circuit includes an input stage, an amplifying stage and a clock gating circuit. The input stage is arranged for receiving at least a clock signal and a data control signal. The amplifying stage is coupled to the input stage and supplied by a supply voltage and a ground voltage, and is arranged for retaining a data value and outputting the data value according to the clock signal and the data control signal. The clock gating circuit is coupled to the amplifying stage, and is arranged for avoiding a short-circuit current between the supply voltage and the ground voltage.

In a conventional digital-to-analog converter (DAC) latch circuit, a short-circuit current between a supply voltage and a ground voltage is transiently generated while the latch circuit outputs another data value (e.g. output data value from "0" to "1") to the DAC. However, this short-circuit current may induce a data-dependent ripple to a power line, and this data-dependent ripple on the supply voltage may have a significant impact on the sensitive circuits such as switches within the DAC, which may be reflected as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) reduction and total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction of the desired signal band.

Low-ripple latch circuit for reducing short-circuit current effect


A flexible conduit or cable for electrical wiring having at least one break location along the length of the conduit or cable that is visible on an outer surface of the conduit or cable. The break location enables the conduit or cable to be broken. Also provided is a method for producing the flexible conduit or cable, and an apparatus that includes the flexible conduit or cable.

Flexible conduit and cable used to carry electrical power in buildings, for example, typically include insulated conductors protected in a helically wound (and therefore flexible) steel or aluminum sheath (also called armor). Other kinds of flexible conduit use sheathing or armor that is not helically wound but is formed in other ways, for example, by seam welding of sheet metal or using non-metallic materials. Conduit refers to a product in which the conductors are not installed until after the conduit is manufactured, for example, after it is mounted in the building. Cable refers to conduit in which the conductors are installed during manufacture. When used to wire a building, the cable or conduit is pulled from a coil or reel and cut to appropriate lengths using a cutter, a saw, or other tool. The ends of each length are attached to metal boxes and connections to the conductors are made within the boxes.


A lingual orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch is disclosed, and component parts thereof which may have use in other treatment applications. One of the lingual arch developers disclosed uses magnets to have an effect on the mesial advancement of the lingual arch. The lingual arch of this developer may be interconnected with the patient by a connector which includes at least one and preferably two vertical posts which are insertable into corresponding vertical tubes fixed to a band on a patient's tooth. At least one generally horizontal tube is interconnected with these posts. In one embodiment this tube is gingivally disposed to, for instance, slidably interface with a lingual arch. This connector may be used as an interface between the patient and other orthodontic appliances as well. For instance, the noted tube on the connector may be generally gingivally disposed to, for instance, interface with a palatal expander.

Horizontal tubes (i.e., generally mesio-distally extending) are commonly used in many types of orthodontic treatment. In some cases, bands are installed on the patient's teeth and the horizontal tubes are fixedly attached to the bands such as by welding or brazing. In other instances, a horizontal tube is integrally formed into an orthodontic appliance having a base which is bonded to the patient's tooth.

Lingual orthodontic assembly for arch development and component parts useful therewith


A method and apparatus for acquiring and processing electrical signals produced by a patient's heart. The apparatus includes fewer than ten electrodes for attachment to the patient. Each electrode is attached in a respective one of the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions. The device includes a signal processor connected to the electrodes for acquiring electrical signals from the electrodes and generating a twelve-lead ECG from the electrical signals. The signal processor generates less than twelve of the leads mathematically.

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating a twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from a plurality of fewer than ten electrodes for attachment to a patient in the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions.
A standard, resting ECG is acquired with ten electrodes. Four of the ten electrodes are placed on the patient's limbs. Six of the ten electrodes are attached to the patient's chest over the heart. The signals acquired by the ten electrodes are amplified and processed to generate twelve channels of ECG data. The twelve channels or leads are generally split into two groups—the frontal plane leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF) and the horizontal plane leads (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6).
A standard, resting ECG has several limitations. First, the six electrodes attached to the patient's chest inhibit the clinicians' access to the patient's chest. Second, clinicians may not be able to attach all six chest electrodes due to wounds or bandages on the patient's chest. The electrodes, leadwires, and amplifiers necessary to acquire twelve channels of ECG data increase the cost of the ECG machine. Fourth, the amount of data representing twelve channels of ECG generally exceeds the maximum amount or bandwidth that typical telemetry units are able to transmit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,370 provides a solution to some of the above-described limitations. The '370 Patent discloses a method of sensing and analyzing the electrical activity of the human heart by sensing the voltage signals generated by the heart between four electrodes located at key positions on the surface of the subject's body. A signal processing means produces electrocardiographic signals corresponding to the lead signals of a twelve-lead electrocardiogram.
FIG. 3 illustrates the electrode placement for the method of generating a twelve-lead ECG from four electrodes as disclosed in the '370 Patent. The four electrodes are designated as E, A, S, and I (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "EASI electrodes"). The E electrode is located at the front midline over the lower end of the sternum. The A electrode is located at the left mid-axillary line. The S electrode is located at the front midline over the upper end of the sternum. The I electrode is located at the right mid-axillary line.
The EASI electrodes are coupled to a signal processor (not shown) having a first stage and a second stage. The first stage of the signal processor does not generate the twelve-lead ECG, but rather generates xyz vectorcardiographic signals. The twelve-lead ECG is then derived from the xyz vectorcardiographic signals in the second stage of the signal processor. As a result of the two stage signal processing, each of the twelve leads generated from the EASI electrodes are mathematically generated. In other words, none of the leads are the same as the leads that would be generated from the electrical signals of a standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG.
The method of the '370 Patent has several limitations. First, the four electrodes are placed in non-standard positions, i.e. positions different from the electrode positions for a standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG. This requires clinicians to be trained specifically for the method of the '370 Patent. Second, twelve leads of ECG data are generated, but all twelve leads are generated mathematically. None of the twelve leads in the method of the '370 Patent are the same as the leads that would be generated from a standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG. Rather, all twelve leads are mere approximations of the leads of a standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG. Third, two of the four electrodes are placed directly over the sternum. The sternum is cracked for all open chest surgeries in a procedure called sternotomy. Thus, the clinician may not be able to attach the two electrodes directly over the sternum due to sternotomy wounds and bandages.

Method and apparatus for generating a twelve-lead ECG from fewer than ten electrodes

Abstract: For the method of the invention, a plurality of less than ten electrodes are attached to the patient. Each electrode is attached in a respective one of the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions. Electrical signals are acquired from the electrodes and a twelve-lead ECG is generated from the acquired electrical signals. Not all twelve leads are generated mathematically.

GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.


There are provided a transducer that irradiates an ultrasonic wave, a transmitter that drives the transducer, and a plurality of power sources that supply a plurality of positive voltages and negative voltages to the transmitter. The transmitter includes a plurality of switches (SW1 to SW4) that connect the power sources selectively, and a timing controller that controls a plurality of the switches. A driving pulse is generated through a selection of the switches. A plurality of the positive voltages and a plurality of the negative voltages have absolute values different from each other. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allows the amplitude of the driving pulse to be varied in multiple stages, is low in cost, and requires small amounts of both material and control.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves from transducers and uses the ultrasonic waves reflected from the inside of the subject to display information concerning the form of an organ or the like or the flow of blood on a display portion. This principle is well known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a configuration of a driving pulse generator disposed in a transmitter for driving a transducer in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the driving pulse generator, high-voltage switches SW11 and SW12 are connected in series, and a power terminal of +B [V] and a power terminal of −B [V] are connected to the other ends of the high-voltage switches SW11 and SW12, respectively. A node between the high-voltage switches SW11 and SW12 is connected to the transducer (not shown). Further, each of the high-voltage switches SW11 and SW12 is switch-controlled by a timing controller (not shown).
FIG. 7B is a waveform diagram showing a switching operation of the high-voltage switches SW11 and SW12 and a driving pulse train signal to be supplied to the transducer. A group of driving pulse trains shown in FIG. 7B forms an ultrasonic pulse for use in one scanning.
First, when the high-voltage switch SW11 is turned ON, a voltage of +B [V] is applied to the transducer. Then, when the high-voltage switch SW11 is turned OFF, and the high-voltage switch SW12 is turned ON, a voltage of −B [V] is applied to the transducer. By turning ON/OFF the high-voltage switches alternately in this manner, the driving pulse trains formed of a bipolar waveform of two waves are generated as shown in FIG. 7B.
In order to allow an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to have a higher resolution in the lateral direction, ultrasonic beams are preferably as thin as possible. This principle will be described herein for the case of transmission only, although the same applies to the case of reception.
As a well-known method for achieving thin ultrasonic beams, timings of the driving pulse trains to be output from a plurality of the transmitters connected to a plurality of the transducers are adjusted. It is known that when the ultrasonic pulses having the same amplitude are generated from all the transducers, low directivity is shown also in locations other than a principal axis, which is called a side lobe.
In order to suppress the side lobe, it is known to be effective to reduce the amplitude of the driving pulse to be supplied to the transducer at an end of an aperture, which is called apodization. In order to perform apodization, it is necessary to vary the amplitude of the driving pulse with the driving pulse generator depending on where the corresponding transducer is located in the aperture. Higher variability (number of stages in which the amplitude is varied) is more effective in suppressing the side lobe.
FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a configuration of the driving pulse generator that is capable of varying the amplitude of the driving pulse. FIG. 8B is a waveform diagram showing switching of high-voltage switches SW13 to SW16 and a driving pulse train signal. As shown in FIG. 8A, the driving pulse generator is configured so that a plurality of positive power terminals and a plurality of negative power terminals are connected to the transducer via the respective high-voltage switches SW13 to SW16. As shown in FIG. 8B, in accordance with the timing of switching the high-voltage switches SW13 to SW16, driving pulse trains having an amplitude of 2B2 [V] and driving pulse trains having an amplitude of 2B1 [V] are generated.

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with pulse timing controller


A conveying chain including a plurality of chain links connected to each other. The chain links are connected to each other via articulated connections so as to each be pivotable about a first axis and about a second axis oriented perpendicular to the first axis in order to form the conveying chain. The conveying chain is constructed of identical chain links. The chain links each include a receptacle on a first end section and a coupling body on a second end section that engages in the receptacle of an adjacent chain link, wherein the receptacle and the coupling body are shaped such that the receptacle and the coupling body can be connected to each other via an insertion-rotation motion in order to form the articulated connection.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a conveying chain for a conveying means of a conveying device, comprising a plurality of chain links which are connected to one another, wherein the chain links via joint connections are connected to one another in a manner pivotable in each case about a first axis and a second axis aligned perpendicularly to the first axis, into the conveying chain. The invention moreover relates to a chain link for a conveying chain according to the invention.
2. Description of Related Art
Chain conveyors, with which a conveying member, such as grippers or plate elements for example, is led along a revolving track through a conveying device by way of a conveying chain, are generally known.
Thus for example, the document EP-A-1 975 093 describes a side bow conveying chain which is formed from inner chain links and outer chain links. The individual chain links are connected to one another via a type of universal joint connection and have two pivot axes which are perpendicular to one another. The outer chain links moreover comprise connection locations, via which carrier plates can be fastened with a positive fit. The guiding of the conveying chain is effected here via sleeve-like projections on the outer chain links which lie on the guide track. This conveying chain has the disadvantage that this is still constructed of a multitude of different components, such as e.g. outer chain links and inner chain links.
A modular conveying system with a modularly constructed conveying belt is described in the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,305. The conveying belt itself is constructed of individual joints and comprises bending sections to the side, which engage around a guide strip. Although the conveying system is likewise constructed in a modular manner, individual components or links are only suitable for the design of a certain belt conveyor.
DE 2118232 describes a conveying device with a conveying chain which is constructed of chain links of the same type. The chain links each comprise a fork-like receiver, into which a coupling piece of an adjacent chain link engages, said adjacent chain link being connected to the fork-like receiver via a round rod designed as a joint pivot. The chain here has exclusively the function of a pulling means. Other functions are not assigned to the conveying chain. The conveying member which here consists of plates is fastened on the round rods which lead laterally away from the chain links.
EP-A-1 902 978 also describes a plate conveyor with individual carrier plates which are movably connected to one another. Runner rollers are fastened on the carrier plates. The carrier plates thus themselves form the chain links.


An RFID wristband incorporates identification circuitry which may be of a read only, a read/write, a passive, or an active configuration. The wristband consists of a plurality of laminae which bear components of the RFID circuitry and which encapsulate said circuitry upon the securement or adherence of said laminae to each or one another. The wristband is incorporated in an identification system particularly adapted for hospital patient identification and is associated with an RFID reader which generates a magnetic signal requesting identification from the wristband. The wristband is automatically assembled by the utilization of at least two laminae of a polymorphic flexible nature to encapsulate the RFID circuit and includes the utilization of polymeric in conductive components in said circuit. The method of assembling the RFID components with the respective laminae results in the complete isolation of the RFID circuit from contact with deleterious and corrosive substances characteristic of hospital environments.

At the present time, identification devices, such as wristbands or the like, are widely used in hospitals or in crowd control situations, such as concerts, amusement parks, or the like, to identify patients or individuals and provide information regarding patients or individuals. In addition, such wristbands may be utilized in penal and similar institutions for the purpose of inmate control.
Initially, such wristbands were confined to providing the bare minimum of the patient's name and, possibly, of the patient's illness. In crowd control situations, the wristband was utilized to indicate the admissibility of the individual wearing the band and, frequently, the duration, by color indication, of the attendance period of the person wearing the wristband.
Recently, identification wristbands have been provided with encoded information in the form of bar codes or the like whereby considerable additional information about the individual wearing the wristband can be ascertained, including, in the case of a hospital patient, relevant data such as medication, the patient's condition, or the like.
In crowd control situations, the wristbands can be utilized to provide such data as the amount of money or payments unexpended by the individual wearing the wristband.
Thus, in amusement parks or the like, the wristband, by the use of encoded information, can control the admission of the individual wearing the band to specific attractions. As each attraction is assessed against the wristband, the sum of money remaining for expenditures is reduced.
In utilizing such wristbands, various types of bar code readers are provided to the relevant staff which read the bar codes to determine, in case of patient care, therapeutic measures, such as administering medication or various other services for the patient. In the case of crowd control, such as in amusement parks, the reader charges the wristband for the entry to the specific attraction desired by the wristband wearer.
While the use of bar codes or other encoded materials has constituted a considerable advance over prior imprinted information, once the bar code has been applied to the identification wristband, particularly in the case of a hospital patient, alteration of the information on the wristband entails the substitution of a new or companion band. In addition, because of physical limitations, the information imparted by bar codes or the like is necessarily limited.
A possible solution which would overcome the limitations of identification wristbands which are bar-coded or provided with similar encoded imprinted material would be to provide an RF circuit in the wristband which would incorporate a semi-conductor circuit with logic, memory, and an RF circuit connected to an antenna capable of storing and dispensing information so that a staff member carrying a transponder could query the RF circuit of the wristband to elicit a wide spectrum of information not presently available in conventional wristbands.
Unfortunately, available RF circuits are relatively expensive and, since conventional wristbands are disposable after use, such circuits would have to be discarded if they were integral components of the wristband.

Laminated radio frequency identification device


Provided are a substrate with an etching mask which enables high definition patterning and a method of manufacturing the same. A photosensitive material is applied on a surface of a substrate, exposure and development of the photosensitive material are carried out to form a resist pattern, a DLC coating film is formed on the surface of the substrate and a surface of the resist pattern, and the DLC coating film formed on the resist pattern is separated together with the resist pattern to form a DLC pattern on the surface of the substrate.

In manufacturing industrial products such as electronic components including a semiconductor component and a printed wiring board, high definition patterning is carried out by patterning an etching mask on a substrate and etching out regions other than a region of the etching mask (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
The etching mask is formed by, for example, after a photosensitive layer is formed of a photosensitive material on a surface of a metal layer, carrying out exposure to form an exposed portion and a non-exposed portion in the photosensitive layer and carrying out development using difference in solubility in the developer between the exposed portion and the non-exposed portion.
However, in recent years, as electronic components become finer, higher definition patterning is required to be realized, and high definition patterning of the etching mask is required accordingly.

Substrate having etching mask and method for producing same


A method is disclosed for determining the chromosomal identity of a sample of genomic DNA. The genomic DNA is amplified and labeled by polymerase chain reaction using primers substantially complementary to interspersed repetitive DNA sequences. The amplified and labeled genomic DNA fragments are then contacted with chromosomal DNA of known identity under conditions in which the chromosome-specific, but not the interspersed repetitive DNA sequences, of the amplified and labeled genomic DNA fragments are available for hybridization. Specific hybridization to chromosomal DNA of known identity determines the chromosomal identity of the sample of genomic DNA.

Human-rodent somatic cell hybrids are powerful reagents for human genome analysis. Gusella et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77: 2829-2833 (1980). Determination of the human DNA content of hybrids is typically done by conventional cytogenetic banding methods, isozyme analysis, or Southern blot analysis of a panel of DNA markers mapped to specific chromosomes. All of these methods are labor-intensive, and only a complete cytogenetic analysis assays for the presence or absence of whole chromosomes. However, the sensitivity of conventional cytogenetic methods is limited, and small pieces of human chromatin may go undetected or not be accurately identified as to chromosome of origin.
Recently, a method was described by Nelson et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 6686-6690 (1989)) for specific amplification of human DNA in somatic cell hybrids using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and primers directed at the human-specific portion of Alu, a short interspersed repetitive element (SINE) present in approximately 10.sup.6 copies in mammalian genomes. Using a single Alu primer, amplification will occur whenever two Alu elements are less than 5 kilobases apart and lie in inverted orientation to each other. This strategy has been extended (Ledbetter et al., Genomics 6: 475-481 (1990)) to the second major class of interspersed repetitive sequence, the L1 element, a long interspersed repetitive sequence (LINE) present in 10.sup.4 -10.sup.5 copies per genome in mammals. Use of a primer directed at the human L1 sequence, L1Hs, produces fewer amplification products than with Alu, consistent with its lower abundance in the genome. Thus, human DNA amplification in interspecific hybrid cells can be achieved by PCR using primers directed at human-specific sequences of different classes of interspersed repetitive sequences (IRS-PCR).
Ledbetter et al. (Genomics 6: 475-481 (1990)) also demonstrated the utility of PCR amplification from primers complementary to interspersed repeated sequences for analysis of the human component of a somatic cell hybrid. By running the amplification products on a gel, it was observed that a series of chromosome specific discrete bands were produced reproducibly. This is a simple and reproducible technique which does not require labeling of the PCR amplified product.


A laser diode package includes a laser diode, a heat sink and a lid. The laser diode has an emitting surface, a reflective surface opposing the emitting surface, and first and second surfaces between the emitting surface and the reflective surface. The laser diode has a diode height defined between the emitting surface and the reflective surface. The heat sink has an interior surface, an exterior surface opposing the interior surface, a top surface and a base surface. The height of the heat sink is defined between the top surface and the base surface and is approximately less than four times the laser diode height. The first surface of the diode is attached to the interior surface of the heat sink with a first solder. The base surface of the heat sink is coupled to a thermal reservoir. The lid is attached to the second surface of the laser diode via a second solder. An upper end of the lid is near the emitting surface of the laser diode. A lower end of the lid is typically slightly below the reflecting surface of the laser diode. A plurality of laser diode packages are grouped together to form an array. The heat sink of each of the laser diode packages is attached to a backplane which is then connected to a thermal reservoir.

Semiconductor laser diodes have numerous advantages. They are small in that the widths of their active regions are typically submicron to a few microns and their heights are usually no more than a fraction of a millimeter. The length of their active regions is typically less than about a millimeter. The internal reflective surfaces, which are required in order to produce emission in one direction, are formed by cleaving the substrate from which the laser diodes are produced and, thus, have high mechanical stability.
High efficiencies are possible with semiconductor laser diodes with pulsed junction laser diodes having external quantum efficiencies near 50% in some cases. Semiconductor lasers produce radiation at wavelengths from about 20 to about 0.7 microns depending on the choice of semiconductor alloy. For example, laser diodes made of gallium arsenide with aluminum doping (AlGaAs) emit radiation at approximately 0.8 microns (.about.800 mn) which is near the absorption spectrum of common solid state laser rods and slabs made from Neodymium doped, Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG), and other crystals and glasses. Thus, semiconductor laser diodes can be used as the optical pumping source for larger, solid state laser systems.
Universal utilization of semiconductor laser diodes has been restricted by thermally related problems. These problems are associated with the large heat dissipation per unit area of the laser diodes which results in elevated junction temperatures and stresses induced by thermal cycling. Laser diode efficiency and the service life of the laser diode is decreased by increases in junction temperature.
Furthermore, the emitted wavelength of a laser diode is a function of its junction temperature. Thus, when a set output wavelength is desired, maintaining a constant junction temperature is essential. For example, AlGaAs laser diodes used to pump a Nd:YAG rod or slab should emit radiation at 808 nm since this is the wavelength at which optimum absorption exists in the Nd:YAG. But, for every 3.5.degree. C. to 4.0.degree. C. deviation in the junction temperature of the AlGaAs laser diode, the wavelength shifts 1 nm. Thus, controlling the junction temperature and, thus, properly dissipating the heat is critical.
When solid state laser rods or slabs are pumped by emissions from laser diodes, dissipation of the heat becomes more problematic. Since each individual diode is quite small, it becomes necessary to closely pack a plurality of individual diodes into arrays in order to generate the required amounts of input power to the larger, solid state laser rod or slab. However, when the packing density of the individual laser diodes is increased, the space available for extraction of heat from the individual laser diodes necessarily decreases. This aggravates the problem of heat extraction from the arrays of individual diodes.
One known package which attempts to resolve these thermally-related problems includes the use of a thin, thermally conductive ceramic structure, like beryllium oxide, which is bonded to a thermal reservoir. The ceramic structure includes straight grooves cut therein in which the individual laser diodes are placed. A metallized layer extends from groove to groove to conduct electricity therethrough and supply electrical power to each of the plurality of laser diodes. The laser diodes are soldered in the grooves to the metallized layer.
However, this known package has several problems. For example, laser diodes typically have a slight curvature due to the process by which they are made. Placing a curved laser diode in the straight groove of this known package results in additional stress on the laser diode and an uneven solder bond along the length of the laser diode which can lead to failure. Also, the bottom side of the laser diode in the groove, which is the reflective surface, cannot be cleaned after it is installed which may lead to failures. Additionally, most ceramics, even beryllium oxide, have a lower thermal conductivity than conductive metals such as copper or silver. If beryllium oxide is used, further problems arise since it is a toxic material and cutting grooves produces airborne dust particles. Lastly, because it is extremely difficult to test a laser diode by itself (i.e. not in a package), soldering an untested laser diode into a groove results in an array which may have laser diodes that do not provide optimal performance. Extra cost is then incurred for the removal of a poor performing laser diode.
Therefore, a need exists for a highly conductive laser diode package that is easy to assemble, provides structural support to the laser diode during handling and transportation, allows for cleaning of the reflective surface of the laser diode after assembly, provides for testing of individual laser diodes before their assembly into an array, and is produced from non-toxic, inexpensive materials.


A fastener includes a self-locking pin washer and at least one elongate projection mounted on the self-locking pin washer, where the self-locking pin washer is arranged to be a resistance fit to a projection mounted on a structure or vehicle. A method of fastening a panel to a substrate includes attaching a fastener to a projection of a substrate, wherein the fastener includes an elongate projection that is longer than the projection. The method further includes attaching a panel onto the elongate projection of the fastener.

Structures such as, for example walls, vehicles are often insulated or protected with fire retardants, which may be in the form of panels. The use of panels allows the structure to be completed and the panels to be fitted as one of the last steps. Further panels may be readily refitted or retrofitted, should the panel be damaged or the panel material is no longer compliant with industry standards.
Panels are typically mechanically fastened to a structure using screws where the panel is screwed into the wall, or more expediently pins may directly welded to the substrate and project therefrom, such that the panel may at a later date be simply pushed onto the pins and capped off. The pin solution provides a facile means of connection, however the pins may project for example 10 to 20 cm from the surface, therefore this presents a snag or stab hazard to those working close by. The typical solution is to bend the pins over such that the pin is substantially parallel with the substrate.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fastening a panel to a substrate, comprising the steps of
i. providing on the substrate a first projection,
ii. attaching a fastener, to said first projection, wherein said fastener comprises an elongate projection, wherein the elongate projection is longer than said first projection,
iii. attaching a panel onto said elongate projection.
The prior art methods require the use of very long pins directly welded to the substrate or structure, and bending them over until such time that they are used, to mitigate against a snag or stab hazard. The bending and straightening action may result in the weakening of the pin, such that the pin snaps. Further there may be a significant number of pins per structure, each of which requires two separate process steps (bending over, and re-straightening), to yield a usable pin. The process of the current invention allows a very small first projection, which only needs to of a length which is sufficient to be gripped by the fastener, such as for example the length of the first projection may be less than 50 mm, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 mm.
In a preferred arrangement the fastener comprises a self-locking pin washer, which engages with the first projection. The self-locking pin washer may be a resistance fit on the first projection. The self locking pin washers are typically metal washers which comprises a plurality of splines which extend radially inwards to a small aperture. In use the aperture is smaller than the diameter of the first projection, and the washer is forced onto the first projection, thereby deforming the splines which engage with the first projection, to provide a resistance fit.
Preferably the elongate projection may be longer than said first projection. The elongate projection may be attached to the fastener by welding, adhesive or resistance fit. There may be a plurality of elongate projections mounted on the fastener to provide further grip to the panel mounted thereon.
The elongate projection may be longer than the thickness of said panel, to ensure retention of the panel on the pin. Further the elongate projection may comprises a cap located thereon, after it has protruded through the panel.
The first projection may be blunt, such as rounded off, to mitigate against snagging risk should a user come into contact with the first projection. The elongate projection may comprise a sharpened point, a barb, or may be pronged, to engage more easily with the panel, further, the elongate projection may have a high friction surface along its shaft, to retain said panel when mounted thereon. The high friction surface may be ribs or ridges, alternatively an adhesive.
The panel may be manufactured from any commonly made panel material, such as, for example the material may be selected from fibres, foamed polymers, foamed monomers, gels, natural cellulose bundles, loose filled panels, and composite laminates.
The panel may be a thermal barrier panel, it may provide insulation and/or fire retardants.
The substrate may form part of a building, vessel or craft.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fastener suitable for attaching panels to a building, vessel or craft, wherein said fastener comprises a self-locking pin washer and mounted thereon at least one elongate projection, wherein said self locking pin washer is arranged to be a resistance fit to a first projection mounted on a substrate on said building, vessel or craft.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vessel or craft comprising a substrate, said substrate comprising a first projection mounted thereon, located thereon by a resistance fit a fastener as defined herein, and a panel located on said faster.
In a further arrangement the first projection may extend through the pin washer, to allow the first projection and elongate projection to fasten said panel. Preferably the elongate projection is adjacent to the first projection, to allow both first and elongate projections to fasten to the panel.


Shafts 7, a plate 6 and a guide plate 5 are moved so as to follow movement of both a stay 4 and a pushing member 3 by pushing force of coil springs 12 when the stay 4 and the pushing member 3 are moved toward a direction of an arrow 91 in accordance with rotation of pinion gears 15. The movement of both the plate 6 and the guide plate 5 is suspended when the shaft grips 7b are contacted to arms 13. Thereafter, only the stay 4 and the pushing part 3 are moved toward a direction of the arrow 91. So that, a tail edge side part 10b of the plate 10 is guided between the tail edge side clamp 23 and the tail side clamping base 24 along with the guide plate 5.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for inserting an edge of a plate to a plate cylinder of a printing machine, more specifically, a device for mounting a plate onto a plate cylinder of a printing machine automatically by inserting the edge of the plate into the plate cylinder of the printing machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The First Prior Art
FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show a device for inserting an edge of a plate for a printing machine (hereinafter referred to the first prior art) which have been conventionally used. A leading edge side clamp 21, a leading edge side clamping base 22, and a tail edge side clamp 23 and a tail side clamping base 24 are provided in a cut-out part 2H being formed in a plate cylinder 2 of the printing machine. A leading edge side part 10a of the plate 10 is clamped between the leading edge side clamp 21 and the leading edge side clamping base 22.
Upon clamping the leading edge side part 10a of the plate 10, the plate 10 is rolled around a cylinder surface of the plate cylinder 2 by rolling the plate cylinder 2 toward a direction of an arrow 100. The plate 10 is pressed to the cylinder surface of the plate cylinder 2 by a pressure roller 8.
As shown in FIG. 15A, a tail edge side part 10b of the plate 10 is located at a position that the tail edge side part 10b is contacted on a guide plate 62. The guide plate 62 is fixed to a rack board 61, and the rack board 61 can be moved toward a direction of an arrow 101 by sliding on a guide rail 60.
Both of the rack board 61 and the guide plate 62 are moved toward a direction of the arrow 101 from a condition shown in FIG. 15A (see FIG. 15B). The tail edge side part 10b of the plate 10 is guided between the tail edge side clamp 23 and the tail side clamping base 24 by movement of the guide plate 62 toward a direction of the arrow 101 as shown in FIG. 15B.
Thereafter, the pressure roller 8 is moved around the cylinder surface of the plate cylinder 2 in a direction of an arrow 105 (see FIG. 15B). So that, the tail edge side part 10b is completely inserted between the tail edge side clamp 23 and the tail side clamping base 24. The tail edge side part 10b is clamped between the tail edge side clamp 23 and the tail side clamping base 24 by closing the tail side clamping base 24. As a result, the tail edge side part 10b of the plate 10 is fixed between the tail edge side clamp 23 and the tail side clamping base 24 by inserting the tail edge side part 10b therebetween.
The Second Prior Art
Another inserting device being conventionally is shown in FIG. 16A, 16B and 16C (hereinafter referred to as the second prior art). In the inserting device of second prior art, the plate 10 is rolled around a cylinder surface of the plate cylinder 2, and the plate 10 is pressed to the cylinder surface of the plate cylinder 2 by the pressure roller 8. The tail edge side part 10b of the plate 10 is inserted into a slit 65 formed in the plate cylinder 2 in the inserting device of second prior art.
A plate feeder 67 moved reciprocally is provided on a lateral member 66, and a slider for insertion 68 is provide on a slanting part of the plate feeder 67. The lateral member 66 is usually positioned slightly apart from the plate cylinder 2. The lateral member 66 is moved toward a direction of an arrow 103 when the tail edge side part 10b is inserted into the slit 65. FIG. 16A shows a condition when the lateral member 66 is moved toward a direction of the arrow 103.
In the condition, the tail edge side part 10b is situated so as to contact with the lateral member 66. The plate feeder 67 is moved toward a direction of the arrow 103 on the lateral member 66 from the condition shown in FIG. 16A (see FIG. 16B). The tail edge side part 10b is moved along with the lateral member 66 so as to face the tail edge side part 10b with the slit 65 of the plate cylinder 2 by the movement of the plate feeder 67.
Thereafter, the slider 68 for insertion is moved on the slanting part of the plate feeder 67 toward a direction of an arrow 104 from a condition shown in FIG. 16B. FIG. 16C shows a condition that the slider 68 for insertion is moved down toward a direction of the arrow 104. As a result of moving the slider 68, the tail edge side part 10b is inserted into the slit 65 formed in the plate cylinder 2. Thus, the tail edge side part 10b can be inserted into the slit 65 formed in the plate cylinder 2.
However, the inserting devices of the first prior art and the second prior art described in the above have following problems to be resolved. In the inserting device of the first prior art, the tail edge side part 10b is guided between the tail edge side clamp 23 and the tail side clamping base 24 by movement of the guide plate 62 toward a direction of the arrow 101 in a condition that the tail edge side part 10b is contacted on the guide plate 62 (FIG. 15B). So that, the tail edge side part 10b can not be guided between the clamp 23 and the clamping base 24 when the edge of the tail edge side part 10b comes off from the guide plate 62.
On the contrary, in the inserting device of the second prior art, the tail edge side part 10b being .contacted with the lateral member 66 is pressed toward a direction of the arrow 103 along with the surface of the lateral member 66 by the movement of the plate feeder 67. Then, the tail edge side part 10b is inserted into the slit 65 by the movement of the slider 68 toward a direction of the arrow 104 along with the slanting part of the plate feeder 67.
Thus, the tail edge side part 10b is inserted into the slit 65 by the slider 68 in a condition that the tail edge side part 10b is guided on the lateral member 66 and the plate feeder 67. As a result, there is no probability to come off the edge of the tail edge side part 10b from the slider 68. Therefore, the problem stated in above does not occur in the other inserting device of the first prior art.
Although the inserting device of second prior art does not have the problem stated in above, timing for controlling the movement of the lateral member 66, the plate feeder 67 and the slider 68 must be adjusted respectively. So that, both a driving mechanism and a control mechanism of the lateral member 66, the plate feeder 67 and the slider 68 to be complicated.

Device for inserting an edge of a plate for a printing machine