A tree stand with level adjustment includes provision for scaling a tree, pole, or the like, for use by a hunter or wildlife observer or photographer, etc. The stand essentially comprises a lower foot rest component and an upper seating component, with each component having a peripheral frame defining a plane. A compressive tree brace member extends from each component and coplanar therewith, with a sloped upper frame member extending from each edge of each component. A flexible tensile member extends from each frame member of each component, for securing about the back of the tree. The tensile member is secured within one sloped member by an adjustably positionable pin for assembly, and within the opposite sloped member by a threaded adjuster for infinitesimally fine adjustment for precise leveling. The tree stand may also include foot rest and hand or arm rest extensions as desired.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the sport of hunting, and more particularly to equipment used in the hunting of large game animals. The present invention comprises a tree stand which includes means for ascending the tree without need for additional equipment, and means for leveling the two major components of the stand once they have been established in the tree as desired. The present tree stand may also be used for other sports and activities, e. g., bird and animal watching and photography, etc. as desired, and is operable upon any practicable tall and relatively narrow structure (poles, etc.).
2. Description of the Related Art
The hunting of large game, particularly deer, has become an increasingly popular activity for many people who enjoy the outdoors. Most wild animals for which hunting is legal are relatively shy and cautious, particularly of human presence. This is particularly true of animals which are commonly prey for other predators, with such prey animals generally developing keen senses of hearing, scent, and perhaps vision as well in order to sense potential predators with sufficient warning.
The above is particularly true of deer living in areas where hunting is legal. Even though the deer population is increasing in the U. S., it can be quite difficult to approach a deer sufficiently closely to get a killing shot when considering the difficulty of approach and the terrain, trees, brush, and other growth and factors, even with a rifle. The task is made even more challenging for archery hunters.
Accordingly, hunters have developed camouflage and various other aids in their cause. One factor which has been widely recognized for some time is that nearly all land animals tend to restrict their vision to a relatively narrow field close to the horizontal, and spend very little of their attention looking above the horizontal. This is particularly true of deer and similar herbivores, who have very few predators which strike from above. This has led to the development of the tree stand for hunters, which has provided several benefits for the hunter. Tree stands tend to elevate the hunter, removing him or her from the generally horizontal visual plane of most game animals. Such stands also provide additional camouflage for the hunter, by placing him/her closer to tree branches spreading horizontally from the tree at some distance above the ground. Tree stands also have the advantage of removing human scent from the surface, thereby removing a potential warning for the game animal. Accordingly, tree stands for hunting and other purposes (observation and photography of wild animals, etc.) have been known and used for quite some time.
However, stands used in the past have often been relatively crude affairs, failing to provide the refinement which can make the difference between a successful hunt and coming home empty handed. For example, many stands are sturdily built for durability and to provide a stable platform, but such construction results in their being difficult and/or cumbersome to carry into the woods and erect in a tree for the hunt. While some stand manufacturers have attempted to build relatively light weight stands, such stands are often not particularly durable, and are subject to failure and accident, particularly with larger and heavier hunters. One characteristic which is nearly universal for all stands of the prior art, is that it can be very difficult, or impossible, to arrange the stand so that its major components are level once set up in the tree. This can make a major difference in the comfort of the hunter or occupant of the stand, which in turn can lead to the success or failure of the hunt.
Accordingly, a need will be seen for a tree stand for hunters and others, which stand is constructed of lightweight yet sturdy materials for both durability and for the convenience of the user. The present stand essentially comprises a base or foot platform portion and a seating portion, with each including adjustable leveling means once set up in the tree. Padded seating, foot rest and gun rest extensions, and backpacking capability are also provided. A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present tree stand invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,320 issued on Dec. 23, 1969 to T. V. Jones, titled xe2x80x9cPortable Deer Stand,xe2x80x9d describes a conventional stand having a solid lower platform or foot rest and an upper frame which may include a seat extended laterally thereacross. Jones uses a series of threaded rods and other threaded components for securing the various components of his stand together. However, Jones fails to provide any form of adjusting these components to level the stand, once the stand has been secured to the tree. For example, the bight portion of each component, passing around the back of the tree from the major portion of the stand components, provides adjustment by means of threaded rods. However, these threaded rods are secured to the forwardmost edges of their respective components by pairs of clamping nuts at their extreme ends, which clamp about respective lugs on the stand frame members. No room for adjustment is provided, any loosening of the outermost nut would disassemble the structure. Wing nuts are used at the opposite ends of these members, to secure the internally threaded tubes in which the threaded rods are inserted, to the bight members of the components. However, no adjustment is provided at these ends; the wing nuts are only used for rapid assembly and disassembly in the field. Other threaded components are used between the forward and bight arms of each major component, but again, no adjustment is provided once the stand has been erected in the field. In contrast, the present tree stand provides easy adjustment of its major platform components after the stand has been secured to the tree and the hunter has ascended with the stand.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,216 issued on May 25, 1982 to Joseph A. Amacker, titled xe2x80x9cTree Climbing Stand,xe2x80x9d describes a conventional stand having a configuration similar to that of the Jones stand discussed immediately above. However, the Amacker stand is even simpler, in that only a limited number of adjustment holes are provided for connecting one end of the rearward gripping blade of each stand portion. Such adjustment cannot be performed once the Amacker stand is in place on the tree. Moreover, the Amacker stand uses relatively sharp tree engaging components which damage the tree, whereas the present tree stand engages the tree only with relatively blunt and/or resilient components which do not cut or damage the tree in any way.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,773 issued on May 26, 1987 to Tonnie Davis, titled xe2x80x9cPortable Tree Stand,xe2x80x9d describes a single stand platform having a chain which wraps around the back of the tree, and a pair of compression brace arms which extend from each lower front corner of the stand to engage the tree at a single point beneath the stand. Davis does not provide any means for climbing the tree with his stand; it must be erected using other means. While Davis discloses a chain wrapped around the tree as the tension member supporting his stand, such a relatively coarse chain may only be adjusted to the nearest link, which may result in an inch or perhaps more of error from absolute level, depending upon the gauge of the chain. The present adjustable tree stand, with its infinitesimally adjustable threaded mechanism and climbing capability, provides considerable improvement over the Davis stand.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,942,942 and 5,016,733 issued respectively on Jul. 24, 1990 and May 21, 1991 to Ralph E. Bradley, each titled xe2x80x9cWedging Tree Stand,xe2x80x9d describe devices having a platform with a front compression brace extending therefrom to bear against the tree, and a relatively thin, flat bar extending around the back of the tree where its thin edge engages the back of the tree. Bradley provides leveling adjustment, but it is essentially opposite that of the present stand, with Bradley using an adjustable compression brace bearing against the front of the tree, rather than adjusting the upper member which passes around the tree, as in the present stand. Moreover, Bradley provides only a relatively limited number of adjustments due to a relatively few adjustment pin holes, rather than the more precise threaded adjustment of the present stand.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,506 issued on Feb. 25, 1992 to Cleve W. Womack et al., titled xe2x80x9cAdjustable Hunter""s Tree Stand,xe2x80x9d describes a stand member for use as a pair of identical stands, as in the Bradley stand described above. The present stand does not comprise identical upper and lower members, as in the Bradley and Womack et al. stands, but rather has a different structure for the upper and lower stand portions, for greater functionality of the present stand. Womack et al. uses a pair of threaded rods captured between corresponding opposed threaded lugs to each side of his stand, with each rod having a threaded nut disposed thereon. Each nut attaches to one end of the rearward tree engaging blade of the stand, with rotation of each threaded rod by a knob thereon resulting in adjustment of the tree engaging blade for different tree diameters. Womack et al. thus require adjustment of a threaded rod on each side of the stand and tree, in order to adjust the positioning and level of the stand uniformly. In contrast, the present stand includes a single coarse adjustment on one side of each stand portion, which is used as the connector for securing the stand around the tree and which provides coarse adjustment for the diameter of the tree. The coarse adjustment is not used once the stand has been erected in the tree. A threaded fine adjustment is provided on the opposite side of the present stand, with the hunter needing only to adjust the single fine adjustment on one side of each stand portion, to level the present stand.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,925 issued on Mar. 24, 1992 to George T. Walker, Jr., titled xe2x80x9cTree Walker,xe2x80x9d describes a device having conventional upper and lower portions with flexible cables wrapping around the back of the tree to secure to their respective frames. One end of each cable is fixed to its respective frame, and cannot be adjusted. The opposite end of each cable is adjustably secured in its respective frame member by a pin inserted into one of a series of holes through the frame member, generally as in the stand disclosed in the Amacker ""216 U.S. Patent discussed further above. The same problem exists here, in that only a relatively few adjustments may be made, which may not be sufficient to provide absolute leveling of the stand components. It is also noted that Walker, and various other stands of the related art, use relatively sharp components to penetrate at least the bark of the tree. This is harmful to the tree, and is not permitted in many jurisdictions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,291 issued on Jul. 18, 1995 to Richard F. Shoestock, Sr., titled xe2x80x9cCombination Tree Stand And Wheeled Game Carrier,xe2x80x9d describes a somewhat large and heavy stand for performing both tasks indicated in the patent title. Due to the need for an axle and wheels, as well as the need to separate the game carrier into two components for use as upper and lower components of the tree stand, the Shoestock, Sr. carrier and stand is considerably heavier than the present stand assembly. Moreover, the adjustment provided is similar to that of the Amacker ""216 U.S. Patent described further above, with Shoestock, Sr. failing to provide any infinitesimally fine adjustments for leveling his stand.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,215 issued on Oct. 17, 1995 to Robert C. Burgin, titled xe2x80x9cTree Stand Leveler,xe2x80x9d describes an add-on device for a conventional existing tree stand, rather than a stand having inherent level adjusting means, as provided by the present invention. The Burgin leveler attaches to the bottom of an existing stand platform and bears against the front of the tree, rather than the stand itself bearing against the tree. A threaded adjustment fitting passes through the adjuster, with an adjustment knob extending from the adjuster opposite the tree engaging portion of the device. The Burgin device would not be adaptable to many tree stands, including the present stand, as it extends across the center of the platform and thus would interfere with the upper seating portion of many platforms.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,676 issued on Mar. 30, 1999 to Daniel H. Harbin, titled xe2x80x9cAccessory For Allowing Use Of A Tree Stand As A Game Carrier,xe2x80x9d describes additional components which may be removably secured to a specific tree stand structure, in order to use the tree stand as a game tote as well. Means are also provided for backpacking the folded assembly, including wheels, axle, and other game tote components. FIG. 4 of the drawings provides a side perspective view of the assembly installed in position as a tree stand, and discloses a series of holes along the sides of the upper diagonal components which extend to wrap around the back of the tree. However, no means for using these holes for adjustably positioning the stand for leveling the stand while the stand is installed on a tree, is apparent.
U.S. Pat. No. D-347,481 issued on May 31, 1994 to Jimmy Ashley et al., titled xe2x80x9cDeer Stand,xe2x80x9d illustrates a design having differently configured upper and lower components. While the upper component includes a series of lateral holes formed in each of the two diagonals, it is unclear that these holes provide any form of level adjustment for the design. Even if such level adjustment were provided by selective insertion of pins through the holes, no infinitesimally adjustable threaded adjustment means is apparent in the Ashley et al. design. The disadvantage of relatively coarse adjustment means has been discussed further above, in various other utility patents of the related art.
Canadian Patent Publication No. 1,140,447 issued on Feb. 1, 1983 to Gary Cuba, titled xe2x80x9cTree-Mounted Deer Stand,xe2x80x9d describes a seat with a lower peripheral frame, with the frame including a series of inwardly oriented threaded clamps. The Cuba stand attaches to the top of a stump or the like with the seat directly above the stump, rather than surrounding at tree trunk. No means of scaling the tree using only the Cuba stand, is provided.
Canadian Patent Publication No. 1,231,686 issued on Jan. 19, 1988 to Ricky A. Purdy, titled xe2x80x9cDeer Stand,xe2x80x9d describes a stand having foot rest and seating components, but the stand is not capable of use for climbing the tree without further ground support. The Purdy stand is an extension at the top of a ladder, which is used by the hunter to scale the tree and access the stand. While Purdy discloses an adjustable tree attachment comprising a chain which extends around the tree with a turnbuckle attachment, this does nothing to level the stand, as the opposite end of the stand is supported by the ladder. The only level adjustment for the stand is achieved by adjusting the angle of the ladder, with the ladder requiring an essentially vertical slope to place its stand portion essentially horizontal at the upper end thereof.
Finally, Canadian Patent Publication No. 2,048,501 issued on Sep. 13, 1994 to Robert P. Rainey, titled xe2x80x9cAdaptable Hunting Stand For Ladder-Like Use Or A-Frame Use,xe2x80x9d describes a stand adapted for erection atop an all terrain vehicle or the like. As such, no means of attaching the device to a tree, separate foot rest and seating components, or seating is provided by Rainey.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a tree stand with level adjustment solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The present invention is a tree stand for use by hunters, observers and/or photographers of wild animals, or other persons who may have need for a reasonably comfortable and secure platform which may be temporarily and removably secured to a tree at some distance above the ground. The present stand includes means for ascending a tree, pole, or other suitable structure using no additional equipment other than the stand and the power of the person using the stand, and further, leveling means which is adjustable after the stand has been erected in the tree by the person using the stand while positioned in the stand.
The present tree stand has a lower or foot rest component and an upper or seating component. Each component comprises a generally rectangular frame, with the lower frame having a series of crossmembers for standing upon and the upper frame being essentially open for the hunter or animal observer to place his or her body therewithin. A blunt tree brace compression member extends from the rear of each frame and coplanar therewith, for bearing against the tree or pole. Each frame member includes a pair of upwardly and rearwardly sloped members from which a flexible tension member extends to wrap around the back of the tree.
Each tension member is secured within one of its respective sloped frame members by a laterally disposed pin on one side, which is adjustably installed through one of a series of pairs of holes in that sloped frame member. A corresponding loop is formed in the end of the tension member, through which the pin is inserted to hold that end of the tension member in place. The opposite end of the tension member comprises a loop formed through the eye of an eye bolt, with the threaded end of the eye bolt extending from a break in the end of the sloped member. A threaded knob is installed on the end of the eye bolt, and used for infinitesimally fine adjustment of the tension member length to adjust the level of each of the components precisely as desired. Additional features, such as adjustably positionable seating, foot rest and hand and arm rest extensions, etc., may be provided as desired.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a tree stand for hunting, wildlife observation or photography, and/or other purposes where it is desired to be positioned at some distance above the ground with no intervening structure.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a tree stand comprising upper and lower frame components, with each frame component defining a plane and having a blunt, compressive tree brace member extending therefrom and coplanar therewith for bearing against the surface of a tree or pole, and a flexible tensile member extending from a structure above the frame for extending adjustably about the tree.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such a tree stand in which the flexible tensile member secures to the frame by means of opposite first and second sloped members extending from each side of the frame, with one end of the tensile member being secured by means of a pin selectively installed in a pair of a series of pairs of holes through one of the sloped members, and the opposite end of the tensile member being secured by means of an infinitesimally adjustable threaded member extending therefrom.
Still another object of the invention is to provide such a tree stand including selectively positionable seating means, a foot rest extension, and/or a hand and arm rest extension, as desired.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.


A system includes a transmitter having a first transmit device having a first transmit antenna and a first OAM multiplexer designed to receive two input signals and to convert the input signals to orthogonal OAM beams. The first transmit antenna is designed to transmit a first output signal that includes the OAM beams. The transmitter also includes a second transmit device that functions in a similar manner as the first transmit device. A receiver includes a first receive device having a first receive antenna designed to receive the first output signal and a first OAM demultiplexer designed to convert the first output signal to received signals corresponding to the input signals. The receiver also includes a second receive device having similar features as the first receive device. The receiver also includes a MIMO processor designed to reduce interference between the received signals.

Line of sight (LoS) communication systems are useful for various situations. For example, many cellular telephones communicate via LoS in radio frequency bands. Furthermore, LoS systems may allow for communication to occur after a disaster has struck and other means of communication are unavailable.
It is desirable for LoS (and other communication means) to have a relatively large bandwidth. The conventional approach to increasing bandwidth uses multiple spatially separated transmitter antennas. In such a system, each data-carrying beam is received with multiple spatially separated receivers, and signal processing is used to recover the different data streams. This processing reduces the crosstalk that appears from one beam into the receiver antenna intended for its spatially separated neighboring channel. However, such technology is relatively expensive to implement and the costs increase as the quantity of transmitters and receivers increase.

Systems and techniques for communication using multiple-input-multiple-output processing of orbital angular momentum modes


A parking navigation method, device and system are provided. The parking navigation method comprises: acquiring initial location information of a vehicle; acquiring a target planned path based on a preset rule according to the initial location information and target parking location information; and sequentially turning on lighting devices on the target planned path, to guide the vehicle to travel to a target parking location.

With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, there are more and more family cars. When people go shopping, they usually drive by themselves, which makes it difficult to find a parking location in the parking lot of a mall.
Nowadays, when users go to the parking lot to park, they generally do not know available locations in the parking lot. Only under the guidance of a security guard, they can find available parking locations in a certain area.

Parking navigation method, device and system

BOE OPTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A health food product containing a first component in the form of a discrete portion from a second component provides enhanced in vivo oxidative defense indices and prevents or attenuates exercise-induced in vivo oxidative stress as indicated by cellular and/or tissue modification. The first component includes an antioxidant mixture containing a blend of antioxidants selected from all-trans beta-carotene, a mixture of cis beta-carotenes, all-trans alpha-carotene, a mixture of cis alpha-carotenes, all-trans lycopene, a mixture of cis lycopenes, all-trans gamma-carotene, a mixture of cis gamma-carotenes, zeta-carotene, phytofluene, phytoene, vitamin C, vitamin E and curcumin. Internalization and integration of the above nutrients within a lipid containing core of the food product facilitates absorption of the fat-soluble components in the gastrointestinal tract following consumption, increases shelf-life and minimizes degradation of these labile compounds by minimizing exposure to heat, light and/or oxygen, and prevents disadvantageous yellow/orange coloration of the outer material of the food product.

Several publications are referenced in this application within parentheses. Full citation to these references is found at the end of the specification immediately preceding the claims. These references describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains, and are incorporated herein by reference.
The consumption of foods rich in antioxidant compounds is well-known to be inversely correlated with the incidence of many chronic disease states (Halliwell, 1994; Thomas, 1994; Ziegler, 1989). Intake of certain of these compounds, such as vitamins C, E and A, is in fact essential for human life. However, most of the natural compounds present in food possessing antioxidant potential are currently considered to be "non-nutritive". Given the preponderant accumulation of epidemiological data and increasing amount of mechanistic data which support an important role for antioxidants in the maintenance of long-term health, their status as "non-nutritive" food components may have to be reconsidered in the future.
The importance of oxidant defense systems in humans is demonstrated by the essential in vivo presence of both enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant components (Thomas, 1994). Oxidative stress and resultant oxidative damage may occur as a result of oxidative insults such as air pollution or the "oxidative burst" characteristic of activated neutrophils mediated by the immune response. A constant source of oxidative stress results from formation of superoxide anion via "electron leakage" in the mitochondria during production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Although superoxide anion is not exceedingly reactive in and of itself, it can initiate a chain of events that eventually results in the formation of the highly reactive free radicals and other oxidants. If these reactive oxygen species are not controlled by enzymatic and/or non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, in vivo oxidation of critical cellular components such as membranes, DNA and proteins will result, eventually leading to tissue damage and dysfunction.
Intense exercise can contribute significantly to oxidative stress in a number of ways. Most individuals have at some time in their lives experienced soreness and fatigue after physical exertion. For individuals that desire intense, frequent exercising, the effects of oxidative stress can often inhibit the intensity and/or reduce the frequency of workout routines.
Intense exercise results in a number of physiological changes in the body. First, aerobic respiration is dramatically increased, thereby increasing superoxide anion generation as much as 10-fold or more (Halliwell, 1994) in addition to increasing exposure to environmental oxidative insults such as air pollution. Second, muscle and joint inflammation often result from intense exercise, thus triggering tissue infiltration of neutrophils and subsequent release of reactive oxygen species during the "oxidative burst".
It would therefore be desirable to provide a shelf-stable, visually appealing and flavorful food product comprising carbohydrate and/or fat and/or protein, and other nutritive and non-nutritive compounds, that provides energy and alleviates the effects of oxidative stress and other damage resulting from intense exercise.
The following references, each of which are also incorporated herein by reference, further disclose the state of the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,488 to Cooke et al. discloses a shelf-stable, intermediate moisture, food bar having a soft and chewy texture, and low sugar content formed from a combination of at least two polyhydric alcohols in varying ratios, one of which comprises a sugar alcohol and the other either glycerol or propylene glycol (abstract). The food bar may additionally contain a mixture of dry ingredients selected from the group consisting of grains, fruits, nuts, chocolate chips and vegetables (column 3, lines 51-57).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,605 to Shapira discloses a nutritional soft drink for protecting against the danger of exposure to UV light comprising a mixture of carotenoids, optionally together with vitamin C and/or vitamin E and/or other physiologically acceptable antioxidants (abstract).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,702 to Katz discloses the incorporation of an antioxidant system of natural ingredients to minimize the oxidation of a powdered nutritional product (abstract). The antioxidant system is made up of ascorbyl palmitate, beta carotene and/or mixed tocopherols, and citrate (abstract and column 2, lines 56-59).


A hot press including a displaceable sleeve for surrounding materials of a multi-layer substrate under a reduced pressure condition, a gas pressurizing condition and a heating condition with thermal plates. Upper and lower sealing units seal an interior of the sleeve, with a mechanism lowering and raising the sleeve. A pilot check mechanism prevents a lower bolster from raising/lowering upon the reduced pressure condition and the gas pressure condition, and a retainer maintains the lowered or raised condition of the sleeve. The multi-layer substrate is formed under the reduced pressure condition and the gas pressure condition. Accordingly, the atmosphere and moisture between the materials of the multi-layer substrate and volatile composition are removed. Additionally, a void generated during the heat and pressure process by the heating plates is eliminated from the multi-layer substrate. By carrying out the formation of the multi-layer substrate at the heat and pressure by the heating plates under the gas pressure condition, a final dimensional precision and shape are enhanced and a warpage or twist is suppressed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hot press for producing a multi-layer substrate made of printed circuit boards, and ,more particularly, to a hot press suitable for forming a high quality multi-layer substrate and reducing a cost thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the demand for multi-layer substrate having a higher density, there are increased demands for ensuring against voids between the layers, displacement between the layers, as well as a demand warpage or twist of the substrate, and for final dimensional precision. Voids are formed by gas, residing in layers which gas is contained in bubble or moisture in the atmosphere when a material for the multi-layer substrate is exposed in the atmosphere or volatile composition contained in an adhesive resin. In order to prevent the generation of the voids, a material for a multi-layer substrate including a resin, called prepreg for adhesion, is heated and pressurized to expell the voids from its marginal portion together with the resin flow. For this purpose, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 62-23722 shows a technique in which a central portion of the heating plate is made of material having a high thermal expansion coefficient and the heating plate is heated to thereby increase the pressure of the central portion thereof On the other hand, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 62-56140 discloses a technique in which, in order to remove voids and to enhance a dimensional precision in thickness of products after the press process, a multi-layer substrate is moulded under a reduced pressure for 150 to 500 seconds by controlling the resin amount and the resin flow of the resin-impregnated substrate. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 62-68748 shows another technique in which a surrounding wall for preventing the adhesive resin molten by heat from overflowing is provided for the substrate under the pressurized condition, thereby crushing and removing the bubble contained in the substrate.
Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 61-295038 shows a technique in which the heating operation and the pressurizing operation are controlled on a theory such a theory that the warpage or twist is due to non-uniformity in resin flow dependence upon a thermal hysteresis and a pressure timing hysteresis of the adhesive resin.
The displacement between the layers not only cause adverse affects in final configuration or parallelism but also damage or breakage of circuit wires or conductors. Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 59-188999 shows a method for overcoming this problem, wherein an auxiliary ram is used to maintain the parallelism in a satisfactory condition against the non-uniformity in dimension of thickness of the material of the multi-layer substrate. In the same manner, Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. 61-54580 proposes a method in which a metallic plate with a displacement preventing portion located along its marginal portion is used.
In order to simultaneously overcome the problems of the void, the displacement, and the dimensional precision in final configuration, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 57-118698 shows a method in which a space between the thermal plates are maintained under the reduced pressure with application of heat and pressure, and Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 62-156931 shows a method in which the internal portion of the substrate is covered by a film or a sheet to be maintained under a reduced pressure condition, and then the substrate is heated by heating plates. Moreover, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publications Nos. 61-43543 and 61-43565 show a method in which, a high pressure vessel called autoclave is used wherein the material of the multi-layer substrate is covered by a film or sheets, with an interior of the film or sheet being maintained under a reduced pressure condition and, thereafter, the material is heated under pressure with nitrogen gas or CO.sub.2 gas within the high pressure vessel. Also, instead of coverage by the film or sheet, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publications Nos. 61-290036 and 61-293836 show a method in which a box-shaped vessel called pressure chamber, whose top surface is movable up and down, is used. Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication 61-185598 shows a method in which an entire press for applying heat and pressure is provided in a vacuum heater.
With high density multi-layer substrate, a width of wires or circuit conductors and a space between the circuit conductors are narrow, a space of lands is small, and through-holes are formed after the formation of the multi-layers. Accordingly, there is a demand for the substrate in which void does not occur during he heat and pressure process; a displacement of the layers is small; there is small warpage or twist; and an expansion or contraction is suppressed for the final dimensional precision as much as possible. At the same time, a breakage of the circuit conductors must be avoided. In order to eliminate or suppress the causes of failure, although the causes may depend upon the material of the adhesive resin interposed between the layers, it is desired to reduce the heating temperature and pressure as much as possible within suitable ranges. In the foregoing prior art, although the pressurizing operation exceeding 50 kg/cm.sup.2 is carried out as disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publications Nos. 61-295038 and 62-23733, it has been found that a void does not occur even under the pressure below 20 kg/cm.sup. 2 if the suitable temperature condition is selected. Also, it is desired that the atmospheric air and moisture between the layers of the multi-layer substrates is removed once under the reduced pressure condition, and further the preheating process and the prepressurizing process with the thermal plates are carried out under the reduced pressure condition, thereby removing the volatile composition of the adhesive resin; and that thereafter, the environmental space is heated under pressure with a prescribed gas such as, for example, nitrogen gas or CO.sub.2, so that an external force is applied to a peripheral or marginal portion of the multi-layer resin to perform the final production with the thermal plates while preventing the displacement of the layers and the overflow of the adhesive resin.
The prior art document, substantially meeting the foregoing demands, is Japanese patent Unexamined Publication 62-156931. However, this conventional technique suffers from the following disadvantages. Namely, it is difficult to finish the final configuration and dimensional precision within predetermined ranges since this publication does not relate to a heat and pressure process with the thermal plates. Also, this system requires a long time for evacuating the high pressure vessel or heating the vessel. Additionally, the film or sheet for covering the material of the multi-layer substrate and the air pressure chamber are expensive. Also, mounting and removal of the vessel is time-consuming, resulting in low working efficiency. Finally, the entire apparatus is expensive.


Polyolefin compounds containing nitrile polysiloxane fluid which have improved electrical properties, and electrical conductors insulated therewith.

Particular electrical properties are of significant advantage in polymeric dielectric insulating compounds for use in high voltage service, such as high voltage direct current applications. For instance, the slope of a plotted curve (.alpha.) for the volume resistivity of a given insulating material in relation to temperature changes therein, should be as flat as possible, whereas the slope of a plotted curve (.beta.) for the volume resistivity of the same insulation in relation to the dc stress in the insulation should be as steep as possible for optimum performance. This combination of electrical properties for an insulation, together with a high direct current dielectric strength, provides a superior direct current insulation assuring an optimum dc cable performance for a given delta temperature (.DELTA.T) across the thickness of the body of insulation.

Dielectric insulating polyolefin compositions containing nitrile polysiloxane fluid, and conductor products insulated therewith


A converting circuitry convert position information on at least one of an ultrasonic probe and a scan area, used in a past ultrasonic scan, into first position information based on a predetermined coordinate system. The converting circuitry further convert position information on at least one of ultrasonic probe and a scan position, used in a current ultrasonic scan, into second position information based on the predetermined coordinate system. The display circuitry determine the position of a first marker, which represents at least one of the ultrasonic probe and scanning area used in a past ultrasonic scan, and a second marker, which represents at least one of the ultrasonic probe and scanning area used in a current ultrasonic scan, based on first position information and second position information, and display the first and second markers.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that visualizes body tissues of a patient in a non-invasive manner has a function of measuring the rate of blood flowing through a blood vessel of a patient (flow velocity). Typically, the flow velocity measured based on this function is used for generating a color Doppler image representing the flow velocity distribution in a blood vessel and for generating a Doppler spectrum image representing the time change in flow velocity vary with time. These images are referred to, for example when the flow velocity is checked for a follow-up and when the flow velocity is monitored before and after a surgical operation.
In the measurement of the flow velocity, the flow velocity is calculated based on changes in the frequency of an ultrasonic wave transmitted and received and the angle between the direction in which an ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received and the direction in which the blood flows. The frequency of an ultrasonic wave reflected by the blood flow and then received undergoes a Doppler shift in accordance with the motion of the blood flow. As a result, the frequency is shifted to a frequency higher or lower than the frequency of a transmitted ultrasonic wave. The frequency shift amount is dependent on the motion speed of the blood flow. On the other hand, the angle between the direction in which an ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received and the direction in which the blood flows is dependent on the position and angle of an ultrasonic probe pressed against the patient and on the angle at which an ultrasonic beam is transmitted and received by the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, the calculated flow velocity is greatly dependent upon the angle between the direction in an ultrasonic beam and the direction in the blood flows.


The invention relates to a polymer electrolyte comprising a polymer, a metal salt and at least one plasticizer or solvent, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone, and further wherein the hydrophobic grafts are selected from the group of fluorinated chains or alkyl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to a battery cell comprising a polymer electrolyte and methods of producing a polymer electrolyte.

The present invention concerns a polymer electrolyte, a battery cell comprising said polymer electrolyte and a method of producing said polymer electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte is suitable for electrochemical devices such as, batteries, particularly for secondary batteries of high energy density.
A battery is usually composed of a number of elementary units called electrochemical cells. Each of these cells consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte solution, in which the two electrodes are immersed with or without the interposition of a separator. The most important function of the separator is to prevent electronic contact between different plates and to absorb the electrolyte. Moreover, it is also important to keep the resistance as low as possible.
By the term xe2x80x9cbatteryxe2x80x9d is meant herein, a collection of two or more cells connected together with electrically conductive material, placed in a case.
There are two main types of batteries, primary batteries and secondary batteries; however in the following, only secondary batteries will be considered. Secondary batteries can be charged by a source of electrical energy, from which batteries the energy can be recovered. Secondary batteries are also called accumulators, or rechargeable batteries. The latter term will be used in the following.
Rechargeable batteries are often used as power supply in portable communication equipment, such as cellular phones, personal pagers, portable computers and other electrical devices, such as smart cards, calculators etc.
In a rechargeable battery, ions of a source electrode material move between electrodes through an intermediate electrolyte during the charge and discharge cycles of the cells. During discharge, the electricity-producing reactions cause reversible changes in the composition of die electrodes and the electrolyte. During charging, these changes can be reversed to the original conditions. The electrochemical reactions take place both at the negative electrode (which is the anode in the discharging mode and the cathode in the charging mode) and at the positive electrode of the electrochemical cell.
Research and development are now being made on lightweight and high-voltage secondary batteries having improved design flexibility. The main battery characteristics to be improved by new research are size, weight, energy density, lower discharge rates, cost, environmental safety and working life. Lithium metal secondary batteries are promising power sources because of their high energy density. In general, such a lithium battery employs lithium metal as its negative electrode and an organic solution containing a lithium salt as its electrolyte. Dendrites (crystals with tree-like branches) are commonly generated on the lithium metal surface during repeated charge and discharge cycles when lithium metal is used as negative electrode in a lithium secondary battery, which results in a short circuit within the battery.
Most attention has now been focused on lithium ion secondary batteries using a negative electrode comprising a carbon material being a host for inserted lithium ions. These systems utilize an intercalation and de-intercalation reaction of the lithium ions in the host. The lithium ion secondary batteries generally have a lower theoretical negative electrode capacity than the lithium metal secondary battery, but is superior in cycle characteristic and system reliability. Frequently, lithium ion secondary battery cells employ organic electrolytic solutions as their electrolytes. However, the use of an organic liquid electrolyte imposes problems associated with the reliability of the battery system, e.g. leakage of the electrolyte out of the battery, vaporization of the solvent of the electrolyte, and dissolution of electrode material in the electrolytic solution. Since the electrolyte contains a flammable organic solvent the leakage of the solvent may result in ignition. While better manufacturing techniques have decreased the occurrences of leakage, lithium ion secondary battery cells still can leak potentially dangerous electrolytes. Battery cells using liquid electrolytes are also not available for all designs and do not have sufficient flexibility.
Conversely, solid polymer electrolytes are free from problems of leakage. They have, however, inferior properties as compared to liquid electrolytes. For example, conventional solid polymer electrolytes have ionic conductivities in the range of 10xe2x88x926 to 10xe2x88x924 S/cm at ambient temperature whereas acceptable ionic conductivities are  greater than 10xe2x88x923 S/cm. High ionic conductivity is necessary to ensure a battery system capable of delivering usable amounts of power for a given application. It is also necessary for the high rate operation demanded by, for example, mobile phones. Accordingly, present solid polymer electrolytes are not adequate for many high performance battery systems. By xe2x80x9csolidxe2x80x9d polymer electrolyte is meant a polymer electrolyte without any solvent or plasticizer, while a polymer xe2x80x9cgelxe2x80x9d electrolyte comprises a solvent or a plasticizer, in this application. When using the term xe2x80x9cpolymer electrolytexe2x80x9d both solid and gel electrolyte are included.
While solid polymer electrolytes are intended to replace the combination of liquid electrolytes and separators used in conventional batteries, the limitations described here have prevented them from being fully implemented. One class of polymer electrolytes, namely polymer gel electrolytes, have shown some promises. There is however a disadvantage with a poor compatibility with the anode. The reason for poor compatibility is the building up of a passivating layer on the surface of the anode.
Polymer gel electrolytes are formed by tapping an electrolyte, i.e., an organic solvent mixture containing dissolved lithium salt, in a polymer matrix. Such a polymer matrix consists of, for example, poly(acrylontrile) (PAN), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a copolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) and hexafluoropropene (HFP) (Kynarflex(copyright)). The immobilization procedure varies from case to case and includes UV crosslinking, casting and gelation. There is no molecular interaction between these polymers and the electrolyte and the electrolyte solution, and the polymer gel electrolyte can be considered as a two-phase system.
Polymer gel electrolytes have promising properties in terms of conductivity and electrochemical stability (wide operational voltage window). In principle, these properties make the polymer gel electrolytes suitable for use in different types of high-energy lithium batteries. Many of the polymer gel electrolytes can be considered as basically two-phase materials where the polymer is a passive component acting as a rigid matrix incorporating regions of electrolyte. These is two-phase materials do not offer sufficient long-term stability due to phase separation. Another disadvantage of conventional polymer gel electrolyte is that the reliability of the battery cells is low due to their poor chemical compatibility with the electrodes. The reason for the poor compatibility is the build-up of passivation films, mainly at the interface between the negative electrode and the polymer gel electrolyte, because of the high content of organic solvent. The passivation film consists of a primary inorganic layer and a second layer of organic nature. The second layer is probably not evenly distributed over the electrode surface, and areas with varying thickness are present This second layer increases in thickness with cycling of the battery cell, and this increase is regarded as the main problem when using polymer gel electrolytes in secondary lithium polymer batteries due to the concurrent loss of capacity. Approaches to reduce the problem, by addition of inorganic and organic additives, or replacing the reactive organic solvents with less reactive ones, have not been successful.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,253 discloses a lithium ion battery with an electrolyte/separator composition comprising a vinylidene fluoride copolymer and a plasticizer. The crystalline structure of the vinylidene fluoride copolymer necessitates the introduction of plasticizers to disrupt the crystalline regions of the copolymer matrix simulating an amorphous region that leads to higher ionic conductivity. In addition, the introduction of plasticizer reduces the glass transition temperature of the polymer, allowing it to undergo melt flow or softening during the operation of the battery.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,593 teaches that the main path for ion transport in a polymer electrolyte is via the amorphous regions of a polymer matrix. Thus, decreasing the volume fraction of the crystalline regions and increasing the amorphous regions of the polymer matrix may increase the ionic conductivity of a polymeric electrolyte. The methods frequently used to achieve this are: (1) preparing a new polymer such as a copolymer or polymer with a network structure; (2) adding non-soluble additives to improve the electrolytic property; and (3) adding soluble additives to provide a new path for ionic conductivity. Polymers having high dielectric constants are good matrices for preparing polymeric electrolytes, However, because they have high glass transition temperatures or high degrees of crystallinity, they do not give desirable polymeric electrolytes. To remedy this, this document discloses a polymeric electrolyte containing no volatile components. This assures that no change in conductivity and composition occurs due to the volatilisation of some compounds contained therein. Thus, the conductivity is kept constants. The polymeric electrolytes disclosed in the document include a polar polymer matrix, a dissociable salt, and a plasticizer of polyether or polyester oligomers having terminal halogenated groups.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,796 describes a battery having a polymer electrolyte, an anode and a cathode which are passivation free. The anode consists of Li4T5O12. The electrolyte comprises a polymer host such as poly(acrylonitrile), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinyl sulphone) and poly(vinylidene fluoride), plasticized by a solution of a Li salt in an organic solvent. The cathode includes LiMn2O4, LiCoO2, LiNiO2 and LiV2O5, and derivatives thereof. The decrease of the passivating layer is achieved by the choice of the electrode and the electrolyte material. The passivating film in the lithium battery utilising poly(acrylonitrile) based electrolytes could be eliminated by using an electrode which intercalated Li at a potential higher than 1 V versus Li+/Li. It is the choice of the anode material in combination with a poly(acrylonitrile) based electrolyte which provides the passivation free surface.
WO-A1-9706207 describes a polymer gel electrolyte that can be produced as a thin film. The polymer electrolyte is made by polymerising a thin layer of a solution containing three monomers, an electrolyte salt and a plasticizer. One of the monomers is a compound having two acryloyl functionalities, another is a compound having one acryloyl or allyl functionality and also contains groups having high polarity such as a carbonate or a cyano group. Another selected monomer is a compound having one acryloyl functionality and an oligo(oxyethylene)group (xe2x80x94CH2CH2xe2x80x94O). Polymerisation results in an electrolyte film.
By the present invention the problem with passivation phenomena at the electrode surfaces is decreased and the active function of all amphiphilic graft copolymer results in a one phase system and a significantly higher ionic conductivity, as compared to present polymer electrolytes.
The present invention concerns a polymer electrolyte comprising a polymer, a metal salt and possibly at least one plasticizer or solvent, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts. The hydrophobic grafts are selected from the group of fluorinated chains of allyl chains containing at least 8 carbon atoms. The plasticizer or solvent is a high-boiling organic solvent. The polymer electrolyte has superior ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the electrodes, as compared to present polymer electrolytes. In this application, the term polymer electrolyte comprises both a gel electrolyte which contains a solvent or plasticizer and a solid electrolyte which does not contain any solvent or plasticizer.
The polymer comprised in die electrolyte of the invention is an amphiphilic graft copolymer, which is a copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic sidechains or grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone. Note that the sidechains are sometimes termed grafts in is context. Regarding a polymer gel electrolyte, this copolymer functions as an active polymer matrix, in contrast to the polymers commonly used in conventional polymer gel electrolytes, which are regarded as passive. The hydrophilic grafts of the amphiphilic graft copolymer of the invention are solubilized by the electrolyte solution and co-ordinates weakly to the cations. This ensures a high solubility of the copolymer, and that the polymer gel electrolyte will not phase separate at a macroscopic level in battery operation.
When a solid polymer electrolyte is concerned, the copolymer also functions as an active polymer matrix, not only in the coordination of cations, as for conventional solid polymer electrolytes, but also by attracting anions and improving the ion dissociation of the salt in the solid polymer electrolyte. The hydrophilic grafts of the amphiphilic graft copolymer of the invention solubilize the salt by the co-ordination of the cations. This ensures a nigh solubility of die lithium salt in the solid polymer electrolyte.
Referring to the polymer electrolyte according to the invention, the hydrophobic grafts of the amphiphilic graft copolymer of the invention may solubilize lipophilic anions of for example a lithium salt, which, together with weak cation co-ordination properties of the hydrophilic segments, will improve the salt dissociation and lithium ion transport number. As a result a higher ionic conductivity is obtained for the polymer electrolyte of the invention, as compared to the commonly used polymer electrolytes disclosed elsewhere.
The invention also concerns a polymer battery cell comprising a cathode, an anode, and a polymer electrolyte comprising a metal salt, a polymer and possibly at least one plasticizer or solvent, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts.
Further, the invention relates to a method of producing said polymer electrolyte.
The present invention will solve the problems with ion conductivity, phase separation of an electrolyte, passivating films on electrodes and give batteries with longer product lifes.
The present invention concerns a polymer electrolyte comprising a polymer, a metal salt and possibly at least one plasticizer or solvent wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone, wherein the hydrophobic grafts are selected from the group of fluorinated chains or alkyl chains containing at least 8 carbon atoms. These chains show strong hydrophobicity which give the necessary properties to the polymer. The hydrophobic grafts and the hydrophilic grafts are situated in different monomer units in the polymer.
The polymer electrolyte of the present invention is unique in the sense that the strongly hydrophobic segments characteristic of the graft copolymer have a stimulating effect on the ion-conductive process. By structural design of an amphiphilic graft copolymer it is possible to attain a polymer electrolyte that is active in the solvation of the electrolyte salt, and in the coordination of ionic species in competition with the solvent, if a solvent is present. The amphiphilic polymer is also oriented in a way which is advantageous for preventing passivating films in battery cells.
In addition to an improved conductivity when using the polymer electrolyte concept of the present invention, an improved compatibility towards die electrode surfaces can be addressed by the amphiphilic graft copolymer in, the electrolyte. It is commonly believed that anionic species can form oligomers on the electrode surfaces and these organic species are not evenly distributed on the electrode surfaces, but are thought to form domains of varying thickness. These domains are commonly regarded as parts of the second passivation layer formed during cycling of the lithium polymer battery. Reducing the growth of these oligomers means reducing passivation films and this will result in improved battery performance when the electrolyte is applied in a lithium polymer battery. The amphiphilic nature of the copolymer, having strong hydrophobic and hydrophilic grafts, results in a self-organizing effect of the grafts in the electrolyte reducing the passivation phenomena at the electrode surfaces.
The amphiphilic graft copolymer of the invention comprises a main-chain (backbone) carrying hydrophilic (polar) side-chains as well as hydrophobic (nonpolar) side-chains (grafts), wherein the hydrophobic grafts are selected from the group of fluorinated chains or alkyl chains containing at least 8 carbon atoms. The hydrophobic grafts could also be selected among olefins carrying methyl groups, olefins carrying siloxanes and olefins crying aromatic groups. The backbone in the polymer is a polyacrylate or polymethacrylate. The hydrophilic segments preferably consist of oligo(ethylene oxide) chains, but other hydrophilic chains may be used, such as, for example oligo(propylene oxide) chains. According to a preferred embodiment the hydrophobic segments comprise fluorinated alkyl chains, fluorinated aryl chains or alkyl groups having at least 8 carbon atom, most preferred fluorinated alkyl chains. A preferred amphiphilic graft copolymer used for preparation of the polymer electrolyte has the following structure:
wherein:
z, y and v refer to the composition given as weight percent of the total weight of the polymer, the value of z may vary from 5 to 90 weight percent, y is in the range of 5 to 95 weight percent, and v is in the range of 0 to 90 weight percent;
n is an integer with a value in the range of 5 to 35, and
R1 is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, preferably C1-5 alkyl.
R2 is selected from the group consisting of a fluorinated C1-20 alkyl.
Preferably the value of z may vary from 10 to 80 weight percent, y is in the range of 10 to 90 weight percent, and v is in the range of 0 to 50 weight percent. R2 is preferably selected from a fluorinated C1-10 alkyl.
z, y and v may vary as has been described above. The content of the oligo(ethylene oxide) is important. n, which is the integer for the repeating number of oligo(ethylene oxide) may vary between 5 and 35. If n is large, then y can have a small value in the interval, as well as if n is small, y can have a large value. However, it is the balance between the hydrophilic parts and the hydrophobic parts in die copolymer that is important for the ion conductivity. For example, if n=2 and v=0, then y should not be less than 40 wt % and z not less than 15 wt %, if n=9 and v=0, then y should not be less than 15 wt % and z not less than 10 wt % and if n=23 and v=0, then y should not be less than 11 wt % and z not less than 10 wt %.
The salt used in the polymer electrolyte is preferably a lithium salt.
When a polymer gel electrolyte is concerned, the polymer electrolyte comprises a polymer, a metal salt and at least one plasticizer or solvent, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone. In order to give the polymer the strong hydrophobicity, the hydrophobic groups are selected from fluorinated chains or alkyl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms.
In conventional polymer gel electrolytes, the ionic conductivity is attributed to the transport of cations and anions in the liquid component of the polymer gel electrolyte. The microscopic viscosity of the polymer gel electrolyte is the main limiting factor for the ionic conductivity in the polymer gel electrolyte. In polymer gel electrolytes, a strong coordination between the polymer and the cation similar to that commonly encountered in solid polymer electrolytes will not be favorable, because the ion transport process inherent to the polymer chains is slower than that in the liquid component of the electrolyte due to slow segmental motions. Consequently, short poly(ethylene oxide) grafts, i.e. hydrophilic grafts, connected to the polymer backbone are more favorable from the conduction point of view because of a weaker coordination to the cation of the salt as compared to long poly(ethylene oxide) grafts. In addition, long poly(ethylene oxide) grafts, such as, for example those having a molecular weight of 2000, will aggregate and crystallize which will inflict negatively on the ion conductivity. The strong polar nature of the poly(ethylene oxide) side chains ensures that the gel electrolyte of the invention will be homogeneous and form a stable one phase system. By having the hydrophilic grafts and the hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms an increased mobility is achieved, which is advantageous in both the gel electrolyte and the solid electrolyte.
Because of the incorporation of strongly hydrophobic segments, selected from the groups mentioned above, into the graft copolymer used in die polymer gel electrolyte of the invention, an increased amphiphilic nacre of the graft copolymer results, which stimulates an increased ionic conductivity in the polymer gel electrolyte formed from the polymer. The strongly hydrophobic groups of the copolymer are preferably fluorinated alkyl chains, fluorinated aryl chains or aryl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms. The amphiphilic character of the graft copolymers induces self-organisation at the electrode surfaces. The nature of the electrode surfaces will determine the type of organisation. The amphiphilic graft copolymers will interact advantageously with the solvent or plasticizer at the electrode surfaces, which results in a decrease of growth of die passivation film with an improved capacity for the whole battery system as a result.
The fact that amphiphilic graft copolymers of the type and compositions disclosed in the present invention can have an active role and facilitate the ionic transport processes in a polymer gel electrolyte is a flew finding.
When a solid polymer electrolyte is concerned, the polymer electrolyte comprises a polymer, and a metal salt, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone. As in the case with gel electrolyte, the hydrophobic groups are selected from fluorinated chains or alkyl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms. The solid polymer electrolyte does not contain any plasticizer or solvent.
Generally, as noted in numerous publications in the last decade, poly(ethylene oxide) segments easily coordinate to lithium cations and this co-ordination is the reason for the ion conduction process in solid polymer electrolytes. In conventional polymer gel electrolytes, the ionic conductivity is attributed to the transport of cations and anions in the liquid component of the polymer gel electrolyte. In solid polymer electrolytes, the polymer need to include a sufficiently hydrophilic content in order to solubilize the metal salt, responsible for the ion conduction.
In certain battery applications, as for example in electric vehicles, the necessity for safe and highly reliable systems make the presence of volatile components impossible. Therefore, the use of solid polymer electrolytes is in favor of polymer gel electrolytes that contains volatile plasticizers, despite their somewhat lower ionic conductivity.
Because of the incorporation of strongly hydrophobic segments into the graft copolymer used in the solid polymer electrolyte of the invention, an increased amphiphilic nature of the graft copolymer results, which stimulates au increased ionic conductivity in the solid polymer electrolyte formed from the polymer. By structural design of an amphiphilic graft copolymer it is possible to attain a solid polymer electrolyte that is active in the solvation of the electrolyte salt. The strongly hydrophobic groups of the copolymer are preferably fluorinated alkyl chains, fluorinated aryl chains or alkyl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms.
The fact that amphiphilic graft copolymers of the type and compositions disclosed in the present invention can have an active role in the sense of increasing the ion dissociation of the metal salt, which results in a facilitated ion transport process in the solid polymer electrolyte, is a new finding.
The polymer electrolyte may also be crosslinked.
The invention also concerns a polymer battery cell comprising a cathode, an anode and a polymer electrolyte comprising a metal salt a polymer and possibly at least one plasticizer or solvent, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone, wherein the hydrophobic grafts are selected from the group of fluorinated chains or alkyl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms. Further examples are olefins carrying methyl groups, olefins carrying siloxanes and olefins carrying aromatic groups.
The polymer used in die electrolyte in the battery cell according to the polymer described above and the electrolyte may be a solid polymer electrolyte or a polymer gel electrolyte as described above. A battery using the cells according to the invention comprising the amphiphilic copolymer will have a good ionic conductivity, and the problem with passivation films will be reduced and thereby will a battery comprising the cells according to the invention have a prolonged product life, since the formation of passivation films will be limited.
The metal salt used in the electrolyte according to die battery cell is preferably a lithium salt.
The graft copolymer used in the polymer electrolyte, according to the invention, may be synthesized by free-radical copolymerization techniques, using a combination of monomers and macromonomers. The monomers and macromonomers used preferably contain an acryl or methacryl functionality, which when polymerized fort a polyacrylate or polymethacrylate backbone. Other polymerization techniques may be used, and the present invention is not limited to the use of polymerization method presented in this text.
Additionally, an object with the invention is a method of producing a polymer electrolyte according to above, wherein an anhydrous salt is dissolved in at least one first anhydrous solvent or plasticizer forming a first solution and that an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone, wherein the hydrophobic grafts are selected from the groups of flourinated chains or alkyl chains, having at least 8 carbon atoms is either
1) dissolved in the first solution forming a polymer gel electrolyte, or
2) dissolved in at least one second solvent or plasticizer forming a second solution which is mixed with the first solution, where after the solvent is slowly evaporated, forming a solid polymer electrolyte.
It is important to first produce the amphiphilic graft copolymer according to the present invention and then form the polymer electrolyte. In this way a more preferable morphology can be achieved, which is important for the compatibility with the electrodes and the ion conductivity in the system. By using this method the molecular weight can be controlled, together with the composition and conformation of the graft copolymer. The purity of the polymer will also be much higher ensuring that no reactive monomers will remain in the polymer electrolyte, as compared to when polymerizing directly in the liquid component of the electrolyte.
When producing a polymer gel electrolyte, an anhydrous salt is dissolved in at least one first anhydrous solvent or plasticizer forming a first solution and then an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone is dissolved in the first solution forming a polymer gel electrolyte. The graft copolymer was dissolved in the solution comprising the salt for a period of time until the polymer gel electrolyte was completely homogenous.
When producing a solid polymer electrolyte, an anhydrous salt is dissolved in at least one first anhydrous solvent or plasticizer forming a first solution and then an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone caring hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone is dissolved in at least one second solvent or plasticizer forming a second solution which is mixed with die first solution, where after the solvent is slowly evaporated, forming a solid polymer electrolytes. That is, the anhydrous salt and the graft copolymer were dissolved separately in at least one anhydrous solvent, forming homogenous mixtures. The two mixtures where then blended. The solvent in the mixture containing polymer, solvent and salt was allowed to evaporate slowly. When a preferable viscosity could be detected, the polymer electrolyte solution was solvent cast on a plate. The solvent was allowed to evaporate slowly which resulted in a solid polymer electrolyte film.
The polymer electrolytes may be applied in any conventional way, where the polymer is first prepared and then an electrolyte is produced.
Many different salts and mixtures of salts can be used for preparation of the polymer electrolyte of the present invention, i.e., both the solid and the gel is polymer electrolyte. As preferred examples are given salts of Lewis acid complexes such as LiAsF6, LiPF6, LiBF4 and LiSbF6; and sulfonic acid salts, such as LiCF3SO3, LiC(CF3SO2)3, LiC(CH3)(CF3SO2)2, LiCH(CF3SO2) 2, LiCH2(CF3SO2), LiC2F5SO3, LiN(C2F5SO2)2, LiN(CF3SO2) 2, LiB(CF3SO2)2 and LiO(CF3SO2). The choice of salts for the preparation of the polymer gel electrolyte is not limited to the examples given above. Other conceivable salt types include LiClO4, LiCF3CO3, NaClO3, NaBF4, NaSCN, KBF4, Mg(ClO4)2 and MgBF4)2, as well as any salt being used in conventional electrolytes can be employed. As noted previously, the various salts exemplified above may be used in combination The salt preferably used are a lithium salt selected from a group consisting of LiPF6, LiAsF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, LiN(CF3SO2)2, and lithium salts of the perfluoro-sulfonate family such as LiSO3CF3, LiSO3(CF2)3CF3 and LiSO3(CF2)9CH3.
A polymer gel electrolyte contains, in addition to the polymer and the salt, a solvent or plasticizer, which is responsible for electrolytic transport properties of the gel. Many combinations of solvents and salts are possible to use for the polymer gel electrolyte of the invention. These solvents may also be used when producing either a polymer gel electrolyte or a solid polymer electrolyte.
Solvents used for preparation of the polymer electrolyte of the invention and comprised in the polymer gel electrolyte of the invention include ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, methylethyl carbonate, g-butyrolactone g-butylene carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-ethoxymethoxyethane, dioxylane, sulfolane, methyl glyme, methyl triglyme, methyl tetraglyine, ethyl glyme, ethyl diglyme, butyl diglyme and etherified oligomers of ethylene oxide, and mixtures of said solvents. Other solvents of choice include modified carbonates, and substituted cyclic and non-cyclic esters, preferable methyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl carbonate, di(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate and methyl-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl carbonate
The polymer electrolyte disclosed in the present invention is preferably used as electrolyte in batteries, condensers, sensors, electrochromic devices, and semiconductor devices and the invention also refers to use of the polymer electrolyte according to above as electrolyte in batteries, condensers, sensors, electrochromic devices, and semiconductor devices. The solid polymer electrolyte is for example used in batteries in electric vehicles. In general, a battery consists of an anode, prepared from an active, positive electrode material, an electrolyte, and a cathode prepared from an active, negative electrode material. Often it can be advantageous to use a mechanical separator between the anode and the cathode, to prevent accidental contacts between the electrodes, leading to short-circuit. When the polymer gel electrolyte of the invention is crosslinked and applied in a battery, the polymer gel electrolyte itself can function as the mechanical separator in the battery cell. Though the polymer gel electrolyte of the invention can be used as a membrane in a battery cell, it may be used crosslinked or either not crosslinked, after filler is dispersed therein or after it is combined with a porous separator to prepare a mechanically stable composite. Examples of the separators include glass fiber filters; nonwoven fabric filters made of fibers of polymers such as polyester, Teflon, Polyflon, polypropylene and polyethylene; and other nonwoven fabric filters made of mixtures of glass fibers and the above polymeric fibers.
The mechanical properties of the polymer electrolyte of the present invention can be improved by introducing crosslinks in the polymer structure, by, for example, thermally or radiation induced radical polymerization. Polymerizable reactive groups can be introduced into the polymer structure by reactions carried out during or after the synthesis of the amphiphilic polymer. An example of a synthesis procedure for introducing reactive groups is, in a fast step, the use of glycol methacrylate as a comonomer during polymerization of the amphiphilic graft copolymer. In a second step, an allyl group is coupled to the copolymer by the reaction of allylchlorodimethylsilane with the hydroxyl site in the copolymer. The resulting copolymer may then be cured in the electrolyte solution using u.v. radiation and, for example, benzophenone as a photo initiator. Curing can also be performed using a solvent carrier whereby the solvent is removed before introducing the electrolyte solution. There is no specific limitation on the chemical compound that can be applied in the invention for introducing crosslinks, and any compound capable of undergoing chemical reaction such as thermal polymerization or active light polymerization (photo-polymerization) to produce crosslinks can be employed.
Commonly, formation of a polymer electrolyte membrane is performed by using monomers having different functionality which can be polymerized and crosslinked at the same time forming a stable polymer network in the electrolyte. However, this type of preparation method of a copolymer and an electrolyte does not give a well-defined polymer structure and the polymer structure can not be optimized for a given function, when applied in, for example, a battery. Using a pre-polymer well defied in the structure and crosslinking performed in the electrolyte, as a second step, gives the opportunity to functionalize the polymer towards a given purpose when applied as a polymer gel electrolyte, as shown by the present invention.
Examples of the positive electrode materials used for the battery cell of the invention include transition metal oxides, such as V2O5, MnO2 and CoO2; transition metal sulfide, such as TiS2, MoS2 and Co2S5; transition metal chalcogen compounds; and complex compounds of these metal compounds and Li (i.e. Li complex oxides), such as LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiCoxNi1-xO2 (0 less than x less than 1), LiMn2-aXaO4 and LiMn2-a-bXaYbO4(0 less than a less than 2, 0 less than b less than 2, 0 less than a+b less than 2). Examples of electroconductive materials include one-dimensional graphitization products (thermal polymerization products of organic materials); fluorocarbons; graphites; and electroconductive polymers having an electrical conductivity of not less than 10xe2x88x922 S/cm, such as polyaniline, polyimide, polypyrrole, polypyridine, polyphenylene, polyacetylene, polyazulene, polyphthalocyamine, poly-3-methylthiophene, and polydiphenylbenzidine, and derivatives of these conductive polymers.
Examples of negative electrode active materials used for the battery cell of the invention include metallic materials, such as lithium, lithium-aluminium alloy, lithium-tin alloy and lithium-magnesium alloy; carbons (including graphite type and non-graphite type); carbon-boron substituted substances (BC2N); and intercalation materials capable of occluding lithium ion, such as fin oxide. Particular examples of the carbons include calcined graphites calcined pitch, calcined coke, calcined synthetic polymer and calcined natural polymers. Examples of positive current collectors for use in the invention include metal sheets, metal foils, metal nets, punching metals, expanded metals, metal plated fibers, metallized wires, and nets or nonwoven fabrics made of metal containing synthetic fibers. Examples of metals used for these positive current collectors include stainless steel, gold, platinum, nickel, aluminum, molybdenum and titanium.
The battery cell according to the invention will give a better ion conductivity and a battery with a more stable electrolyte. The passivation phenomena will be prevented which will give a battery a longer product life. The amount plasticizer or solvent may be decreased in the polymer gel electrolyte according to the invention, compared to conventional polymer gel electrolytes, which is a an advantage from the view of safety because the plasticizers are volatile components. The reason for a decrease in the amount plasticizer is because of the higher conductivity in the polymer gel electrolyte according to the invention and that the ethylene oxide chains have a plasticizing effect. The polymer used in the polymer gel electrolyte according to the invention may also be used as a binder or a separator in a battery.
The invention also concerns die use of a battery cell in a mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone, personal pager, and portable computer.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to die following examples.
The graft copolymers used in the examples were synthesized by radical copolymerisation techniques using monomers and macromonomers. The grafts are always situated on different monomers units, which improves the effect of the copolymer. The polymerization process was initiated with a radical initiator, carried out at a constant temperature, and subjected to N2 to ensure an oxygen free environment. After the synthesis the reaction mixture was filtrated to remove gel particles before removing residual monomers. The graft copolymers were characterized with respect to structure by 1H NMR.

Polymer electrolyte, a battery cell comprising the electrolyte and method of producing the electrolyte


The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical device cover that shuts the power off to the device when the cover is open. The power is re-activated when the cover is closed using a cam device.

Electrical boxes and housings are typically used to house electrical termination devices such as electrical receptacles and data/communication jacks which terminate wires running thereinto. These termination devices are provided so as to permit connection of electrical wires and cables terminated by complimentary termination devices such as plugs and the like.
With many electrical boxes, especially those which are used to house termination devices positioned within a floor or wall, it is desirable to construct the box to provide easy access for inserting the plug yet is not interfering.
A typical exterior electrical box has a cover which is pivoted to an open position to reveal the various power and signal components which are terminated therein.
In a typical electrical box power is continually supplied to the receptacle within the box. If covered, the user must open the cover, pull the plug into the box, locate the receptacle, and properly align and connect the plug to the receptacle in the confined space of the box. All this occurs with minimal viewing ability to assist in confirming the connection without damage or injury. There is no provision to shut the power off using the action of the cover.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide an electrical box which allows for easy access and viewability of the receptacle and connections therein, and provide a safety mechanism which will cut the power when the cover is open and provide power when the cover is closed.

While-in-use electrical box that shuts power off to the device when cover is open


A fluid cutting tool and method for perforating or severing tubular members from inside. The tool is especially suited for use with a rotational drive system, such as a downhole motor, to separate downhole structures, such as stuck production tubing. The cutting tool preferably takes the form of an elongate metal body with an open first end connectable to the end of a downhole motor. The downhole end of the tool may be conical. A fluid conduit within the body of the tool communicates with the fluid channel in the downhole motor. Ports in the sides of the tool body direct jets of cutting fluid out the side of the tool. The tool attached to the motor is fed downhole until the tool is at the desired location in the well. Then the motor is operated to rotate the tool while cutting fluid is pumped through it. This causes the jets of fluid to be directed at the inner surface of the production tubing (or other tubular structure). This process is continued until the tubing is perforated or severed, as needed.

The present invention relates generally to cutting tools and, more particularly, to cutting tools that employ fluid as the cutting element.
In the oil and gas industry, it is often necessary to cut, perforate or separate tubular members downhole. For example, when a drill pipe becomes stuck, the drill string must be severed above the stuck point so that the upper portion can be removed. It is sometimes desirable to sever casing or tubing downhole to make repairs or withdraw the tubing from a well that is being abandoned. Occasionally, the tubing or casing may need to be perforated downhole to improve recovery from a formation. Various cutting devices have been used for these purposes. Chemical cutters may be used, but have temperature and pressure limitations. Mechanical cutters may be used, but have size and strength limitations.
The present invention is directed to a cutting tool. The tool comprises a body formed by a wall and having a longitudinal axis and a fluid conduit. At least one port is formed in the body in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, so that the port is positioned to direct fluid from the fluid conduit through the wall of the body at an angle to the longitudinal axis.
The present invention further comprises a cutting tool assembly. The assembly includes a cutting tool comprising a body formed by a wall and having a first end and a second end. The body has a longitudinal axis and comprises a fluid conduit. At least one port is formed in the body in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, so that the port is positioned to direct fluid from the fluid conduit through the wall of the body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the body. The assembly further includes a rotational drive system with a first end and a second end. The first end is connectable to a drive source, and the second end is connectable to the first end of the cutting tool.
Still further, the present invention includes a method of cutting a tubular member having a lumen defined by a sidewall with an inner surface. The method comprises directing a jet of fluid from within the lumen of the tubular member at the inner surface of the sidewall in a circumferential motion until the sidewall is at least partially cut.

Cutting tool and method for cutting tubular member


A method and apparatus for replacing a boot ROM and programmable fuses using a non-volatile memory and an interposer is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an integrated circuit (IC) implementing one or more processor cores. The apparatus further includes a non-volatile memory configured to store configuration settings and boot code for the IC. The apparatus further includes an interposer. Both of the IC and the non-volatile memory are mounted on a substrate of the interposer. The IC and the non-volatile memory are electrically coupled to one another through the substrate. During a system boot, the IC may access boot code and configuration settings from the non-volatile memory via electrical connections in the substrate that are externally inaccessible.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure is directed to electronic systems, and more particularly, systems for storing boot code and configuration settings for computer processors.
2. Description of the Related Art
During the start up of a computer system, a processor executes a group of instructions commonly known as boot code. The boot code contains the initial instructions executed by the processor upon being powered up. These instructions may be used to perform various tasks such as performing self-tests, locating and initiating communications with peripheral devices, and locating and loading an operating system. This procedure is commonly referred to as a boot up. Additionally, a processor may access various configuration settings during boot up. Such configuration settings may include operating voltages, operating clock frequencies, information regarding power states, and information regarding portions of the processor that may be enabled or disabled.
Boot code may be implemented on a read-only memory (ROM). Similarly, configuration settings may be accessed by reading a set of programmable fuses also implemented on the processor. The ROM storing the boot code (the 'boot ROM') may be implemented on the same integrated circuit die as the remainder of the processor. Changes to the boot code for future instances of the processor may be accomplished by changing masks used during fabrication of the integrated circuit upon which it is to be implemented. The programmable fuses may also be implemented on the same die using fuses that are typically one-time programmable.

Integrated circuit boot code and fuse storage implemented on interposer-mounted non-volatile memory


The device for fastening footgear to a sports implement, particularly to a cross-country ski or to a ski mounted on rollers or to a ski for Telemark skiing or to a ski for mountain skiing, has the peculiarity of including at least one means for adjustable elastic contrast to the rotation of the footgear with respect to the sports implement.

The present invention relates to a device for fastening footgear to a sports implement.
Fastenings associated with skis and suitable for temporarily associating footgear are currently known; in particular, fastenings which allow the rotation of the footgear at an axis which is transverse with respect to the tip in sports which require the rotation of the foot, are known.
Said sports may therefore be cross-country skiing, roller-skiing, Telemark skiing and mountain skiing.
Said known fastenings require rotation contrasting means, such as springs or elastically deformable parts made of plastics, accommodated inside the fastening or in adapted seats.
The disadvantage which can be observed in said known types of fastenings consists of the fact that in practice it is difficult to vary the rotation contrast.
It is in fact unthinkable, due both to operating difficulties and to difficulties in the assembly of the various components, to replace the springs; in those cases in which an adjusting of the springs is indeed provided, said adjusting can be achieved only by using specific tools or by using complicated systems which can increase the weight of the fastening.
The use of elastically deformable and replaceable parts forces the user to have a plurality of spares with different degrees of hardness; this solution is in any case extremely disadvantageous because the skier is forced to keep the parts, for example, in a pocket; the spare parts can thus be lost and will deteriorate in the course of time.
The known fastenings are furthermore not aerodynamically advantageous, and also not aesthetically pleasant.

Device for fastening footgear to a sports implement


A communications system including at least one user device, configured to access a plurality of services in a session. An information store stores information defining an amount of money for the user device. A controller requests at least a portion of the amount of money to be reserved and controls the allocation of the reserved portion of money between the plurality of services.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Telecommunications networks typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various elements of the network are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. For example, the standard or specification may define whether the user, or more precisely, user equipment or terminal is provided with circuit switched and/or packet switched service. The standard or specification may also define the communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection. In other words, the standards and/or specifications define the "rules" on which the communication can be based. Examples of the different standards and/or specifications for wireless communication include, without limiting to these, specifications such as GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) or various GSM based systems (such as GPRS: General Packet Radio Service), AMPS (American Mobile Phone System), DAMPS (Digital AMPS), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or TD/CDMA in UMTS (Time Division/Code Division Multiple Access in Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), IMT 2000 and so on.
In known wireless telecommunications systems such as GSM, GPRS and the proposed third generation system UMTS, a user can pay for calls and services in one of two ways. Firstly, the user is billed for the calls and services that the user has used or made. This occurs after the user has made the call or used the service. Secondly, the user makes a payment in advance. As the user makes calls or uses service, the amount held on account is reduced. The user can top up or replenish the account in various different ways.
In the pay in advance environment (sometimes referred to as pay-as-you go or pre-payment), an entity is provided which stores the amount of money which the user currently has left. As the user makes calls or uses services, the stored amount is debited by the amount used. In some systems, when a user starts to make a call or use a service, a given amount of the stored amount is reserved for the service. If necessary, it is possible to reserve further amounts. When a call or service is completed, any unused portion of the reserved amount is returned to the stored amount. The stored amount is thus updated to reflect the amount of money used.
However, the issue of how to deal with access to a number of different services in a single session in the context of a prepaid environment has not been addressed.
Another problem is that the entity responsible for storing the amount used may in some UMTS systems use the CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic) protocol. However this protocol cannot handle monetary amounts.
A further problem is that the amount of communication with the entity responsible for charging should be kept to a minimum. If the signaling is not minimized the capacity of this entity would need to be increased. This would increase the cost of the entity, which is in any event costly. In any case minimizing signaling is always desirable.
A further problem relates to the reservation of an amount. If too small an amount is reserved, then the amount of signaling required is increased. If too large an amount is reserved, then the user may not have enough money for anything else or even enough money for the reservation.


A hand-held ski carrier includes a rigid base member, a handle projecting from a central portion of the base member, and at least one jaw. Each jaw preferably comprises an outer side member which extends from a lateral side portion of the base member, and an inner side member which is disposed between the outer side member and the handle and which extends generally vertically from the base member in parallel with the outer side member. The handle is rotatable with respect to the base member, and a cam member is mounted on the handle and is adapted to rotate with the handle from a first, neutral position to a second position in which it drives the upper portions of at least one of the inner and outer side members towards the other member to close the jaw.

The present invention relates to a device for carrying elongated objects, and, more particularly, relates to a hand-held device for carrying skis and poles.
Skis and ski-poles are difficult to transport by hand since their length makes them somewhat cumbersome to carry. This problem is compounded by the fact that several such objects must be transported simultaneously. Various hand-held carriers have been proposed which attempt to solve or at least alleviate these problems. One such carrier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,665, which issued to J. Covell on Nov. 9, 1976. This device includes a rectangular base member, a handle which is attached to a central portion of the base member via a support member, and a pair of "wings" which are hinged at their lower ends to lateral edges of the base members. When using this device, the user must position the skis between the handle and the wings and then pivot the wings from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position in which the skis and poles are held between the base member and the wing members. The user then inserts a bar laterally through the wing members and the support member to prevent removal of the skis from the carrier. Then, the user must thread a cable-lock through the bar to prevent the wings from opening and to allow carrying of the device.
While this carrier facilitates insertion and removal of skis, it suffers from several disadvantages which hinder its effectiveness. For example, the skis must be held in place while the wings are pivoted into position. Moreover, both wings must be held in place while the bar is inserted through the wings. These operations require considerable dexterity since the user must simultaneously position or hold the carrier and insert the skis within the device. Both hands are also required to close and lock the carrier. Moreover, the carrier is essentially useless without the cable lock since it cannot be carried unless the lock holds the wings in place.