Techniques are described herein that are capable of provisioning and/or synchronizing a data store using common metadata. For instance, a common instance of metadata may be used in lieu of multiple instances of the metadata that correspond to respective items in the data store for indicating a time at which the data store was provisioned. Each time a change occurs with respect to an item in a data table of the data store after provisioning of the data store, a record may be added or updated in a corresponding tracking table. When a request is made for changes that have occurred with respect to the items in a data table, the common instance of the metadata may be used to generate a record in the corresponding tracking table for each item in the data table that did not change since the data store was provisioned.

Nodes in a networked system often include data stores. Data from a source node may be copied to a target node using a process referred to as synchronization. Data stores in the source node (i.e., source data stores) typically are provisioned before those data stores are synchronized with data stores in the target node (i.e., target data stores). Provisioning is a process in which information (e.g., metadata) regarding a data store is gathered, so that the information may be used during synchronization of the data store.
A variety of techniques have been proposed for provisioning and synchronizing data stores. However, each such technique has its limitations. In one example, state based techniques have been developed that provide a fixed state for each item in a source data store. Accordingly, such techniques typically maintain a one-to-one mapping between items in the source data store and instances of metadata that correspond to those respective items, at least until an item is deleted from the source data store. For instance, if item(s) are deleted from the source data store, the corresponding instances of metadata remain in the database. Thus, it is possible for a number of instances of the metadata to exceed a number of the items in the source data store. Metadata that corresponds to items that have been deleted from a source data store are referred to as "tombstones". Although state based techniques may support deletion of tombstones, such techniques often utilize a relatively great amount of data storage space, which increases as data is added to the source data store. Moreover, some functionalities such as "fast-init" employ metadata "fixup" for items in a source data store that are synchronized with a target data store. Metadata fixup is a process in which instances of metadata that correspond to respective items in a source data store are serially updated during provisioning of the source data store. Metadata fixup may consume a substantial amount of time and/or processing resources.
In another example, event based techniques have been developed that track events that occur with respect to the networked system to determine which items in a source data store are changed as a result of the events. For instance, a file based event technique may track calls to a CreateFile application programming interface (API). Each event leads to creation of metadata that tracks changes that occur with respect to the networked system. In a subsequent synchronization operation, a data structure (e.g., a queue) is examined for metadata created due to such events, and the data corresponding to the metadata is synchronized. In event based techniques, the amount of metadata is proportional to the number of events that occur with respect to the networked system. However in a net-changes synchronization scenario, in which the items in a source data store may be sent once, additional processing may be performed to optimize and compress events that correspond to the same set of data.

Provisioning and/or synchronizing using common metadata


A GPS receiver having a normal mode to receive GPS satellite signals and to provide location information, and a low power standby mode. A microprocessor system in the GPS receiver causes the GPS receiver to alternate between the normal mode and the low power standby mode in order to reduce the average power consumption in the GPS receiver. In the normal mode a GPS antenna receives GPS satellite signals, the GPS frequency downconverter converts the frequency of the GPS satellite signals to an intermediate frequency, a digital signal processing system processes the intermediate frequency to provide GPS satellite signal correlation information. The microprocessor system processes the correlation information and provides location information to a user. In the standby mode, the operating power is inhibited in the GPS antenna and the GPS frequency downconverter, the system clock is inhibited in the digital processing system, and the microprocessor clock is inhibited in the microprocessor system.

Global Positioning System is a navigation and position service offering worldwide, 24 hour coverage. The Global Positioning System (GPS) includes GPS satellites to broadcast GPS satellite signals, control stations to monitor and control the satellites, and a GPS receiver. The GPS receiver demodulates the GPS satellite signals, calculates a pseudorange for each GPS satellite that it receives, and computes a location and a time of observation. A GPS antenna that is a part of the GPS receiver must have a line of sight to a GPS satellite to receive a GPS signal from that satellite.
GPS satellites broadcast two types of location information, P code and C/A code. P-code is intended for use by the United States military and by agencies specifically authorized by the United States military. P-code is encrypted by a Y-code to prevent its unauthorized use. C/A is available to everyone without charge. The C/A code is carried on an L1 carrier at approximately 1.575 GHz. Each GPS satellite modulates C/A code information with a PRN sequence that is unique to the individual GPS satellite. The GPS receiver receives a GPS signal that is a superposition of the GPS satellite signals from all the GPS satellites having a line of sight. The unique PRN sequence enables the GPS receiver to differentiate the GPS signal from each GPS satellite. The GPS receiver computes a pseudorange for each GPS satellite by comparing the time of arrival of the PRN sequence against an internal time standard. The carrier frequency for each GPS satellite signal will vary according to Doppler shift from motion of the GPS satellite and GPS receiver. A description of GPS C/A code is set forth in GPS Interface Control Document ICD-GPS-200, published by Rockwell International Division, Revision A, 26 Sep. 1984, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Commercial GPS receivers are now used for many applications involving timing, navigation, tracking, surveying, and geographical information systems. Some of these applications require that the GPS receiver be carried by an individual user. Typically, where the GPS receiver is carded by an individual user, the user will not have operating access to the power grid or other external power source. Existing GPS receivers intended for handheld or carried applications use batteries for a power source. A limitation of existing GPS receivers intended for carried applications is that the power consumption requires frequent changing or charging of batteries, or large and heavy batteries. Power consumption in existing handheld GPS receivers such as those available from Trimble, Garmin, Sony, Motorola, Panasonic, Rockwell, and Magellan is typically one to two watts. These GPS receivers operate for two to six hours using three to six AA size Alkaline or Nickel Cadmium batteries as recommended by the manufacturers. Existing survey GPS receivers intended to be luggable, such as a Trimble 4000SST, operate for 4 to 8 hours using a battery weighing a few pounds.
Some users extend use time in a GPS receiver by manually cycling power. A limitation of manually cycling power is that users often forget to cycle power off and do not realize their error until the batteries are depleted. GPS receivers are also used or being considered for use by the United States Forest Service to track elk, by marine biologists to track elephant seals (when the seals are on the water surface or on land), and by the FBI to track crime suspects and parolees. A second limitation in these applications is that no user is present to manually cycle power.
A handheld GPS receiver available with a model name Pronav 100 uses six disposable alkaline batteries or a rechargeable battery pack. It also allows the use of an external power source to provide continuous navigation microprocessor updates. The Pronav 100 has a "Battery Saver Mode" operable on six alkaline batteries for fourteen hours with a "QuickFix Mode" which automatically completes four location fixes per hour. Under most dynamic circumstances, use of QuickFix to obtain four position fixes per hour is not satisfactory. The usefulness of the Pronav 100 is limited because the length of battery life is likely to be greatly shortened when the limited operations allowable under the "Battery Saver Mode" or "QuickFix Mode are not sufficient to satisfy the position accuracy requirements.
Another handheld GPS receiver, the Magellan NAV 1000, is powered by six AA alkaline batteries. For the purpose of reducing power consumption and extending the life of the batteries, a "PowerSaveR" mode is provided under which the receiver can be manually turned on to compute a location fix. After the location fix is stored as the last fix, the receiver turns itself off. The receiver can also operate continuously and automatically revert to PowerSaveR mode when a "battery low" condition is detected. The NAV 1000 also allows the units to operate on an external power source. The user's manual includes the instruction not to collect almanac information in handheld operation using the battery because of the concern for battery life. The NAV 1000 is probably less useful due to this limitation. The Trimble Ensign GPS receiver uses automatic on/off power cycling to the RF circuits to provide a mode where location fixes are available at less frequent intervals with less power consumption. However, the maximum off time is less than five seconds which severely limits the power savings.
Typical GPS receivers include the GPS antenna, a GPS engine, one or more user input devices, one or more user output devices, a user microprocessor system to operate the input devices and the output devices, and a power supply. Some existing low power GPS receivers use a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for the user output device, and electro-mechanical or touchscreen key switches. Electro-mechanical key switches, where pressing a key completes an electrical connection, are often preferred for low power applications because no power is used except when a key is pressed. An LCD consumes little power in a display but consumes substantial power in a backlight if a backlight is used. Low power GPS receivers having backlit displays generally have a capability to turn off the backlight. The GPS engine includes a GPS frequency downconverter, a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system having one or more DSP channels, a GPS microprocessor system, and a reference frequency oscillator. Some handheld GPS receivers combine the user microprocessor system and the GPS microprocessor system.
GPS receivers include custom digital and analog circuitry. Most digital circuitry in existing GPS receivers use a generation of components intended to be powered at 5 volts. New generations of GPS engines use components intended to be powered at 3.3 volts. The use of 3.3 volt designs in place of 5 volt designs is expected to reduce the power consumption in the digital circuitry in the GPS receivers by a factor of approximately 2. A second method being used in new generations of GPS receivers to reduce power is higher levels of integration. In general, less power is consumed in a single chip than in two or more chips accomplishing the same function because parasitic capacitances, which require power to charge and discharge, are lower within an integrated circuit than on a printed circuit board or other external wiring system connecting the chips. Existing low power GPS engines use Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon (CMOS) for digital circuitry because CMOS allows high circuit density and consumes less average power than other digital circuit technologies such as Transistor Transistor Logic (TTL), Emitter Coupled Logic (ECL), or N type Metal Oxide Silicon (NMOS). A CMOS circuit consumes power primarily when changing digital states and consumes very little power when the circuit is quiescent. Most digital systems are synchronous where changes in digital states are driven by a clock. Where no clock is present in a synchronous system, the CMOS circuit is quiescent.
Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Silicon technologies are used for analog RF circuitry in existing GPS antennas and GPS engines. In either GaAs or Silicon, higher levels of integration reduces power consumption because parasitic capacitances, which require power to charge and discharge, are lower within an integrated circuit than on a printed circuit board or other external wiring system. New GPS receivers are using new RF is designs and fabrication processes to achieve higher levels of integration to reduce power consumption.
Static microprocessors such as the Motorola 68300 series exist that have a low power quiescent mode when not clocked. The microprocessor is placed in the low power quiescent or standby mode in response to executing a "sleep" instruction in software. At least two types of processor sleep instructions are provided to inhibit the clocking of the microprocessor--a "stop" instruction for temporarily disabling a microprocessor clock source and a "wait" instruction for inhibiting a microprocessor clock signal from being passed. The clock signal is made available again by the receipt of a wakeup interrupt signal. Although static microprocessors have been around for a few years, and have been s used in a Trimble "Gamma" GPS receiver, no GPS receiver is known to use the sleep instruction in order to reduce power for a standby mode.
Many U.S. patents disclose power saving methods for signal receivers such as pagers and general communication radios. Basically, a receiver is maintained in a standby state with low power consumption. Either a hardware or a software system is provided to monitor incoming signals. The receiving system is activated when an incoming signal intended for the receiver is detected. The power is automatically turned off after reception of the signals is complete. In some systems, one receiver remains on to reawaken a second receiver. Although the general concept of power saving is widely known, the known methods are not of practical use to a GPS receiver. Unlike the signals received by pagers and communication radios, the GPS satellite signals are intended to be received and used on a continuous basis. Even when not processing GPS satellite signals, GPS receivers are kept busy maintaining tables of visibility, almanacs, ephemeris, and signal strengths for GPS satellites and implementing navigation algorithms. GPS receivers, unlike pagers and communication radios, typically require twenty seconds to three minutes to re-acquire the GPS signal after power is turned on. Unlike pagers and communication radios, where the receiver initiates a request for a response from a user when a signal is received, a GPS user initiates a request for a response from the GPS receiver when the user needs location. Therefore, the methods of maintaining a standby state and passively waiting for the arrival of a signal to save battery power, as disclosed in the U.S. patents for general signal receiving systems, are not useful for reducing power consumption in a GPS receiver.
Some GPS receivers also include dead reckoning devices to enable the GPS receiver to continue to compute and to display new locations when lines of sight to GPS satellite signals are blocked. Existing GPS receivers do not make use of dead reckoning devices to conserve power or to reawaken the GPS receiver after a standby time.
The combination of all existing or known techniques for reducing power consumption in GPS receivers is expected to reduce power by a factor of approximately 3 or 4 to approximately 250 to 750 milliwatts resulting in an increase in battery life to approximately 6 to 24 hours. While users of handheld GPS receivers will appreciate this increase in battery life, a GPS receiver is needed for carried applications that will operate with still lower power for still longer periods of time without recharging or replacing batteries, while providing location fixes at frequent intervals.

GPS receiver having a low power standby mode


This invention provides an improved surgical instrument, namely sponger-dissector forceps particularly adapted for laparoscopic intra-abdominal surgery such as gall bladder removal. Thus, sponges are retained locked in place without manual force upon the distal end of a substantially cylindrical hand held assembly by means of an internally mounted ratchet mechanism. In one embodiment sponges are retained by a 7 shaped distal end on a reciprocating 2 mm diameter rod disposed in a 10 mm diameter cylindrical housing member. The ratchet locks the reciprocating rod in place against movement in the distal direction, and thus holds sponges clamped in place at the distal end. The ratchet lock is releasable by a catch release button. The rod is manually reciprocated to engage and clamp a sponge by a finger operated slide member. The sponge is thus firmly held in position for blunt manipulation including direct hemostasis pressure on small blood vessels or for sponging to keep the surgical region dry. A clamping jaw embodiment provides for holding a sponge or alternatively for using the instrument for dissection or as a blood vessel clamp. Thus, tissue in an abdominal cavity may be grasped, displaced, or removed by manual manipulation from outside the body.

In laparoscopic surgery special instrumentation is required that can be manipulated from outside the body through small incisions. In particular, blunt instruments are required for pushing back tissue or organs for viewing or out of the way of surgical procedures, and sponges are required for hemostasis and for removing fluids to obtain a better view of critical regions. During surgical procedures organs and tissues need to be grasped for displacement or removal by dissectors. These instruments need to be manipulated from outside the body. Dimensions are critical to give the proper reach and to be inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, for example.
For handling such functions as pushing back tissue or hemostasis of particular small blood vessels, the instruments need to be well balanced and easily and surely held without the necessity for other functions in the operation of the forceps such as required for holding sponges in place by manual clamping of jaws. The instruments must be used and reused under sterile conditions and thus need to be constructed for ready disassembly and sterilization.
Surgical sponge holders and retraction instruments are known generally in the art. Thus N. M. T. Mahruki in U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,347, Jun. 3, 1986 provides an instrument for removing vaginal sponges. This instrumentation is critical to manual operation of clamping members inside the body and is not adapted to the multi-function surgical procedures in laparoscopic surgery where hand manipulated instruments must permit the surgeon and assistant freedom of the hands and brain as much as possible for the surgery without detraction from auxiliary chores. Similarly forceps for insertion of sponges and the like as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,192,313, N. Ogami, Mar. 11, 1980; and 4,940,454, A. Siragusa, Jul. 10, 1990 disclose instruments requiring critical usage of the hands in a manner inconsistent with the laparoscopic surgery environment. H. Essner in U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,760, Dec. 11, 1973, has disclosed a sponge holder that locks in place a sponge for use in surgical procedures. This does not require manipulation of jaws or sponge holders or retrievers, and is advantageous in that respect. However, it does not assure secure enough grasping of sponges that may vary slightly in size or shape to prevent the danger of loss of sponges when used as blunt manipulation in laparoscopic surgery, for example.
All of the foregoing instruments are special purpose sponge holding instruments. None are suitable for alternative use as dissectors in laparoscopic surgery with simple manual jaw manipulation from outside the body to grasp and displace or remove tissue.
Accordingly it is a primary objective of this invention to provide improved and versatile instrumentation particularly adapted to laparoscopic surgical procedures. Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be found throughout the following description, drawings and claims.


Provided is a working vehicle which includes: an engine disposed on a rear portion of a vehicle body; a gear-type transmission and an HST which are disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle body; a load-carrying platform disposed above at least one of the engine, the gear-type transmission and the HST; a driving operation part disposed in front of the load-carrying platform and allowing an operator to ride thereon; a PTO shaft mounted on a front portion of the vehicle body and being capable of taking out power to the outside of the working vehicle; and a mechanical power transmission mechanism for transmitting the power from the engine which is before the power is transmitted with a speed change by the gear-type transmission and the HST to the PTO shaft by extending below the driving operation part.

Conventionally, there has been known a technique of a working vehicle provided with a load-carrying platform disposed on a rear portion of a vehicle body. For example, JP 5285488 B2 discloses such a technique.
JP 5285488 B2 discloses a working vehicle which can travel by transmitting power from an engine to a front wheel and a rear wheel by means of a traveling power transmission device. An operator can desirably move or perform transport operation using such a working vehicle.
On the other hand, with respect to such a working vehicle, there has been a demand for a working vehicle where various working devices (such as a snow blower which performs snow removing operation and a mower which performs mowing operation) driven by rotational power from an engine (hereinafter simply referred to as "power") can be mounted on a front portion of a vehicle body. By mounting the working device on the front portion of the vehicle body, a person who drives the working vehicle (operator) can drive the working vehicle while confirming a mode of operation performed by the working device with his/her naked eyes.
To drive such a working device, it is necessary to take out power from the engine to the outside from the front portion of the vehicle body. However, JP 5285488 B2 does not describe the configuration for taking out power from the engine from the front portion of the vehicle body, and the power cannot be taken out from the front portion of the vehicle body.


The present invention relates to the field of cognitive function. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for assessing cognitive dysfunction/function in Alzheimer's disease and other diseases of cognition. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) reducing heterocomplexes comprising NPTX1 and NPTX2 present in a biological sample obtained from the patient into NPTX1 and NPTX2 monomers; (b) covalently modifying the thiol groups of the NPTX1 and NPTX2 monomers to prevent re-formation of NPTX1/NPTX2 heterocomplexes; (c) detecting NPTX2 in the sample; and (d) assessing cognitive function in the patient by comparing NPTX2 detected in the sample to a control.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) results in progressive loss of cognitive function. The most prevalent model of AD posits that amyloid peptide (AB) accumulates at synapses and prevents synaptic function required for information processing, storage and recovery. The histological hallmarks of AD are amyloid plaque, created by deposition of AB, and tangles created by deposition of hyper phosphorylated tau protein. Therapeutic approaches for AD focus on reduction of AB generation or deposition by inhibition of enzymes that generate AB or by approaches that increase the clearance of AB. Other strategies focus on molecular pathways involved in inflammation. Recent advances in brain imaging using PIB or related tracers allow for an assessment of amyloid load in brain of patients. The diagnosis of AD is also supported by measures of AB40/42 and phosphor tau in the cerebrospinal fluid, however, the magnitude of changes in these markers is modest, and not highly diagnostic in individual patients. With the advent of new therapies for AD there is a major need for simple markers that can be related to the disease pathogenesis and that are sufficiently robust to be useful for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment success.


A golf club includes an extremely flexible shaft (22) which is cylindrical and has a high flex point relative to the head (24). Twisting of the flexible shaft (22) under the influence of an incorrect "twist" swing as well as flexing of the shaft (22) under the influence of a hitting motion rather than a swinging motion can easily be sensed by the golfer. The golf club also includes a flexible handle (26) connected to the end of the shaft (22) which provides a second flex point on the handle and allows sensing the incorrect application of hand effort during a golf swing. A shock absorber (36) located in the neck (34) of the club head (24) allows the shaft (22) to take a tremendous impact without breaking. Providing the shaft (22) with suitable connectors (38) allows the club to be broken down to a compact transportable form.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to golf clubs used for training golfers proper golf swing tempo and, more particularly, to golf clubs which have highly flexible shafts.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 shows a traditional golf club which includes a head 10, a shaft 12, and a grip 14. The head 10 can be a wood, including a steel wood or the like, an iron, or a putter. The shaft 12 projects down into the neck 16 of the head 10 and is secured by glue, pins, whipping, or other means. The grip 14 is secured to the top part of the shaft 12 by glue or the like and is generally tapered, and is often made from leather or rubber materials. The grip 14 is intended to provide the golfer with a firm hand hold on the shaft 12. Most golf club shafts 12 are relatively stiff and are made from hollow steel tubes or graphite rods. Many golfers have thought that a golf club with a stiffer shaft 12 can be hit more accurately on the belief that reduced flexing of the shaft 12 enhances the likelihood of the head 10 being in the correct position to strike a golf ball at the bottom of the downswing. In addition, most golf club shafts 12 are tapered from the top 18 towards the bottom 20, whereby flexing of the shaft 12 during a golf swing is accentuated towards the narrower diameter bottom 20. Many golfers have thought that moving the shaft 12 flex point closer to the golf ball, as is done with a tapered shaft, will provide greater control.
It has been well recognized by golf instructors that many of the problems experienced by golfers are related to an improper swing rather than the golf club design. As early as 1928, U.S. Pat. No. 1,662,712 issued to Carl Mensing on a golf club with an extremely limber or whippy shaft. Specifically, Mensing contemplated using rubber, rattan wood, or raw hide shafts on golf clubs. Golfers swinging the Mensing type golf clubs need to use a smooth, rhythmic swing in order to correctly strike the golf ball. If the golfer applies a jerking or quick hitting motion to a golf club with an extremely limber or whippy shaft, he or she will either slice the golf ball or miss it completely. When the Mensing type golf club is swung properly, the golf ball will travel the same distance or further as it would with a normal club because the club head will be moving at the same rate as the club head of a properly swung normal golf club.
The golf club shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,662,712 to Mensing has a tapered shaft and, therefore, has a flex point below the median region of the club. It was later determined that a higher flex point on the shaft can be beneficial. Specifically, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,250,429 to Vickery a golf club with a reduced diameter medial region is shown. Vickery likened the golf club to a baseball pitcher's arm and stated that flexing at the medial region would be analogous to the pitcher's elbow. Vickery also contemplated reducing the diameter of the shaft towards the club head so that it would behave like a baseball pitcher's wrist. Vickery's club shaft designs have the drawback of requiring additional manufacturing steps in order to create the reduced regions. In addition, the reduced diameter regions of the Vickery club shaft are likely to encounter severe stresses during the golf swing and they may be more prone to failure.
Twisting of the golf club during the swing is a common problem among golfers. A "twist" swing occurs when a golfer twists his or her wrists severely during a golf swing. When the club shaft is twisted, the club head will strike the golf ball improperly and make it unlikely that the ball will fly straight to its target. U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,785 to Toku shows a golf club shaft which includes a metal leaf spring positioned inside the hollow, cylindrical shaft. The Toku golf club provides the golfer with sensor information in the form of vibrations from the metal leaf spring when a golfer executes an improper "twist" swing. Because the Toku golf club is cylindrical, it naturally flexes in its middle region. A particular drawback of the Toku golf club is that the shaft requires several components and would be difficult to manufacture.
The manner by which a golfer controls his or her hands can also lead to several problems in striking a golf ball. For example, applying severe hand effort at the top of the backswing will take the club head out of a good swing groove and will generally result in a poor shot. In addition, premature application of power with the right hand (for right handed golfers) immediately prior to impact will decelerate the club head and cause loss of distance and a shot that goes to the right. Likewise, "wristiness" with a putter can pull the putter head off line. None of the prior art training golf clubs provide any means for a golfer to sense improper hand action as well as tempo and twisting swing problems.

Golf club which provides sensory information during a swing


Disclosed herein are force sensors which include a sense die assembly and methods for manufacturing the sense die assembly and the force sensor. The disclosed sense die assembly, force sensor, and methods utilize wafer-level retention to hold an actuation element in a cavity of the sense die.

Industrial and commercial applications are increasingly utilizing sensors to determine a force, for example, in the field of consumer electronics. Customers in certain applications need small sensors, and finding a sensor design that can easily and cost-effectively integrate into an application and that is small enough to fit into any footprint, for example, on a scale required by consumer electronics, has been a challenge.


Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a masonry member comprising an anchor member and a sleeve. The anchor member has a shank with a ridge formed thereon, the ridge extending radially outwardly from and along a surface of the shank generally from a distal end of the anchor member toward a head of the anchor member. The sleeve defines a groove. The sleeve is coaxial with and at least partially surrounds the anchor member such that the ridge of the shank is at least partially received in the groove. A cross-sectional width of at least one of the ridge and the groove reduces in a direction extending toward the head of the anchor member so withdrawal of the anchor member through the sleeve expands at least part of the sleeve radially outwardly.

Masonry anchors of the expansion type have been known for many years and their limitations are well known. In particular, many known anchors engage a retention hole at a point, causing a stress concentration and a suboptimal load pattern during loading that can lead to failure. It is desirable to provide a masonry anchor having improved retention characteristics.
Examples of the present disclosure seek to solve, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of previous masonry anchors.


A catheter with metal heat exchange elements communicating with a source of coolant in a closed loop for effecting patient temperature control and at least two infusion lumens for providing access to the central venous blood supply when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. An anchor can be provided to suture or tape the catheter to the skin of a patient.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for patient temperature management.
It has been discovered that the medical outcome for a patient suffering from severe brain trauma or from ischemia caused by stroke or heart attack is improved if the patient is cooled below normal body temperature (38xc2x0 C.). Furthermore, it is also accepted that for such patients, it is important to prevent hyperthermia (fever) even if it is decided not to induce hypothermia.
As recognized by the present invention, the above-mentioned advantages in regulating temperature can be realized by cooling the patient""s entire body. Moreover, the present invention understands that since many patients already are intubated with central venous catheters for other clinically approved purposes anyway such as drug delivery and blood monitoring, providing a central venous catheter that can also cool the blood requires no additional surgical procedures for those patients. A cooling central venous catheter is disclosed in the above-referenced parent application.
Another cooling catheter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,068. Unfortunately, the ""068 invention does not recognize the above-noted desirability of combining conventional central venous line functions with a temperature regulation function. The present invention, however, makes this critical observation and provides the solutions set forth herein.
A central venous access catheter includes first and second elongated segments, with each segment having a turbulence-inducing irregular exterior surface. A flexible articulating joint connects the first and second elongated segments. Also, a tubular conduit is disposed substantially coaxially within the first and second elongated, articulated segments. The conduit has a fluid supply lumen for transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the elongated, articulated segments. The catheter also defines at least two infusion lumens separated from the working fluid and terminating in respective ports longitudinally separated from each other. Accordingly, each infusion lumen provides a means for accessing the central venous blood supply of a patient when the catheter is placed in the central venous system of a patient. An anchor can be located proximal to at least one elongated segment and configured for affixing the catheter to the skin of a patient.
In another aspect, a central venous catheter includes at least first and second hollow metal heat exchange elements. Each element has an outer surface that is configured for inducing turbulence in a fluid flowing past the surface. A closed circuit fluid pathway conveys coolant to and from the heat exchange elements.
In one implementation, at least first and second infusion lumens separated from the coolant terminate in respective ports that are longitudinally separated from each other. Each infusion lumen provides a means for accessing the central venous blood supply of a patient when the catheter is placed in the central venous system of a patient. In another implementation, an anchor is located proximal to at least one heat exchange element and is configured for affixing the catheter to the skin of a patient.
In still another aspect, a method for treating a patient includes advancing a catheter into the central venous system of the patient, and circulating a heat exchange fluid through the catheter to exchange heat with the patient. Simultaneously with the circulating act, at least one central venous (CV) line function is undertaken.
The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

Method and system for patient temperature management and central venous access


The invention relates to the use of at least one urea derivative of the following formula (I)

The skin has two compartments, one which is superficial, the epidermis, and one which is deeper, the dermis, which interact. The natural human epidermis is mainly composed of three types of cell which are the keratinocytes, which form the great majority, the melanocytes and the Langerhans' cells.
The epidermis is conventionally divided into a basal layer of keratinocytes constituting the germinative layer of the epidermis, a so-called prickle cell layer consisting of several layers of polyhedral cells arranged on the germinative layers, one to three so-called granular layers consisting of flattened cells containing distinct cytoplasmic inclusions, the keratohyalin granules and finally the horny layer (or stratum corneum), consisting of a set of layers of keratinocytes at the final stage of their differentiation, called corneocytes. The corneocytes are anucleated cells mainly composed of a fibrous matrix containing cytokeratins, surrounded by a very resistant structure 15 nm thick, called horny or hornified envelope. The stacking of these corneocytes constitutes the horny layer which is responsible for the barrier function of the epidermis. During the normal desquamation process, the most superficial corneocytes become detached from the surface of the epidermis.
Intercellular structures derived from desmosomes, called corneosomes or corneodesmosomes, have been described in the horny layer. They are of major importance in intercorneocyte cohesion and in the desquamation process. In particular, a close correlation exists between cell dissociation and proteolysis of certain corneodesmosomal components such as desmoglein I or corneodesmosin.
Several trypsin or chymotrypsin type serine proteases appear to be involved in the proteolysis of the corneodesmosomes, in particular the chymotryptic enzyme of the horny layer (stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme).
The dermis provides the epidermis with a solid support. It is also its feeder component. It consists mainly of fibroblasts and an extracellular matrix predominantly composed of collagen, elastin and a substance called ground substance. Leukocytes, mastocytes or tissue macrophages are also present. Finally, the dermis is crossed by blood vessels and nerve fibres.
The cohesion between the epidermis and the dermis is provided by the dermoepidermal junction.
The epidermal homeostasis corresponds to an equilibrium between the keratinocytes entering into differentiation in the deep layers of the epidermis and corneocytes removed from the surface of the epidermis in a process called desquamation. Normally, desquamation occurs corneocyte by corneocyte and remains imperceptible.
Desquamation has in the past been associated with mechanical actions. This so-called bricks and mortar theory, the bricks being the corneocytes linked to each other by a lipid mortar (P. Elias, 1984), was contradicted only by the discovery of cohesive structures derived from the desmosomes called corneodesmosomes linked to the horny envelope and to the intermediate filaments of keratins (Chapman, Walsh et al. 1991; Serre, Mils et al. 1991; Walsh and Chapman 1991). The proteins which constitute these structures are the substrates for the desquamation enzymes. Indeed, the gradual appearance of fragments of desmosomal proteins during differentiation and the apparent ultrastructural modifications of the desmosome have led researchers in the direction of enzymes responsible for these changes.
The first, T. Egelrud (Egelrud, Hofer et al. 1988; Egelrud and Lundstrom 1990; Egelrud and Lundstrom 1991), has demonstrated in the stratum corneum (SC) the existence of protease activities of the "trypsin-like" and especially "chymotrypsin-like" type associated with desquamation. These studies by T. Egelrud are part of the basic studies of any research relating to the bio-chemistry of desquamation. Subsequently, several cysteine and aspartic acid proteases were implicated in this process, in particular the stratum corneum thiol protease (SCTP) or cathepsin L2, the stratum corneum cathepsin L-like (SCCL) and cathepsin D.
In a number of situations, it may be desirable to stimulate this desquamation mechanism in order to promote epidermal renewal and improve the brightness of the complexion, attenuate surface irregularities and smoothe the skin, or to promote the cleansing action and the removal of dead cells at the surface of the body. In physiological states, thickening of the horny layer is also observed which it is desired to limit, for example in the case of callosites or after exposure to sunlight. Moreover, in some skin disorders, desquamation becomes visible and it is large sized scales containing numerous corneocytes which are removed. Deregulations of desquamation are increasingly better described at the molecular level and associated with aspects of abnormal skin.
Ichthyoses are generally examples of impaired epidermal differentiation associated with abnormal desquamation. In psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease, and atopic dermatitis, it has also been possible to show disorders associated with abnormal desquamation. In the field of acne, the accumulation of a keratin plug (which can be removed by protease activities) obstructing the pores is one of the reasons for the appearance of comedones. The appearance of dandruff is another example of a desquamation defect where the scales are abnormally visible. The impaired desquamation which is generally present in reconstructed epidermes (Vicanova, Mommaas et al. 1996) also represents a proteolytic defect. Some pathological skins can benefit from prodesquamating treatment based on urea derivatives. Among these pathologies, there may be mentioned the Netherton syndrome, the Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome, more generally ichthyoses of genetic origin and psoriasis or atopic dermatitis and the like.
Various methods have already been proposed for promoting desquamation, in particular by peeling or scrubbing. It is also possible to use in particular retinoic acid and its derivatives, x-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid, or β-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid.
However, the active agents proposed, although they give good results, often have a proteolytic and/or keratolytic activity which may lead to irritation of the areas where they are applied. Moreover, the addition of exogenous protease to compositions can pose problems of stabilization, irritation and create an allergy risk for subjects to whom they are applied.
The prodesquamating properties of urea are generally associated with its protein-denaturing properties (so-called "keratolytic" effect). Urea is thought to denature certain corneodesmosomal substrates promoting, inter alia, the action of certain proteases. On the other hand, this effect is not a lasting effect capable of stimulating the natural desquamation processes because urea in the end, especially at concentrations greater than 2M, becomes denaturing for the proteases themselves. It would therefore be advantageous to find a compound capable of durably stimulating the proteolytic activities of the stratum corneum.
Some cosmetic active agents are capable of stimulating the degradation of the proteins of the corneodesmosome and therefore desquamation. Patent application EP 852 949 (Shiseido) describes the use, as desquamating agent, of derivatives of alpha-amino acids of the glycine type, which favour the degradation of desmoglein (corneodesmosome protein).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Urea compounds that promote desquamation

Abstract: in a composition containing a physiologically acceptable medium, as agent intended for stimulating desquamation of the skin and/or the mucous membranes. It also relates to a method of cosmetic treatment and cosmetic agents containing it.


A vena cava filter catheter includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough and at least one strand of biocompatible wire. The at least one strand has a first state in which the at least one strand has an elongate geometry suitable for traversing the lumen of the catheter and a second state in which the at least one strand assumes a pre-set geometry in which the at least one strand assumes a tortuous configuration adapted to occupy a space approximating a luminal diameter of an inferior vena cava.

Filter devices for capturing thrombus in the inferior vena cava, commonly referred as "vena cava filters," are typically delivered to the inferior vena cava by either a femoral or a jugular approach using a catheter to traverse the vasculature and deploy the filter. Vena cava filters are typically deployed infrarenaly within the inferior vena cava, but may be deployed suprarenaly as well.
Vena cava filters typically fall into two general classes: permanent and temporary. Permanent vena cava filters are deployed in such a manner as to engage the vascular wall of the inferior vena cava such as by embedding barbs into the tissue followed by subsequent release from the delivery catheter. Temporary vena cava filters typically are deployed and expand against, but do not permanently embed themselves in the vascular tissue, thereby facilitating removal. Temporary vena cava filters are usually released from the delivery catheter, then later retrieved by using a retrieval catheter that shares or otherwise engages the temporary vena cava filter and collapses it for withdrawal using the catheter.
The accepted standard of care for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is anticoagulant therapy. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are reserved for those patients who fail anticoagulant therapy, or have a complication or contraindication to anticoagulant therapy. Until the early 1970's, the only method of IVC interruption was surgical, either by clipping, ligation or plication. The first clinical experience of an endoluminally-placed device to interrupt IVC flow was reported by Mobin-Uddin et al. in 1969. However, it was not until the introduction of a stainless steel umbrella-type filter by Greenfield et al. in 1973 that an effective method of endoluminally trapping emboli while simultaneously preserving IVC flow became possible. Indeed, for many years, the Greenfield filter set a benchmark by which newer filters were measured. Early generations of filters were inserted by surgical cut-down and venotomy.
Eventually filters were able to be inserted percutaneously: initially through large 24 Fr sheaths, though newer generations of filters are able to be delivered through 6 Fr systems.
Despite the safety and efficacy of modern day filters, systemic anticoagulation remains the primary treatment for VTE. Either unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin followed by three months of oral anticoagulation in patients with proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is approximately 94% effective in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE) or recurrent DVT. The routine placement of IVC filters in addition to anticoagulation in patients with documented DVT was investigated by Decousus et al. in a randomized trial. Decousus H, Leizorovicz A, Parent F, et al. A clinical trial of vena caval filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with proximal deep-vein thrombosis. N Engl J Med 1998; 338:409-415. This study revealed that the use of a permanent filter in addition to heparin therapy significantly decreased the occurrence of PE within the first 12 days compared to those without a filter. However, no effect was observed on either immediate or long-term mortality, and by 2 years, the initial benefit seen in the group of patients with filters was offset by a significant increase in the rate of recurrent DVT.
Despite the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in the management of VTE, there are certain situations and conditions in which the benefits of anticoagulation are outweighed by the risks of instituting such a therapy. These include contraindications and complications of anticoagulant therapy. In such circumstances, there may be absolute or relative indications for filter insertion
Currently, there are at least eleven types of permanent cava filters that are FDA approved. These include the Bird's Nest filter (Cook Incorporated, Bloomington, Ind.), Vena Tech LGM filter (B. Braun, Bethlehem Pa.), Vena Tech LP (B. Braun), Simon Nitinol filter (Bard, Covington, Ga.), Titanium Greenfield filter (Boston Scientific, Natick Mass.), Over-the-Wire Greenfield filter (Boston Scientific), TrapEase filter (Cordis Corp.), the Gunther Tulip filter (Cook Inc.), the Cook Celect filter, the Bard Eclipse filter, and the Bard G2X filter.
Well-founded concerns over the long-term complications of permanent IVC filters, particularly in younger patients in need of PE prophylaxis with a temporary contraindication to anticoagulation, has led to the development of temporary and retrievable filters. Temporary filters remain attached to an accessible transcutaneous catheter or wire. These have been used primarily in Europe for PE prophylaxis during thrombolytic therapy for DVT. Currently these devices are not approved for use in the United States. Retrievable filters are very similar in appearance to permanent filters, but with modifications to the caval attachment sites and/or hooks at one end that can facilitate their removal. Retrievable filters that are currently available in the United States include the GÜNTHER TULIP or CELECT Filter (Cook Inc.), OPT EASE (Cordis Corp.), and RECOVERY, G2X or ECLIPSE nitinol filters (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, Ariz.). The time limit of retrievability is in part dependant on the rate of endothelialization of the device, which typically occurs within 2 weeks. However, differences in design may extend the time period in which the filter may be safely retrieved.
Currently no consensus exists as to which patients have an indication for a retrievable filter. However, it is generally accepted that patients at high risk for pulmonary embolism or with documented PE and with a temporary contraindication to anticoagulation are candidates.
Certain circumstances preclude the placement of a filter in the infrarenal IVC. This includes thrombus extending into the infrarenal IVC, renal vein thrombosis or pregnancy. The safety of suprarenal placement of IVC filters is well documented, with no reported instances of renal dysfunction and no differences in the rates of filter migration, recurrent PE or caval thrombosis.
The rate of upper extremity DVT is on the rise. This is predominantly due to an increasing number of patients having short- and long-term upper extremity central venous access catheters. In one study, 88% of patients found to have an upper extremity DVT had a central venous catheter present at the site of thrombosis at the time of diagnosis or within the previous two weeks. Pulmonary embolism may complicate upper extremity DVT in 12-16% of cases. In patients who have such a complication or contraindication to anticoagulation, a filter can be safely placed immediately below the confluence of the brachiocephalic veins. However, misplacement of an SVC filter is theoretically more likely than with an IVC filter because of the relatively short target area for deployment.
The most common imaging modality used for filter insertion is fluoroscopy, performed either in an interventional suite or an operating room. Bedside placement of filters has inherent advantages, particularly for critically ill patients in intensive care settings where transport can be avoided. Portable fluoroscopy, surface duplex ultrasound and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) have all been used to assist with bedside filter placement.
Vena cava filter placement frequently occurs concomitantly with central access line placement or in critically ill patients that already have a central access line in place. Heretofore, however, there have been no devices which combine the function of a central access catheter and a removable vena cava filter.
One issue with all vascular filters is the problem of captured clot management. Captured clots raise a risk of total caval occlusion and patient death. Thus, reduction of clot size prior to filter removal or complete thrombolysis of the clot is necessary to restore caval flow patency. Similarly, where a vena cava filter is significantly occluded with clots, removal may be the primary and desired manner of clot management. During filter removal, any captured thrombus is typically squeezed by the contracting structural members of the vena cava filter. The pressure exerted by the vena cava filter on the clot may result in extrusion and or fragmentation of the clot material through the vena cava filter and into the distal blood flow. The attendant risk to the patient of clot material passing through the vena cava filter may be reduced by providing further distal or secondary protection to capture thrombus which is released from the vena cava filter as it is being collapsed and removed.
One particular type of vena cava filter is particularly well suited for use as distal or secondary protection. The BIRD'S NEST FILTER (Cook Medical, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind.) ("BNF") has some properties which are particularly useful as either secondary distal protection for primary vena cava filter removal or as a vena cava filter suitable for delivery through an already placed central line catheter. The BNF is constructed of a network of four biocompatible stainless steel wires. Each wire is 25 cm long and 0.18 mm in diameter. The wires are preshaped with many non-matching bends of a short radius. The wires are fixed at each end to V-shaped struts, the two legs of which are connected at a junction at an acute angle. A hook with a small loop stop minimizes the risk of IVC perforation at the end of each strut.
When a BNF is deployed, one of the V-shaped paired struts is pushed gently to engage to the IVC wall. Originally, it was recommended that the catheter be withdrawn by 1-3 cm over the pusher wire after the hooks were fixed to the IVC; later, it was recommended that 2 or 3 twists of 360° be applied. The purpose of the twists is to prevent or reduce the chance of wire prolapse. The second pair of struts is then pushed into the IVC so that the junctions overlap by 1-2 cm. The handle of the pusher wire is turned counterclockwise 10-15 times to free it from the struts.
Another wire-type filter is the SAFEFLO vena cava filter (Rafael Medical Technologies). The SAFEFLO vena cava filter, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,222 consists of a single continuous wire member having a pre-set expanded shape consisting of plural substantially co-planar radially extending petals and plural ring structures about the circumference of the petals.
A particularly advantageous aspect of the BNF which lends itself to use with the present invention lies in the BNF's use of a network of biocompatible wires which are each pre-shaped with non-matching short radius bends that, upon deployment, form a highly tortuous network of wires which traverse the entire transverse cross-section of the inferior vena cava. Unlike the BNF, however, the present invention employs a conceptually similar, but structurally distinct, filter concept of a single pre-shaped wire or network of wires having a common longitudinal axis, which are deliverable through a lumen of a delivery catheter, such as a guidewire lumen, and upon existing a distal end of the delivery catheter lumen, the wire or network of wires assumes its pre-set shape, which may consist of non-matching short radius bends or other pre-set shapes that cause the wire or network of wires to bend in a manner that traverses across the entire transverse cross-section of the inferior vena cava.

Vena cava filter catheter and method of use


A speaker system designed to use wider resonant sound waves by two conventional speakers which are symmetrically and oppositely disposed to face one another along a co-axis on which both axes of the cone paper vibrator of the speakers are aligned. A sponge like sound wave absorbing material with cone-shaped recesses may be disposed in between the speaker and spherical speaker case.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to acoustical speaker systems, and more particularly, to manipulations of the sound waves reproduced by acoustical speaker systems.
2. Discussion of the Background Art
The use of quality loud speaker systems in both home and business is often limited to the compound use of the speakers, sound reflectors for the speakers, avoidance of absorption of the back sound wave from the speakers, and the unbiasing the vibrator of the speakers by blowing air.
A conventional speaker generally contains no sound wave absorbing materials to decrease the sound wave back pressure to the cone paper vibrator which is reflected by its housing or case. A conventional conic paper vibrator of a speaker is more or less reluctant to vibrate freely because it is entirely trapped by both the damper and the edge of the conic paper forming the vibrator, and also by a biasing system enabling air passage.
Mostly, conventional speaker system designs have addressed the process of fine quality sound reproduction; U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,801 issued 17 Jun. 1986, however suggested a coupled dual cone velocity driver speaker with two cone vibrators, but with one voice coil and bobbin. Another system suggested in Japanese Utility Model No. HEI2-12799 issued Apr. 10, 1990, addressed the prevention of magnetic flux leakage.


A rotary bulb tube of an x-ray radiator is mounted for rotation in a housing, which is filled with a coolant and is connected to a shaft section, which in turn is connected by a coupling to a second shaft section extending to a motor for rotating the bulb tube. The coupling is designed to isolate the rotary bulb tube electrically from the motor and to isolate the bulb tube from motor vibrations.

The present invention is directed to an X-ray Radiator in which a rotary bulb tube is rotatably accepted in a housing filled with a coolant and is connected with a shaft.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,901, whose disclosure is incorporated by reference thereto, discloses x-ray radiator which comprises a rotary piston tube or rotary bulb tube that is positioned for rotation in a housing filled with a coolant. The rotary bulb tube is driven by means of a motor that is mounted outside of the housing and is connected with the rotary bulb tube via a shaft directed into the housing. A dissipation or leakage of electrical potential occurs in an undesirable manner via the shaft which can impair the function of the motor. Aside from this, vibrations are sometimes transferred to the rotary bulb tube in an undesirable manner. Such vibrations will cause an x-ray beam emitted by the rotary bulb tube to move back and forth in response to these vibrations. Finally, the design known according to this prior art require a particularly high production precision in order to bring a shaft extending from the motor into exact alignment with the rotary bulb tube.


An automotive vehicle splash guard is disclosed. The splash guard includes a generally flat and flexible mounting component contoured to be mounted in a wheel well of any vehicle of a class of vehicles and a contoured member shaped to provide body panel engagement with at least one selected vehicle but not all vehicles of the class. The member and the component have engaging portions which are contoured complementally such that when the member and the component are secured together the member and the component together give the appearance of a unitary splash guard custom molded to fit such at least one selected vehicle of the class. A process for making customized splash guards is also disclosed.

For a number of years, some automotive manufactures have provided custom molded splash guards for vehicles of their manufacture. Some manufacturers provide them as standard equipment to be attached to vehicles by a dealer or customer at or subsequent to the time of purchase. Other manufacturers make custom molded splash guards available as an optional accessory or after market product.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,938 issued Dec. 1, 1987 to Douglas K. Ward et al. entitled Splash Guard (the '938 patent) discloses splash guards each of which was adapted to fit a number of vehicles of a set while giving the appearance of being a custom molded splash guard. The ability of a splash guard to appear to be custom molded for a number of vehicles of similar but differing contours was accomplished through the provision of a flexible flange which overlaid and engaged the face of a panel adjacent to a wheel well.
By the mid 90's a problem had developed, in that many models had projections which interfered with the flanges of the splash guards made in accordance with the '938 patent. On Mar. 3, 1998 U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,690 was issued to Douglas K. Ward et al. under the title Splash Guard on an improvement over the '938 patent. The improvement utilized a flange which included a deformable pleated section allowing further flange deformation to accommodate such projections as welded together flanges, relatively large swoop and cladings. While the splash guards of the Ward et al. patents have enjoyed significant commercial success as have custom molded splash guards designed to fit specific vehicles, the cost of development and manufacture remains relatively high capital costs are high because of the need to develop and produce relatively complex and expensive molds. Manufacturing costs are high if frequent mold changes are required because a splash guard manufacturer's volume does not justify essentially full time utilization of a given mold.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide low cost custom molded splash guards and splash guards which give the appearance of being custom molded. It would also be desirable to provide a simplified splash guard and a process of making splash guards which would enable the inexpensive development, tooling and manufacture of a greater variety of custom molded splash guards and splash guards which, at a minimum of inventory expense and complexity, can be color matched with the vehicles on which they are to be mounted.


A microcontroller (100) has a CPU (102) and memory (104). Memory (104) contains a memory array (200). A large portion of the array (200) is used to contain functional data for the CPU (102), but the array (200) also contains one or a few rows of memory content parity information. Once the array (200) is written with lasting data and/or software, a parity controller (208) will generate initial parity values which correlate to the contents of the memory array (200). This parity information is stored within the parity portion of the array (200). After generating the initial parity data, the parity controller (208) occasionally, upon some parity checking event, generates current parity from the data stored within the array (200). This current parity is compared against the parity portion of the array (200) using the parity logic (210). If errors are detected, it is clear that the software/data that was intended to be static and non-changing has experienced a leakage error, soft error event, electrical short, etc. Once these errors are detected corrective measures may be taken to extend the reliable life of the product.

Consumer electronics continue to shrink in physical size while manufacturers of consumer devices continue to demand improved performance, additional functionality, lower power, and more design flexibility. As examples, manufacturers are today making cell phones that are no bigger than a cigarette lighter, smart cards that contain kilobytes of information and advanced security features, and hand held devices which are communicating and processing at rates that were only possible on workstations a short decade ago. In order to accommodate these smaller and higher performance devices, the semiconductor industry has continued to produce integrated circuits with increasingly smaller feature sizes (0.5 microns or less), radically new packaging techniques and materials, and with much faster frequencies of operation (50 MHz or above). In addition, these products are being made using processes that are much more complex than that used for microcontroller (MCU) applications just years ago. Due to the increasing complexity of the integrated circuits (ICs), increasing process complexity, and the ever increasing capacity of memory required within consumer electronic devices, consumer integrated circuits have now progressed to a point where it is very difficult to guarantee 10 years or more of reliable data retention. Such long-term and reliable retention within the embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) of a consumer product is crucial, else the product will generally not obtain competitive market acceptance.
In the past, 10 years or more of NVM data retention was guaranteed by manufacturing embedded consumer devices that were much larger and more conservative than the most aggressive technology available. However, in order to meet the performance, power, size, and flexibility needs of the current market, it is now necessary to use much more aggressive circuit designs and IC. When using more aggressive designs and processes, the 10 year NVM data retention minimum required by the consumer market is much more difficult to consistently achieve. In some cases, yields have fallen, costs have increased, and time to market has suffered. Therefore, a need exists in the industry for a method of guaranteeing error free operation of consumer embedded memory devices for periods of 10 years or longer while simultaneously using more aggressive IC processing, more complex materials and packaging, along with more advanced device structures. In addition, this new method should ensure that the overhead of obtaining such a solution does not significantly impact a size of the IC device or a cost of manufacturing the device.

On-chip error detection and correction system for an embedded non-volatile memory array and method of operation


A method for adjusting a field of view for exposure of an X-ray system is provided. The method comprises: capturing an image of a patient on an examining table of the system by an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is placed at a predetermined position in the system; displaying the captured image on a display for selection of a region of interest or a point of interest by a user on the image; automatically determining a target position of an X-ray source in response to the selection of the region of interest or the point of interest on the image, wherein a desired field of view for exposure covering the region of interest or the point of interest is obtained when the X-ray source is located at the target position; and automatically locating the X-ray source at the target position in response to the determination of the target position.

Embodiments of the invention relate to X-ray systems, and in particular to a method and apparatus for adjusting a field of view for exposure of an x-ray system, and an X-ray system.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art digital X-ray system 100 that includes an Overhead Tube Suspensory (OTS) system 101 for moving an X-ray source, an OTS console 102, a collimator 103 constituting the X-ray source (other components constituting the X-ray source are not shown due to the angle of view), a movable examining table 104, and a positioner 105 for moving the examining table 104. The collimator 103 is typically mounted below the tube that emits X-rays, which impinges upon the patient through a shutter of the collimator 103, wherein the size of the shutter of the collimator 103 defines the irradiation range of X-rays, i.e., the size of the region of the field of view for exposure (FOV) 106. The lateral positions of the tube and the collimator determine the position of the field of view for exposure on the patient. It is well known that X-rays are harmful to humans, thus it is required that X-rays are controlled so that it impinges only upon the part to be examined, of the patient, while its irradiation range should be large enough to satisfy all of regions to be examined.
In the current digital X-ray system 100, for each X-ray examination, a radiographer is required to check whether the field of view for exposure 106 of X-ray is suitable or not. During checking, the radiographer turns on the illumination light of the collimator 103, and a collimator beam 107 will form an exposure region on the patient. The exposure region is consistent with the field of view for exposure 106 of the X-ray, so that whether the field of view for exposure 106 is suitable or not may be checked. If the field of view for exposure can not satisfy exposure requirement, the size and position of the field of view are required to be adjusted. The position of the X-ray source may be adjusted by manually moving the OTS and/or the positioner, to adjust the position of the FOV on the patient. For an advanced X-ray system, it is often equipped with an automatic positioning function, which can help the radiographer in controlling the OTS so as to automatically move into the preset position. However, existing digital X-ray systems only can preset a limited number of positions for automatic positioning, and the preset position should be selected by a radiographer before automatically positioning at the preset position.
For a hospital with heavy load, a radiographer may often deal with various patients. The limited number of preset positions in the existing digital X-ray systems is far from satisfying clinical needs. In addition, during the practical operation, a radiographer often needs to manually adjust the positioner of the X-ray system, in order to better adjust the position of the field of view for exposure. Generally, in some hospitals, it may need to image several hundreds of patients every day, and during the diagnosis, the field of view for exposure of the X-ray system should be manually adjusted almost for each patient, which, for a radiographer, particularly for a female radiographer, is a huge challenge.
In addition, when a radiographer wants to ensure that the region of the field of view is acceptable, he needs to turn on the lamp of the collimator, and at this time, a laser cross cursor for demarcating the position of the detector appears; however, the laser cross cursor is not patient friendly, and sometimes may hurt eyes of the patient.
Currently, each protocol in an X-ray system is provided with a default FOV value (i.e., the size of the FOV region). However, the default value may sometimes not be suitable for a patient whose body size is rather different. At this time, a radiographer is required to manually modify the FOV value, which will increase the time required for the whole examination and the work flow. If the radiographer is unwilling to manually modify the FOV value, some patients may expose to excessive dose of radiation which will be very dangerous.

Method and apparatus for adjusting a field of view for exposure of an X-ray system, and an X-ray system

GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC


A method, system and apparatus for allocating a finite number of identifiers to a plurality of base stations in a wireless network and for iteratively processing respective ranges of identifiers to adapt identifier assignments in response to detected collision/confusion conditions.

Within a mobile network, such as a 3G or 4G wireless network, physical cell identifiers (PCIs) must be allocated to base stations in a manner avoiding collision conditions (e.g., same identifier used by adjacent cell base stations) and/or confusion conditions (e.g., same identifier used by base stations within "n" cells of each other, such as adjacent to an adjacent cell). A collision condition occurs when, illustratively, two adjacent base stations (e.g., an adjacency of "1" wherein base stations supporting adjacent cellular regions) have been assigned the same identifier. The confusion condition occurs when, illustratively, two base stations sharing a common adjacent region have been assigned the same identifier (e.g., an adjacency of "2" wherein base stations supporting nonadjacent cellular regions share a common adjacent cellular regions).
With fixed location base stations such as spread out over a state or country, the appropriate allocations may be determined by calculation. However, within the context of very dense wireless networks, such as temporary installations at trade shows or other high user events, the allocation of PCIs is relatively difficult and the validation of such allocations is problematic using existing techniques. Currently, there are two techniques used to allocate identifiers:                (1) Systems engineers perform complex calculations and allocate PCIs a priori. Unfortunately, any errors or omissions by system engineers require additional calculations. Furthermore, the allocation of identifiers provided by the systems engineers must be validated in operation. All of this takes too much time.        (2) Identifiers are assigned on an ad hoc basis as a system grows. This may or may not work in terms of efficient allocation of identifiers. Moreover, depending upon the type and direction of organic growth associated with a system, different identifiers assigned during that growth may in retrospect prove to have been inefficiently or unwisely selected.
Both of the above techniques break down in certain conditions, such as the need for a temporary need to support many users as in the case of a trade show or other event likely to draw a large number of wireless device users. For example, it is critically important to divide sufficient wireless infrastructure in and around a facility hosting a tradeshow or other event such that a very large number of users may communicate using voice and data applications. In setting up such a temporary network, it is preferable to avoid the lengthy calculations associated with the first technique and the hit or miss approach associated with the second technique.

Method and apparatus for dynamically allocating physical cell identifiers


An extra-high pressure discharge lamp, comprises an optical transparent light emitting section, sealing sections connected to the light emitting section, a pair of electrodes which face each other in the light emitting section, wherein one of the electrodes having a thick portion, a thin portion and an intermediate portion which is formed between the thick portion and the thin portion, wherein 0.15 mg/mm3 of mercury is enclosed in the light emitting portion, and wherein the number of crystal grains which exist on a cross section perpendicular to an axis of the one of the electrodes is three.

An extra-high pressure mercury lamp has been widely used as, for example, a light source of a projector apparatus for many years. In recent years, with progress of miniaturization of such a projector apparatus, a potable type projector is in widespread use. In even such a miniaturized projector apparatus, a sufficiently bright image is required for a light source, so as to be used daytime. Because of such a background, much more miniaturization and much higher output of a light source installed in such a projector apparatus are studied.
As one of measures of the miniaturization and accomplishment of high output, miniaturization of an electrode arranged in an extra-high pressure discharge lamp or a rod portion which holds an electrode is studied. Moreover, in order to achieve high output, the pressure therein is raised at time of lighting by raising high electric power applied to the electrode and increasing the quantity of mercury which is enclosed in a light emission section. However, in such an extra-high pressure discharge lamp with high electric power in which the electrode or the rod portion which holds the electrode is miniaturized, there is a problem that the electrode or the rod portion which holds the electrode often fractures or is broken. The "break or breakage", notably occurs in a portion of the electrode or the rod portion which holds the electrode, which is smallest in diameter. Moreover, the "break or breakage" occurs due to an external force applied to the extra-high pressure discharge lamp, such as vibration applied thereto at the time of manufacture, or during transportation thereof.
Japanese Laid Open Patent No. 2007-287387 teaches that in order to increase the mechanical strength of the portion (the smallest diameter portion) where the electrode or the rod portion which holds the electrode is smallest in diameter, the number of crystal grain boundaries of tungsten material which is a constituent of the electrode or the rod holding the electrode is increased to a predetermined number.
FIG. 7 shows an extra-high pressure discharge lamp of prior art. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of the extra-high pressure discharge lamp, taken along a plane including the tube axis of the extra-high pressure discharge lamp. The extra-high pressure discharge lamp 100 is equipped with a bulb 110, in which the bulb 110 has an approximately spherical shaped light emission section 111 in which an interior space S is formed, and a pillar-shaped sealing portion 112 connected to both ends of the light emission section 111. While in the interior space S, a pair of electrodes 113 and 114 is arranged facing each other, 0.15 mg/mm3 or more of mercury and halogen gas for performing a halogen cycles are enclosed as light-emitting material. Each of the electrodes 113 and 114 is partially buried in the sealing portion 112, and the electrode 113 is connected to one end of the metallic foil 115 for electric supply. The external lead 116 which projects outward from the sealing portion 112 is connected to the other end of the metallic foil 115. In the extra-high pressure discharge lamp of the prior art, for example, one of the electrodes, that is, the electrode 113 has the smallest diameter portion 117. The number of the grain boundaries which a straight line perpendicular to the electrode central axis crosses in a sectional view taken along a plane including the electrode center of the smallest diameter portion 117, is specified.


A level shifter includes first and second P-type TFTs for latching a level of first and second output nodes, first and second N-type TFTs for setting the level of the first and second output nodes, and a drive circuit. The drive circuit includes third to eighth N-type TFTs providing, in response to rising and falling edges of an input signal, a voltage higher than a threshold voltage of the first and second N-type TFTs, between the gate and source of the first and second N-type TFTs, and includes first and second capacitors and a resistor element. Accordingly, even if an amplitude voltage of an input signal is smaller than the threshold voltage of the first and second N-type TFTs, the level shifter operates normally.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to amplitude conversion circuits. In particular, the present invention relates to an amplitude conversion circuit for changing an amplitude of a signal.
2. Description of the Background Art
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part of a conventional cellular phone that is involved in image display.
Referring to FIG. 27, the cellular phone includes a control LSI 71 which is a MOST (MOS transistor) integrated circuit, a level shifter 72 which is also a MOST integrated circuit, and a liquid crystal display 73 which is a TFT (thin-film transistor) integrated circuit.
Control LSI 71 generates a control signal for liquid crystal display 73. The control signal has an H or logical high level of 3 V and an L or logical low level of 0 V. Although a large number of control signals are actually generated, it is herein assumed, for convenience of description, that one control signal is generated. Level shifter 72 converts the logic level of the control signal supplied from control LSI 71 to generate an internal control signal. The internal control signal has an H level of 7.5 V and an L level of 0 V. Liquid crystal display 73 presents an image according to the internal control signal from level shifter 72.
FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of level shifter 72. Referring to FIG. 28, level shifter 72 includes P-channel MOS transistors 74 and 75 and N-channel MOS transistors 76 and 77. P-channel MOS transistors 74 and 75 are connected between a node N71 of a power supply potential VCC (7.5 V) and output nodes N74 and N75 respectively, and have respective gates connected to output nodes N75 and N74 respectively. N-channel MOS transistors 76 and 77 are connected respectively between output nodes N74 and N75 and a node of a ground potential GND, and have respective gates receiving input signals VI and /VI.
Here, it is supposed that input signals VI and /VI respectively have L level (0 V) and H level (3 V) while output signals VO and /VO respectively have H level (7.5 V) and L level (0 V). Then, MOS transistors 74 and 77 are turned on while MOS transistors 75 and 76 are turned off.
In this state, input signal VI is raised from L level (0 V) to H level (3 V) and input signal /VI is lowered from H level (3 V) to L level (0 V). Then, N-channel MOS transistor 76 is turned on first to cause the potential on output node N74 to decrease. When the potential on output node N74 decreases below the potential determined by subtracting the absolute value of a threshold voltage of P-channel MOS transistor 75 from power supply potential VCC, P-channel MOS transistor 75 is turned on to start increase of the potential on output node N75. The increasing potential on output node N75 decreases the source-gate voltage of P-channel MOS transistor 74 and accordingly increases the ON resistance value of P-channel MOS transistor 74, and the potential on output node N74 further decreases. The circuit thus operates in positive feedback manner so that output signals VO and /VO have L level (0 V) and H level (7.5 V) respectively and the level converting operation is completed.
A level shifter disclosed for example in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-145821 has P-channel MOS transistors 74 and 75 with respective gates both connected to one output node N74 or N75.
As discussed above, the conventional level shifter 72 operates on the precondition that N-channel MOS transistor 76 is turned on in response to rising of input signal VI from L level (0 V) to H level (3 V). In order to render N-channel MOS transistor 76 conductive, the threshold voltage of N-channel MOS transistor 76 must be H level (3 V) or less of input signal VI.
The threshold voltage of a commonly used semiconductor LSI is easily set at 3V or less. However, there is a considerable difference in the threshold voltage between low-temperature polysilicon TFTs included in the liquid crystal display, which makes it difficult to set the threshold voltage of the TFTs at 3 V or less. Then, as shown in FIG. 27, level shifter 72 constituted of high-withstand-voltage MOS transistors is provided between control LSI 71 and liquid crystal display 73 to change the logic level of the signal.
However, the cost of level shifter 72 thus provided adds to the system cost, resulting in increase of the system cost.

Amplitude conversion circuit for converting signal amplitude


An electrostatic chuck includes a chuck base and cooling pipes. The chuck base has at least four cooling zones, in which the cooling zones viewed at a direction normal to the chuck base are fan-shaped. The cooling pipes are respectively disposed in the cooling zones of the chuck base. Therefore, the cooling pipes disposed in the different cooling zones can be controlled individually.

Field of Invention
The present disclosure relates to an electrostatic chuck and a temperature-control method for the same.
Description of Related Art
In a reaction chamber of semiconductor device manufacturing equipment, a wafer is mounted on a chuck base for being supported during a process, in which the chuck base may be an electrostatic chuck. The chuck base is provided with a cooling system for maintaining a constant temperature of the chuck base, thereby cooling the wafer located on the chuck base. Thus, in order to prevent a potentially damaging temperature rise or a temperature unbalance between the wafer and the chuck base, the cooling system is typically associated with the chuck base.
The cooling system often directly applies a liquid or a gas coolant into the chuck base. However, even though the cooling system can cool the chuck base by applying the liquid or the gas coolant into the chuck base, delivering the liquid or the gas coolant to the inappropriate positions of the chuck base surface may introduce unexpected defects to the wafer. The wafer with the unexpected defects usually results in the reduced yield rate.

Electrostatic chuck and temperature-control method for the same


This invention relates to a process for selectively hydrogenating the unsaturated double bonds of conjugated diene units of a homopolymer or copolymer. By using a highly active novel homogeneous organo titanium catalyst represented by formula (I) and lithium hydride (LiH) prepared in solution of organo lithium compound and hydrogen as a reducing agent, a polymer could be hydrogenated with significantly high yield and good reproducibility. In addition, this invention is characterized by a novel method in that when a copolymer containing a conjugated diene and vinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon, the unsatured double bonds of conjugated diene units are selectively hydrogenated. In said formula where, Cp is a cyclopentadienyl group (C5H5); R1 and R2 are the same or different and are selected from halogen atom; R3 and R4 are the same of different and are selected from hydrogen atoms, alkyl or alkoxy group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl or aryloxy groups containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl groups containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

A polymer of conjugated diene monomer such as 1,3-butadiene or isoprene, or a copolymer with a vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene that may be copolymerized with the conjugated diene monomer, have been widely used as an elastomer.
With the double bonds within internal polymer chain, these polymers may be vulcanized but their durability and oxidation resistances are poor.
Meantime, some block copolymers prepared from conjugated diene monomer and vinyl aromatic monomer so-called a thermoplastic elastomer have been used as a modifier to improve an impact resistance for transparent resin or polyolefin and polystyrene resin, without vulcanization.
These polymers containing olefinic unsaturated double bonds may be advantageously utilized due to their easy cross-linking reaction, while their double bonds are responsible for some stability problems such as thermal resistance, oxidation resistance and weatherability.
Under such circumstances, these polymers have been applied within the restricted range, which is an only in-house uses.
In general, in an effort to improve the durability and oxidation resistance of a polymer having unsaturated double bonds, the unsaturated double bonds may be partially or completely saturated by the addition of hydrogen in a polymer.
Various methods to hydrogenate some polymers having olefinic unsaturated double bonds have been reported but they could be classified into two main methods.
The first method is to use a heterogeneous catalyst, while the second one is to use Ziegler catalyst or a homogeneous catalyst belonging to organometallic compounds such as rhodium or titanium.
From the two methods, the hydrogenation based on a heterogeneous catalyst is performed in such a manner that a polymer of unsaturated double bonds dissolved in a suitable solvent is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. However, this method has recognized several disadvantages in that:                a) A contact between reactants and catalyst is not easily made due to the fact that the steric hindrance of a polymer is large and its relative viscosity is higher;        b) In addition due to the strong physical adsorption of a polymer to the surface of a catalyst, it is very difficult to detach the already hydrogenated polymer from the catalyst, thus it makes other unsaturated polymers hard to reach the active site of a catalyst; therefore, for the complete hydrogenation of the unsaturated double bonds of a polymer, a large amount of catalyst is required with severe reaction conditions such as a higher temperature and pressure and as a result, the decomposition and gelation of a polymer may sometimes occur;        c) In particular, the selective hydrogenation of olefinic polymer in a copolymer containing conjugated diene monomer and vinyl aromatic monomer under such severe reaction conditions is extremely difficult, since the unsaturated double bonds of an aromatic compound could be simultaneously hydrogenated;        d) In addition, the physical separation of a catalyst contained in a hydrogenated polymer solution is extremely difficult; a certain heterogeneous catalyst is strongly attached to a polymer so that its complete removal is impossible.
By contrast, the hydrogenation based on a homogeneous catalyst has the following advantages in that:                a) The activity is much higher than the one of a heterogeneous catalyst and with a small amount of catalyst, a higher yield of final product may be expected under a mild condition such as a low temperature and pressure;        b) Further, under the mild hydrogenation conditions, the selective hydrogenation of unsaturated olefinic double bonds could be performed in a copolymer chain containing vinyl aromatic monomer and conjugated diene without the hydrognation of unsaturated aromatic double bonds.
Nonetheless, the process for hydrogenating the unsaturated double bonds of a conjugated diene polymer in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst has some drawbacks in that a) the stability of a catalyst itself is low, and b) the separation of a decomposed catalyst from the hydrogenated polymer is extremely difficult.
Meantime, several methods of hydrogenating or selectively hydrogenating the unsaturated double bonds of a conjugated diene polymer has been reported; for example, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,494,942, 3,670,054 and 3,700,633.
These patents have described the methods of using some catalysts containing some metals belonging to the groups of 8, 9 and 10, being published in the prior art or their precursors, in an effort to hydrogenate or selectively hydrogenate the ethylenic unsaturated double bonds of a polymer and copolymer containing aromatic and ethylenic unsaturated double bonds.
According to the process of the aforementioned patent, a catalyst was prepared using some metals belonging to the groups of 9 and 10, especially nickel or cobalt compound, with a suitable reducing agent such as alkyl aluminum. Other suitable reducing agent described in the prior art include some metals belonging to the groups of 1, 2 and 13, especially lithium, magnesium and aluminum allyls or hydrides according to the prior art. Hence, some metals belonging to the groups of 1, 2 and 13 and other metals belonging to the groups of 8, 9 and 10 are mixed in the molar ratio of 0.1:1 to 20:1, more preferably in the molar ratio of 1:1 to 10:1.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,857 has disclosed that the selective hydrogenation of unsaturated double bonds in a conjugated diene polymer resulting from its polymerization may be effected in the presence of at least one bis(cyclopentadienyl) titanium compound or at least one organo lithium compound.
Further, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,421 has disclosed that a polymer may have a similar hydrogenation activity using an alkoxy lithium compound directly or a reaction mixture between an organs lithium compound and alcohol or phenol, or its combined compound with bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium compound. It describes that even though a small amount of catalyst is used, the catalyst is effectively active, while any washing process to remove the residual catalyst is not necessary.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,714 has disclosed that bis(cyclopentadienyl) titanium compound can preferably hydrogenate unsaturated double bonds in a conjugated diene in the absence of alkyl lithium; The detailed example of such titanium compound included bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium diaryl compound, and the most advantage of this catalyst system is that a hydrocarbon lithium compound as a reducing agent is not used.
Also, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,755 has disclosed a process for the hydrogenation of conjugated diene polymer which comprises polymerizing or copolymerizing one conjugated diene monomer with an organo alkali metal polymerization initiator in a suitable solvent thereby forming a living polymer, terminating the polymerization by the addition of hydrogen; The selective hydrogenation of unsaturated double bonds in the conjugated diene units of the aforementioned terminated polymer was conducted in the presence of (C5H5)2TiR2 (R is an arylalkyl group) catalyst.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,986 has disclosed that the double bonds of conjugated diene units or a styrene-butadiene-isoprene copolymer may be selectively hydrogenated using a specific titanocene compound and reducing agent.
Further, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,175 has disclosed a process of hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer in the presence of homogeneous catalysts which contain Cp2Ti(PhOR)2 (where, Cp is a cyclopentadienyl group; OR is an alkoxy compound containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms) or Cp2TiR2 (where, R is a CH2PPh2).
Also, another process of hydrogenating an olefinic monomer using a mixture of Cp2TiCl2 or (C6H10(p-CH3OC6H4)C5H4)2TiCl2 as a catalyst and a high-activity alkali metal hydride(MH) prepared in solution has been disclosed [ref.: Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, 382 (1990) 69-76].
However, the aforementioned homogeneous catalyst has recognized some disadvantages in that a) in general, since it is extremely sensitive to an environment, the catalyst is easily inactivated in the air or in the presence of moisture, and b) the hydrogenation activity is greatly affected by the reducing state of the catalyst. Since there is trend that the reproducibility of hydrogenation is reduced in the long run, the prior art has found it difficult to obtain a hydrogenated polymer with a high hydrogenation rate and reproducibility simultaneously.
In addition, there is another trends that the active ingredients of the catalyst are easily converted to inactive ones, when the reaction proceeds. This may result in reducing the hydrogenation yield, thus being responsible for poor reaction reproducibility. Such trend will badly affect the hydrogenation of a polymer designed to improve the durability and oxidation resistance of a polymer. Furthermore, the hydrogenation rate of the homogeneous catalyst is much affected depending on its stability during the hydrogenation.
As noted in the above, it is prerequisite to overcome these drawbacks in adequately applying such homogeneous catalysts to the hydrogenation of a polymer in the industrial level. Thus, there is need to develop a highly active hydrogenation catalyst with better stability and reproducibility.

Process for hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer