A process for treating organic phosphates, comprising. (a) mixing a waste organic solvent mainly composed of an organic phosphate with an additive mainly composed of at least one of metal salts of aliphatic carboxylic acids represented by formula: EQU (C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 COO).sub.m M PA1 wherein PA1 (b) heating the resulting mixture, and PA1 (c) optionally burning the mixture to form stable solid containing phosphor content. The metal salts of aliphatic carboxylic acid are preferably metal salts of acetic acid such as potassium acetate, calcium acetate and aluminum acetate. Typical organic phosphate solvent is tributyl phosphate or a mixed solution of tributyl phosphate and benzene.. M is K, Ca or Al, and PA2 m is a positive integer of 1, 2 or 3,

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for treating organic phosphoric acid compounds generated as a waste organic solvent in a uranium refining process or in a reprocessing of nuclear fuel.
2. Description of Prior Art
Organic phosphoric acid compounds such as tributyl phosphate or the like used for extracting uranium or plutonium in refining uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuels are mostly stored in the form of liquid as a waste after repeated use for several times. This is mainly because the waste solvent contains radioactive substances or because the organic phosphate solvent contains phosphor on which standard for release is set up and therefore it cannot be released as it is or phosphor produced after burning cannot be released to the atmosphere. However, it is undesirable to store the organic phosphate solvent in the form of liquid because there is a possibility of leakage and the solvent has a poor chemical stability. In order to overcome the disadvantages, some processing methods have been tried. For example, Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. Sho 63-67595 describes a process of solidifying organic phosphates by adding thereto a solidifying agent such as hydrated aluminum chloride or polyaluminum chloride. This process has a problem that the solidifying agent is a chloride and therefore chlorine gas, hydrogen chloride or chlorides are released to the atmosphere in heating step in which solidified products are obtained. The processes disclosed in Japanese Patent Publications Nos. Sho 63-262597 and Sho 63-290998 are processes in which organic phosphoric acids are oxidatively decomposed under wet heat conditions and then solidified by the addition of alkaline earth metal hydroxides. These processes have a problem that wet heat conditions involve high pressures rather than normal pressure, which leads to specialization of apparatus to be used.

Process for treating organic phosphoric acids


A liquid detergent builder which is highly compatible with a surfactant and gives transparent liquid detergents having extremely excellent detergency, a liquid detergent containing the builder, and a liquid detergent containing an acrylic acid-based polymer (salt) having excellent clay dispersibility and good compatibility with a surfactant. The liquid detergent builder comprises an acrylic acid/maleic acid-based copolymer (salt), wherein the acrylic acid/maleic acid-based copolymer (salt) contains maleic acid (salt) in an amount of 5-90 mol % per mole of the sum of acrylic acid (salt) and maleic acid (salt), and a product (MA×Mw) of a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the copolymer (salt) and a proportion (MA (mol %)) of the maleic acid (salt) in the copolymer (salt) is 450,000 or less.

Water-soluble polymers are preferable for use in a detergent builder, and for example, unsaturated carboxylic acid-based (co)polymers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-hydroxyacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid or citraconic acid have conventionally used as the water-soluble polymer.
In recent years, improvement and research in such (co)polymers are actively made for the purpose of improving performances in various uses of detergent builders.
In particular, where a detergent builder based on an unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer or a modified product thereof as described in JP-A 2002-12627 is used as a powder detergent, its performance could be exhibited in a relatively high level.
However, a detergent builder comprising the above-described conventional unsaturated carboxylic acid-based (co)polymer had disadvantages that the (co)polymer has very poor compatibility with a surfactant, and as a result, such is not suitable for use as a liquid detergent.
Further, citric acid has been used as a chelating agent in a liquid detergent. However, citric acid does not have clay (dirt) dispersibility, and therefore, a dispersant has been desired to improve detergency.
Polyacrylic acid (salt) is used as a dispersant in a liquid detergent, but this is not compatible with a liquid detergent containing a surfactant in high concentration.

Liquid detergent builder and liquid detergent containing the same


An acceleration overload protection mechanism for use with a sensor unit. The sensor unit is generally defined by a sensor element or elements (i.e., proof mass, flexures, etc.) that are movable in relation to a sensor frame. The overload protection mechanism includes at least one arresting plate. The arresting plate includes a plate frame and an arresting element that are elastically coupled to one another to permit relative movement therebetween. The plate frame of the overload protection mechanism is placed in fixed alignment with the sensor frame to place the arresting element in spaced relation with the sensor element of the sensor unit. The arresting element and sensor element may move relative to one another to allow the arresting element to move to a position proximate the sensor element to limit the range of motion of the sensor element when the sensor unit is subject to an acceleration overload. Projections extend between the arresting element and sensor unit to engage corresponding channels thereby protecting the sensor unit from damage due to cross-axis accelerations.

The art contains various examples of the construction and operation of inertial measurement units (IMU) for measuring linear acceleration and angular rate. One such IMU is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,773, issued Jun. 27, 1989. The IMU described therein uses a plurality of accelerometer sensor units. Each accelerometer includes a single crystal silicon chip sandwiched between a pair of non-conductive insulative members which may be made from pyrex. The accelerometer includes a proof mass which has been separated from the silicon chip by an etched channel to free the proof mass along at least three of its edges. The fourth edge is provided with a hinge or flexure which may be formed by etching away some, but not all of the edge which joins the proof mass to the silicon chip. Although the patent states that any hinge will do, the embodiment shown in the patent utilizes a cross beam flexure blade hinge.
Sensors used in IMU's must be both sensitive and rugged. For example, in a rocket motor guidance system for a projectile which is fired from a gun, the projectile is accelerated within the gun barrel to an acceleration on the order of 30,000 g's. Immediately after the projectile is expelled from the gun, the projectile undergoes an acceleration in the opposite direction on the same order of magnitude. For these and other applications, it is desirable to provide protection for the sensor device from forces due to such accelerations along the sensitive axis, opposed to the sensitive axis, and in other directions as well. Such protection, however, should not degrade the sensitivity of the sensor device. While attempts have been made to provide stability for sensor devices during normal operation of the device, i.e., with the use of damping plates, none have adequately addressed the problems associated with accelerations that greatly exceed those which the device is designed to withstand. Thus, the prior art sensor designs now offer unsatisfactory performance, particularly upon the receipt of accelerations that greatly exceed the sensitivity range of the sensor.

Acceleration overload protection mechanism for sensor devices


A hydraulic control system for a multi-mode hybrid-type power transmission is provided, including an engine-driven main pump in fluid communication with a main regulator valve, and an electrically driven auxiliary pump in fluid communication with an auxiliary regulator valve. A first pressure control solenoid is configured to provide boost pressure to the main regulator valve and thereby boost output of the main pump. A second pressure control solenoid is configured to provide boost pressure to the auxiliary regulator valve and thereby boost output of the auxiliary pump. The distribution of boost pressure from the pressure control solenoids is selectively modified such that at least one of the flows of pressurized fluid from the pumps is equal to the current line pressure requirements of the transmission during engine auto-start and auto-stop, and transitions thereto. An improved method for regulating the hydraulic control system is also provided.

In general, motorized vehicles, such as the conventional automobile, include a powertrain that is comprised of an engine in power flow communication with a final drive system (e.g., rear differential and wheels) via a multi-speed power transmission. Hybrid type powertrains generally employ an internal combustion engine (ICE) and one or more motor/generator units that operate individually or in concert to propel the vehicle—e.g., power output from the engine and motor/generators are transferred through planetary gearing in the multi-speed transmission to be transmitted to the vehicle's final drive. The primary function of the multi-speed power transmission is to regulate speed and torque to meet operator demands for vehicle speed and acceleration.
To operate properly, the power transmission requires a supply of pressurized fluid, such as conventional transmission oil. The pressurized fluid may be used for such functions as cooling and lubrication. The lubricating and cooling capabilities of transmission oil systems greatly impact the reliability and durability of the transmission. Additionally, multi-speed power transmissions require pressurized fluid for controlled engagement and disengagement, on a desired schedule, of the various torque transmitting mechanisms that operate to establish the speed ratios within the internal gear arrangement.
Transmissions are traditionally supplied with hydraulic fluid by a wet sump (i.e., internal reservoir) oil system, which is separate from the engine's oil system. The fluid is typically stored in a main reservoir or main sump volume where it is introduced to a pickup or inlet tube for communication to the hydraulic pump(s). The pump operates to pressurize the fluid for subsequent communication to the transmission.
It is well known to utilize a fixed displacement (or "PF", according to industry custom) pump in multi-speed transmissions. A PF pump can generate relatively instantaneous pressure and flow to a hydraulic circuit when the circuit is opened due to the positive displacement characteristic of PF type pumps. In addition to, or in lieu of a PF pump, it is also known to use a variable displacement (or "PV", according to industry custom) pump to satisfy the hydraulic fluid needs of a multi-speed transmission. The PV pump produces a variable flow on demand. Thus, in standby conditions, PV pump systems do not circulate as much hydraulic fluid.
One premise behind hybrid-type vehicles is that alternative power is available to propel the vehicle, minimizing reliance on the engine for power, thereby increasing fuel economy. Since hybrid-type vehicles can derive their power from sources other than the engine, engines in hybrid-type vehicles typically operate at lower speeds more often than their traditional counterparts, and can be turned off while the vehicle is propelled by the alternative power source(s). For example, electrically-variable transmissions alternatively rely on electric motors housed in the transmission to power the vehicle's driveline.
Engines in hybrid-type vehicles are required to start and stop more often than engines in non-hybrid systems. When the engine in a hybrid-type vehicle is not operating (i.e., in a power-off state), hydraulic pumps which derive their power solely from the engine may become inoperable. As such, many hybrid powertrains include an electrically driven secondary or auxiliary pump that runs independent of the engine—e.g., powered by the vehicle drive lines or a battery, to provide hydraulic pressure during periods when the engine is shutdown.
Packaging space in and around the powertrain in hybrid-type vehicles is normally scarce, often restricting use of a larger auxiliary pump motor. In addition to architectural limitations, installing a larger pump motor is not always possible due to mass, cost, and fuel economy constraints. As such, the motor of a transmission auxiliary pump may be so small that it may not be able to start reliably under certain conditions. However, a transmission auxiliary pump which fails during transition periods (e.g., transition to hybrid "engine-off driving mode") can potentially result in slip in the transmission launching clutch, and may result in "engine-on" operation only.
Due to size limitations, the auxiliary pump is generally limited in the pressure it can operate against. In most instances, the auxiliary pump operates at significantly less pressure than the engine-driven transmission pump. As such, the auxiliary pump may stall if it is forced to operate at excessive transmission pressures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Hydraulic control system for multi-mode hybrid transmission and method of regulating the same


A power supply device is provided with a diode rectifier circuit having an input connected to an AC power source, the output of the diode rectifier circuit producing a rectified voltage; a capacitor connected to the diode rectifier to be charged by the rectified voltage; and a controller configured to receive as input a detection signal representing a charging current flowing into the capacitor, the controller being further configured to calculate a voltage frequency, a cycle, or a power voltage phase of the AC power on the basis of the detection signal. At least one of the following is used to detect the charging current flowing into the capacitor and produce the detection signal: a photocoupler; an amplifier circuit including a shunt resistor and an operational amplifier; and a current transformer.

In a machine such as an air conditioner that controls movement while communicating with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, traditionally the power for a transmission circuit between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is generated from an AC power supply, as described in Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-257238).
In addition to the air conditioner, in some cases, some machines require control synchronized with a power cycle. For instance, a detection circuit for detecting a phase angle of an AC voltage, which is a power phase, the timing of a zero cross at which the positive and the negative of the AC voltage are reversed, a power frequency of the AC voltage, or a power cycle of the AC voltage, is required in an inverter that drives a motor, such as the inverters described in Patent Literature 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-20837), Patent Literature 4 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-223599), and Patent Literature 5 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-34070), and in a rectifier circuit such as the one described in Patent Literature 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-238452).

Power supply device having charging current detection, inverter device and converter device using the power supply device, and refrigeration device and air cleaner using the inverter device or the convertor device


A camera module can include a lens housing, an imaging unit and a driving motor. The lens housing can include a first lens module, a second lens module and a lens holder holding the first lens module and the second lens module. The imaging unit is located between the first lens module and the second lens module. The imaging unit is in optical alignment with the first lens module and the second lens module. The driving motor is coupled to the lens housing and configured to drive the lens housing to move relative to the imaging unit. When the driving motor drives the first lens module and the second lens module to move relative to the imaging unit, distance between the imaging unit and the first lens module is changed, or a distance between the imaging unit and the second lens module is changed.

Electronic devices can be equipped to include a camera module. Electronic devices can include a mobile phone, a computer, a digital camera, a portable imaging device and the like. The camera module generally includes a driving motor, a lens module driven by the driving motor, and a photosensitive component in optical alignment with the lens module.


A process for selectively separating polyamides from multi-component waste materials including the steps of subjecting the multi-component mix to a specific mixture of caprolactam and water at a preselected temperature range below the degradation temperature of the polymer to be recovered, separating the formed polyamide solution, and recovering the desired polyamide. The process is very desirable for separating multi-component waste materials which contain not only nylon 6, but also nylon 6,6. The recovered polyamide may be used in molding applications and in fiber such as carpet fiber.

Aliphatic polyamides, particularly nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are extensively used for a variety of industrial and consumer applications such as carpets and automotive parts. Recycling and recovery of the polymer from these products is important for environmental reasons. The recovered polyamide materials need to be separated from foreign materials such as carpet backing, etc. While there are several approaches to reclamation through a chemical process, whereby the polymers or monomers can be purified and reused to make a high quality polyamide, these routes are expensive. A portion of the difficulties, inherent in the chemical process, relate to the complexity of the recyclable waste material.
Carpets include a face fiber that is adhered to a backing (support) material which may include jute, polypropylene, latex (such as a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)) and a variety of inorganic materials such as calcium carbonate, clay, or hydrated alumina fillers.
Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are often used for the face fiber in high quality carpets. Other face fibers includes polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and to a much less extent wool and acrylics. Typically, a carpet comprises about 20-55 percent by weight face fiber and 45-80 percent by weight backing materials. In addition, the face fiber contains dyes, soil repellents, stabilizers, and other compounds added during fiber and/or carpet manufacture.
Waste carpet may also contain a host of other impurities, which will collectively be referred to herein as "dirt". A substantial amount of work is dedicated to processes where the polyamide (Nylon 6) is extracted from the waste and fed to a depolymerization process to recover caprolactam.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,066 to BASF describes a process for recovering caprolactam from waste containing both polycaprolactam and materials which are insoluble in acidic solvents for polycaprolactam. The process includes: agitating the waste in an acidic solvent capable of dissolving nylon 6 without degrading the acid insoluble materials; separating the solution containing nylon 6 from the insolubles; and feeding the nylon 6 to a depolymerization reactor to obtain pure caprolactam. Several deficiencies exist in this process. Industrial waste and post consumer carpets contain a mixture of polyamides (Nylon 6 and Nylon 66). The use of strong mineral acids, in this process, will extract both of these polyamides. At best only nylon 6 will be recovered to a monomer. These non-nylon 6 components interfere with caprolactam recovery. For example, one of the most difficult problems is that alkaline components, such as the calcium carbonate filler, neutralize the acidic catalysts, such as phosphoric acid, that are conventionally used to promote nylon 6 depolymerization, thus requiring the use of increased amounts of the catalyst. Extracted nylon 66 may interfere with the depolymerization of nylon 6 to caprolactam. Additionally, these types of processes, where only the monomer is recovered, loses the inherent value of the recovered polymer (i.e. one has to polymerize the monomer back to the polymer at some cost).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,905 teaches that a mixture of nylon 6 and nylon 66 is first separated from consumer waste, e.g. used carpet or carpet scrap, by extraction with an aliphatic carboxylic acid. The filtrate comprising the acid and extracted nylon 6 and nylon 66 is then depolymerized.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,066 teaches that a mixture of nylon 6 and polyethylene terephthalate, which is acid insoluble, is mixed with an acid so that the dissolved nylon 6 may be removed from the polyethylene terephthalate. The removed nylon is then depolymerized.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,519 teaches that a yarn blend of nylon 6 and polyethylene terephthalate may be depolymerized by heating with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide at elevated pressure.
However, in the case of multi-component mixtures or composites that contain nylon 6 as one component, recovery of caprolactam is complicated by the presence of the other components. These other components and/or their decomposition products generated under conventional nylon 6 depolymerization conditions interfere with the isolation of caprolactam, thus necessitating expensive additional purification steps.
An alternative approach to the recovery of polyamides from waste is by the extraction of the polymers using a solvent, and the recovery of the polymer either by cooling the solution to cause precipitation of the polymer, or adding a non-solvent to precipitate the polymer, or removal of solvent by volatilization. The choice of a solvent system is critical to prevent degradation of the polymer, prevent extraction of undesirable materials, monitor the corrositivity of the solvent, control cost and monitor the environmental factors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,068 describes a process for the extraction of polyamides from industrial and consumer application wastes. Boiling ethylene glycol is used to dissolve nylon 66 and the nylon was then allowed to remain in solution from 8 to 240 minutes, during which time the polymer degraded significantly according to the formic acid viscosity, where this value decreased substantially from the original value of 48.5 dl/g to 34.5 to 19.33 to 2.41, respectively. This rate of degradation is not acceptable because during an industrial extraction process, the polymer will be in contact with the solvent for at least 30 minutes.
Another extraction solvent described by this patent is glacial acetic acid. Although this solvent did not cause any change to the molecular weight, as judged by the lack of reduction of the solution viscosity, the solvent is reactive with the calcium carbonate present in the carpet backing causing dissolution of this inorganic material and foaming from the release of carbon dioxide. Moreover, the acid has to be substantially removed by extensive extraction with water to eliminate the acid whose presence in the polymer will cause degradation of the resultant recycled polymer during the subsequent melt processing steps.
Czechoslovakian Patent No. 143,502 claims recovery of caprolactam from waste by dissolving the polycaprolactam component in water or a polycaprolactam solvent under pressure and at high temperatures. The resulting low molecular weight polymer and oligomers are recovered by precipitation or used directly as a solution and then subjected to high temperature decomposition to recover the caprolactam. Two disadvantages exist in this teaching: the polymer recovered from this process can not be directly used since the process relies on breaking down the polymer for ease of dissolution and facile conversion to monomer. Another disadvantage of this teaching is that one can not use this method to recover waste containing both nylon 6 and nylon 66 since the extracted polyamide 66 will interfere with depolymerization to caprolactam.
German Patent No. DE 4421239, describes a process for recovering and processing high molecular weight nylon 6 from waste by depolymerizing the nylon 6 polymer in caprolactam and water mixtures, extracting the low viscosity oligomers, filtering the resultant solution and then repolymerizing to high molecular nylon 6 by subjecting the oligomeric materials to a vacuum at elevated temperatures in a reactor. An advantage of this method is that the resulting oligomer solution is suitable for filtration to remove non-soluble waste.
This method suffers from the lack of selectivity in the recovery of nylon 6, if nylon 66 is also present in the waste. The nylon 66 component, if present, will also be converted to oligomers and will be extracted along with the nylon 6 oligomers. Polymerization of this mix of polyamide oligomers will produce copolymers with a lower melt temperature and inferior mechanical properties than either nylon 6 or nylon 66.
European patent publication, 603,434 A1, describes a method for the separation of polyamides from polyamide containing products by dissolving the polyamides in a suitable, non-chlorinated solvent, filtration of the solution and precipitation of the polymer by adding non-solvent. Acid solvents suggested in this teaching, such as mineral acid and chloroacetic acid, will react with calcium carbonate causing foaming and extraction of this inorganic material into the polymer solution. Further complications arise during the recovery operation. The acid and inorganics presently retained in the polymer will cause instability and degradation of the recovered polyamide during application. Other solvents suggested in this patent such as phenol, cresol, benzyl alcohol, lactams or lactones will result in polymer solutions which have a high viscosity and are difficult to filter at any practical polymer concentrations. Selective separation of nylon 6 from waste containing nylon 66 is not addressed in this art.

Selective polyamide recovery from multi-component materials


A pneumatic spring pot has a pot wall and a bottom connected to the pot wall and also an annular flange connected, opposite the bottom, to the pot wall and intended for the fastening of, for example, a pneumatic spring concertina, the annular flange having a smaller diameter than the largest diameter of the pot wall. The bottom, pot wall and annular flange are formed in one piece with one another by sheet metal forming from a sheet part, in such a way that the annular flange is formed from the outer edge region of the sheet bar. Furthermore, a method for producing the pneumatic spring pot is described.

The invention relates to a pneumatic spring pot, comprising a pot wall, a bottom connected to the pot wall and a first annular flange opposite the bottom and connected to the pot wall.
The invention relates, furthermore, to a method for producing a pneumatic spring pot of the abovementioned type.
Such a pneumatic spring pot is part of a pneumatic spring system which is used in motor vehicles for the spring suspension of the superstructures or body.
The pneumatic spring pot, as a structural part of a pneumatic spring system, has the function of providing an air volume. A further function of the pneumatic spring pot is, at one end, to ensure the tie-off of, for example, a pneumatic spring concertina or other pneumatic spring components, for which purpose the pot wall is connected correspondingly to an annular flange narrow in diameter. A bottom is connected to the pot wall at that end of the latter which is opposite the annular flange, in order to tie the pneumatic spring pot up to the body, for example by means of threaded bolts. A further function of the bottom is, for example, to receive the damper bearing and, as a result of this, to absorb damper forces. In the installed state of the pneumatic spring pot, the bottom forms the upper end of the pneumatic spring pot and the annular flange for the fastening of, for example, the pneumatic spring concertina forms the lower end of the pneumatic spring pot.
The pneumatic spring pot known from DE 199 07 656 A1 has a first supporting part and a second supporting part, between which the pneumatic spring concertina is fastened. The two supporting parts each have a bottom, a pot wall and an annular flange, these abovementioned parts as a whole being formed in one piece with one another from sheet metal. The production method for the two pots serving as supporting parts is not described in the document. Furthermore, the bottom is not suitable, either in the first supporting part or in the second supporting part, for serving as receptacle for a damper bearing.
A further pneumatic spring pot is known from the German book "Fahrwerktechnik: Stoβ- und Schwingungsdämpfer" ["Chassis Technology: Impact and Vibration Dampers"], 2nd Edition, Vogel-Buchverlag, Würzburg 1989. This pneumatic spring pot has a bottom, a pot wall and an annular flange for fastening a pneumatic spring concertina, the bottom, pot wall and annular flange again being formed in one piece from sheet metal.
The bottom of this pneumatic spring pot has an orifice, through which a piston rod is led, the damper bearing or head bearing being arranged as a separate structural part of the bottom. There is therefore no integration of the head bearing housing or damper bearing housing into the pneumatic spring pot, this leading to a generally complicated overall form of construction of the pneumatic spring system.
Pneumatic spring pots constructed at least from two parts are also known. A first part in this case consists of the bottom and of a portion of the pot wall, and the at least second part consists of the remaining portion of the pot wall and the abovementioned annular portion. These two parts are connected to one another by means of an assembly method, conventionally by means of welding. A pneumatic spring pot of this type is known, for example, from DE 100 50 028 A1.
In the two-part design of the pneumatic spring pot, the two individual parts are manufactured, as a rule, as drawn parts which are subsequently assembled by welding. The disadvantage of the at least two-part design of the pneumatic spring pot is, however, that the number of operations required and therefore the outlay in terms of time and cost in the production of the pneumatic spring pot are increased.
However, because of the narrowing in diameter of the annular flange at the concertina start, it is not possible for a generally one-part design of the pneumatic spring pot with bottom, pot wall and annular flange to be implemented to the desired extent of the narrowing in diameter in one and the same sheet metal forming methods, for example in a deep-drawing method.
This is also, inter alia, because, normally, a further annular flange for the damper bearing is already integrally formed onto the bottom of the pneumatic spring pot and projects away from the bottom in the same direction as the annular flange at the opposite end.
The known multipart design of the pneumatic spring pot with the at least two pneumatic spring pot parts being welded together has the further disadvantage that the manufactured pneumatic spring pot subsequently also has to be sealed by being surface-treated, for example with a lacquer. For even when the pneumatic spring pot is produced from an initial material which has received surface treatment, for example galvanization, this surface treatment is destroyed at the weld seam due to the welding. In order to avoid corrosion of the finished pneumatic spring pot, therefore, the pneumatic spring pot has to be sealed once again, at least in the region of the weld seam.
In the known pneumatic spring pots constructed from two deep-drawn parts welded to one another, a supporting ring was additionally also required in order to tie the pneumatic spring concertina to the annular flange, so that the annular flange does not collapse owing to the high pressure force of the pneumatic spring concertina. To be precise, the pneumatic spring concertina is fastened to the annular flange with a high pressure force, in order to avoid an undesirable detachment from the pneumatic spring pot during the operation of the pneumatic spring system.
It will be conceivable, in principle, to manufacture a pneumatic spring pot of the type initially mentioned in one piece from the solid material by lathe-turning. Since manufacture of the pneumatic spring pot by turning from a solid material entails a very cost-intensive high outlay in terms of material and time, the method of this type is not suitable for large series manufacture.

Pneumatic spring pot and method for producing same


A composition in the form of an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion containing an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, which contains a mixture of nonionic emulsifiers, the mixture being liquid at ambient temperature and having an HLB ranging from about 6 to 13, and in that the oily phase comprises at least about 5% by weight of one or more waxes based on the total weight of the composition, at least one of the waxes having a starting melting temperature of greater than or equal to about 50xc2x0 C.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composition in the form of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion containing a high content of wax and to the use thereof in the cosmetics and dermatological fields, in particular in caring for, treating and/or making up the skin and/or mucous membranes, and more particularly in the treatment of wrinkles and/or fine lines of the skin and/or in the treatment and/or protection of dry skin.
The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such a composition, wherein at least one stage of the process is carried out using a mixer-extruder.
2. Discussion of the Background
It is known to use waxes in cosmetic creams in the form of emulsions and which are used in the care of human skin, and, in particular, for the antiwrinkle effects contributed by these waxes. Nevertheless, it is difficult to incorporate a high percentage of waxes in these compositions because waxes have a tendency to greatly thicken emulsions. In addition, when a high percentage of waxes is incorporated in an emulsion, the emulsion is very difficult to apply to the skin because it does not slip. Furthermore, a rough effect is produced on the skin. Such an emulsion is therefore of no practical use.
Furthermore, it is also known to incorporate a high percentage of waxes in mascaras. However, compositions of this type cannot be used as a care product because of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
Furthermore, in order to prepare an emulsion containing waxes, it is necessary to melt the waxes in the fatty phase of the emulsion, and in particular if it is desired, for example, to use waxes, such as carnauba waxes, which are particularly advantageous because of their antiwrinkle effect on the skin. In so doing, it is therefore necessary to heat the fatty phase to 80-85xc2x0 C., which is particularly harmful when it is desired to introduce heat-sensitive compounds thereto.
A need therefore remains for a composition containing a significant percentage of waxes without the above disadvantages.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an O/W emulsion having a high wax content therein.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a process for preparing an O/W emulsion having a high wax content therein.
It is, moreover, an object of the present invention to provide a method of treating mammalian skin, mucous membranes and/or hair using an o/w emulsion having a high wax content therein.
The above object and others are provided by a composition in the form of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, containing an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, which contains a mixture of at least two nonionic emulsifiers, the mixture being liquid at ambient temperature and having an HLB ranging from about 6 to 13, and wherein the oily phase contains at least about 5% by weight of one or more waxes based on the total weight of the composition, at least one of the waxes having a starting melting temperature of greater than or equal to about 50xc2x0 C.
Quite surprisingly, it has now been discovered, in accordance with the present invention, that it is possible to incorporate a high percentage of waxes in O/W emulsions, while retaining satisfactory fluidity and a pleasant feeling during application on the skin, by preparing the emulsion under cold conditions using a mixture of nonionic emulsifiers, which is liquid at ambient temperature and which has an appropriate HLB (HLB=Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance), and starting from a soft oily phase containing a high percentage of waxes.
The present invention thus provides a composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion containing an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, which contains a mixture of at least two nonionic emulsifiers, the mixture being liquid at ambient temperature and having an HLB ranging from about 6 to 13, and wherein the oily phase contains at least about 5% by weight of one or more waxes based on the total weight of the composition, at least one of the waxes being a wax having a starting melting temperature of greater than or equal to about 50xc2x0 C.
The composition obtained, although containing a high level of wax, is fresh on application.
The present inventors have particularly sought to avoid the use of ionic emulsifiers, which can be irritating to some skin types, notably to sensitive skin. However, the use of nonionic emulsifiers presents difficulties as there exists no nonionic emulsifier which is liquid at ambient temperature and which has an HLB ranging from about 6 to 13 which makes it possible to achieve the purpose and effect of the prevent invention. The present inventors have surprisingly discovered the effectiveness of using a mixture of nonionic emulsifiers.
The mixture of nonionic emulsifiers which is used in accordance with the present invention must be liquid at ambient temperature, that is to say at a temperature ranging from about 15xc2x0 C. to 25xc2x0 C., and have an HLB ranging from about 6 about to 13. It can contain in particular (1) at least one nonionic emulsifier having an HLB equal to or greater than about 13, and (2) at least one nonionic emulsifier having an HLB equal to or less than about 5. In addition, it can optionally contain at least one coemulsifier which may in particular be necessary if the emulsifiers (1) and (2) used are both solids, the coemulsifier then being liquid and making it possible to obtain a liquid mixture.
As is known, the HLB of a mixture of emulsifiers corresponds to the mean of the HLB values of each of the emulsifiers constituting the mixture, taking into account the proportion by weight of these emulsifiers.
Mention may be made, as nonionic emulsifiers with an HLB equal to or less than 5, of, for example, esters of polyols and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such as esters of fatty acid and of glycerol, of glucose or of sorbitol; oxyethylenated derivatives of esters of polyols and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, which derivatives contain from 1 to 50 oxyethylene groups, such as a complex of triisostearin (triester of glycerol and of isostearic acid) and of PEG-6; ethers of polyethylene glycol and of a fatty alcohol having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, which ethers contain from 1 to 50 oxyethylene groups, such as oleyl ethers and in particular oleth-25 (25 oxyethylene groups), and their mixtures.
Use may advantageously be made, as nonionic emulsifiers with an HLB equal to or less than about 5, of those which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as polyol fatty esters and fatty ethers with a branched or unsaturated chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms and, in particular, sorbitan monoisostearate, such as the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cArlacel 987xe2x80x9d by the company ICI, sorbitan mono/dioleate, such as the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cArlacel 83xe2x80x9d by the company ICI, the complex of triisostearin and of PEG-6, such as the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cLabrafil isostearicxe2x80x9d by the company Gattefossxc3xa9, decaglyceryl pentaisostearate, such as the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cNikkol Decaglyn 5-ISxe2x80x9d by the company Nikko Chemical, or methyl glucose dioleate, such as the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cIsolan DOxe2x80x9d by the company Goldschmidt.
Mention may be made, as nonionic emulsifiers with an HLB equal to or greater than about 13, of, for example, esters of polyethylene glycol and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, which esters contain from 5 to 100 and preferably from 20 to 60 oxyethylene groups, such as PEG-40 stearate; ethers of polyethylene glycol and of a fatty alcohol having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, which ethers contain from 5 to 100 and preferably from 10 to 30 oxyethylene groups, such as ceteareth-25 or ceteth-25; esters of sorbitan and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, which esters comprise from 0 to 100 and preferably from 4 to 25 oxyethylene groups, such as polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40 and polysorbate 60; esters of sugar and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such as sucrose stearate; derivatives of polyethylene glycol and of esters of glycerol and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such as PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides; polyethylene glycol ethers of esters of methyl glucose and of a fatty acid having an alkyl chain containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such as PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate; and their mixtures.
Use may advantageously be made, as nonionic emulsifiers with an HLB equal to or greater than about 13, of those which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as polysorbate 20, for example the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cTween 20xe2x80x9d by the company ICI, polysorbate 40, for example the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cTween 40xe2x80x9d by the company ICI, PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides, for example the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cLabrasoll, by the company Gattefossxc3xa9, or PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, for example the product sold under the name xe2x80x9cGlucamate SSE 20xe2x80x9d by the company Amerchol.
Mention may be made, as a coemulsifier, of, for example, fatty alcohols containing a branched or unsaturated chain having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, such as isostearyl alcohol; fatty acids containing a branched or unsaturated chain having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, such as ricinoleic acid; esters of a polyol and of a branched fatty acid containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, such as branched fatty esters of glycerol or of propylene glycol, for example glyceryl isostearate or propylene glycol isostearate, and their mixtures.
Mention may be made, as a mixture of nonionic emulsifiers, which is liquid at ambient temperature and which has an HLB of 6 to 13, which can be used in the composition according to the invention, of, for example, the mixture of glyceryl stearate, propylene glycol stearate, glyceryl isostearate, propylene glycol isostearate, oleth-25 and ceteth-25 sold by the company Gattefossxc3xa9 under the name xe2x80x9cHydrolactol 70xe2x80x9d, with an HLB of 10.
The amount of mixture of emulsifiers (emulsifiers and coemulsifier) in the composition according to the invention generally ranges from about 0.1 to 30% by weight of active material, and preferably from about 1 to 25% by weight of active material with respect to the total weight of the composition. The proportion of each emulsifier in this amount of emulsifiers can be easily determined by a person skilled in the art for the purpose of obtaining a mixture suitable for the criteria defined above. Preferably, the amount of nonionic emulsifiers, without taking into account the coemulsifier, ranges from about 0.5 to 10% by weight and preferably from about 0.5 to 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
The composition of the present invention contains, in the oily phase, at least about 5% by weight of one or more waxes with respect to the total weight of the composition. The cooled oily phase oily phase, before it is mixed with the aqueous phase, advantageously exists in the form of a soft paste. The term xe2x80x9csoft pastelxe2x80x9d is understood here to mean a paste for which the viscosity can be measured, in contrast to the solid structure of a tube or stick, for which the viscosity cannot be measured. The dynamic viscosity of the soft paste at 25xc2x0 C. is generally between 3 and 35 Paxc2x7s, measured with a Contraves TV rotary viscometer equipped with an xe2x80x9cMS-r4xe2x80x9d rotor at a frequency of 60 Hz.
Mention may be made, as waxes which can be used in the composition of the invention, of, for example, mineral waxes, such as microcrystalline waxes, paraffin wax, petrolatum wax, petroleum wax, ozokerite or montan wax; animal waxes, such as beeswax, lanolin and its derivatives; vegetable waxes, such as candelilla, ouricurry, carnauba or japan waxes, cocoa butter, or cork fibre or sugar cane waxes; hydrogenated oils which are solid at 25xc2x0 C. fatty esters and glycerides which are solid at 25xc2x0 C.; synthetic waxes, such as polyethylene waxes and waxes obtained by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; silicone waxes, and their mixtures.
According to the present invention, use is made of at least one wax having a starting melting temperature greater than or equal to about 50xc2x0 C. and preferably at least one wax for which the starting melting temperature is greater than about 65xc2x0 C., such as carnauba wax, some polyethylene waxes and some microcrystalline waxes, such as that sold by the company Tisco under the name xe2x80x9cTisco Wax 88xe2x80x9d or that sold by the company RMC under the name of xe2x80x9cFeruwax 30540xe2x80x9d.
The term xe2x80x9cstarting melting temperaturexe2x80x9d is understood to mean, in the present description, the temperature at which a wax begins to melt. This temperature can be determined by DTA (differential thermal analysis), which makes it possible to obtain a thermogram (or melt curve) of the wax under consideration. The starting melting temperature corresponds to the temperature at which a significant change of slope in the thermogram can be observed. The melting point, for its part, represents the minimum point in the said thermogram.
The amount of wax(es) in the composition of the invention is at least about 5% and preferably ranges from about 5 to 30%, and preferably from about 5 to 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
The amount of oily phase in the composition of the invention generally ranges from about 10 to 70%, and preferably from about 20 to 50% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition. This oily phase is used in such an amount or else comprises an amount of waxes such that the amount of waxes in the final composition is equal to or greater than about 5%.
The oily phase of the composition of the invention generally comprises, in addition to the wax or waxes, one or more fatty substances chosen from oils of animal origin, oils of vegetable origin, mineral oils, synthetic oils, fluorinated oils, silicone oils, in particular volatile silicone oils, silicone gums, silicone resins, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and silicone elastomers, such as the products sold under the name xe2x80x9cKSGxe2x80x9d by the company Shin-Etsu, under the name xe2x80x9cTrefilxe2x80x9d, by the company Dow Corning or under the name xe2x80x9cGransilxe2x80x9d by the company General Electric.
The composition according to the present invention can advantageously also contain one or more fillers (pulverulent constituents) which can be, for example, talc; micas of natural or synthetic origin; kaolin; zinc or titanium oxides; calcium carbonate; magnesium carbonate and hydrocarbonate; silica, in particular spherical silica, silica powder, sold under the name xe2x80x9cCab-O-Sil TS 530xe2x80x9d by the company Cabot, and silica microbeads, such as those sold under the name SB150 by the company Myoshi; titanium dioxide; glass and ceramic beads sold by the company 3M under the trade name xe2x80x9cMacrolitexe2x80x9d; metal soaps derived from an organic carboxylic acid having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example zinc, magnesium or lithium stearate, zinc laurate or magnesium myristate; powders formed from nonexpanded synthetic polymers, such as powders formed from polyethylene, polystyrene, polyesters, polyamides (for example, Nylon or poly-xcex2-alanine), acrylate copolymers (for example, the microporous microspheres sold by the company Dow Corning under the trade name xe2x80x9cPolytrapxe2x80x9d), poly(methacrylic acid)s, polystyrene or teflon, such as xe2x80x9cFluonxe2x80x9d; expanded powders, such as hollow microspheres made of thermoplastic material prepared by known processes, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,972 and EP-A-056,219, and in particular the microspheres sold under the trade name xe2x80x9cExpancelxe2x80x9d by the company Kemanord Plast or under the trade name xe2x80x9cMicropearl F 80 EDxe2x80x9d by the company Matsumoto; powders formed from natural organic materials, such as maize, wheat or rice starches, which may or may not be crosslinked, such as the powders formed from starch crosslinked by octenylsuccinic anhydride sold under the name xe2x80x9cDry-Floxe2x80x9d by the company National Starch; silicone resin microbeads, such as those sold under the name xe2x80x9cTospearlxe2x80x9d by the company Toshiba Silicone, and their mixtures.
The fillers can represent up to about 20% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition and preferably from about 1 to 12% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
The aqueous phase of the composition of the present invention represents at least about 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition and preferably from about 50 to 80% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
The composition according to the present invention can be used in any field where this type of pharmaceutical dosage form is advantageous and in particular in the cosmetics and dermatological fields. When it constitutes a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition, it advantageously contains a physiologically acceptable medium, which is to say a medium which is compatible with the skin, mucous membranes, nails and/or hair.
The compositions which are the subject-matter of the present invention are applied in a large number of treatments of the skin, mucous membranes (lips) and hair, including the scalp, in particular in protecting, caring for, cleansing and/or making up the skin and/or so mucous membranes, in protecting, caring for and/or cleansing the hair and/or in the therapeutic treatment of the skin, hair and/or mucous membranes.
The compositions according to the present invention can be used, for example, as products for treating, caring for, protecting and/or cleansing the skin, in the form of creams or milks, or as (skin and lip) make-up products by incorporating fillers and/or coloring materials (pigments and/or dyes). They are particularly appropriate in the treatment of wrinkles and/or fine lines of the skin and in the treatment and/or protection of dry skin.
The present invention also provides for the cosmetic use of the composition as defined above in treating, protecting, caring for and/or cleansing the skin, mucous membranes and/or hair and/or in making up the skin and/or mucous membranes.
The present invention also provides for the cosmetic use of the composition as defined above in treating wrinkles and/or fine lines of the skin.
The present invention also provides for the use of the composition as defined above in the manufacture of a dermatological composition intended for treating and/or protecting dry skin.
In addition, the compositions of the invention can contain adjuvants which are conventionally used in the cosmetics or dermatological field, such as hydrophilic or lipophilic active principles, preservatives, antioxidants, fragrances, solvents, sunscreen agents, coloring materials, basic or acidic agents, and lipid vesicles. These adjuvants are used in the proportions which are conventional in the cosmetics or dermatological field, for example from about 0.01 to 30% of the total weight of the composition, and they are, depending in their nature, introduced into the aqueous phase or into the oily phase of the composition or alternatively into vesicles. These adjuvants and their concentrations must be such that they do not modify the property desired for the composition.
If it is desired to obtain a less fluid composition and/or to improve the stability of the emulsion, one or more hydrophilic gelling agents, such as carboxyvinyl polymers or carbomers and polyacrylamides, can be added thereto. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, use is made of a polyacrylamide, such as the product sold under the name Hostacerin AMPS by the company Hoechst. These gelling agents are used at concentrations ranging from about 0.05 to 2%, preferably about 0.1 to 0.5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
Mention may be made, as active principles which can be used in the composition of the invention, of, for example, moisturizing agents, such as polyols and in particular glycerol, ethylene glycol, isoprene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, diglycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycols and their mixtures.
The composition according to the present invention can advantageously be prepared by using, for at least one stage of the process, a kneading device, such as a roll-mill mixer comprising two rollers rotating in opposite directions, between which the paste passes, or a screw mixer-extruder. Use is preferably made of a screw mixer-extruder.
The present invention also provides for a process for the preparation of a composition according to the present invention, whereas at least one stage of the process is carried out using a screw mixer-extruder.
According to a first embodiment, the preparation process of the present invention entails comprises the following stages:
(1) preparation of the oily phase in the form of a soft paste obtained by forming a premix of the waxes and oils, by heating this premix to a temperature at which it melts, by then introducing the molten premix. and the other constituents (in particular the fillers) of the oily phase, all at once or in several portions, into a screw mixer-extruder subject to a temperature gradient ranging from 80xc2x0 C. to 20xc2x0 C., and by kneading the mixture obtained while cooling it to ambient temperature as it is conveyed to the outlet of the mixer-extruder;
(2) incorporation of the mixture of emulsifiers (emulsifiers and coemulsifiers) in the soft paste obtained in (1), and
(3) incorporation, with stirring, of the mixture obtained in (2) in the aqueous phase.
In this embodiment, stages (2) and (3) are carried out in a mixing device commonly used by a person skilled in the art, such as a rotor-stator.
In addition, in the process described above, the emulsifier used a mixture of nonionic emulsifiers, which is liquid at ambient temperature and which has an HLB of about 6 to 13, and the amounts used are such that the emulsion obtained comprises at least 5% of wax by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
As indicated above, as the mixing of the oily and aqueous phases takes place under cold conditions, the incorporation of heat-sensitive compounds is not problematic.
According to a specific embodiment of the invention, stages (2) and (3) above are also carried out in the screw mixer-extruder used for stage (1). The mixture of emulsifiers and the aqueous phase are then introduced into a part (or section) of the mixer-extruder where the temperature is close to ambient temperature.
The use of a mixer-extruder makes it possible to reproducibly obtain an oily phase paste of highly constant quality. Furthermore, it is possible, by adapting the outlet die of the mixer-extruder, to package the composition in line at the outlet of the said mixer-extruder.
The various stages of the process can be carried out in one or more extruders arranged one after the other and preferably in a single twin-screw extruder.
The conditions under which the extrusion can be carried out are known as described in FR-2515306, corresponding to U.S. Ser. No. 08/378,388, U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,781 which is incorporated herein in the entirety.

Oil-in-water emulsions containing high wax content and a softpaste oily phase


A disc cartridge having a disc for recording information signals and a main cartridge body member for rotatably housing the disc. The disc cartridge is designed to be loaded on a recording and/or reproducing apparatus. The main cartridge body member has, on its one surface, a label area for bonding a display label indicating the recording contents of the information signals, while having, on its other surface, a spindle hole for rotating the disc by the recording and/or reproducing apparatus. The main cartridge body member has a design parameter discriminating hole extending along the back side opposite to the front side in the cartridge inserting direction. The recording capacity or design parameters of the disc housed within the main cartridge body member may be discriminated by detecting the design parameter discriminating hole.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a disc cartridge having rotatably housed therein a disc, having information signals recorded thereon, such as a magnetic disc or an optical disc. More particularly, it relates to a disc cartridge having a main cartridge body member having discrimination holes for specifying the design parameters of a disc accommodated therein, such as a recording capacity.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, a disc cartridge 90, having housed therein an information-recording disc, such as a magnetic disc or an optical disc, has a main cartridge body member which is comprised of an upper cartridge half 91 and a lower cartridge half 92 combined together. Within this main cartridge body member 98 is rotatably housed a disc. In the upper and lower surface of the main cartridge body member 98 are formed recording/reproducing apertures, not shown, for facing each other. On the main cartridge body member 98 is movably mounted a shutter member 93 for opening/closing the recording/reproducing apertures, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Centrally of the lower cartridge half 92 of the main cartridge body member 98 is formed an opening 94 for entrance of a turntable provided on a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, not shown. This opening 94 for table entrance permits a center hub 95 mounted centrally of the disc housed within the main cartridge body member 98 to be exposed to outside the main cartridge body member 98.
The main cartridge body member 98 includes a mistaken erasure inhibiting member 96 for preventing erasure of previously recorded information signals caused by mistaken overwriting of new information signals on the disc housed within the main cartridge body member 98. This mistaken erasure inhibiting member 96 opens or closes a mistaken recording discriminating hole 97 formed in the main cartridge body member 98 for switching between the state of enabling the recording of the information signals and the state of disabling the recording of the information signals on the disc. The main cartridge body member 98 also has recording capacity discriminating holes 99A, 99B for discriminating the recording capacity of the disc housed therein.
The information signals handled by the information processing apparatus have become diversified, such picture or speech data as well as text data are handled by the information processing apparatus, and the information volume handled at a time is also increasing. For efficient transmission or recording of the large-capacity information, it is necessary to increase the recording capacity of the disc cartridge 90 used as a recording medium for information signals.
Thus, such a disc cartridge is proposed in which a disc contained in the main body member has a different recording capacity despite substantially common outer size or design parameters of the disc cartridge. Thus it becomes necessary to provide suitable discrimination means for discriminating the recording capacity of the disc housed within the disc cartridge for discriminating whether or not the disc can be used on the recording/reproducing apparatus.
As a disc cartridge having means for discriminating the recording capacity of the disc housed therein, one configured as shown in FIG. 3 is proposed. Such disc cartridge 101, shown in FIG. 3, has housed therein a disc having a recording capacity of not more than 1 megabytes (MB), and is designed to indicate the recording capacity by capacity display 101a, 101b formed by printing or impression on a shutter member 93 mounted for movement on the main cartridge body member 98 or on the main cartridge body member 98.
Another disc cartridge 102, shown in FIG. 4, has housed therein a disc having a storage capacity of 2 MB. For distinction from other disc cartridges housing therein discs having different recording capacities of not more than 2 MB, this disc cartridge 102 has, in its lower half 102A, a recording capacity discrimination hole 110 in a lateral side thereof facing the lateral side provided with the mistaken erasure inhibiting member 96. The disc cartridge 102, having housed therein the disc having the recording capacity of 2 MB, has its recording capacity detected by the recording and/or reproducing apparatus detecting the recording capacity discrimination hole 110 on loading the disc cartridge 102 on the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
A disc cartridge 103, shown in FIG. 5, has housed therein a disc having a recording capacity of 4 MB. For distinction from the disc cartridge 102 housing therein a disc having the recording capacity of 2 MB, the disc cartridge 103 has, in its lower half 103A, a recording capacity discrimination hole 111 offset from the recording capacity discrimination hole 110 provided in the disc cartridge 102 for 2 MB disc.
A disc cartridge 104, shown in FIG. 6, has housed therein a disc having a recording capacity of 13 MB, while a disc cartridge 105, shown in FIG. 7, has housed therein a disc having a recording capacity of 21 MB. For distinction from the disc cartridges 101, 102 and 103 housing therein discs having different recording capacities, the disc cartridges 104, 105 have lower cartridge halves 104A, 105A thereof making up the main cartridge body members 98 formed with mistaken erasure inhibiting members 106 and recording capacity discriminating holes 112. These mistaken erasure inhibiting members 106 and recording capacity discriminating holes 112 are formed at reversed relative positions with respect to the mistaken erasure inhibiting members 97 and recording capacity discriminating holes 110 of the disc cartridges 101 to 103 for discs having different recording capacities. The mistaken erasure inhibiting members 106 are arranged for movement within openings 107 formed in the lower cartridge halves 98 for opening or closing the openings 107 formed in the lower halves 104A, 105A.
The recording capacity discrimination hole 112, formed in each of the disc cartridge 104 for 13 MB disc and the disc cartridge 105 for 21 MB disc, is set to represent a state judged in the disc cartridge for a disc with 4 MB or less to be a writing inhibition state. That is, since the disc cartridge 104 or 105 is set to the writing inhibiting state, when loaded on the recording and/or reproducing apparatus for discs having a recording capacity of 4 MB or less, there is no risk of inadvertent erasure of the information signals as a result of writing of the information signals.
In the conventional disc cartridges 102 to 105, the recording capacity discrimination holes 110, 111 and 112 and the second recording capacity discrimination holes 113, 114 are formed on various sites on the major surfaces of the lower halves 102A to 105A making up the main cartridge body members.
Thus, for discriminating the recording capacity of the conventional disc cartridges 101 to 105, it is necessary for the user to visually check the capacity indications formed such as by printing on the shutter member 93 or on the main cartridge body member 98 to render it difficult to quickly check the recording capacity.
Moreover, the conventional disc cartridges 101 to 105 present a problem in that the user desiring to discriminate the recording capacity has no alternative but to visually check the recording capacity indications.
In addition, it is required of the disc cartridge to increase the recording capacity such that a disc cartridge having a recording capacity of 21 MB or more needs to be clearly distinguished from the above-mentioned conventional disc cartridges 101 to 105.

Disc cartridge having design parameters of a recording and/or reproduction medium housed therein


A novel clip for connecting each of a series of metal studs in a building wall to a metal channel passing through an opening formed in each stud. The clip is formed of a plate bent into a right angle. One section of the plate forms a saddle portion adapted to straddle and be secured to the channel. A second section of the plate is adapted to be attached to a wall stud. In a first embodiment, the second section has a pair of plates offset from each other so that one of the plates resides behind and the other plate resides in front of the web of the stud to which the plates are assembled. In a second embodiment, the clip has a single plate which is attached to the stud. A third embodiment includes a stiffening rib formed on each of two plates to improve the rigidity of the clip. The saddle portion and the plates in all embodiments are secured to a respective channel and stud by a screw, rivet or the like.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to steel stud building wall systems, and, more particularly to apparatus for stabilizing steel studs to prevent movement and twisting in such systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many industrial buildings and a growing number of residential buildings are being constructed with steel stud wall framing for the various benefits obtained, such as environmental quality, fire safety, freedom from warpage, insects, rust and rot. When building a wall with any stud, whether wood or steel, it is necessary to ensure that sequential such studs are held in fixed positions relative to each other and also that they do not tend to twist or move laterally. In wood-stud walls, a short wood piece is typically nailed in place between adjacent studs to stabilize each of the studs. In steel stud walls, a steel channel is typically inserted horizontally through a pre-punched opening in each of the vertically disposed studs to keep the studs aligned. Since a steel stud has relatively good columnar strength when straight, but loses a significant portion of this strength if twisted, the channel is made to fit the punched opening fairly snugly to minimize twisting. In addition to mechanical twisting, studs can twist or bend from the heat of a fire once the wall-surface drywall sheet has been destroyed. When the studs twist or bend, they effectively lose their ability to support weight, adding to the damage caused to the building from the fire.
While such a channel keeps the studs from twisting, it is not adequate to keep the studs from shifting or bending in a direction parallel to the wall being built. A simple right angle sheet metal bracket has been available to prevent this bending or shifting, although its installation is comparatively labor intensive. A user places the bracket with one section on top of the horizontal channel and the other section against a stud. Screws are inserted through the holes in each section to affix the angle to the stud and the channel. The bracket relies on the screws to accomplish its task, and relies on the installer for correct positioning.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stabilizing clip which is simple and easy to install for use in conjunction with steel studs and steel channels and which maintains the relative orientation therebetween.
Other objects and advantages will be more fully apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims.


A train-information managing apparatus receives a series of control information attached to serial numbers, which are transmitted from a central apparatus, in order of the transmission and carries out control in the order, and even when the central apparatus is changed or the serial numbers are reset, prevents a blank period of control from occurring. Therefore, when a reception serial number n included in received data is a preferential serial number (n≦M) and an old number nprev, which is a serial number included in data received and stored last time, is a cyclic serial number (nprev≧M+1), the train-information managing apparatus stores the received data.

A train-information managing apparatus can collect and manage state data of devices mounted on cars of a train and individually control the operations of the devices.
The train-information managing apparatus generally includes central apparatuses and terminal apparatuses. The central apparatuses are mounted on a head car and a tail car of the train. The terminal apparatuses are respectively mounted in the other intermediate cars. The central apparatuses and the terminal apparatuses are connected to each other by a trunk transmission line disposed among the cars. The central apparatuses and the terminal apparatuses collect and manage state data of the devices in the cars on which the apparatuses are respectively mounted. The central apparatuses and the terminal apparatuses transmit and receive the collected to state data through inter-car communication via the trunk transmission line and share the data with each other. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a configuration example in which a central apparatus is mounted on a head car of a train and terminal apparatuses are mounted on the other cars.
The central apparatuses are connected to a master controller and transmit, to the terminal apparatuses, control information (e.g., power running notch information and brake notch information) input from the master controller. The terminal apparatuses transmit the received control information to control target devices. The control target devices operate according to the received control information.
Specifically, the central apparatuses transmit the control information to the terminal apparatuses at a fixed cycle (e.g., a cycle T1=200 msec). On the other hand, the terminal apparatuses need to receive the control information transmitted from the central apparatuses in order and carry out control in that order. For example, when respective kinds of control information are transmitted from the central apparatuses in the order of deceleration 8 notches, deceleration 2 notches, deceleration 1 notch, and acceleration 1 notch, the terminal apparatuses need to receive these kinds of control information in this order and carry out control indicated by the control information in this order.
In the conventional train-information managing apparatus, for example, to enable the terminal apparatuses and the central apparatus in the tail car to receive control information, which is transmitted by the central apparatus in the head car in order, in the order of the transmission, the central apparatus in the head car transmits transmission data with serial numbers given thereto. As the serial numbers, for example, 1 to N (N is a natural number larger than 1) can be used in an ascending order and cyclically. For example, when the central apparatus in the head car transmits respective kinds of control information in the order of deceleration 8 notches, deceleration 2 notches, deceleration 1 notch, and acceleration 1 notch, the central apparatus creates transmission data in which a serial number "1" is given to the control information of the deceleration 8 notches, creates transmission data in which a serial number "2" is given to the control information of the deceleration 2 notches, creates transmission data in which a serial number "3" is given to the control information of the deceleration 1 notch, and creates transmission data in which a serial number "4" is given to the control information of the acceleration 1 notch. Consequently, the reception side can check the transmission order set by the transmission side and carry out control without causing a reversal of the order.


A rugged, ergonomic integrated telecommunications handset includes an electronic controller that interoperates and controls the universal remote control (URC), which connects to multiple radios simultaneously. The controller downloads options which are implemented by the controller. The handset has an ability to vibrate in a silent mode, and has a memory capacity, as well as GPS capacity. Ergonomically, the handset has a pair of side arrays of protruding ribs, which enhance gripping, preventing the handset from falling out of the user's hands, even if the user has gloves on in inclement weather conditions in the field. While compatible with the latest radio system software defined dual net and dual channel radio equipment, the handset is also backward compatible with single radios or with two or more separate radios.

A "'two-way radio'" is a radio that can both transmit and receive, e.g., a transceiver, unlike a broadcasting receiver which only receives content. Two-way radios are available in mobile radio, stationary or base station radio and hand-held portable configurations. Hand-held radios are often called walkie-talkies, and include "push-to-talk" or "press-to-transmit" buttons to activate the transmitter. These half-duplex communications devices generally are not configured to support simultaneous two-way communications. One or more mechanisms typically are implemented in half-duplex communications devices to help ensure that is in a transmit mode only at the appropriate times. A push-to-talk (PTT) button places the communications device in a transmit mode while pressed or engaged and returns the communications device to a receive mode when the PTT button is released or disengaged. A voice operated (VOX) feature provides that a user's voice or other sound triggers the communications device to enter a transmit mode.
The first truly mobile two-way radio was developed in Australia in 1923. In 1933, the Bayonne, N.J. police department successfully operated a two-way system between a central fixed station and radio transceivers installed in police cars. This allowed for rapidly directing police response in emergencies. During World War II, walkie talkies, or hand held transceivers were used extensively by air and ground troops.
Conventional radios operate on fixed RF channels. In the case of radios with multiple channels, they operate on one channel at a time. The proper channel is selected by a user. The user operates a channel selector or buttons on the radio control panel to pick the channel. In multi-channel systems, channels are used for separate purposes. A channel may be reserved for a specific function or for a geographic area. Motorola uses the term "mode" to refer to channels on some conventional two-way radio models. In this use, a mode consists of a radio frequency channel and all channel-dependent options such as selective calling.
The use of two-way radios significantly improved communications and therefore effectiveness of military actions during and after WWII. The SCR 300 is the two-way radio or walkie talkie used by US forces towards the end of war. The SCR 300 comprised a backpack unit and a handset connected to the backpack, and weighed 30-40 pounds. Motorola (Galvin Manufacturing) developed the first hand-held two-way radios shortly thereafter (SCR 536), were became available at the platoon and squad level.
Various handsets have developed for use with two-way radios for military applications, for example, H-207/VCR, H-189/GR, H-250. The H-189 handset is a rugged repairable handset unit molded out of polycarbonate lexan that utilizes a 1000 Ohm earphone element, a 150 Ohm dynamic noise cancelling microphone, a PTT switch and 6 foot retractile cord terminating in a 5-pin audio connector. The handset is configured to be interchangeable with H-250 Handset, and is intended for use with military man-pack radio equipment such as AN/PRC-70 and AN/PRC-77.
While such known radio handsets are quite effective for intended military applications, they are not without shortcomings. Such conventional radio handsets are physically cumbersome, and are constructed with limited operational electronics capabilities.


A design and readout of a xenon detection medium based device, which provides improved spectroscopic performance compared to currently commercially available devices. To achieve energy resolution improvement, a method to accurately measure radial spatial position for interacting events within a HPXe cylindrical detector is described using the plan as shown in FIG. 4. This is accomplished by utilization of light generated both at the gamma interaction site and at the collection point near the anode wire of the cylindrical detector. These light flashes are detected by a VUV photon detector. Light transmission is facilitated by incorporating a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light transparent window at least one end of the cylindrical ionization detector. With the known electron drift velocity in HPXe, the time between these two photopulses is sufficient to accurately determine the radial coordinate. Consequently, correction by electronic means for the electrostatic pulse dispersion using the expression graphed in FIG. 2 can be achieved in order to approach the true intrinsic energy resolution limit for HPXe.

Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
Devices for high-resolution gamma ray spectroscopy.
2. Description of the Related Art
Energy measurements of gamma rays in the energy range 100 keV to 10 MeV are of great use in many fields including; medical imaging, astrophysics, environmental monitoring and general nuclear spectroscopy.
High-pressure xenon (HPXe) has a potential to provide a medium with excellent spectroscopic characteristics. Excellent spectroscopic resolution of the xenon gas (0.6% full width half maximum (FWHM) energy resolution) is preserved up to a xenon gas density of 0.55 g/cm3. Above this density, resolution degrades, eventually reaching the levels found in liquid xenon (LXe) at very high densities. Therefore, HPXe at 0.55 g/cm3 is ideal because of its excellent energy resolution (0.6% FWHM at 662 keV and 0.4% FWHM at 1 MeV) and high stopping power (density 0.55 g/cm3 and high Z of 54). The expected energy dependence of xenon resolution at 0.55 g/cm3 is shown in FIG. 1. The characteristics of the leading media now in use, including liquid xenon, are contrasted with HPXe in Table 1.
Because of the notable compressibility of xenon, a density of 0.55 g/cm3 can be achieved at a reasonably modest pressure of about 55 atmospheres at room temperature (Bolotnikov A, Ramsey B. Development of High-Pressure Xenon Detectors. SPIE, 34446: 64-75, 1998). Other intrinsic characteristics of HPXe, including a photoelectric cross-section six times that of HPGe, make it an excellent detecting medium for gamma ray spectroscopy in the energy region of 50 keV to 10 MeV. Xenon gas itself is relatively cheap, and high levels of purity are easily achieved. Unlike other gamma ray spectroscopy detection media, notably HPGe, performance of HPXe is temperature insensitive, and a cryogenic cooling system is not required (Ulin S E, Dmitrenko A E, et. al. Cylindrical High-Pressure Xenon Detector of Gamma Radiation. Instruments and Experimental Techniques, 37(2) part 1: 142-45, 1994). Also, unlike some semiconductor detectors, HPXe does not undergo radiation damage (Vlasik K F, Grachev V M, et. al. High-Pressure Xenon Gamma-Ray Spectrometers. Instruments and Experimental Techniques, 42(5): 685-92, 1999).
Gamma ray detectors using HPXe have been designed in both parallel-plate and cylindrical configurations. In the parallel-plate HPXe ionization chamber, anode and cathode electrodes are separated by a volume of xenon detection medium and incoming gammas are recorded by their Compton and photoelectric interaction histories within this medium. Since the amplitude of the signal pulse caused by an ionizing interaction vertex in such a geometry is linearly dependent on the distance of the occurrence of such ionizing vertex from the anode plate, a shielding mesh must be placed parallel to and near the anode plate to facilitate precise energy resolution of such incident gammas. Incomplete shielding from the shielding grid, and the high capacitance of the parallel-plate geometry, and the nearby grid, significantly decreases the energy resolution of such an HPXe ionization chamber. While the intrinsic energy resolution of HPXe is 0.6% FWHM at 662 keV, the best parallel plate detectors have only achieved 2% FWHM resolution (Knoll G F. Radiation and Detection and Measurement, third edition. SPIE, 3446: 81-87, 1998). Furthermore, construction of a large HPXe parallel-plate ionization chamber is severely hampered by the bulk of the pressure vessel necessary to contain a large volume of the gas, which dictates a flat, not round, exterior surface. Additionally, the high electric field required to prevent electron-ion recombination in HPXe (2000-4000 V/cm) requires high voltage levels which are impractical for an electron drift distances over 10 to 15 cm. Finally, the mechanical instability of the shielding grid structure leads to serious microphonic noise sensitivity.
Cylindrical ionization chambers comprising a small cylindrical anode electrode surrounded by a concentric cathode electrode, are the geometry of choice for HPXe detectors (Tepper, supra, 1998) because they provide a much more efficient and safe containment of the required pressure and provide a simple and low cost construction free from fragility and microphonic sensitivity. However this seemingly simple cylindrical ionization chamber structure produces substantial geometric variation of the delivered signal. When a number N electrons are freed in the xenon gas by an ionizing interaction vertex, fewer than N electrons are actually sensed by the electronic means connected to the anode electrode because of electrostatic effects. The number of electrons delivered is only equal to N if the electrons are deposited very near the cathode electrode and these electrons then drift through the entire potential voltage difference between the anode and cathode electrodes. At any other radius of electron deposit, a fraction F are delivered which varies from one (100%) for a radius equal to the cathode radius down to zero (0%) for a radius equal to the anode radius. This fraction is in fact equal to the fraction of the total cathode to anode potential difference through which the electron charge falls during collection. FIG. 2 shows the variation of pulse heights obtained from the anode electrode when an equal energy interaction occurs at different radial positions in a 5 cm diameter detector having an anode radius of 0.05 cm. FIG. 3 shows the distribution of pulse heights observed on the anode wire when such a cylindrical detector is uniformly irradiated. Because the field is highly concentrated near the anode a strongly peaked distribution is seen, but the peak width is on the order of 5 to 8%, very much poorer than the intrinsic limit for a xenon detection medium of optimal density 0.55 g/cm3 density. Therefore, to determine the deposited energy accurately, the radial position of the deposited energy relative to the anode electrode must also be determined with precision, and the pulse height must be corrected for this radial dependence. Without correction, relatively poor energy resolution is obtained.
So far, no method to accurately determine this radial coordinate has been reported. The only method that has achieved significant improvement of resolution in a cylindrical detector is use of a Fritch grid positioned as a concentric mesh around the anode wire, analogous to the grids used in planar devices. Cylindrical ionization chambers employing a Fritch grid have only achieved energy resolution figures of approximately 2% FWHM, similar to planar grid devices, and no group has been able to approach the intrinsic energy resolution of HPXe. Wiley and Sons, 2000; Tepper G, Loose J, Palmer R. Development of High-Resolution. Room Temperature. Compressed-Xenon Cylindrical Ionization Chamber Gamma Radiation Detector. Incomplete grid shielding, the microphonic sensitivity of the grid, the high capacitance, and the extreme dimensional tolerances and fragility of the structure of the grid may explain this.
This application presents a novel approach to the design and readout of a xenon detection medium based device, which can provide improved spectroscopic performance compared to currently commercially available devices. In order to achieve energy resolution improvement, a structure for and method to accurately measure radial spatial position for interacting events within the HPXe cylindrical detector is described using the a cylindrical ionization detector as shown in FIG. 4. This is accomplished by utilization of light generated both at the gamma interaction site and at the collection point near the anode wire of the cylindrical detector. These light flashes are detected using a VUV sensitive detector such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), avalanche photodiode, or wire chamber employing tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TMAE) or CsI photocathode. Light transmission is facilitated by incorporating a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light transparent window, such as MgF2 or CaF2, into at least one end of the cylindrical ionization detector. With the known electron drift velocity in HPXe, the time between these two photopulses is sufficient to accurately determine the radial coordinate. Consequently, correction by electronic means for the electrostatic pulse dispersion using the expression graphed in FIG. 2 can be achieved in order to approach the true intrinsic energy resolution limit for HPXe. In summary, the cylindrical HPXe detectors of this invention safely and economically contains HPXe at the optimal spectroscopic density of 0.55 g/cm3 and provides a method of improving the spectroscopic performance of the cylindrical detector geometry.

High resolution, high pressure xenon gamma ray spectroscopy using primary and stimulated light emission


The device 30 has a multitude of armature 10A and 10B that when joined with a hinge rod 12 through the elongated tubular head 16A of said armature 10A and 10B and subsequently joined alternately to a series of base rods 14A and 14B through the base hole 18 of said armature 10A and 10B and then anchored to the interior surface or structural studs 28 of a skylight 32 vent or other point of access becomes a formidable entity for discouraging access by unwanted entities. By virtue of an adjustability provided by a multitude of armature 10A and 10B and a hinge rod 12, the device 30 will conveniently fit the interior dimension of a multitude of skylights, vents and other points of access. The device 30 is simple and easy for a user to install. The spacing of said armature 10A and 10B and the subsequent triangulation of the device 30 when installed creates a device that services as a security system which does not create a obtrusive entity neither does it infringe on the elements such as air or light desired by a user.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to a security system used to discourage breaking and entry through skylights and other vents, shafts or wells commonly incorporated into residential, commercial, institutional or industrial construction.
2. Description of Prior Art
For many years skylights and other points of access have been a source of breaking and entry. Past attempts to address this problem have incorporated flat barlike grids to cover the point of access.
The points of difference disclosed in these systems have been in regards to the anchoring process for grid systems disclosed in Fipke et.al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,861 and the process employed to adjust a grid system relative the interior dimensions of the subject point of access as disclosed in Badger et. al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,334 and Shapiro U.S. Pat. No. 2,589,878 and O.H. Boyer U.S. Pat. No. 1,055,127.
A additional area of difference has been the placement of a grid system as regards a subject point of access as disclosed in Whitnell U.S. Pat. No. 123,530 and Keyes U.S. Pat. No. 2,237,564.

Security device for skylights and other vents, shafts or wells


A refrigerant tube piercing tool capable of being removably and sealingly mounted on a refrigerant tube of copper or the like in a sealed refrigerant system to enable the recovery of refrigerant from the sealed system without discharge into the atmosphere. The tool includes a pair of clamp members one of which includes a sealing member and passageway combined with a threaded, pointed piercing member that is manually threaded into engagement with the tube for forming a hole therein and a fitting having a Schrader valve incorporated therein to which a hose leading to a recovery tank can be connected to enable refrigerant to be transferred into the recovery tank for subsequent use. The tool is reusable and can be removed after the refrigerant has been transferred into the recovery tank in order that the leak or other problem with respect to the refrigerant system can be repaired at which time the hole formed in the tube is closed by soldering or the like with the refrigerant system then being recharged.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to refrigerant recovery and more specifically a refrigerant tube piercing tool capable of being removably and sealingly mounted on a refrigerant tube of copper or the like in a sealed refrigerant system to enable the recovery of refrigerant from the sealed system without discharge into the atmosphere. The tool includes a pair of clamp members one of which includes a sealing member and passageway combined with a threaded, pointed piercing member that is manually threaded into engagement with the tube for forming a hole therein and a fitting having a Schrader valve incorporated therein to which a hose leading to a recovery tank can be connected to enable refrigerant to be transferred into the recovery tank for subsequent use. The tool is reusable and can be removed after the refrigerant has been transferred into the recovery tank in order that the leak or other problem with respect to the refrigerant system can be repaired at which time the hole formed in the tube is closed by soldering or the like with the refrigerant system then being recharged.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) have been used for many years for refrigerants in various refrigeration systems. "Freon" has been used as a heat transfer medium in various refrigeration systems such as household refrigerators and freezers, air conditioners and the like. Recently legislation prohibits venting of refrigerants into the atmosphere since it is believed that the refrigerants have a detrimental impact when released into the atmosphere. Accordingly, a service technician must first recover the refrigerant from a sealed refrigeration system prior to repairs being made. Various efforts have been made to recover the refrigerants by transferring the refrigerant to a recovery tank for reuse after any contaminants have been removed.
The following U.S. patents relate to this field of endeavor.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,252,475 PA0 U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,686 PA0 U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,497 PA0 U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,633 PA0 U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,132
While the prior art utilizes permanent line taps or access valves soldered onto a refrigerant tube, such valves are not allowed to remain on sealed refrigeration systems after repairs have been completed. The prior art does not disclose a reusable tube piercing tool which is clamped onto the tube after which a piercing member is actuated manually to pierce a hole into the tube with the piercing member then being retracted while maintaining the sealed integrity of the refrigerant due to a seal around the piercing member and a Schrader valve in a discharge fitting adapted to be threadedly connected to a charging hose that extends to a recovery tank and which will open the Schrader valve when attached to a threaded fitting on the tool.

Reusable tube piercing tool for refrigerant recovery


A sliding shoe for a sliding/pivoting window having a shoe body which is of two piece construction. A cam trapped between the two portions of the shoe has a cam-shaped body, which rotates in complementary cam-shaped openings through the shoe portions to expand the shoe laterally, and a chamfered cam-shaped annulus which rotates in a complementary bevelled seat in the shoe body to expand the shoe in a direction perpendicular to the lateral expansion. The shoe is thus locked in position in the frame channel very early in the rotational cycle of the cam, and provide secure locking engagement against the sides, top and bottom of the channel when the sash is pivoted only slightly out of the plane of the frame.

Modern double-hung and casement windows are typically mounted in an aluminium or vinyl outer frame or jamb, on a pivot mechanism that provides means for both sliding the window sash relative to the outer frame and tilting the window sash out of the plane of the frame. This facilitates easier assembly of the window sash to the frame, and cleaning of the window after installation.
In a typical sliding/pivoting window construction, the window sash is mounted at one end on opposed pivot pins which are disposed in sliding shoes, each shoe being respectively trapped in a channel formed in the outer frame. This allows the window sash to slide along the frame within the plane of the frame like a sliding window, or to be pivoted out of the plane of the frame like a pivoting window. This provides considerable versatility in the positioning of the window within the frame by a user.
It is advantageous, both for safety reasons and to facilitate cleaning of the window, that when the window sash is pivoted out of the plane of the frame the window sash be prevented from sliding along the frame. Accordingly, it is known to provide a sliding shoe which can be expanded to lock against the channel in the window frame. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,665 issued Dec. 8, 1992 to Goldenberg, which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches a sliding pivot shoe assembly having a body with a split end and a cam disposed in the body adjacent to the split end. When the cam is rotated, the body expands to engage the sides of the channel in the frame. The window sash is pivotally mounted on the cam by a pivot pin keyed to the cam, so that when the window sash is pivoted out of the plane of the frame the cam rotates and the shoe body frictionally locks into position in the channel.
However, there are different mechanisms used to bias the window sash to a closed position in the frame, by to biasing the shoe to an end of the channel, and prior art sliding shoes are not adapted to be used with these various different mechanisms. Furthermore, because the prior art sliding shoes are of a unitary construction, the cam is not trapped in the shoe and can become displaced when the sash pivot is mounted into the cam, and the shoe can expand only in the lateral direction, relying solely on the sides of the shoe to engage the sides of the channel. Also, in prior art shoes the spreading action occurs very slowly in the rotational cycle of the cam, and thus the window locks into position in the frame only when the window sash is pivoted almost completely out of the plane of the frame, which is undesirable. The faster the shoe gets into the lock position, the less chance the sash has to move while locking.