A Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication network transfers data communications for User Equipment (UE). An LTE gateway system exchanges hardware trust data with a server system to maintain hardware trust for the LTE gateway system. An LTE access node processes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message that contains a trusted bearer requirement for the UE to generate an S1 Application Protocol (S1-AP) initial UE message that contains the trusted bearer requirement for the UE. An LTE management node processes the S1-AP initial UE message to generate a General Packet Radio Service Transfer Protocol (GTP) create session message that contains the trusted bearer requirement for the UE. The LTE gateway system exchanges user data for the UE between the LTE access node and a communication node responsive to the GTP create session message.

Data communication systems transfer data packets between user devices and machines to provide data communication services like internet access, media streaming, and user messaging. Wireless communication systems allow users to move about and communicate over the air with access communication networks. Wireless data networks provide mobile internet access, mobile media streaming, and mobile user messaging.
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a popular wireless data technology. Using LTE, a wireless User Equipment (UE) detects an evolved-NodeB (eNodeB) base station and responsively exchanges Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) signaling with the eNodeB. The eNodeB then transfers an S1-Application Protocol (S1-AP) message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the MME transfers a Diameter request message to a Home Subscriber System (HSS). These messages transport data for the UE like the International Mobile
Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, and serving network.
The HSS processes the IMSI, PLMN, RAT type, and serving network to select an Access Point Name (APN). The HSS transfers a Diameter response to the MME indicating the APN and associated APN information like a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) Identifier (ID), Packet Data Network (PDN) type, default Quality-of-Service Class Identifier (QCI), and default Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR).
The MME processes the Diameter response message to generate an S11 General Packet Radio Service Transfer Protocol (GTP) message. The S11 GTP message indicates the APN and P-GW ID among other data. The MME transfers the S11 GTP create session request to a Serving Gateway (S-GW). The S-GW processes the S11 GTP message to generate an S5 GTP message. The S5 GTP message also includes the APN and P-GW ID. The S-GW transfers the S5 GTP create session request to the P-GW.
The P-GW processes the APN and other data to identify an IP address for the UE. The P-GW processes the S5 GTP message to transfer a Diameter request to a Policy Charging Rules Function (PCRF). The Diameter request indicates the APN, default QCI, and default AMBR. The PCRF applies QoS and accounting rules for the UE based various data inputs. For example, the PCRF may change a QCI or AMBR for a UE based on its APN, IMSI, and PLMN. The PCRF transfers the Diameter response to the P-GW.
The P-GW processes the Diameter response to generate an S5 GTP response. The S5 GTP response indicates the UE IP address and any new QCIs or AMBRs. The P-GW transfers the S5 GTP response to the S-GW, and the S-GW transfers a corresponding S11 GTP response to the MME. The MME processes the S11 GTP response to generate an S1-AP message that indicates the UE IP address, the GTP Tunnel Endpoint Identifiers (TEIDs) for the user and control planes, the QCI, AMBR, and the like. The MME transfers the S1-AP message to the eNodeB. The eNodeB processes the S1-AP message to transfer an RRC message to the UE that indicates the UE IP address, radio bearer, and Non-Access Stratum (NAS) information. The UE, eNodeB, and MME exchange additional messaging to set context before the MME transfers S11 modify bearer signaling to the S-GW, and the S-GW transfers S5 modify bearer signaling to the P-GW. The UE may then exchange user data over the eNodeB, S-GW, and P-GW.
Hardware trust systems ensure network security and control. The hardware trust systems maintain physical separation between trusted hardware and untrusted hardware. The trust systems control software access to the trusted hardware but allow interaction between open and secure software components through secure bus interfaces, memories, time slices, and switching circuits. The trust systems establish trust with one another by using secret keys embedded in their hardware to generate hash results for remote verification by other trust systems also knowing the secret keys and the hash algorithms. Unfortunately, the trust systems and the LTE systems are not effectively integrated.

Long term evolution (LTE) communications over trusted hardware


Highly elastic heat-bonding conjugated fibers capable of providing a fiber structure having excellent recovery from compression and compression durability and a high level of air permeability comprise a thermoplastic elastomer component and a crystalline nonelastic polyester component having a higher melting point than that of the elastomer as constituent components thereof and can be provided by arranging the elastomer component in a crescent shape in the circular fiber cross section of the bonding conjugated fibers and specifying the geometrical dimensions (a shape occupied by each of the two components constituting the heat-bonding conjugated fibers) therein.

Japanese Patent Publication (KOKOKU) No. 60-1404(1985) discloses highly crimpable conjugated fibers, produced by the conjugate spinning of a block polyester polyether and a nonelastic polyester consisting essentially of polybutylene terephthalate into a side-by-side type or an concentric sheath-core type and suitably usable as outer garments or underwear as conjugated fibers comprising a crystalline thermoplastic elastomer and a crystalline thermoplastic polyester. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 3-185116(1991) discloses highly crimpable heat-bonding conjugated fibers, produced by the conjugate spinning of a polyester ether elastomer and a nonelastic polyester consisting essentially of polyethylene terephthalate into the side-by-side type or sheath-core type, readily openable by a carding engine and suitable for producing nonwoven fabrics with stretchability. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 3-220316(1991) describes substantially concentric sheath-core type heat-bonding conjugated fibers having a polyester elastomer arranged as a sheath component and a nonelastic polyester arranged as a core component, improved in carding performance and spinning properties and useful for producing spun yarns and heat-bonding nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, International Application Published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty WO91/19032, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 4-240219(1992), 4-316629(1992), 5-98516(1993), 5-163654(1993), 5-177065(1993), 5-261184(1993), 5-302255(1993), 5-321033(1993), 5-337258(1993), 6-272111(1994), 6-306708(1994) and the like disclose heat-bonding conjugated fibers having a thermoplastic elastomer arranged on the fiber surfaces and further fiber structures obtained by using the same.
The cross sections of the various heat-bonding conjugated fibers disclosed in the prior art set forth above are literally the side-by-side type and eccentric sheath-core type as shown in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c). In these cases, the thermoplastic elastomer and nonelastic polyester are joined at an area ratio within the range of (20/80) to (80/20). By the way, in conjugated fibers using an elastomer as one component, a cohesion phenomenon of mutual conjugated fibers inevitably occurs due to the properties of the elastomer in the spinning step or thereafter causing various problems to occur. In this sense, none of the prior art with describe techniques for obtaining conjugated fibers with improved adhesion, elasticity and crimpability while overcoming the cohesion phenomenon of mutual fibers nor suggest even the recognition thereof. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 5-302255(1993) discloses, without regard to the presence of the recognition described above, the conjugate spinning of an elastomer, containing a large amount of a polyether component, with excellent elastic characteristics in spite of great cohesion properties and arranged as a core component and an elastomer, containing a small amount of the polyether component, with poor elastic characteristics in spite of slight cohesion properties as a sheath component in mutual conjugate spinning of polyester elastomers having different compositions into the sheath-core type and obtaining continuous filaments. However, preventing effects of cohesion at a practical level have not been obtained in conjugated fibers. Furthermore, conjugated fibers have uses of materials for nonwoven fabrics useful as cataplasma materials, interlining cloths, supporters, stretchable tapes and the like. Further, Table 1 shows the results of considerations for overall performance, i.e. the ability to prevent cohesion, interfacial adhesive strength between elastomer/polyester polymer, essential heat-bonding properties and crimp modulus of conventional heat-bonding conjugated fibers illustrated in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c).
TABLE 1 __________________________________________________________________________ Conjugated Fiber (a) Conjugated Fiber (b) Conjugated Fiber (c) __________________________________________________________________________ Fiber Manufacturing Property 1) Housing property of Good Bad Bad undrawn yarn in subtow can in spinning 2) Yarn breakage in Slight Many Many drawing 3) Discharge property Good Bad Bad of stuffing crimper Characteristics of Conjugated Fiber 4) Ability to prevent Great Small Small cohesion in spinning 5) Adhesive strength Low High High between elastomer/ (High)* polyester (polymer interface) 6) Thermal adhesive strength among filaments (No cohesion)** (Low)** (High)** (High)** *Cohesion Low Low Low 7) Crimp modulus of Low High High elasticity 8) Three-dimensional Great None Great crimpability 9) Opening property Bad Bad Bad in opening step Opening and Carding Performance 10) Wrapping around Bad Bad Bad card cylinder 11) Unevenness of card Bad Bad Bad web 12) Card nep Bad Bad Bad Characteristics of Fiber Structure 13) Compression resilience Low Low Low after heat treatment (Due to low (Binder characteristics (Binder characteristics thermal adhesive cannot be manifested cannot be manifested strength) due to great cohesion due to great cohesion in spite of high in spite of high thermal adhesive strength) thermal adhesive strength) 14) Hardness unevenness Great Great Great after heat treatment (Great unevenness (Great unevenness (Great unevenness of hardness due to of hardness due to of hardness due to great unevenness of web) great unevenness of web) great unevenness of web) 15) Compression Small Small Small durability after heat treatment __________________________________________________________________________
Table 1 shows the results of a relative evaluation based on conjugated fibers (b), and "*)" in the table indicates a polyester elastomer. "**)" indicates an imaginary case in which of no cohesion occurs. As can be seen from tree results in Table 1, conjugated fibers (c) are excellent in 4 requirements of 5 prescribed properties corresponding to 4) to 8) in the table!, and they are considered as ideal fibers at a glance. However, "small", i.e. poor ability to prevent cohesion of the single filaments produces fatal disadvantages in the industrial production process or in the resulting products as described hereinafter. That is, the conjugated fibers are initially collected as undrawn yarns by winders or subtow cans. The following problems arise: Insufficient cooling causes cohesion due to the elastomer at the time of bundling mutual single filaments. However, even in a state of the undrawn yarns wound on winders and stored, there are problems in that mutual cohesion of the single filaments proceeds to become a hard stringy form and subtows mutually firmly adhere and cannot be unwound from the winders. Even when the undrawn yarns are collected in subtow cans, there are problems in remarkably reduced amounts of the undrawn yarns housed in the subtow cans and a marked reduction in productivity due to the cohesion thereof into a stringy hard state. As mentioned above, subtows sticking together into the stringy form are extremely poor in drawability in the drawing step and yarn breakage or wrapping around roll stand units frequently occurs. Therefore, stable production cannot be performed. Even if heat-bonding fibers can be produced, the mutual fibers stick together as a mass. Because of this, the number of formed heat-bonded spots effective for bonding the mutual fibers is small in heat treatment in forming the fibers into a fiber structure such as a nonwoven fabric or the like and mixing thereof with other matrix fibers for use. Therefore, there are problems in that the adhesion is markedly low without any elasticity and the fiber structure is readily destroyed by external force with durability being lost. On the other hand, the ability of the conjugated fibers (a) to prevent cohesion is doubled as compared with that of conjugated fibers (b) or (c). The conjugated fibers (a), however, have problems of marked deterioration in heat-bonding functions and crimp modulus which are essential objects.

Heat-bonding conjugated fibers and highly elastic fiber balls comprising the same


A system for stowing and deploying a mortar from a transport vehicle employs a hoist mechanism, a support frame, a pair of guide arms and a barrel-support strut attached to a transport vehicle. The support frame is adapted to be temporarily engaged with the mortar barrel, the base plate and the pair of stabilizer arms of the mortar to prevent relative motion between them during stowing and deployment. The hoist mechanism has a lift arm that pivots between a retracted and a deployed position. One end of the lift arm is hook shaped for detachable engagement with the support frame. A pair of guide arms extend in spaced parallel relation from the rear of the vehicle and serve to guide a trajectory of the mortar as it is being stowed or lowered to the ground.

The conduct of modern military operations has necessitated the use of small mobile, combat units equipped for speed and agility. The need for mobility dictates the type of ground-based military equipment for such units. Weapons, which can easily be deployed, fired, retrieved and transported for redeployment to another location in the field, are particularly well suited for the needs of mobile military units.
Lightweight gun systems form an important part of the modern mobile arsenal. Mortars, such as the 120 mm mortar, are one example of a lightweight gun system that finds widespread use in a variety of military situations due to their lethality and range. Traditionally, the mortar assembly is disassembled into its constituent components for transport and then it is reassembled for use. Typically, the mortar has a base-plate that is relatively massive in comparison to the other components of the mortar. The mortar base plate is sometimes further equipped with orthogonal plates capable of digging into the soil to anchor the base-plate against movement due to recoil forces generated when the mortar is fired. While this arrangement ensures the mortar remains aimed to shoot at a desired trajectory, the arrangement is heavy thus precluding easy relocation. Furthermore, the base-plate can be hard to dislodge from its anchored position in the ground once firing has ceased and the gun needs retrieving for transport to another location.
Due to its weight and shape, the mortar is preferrably hauled on a vehicle for rapidly transporting the gun to desired locations on the battlefield. The transport vehicle may be a variety of wheeled or tracked vehicles and is selected based upon airlift capabilities, and the distances and terrain over which mortar will be moved. For example, the transport vehicle may be a conventional pick-up truck, an all-terrain vehicle, or a trailer with the ability to carry the mortar assembled or unassembled and a plurality of the rounds that are used with the mortar.
One common way for transporting a mortar is by disassembling it and fastening it to harnesses on the vehicle, such as an armored vehicle. The mortar is removed from the vehicle and assembled on the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle for fire missions. One skilled in the art will recognize that heavy mortar components will take considerable effort and time to assemble. Similar effort and time are required to disassemble and store the mortar components on a vehicle after a fire mission. This time may be critical if the crew is in hostile environment.
In order to improve transportability and operability, some designs incorporate adding a tilt bed to the vehicle on which the mortar is mounted. The components that assist in loading and unloading of the mortar on and off the tilt bed are generally human powered. A currently fielded method employs a trailer to store the mortar but uses human power to load and unload the mortar.
Alternatively, a vehicle may be provided with a support arrangement for a fully assembled mortar, which in the combat-ready position is arranged between the vehicle and the ground. The support arrangement is disposed at the tail of the vehicle and when deployed presses against the ground with a defined force so as to relieve the undercarriage of the vehicle from recoil forces generated by the firing of the artillery. This alternate design requires an increased structural complexity and limits independent use of the vehicle.
Another drawback to these common techniques is the inability to separate the mortar from the transport vehicle. When the vehicle remains connected to the mortar during fire missions the effectiveness of both components are reduced. An easily deployed mortar allows a crew to perform a fire mission while the vehicle be used for other missions. Moreover, a stand-alone mortar is easier to camouflage than a vehicle, thus making both components more survivable. The modularity adds to the crew's ability to abandon a possibly inoperative or damaged mortar in making a getaway.
In essence, the emphasis in the prior art is on the modification of a vehicle to outfit it for a specific piece of artillery. However, there is a need to equip a generic military or civilian vehicle for storing, transporting and deploying a mortar and provide other features commonly available on custom modified artillery carriers of the prior art without incurring the cost for specially designed parts and extensive customization of the vehicle and/or the mortar.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an assembled mortar that can be transported by vehicle to a desired firing location, rapidly detached from the vehicle and rapidly reattached upon completion of the fire mission. To improve the survivability of the unit and equipment in battle, the vehicle should have all-terrain capability. The combination of the mortar and an all-terrain vehicle has the potential of providing the requisite degree of lethality and survivability if the two could be integrated without compromising the tactical advantage each component bestows on a combat unit.


A combination ski pole grip, and a form-fitting hand strap which can be comfortably worn by a skier and selectively secured to a pole grip for use in all alpine and nordic skiing and competition. The hand strap comprises a wrist band and a palm strap which traverses across the skier's palm and which is wider proximate the wrist band than a midsection disposed between the thumb and index finger. The wrist band forms an inverted V-shape over the palm and above the wrist such that the hand strap provides the thumb and wrist with a full range of motion, does not migrate up the hand, cannot rotate about the skier's wrist, provides better application of poling force, and generates no pressure points on the hand and wrist. The palm strap includes a securing mechanism, as does the pole grip, such that the hand strap can be quickly and easily detached and reattached from the pole grip at any time the skier chooses. Further, the wrist band and palm strap are provided with adjustment features such that the hand strap can be comfortably adapted to conform to a particular skier's hand.

In most skiing, both alpine and cross-country, the skier should be able to quickly and easily detach and reattach his hands to the ski poles. Poles must be able to be removed prior to riding a ski lift, when a ski pole's basket is caught behind the skier, when stopping and/or during a severe fall. Conventional ski pole grips and straps generally do not address these concerns.
Conventional ski poles typically include a hand grip with loop-type straps attached thereabove through which the skier can insert his hand so that the strap effectively wraps around the wrist while grasping the hand grip. Other alpine grips include grips without loops. Rather, a molded rubber or plastic platform with short extensions allow for the hand to grip the pole without the traditional loop around the wrist. This strapless grip is reported to be safer than grips incorporating a loop strap, however, strapless grips predispose the thumb for injury during a fall when the pole does not come off the hand.
Still yet another type is a system that joins a glove and pole into a single functional unit. Although these systems are novel in their approach, they suffer from inadequate release mechanisms and/or poorly functioning strap systems.
For example, the system disclosed by Bagneres et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,629 could easily develop irritations along the fifth metacarpal, as well as preventing or losing poling forces during ulnar flexion (a common action during the follow through of most poling actions). It is also unclear as to how the tongue and fixation means described therein can prevent premature release during a downward shock, while still allowing release in an upward and/or outwardly directed shock or movement.
Another example of prior art that falls short of the currently proposed system is that of Street, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,154. The ski pole and glove disclosed in the Street patent does not provide a release mechanism to provide for accidental release. Additionally, the wrist strap taught by Street does not prevent bunching of the glove on the skier's palmar surface.
Other deficiencies of conventional ski pole grips with a loop strap includes discomfort and injury which can occur during prolonged and extensive use. Further, conventional straps can frequently migrate around the wrist, and up the skier's hand which restricts the range of motion of the skier's thumb. Moreover, conventional ski pole straps can create pressure points on the hand and wrist which fatigues and creates discomfort to the skier's hand. Frequently, conventional pole straps need to be repositioned around the wrist which can interrupt the skier's technique and for ski racers decrease skiing velocity.


Systems and methods for automatically transferring control from one air traffic control (ATC) center that uses one ATC data link standard to another ATC center that uses a different ATC data link standard are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a receiver component configured to receive at least a new air traffic control center designation message from an original air traffic control center through an active connection, an identifier component configured to determine a data link standard of a new air traffic control center from the message, a logon component to log the aircraft into the new center. The system further includes a connection component to establish an inactive connection with the new air traffic control center, a confirmation component to confirm the inactive connection, and a switch component to terminate the active connection and activate the inactive connection.

Air Traffic Control data links presently use two generally incompatible technologies, Future Air Navigation System (FANS), which is used in oceanic and remote airspace, and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN), which is used in continental Europe and potentially in other congested domestic environments. Typically, an aircraft system is either equipped with the FANS data link technology and associated operator interface, or the ATN data link technology and associated operator interface.
Although desirable results have been achieved using such prior art systems, there may be room for improvement. For example, the current ability to implement just a single data link technology on an aircraft means that air traffic control over the aircraft can only be transferred between air traffic control centers that utilize the same data link technology. Therefore, novel systems and methods that allow the utilization of a plurality of different (air traffic control) ATC data link technologies on a single aircraft, as well as novel systems and methods that facilitate the automated transfer of air traffic control over an aircraft between ATC centers that utilize different data link technologies would be highly desirable.

Seamless air traffic control (ATC) datalink transfers


A hydrogen purification system and method that utilizes a hydrogen separator with a novel composite structure. The hydrogen separator has a first porous layer of a hydrogen permeable material, such as a palladium alloy. A solid layer of the same hydrogen permeable material is then disposed onto the first porous layer. A pressure differential is created across the structure of the composite hydrogen separator. The porous layer of hydrogen permeable material supports the solid layer and enables the solid layer to withstand large pressure differentials. Furthermore, the porous layer of the hydrogen permeable material bonds to the solid layer, thereby greatly increasing the effective surface area of the solid layer that is exposed to hydrogen gas. Accordingly, a large flow rate of hydrogen gas can be obtained in a small amount of space.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods that are used to separate molecular hydrogen from a volume of gas. More particularly, the present invention is related to systems and methods that separate hydrogen from a volume of mixed gas by exposing the mixed gas to a hydrogen permeable material through which only atomic hydrogen can readily pass.
2. Description of the Related Art
In industry there are many applications for the use of molecular hydrogen. However, in many common processes that produce hydrogen, the hydrogen gas produced is not pure. Rather, when hydrogen is produced, the resultant gas is often contaminated with water vapor, hydrocarbons and/or other contaminants. In many instances, however, it is desired to have ultra pure hydrogen. In the art, ultra pure hydrogen is commonly considered to be hydrogen having purity levels of at least 99.999%. In order to achieve such purity levels, hydrogen gas must be actively separated from its contaminants.
In the prior art, one of the most common ways to purify contaminated hydrogen gas is to pass the gas through a conduit made of a hydrogen permeable material, such as palladium or a palladium alloy. As the contaminated hydrogen gas passes through the conduit, atomic hydrogen permeates through the walls of the conduit, thereby separating from the contaminants. In such prior art processes, the conduit is kept internally pressurized and is typically heated to at least three hundred degrees centigrade. Within the conduit, molecular hydrogen disassociates into atomic hydrogen on the surface of the conduit and the conduit absorbs the atomic hydrogen. The atomic hydrogen permeates through the conduit from a high pressure side of the conduit to a low pressure side of the conduit. Once at the low pressure side of the conduit, the atomic hydrogen recombines to form molecular hydrogen. The molecular hydrogen that passes through the walls of the conduit can then be collected for use. One such system is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,001 to Kosaka et al., entitled Hydrogen Separator, Hydrogen Separating Apparatus And Method For Manufacturing Hydrogen Separator.
The flow rate of hydrogen gas through the walls of a conduit is proportional to the length of the conduit and the thickness of the walls of the conduit. Thus, a highly efficient purification system would have a very long, very thin conduit to maximize flow rate. However, palladium is a very expensive precious metal. Consequently, conduits made of palladium and palladium alloys are very expensive to manufacture. As such, it is desirable to use as little of the palladium as possible in manufacturing a hydrogen gas purification system. Furthermore, conduits made from palladium and palladium alloys typically hold gas under pressure and at high temperatures. Accordingly, the walls of the conduit cannot be made too thin, else the conduit will either rupture or collapse depending on the pressure gradient present across the wall of the conduit.
A typical prior art conduit made from palladium or a palladium alloy would have a wall thickness of approximately 80 μm. The thickness of the wall of the conduit is inversely proportional to the amount of purified hydrogen that passes through that wall in a given period of time. As such, in order to make the conduit more efficient, a thinner wall is desirable. However, as has already been stated, a conduit wall cannot be made so thin that it ruptures or collapses under the pressure of the gases being passed through that conduit.
To further complicate matters, conduits made from palladium and palladium alloys may become less efficient over time as the interior walls of the conduits become clogged with contaminants. In order to elongate the life of such conduits, many manufacturers attempt to clean the conduits by reverse pressurizing the conduits. In such a procedure, the exterior of the conduit is exposed to pressurized hydrogen. The hydrogen passes through the conduit wall and into the interior of the conduit. As the hydrogen passes into the interior of the conduit, the hydrogen may remove some of the contaminants that were deposited on the interior wall of the conduit.
Due to the generally cylindrical shape of most prior art hydrogen purification conduits, the conduits are capable of withstanding a fairly high pressure gradient when the interior of the conduit is pressurized higher than the exterior of the conduit. However, when such conduits are cleaned and the external pressure of the conduit is raised higher than the interior pressure, a much lower pressure gradient must be used, else the conduit will implode.
In the prior art, improved conduit designs have been developed that attempt to minimize the amount of palladium used in a conduit, yet increase the strength of the conduit. One such prior art device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,637 to Iniotakis, entitled Hydrogen Permeation Membrane. In the Iniotakis patent, a thin layer of palladium is reinforced between two layers of mesh. The laminar structure is then rolled into a conduit. Such a structure uses less palladium. However, the conduit is incapable of holding the same pressure gradient as solid palladium conduits. Accordingly, the increase in efficiency provided by the thinner palladium layer is partially offset by the decreased pressure limits, and thus gas flow rate, that are capable of being processed.
Another prior art approach to limiting the amount of palladium used is to create membranes that are placed over apertures, like a skin on a drum. A pressure gradient is then created on opposite sides of the membrane, thereby causing hydrogen to flow through the membrane. One such system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,092 to Wang et al., entitled Planar Palladium Structure. A problem associated with such prior art systems is that the palladium or palladium alloy membrane is typically positioned in a level plane, wherein a pressure gradient exists from one side of the membrane to the other. Since the membrane is flat, it has little structural integrity when trying to resist the forces created by the pressure gradient. Accordingly, in order to prevent the membrane from rupturing, solid perforated substrates are used to reinforce the membrane. The solid perforated substrates, however, are complicated to manufacture, restrict the flow through the membrane, and reduce the efficiency of the overall system.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,987 to Ma, entitled Hydrogen Gas-Extraction Module And Method Of Fabrication, discloses a hydrogen separator where a solid layer of hydrogen permeable material is deposited over a porous substrate of dissimilar material. The porous substrate supports the hydrogen permeable material and provides much more support than prior art mesh support systems. However, the porous substrate only allows gas to contact the hydrogen permeable material where a pore gap is exposed to the hydrogen permeable material. This configuration greatly limits the area of hydrogen permeable material actually exposed to gas. Furthermore, due to differences in thermal coefficients and other physical properties, hydrogen permeable material deposited on a substrate of a dissimilar material tends to separate from the substrate. This can cause leakage of contaminated gas through the hydrogen permeable material and the eventual failure of the system.
U.S. patent application No. 2003/0190486 to Roa et al, also discloses a hydrogen separator where a solid layer of hydrogen permeable material is deposited over a porous substrate of dissimilar material. In the Roa et al. application, a palladium alloy is deposited over the porous substrate of dissimilar material using a first electroplating process. Copper is then deposited on the palladium in a second electroplating process. The palladium and copper layers are then annealed to produce a palladium alloy in place on the substrate. However, the porous substrate only allows gas to contact the hydrogen permeable material where a pore gap is exposed to the hydrogen permeable material. This configuration greatly limits the area of hydrogen permeable material actually exposed to gas.
Furthermore, palladium alloy does not bond well to the porous substrate of dissimilar material. This leads to eventual failure.
In prior art systems such as the Ma patent and the Roa et al. application, where palladium alloy is deposited directly on a porous substrate, another problem is that the substrates have large pore sizes to maximize exposure of the palladium alloy to gas. This requires that thick uneven layers of palladium be deposited over the porous substrate to cover the pores of the substrate. This causes faults in the layer of palladium that tend to fail over time.
A need therefore exists in the art of hydrogen purification for a system and method that can handle high flow rates of gas, per unit area, and yet uses only a minimal amount of hydrogen permeable material. A need also exists for a hydrogen purification system with a hydrogen permeable layer that is strongly bonded to its supporting substrate so that it can more reliably withstand large pressure gradients and repeated temperature cycles over longer periods of time. These needs are met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

Composite structure for high efficiency hydrogen separation and its associated methods of manufacture and use


A travel trailer generator mounting system for enabling installation of a permanent onboard generator system onto a travel trailer may include a generator mount designed to engage with the travel trailer frame. The generator mount may include a top planar surface with a generator storage portion extending downward therefrom, the generator storage portion sized to accommodate mounting of a generator therein; a front lip extending substantially perpendicularly upwards from a front edge of the top planar surface; and a rear lip extending substantially perpendicularly upwards from a rear edge of the top planar surface. The front lip and the rear lip may be configured to engage with cross members on the travel trailer for mounting of the generator mount to the travel trailer.

The embodiments described herein relate generally to mounting systems and, more particularly, to a travel trailer generator mounting system.
AIRSTREAM travel trailers do not have a self-contained AC power generation system and require a physical connection to the terrestrial/utility power grid in order to operate major appliances and systems. The lack of such a system limits the amount of time and functionality of the recreation vehicle (RV) when using the vehicle in remove areas, which is typically referred to as "boon docking" or off grid camping.
Portable gasoline generators have become a standard piece of equipment used by AIRSTREAM travel trailer owners. These gasoline-powered generators must be transported to and from their destination and set up on site. A separate container of gasoline must also be transported as well. There is currently no standard way to transport these items.
Therefore, what is needed is a system that enables the installation of a permanent onboard generator system, particularly in AIRSTREAM travel trailers, wherein the system uses the existing fuel system built into the RV and, thus, does not require the user to transport fuel containers in their automobile. Moreover, what is requires is a system that requires minimal modification to the coach by utilizing existing mounting features, such as those provided for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spare tire carrier on a recessed belly area of the vehicle a-frame.

Travel trailer generator mounting system


A circuit for protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in an electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, includes a resistance and a capacitance. The resistance is electrically coupled in parallel with the capacitance, and the parallel network of resistance and capacitance is coupled in series with the solenoid. An energizing signal is applied to the parallel network to energize the solenoid. A method of protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in the electronic device includes the steps of coupling a resistance electrically in parallel with a capacitance, coupling the parallel network electrically in series with the solenoid, and applying an energizing signal to the parallel network to energize the solenoid. The capacitance preferably includes two polarized electrolytic capacitors electrically coupled in a back-to-back series configuration with common polarities connected to each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for protecting a solenoid and its associated driving circuit in an electronic device and more particularly to protecting a solenoid and the associated driving circuit in a point-of-sale terminal having a solenoid operated cash drawer driven by a circuit in a receipt printer.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of software to control the operation of electronic business machines, such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals has become widespread. For example, software in these machines is typically used to generate a signal that energizes a solenoid to open a cash drawer.
A fault or malfunction in the software or intervening hardware may cause the signal to continue indefinitely, thereby causing the solenoid to remain energized. If the solenoid is energized for a period that exceeds its rated duty cycle, the driving circuit and the solenoid will likely be damaged. The user will then be required to spend a considerable amount of time and money to repair the cash drawer and/or receipt printer before the POS terminal is able to function properly again.
A partial block diagram of a conventional POS system 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Under normal operating conditions, application software residing in a computer 12 controls, among other functions, the opening of a cash drawer 14. Specifically, to open the cash drawer 14, a popular command issued by the computer 12 to a receipt printer 16 is the character CTRL-G, which is not a printable character.
The receipt printer 16 interprets CTRL-G as a command to output a pulse that opens the cash drawer 14. Typical parameters of the pulse include a duration T of 100–500 milliseconds and a peak voltage Vcc of 12–24 VDC, which is often applied to the base of a transistor 18 in the receipt printer 16 used to drive an energizing signal 20 between Nodes D1 and D2.
The cash drawer solenoid 22 typically has a relatively high Q or quality factor, which is the ratio of its reactance to it effective series resistance at a given frequency. Specifically, the inductance of the solenoid 22 is high but the resistance is low. Thus, for relatively short pulse durations, such as the preferred 100–500 millisecond energizing signal 20, the impedance of the solenoid 22 is high, which limits the current through the transistor 18 and solenoid 22 to an acceptable value. However, for pulses having a longer duration, the impedance of the solenoid becomes very low, which may appear as a short circuit to the driving transistor 18 in the receipt printer 16.
Burnout of the transistor 18 and/or the solenoid 22 occurs whenever the duration of the pulse exceeds a certain value. Burnout also occurs if the output of the transistor 18 is momentarily grounded, which may happen during system installation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,394 to Hilles et al. (Hilles), which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an electronic business machine having a cash drawer and a timeout circuit. The timeout circuit couples the output of a microprocessor to a driver for a programmable period of time. The driver provides a signal that energizes a solenoid to open the cash drawer. In an alternative embodiment, a multivibrator is substituted for the timeout circuit.
Hilles overcomes the problem of damaged transistors and solenoids common in conventional POS systems by limiting the period of time that the solenoid is energized. However, in the first embodiment of Hilles, the timeout circuit requires over thirty digital devices that add to the cost and require a significant amount of board space, as well as a source of power. Although the second embodiment of Hilles implements the timeout function in a single integrated device, that is, a multivibrator, such an active device still represents an unreliable and significant additional cost while requiring its own source of power. These characteristics substantially limit the location of and applications for the solutions proposed in Hilles.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a much simpler and more reliable method and apparatus for protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in an electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, which uses inexpensive passive components that do not require a source of power.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in an electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, that requires only a small amount of space and consumes negligible power.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in an electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, which can be used to retrofit existing electronic devices, as well as being designed into new equipment.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in an electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, that employs a simple, straightforward design that is reliable, easy to test, and relatively maintenance free.

Method and apparatus for protecting a solenoid and its driving circuit in an electronic device


A method for heart treatment includes analyzing the cardiac rhythm. The method further includes utilizing a generator to produce discharges (Si) of N pulses (I) of VNS stimulation in succession. The discharge may be synchronized to a detected R ventricular depolarization wave of each cardiac cycle. The method further includes controlling a stochastic modulation of the discharges control of the delivery of each VNS pulse of each discharge by selective inhibition or not of the generation of these VNS pulses. The number of pulses of each discharge thus randomly varies, and thus varies the VNS stimulation energy of this discharge, which is artificially induced, cycle-to-cycle variability in the RR interval. This stochastic therapy is applied if the spontaneous heart rate variability falls below a minimum level.

The invention relates to "active implantable medical devices" as defined by Directive 90/385/EEC of 20 Jun. 1990 of the Council of the European Communities, specifically implants for delivering therapies of stimulation of the vagus nerve, called VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation). The invention relates to the use of such therapies in patients at risk of heart failure.
Stimulation of the vagus nerve affects the cardiovascular functions by reducing the heart rate and myocardial contractility with decreased duration of diastole, which can help reduce the progression of cardiac remodeling that may lead to heart failure. Such VNS devices may include a lead, an electrode implanted on the vagus nerve, and a generator supplying VNS pulses on this electrode via the lead.
When the vagus nerve is stimulated in synchrony with the heartbeat, the device may include one or more cardiac leads. The cardiac leads may include, for example, one or more endocardial leads or one or more leads implanted in the coronary network for the collection of cardiac depolarization waves (electrogram EGM). In some devices the cardiac leads are also able to deliver myocardial stimulation pulses (stimulation of ventricular and/or atrial cavities), in addition to the VNS stimulation separately applied on the vagus nerve.
Other methods for detecting the heart rate may include collection of an subcutaneous electrocardiogram (ECG) using an implantable device dedicated to the VNS stimulation alone, the device not including cardiac lead or another mechanism to deliver pulses to the myocardium.
The application of a VNS stimulation delivered, in a period close to synchronism with the R wave of the EGM or ECG (the R wave corresponding to the beginning of the ventricular depolarization), has the effect of inducing a change in the RR interval of the successive cardiac cycles. The RR interval increases with the energy of the stimulation delivered to the vagus nerve, as a high VNS stimulation energy on cardiac function has an inhibitory effect resulting in a rhythm slowdown (measured by RR interval). Conversely, a low VNS stimulation energy has a lesser impact on cardiac function, resulting in a rhythm much closer to the natural sinus rhythm observable in the absence of VNS stimulation.
The evolution of the spontaneous heart rate variability (VSS) is one indicator for assessing the clinical condition of a patient experiencing or at risk of heart failure. A decrease in the VSS indicates a worsening of the heart failure disease. Conversely, an increase in VSS reflects an improvement in the general condition of the patient.
US2007/0233194A1 discloses a VNS electrostimulation device with a pulse generator synchronized to the heart and/or respiratory rate of the patient. The description includes methods for analyzing various cardiac and physiological parameters including heart rate variability (HRV). The sequencing of VNS pulses, in particular the moment for the application of the first pulse of the burst, may be modulated by the generator, randomly or in a predetermined manner. US2009/0088817A1, US2011/0118802A1 and US2013/0131746A1 disclose other examples of VNS stimulators wherein certain characteristics of the stimulation may vary randomly or in a predetermined manner.

Active implantable medical device for heart failure therapy with stochastic stimulation of the vagus nerve


A symbol interleaving method for organizing data in a semiconductor memory such that fault tolerance of the memory is optimized when used in conjunction with a Reed-Solomon burst error correcting code. The Reed-Solomon symbols are aligned with respect to the bus bits of the memory such that the impact of a bus bit failure that affects all memory devices in the memory using the bus is constrained within the correction capability of the ECC. The symbols also are distributed among the memory devices in order to maximize fault tolerance. Up to two memory devices in the preferred embodiment may fail without exceeding the correction capability of the code.

Error correction codes (ECC's) have been used to protect data stored in a wide variety of memory systems. Magnetic discs, magnetic tapes, laser optical discs and semiconductor memories have all been protected by various ECC's. Some codes can correct only a single bit and require only a small number of check bits while others can correct many bits but require a much larger number of check bits. Those codes that correct many bits are sometimes referred to as burst ECC's.
In order to more effectively utilize simple, single error correcting codes, various data organizations have been adopted that disperse the data such that a single occurrence of an error does not show up as a burst error, thus exceeding the correction capability of the code. For instance, one application has used a four bit Hamming code plus a parity bit to protect a byte of data. The total data word is then 13 bits wide. The data is spread out via an interleaving technique such that each adjacent bit in the data byte is 14 bits away. This technique involves writing to the rows of a memory matrix and reading from columns.
Another application of this same technique has been used to disperse the bits of a convolution code and achieve burst error correction. The technique has also been applied multiple times in yet another application to disperse the bits of a data byte more than a single interleave allows.
The applications of bit-level interleaving mentioned above apply simple ECC's to relatively error-prone information channels. They attempt to maximize the effectiveness of these simple codes relative to the error characteristics of the channel.
The characteristics of a semiconductor memory, such as a write cache for a disc drive storage array, differ considerably from an ordinary information channel to which the prior art applications have been directed in that the memory is normally relatively error-free, although prone to occasional catastrophic failure due to the loss of a data bus bit or memory device in the memory array that comprises the semiconductor memory. It is desirable that such a memory utilizes a powerful multi-burst error correction code, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,503 by Riggle et al., entitled High Bandwidth Reed Solomon Encoding, Decoding and Error Correcting Circuit, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 136,206, filed Dec. 21, 1987, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 88,378, filed Aug. 24, 1987, now abandoned, to provide fault tolerance for such catastrophic bus errors or entire memory device failures. However, in known prior art memories the organization of data that is written is not optimal to maximize resistance to catastrophic memory failure, even with the utilization of the Reed-Solomon ten bit symbol error correction code described above. This is partly due to the fact that a data bus error or memory device failure can cause the loss of more than one ten bit symbol, thus limiting the effectiveness of the error correction code in protecting the integrity of data blocks.
Therefore, it is desirable to re-order or organize the data stored as ten bit symbols in the memory to maximize resistance of stored data blocks to catastrophic data bus errors or memory device failure.

Fault tolerant memory using bus bit aligned Reed-Solomon error correction code symbols


A vent filter assembly for use with containers containing hazardous chemical or radioactive waste, the assembly having a first stage attached to the container having a first filter media, preferably sintered steel, which allows unaltered passage of pure gas but which blocks passage of particulate matter, and a second stage removably attached to the first stage, the second stage allowing passage of gas but blocking passage of particulate matter and volatile organic solvents. Removal of the second stage from the first stage allows a pure sample of gas to be drawn through the first stage, whereupon the second stage can be reattached to the first stage to provide the required filtering of volatile organic solvents.

This invention relates generally to the field of devices used to vent gases from containers while retaining other contents within the container, and simultaneously preventing ingress of other undesirable outside substances. More particularly, the invention relates to such devices used with containers containing hazardous materials, such as radioactive waste, where the vent filter must allow passage of hydrogen gas from the containers but prevent radioactive particles from passing through to the atmosphere. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such devices which are multi-stage in construction, with one stage being removable to allow gas samples to be withdrawn through the remaining stage, the removable stage having a filter which absorbs some gases and the remaining stage having a filter which does not absorb any gases.
Safe long-term storage of hazardous waste, and especially of radioactive or mixed chemical/radioactive waste, is a mounting problem. The radioactive materials often produce hydrogen or other gases, meaning that the containers for the waste material must provide for a means to safely vent the gases to prevent explosive build-up within the sealed containers, while at the same time preventing the release of radioactive particulate matter into the atmosphere. In a common situation, the radioactive waste is stored in large metal or polymer drums and a vent filter containing a carbon-composite material is placed into the bung hole or tapped into the wall of the drum. Such filters allow hydrogen gas to pass through while retaining a minimum of 99.93% of the radioactive particulates (to pass Department of Energy regulations), based on a DOP smoke test at 3-5 microns. Other requirements are that the filters allow a minimum flow rate of 35 ml/min based on 1 inch water pressure, with some DOE sites requiring a minimum flow rate of 200 ml/min.
In recent years vent filters substituting a sintered stainless steel media for the carbon composite filter material have been developed. One reason for this change is that it is often necessary or required by the DOE that a sample of the gas in the head space of a drum containing radioactive waste be taken and analyzed prior to shipment of the drum to the final disposal site. Because of the inherent absorption or adsorption properties of the carbon composite filters, the sample cannot be drawn through such a filter without invalidating the sample. The carbon composite must either be removed or destroyed and then replaced, which has the potential of exposing the technicians to the radioactive contents of the drum and creates an additional expense every time a sample is taken. The sintered stainless steel media filters allow passage of hydrogen and other gases, while simultaneously preventing passage of particulate matter. The drum head gas sample can therefore be drawn through the vent filter without invalidating the sample.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved sintered stainless steel media filters for shipment of radioactive and chemical/radioactive waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Project in New Mexico. The EPA however is requiring that vent filters for such containers containing chemicals must have the ability to absorb or adsorb and retain certain percentages of volatile organic compounds while still allowing the hydrogen to escape. The sintered stainless steel media filters do not accomplish this, while the carbon composite filters do.
It is an object of this invention to provide a vent filter for a radioactive hazardous waste container which enables a gas sample from the interior of the container to be drawn therethrough without the filter invalidating the sample by absorbing or adsorbing any of the sample, while at the same time preventing passage of radioactive particulates and other matter, and which likewise is able to absorb or adsorb certain volatile organic compounds such as those given off by common solvents. It is a further object to provide such a vent filter which allows single or repeated sampling of the internal gases without destruction of the vent filter. It is a further object to provide such a vent filter which can be, in differing embodiments, secured to an existing threaded bung hole, tapped into a circular aperture or be self-tapping, where the vent filter creates its own aperture. These and other objects not expressed are accomplished by providing a multiple stage vent filter as set forth in detail below, where the vent filter has a first stage adapted to be connected to the waste container and which contains a filter media which allows passage of gases without absorption or adsorption but prevents passage therethrough of particulates, and a removable second stage connected to the first stage, the second stage having an absorbent or adsorbent filter media contained therein which likewise allows passage of gases while preventing passage of particulates, volatile organic compounds and water. To sample the gases within the barrel, the second stage is removed from the first stage, the sample is drawn through the first stage, and the second stage is replaced onto the first stage.


Using the interferometer technique, a laser light beam is split into two beams one of which is directed along a first light path having a fixed length and the other is directed along a second light path having a variable length. The length of the second light path is varied by a mirror assembly mounted on a piezoelectric block, the length of which is controlled by a modulation signal corresponding to the desired information signal. When the two light beams are recombined at the ends of the first and the second light paths, the varying of the length of the second light path results in a variable phase of the second light beam with respect to the first light beam that is modulation signal dependent at the precise point of recombination of the first and second light beams. The effect of the variable phase combination of the first and second light beams is a vectorial phase addition, the resultant laser light beam after this vectorial combination being intensity (amplitude) modulated by the modulation signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates to the transmission of signals by modulating laser light, wherein this modulation is detected at a receiver thereby recovering the transmitted signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
Previous modulation schemes for laser light used solid state devices for the source in which the power to the device is modulated. These devices are non-linear by nature and it is difficult to derive significant amounts of modulated energy from these devices.

Method and apparatus for amplitude modulation of laser light


A composition for use as a tobacco substitute and as an aid in the cessation of tobacco use, containing a Vebascum thapsus component, an algae component, a Medicago sativa component, and a Symphytum officinale component, together with other optional components. Use of the composition of the present invention as a tobacco substitute, in cigarettes or pipes, produces a diminished desire for tobacco.

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
The present invention relates to a mixture of herbs and other natural products that can be used as a healthy substitute for tobacco. The herbal composition of the present invention also alleviates the addictive effects of nicotine, and provides an aid to quit smoking tobacco-related products.
2. Background Art
Note that the following discussion refers to a number of publications by author(s) and year of publication, and that due to recent publication dates certain publications are not to be considered as prior art vis-a-vis the present invention. Discussion of such publications herein is given for more complete background and is not to be construed as an admission that such publications are prior art for patentability determination purposes.
Smoking tobacco, and particularly cigarette smoking, is recognized as a substantial health factor, and a major risk factor in a variety of diseases, including coronary artery disease and a wide range of cancers. It is also recognized that nicotine, a constituent of tobacco, is highly addictive, making decreasing or ceasing to smoke tobacco-related products very difficult for a significant percentage of tobacco users.
At present there are several consumer products that help people overcome their addiction to nicotine found in all tobacco related products. One type of product includes a transdermal patch, which allows the person""s body to slowly absorb a prescribed amount of nicotine over a given period. Little by little the dosage of nicotine in the patches is decreased until the person is no longer addicted. Once the physical addiction to nicotine is overcome, the person can more easily fight the psychological, associational and related desires to smoke.
Another type of product is sold in the form of a chewing gum containing nicotine. Thus, whenever a smoker has the urge to smoke, the smoker will chew the gum instead. However, the smoker still has to restrict the use of the gum in a manner that will eventually overcome the addiction.
There are substantial limitations and drawbacks to the various methods of nicotine-replacement therapy in current use. Orally ingested materials, including gums, have a bad taste, may lead to mouth ulcers, heartburn and other adverse consequences, and are highly dependent of the user following a specific regime. Other forms of oral administration can result in nausea, unpredictable nicotine blood levels and the like. Patches, including transdermal patches, and other topical applications of nicotine can cause skin irritation, and patches containing nicotine are known to cause pruritus.
Devices and methods involving nicotine therapy all necessarily depend on the use of nicotine, the substance causing addiction, to control nicotine craving or desire. This approach is thus susceptible to abuse, and users are known to become addicted to the use of gum, patches or the like, and not to decrease nicotine intake as instructed. In addition, users are known to concurrently use both tobacco, as in cigarettes, and nicotine therapy aids, such as gum or patches, thereby increasing the total intake of nicotine. Further, in such instances acute adverse medical consequences may result, including increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and other conditions associated with nicotine administration.
There are certain herbal preparations that are known to have been used as smoking materials, including use in non-tobacco cigarettes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,010 discloses use of nicotine-free herbal compositions, used either as a substitute for or in combination with tobacco. This smoking composition may include Laurus nobilis and Nelumbo garetin. The use of herbal preparations as aids in cessation of tobacco use is taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,045,825 and 6,063,401. These patents disclose use of herbs such as Plantago major, Piper methysticum and Hypericum perforatum.
The present invention removes approximately 25 to 90 percent or more of the craving a person would normally experience when that person attempts to reduce their use of nicotine containing products or stop using such products altogether. At the same time the invention will strengthen the person""s immune system allowing that person to stop smoking tobacco with very little effort.
The invention provides a composition for use as a tobacco substitute for aiding in the cessation of tobacco use, the composition including a Vebascum thapsus component, an algae component, a Medicago sativa component, and a Symphytum officinale component. The Vebascum thapsus component may be dried leaves of Vebascum thapsus, the algae component may be Laminaria, the Medicago sativa component may be dried leaves of Medicago sativa or may also be an aqueous concentrate of Medicago sativa, and the Symphytum officinale component may be dried root of Symphytum officinale. The composition may contain approximately equal quantities of each of the components by weight. The composition may further include cigarette paper, and may be formed into a cigarette. In this composition, the algae component and Medicago sativa component may be Wachters"" Organic Sea Food No. 3.
A variety of other ingredients may be added to the composition, including Cnicus benedictus, Centalla asiatica, Mentha peperita, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eriodictyon californicum, llex paraguaiensis, Lobelia inflata, or Hypericum perforatum, or a combination of any of the foregoing.
In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides a composition for use as a tobacco substitute for aiding in the cessation of tobacco use, the composition including a Vebascum thapsus component, an algae component, and a Medicago sativa component. This composition may further include Cnicus benedictus, Centalla asiatica, Mentha peperita, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eriodictyon californicum, hex paraguaiensis, Lobelia inflata, or Hypericum perforatum, or a combination of any of the foregoing. Here too the algae component and Medicago sativa component may be Wachters"" Organic Sea Food No. 3.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide the means to reduce the addictive affects of nicotine in tobacco smokers.
Another object of the invention is to provide a healthy alternative for people who decide to continue smoking.
A primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides a means for people to reduce their addiction for nicotine at relatively low cost.
Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, and in part will become, apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
A number of herbs and other ingredients are employed in this invention, and are defined as follows:
Mullein includes Verbascum thapsus, and primarily the dried leaves of Verbascum thapsus.
Alfalfa includes Medicago sativa, and both dried leaves of Medicago sativa as well as the juice, extracts and concentrates of the juice or extracts of Medicago sativa.
Algae includes marine algae, and specifically brown algaes, including those from the Laminaria family, and green algaes. Algae is generally prepared in a dried formulation, but may be powdered or an extract.
Blessed thistle includes Cnicus benedictus.
Gota kola includes Centalla asiatica, also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica.
Peppermint includes Mentha peperita, and primarily the leaves of Mentha peperita.
Licorice includes Glycyrrhiza glabra, and primarily dried root of Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Yerba santa includes Eriodictyon californicum.
Yerba matte, also called yerba mate, includes llex paraguaiensis.
Comfrey includes Symphytum officinale, and primarily dried root of Symphytum officinale.
Lobelia, also called lobella, includes Lobelia inflata.
St. John""s Wort includes Hypericum perforatum.
The present invention comprises a mixture of selected natural herbs and other natural products that a person smokes to help alleviate a smoker""s addictive craving for nicotine containing products. The herbal composition comprises mullein leaves and a mixture comprising algae and/or other sea greens, and alfalfa and/or alfalfa extracts (xe2x80x9csea green mixturexe2x80x9d). In a preferred embodiment, Wachters"" Organic Sea Food No. 3 (xe2x80x9cWachtersxe2x80x9d) obtained from Wachters"" Organic Sea Products Corp. of San Francisco, Calif. is used as the source of the algae and alfalfa products. Other ingredients found in Wachters"", include chlorophyll, carotene, cereal solids, natural mint, vitamin C, fructose, rose hips, acerola, lemon bioflavinoids, hesperidin complex, rulin, natural orange flavor, and calcium and potassium plant sweetener.
In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture, mullein leaves and comfrey root. This may include approximately equal quantities, by weight, of algae, alfalfa leaves, mullein leaves and comfrey root. Other components can include blessed thistle, gota kola, lobelia or St. John""s wort, as well as any one or more of flavoring components, including peppermint leaves, licorice root, yerba santa, and yerba matte.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises approximately 5 to 40 percent by weight, and preferably 10 to 25 percent by weight of sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture and approximately 5 to 40 percent by weight, and preferably 10 to 25 percent by weight of mullein leaves. The composition further comprises blessed thistle and/or gota kola. In the preferred embodiment, the composition comprises approximately 5 to 40 percent by weight, and preferably 10 to 25 percent by weight of blessed thistle and/or approximately 5 to 40 percent by weight, and preferably 10 to 25 percent by weight of gota kola. The composition further comprises a natural flavoring selected from the following group; peppermint leaves, licorice root, licorice spice tea mix, yerba santa, yerba matte, and any combination thereof. The flavorings of the composition comprise approximately 10 to 40 percent by weight, and preferably 10 to 25 weight percent. The composition may also include at least one of the following; comfrey root, licorice root, lobelia, and St. John""s wort.
The herbal components generally are available individually whole, sliced, crushed, powdered, or extracts, etc., and are mixed either manually or automatically with a common mixer hopper according to selected weight compositions. The selected compositions are provided in packaging known in the art for tobacco products. Alternatively, a user can either roll the user""s own herbal cigarettes, or can use a commercially available cigarette roller device. In addition, a user may employ a pipe, including a small pipe, to smoke the herbal composition.
In another embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent mullein leaves, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent blessed thistle, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent gota kola, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent yerba matte, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent lobelia, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent St. John""s wort, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice root, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent comfrey root, and approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent peppermint leaves.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent mullein leaves, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent blessed thistle, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent gota kola, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent yerba santa, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent lobelia, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent St. John""s wort, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice root, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent comfrey root approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice spice, and approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent peppermint leaves.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent mullein leaves, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent blessed thistle, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent gota kola, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice spice, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent St. John""s wort, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice root, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent comfrey root, and approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent peppermint leaves.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent mullein leaves, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent blessed thistle, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent gota kola, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent yerba santa, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice spice, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent St. John""s wort, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice root, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent comfrey root, a nd approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent peppermint leaves.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent sea green mixture or a Wachters"" type mixture, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent mullein leaves, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent blessed thistle, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent gota kola, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent St. John""s wort, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent licorice root, approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent comfrey root, and approximately 5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably 8 to 15 weight percent peppermint leaves.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises, in lieu of the described Wachters"" type mixture, a mixture consisting of algae and alfalfa. The algae and alfalfa may be in approximately equal quantities by volume or by weight, both being dried preparations. Alternatively, the alfalfa component may include a concentrate of an alfalfa juice or extract.
In any embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to include ascorbic acid or vitamin C, including herbal or other organic materials rich in vitamin C. In one embodiment, there is between about 50 mg and 100 mg of vitamin C for each level teaspoon of the combination of algae and alfalfa in the preparation.
An embodiment containing at least a Vebascum thapsus component, an algae component, a Medicago sativa component, and a Symphytum officinale component will provide the user with a decreased craving or desire for tobacco, and further provides healing benefits to ameliorate the deleterious effects of tobacco use. Such healing benefits include healing of the lungs and general strengthening of the immune system.

Herbal composition as a substitute for tobacco


Systems and methods for illumination and color management in a system having a plurality of color sources and a plurality of color sensors, wherein there are more color sources than color sensors are described herein. An embodiment of the method includes emitting a plurality of different colors of light from at least two of the color sources, wherein the plurality of colors consist of different intensities of light emitted by the plurality of color sources. Colors of light emitted by the at least two color sources are detected using at least one of the color sensors. The color rendering index for each of the plurality of colors emitted is determined. A color of light to be emitted by the light sources is selected. The intensities of light to be emitted by the color sources is selected, based at least in part on the color rendering index, to achieve the selected color of light.

In order to generate a wide spectrum of colors using an illumination system, a few different colors are mixed or combined in different ratios. The different colors are monitored and, based on their intensity, are modified to achieve a desired color or chromaticity. This system is referred to herein as an illumination and color management (ICM) system. The ICM system serves to maintain a desired color point stable.
A typical illumination system uses three primary colors, such as red, green, and blue to generate desired colors. Three sensors are used to monitor the three primary colors in order to assure that the desired color is generated. In an illumination system, additional parameters can to be monitored in order to achieve better colors. Monitoring these parameters and performing corrections based on the parameters yields better results when more color sources are used to generate the desired color. However, when more color sources are used, more sensors are required to monitor the color sources, which increases the complexity and cost of the illumination system.

Illumination and color management system

Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


An automatically resetting target has a plate that rests in a removable base at a substantially vertical orientation. An apparatus mounted to the rear of the plate includes a pivotably mounted carriage with first and second legs extending radially away, at a relative angle, from a pivot point that is mounted between two openings. The first leg has a first striker plate that aligns with the first opening when the carriage is in a first position, and the second leg has a second striker plate that aligns with the second opening when the carriage is in a second position. By striking the first striker with a projectile, such as a bullet, a shooter moves the carriage and places the second striker behind the second hole. By striking the second striker with a projectile, the shooter moves the carriage and places the first striker behind the first hole.

The invention relates generally to the field of shooting targets, and more particularly to a shooting target with a mechanism that causes the target to reset to a different position upon being struck by a projectile, thereby visibly indicating when a particular component of the mechanism has been struck by the projectile.
A wide variety of people, including hunters, stationary target marksmen and action shooting competitors, enjoy shooting sports. While hunting, hunters aim to strike living animals, such as fowl, with projectiles, such as bullets or pellets, and the fowl react visibly to being struck. This visible reaction allows a hunter to perceive when a strike has occurred without inspecting the target. Stationary target marksmen and action shooting competitors fire weapons at non-living targets, such as steel plates and sheets of paper on which human and animal silhouettes are printed. Such non-living targets typically do not move or fall over when struck, and thus target shooters have a distinct disadvantage to hunters in the area of visible changes to a target after a strike has occurred. For example, when a marksman strikes a paper target, the projectile creates a hole through the target the size of the bullet, and the hole is preferably visible from the marksman's location. However, if the target is more than 20 or 30 feet away, a separate optical device, such as a "spotting scope", is necessary in order to locate the hole so the marksman can adjust, if necessary, his or her weapon's sights or scope, without having to walk the distance to the target and back between every shot. The visible changes in conventional targets that have been struck are not apparent using the naked eye, and therefore the benefit to the user can be minimal. Of course, some targets are close enough for the marksman to see, or make a sound or movement to make impact perceptible. However, even such targets that move must be reset so that the next impact is perceptible.
Some marksmen use thick steel plates that are struck by bullets or other projectiles fired by the marksmen. These plates are not damaged by the impact of a bullet, and thus can be used for a long period while providing a stop for the projectile. Such plates can be painted so that the point of impact is visible to the shooter due to a mark that the projectile makes in the paint, in much the same way the hole is made in the paper target. However, a spotting scope is often still required, because the mark is usually quite small.
The need exists for a target that provides a visible indicator to the shooter that the target was impacted by the projectile that is visible without requiring the shooter to move.


Impairments in memory consolidation are treated with an amphetamine compound. In one embodiment, the method includes administering an l-amphetamine compound. In another embodiment, the method includes administering an l-methamphetamine compound. The method can include determining memory consolidation before, during and/or after administering the amphetamine compound.

The term "memory" subsumes many different processes and requires the function of many different brain areas. Overall, human memory provides declarative recall, e.g., for facts and events accessible to conscious recollection, and non-declarative recall, e.g., procedural memory of skills and operations not stored regarding time and place. Research in recent years has provided information necessary to understand many of the various components of memory and has identified associated brain regions. A newly acquired experience initially is susceptible to various forms of disruption. With time, however, the new experience becomes resistant to disruption. This observation has been interpreted to indicate that a labile, working, short-term memory is consolidated into a more stable, long-term memory.
Behavioral research has found that the human mind consolidates memory at certain key time intervals. The initial phase of memory consolidation occurs in the first few minutes after an exposure to a new idea or learning experience. The next phase occurs over a longer period of time, such as during sleep. If a learning experience has on-going meaning to us, the next week or so serves as a further period of memory consolidation. In effect, in this phase, the memory moves from short-term to long-term storage.
Moreover, various mechanisms have been proposed to account for the formation of long-term memory. A wide range of observations suggest an evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism involved with the formation of long-term memory. These include increased release of synaptic transmitter, increased number of synaptic receptors, decreased KD of receptors, synthesis of new memory factors either in the presynaptic or postsynaptic element, sprouting of new synaptic connections, increase of the active area in the presynaptic membrane and many others. Synaptic plasticity, the change in the strength of neuronal connections in the brain, is thought to underlie long-term memory storage.
Memory consolidation, the process of storing new information in long-term memory is also believed to play a crucial role in a variety of neurological and mental disorders, including mental retardation, Alzheimer's disease and depression. Indeed, loss or impairment of long-term memory is a significant feature of such diseases, and no effective therapy for that effect has emerged. Short-term, or "working" memory, is generally not significantly impaired in such patients.
Accordingly, methods and compositions that enhance long-term memory function and/or performance, or prophylactically (e.g., as a neuroprotective treatment) prevent or slow degradation of long-term memory function and/or performance would be desirable. Similarly, methods and compositions for restoring long-term memory function and/or performance are needed.
Impairments in memory consolidation in a human can occur in a number of conditions or diseases, such as age-related memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, brain injury, brain aneurysm, stroke, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Clinical management strategies currently provide minimal, if any, improvement in memory. Thus, there is a need to develop new, improved and effective methods for the treatment of a human suffering with an impairment in the formation of memory consolidation.

Methods for treating an impairment in memory consolidation


A comfort hand grip for a shaft comprises a tubular member formed of a closed cell resilient polymer material core; and a water resistant coating on each side of the core. The comfort grip is sized so as to be slightly stretched when positioned on a shaft, and includes an indexing mark for proper orientation of the paddle. The resilient polymer core may be formed of a rubber, and the coating of an ultraviolet resistant flexible material such as nylon. The hand grip may be formed from a die cut generally rectangular piece of material which is formed into the tubular structure by at least one of, for example, stitching which joins the opposite sides to one another; a lace through openings in joining portions of the material along the sides; a zipper having a side along each of the joining portions; and a set of hook and loop closures on opposite ones of the joining portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to articles for making gripping of a shaft more comfortable. In particular, it relates to hand grips that serve to make the use of a shaft, such as that of an oar or paddle more comfortable and efficient and assists people with hand and wrist disabilities in paddling. More particularly, it relates to hand or comfort grips which may be applied to the shaft of an oar or paddle and improve the performance of a user's existing paddle (without having to purchase a new or more expensive custom paddle) used with kayaks, canoes and human powered watercraft.
2. Prior Art
An oar or paddle for use with kayak, canoe and human powered watercraft, is compromised of an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end, at least one end of the shaft having a blade attached thereto.
The conventional method of paddling a kayak watercraft is to hold the paddle with both hands grasping the shaft of the paddle somewhere parallel to the paddler's or rower's shoulders, and dip the paddle in and out of the water to one side and then to the other. This motion causes significant friction between the shaft and hands during the paddling motion which causes blistering and calluses on the first web space and skin on the inside palms of the hands. Furthermore, this grasp on the paddle contributes to contusions (bruising) to the underlying metacarpal bones of the hand and phalanx bones of the fingers. Significant strain to the corresponding carpal tunnel area and tendons of the wrist are incurred with the force needed to firmly grasp and hold the smooth hard shaft of the paddle.
Efficiency of the paddling motion is reduced since a portion of the energy applied to the stroke of the paddling motion is lost in the slipping of the grasp.
People with disabilities of the hand and wrist (for example carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries and arthritis) would be unable or too uncomfortable to hold a tight grip on the smooth hard shaft of the paddle.
Indexing is defined herein as feeling the proper position of a paddler's hands on the paddle. When aligned, the knuckles of the hand follow the edge of the paddle blade. Technique used in an Eskimo roll performed while seated in the kayak and for feathering strokes used during upright paddling (where feathering refers to holding the paddle so as to reduce wind resistance of the blade as it moves forward through the air and so that when the blade returns to the water, it is at right angles to the direction in which it will move through the water). While paddle shafts having oval cross-sections provide a degree of indexing, such indexing has not been available on paddles having circular shafts. Without having an index for the tips of the fingers, proper technique cannot be accomplished.
Keeping the paddler's hands from sliding to the left or right during paddling is especially difficult when the paddle is wet. Determining the correct hand positions on the paddle and maintaining the same, is critically important.

Paddle hand grips and method for making and using same


A security door for a gate or building opening is formed of a metal frame that defines a pair of hollow stile frame members and upper and lower hollow transverse rail frame members. Each of the frame members has an inner face with an attachment flange projecting therefrom. Security receiving apertures are defined in the inner faces of the frame members. In the fabrication of the door a plurality of metal security bars are positioned relative to the hollow frame member so that the ends of the security bars project through the security bar receiving apertures and into the hollow frame members. The security bars pass over and reside in contact with the attachment flanges. The security bars are spot welded to the attachment flanges so as to permanently secure them to the door frame. Also, the frame itself is preferably formed from a single, elongated strip of metal that is roll formed and then bent at mitered corner cuts to create and delineate the stile and rail members. Corner fastening tabs are preferably formed on at least some of these members so as to reside in contact with the ends of other of the frame members located immediately adjacent thereto. The fastening tabs are secured by spot welding to the adjacent members which they contact.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a security door and a method of manufacturing a security door.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the rise of anxiety concerning both personal safety and the security of property, the use of security doors has become increasingly commonplace. Conventional security doors are formed of rectangular frames of heavy metal tubing, often drawn and rolled steel having a thickness of about 0.090 inches. The steel tubing is formed to create upright stile members and upper and lower transverse rail members extending between the stile members. To create security, a grid of metal bars is provided across the rectangular opening defined between the stile and rail members. Some of these metal bars extend parallel to the stiles and are anchored to the transverse rail members at the top and bottom of the door. Other metal security bars are oriented perpendicular to the door stiles and are secured thereto.
In some cases additional decorative and angular metal bars are provided as an adjunct to the rectilinear grid that functions to provide the door with a high level of security. Quite often a security door is also provided with a screen mesh to exclude  invasion. Security doors are mounted in gate openings or in buildings in surrounding metal frames that are firmly secured in the doorway to be protected.
The conventional fabrication of security doors is both expensive and time consuming. Specifically, the metal security bars forming the rectilinear grillwork are at present secured to the elements or segments of the surrounding rectangular frame forming the door by means of arc welding. The process of arc welding is expensive and time consuming. Furthermore, arc welding requires a considerable amount of skill to create a sound weld. Therefore, it is necessary to employ factory workers with a high level of welding skill and experience in order to create the arc welds necessary in the fabrication of security doors. As an alternative to manual welding, robotic welding machines can be used. However, such robotic welding machines require major capital investments and drastically increase the overhead expenses necessary for security door fabrication.


An analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of slave sampler multiplexers responsive to outputs of a master sampler that receives analog signals and whose output ports connect to integrating threshold comparators having capacitive digital-to-analog conversion offset adjustments for forming an analog-to-thermometer code conversion. A calibration state machine receives outputs of each of the integrating threshold comparators to control the capacitive digital-to-analog conversion offset adjustment of every integrating threshold comparator and to control a calibration digital-to analog converter. A thermometer code to binary code logic decoder receives outputs of each of the integrating threshold comparators and outputs digital samples.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and, more particularly, to a high data rate (25 Gs/s range) flash analog-to-digital (ADC) converter for use in serial line receivers employing an architecture that combines power and area efficient integrating comparators with an automatic offset calibration system.
Discussion of Related Art
ADCs play a critical role in today's electronic circuits, computing systems, and communication systems. For example, modern coding schemes in data communication require the use of an ADC at the receiver side. Modern integrated circuit complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology has improved to the point that system designs which have historically been realized using analog techniques can now be built with a combination of ADC and digital signal processing techniques.

Analog to digital converter with high precision offset calibrated integrating comparators

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


Disclosed is an electrically conducting paste comprising a silver powder, a glass frit, a resin binder and a sintering inhibitor. The paste is used in the manufacture of solar cell electrodes by applying the electrically conducting paste to a substrate and then firing of the coated substrate.

During the preparation of the solar cell electrode, the electrode is formed on the side with the formation of an anti-reflecting preventing film. A common method for manufacturing the electrode involves a procedure for coating a paste containing a silver powder or other electrical conductor, a glass frit, a resin binder and, if necessary, an additive on a anti-reflecting layer, followed by firing.
In order to increase the power generation characteristics of the solar cell, the characteristics of the electrode are important. For example, by decreasing the resistance of the electrode, the power generation efficiency is increased. In order to achieve this objective, a variety of procedures have been proposed.
For example, in Japanese Kokai Patent Application No. 2005-243500, a technology for preparing electrodes with good conduction characteristics has been disclosed. Specifically, for an electrically conducting paste containing an organic binder, a solvent, a glass frit, an electrically conductive powder, and at least one metal selected from Ti, Bi, Zn, Y, In and Mo, or a compound there of, an electrically conductive paste having an average metal particle diameter between 0.001 μm and 0.1 μm can be obtained with excellent conduction and adhesion characteristics.

Paste for solar cell electrodes, method for the manufacture of solar cell electrodes, and the solar cell