Solid, non-tin-containing catalysts can be used for the synthesis of cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone by the reaction of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride and thiophene, while achieving new and unexpected yields. Aluminum trichloride is both cheaper than stannic chloride and it is easier to deal with as a waste stream. The successful use of graphite as a catalyst for the reaction of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride and thiophene provides a mild and ecologically friendly method for carrying out the Friedel-Crafts reaction. A tiletamine-free base can be made from the cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone with a halide in the presence of a solvent for the cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone to form a halogenated cyclopentane 2-thienyl ketone; aminating the halogenated cyclopentane 2-thienyl ketone by reaction with an amine; and subjecting the reaction product to thermal rearrangement, in a suitable solvent, and at a sufficient temperature to form tiletamine free base. Each step for the formation of tiletamine free base can be accomplished using the same solvent, e.g., dichlorobenzene so that intermediates need not be isolated between reactions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an improved method of making cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone, tiletamine and tiletamine acid addition salts, such as tiletamine hydrochloride.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 3,522,273 ('273) discloses a method of making tiletamine, or 2-amino-2-(2'-thienyl)cyclohexanone, and tiletamine acid addition salts, such as the hydrochloride.
As disclosed in the '273 patent, there are two routes to the synthesis of tiletamine hydrochloride, based on cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone (Scheme 1) or tetrahydro-2-pyranyl ether of cyclopentanone cyanohydrin (Scheme 2) as starting compounds, as follows: ##STR1##
Due to availability of the starting compound, lower number of separate steps, lower raw material and operational costs, Scheme 1 is more promising than Scheme 2. However, both Schemes have several shortcomings. First, each step of the synthesis requires a different solvent. Multiple solvents complicate the post-reaction work-up, isolation and solvent recovery steps, and add significantly to the manufacturing cost of the process. In addition, solvents such as carbon tetrachloride and ether are restricted solvents. Moreover, ether is difficult to recover industrially and highly flammable. Second, the processes typically call for multiple isolations and purifications of the intermediates, which substantially effects the operational cost of commercial manufacture.
Cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone has been prepared by the Friedel-Crafts reaction of thiophene with initially pre-formed cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride (Scheme 3), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,832 or with tetracyclopentylcarboxysilane (Scheme 4), Jur'ew, Yu K., et al. Zh. Obshch-Khim.; 26, 1956, 3341-3343: ##STR2##
Both Schemes 3 and 4 have the same major shortcoming--stannic chloride is used as a catalyst for the Friedel-Crafts reaction. In addition to its cost, stannic chloride introduces a heavy metal contamination to the process waste stream which is a major problem during manufacture.
It is also known, that cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone can be prepared from N'-tosylcyclopentylamidine by reaction with 2-thienyl lithium (Scheme 5), see Clerici, F. et al. Synthesis, 11, 1987, 1025-1027: ##STR3##
This Scheme 5 approach has some scientific interest, but is not desirable from a commercial production standpoint.
In accordance with the present invention, we have discovered alternatives to the original acylation routes to synthesize cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone. It has been found that cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride can be reacted with thiophene using a solid catalyst, other than stannic chloride, at unexpectedly high yields, to avoid the stannic chloride (heavy metal) waste stream contamination. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, aluminum trichloride or graphite are the catalysts of choice for the Friedel-Crafts reaction of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride and thiophene (Scheme 6(b) and (c)):
Scheme 6 (Non-tin-containing Catalytic Friedel-Crafts Reaction)
The synthesis of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride, in accordance with the following reaction (a), can be achieved by reacting cyclopentanecarboxylic acid with thionyl chloride, with or without a solvent. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the same solvent, preferably o-dichlorobenzene, can be used for reaction (a) and the following reactions (b) or (c) so that solvent removal is unnecessary between reactions for isolation of intermediates, e.g., after reaction (a). ##STR4##
As shown in the prior art method of Scheme 3, the prior art reaction requires a tin-containing catalyst, such as stannic chloride, and methylene chloride as a solvent for the reaction of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride with thiophene to form cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone. In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, it has been found that other, solid, less waste stream-polluting catalysts can be used for the synthesis of cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone by the reaction of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride and thiophene, while achieving new and unexpected yields, as shown in the following reactions (b) and (c): ##STR5##
Aluminum trichloride is both cheaper than stannic chloride and it is easier to deal with as a waste stream. The successful use of graphite as a catalyst for the reaction of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid chloride and thiophene provides a mild and ecologically friendly method for carrying out the Friedel-Crafts reaction. The additional advantage of such an approach includes easier work up, which only requires a simple filtration of the solid catalyst for isolation of the cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone reaction product.
The ortho-dichlorobenzene (C.sub.6 H.sub.4 Cl.sub.2) solvent used in the reaction (a) of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid and thionyl chloride (SOCl.sub.2), and in reaction (b) or (c), was also used in the following reaction Schemes 7 and 8. However, other solvents can be used in accordance with the present invention, such as chlorobenzene or dichloroethane as well. Any non-reactive hydrocarbon solvent or chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent is suitable for the reactions of Schemes 6-9 described herein. Higher boiling solvents, having a boiling point of at least about 100.degree. C., are preferred so that the thermal rearrangement reaction of Scheme 9 can be performed at the solvent reflux temperature, at a temperature of at least 100.degree. C., in a commercially acceptable time period. The o-dichlorobenzene is most advantageous since it forms an azeotropic mixture with water for stripping off the water with the o-dichlorobenzene to achieve the most economical drying of intermediates and product. Further, by using the same solvent in sequential steps of the synthesis, it is not necessary to isolate intermediate reaction products from the solvent and unreacted reactants before proceeding with the next sequential step of the process--making the process extremely more commercially viable. The amount of solvent, e.g., o-dichlorobenzene, used in the reactions should be sufficient to dissolve solid reactants. Reaction initiators, such as dimethylformamide, can be added to speed the reaction(s), but are not essential for achieving reactions with excellent yields.
Halogenation (bromination) of the crude cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone in o-dichlorobenzene solution at room temperature gave the corresponding .alpha.-halogenated ketone with a high purity, usually 97-99% by GC, area % analysis (Scheme 7). ##STR6##
A work up procedure after the bromination step is a simple evaporation of the solvent, which can be collected and recycled to any step of the process. Evaporation of the o-dichlorobenzene removes residual hydrogen bromide as well. A crude material, without any purification, was carried through directly to the next amination step. A 75% wt/wt solution of .alpha.-bromoketone in o-dichlorobenzene was used to prevent solidification of the starting material during amine addition. The amination reaction resulted in 96% pure (GC, area % analysis) product (Scheme 8). ##STR7##
An excess of ethylamine, used in the reaction, was evaporated from the reaction mixture under mild vacuum, and the ethylamine was recovered and recycled. An ethylamine hydrobromide salt by-product was washed out with water. A solution of crude 1-hydroxycyclopentyl 2'-thienyl N-ethyl ketimine in o-dichlorobenzene was refluxed for 1.5 hours at a temperature of at least about 100.degree. C., preferably about 180.degree. C. to about 230.degree. C., e.g. 220.degree. C. to 225.degree. C., to produce 90% pure (GC, area % analysis) tiletamine free base by the thermal rearrangement reaction shown in Scheme 9. ##STR8##
The single solvent strategy until this point, as shown in Schemes 6, 7, 8 and 9, and the capability of transferring a crude reaction mixture through the above-described steps without isolation of the intermediates resulted in up to 70% yield (based on cyclopentanecarboxylic acid) of tiletamine free base. The conversion of tiletamine to its hydrochloride salt in o-dichlorobenzene at this stage allows for the use of only a single solvent throughout the entire process. However, a reaction of hydrogen chloride gas with tiletamine in o-dichlorobenzene was found to result in conversion of only about 39% of the available free base to the hydrochloride salt. Therefore, a different solvent was used for the final reaction to obtain higher conversion. In the prior art method diethyl ether was the solvent of choice for this step, but diethyl ether is flammable and very difficult to handle. We have found that the use of n-butyl ether or t-butyl methyl ether and HCl gas result in the complete conversion of tiletamine to the corresponding hydrochloride salt, as shown in the acid addition salt reaction of Scheme 10. ##STR9##
As described above, synthesis of cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone, tiletamine and tiletamine acid addition salts has the following distinct advantages:
1. Tiletamine and its hydrochloride salt are produced with high yield. PA1 2. The multi-solvent process can be replaced by a procedure, employing only one solvent for the synthesis of tiletamine free base--two solvents for good yields of tiletamine acid addition salts, involving a second solvent only at the acid addition salt step of the process. PA1 3. A crude reaction mixture can be carried through six steps while avoiding complicated work ups, isolations, and purifications of the intermediates.

Synthesis of cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone tiletamine and tiletamine acid addition salts such as tiletamine hydrochloride


A double-spout bottle cover includes a cover body. A second water outlet is arranged at the upper end of the cover body. A flip cover is covered on the second water outlet. The cover head of the flip cover covers the second water outlet. A flip cover shaft of the flip cover is fixed on the cover body and is opposite to the second water outlet. The middle of the flip cover is a hollow area. The hollow area is provided with a first water outlet, and the surface of the first water outlet is flush with the surface of the flip cover. The bottom of the first water outlet is connected to a preset through hole on the cover body. The first water outlet is fixed on the cover body by a rotating shaft.

Lifestyles are increasingly diversifying due to the continuous improvement of living standards. Water consumption and bottle design each have become specialized to meet different activity demands. Different functional water bottles are used for outdoor sports, business trips, and daily use as needed. For example, during exercise, an ordinary water bottle is only provided with a spout in a specific size and thus cannot meet the demand for the water consumption in different periods of the exercise. Moreover, in most cases, water intake cannot be adjusted since the flow out of the container is determined by the size of the opening, which itself is typically non-adjustable. Prior water bottles are, therefore, limited in their utility to a single function and cannot meet changes in fluid flow demand.

Double-spout bottle cover and water bottle

Shen Zhen Xin Yue Tang Plastic & Hardware Co., Ltd


A method and apparatus are provided for a support interface for memory-mapped resources. A support processor sends a sequence of commands over and FSI interface to a memory-mapped support interface on a processor chip. The memory-mapped support interface updates memory, memory-mapped registers or memory-mapped resources. The interface uses fabric packet generation logic to generate a single command packet in a protocol for the coherency fabric which consists of an address, command and/or data. Fabric commands are converted to FSI protocol and forwarded to attached support chips to access the memory-mapped resource, and responses from the support chips are converted back to fabric response packets. Fabric snoop logic monitors the coherency fabric and decodes responses for packets previously sent by fabric packet generation logic. The fabric snoop logic updates status register and/or writes response data to a read data register. The system also reports any errors that are encountered.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to low-level hardware access for initialization and run-time monitoring for processor and support chips in a data processing system. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for indirect access to a support interface for memory-mapped resources to reduce system connectivity from out-of-band support processor.
2. Description of Related Art
Traditionally, during the power-on phase of computer systems, central processing units (CPUs) start to execute instructions and initialize the systems into a state from which the operating system can be loaded. In addition to executing user applications, the operating system also runs applications that are needed to keep the system functioning. These applications, also referred to as system-control tasks, are responsible for monitoring system integrity and process any errors that might occur during operation. Usually, there is only one operating-system image controlling all aspects of system management. This type of system control is typically referred to as in-band control or in-band system management.
An exponential growth of computing requirements has resulted in the creation of larger, more complex, systems. Power-on and initialization of these large systems up to the point at which the operating system is fully available can no longer rely only on the system CPU. Instead, systems incorporate "helpers" (e.g., embedded controllers) that facilitate the initialization of the system at power-on. However, during power-on of these complex systems, critical errors can occur, which would prevent loading the host operating system. In the initial case in which no operating system is available, a mechanism is required for reporting errors and performing system management functions. Furthermore, given the diversity of user applications, it is no longer true that one operating-system image controls the entire system. At the high end, today's computer systems are required to run multiple different operating systems on the same hardware. A single instance of an operating system is no longer in full control of the underlying hardware. As a result, a system-control task running on an operating system which is not under exclusive control of the underlying hardware can no longer adequately perform its duties.
As a solution, system-control operations of a large system are moved away from the operating systems and are now integrated into the computing platform at places where full control over the system remains possible. System control is therefore increasingly delegated to a set of other "little helpers" in the system outside the scope of the operating systems. This method of host OS-independent system management is often referred to as out-of-band control, or out-of-band system management. In addition, logical partitioned systems may also run a "hypervisor," which manages multiple logical partitions. This hypervisor is a firmware layer which runs on the CPU (host firmware) and is considered in-band.
Typical servers have associated control structures some of which are composed of "cages." A cage may be a central electronic complex (CEC) cage or an I/O cage. A CEC cage contains a set of CPUs forming an SMP system together with its cache structure, memory and cache control, and the memory subsystem. In addition, the CEC cage may contain an I/O hub infrastructure. A system may contain one or more such cages. A cage may also be an I/O cage, which may facilitate I/O fan-out by linking the I/O cage to a CEC cage on one side and by providing bus bridges for the I/O adapters on another side.
Each CEC or I/O cage may contain an embedded controller which is called a cage controller (CC) or support processor, which interfaces with all of the logic in the corresponding cage and any external components. Sometimes two support processors are used to avoid any single point of failure. The support processors typically operate in master/slave configuration. At any given time, one controller performs the master role while the other controller operates in standby mode, ready to take over the master's responsibilities if the master fails. As a master, the support processor may perform functions, such as:                At power-on, determine configuration by reading the vital product data (VPD). VPD being a model number, part number, serial number, etc.;        Initialize the functional hardware to a predetermined state by scanning start-up patterns into the chained-up latches using JTAG (Joint Test Association Group, IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan standard) or other shift interfaces.        Initiate and control self-tests of the logic circuitry.        At run-time, monitor and control operating environmental conditions such as voltage levels, temperature, and fan speed, and report any error conditions to system-management entities. In case of critical conditions, directly initiate preventive measures (e.g., emergency power-off) in order to prevent safety hazards.
In order to perform these functions, the embedded controller typically uses one of the following interfaces for intra-cage control:                I2C bus.        GPIO (general-purpose I/O, sometimes referred to as digital I/O).        UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter, usually referred to as serial port).        JTAG (Joint Test Association Group, IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan standard).
As typical cages may contain many field-replaceable units (FRUs), the cage controller is used to initialize the FRU upon replacement. Each FRU is controlled by multiple interfaces. These interfaces are designed to support features such as upgrading of the configuration of a cage, or "hot-plugging" of FRUs in concurrent repairs. However, in low-end systems, it is sometimes prohibitive to provide the necessary connectivity from the support processor to all the chips in the system. Thus, it is desirable to limit the connectivity to a small subset of the chips, and provide an indirect mechanism to access the remaining chips from this limited subset.

Method for indirect access to a support interface for memory-mapped resources to reduce system connectivity from out-of-band support processor

International Business Machines Corporation


A dispenser that includes at least one receptacle configured to accommodate at least one applicator, with the receptacle having at least one opening through which the applicator can be withdrawn. At least one applicator is housed in the receptacle, and includes an applicator portion and a grasping element enabling the applicator to be held. The grasping element delineates a reservoir containing a product to be applied, and the applicator is configured so that it must be at least partially deformed in order to pass through the opening in the receptacle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dispenser for at least one applicator. The invention is particularly advantageous for a cosmetic product applicator intended for single use.
2. Discussion of Background
In the field of cosmetics, it is common to give customers an opportunity to test products in order to enable them to choose the product they are going to buy. To this end, it is known to package products in the form of a single dose which the customer can use at home before making his/her purchase.
Alternatively, the products can be made available to the customer at a point of sale with a community container available for use. However, with this approach, the customer is required to take up and apply the product with the fingers in order to test it before making the purchase. Such an approach is not very hygienic given that a large number of customers may use the same product.
For this reason, it is useful to provide single-use product applicators, which can be made available to customers at the point of sale of the products to enable them to sample and apply the product before disposing of the applicator.
Applicators intended for single use are generally of small size such that it is commonplace to provide them with means enabling them to be grasped. Certain applicators of the single use type are for example T-shaped, i.e. they include an applicator portion delineating an application surface and a handle portion formed perpendicular to the application surface. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,053,242; 4,101,053; and 4,014,616 describe examples of such applicators.
In certain cases, the handle can additionally contain a measured quantity of product to be applied, as is the case with the applicator described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,264, which additionally serves to protect the quantity of product to be applied and provides a disposable two-in-one device.
However, applicators intended for single use are rarely protected against the external environment so that their application surface is liable to be soiled. This is more particularly true in the case of T-shaped applicators which can be difficult to accommodate in a conventional holder or case.
In addition, when such applicators are made available to customers at a point of sale, it can be desirable to facilitate the dispensing thereof. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,014,616; 4,053,242; and 4,101,053 describe examples of dispensers which facilitate both the protection and dispensing of the applicators.
In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,616 describes a device in the form of a cylindrical housing incorporating an opening at its upper end which can be closed by a cover. The applicators are relatively rigid and are superimposed inside the housing so as to form a stack. The handle of the applicators is hollow so as to receive the handle of the following applicator so as to reduce the dimensions of the stack. The applicators have their handle oriented towards the opening in the housing so that when the cover is removed, the user can take hold of the handle in order to pick up an applicator. A spring is additionally provided in the bottom of the housing to push the stack towards the opening as the applicators are taken out, and the applicator closest to the opening is held in the housing by means of a lip delineating the opening against which the periphery of the applicator is in bearing contact. The drawback of this system is that the spring wears over time so that the last applicators have difficulty in rising as far as the opening. In a variant, the opening can be located at the bottom of the housing and the stack of applicators can descend by gravity as the applicators are removed. Such a system requires the use of applicators with hollow handles that can only be used as a grasping element. The applicators can also include the product to be applied which is either directly impregnated into the applicator portion, or covers the applicator portion so that the product is not protected inside the dispenser. The quantity of product is also limited by the size of the applicator portion.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,053,242 and 4,101,053 also describe a T-shaped single-use applicator dispenser including a cylindrical housing having a lateral opening provided to allow the removal of applicators in proximity to the bottom of the housing. The applicators are stacked flat in the housing, i.e. the applicator portion is folded in two so as to be located in the same plane as the handle thereby limiting the dimensions of the stack of applicators. This additionally serves to protect the application surface which is folded back on itself. Here again, the applicator portion can be impregnated with the product to be applied or can be covered by a layer of product. A spring is provided in the upper part of the housing to push the stack of applicators towards the bottom of the housing so that an applicator is always against the lateral opening. A pushbutton is additionally provided at the bottom of the housing, opposite the opening, to push the applicator located at the bottom of the housing through the opening so that the applicator handle can be grasped by the user. Such a dispenser has a relatively complicated structure. Moreover, the pressure exerted by the spring on the applicators is liable to damage the applicator portion as well as the handle. In addition, as the applicator portion remains folded in two inside the dispenser, it can deteriorate in this position and may have difficulty unfolding completely when the applicator is removed from the dispenser.


An adjustable mounting assembly for hanging a light fixture, fan, or other electrical device from a cathedral ceiling. The adjustable mounting assembly allows an installer to easily mount an electrical device in any location along the apex of a cathedral ceiling. The adjustable mounting assembly includes a central bracket, adjustable mounting bars, and an arrangement for securing an electrical box to the assembly. All the hardware required for securing the mounting assembly to the rafters and for securing the electrical device thereto is included with the assembly for easily accessibility by the installer.

Builders or homeowners frequently hang electrical devices, such as fans or lighting fixtures, from cathedral ceilings. Typically the electrical devices are hung from the rafters that support the cathedral ceiling.
Several devices have been proposed for installing electrical devices on cathedral ceilings. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,592,788 and 5,806,269 to Corridon and U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,359 to Patterson propose various devices for mounting electrical devices on cathedral ceilings. Corridon's mounting system includes a cathedral ceiling fixture mount with a central bore. Screws pass through the mounting plate of the electrical device and through the central bore to engage a standard ceiling workbox. Patterson's mounting box is simply a covering device that obscures the 2×4 studs that are mounted between adjacent ceiling rafters for supporting the electrical device.
Unfortunately, all of the aforementioned prior art mounting devices require the installation of a separate device, such as a workbox or studs, to support the mounting box. Additionally, use of the prior art mounting devices limits the choice of location for hanging an electrical device, as the workbox of Corridon's mounting system must be secured to a rafter unless a support structure such as studs are installed between the rafters.
Prior art mounting devices therefore exhibit several limitations in for the installation of fans or fixtures on cathedral ceilings.

Adjustable bar for cathedral mount ceiling box


A foldable protective garment including an outer shell shaped to fit about at least part of the body of a wearer, the outer shell being foldable into a compact position, and a pouch coupled to the outer shell. The pouch is shaped and sized to receive generally all of the outer shell therein when the outer shell is in the compact position. The pouch includes an upper mouth and a lower mouth located on a generally opposite side of the pouch relative to the upper mouth, and the upper mouth and the lower mouth are both selectively openable and closable.

Protective or hazardous duty garments are widely used in various industries to protect the wearer from various hazardous conditions, such as heat, smoke, cold, sharp objects, chemicals, liquids, fumes and the like. Such garments may include materials which should be stored in a protective pouch. For example, protective garments may be made of or include aramid or other material which should be shielded from light in order to protect the materials. Furthermore, storing the garment in a protective pouch protects the garment from fumes and chemicals. Folded protective garments which are stored in a pouch are also more compact and therefore require less space and are easier to stow.
It may be desired to have a storage pouch that is fixedly coupled to the garment so that the storage pouch does not become separated from the garment and is always available for immediate use. However, due to the bulk nature of protective garments it may be difficult to fit protective garments into pouches. Accordingly, there is a need for garment having a storage pouch wherein the garment can be quickly and easy stored in the storage pouch and which can be quickly and easily removed from the storage pouch.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A method of identifying an animal having a disease or condition without clinical symptoms includes detecting an elevated level of plasma DNA from blood or a blood fraction from the animal. In particular, the disease or condition can be a lymphoid neoplastic disease. Also, the plasma DNA can comprise a tumor-derived plasma DNA. In certain embodiments, the evaluation of the blood or blood fraction from the animal for the mutation assists in the identification of the disease or condition and/or its prognosis in the animal.

Domestic dogs were reported to have about 213 cases of cancer annually per 100,000 individuals in a survey performed several decades ago, which was similar to the incidence reported in humans at that time (approximately 300 per 100,000) (1). Although more recent studies of cancer incidence in dogs are not available, it is likely that the current incidence is even higher, as dogs are living much longer than they did decades ago. The development of spontaneous tumors in dogs more closely resembles tumorigenesis in humans than does experimentally induced cancer in rodent models, and as such, there is great interest in using dogs with cancer for translational research. Several recent clinical trials have validated the use of spontaneous canine tumors for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics (2-4). Unfortunately, there are relatively few noninvasive methods to diagnose cancer and monitor therapy in veterinary medicine when compared to human medicine. Development of novel assays for these parameters would be useful for both initial evaluation of canine cancer patients as well as for following these patients non-invasively during the course of a clinical trial.
Measuring circulating plasma or serum DNA as a biomarker in humans with cancer has gained attention in recent years, but has not been investigated in veterinary species. Circulating cell-free DNA is detectable at low levels in the serum and plasma of healthy humans, and concentrations of circulating DNA are increased in many human cancer patients. This increase is seen in multiple tumor types, including hematopoietic tumors (e.g. lymphoma and leukemia), carcinomas (e.g. lung, breast, cervical, pancreatic and gastrointestinal tumors), and other tumor types such as Ewing's sarcoma, melanoma, and glioma (5-9). It has been reported that about 50% of all human cancer patients have increased circulating DNA (10). Furthermore, many of the same genetic and epigenetic changes are present in circulating DNA and in DNA from primary tumors, including mutations and/or aberrant promoter hypermethylation in p53, p16, and APC genes (8,11-21). These findings indicate that at least a portion of circulating DNA is derived from tumor cells. In humans, a portion of circulating DNA is derived from the primary tumors (11,14,16-18,21,39). It is noted, however, that circulating DNA also is increased in many non-lymphoid neoplasms in humans (5-10,12,19,20,43).
Circulating DNA in cancer has been explored in humans as a screening tool and a prognostic indicator, as well as for detection of residual disease after treatment. Two approaches for these analyses are either absolute quantification of circulating DNA or evaluation of specific molecular genetic defects (i.e. tumor-specific mutations or epigenetic changes) in the circulating DNA. Increased plasma DNA and/or genetic and epigenetic changes in plasma DNA have been associated with poor prognosis in a variety of tumor types (6,17,18). For example, mean plasma DNA levels in patients with lung cancer (even stage 1a disease) are higher than healthy controls, and increased DNA in pre-treatment plasma samples correlated with decreased survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (5,22). Plasma DNA concentrations also are increased in patients with both early and late stages of lymphoma, and circulating tumor-derived DNA was detected by PCR in 86% of patients with B cell leukemia or lymphoma (12,23). Persistence of circulating tumor DNA after initiation of treatment was associated with poor treatment response or early relapse in these patients (23).
In another study K-ras mutations were present in the plasma of 17 of 21 pancreatic cancer patients. Importantly, the mutation in plasma DNA was identified 5 to 14 months before clinical diagnosis in 4 patients with no evidence of neoplasia on initial biopsy but who had pancreatic carcinoma confirmed on later histopathology (15). Lastly, changes in circulating DNA correlate with the presence of residual disease after initiation of treatment (24,25). It is important to note, however, that increases in circulating DNA are not specific to cancer, and have been reported in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as other conditions (26-29). Exogenous DNA, including viral DNA and fetal DNA, also can be detected in circulation (24,30-32).
The phenomenon of circulating tumor DNA has rarely been explored in laboratory animals. Subcutaneous injection of cultured tumor cells into rats allowed detection of tumor-specific plasma DNA 3 weeks after inoculation (33). To our knowledge there have been no studies evaluating circulating DNA in spontaneous tumors of veterinary cancer patients.

Prognostic indicators of canine lymphoid neoplasia using tumor-derived plasma DNA


A coating composition prepared by mixing an organic solvent based coating composition with (1) a silicone compound having organofunctional group and hydrolyzable group in one molecule and containing a specified silicon structural unit, or (2) a silicone compound consisting of a partial cohydrolysis.cndot.condensation product of a silane mixture of alkoxysilane compound containing at least one organofunctional group selected from the group consisting of (meth)acryloyl group, vinyl group, haloalkyl group, amino group, epoxy group and mercapto group with tetraalkoxysilane compound.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coating composition which is applicable to outdoor building structures or outdoor structures for the purpose of decoration or protection, and which is capable of forming a film having excellent properties in crack resistance, flexibility, stain resistance, water resistance, alkali resistance, acid resistance, and the like.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
A highly weather resistant outdoor coating composition as a coating composition applicable to outdoor structures and the like has been developed in the art. Particularly, acrylic silicone resin based coating composition and fluorocarbon resin based coating composition have been considered suitable as outdoor coating composition because of improvement in film resistance to deterioration due to sun light, rain and the like. However, the above coating compositions have such drawbacks that during outdoor exposure, pollutants adhere onto the surface of a coating film to show poor film appearance under the influence of dust, sand dust, iron powder, acid rain as recent problem, etc. in atmosphere.
As a method of preventing adhesion of dust in atmosphere, a method of adding various antistatic agents such as Electrostripper TS-2B (marketed by Kao Corporation, trade name, surfactant based one) and Colcote R (marketed by Colcote Co., Ltd., trade name, alkylsilicate based one), which are capable of reducing the surface resistivity value of the coated film and preventing static adhesion of dust, etc., to a coating composition, or of coating the antistatic agents onto the surface of the film for treating, has been disclosed. However, the above method is unsuitable for outdoor use, because the added antistatic agents show poor water resistance, resulting in making it difficult to maintain the above static adhesion preventing effect.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 306328/94 discloses a highly acid rain resistant organic coating composition prepared by adding a condensation product between an, alkylsilicate oligomer and a silane coupling agent such as a hydrolyzate of an epoxy-functional silane to a coating composition.
However, the above organic coating composition has such drawbacks that the above condensation product consists of a mixture of an alkylsilicate oligomer, silane coupling agent oligomer and block condensation product of both oligomers, and consequently the epoxy group of the hydrolyzate of an epoxy-functional silane is not uniformly introduced in the condensation product, but the remaining alkylsilicate oligomer is eluted by water, resulting in that the coated film shows poor water resistance, particularly poor alkali resistance, as well as such drawbacks that the coated film may cause cracks on forming a film and further shows unsatisfactory flexibility.


A computer implemented method comprising identifying, by one or more processors, a set of images of an individual and a product purchase history corresponding to the individual, analyzing, by one or more processors, the set of images of an individual, the images being from a defined time window, identifying, by one or more processors, one or more products within the product purchase history that correspond to use within the defined time window, determining, by one or more processors, one or more changes in appearance of the individual based on the analyzed images, determining, by one or more processors, correlations between the determined changes in appearance and the identified products used by the individual, and notifying, by one or more processors, the individual of the determined correlations.

The present invention relates generally to the field of product analysis, and more specifically to determining what effects certain products have on an individual using image analysis.
Many products offer benefits or effects to a user that may achieve varying levels of success for different users. This reality can be particularly apparent with products that are intended to alter a user's appearance in some manner. A user who is seeking to alter his or her appearance in some manner may utilize multiple products over an extended period of time, and it can be difficult to track which products he or she used at what times. For this reason, when a user finally begins seeing a desired result, the user may be unable to pinpoint or identify which product(s) contributed to said desired result.


An apparatus for detecting an arc fault. The apparatus comprises a current detector for detecting the amount of change of current flowing on the wire and generating a signal proportional to the amount of change; a signal transformer for passing a high frequency component of the signal outputted from the current detector, and limiting a level of the signal not to exceed a fixed signal level; a first level limit amplifier for amplifying a signal outputted from the signal transformer so as to limit the level of the outputted signal; a signal level detector for determining whether a input signal exceeds a fixed first voltage and generating a detection signal; a pulse generator for transforming the detection signal outputted from the signal level detector into a form of normalized pulse; a first arc determination unit for counting a pulse signal outputted from the pulse generator for a predetermined time, determining whether the arc has been occurred and generating an arc detection signal; and a circuit breaker for breaking the conductive wire when the are detection signal is generated.

Distributors in special regions including a city, an industrial area and a commercial area generally use low voltage networks of 600 volts or less. Specially, cables of the networks are laid under the ground, which are designed to inflow into it at sites more than one. Such cables may suffer from faults caused by a thermal degradation, an aging, humidity or animals such as rats or squirrels. A circuit breaker is provided in order to protect the networks from the causes. The circuit breaker is required to have cutting units such as fuses in order to isolate the cable having a fault and minimize network faults in both ends of a cable. The cable cutting units can safely operate in a phase-to-phase fault such as a high voltage and low impedance fault.
Generally, a miniature circuit breaker and an earth leakage breaker are used in the home to protect a fire or an electric shock accident. The miniature circuit breaker is used to protect cables and its operations are as follows. Firstly, in case that a load current is over the rating current, the current flowing in the circuit breaker is higher than normal current and it causes heat. This heat makes an inner Bimetal bent and cuts off an operation of electrical equipment. Secondly, in case that a phase-to-phase short circuit occurs in the load side by an electric tool or other metal material, an high voltage is generated instantaneously and then the Bimetal is heated. So, the inner magnet starts to operate and cuts off the electric equipment before the operation of it. The high voltage generates a lot of magnetic field and then operates the inner magnet of the electric equipment. In case of the earth leakage breaker, there is provided a function that a user can be protected by detecting and cutting off power when the user is struck by electricity in using the electrical equipment, in addition to a function of the miniature circuit breaker.
In United States, it is required that the distributor has the miniature circuit breaker and a consent directly touched by hands of the user has a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) being a kind of earth leakage breaker has a high sensitive function of detecting an electric leakage and it is compulsory to use the interrupter in places having high humidity such as a kitchen, a both room, a parking lot.
Even though the miniature circuit breakers and the earth leakage breakers are established and used, many fires broke out all over the world every year. This is because an arcing type fault to the ground is frequently occurred rather than the phase-to-phase fault described above. Since this arc fault is of a low current and a high impedance and generates a current having a root mean square (RMS) less than a thermal threshold of the breaker, the cable cutting apparatus may not respond to the fault and therefore a fire breaks out in many cases.
Nevertheless, the arc fault is very dangerous since it occurs in a high temperature. And the arc fault can be detected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in the only case that the arc fault generates a sufficient leakage current through a ground. Moreover, since the interrupter operates when the current occurred by the arc exceeds a parameter of a thermal/magnetic structure of the breaker, an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) for breaking the arc fault is necessarily required. Specially, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) gave a decision that 40% of fires broken out in 1977 were due to the arc faults. Accordingly, the National Electric Code (NEC) imposed duty upon every home to use the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) from January of 2002. Causes of arc fault are very various, for example, an aging, breakdowns of insulation and wire, a mechanical and electrical stress by an excessive usage or an excessive voltage, an connection fault, and an excessive mechanical fault to wires. Generally, arc faults occurred in a residential building or a commercial building can be classified into three cases.
Firstly, there is a serial arc (contact arc) occurred between wires serially connected to the load. FIG. 1 shows a case where a serial arc has been occurred. Referring to FIG. 1, a wire 14 and 16 constituting a cable 10 is separated and covered by an insulator 12 so that it can be insulated. In FIG. 1, an upper wire 14 is broken in a predetermined area and a serial gap 18 is generated. When an arc occurs in this state, a lot of heat occurs in the cable locally. And when the heat continues to occur enough to break or carbonize an insulator adjacent to the arc occurring area, a fire would break out. In the serial arc, a magnitude of a current flowing in the arc is controlled by the load.
Secondly, there is a parallel arc (line arc) occurred between conductive wires, which is drawn in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, conductive wires 24 and 26 in a cable 20 are surrounded by an outer insulator 22 and insulated by an inner insulator 28. When the inner insulator 28 is aged or injured like the part 21, an arc fault 23 occurs between an upper conductive wire 24 and a lower conductive wire 26. The aging or injury of the inner insulator can be generated by a carbonization occurred by excessive exposure of direct ray of light or the lightning which has an influence on a wire system, or by mechanical operations occurred by the cut of a cable extension code part when the cable is pressed under furniture such as a chair.
Thirdly, there is a ground arc occurred between a conductive wire and the ground, which is drawn in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, the ground arc occurs when an insulator 38 of a cable 30 protecting conductive wires 34 and 36 like the parallel arc is broken and the conductive wire 36 is grounded through the broken part 39.
Specially, since the parallel arc and the ground arc occur in parallel with a load, a current flowing in the arc changes by an impedance of the power. When the aging phenomenon of the cable continues for a long time as described above, the cover of the cable is damaged due to the carbonization of the cable, and the joule heating is generated due to the arc current so that the cable is aged more severely. At that time, the joule heating is J=(arc current)2×time and an arc occurs due to the carbonization of the cable in accordance with the joule heating.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a constitution of a general apparatus for detecting an arc fault in the art.
Referring to FIG. 4, the conventional apparatus for detecting an art fault includes current detector 400, a signal transformer 402, a level determination unit 404, an arc signal detector 406, and a circuit breaker 408. In the conventional apparatus for detecting an arc fault, the detector 400 detects a current flowing on a phase conductive wire 416, and the signal transformer 402 transforms a signal detected in the current detector to a signal suitable for determining the arc.
The level determination unit 404 determines whether an output level of the signal transformer 402 exceeds a predetermined reference voltage, and generates an output signal when the output level exceeds the reference voltage. The arc signal detector 406 integrates an output signal of the level determination unit 404 and determines whether the integrated signal exceeds a predetermined reference voltage, and generates an arc detection signal when the integrated signal exceeds the reference voltage. The arc detection signal is inputted to the circuit breaker 408, and the circuit breaker breaks the phase conductive wire connecting a source 410 to a load 412.
Referring to the arc detector, the most difficult problem is a signal when starting electric equipment and a signal from a dimmer. Both signals are nearly similar in their forms so that a conventional arc fault detector misconceives the signals occurred when starting the electrical equipment and occurred by the dimmer as an arc and often breaks the circuit.
Since a waveform occurred when starting the electrical equipment and that of a harmful arc occurring a fire and so on are similar, the conventional apparatus for detecting an arc fault discriminates both waveforms by making use of a characteristic that both waveforms have different duty cycles, and breaks the circuit. The reason why the arc signal detector 406 integrates the output signal of the level determination unit is to determine a duty cycle of a signal.
A signal generated when the dimmer is operated is similar with that of an arc in their waveforms and also has a characteristic that its duty cycle is long, which is different from the signal generated when starting the electric equipment. Accordingly, the conventional apparatus for detecting an arc fault has a problem that it misconceives a signal occurred when operating the dimmer as an arc signal and breaks a fixed circuit. Also, since the signal occurred when operating the dimmer is nearly similar with that of an arc signal in their magnitude, an apparatus for detecting the arc using a magnitude of the conventional signal cannot make a distinction between a harmful arc and a signal occurred when operating the dimmer.


Micropores penetrating a vibration plate 12 in a thickness direction thereof are formed, in which the vibration plate 12 atomizes a solution by vibration of a piezoelectric vibrator 11 that generates ultrasonic vibration when current is applied thereto. In addition, the spraying time and the spraying interval time are controlled by turning on or off the current applied to the piezoelectric vibrator 11, such that a value of [50% particle diameter of spray particles in cumulative volume distribution]×([spraying time]/[spraying interval time]) becomes 0.2 to 2.5 μm.

As a pest control method, there has been known a pest control method including the step of spraying a solution containing a pest control ingredient into open space. As a method for spraying a solution, there has been known a method using, for instance, an atomizing device that atomizes the solution by simultaneously propelling the solution and a propellant (hereinafter, also referred to as "aerosol type atomization method"). However, since the aerosol type atomization method uses a propellant, it is difficult to reduce the size of the atomizing device.
On the other hand, as a method for spraying a solution without using a propellant, there has been proposed a method using an ultrasonic atomizing device in which a vibration plate having a large number of micropores is placed in contact with a piezoelectric vibrator, and voltage is applied to the piezoelectric vibrator for generating ultrasonic vibration at the piezoelectric vibrator to atomize a solution at the micropores of the vibration plate so as to be sprayed (see, for instance, Patent Literature 1).

Ultrasonic atomizing device and pest control method


A Silver Lining solar transfer module incorporates roof solar photovoltaic cells in a cased layer sandwiched between two water-handling layers. The bottom waste heat layer contains heat transfer pipes tuned for absorbing heat from the bottom of the photovoltaic layer and to dissipate heat into cool water pumped through the transfer pipes from ground level. The top cascade layer uses a casing transparent to solar radiation at the wavelengths used by the solar photovoltaic cells and containing a cascade of relatively cool water pumped from ground level, absorbing heat from the photovoltaic layer. The Silver Lining module is installed with a vertical slant, so that water is gravity fed from the top edge to the bottom edge in the waste heat layer and cascade layer. Fire sprinklers are incorporated into the plumbing of a system of Silver Lining solar transfer modules and provide protection to the roof in fire emergencies.

Roof solar photovoltaic power system operate in hot environments and generate heat. However, most common photovoltaic cells operate most efficiently when cool—overheating causes output current to rise but output voltage to drop, which must be compensated for at the DC-to-AC converter, resulting in more waste heat and inefficiency.
Some roof solar installations try to dissipate heat into air by leaving space between solar modules and roof tiles, but the air on a roof is often also hot and has little caloric absorption capacity. Water cooling offers greater cooling capacity, but necessitates the complication and expense of pumping water to a roof. A system is disclosed in this application which brings water cooling of roof solar installations to economic viability by making multiple synergistic uses of roof-pumped water in a roof photovoltaic system:                Water-absorption of roof solar waste heat cools the solar cells and supplies residential hot water needs.        Cascaded water layered above the photovoltaic cells filters out unused ultraviolet and infrared frequencies.        Cascaded water layered above the photovoltaic cells also provides secondary water heating for swimming pools.        Cascaded water layered above the photovoltaic cells tertiarily provides refraction of oblique light toward the photovoltaic cells below.        Roof photovoltaic generates DC power.        Smart water pumps monitor roof photovoltaic temperature, primary hot water requirements, secondary hot requirements, photovoltaic power requirements and roof water pumping costs to determine the optimum roof water pumping rate.        Strategically placed fire sprinklers use roof pumped water to suppress residential emergency fires and regional forest fires spreading to residential roofs.


An imager module for a camera includes: at least one objective holder; an image sensor mounted on the objective holder; and an objective accommodated in a tube area of the objective holder. Multiple contact areas are formed between an outer surface of the objective and the cylindrical inner surface of the tube area of the objective holder by frictional engagement. For this purpose, a first clamping plane is formed in the tube area, and a second clamping plane is formed which is offset from the first clamping plane along a longitudinal axis of the tube area, multiple first contact areas being formed in the first clamping plane, and multiple second contact areas being formed in the second clamping plane and situated distributed around the longitudinal axis in a circumferential direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imager module for a camera, to a camera including such an imager module, and to a method for manufacturing the imager module.
2. Description of the Related Art
Such imager modules are used in particular in cameras for vehicles which are attached in the interior area of the vehicle and, for example, detect an exterior area outside the vehicle through a pane or also the interior area of the vehicle. The imager module is accommodated and contacted in a camera housing and may represent a finished, focused unit.
The imager module generally includes an objective holder, which may have a one-piece or also a multi-piece design and generally includes a tube area or a tubular area into which the objective is inserted in the longitudinal direction. The objective holder may have a multi-piece design and include a sensor carrier to which the tubular objective holder is attached; moreover, systems having a single-piece objective holder are also known, which thus has a carrier area for accommodating an image sensor and the tube area. The image sensor is mounted and contacted on the objective holder and together with the inserted objective defines the optical axis of the imager module. Image signals of the image sensor are read out by a control unit which is mounted on a circuit carrier board accommodated in the camera housing, for example.
The optical properties of the camera, i.e., in particular the focusing or focal length and possible malpositions, are thus established by inserting and mounting the objective in the objective holder.
In camera systems having fixed focusing (fixed-focus cameras), the objective is accommodated in the objective holder, focused once along the axis of symmetry of the tube area and then permanently fixed, for example with the aid of a bonded joint or an adhesive bond. The rear lens space between the last lens and the image sensor should preferably be free from disruptive particles. The positioning of the objective in the objective holder, and thus with respect to the image sensor, should have a preferably precise position in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry of the tube area and in the clamping plane perpendicular thereto, and moreover should have a very precise orientation in the three spatial angles. Very precise focusing and positioning are required in particular for stereo camera systems for measuring distances.
For this purpose, generally different types of fixation with the aid of adhesive or frictional engagement are known. On the one hand, there are press fit joints, e.g., with the aid of press ribs extending in the longitudinal direction on the outer side of the objective and suitable mating surfaces in the objective holder. During insertion of the objective, the objective is thus pressed with its outer side and the press ribs formed on the outer side against the inner surface of the objective holder, whereupon a fixating glued joint may be created by introducing an adhesive. The orientation thus already takes place when the objective is pressed into the objective holder.
The disadvantage of such systems is that, in the case of the press fit joint, particles may be abraded from the press ribs, which may then fall into the rear lens space in a disruptive manner and end up on the image sensor, whereby the image quality may be considerably impaired. In particular, focusing by sliding the objective back and forth in the objective holder results in great particle abrasion. Moreover, depending on the tolerance situation, the press fit in part introduces great forces into the objective and the tube area of the objective holder.
Further known embodiments provide for a fixation of the objective in the objective holder with the aid of a clamping action between the inner surface of the objective holder and the outer surface of the objective by ascending or descending surfaces in the circumferential direction, e.g., as a wedge action. However, the disadvantage of such systems is that the two joining partners generally have complex surfaces; however, real surfaces generally deviate from the theoretical shape, so that the points of contact are often random, which may cause a negative impact on the precise position of the optical axis and the orientation in three spatial angles, i.e., a tilt of the optical axis of the objective with respect to the axis of the symmetry of the tube area.

Imager module for a camera, camera and method for manufacturing the imager module


A state quantity acquiring unit is configured to acquire a state quantity of a turbine. A time calculation unit is configured to calculate an operable time at an over firing operation of the turbine based on a design life of the turbine and a state quantity. A distance calculation unit configured to calculate a Mahalanobis distance based on the state quantity. A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the over firing operation of the turbine is possible by the Mahalanobis distance and the operable time.

In thermal power plants equipped with gas turbine and steam turbine, an operation at base load (rated load, 100% load) and an operation at partial load (for example, 75% load) are operated according to electric power demand. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing an over firing operation by determining whether or not the over firing operation (heavy load operation) is possible by a cumulative load of gas turbine components. The over firing operation means to operate a turbine at a load (for example, 110% load) higher than the load of a base load operation (100% load).

Plant analyzer, plant analysis method, and program thereof


The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a component (4; 15) to a brush carrier (1) for an electrical machine. The fastening device is integral with the brush carrier (1) and has at least one tapered region (7; 25, 26). When installed, the component (4; 15) is located in the tapered region (7; 25, 26).

The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a component to a brush holder for an electrical machine.
Brush holders are used, e.g., in electrical machines, such as commutator motors or slip-ring motors, to enable an electrical contacting via brushes located on the brush holder. Brush holders often serve to not only fasten brushes, but also to fasten further components of the electrical machine, such as throttles or temperature sensors. When the brush holder is manufactured as an injection-molded part, for example, these components are formed via injection molding in the brush holder, if necessary. It is also known to insert components of this nature onto a brush holder and clip them in place, or to insert components of this nature and join them with the brush holder via hot embossing or hot welding. These known fastening possibilities are very expensive and labor-intensive methods, however. Furthermore, brush holders of this nature having additional components are not suited to increased dynamic loading and/or temperature stressing, because the exposed nature of the fastening of the components to the brush holder can result in these components being easily induced to vibrate.

Receiving element for fixing a component to a brush carrier


A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING INTEGRATION TIME ON MULTIPLEXING STARING ARRAYS for selecting all or any portion of each row integration scan for charging integration capacitors from a scanned staring array by providing a row ON selection clock signal, providing a signal corresponding to all or a portion of the time the row is to be connected to the capacitors, and nanding the row ON signal and the corresponding signal to select the time allotted for charging said capacitors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling the integration of staring arrays.
2. Prior Art
Conventional staring arrays adjust integration time by injecting a variable row pulse width at the start of the array scan. The pulse width must be a submultiple of the scan clock. The resulting integration time for a row scan is therefore fixed for the complete array. This limits the integration amount to a fixed amount across the complete array even though the system optics delivers a variable gain signal across the array. As a result of the fixed gain scan, the system processing electronics is required to correct each received signal.

Method and apparatus for controlling integration time on multiplexing staring arrays


There is provided a method of preparation for a biodegradable co-polyester, the method including: forming an oligomer through a primary esterification reaction between a hydroxy group of an aliphatic dihydroxy compound and a carboxylic group of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound; performing a secondary esterification reaction between the formed oligomer and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound; and performing a polycondensation reaction in a vacuum, in which sequentially divided addition of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound is performed and the weight ratio of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound with respect to the oligomer for each time of the sequentially divided addition is from 2:8 to 5:5. The method efficiently increases a solubility of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, thereby increasing a reaction rate and reducing a side reaction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of preparation for a biodegradable co-polyester with divided addition of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound, and more particularly, to a method of preparation for a biodegradable co-polyester in which an aliphatic dihydroxy compound and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound are first esterificated to improve a solubility and reactivity of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound which is a reactant for a process of preparation for a biodegradable co-polyester, and then the aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound is dividedly added thereto, thereby increasing the solubility of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound and reducing a side reaction.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A biodegradable resin is a synthetic resin developed as a new material which is degraded into water and carbon dioxide or water by a microorganism, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, existent in nature and does not cause environmental contamination.
The biodegradable resin widely used together with cellulose-based polymers and starches is a resin produced from aliphatic polyester such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), and polycaprolactone (PCL).
Such an aliphatic polyester resin has a high biodegradability, but there is a disadvantage in that it has a low mechanical property. Therefore, in order to complement mechanical strength of the aliphatic polyester resin, there has been developed a method of preparing a biodegradable resin in the form of an aliphatic-aromatic copolymer through synthesis by adding an aromatic monomer to a process of producing a biodegradable resin.
At this time, as an aromatic monomer, dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) has been typically used. There is an advantage in that since the dimethyl terephthalate can react even at a reaction temperature of 200° C. or less, a reaction can be easily induced. However, there is a disadvantage in that the dimethyl terephthalate is expensive, thereby increasing cost burden.
Thus, there have been made continuous efforts to prepare a copolymer by using an aromatic monomer cheaper than the dimethyl terephthalate. By way of representative example, there has been suggested a method of using terephthalic acid (PTA) as aromatic dicarboxylic acid for a synthesis reaction of a copolymer.
However, unlike dimethyl terephthalate, terephthalic acid has no melting point and sublimates at a high temperature. Further, terephthalic acid is slightly dissolved in 1,4-butanediol (BDO), which is used as a representative aliphatic monomer for a process of preparing a biodegradable polyester resin, under normal pressure only at a temperature of 220° C. or more. Therefore, a reaction temperature of 220° C. or more is required to induce a uniform reaction between terephthalic acid and 1,4-butanediol. However, 1,4-butanediol is easily converted into tetrahydrofuran (THF) at a temperature of 200° C. under acidic conditions. Therefore, in a process of preparing a copolymer using an aromatic monomer such as terephthalic acid requiring a high reaction temperature and acidic reaction conditions, an excessive amount of an aliphatic monomer such as 1,4-butanediol needs to be used in consideration of an amount of the aliphatic monomer converted into tetrahydrofuran. In order to prevent waste of such an aliphatic dihydroxy compound, the aliphatic dihydroxy compound is allowed to react first with an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound having a relatively low acidity.
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a representative biodegradable resin in the form of an aliphatic-aromatic copolymer prepared using terephthalic acid as an aromatic monomer and 1,4-butanediol and adipic acid as aliphatic monomers as described above.
However, as for PBAT, as depicted in FIG. 1, if an aromatic monomer such as terephthalic acid is directly added to a reaction of 1,4-butanediol and adipic acid, terephthalic acid is not completely dissolved due to its low solubility and a competitive reaction between an esterification reaction (1) and a cyclization reaction as a side reaction (for example, conversion (4) of 1,4-butanediol into THF) continues until the esterification reaction completes. Therefore, there is a disadvantage in that the esterification reaction is delayed and the side reaction is accelerated.
Accordingly, the present inventors have found that in a process of preparation for a biodegradable co-polyester, if an aliphatic dihydroxy compound and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound are first esterificated and then an aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound is dividedly added thereto, a solubility of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound can be increased so as to reduce a side reaction without a delay in an esterification reaction and thus, completed the present invention.

Method for manufacturing biodegradable copolymer by split-injecting aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound


A pitch estimation system including a low-frequency band noise detector (LBND) operative to detect the presence of low-frequency band noise in a first audio frame, a frequency-domain pitch estimator operative to calculate a pitch estimation of a second audio frame from at least one spectral peak in the second audio frame, and a pitch estimator controller operative to cause the pitch estimator to exclude from the spectrum of the second audio frame at least one low-frequency spectral peak below a predefined threshold where low-frequency band noise is present in the first audio frame.

Pitch estimation in speech processing can be used to distinguish between voiced and unvoiced speech segments and to represent the tone of voiced speech. Since voiced speech can be approximated using a periodic signal, pitch may be estimated by measuring the signal period or its inverse, which is referred to as the fundamental frequency or pitch frequency. Where a periodic signal cannot be used to approximate a speech segment, the speech segment may be designated as unvoiced.
A variety of techniques have been developed for pitch estimation in both the time domain and the frequency domain. While both time-domain and frequency-domain methods of pitch determination are subject to instability and error, and accurate pitch determination is computationally intensive, frequency-domain methods are generally more tolerant with respect to the deviation of real speech data from the exact periodic model.
The Fourier transform of a periodic signal, such as voiced speech, has the form of a train of impulses, or peaks, in the frequency domain. This impulse train corresponds to the line spectrum of the signal, which can be represented as a sequence {(ai,θi)}, where θi are the frequencies of the peaks, and ai are the respective complex-valued line spectral amplitudes. To determine whether a given segment of a speech signal is voiced or unvoiced, and to calculate the pitch if the segment is voiced, the time-domain signal is first multiplied by a finite smooth window. The Fourier transform of the windowed signal is then given by
            X                    (        θ        )              =                  ∑        k                                    a          k                                  W                                (                          θ              -                              θ                k                                      )                                ,where W(θ) is the Fourier transform of the window. Frequency-domain pitch estimation is typically based on analyzing the locations and amplitudes of the peaks in the transformed signal X(θ).
Given any pitch frequency, the line spectrum corresponding to that pitch frequency could contain line spectral components at multiples of that frequency only. It therefore follows that any frequency appearing in the line spectrum should be a multiple of the pitch frequency. Consequently, pitch frequency could be found as the maximal integer divider of the frequencies of spectral peaks appearing in the transformed signal. However, the presence of background noise and other deviations from the periodic model causes spectral peaks to move away from their exact prescribed locations, and spurious spectral peaks to appear at unpredictable locations as well.
It follows from the periodic model that changing of pitch frequency results in relatively minor changes in the low frequency spectral line locations and relatively significant deviations of the high frequency spectral line locations. Consequently, low frequency spectral peaks have greater influence on pitch estimation than do high frequency spectral peaks. For this reason, the accuracy of frequency-domain pitch estimation deteriorates significantly in the presence of low-frequency band noise. Low-frequency band noise is often present in the passenger compartment of a moving or idling automobile, thus severely limiting the applicability of known frequency-domain pitch estimation methods in mobile environments.


An opening roof for automobile vehicles comprises a pair of rails, carriages mobile in longitudinal translation in the rails, a pair of slides carrying a panel adapted to close or uncover an opening in the roof of the vehicle, a pair of front links and a pair of rear links. The links are linked to the carriages by a rotation member and to the slides by members moving in guide paths formed in the thickness of the slides. Movement of the front links is desynchronized with respect to movement of the rear links to tilt the panel and slide it over the top of the roof.

Field of the Invention
The invention concerns opening roofs, in particular for automobile vehicles. It is routine practise to fit automobile vehicles having a roof with a roof opening and/or closing device called a sun-roof comprising a mobile panel articulated into an opening formed in the fixed surface of the roof. Roof opening and/or closing devices include devices in which the panel can be tilted and/or slid over the top of the roof so as not to reduce the interior roof height.
Known tilt and slide panel opening and/or closing devices usually comprise a pair of guide rails running along two opposite lateral sides of the opening, at least one pair of carriages disposed on each lateral side of the panel, the carriages being movable in longitudinal translation in the guide rails by a pair of cables, a pair of slides carrying the panel and each having a front part and rear part, the rear part of the slide being functionally linked to the carriages by a pair of rear links to be raised and/or lowered in a direction perpendicular to the fixed surface by pivoting of the rear links in a plane perpendicular to the fixed surface during initial displacement of the carriages.
To slide the panel across the top of the roof the guide rails are fixed to the top of the roof so that the panel is raised relative to the surface of the roof even with the roof closed. It is desirable to integrate the mobile panel and the guide rails into the thickness of the roof to obtain a roof surface with no discontinuities which increases the capacity for entry of air to the vehicle and reduces fuel consumption.
At present automobile vehicles are manufactured with a modular roof comprising two lateral strips along the two longitudinal sides of the roof in the form of grooves adapted to receive guide rails of a roof opening and/or closing device. The grooves are usually covered with removable plastics material seals.
The invention proposes a roof opening and/or closing device for vehicles equipped with a modular roof including an opening in which a tilt and slide panel moving over the top of the roof is integrated into the surface of the roof when the roof is closed.


A connector assembly includes, a housing, a circuit board that includes a conductive front pad and a conductive rear pad electrically connected to the front pad, and a cable that includes an insulated conductor having a conductor surrounded by an insulating material. The conductor has a diameter not greater than 24 AWG. The uninsulated front end of the conductor is terminated at the rear pad and includes a preformed bend. The connector assembly also includes a recess formed in an external surface and on a lateral side of the housing. The recess is designed to receive and house a spring member of a pull tab that is assembled to the housing. The vertical separation between the recess and the circuit board is h, the average thickness of the cable is t, and h≥3t. The preformed bend may include first and second portions connected by a substantially flattened joint.

Quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) is a widely used interface for data center external IO connection applications. As the industry is moving toward a higher data rate per cable, the quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) interface has been introduced to carry double the data capacity of a QSFP cable assembly.


A method, apparatus, and computer program for transferring data are presented. In the method, pedalling data is received in a processor, wherein the pedalling data characterize pedalling quantity measured from the force transmission system of a bicycle. A transmission data frame comprising a first sub-frame including at least a portion of the pedalling data is formed, and the transmission data frame is outputted for wireless transmission.

1. Field
The invention relates to transferring pedalling data of a bicycle wirelessly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Pedalling measurement refers to measuring various parameters from a pedalling action with a bicycle of bicycle-like apparatus. The measurement may be utilized in various products relating to sports, exercise, medicine, bicycles, or exercise cycles, for example. As sensors carrying out pedalling measurements are often remotely located from user interface units, such as wrist or handlebar-fixed devices, a wireless communication is very useful means for transferring pedalling data between a sensor and a user interface unit. Therefore, it is useful to develop technology of wireless communication in transferring pedalling information.


A sting trailer has a camera scaffold concealing hidden cameras in a cargo compartment of the trailer. The camera scaffold conceals cameras and wiring so that the cameras are not visible from the interior of the trailer.

Cargo theft from cargo transportation containers, such as semi-trailers, is prevalent. Thefts can occur when a semi-trailer is left unattended, such as when the semi-trailer is parked at a rest-stop. Thefts may be perpetrated by employees of a receiver of the cargo as the employees unload the cargo. Thefts may also be perpetrated by the driver of the tractor that tows the semi-trailer.
To apprehend and prosecute thieves of cargo from semi-trailers, some semi-trailers are equipped with surveillance equipment, such as cameras, microphones, global positioning equipment, etc. Such semi-trailers are sometimes referred to as "sting trailers." The surveillance equipment typically transmits signals to monitoring and recording equipment located at a remote site, such as a surveillance vehicle. Monitoring and recording equipment may also be located on board the sting trailer as part of the surveillance equipment.
Sting trailers are designed to simulate an actual semi-trailer so as to avoid arousing the suspicion of would-be thieves. Therefore, surveillance equipment is usually hidden within the sting trailer. For example, monitoring and recording equipment, cameras, microphones, global positioning equipment, power supplies, etc. may be hidden in a hidden compartment located near the front of the sting trailer between a false end-wall and the actual front end-wall.
One problem with cameras in sting trailers is that if the cameras can be seen from within the trailer, would-be thieves will likely know immediately that their activity may be monitored, increasing the risks of detection of the theft and identification of the thieves.
Many trailer manufacturers allow a top construction of a translucent or light admitting roof, such as that sold under the brand name KEMLITE® which allows light into the trailer. In loading a trailer, it is most cost-efficient to load as much cargo into the trailer as possible, so trailers are often stacked right up to or very near the top of the trailer. In stacking in such a fashion, it can become difficult to avoid breaking or damaging the roof The roof material can be somewhat fragile and prone to breakage if struck by a loader or cargo during loading. For this reason, many trailer operators have begun to install wooden guards, such as plywood or the like, at the top of the trailers to protect the roof from damage.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for camera concealment and placement within sting trailers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A high voltage generating circuit for a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of charge pumps which are connected to a common output line and repetatively activated in sequence. Each pump operates for a predetermined on time after it is activated. In standby mode, the pumps are activated at a low frequency so that the amount of time between the activation of successive pumps is longer than the predetermined on time, and thus, each pump is deactivated before the next pump is activated. This results in only a small amount of charge being transferred to the output line during standby mode. In active mode, the pumps are activated at a higher frequency such that the on times of the individual pumps overlap and several pumps operate simultaneously. Thus, a larger amount of charge is transferred during active mode. Since the individual pumps are activated at different times, power supply noise is reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor memory devices, and more particularly to a circuit for generating a high voltage power supply in a semiconductor memory device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As semiconductor memory devices become more highly integrated, lower operating supply voltages must be used to reduce stress on circuits and elements resulting from high electric fields from the power supply. However, even memory devices that operate at reduced power supply voltages often require a high voltage power supply for certain circuits and operations such as driving a word line during an enable operation and driving an isolation gate control signal which is used to selectively switch isolation gates in memory devices having a charge sharing sense amplifier configuration.
Various pumping circuits for generating high voltages have been developed. The circuits are generally classified into two types: standby pumping circuits which supply small amounts of current at a high voltage level, and active pumping circuits which typically supply larger amounts of current at high voltages than the standby circuits, since the amount of charge used by a semiconductor memory device in active mode is typically larger than that used in standby mode.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional high-voltage generating circuit (also called a pumping voltage generating circuit) for use in standby mode in a semiconductor memory device. As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional standby high voltage generating circuit includes an oscillator 10, and pumping means 12 having an input terminal connected to an output terminal of the oscillator 10. The pumping means 12 also has a voltage terminal for inputting a first (or internal) supply voltage which is used as the operating power supply for the chip. The pumping means 12 has an output terminal for outputting a second supply voltage or desired high voltage which is higher in level than the external supply voltage. The conventional standby high voltage generating circuit further includes a detector 14 connected in a feedback manner between the output terminal of the pumping means 12 and an input terminal of the oscillator 10.
In operation, the pumping means 12 (typically a charge pump) boosts the voltage of the first power supply signal to a higher voltage second power supply voltage signal in response to a train of periodic pulses generated by oscillator 10. The detector 14 detects the voltage level of the second power supply signal and, in accordance with the detected signal, controls the oscillator to prevent the second power supply voltage level from exceeding a predetermined level. Thus, the circuit of FIG. 1 pumps the first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage in a standby mode.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional high voltage generating circuit for a use in active mode in a semiconductor memory device. As shown in this drawing, the conventional active high voltage generating circuit includes an active kicker enable circuit 16, and pumping means 18 having an input terminal connected to an output terminal of the active kicker enable circuit 16. The pumping means 18 also has a voltage terminal for inputting a first (or internal) supply voltage which is used as the operating power supply for the chip. The pumping means 18 has an output terminal for outputting a second supply voltage or desired high voltage which is higher in level than the external supply voltage.
In operation, the active kicker enable circuit 16 generates a master clock signal at a frequency in accordance with the demands of the circuits in the semiconductor memory device which require a high voltage supply. The pumping means (charge pump) 18 boosts the voltage level of the first power supply signal to the voltage level of the second power supply signal in response to the master clock signal from the active kicker enable circuit 16. As a result, the circuit of FIG. 2 supplies a large amount of charge at a high voltage level to the semiconductor memory device in the active mode. The amount of charge supplied is determined in accordance with the demands of the semiconductor memory device.
The construction and operation of the prior art standby and active pumping generating circuits of FIGS. 1 and 2 are well-known, and thus will not be described further.
However, the prior art high voltage generating circuits have several disadvantages. First, since the amount of charge required in active mode is significantly greater than the amount required in standby mode, two separate circuits must be used to generate the high voltage power supply during the two separate modes of operation.
Second, the large capacity active high voltage generating circuit increases power supply noise because it is operated in response to one master clock which results in large amounts of charge being temporarily charged and discharged.
Third, the pumping means in the active high voltage generating circuit includes a large capacity capacitor for supplying large amounts of current. The charging and discharging of this capacitor reduces the pumping efficiency and reduces the level of integration of the semiconductor memory device.
Fourth, because the large capacitor is activated for pumping operation, the pumping time increases thereby resulting in a degradation of high speed operation.

High voltage generating circuit for a semiconductor memory device


An apparatus for performing thermowelding of, e.g., a battery module or the like. The surface of a heater of a thermowelding apparatus is subjected to surface treatment through coating of Teflon, fluoroplastics, or the like. Moreover, both side surfaces of the heater are folded. Surface treatment of the heater obviates thermowelding involving interposition of a Teflon tape, thereby improving a working efficiency. Folding both side surfaces of the heater prevents occurrence of warpage, which would otherwise arise during heating, whereby durability of the heater is also enhanced.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to thermowelding, and more particularly to a technique for thermally welding edges of a battery module.
2. Related Art
A battery stack to be disposed in a vehicle is constructed by means of arranging (stacking) a plurality of battery modules—which are formed from nickel-metal hydride batteries of one type or from a plurality of cells—in parallel to each other with cooling passages laid among the battery modules; assembling the battery modules by means of constraining edge members placed at the two ends of the modules; and electrically interconnecting the battery modules in series. Edges of each of the battery modules are sealed by means of thermally welding a resin portion of a module main body and a resin case for sealing purpose (hereinafter called a "sealing resin case"), and an outlet used for discharging a hydrogen gas to the outside and terminals are caused to protrude from the case.
A thermowelding apparatus equipped with a heater is used for thermowelding. FIG. 4 shows a perspective external view of a related-art thermowelding apparatus. Further, FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the heater shown in FIG. 4.
A thermowelding apparatus 1 has a flat heater 10, a holder 12 for holding this heater 10, and terminal units 14 for heating the heater 10. The heater 10 is spanned between the terminal units 14, and the terminal units 14 are connected to a heat source. The heater 10 is formed from a nichrome wire or the like. When the heater 10 is heated and the thermowelding apparatus 1 is brought into contact with a substance to be thermally welded, such as a battery module, the heater 10 adheres to the surface of the substance, thereby posing difficulty in removal of the heater. In light of the difficulty, the heater 10 is brought into contact with the substance to be thermally welded while ease of peeling is ensured by means of placing a Teflon (Registered Trade Name) tape 16 between the heater and the substance, thereby thermally welding the substance. As shown in FIG. 5, the heater 10 is formed from a heater main body 10a and terminal sections 10b. The flat-plate-shaped heater main body 10a is brought into contact with a plane to be thermally welded, by way of the Teflon tape 16.
2000-169797 A describes a technique intended for preventing infliction of damage to a releasable tape, which would otherwise be caused by a difference between a coefficient of thermal expansion of a plate-like heater and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the releasable tape. To this end, according to the technique, a thermally-adhesive sheet is positioned between a pressure bed, and a plate-like heater located opposite the pressure bed, the plate-like heater being provided with, in a non-contacting manner, a releasable film of a releasable tape made from a material exhibiting releasability. The plate-like heater and the pressure bed are moved mutually in a closing direction, and the thermally-adhesive sheet is subjected to pressurization and heating, thereby sealing the thermally-adhesive sheet.
Moreover, 2006-40694 A describes a configuration intended for providing a hermetic battery which enables easy sealing of a battery housing and in which the battery housing exhibits superior thermal conductivity. As shown in FIG. 6, the hermetic battery has a power-generating element 140 including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; and a battery housing 110 for housing the power-generating element. The battery housing 110 comprises a first housing member 111 which is made of metal and whose inner side surface is exposed within the housing; a second housing member 116 which is made of metal and whose interior surface is exposed within the housing; a first resin member 121 which is made of resin and fixed to the first housing member 111 in a fluid-tight manner; and a second resin member 126 which is made of resin and fixed to the second housing member in a fluid-tight manner. The first resin member 121 and the second resin member 126 are thermally welded together, thereby sealing the battery housing 110.
WO 2006/013743A1 describes the configuration of another battery module and a coating method involving interposition of a sealing member. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of this related-art battery module. A battery module 300 essentially assumes the shape of an rectangular parallelepiped comprising mutually-opposing first and second long side surfaces 300a and 300b, mutually-opposing first and second short side surfaces 300c and 300d, and mutually-opposing first and second end faces 300e and 300f. The battery module 300 comprises a cell group 310 consisting of a plurality of cells 311; a gas duct member 330 for covering respective safety valves of the cell group 310; a positive side cover 340 and a negative side cover 350 for covering the cell group 310 and the gas duct member 330 from both ends thereof along a direction in which the cells are to be aligned in a row; and a sealing member 360 for hermetically sealing the entire module by enveloping the cell group 310 and the gas duct member 330. FIG. 8 shows a sheet-shaped sealing member 461 as an example of the sealing member 360. The sheet-shaped sealing member 461 assumes a rectangular shape consisting of mutually-opposing first and second sides 461a and 461b and mutually-opposing third and fourth sides 461c and 461d. An adhesive is applied, along the first side 461a, to a strip-shaped first side edge section 463 placed on the upper surface of the gas duct member 330. Meanwhile, a second non-adhesive area 465h—which extends from the third side 461c to the fourth side 461d and is not thermal-sprayed with an adhesive—is formed in a strip-shaped second side edge section 465 which is placed on the upper surface of the gas duct member 330 along the second side 461b and which overlaps the first side edge section 463 from the outside. A strip-shaped second adhesive area 466 thermal-sprayed with an adhesive is formed along an area closer to the second side 461b than to the second non-adhesive area 465h in the second side edge section 465. A third non-adhesive area 467h—which extends from the first side 461a to the second side 461b and which is not thermal-sprayed with an adhesive—is formed, along the third side 461c, in a strip-shaped third side edge section 467 which runs around the positive side cover member 340 and is to be fixed thereto. A fourth non-adhesive area 469h—which extends from the first side 461a to the second side 461b and which is not thermal-sprayed with an adhesive—is formed, along the fourth side 461d, in a strip-shaped fourth side edge section 469 which runs around the negative side cover member 350 and is to be fixed thereto. This sheet-shaped sealing member 461 is wrapped around the battery module 300 having not yet been sealed so as to cause the second side edge section 465 to overlap the first side edge section 463. The side edge sections are hermetically fixed into a cylindrical shape by means of welding. Namely, the second non-adhesive area 465h—which is not thermal-sprayed with an adhesive—in the second side edge section 465 is superimposed on the first side edge section 463 from the outside and fixed through welding without interposition of an adhesive. The third side edge section 467 constitutes one opening end section and encloses the positive side cover member 340 and is hermetically fixed to the positive side cover member 340 through welding without interposition of an adhesive. The fourth side edge section 469 constitutes the other opening end section; encloses the negative side cover member 350; and is hermetically fixed to the negative side cover member 350 through welding.
However, under the method for bringing the heater 10 into contact with a surface to be welded by way of the Teflon tape 16, warpage arises in the heater 10 during heating operation. In addition, replacement of the Teflon tape 16 is required at every given period, which entails an increase in cost and deteriorated working efficiency. Moreover, thermowelding is performed by way of the Teflon tape 16, and hence there arises a necessity for increasing the heating temperature of the heater 10, and a thermowelding time is also increased. Furthermore, air accumulates between the Teflon tape 16 and the heater 10, and hence the quality of a surface to be welded is degraded.

Thermowelding apparatus and method for manufacturing battery module