Compounds of structural formula as herein defined are disclosed as useful in a method for modulating the androgen receptor in a tissue selective manner in a patient in need of such modulation, as well as in a method of activating the function of the androgen receptor in a patient, and in particular the method wherein the function of the androgen receptor is blocked in the prostate of a male patient or in the uterus of a female patient and activated in bone and/or muscle tissue. These compounds are useful in the treatment of conditions caused by androgen deficiency or which can be ameliorated by androgen administration, including osteoporosis, periodontal disease, bone fracture, bone damage following bone reconstructive surgery, sarcopenia, frailty, aging skin, male hypogonadism, female sexual dysfunction, post-menopausal symptoms in women, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, aplastic anemia and other hematopoietic disorders, pancreatic cancer, renal cancer, prostate cancer, arthritis and joint repair, alone or in combination with other active agents.

The androgen receptor (AR) belongs to the superfamily of steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptors, whose other members include the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR), the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). The AR is expressed in numerous tissues of the body and is the receptor through which the physiological as well as the pathophysiological effects of endogenous androgen ligands, such as testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are expressed. Structurally, the AR is composed of three main functional domains: the ligand binding domain (LBD), the DNA-binding domain, and amino-terminal domain. A compound that binds to the AR and mimics the effects of an endogenous AR ligand is referred to as an AR agonist, whereas a compound that inhibits the effects of an endogenous AR ligand is termed an AR antagonist.
Androgen ligand binding to the AR affords a ligand/receptor complex, which, subsequent to translocation inside the nucleus of the cell, binds to specific regulatory DNA sequences (referred to as androgen response elements or AREs) within the promoter or enhancer regions of the target gene or genes present in the cell's nucleus. Other proteins termed cofactors are next recruited which bind to the amino-terminal domain or the LBD of the receptor leading to gene transcription and subsequent translation to produce the protein(s) encoded by that gene or genes.
Androgen therapy has been used in the clinic to treat a variety of male disorders, such as reproductive disorders and primary or secondary male hypogonadism. Moreover, a number of natural or synthetic AR agonists have been clinically investigated for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, such as bone disease, hematopoietic disorders, neuromuscular disease, rheumatological disease, wasting disease, and for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as female androgen deficiency. In addition, AR antagonists, such as flutamide and bicalutamide, have been used to treat prostate cancer. It would therefore be useful to have available compounds that can activate ("agonize") the function of the AR in a tissue-selective manner which would afford the desired beneficial osteoanabolic effects of androgens but without the negative androgenic properties, such as virilization and induction of an atherogenic lipid profile which can lead to cardiovascular disease.
The role of androgens in bone formation has been documented. For example, anabolic steroids, such as nandrolone decanoate or stanozolol, have been shown to increase bone mass in postmenopausal women. The beneficial effects of androgens on bone in postmenopausal osteoporosis were documented in recent studies using combined testosterone and estrogen administration [Hofbauer, et al., "Androgen effects on bone metabolism: recent progress and controversies," Eur. J. Endocrinol. 140: 271-286 (1999)]. Combined treatment significantly increased the rate and extent of the rise in bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar and hip regions, relative to treatment with estrogen alone. Additionally, estrogen-progestin combinations that incorporated an androgenic progestin (such as norethindrone), rather than medroxyprogesterone acetate, yielded greater improvements in hip BMD. These results have recently been confirmed in a larger 2-year, double-blind comparison study in which oral conjugated estrogen (CEE) and methyltestosterone combinations were demonstrated to be effective in promoting accrual of bone mass in the spine and hip, while conjugated estrogen therapy alone prevented bone loss ["A two-year, double-blind comparison of estrogen-androgen and conjugated estrogens in surgically menopausal women: Effects on bone mineral density, symptoms and lipid profiles," J. Reprod. Med., 44: 1012-1020 (1999)]. Despite the beneficial effects of androgens in postmenopausal women, the use of androgens has been limited because of the undesirable virilizing and metabolic action of androgens. The data from Watts and colleagues demonstrate that hot flushes decrease in women treated with CEE and methyltestosterone; however, 30% of these women suffered from significant increases in acne and facial hair, a complication of all current androgen pharmacotherapies [Watts, et al., "Comparison of oral estrogens and estrogens plus androgen on bone mineral density, menopausal symptoms, and lipid-lipoprotein profiles in surgical menopause," Obstet. Gynecol., 85: 529-537 (1995)]. Moreover, the addition of methyltestosterone to CEE markedly decreased HDL levels, as seen in other studies. Therefore, non-tissue selective AR agonists may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus, the virilizing potential and negative effects on lipid profile of current androgen therapies provide a strong rationale for developing tissue-selective androgen receptor agonists for bone. Reference is made to J. A. Kanis, "Other agents for generalized osteoporosis," in Osteoporosis, Blackwell Science, Ch. 8, pp 196-227 (1994) for a discussion of non-selective anabolic steroids in the treatment of osteoporosis.
It is also well established that androgens play an important role in bone metabolism in men, which parallels the role of estrogens in women [Anderson, et al., "Androgen supplementation in eugonadal men with osteoporosis—effects of six months of treatment on bone mineral density and cardiovascular risk factors," Bone, 18: 171-177 (1996)]. Even in eugonadal men with established osteoporosis, the therapeutic response to testosterone treatment provided additional evidence that androgens exert important osteoanabolic effects. Mean lumbar BMD increased from 0.799 gm/cm2 to 0.839 g/cm2, in 5 to 6 months in response to 250 mg of testosterone ester administered intramuscularly every fortnight. A common scenario for androgen deficiency occurs in men with stage D prostate cancer (metastatic) who undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Endocrine orchiectomy is achieved by long acting GnRH agonists, while androgen receptor blockade is implemented with flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide, or RU 58841 (AR antagonists). In response to hormonal deprivation, these men suffered from hot flushes, significant bone loss, weakness, and fatigue. In a recent pilot study of men with stage D prostate cancer, osteopenia (50% vs. 38%) and osteoporosis (38% vs. 25%) were more common in men who had undergone ADT for greater than one year than the patients who did not undergo ADT [Wei, et al., "Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer results in significant loss of bone density," Urology, 54: 607-611 (1999)]. Lumbar spine BMD was significantly lower in men who had undergone ADT. Thus, in addition to the use of tissue selective AR agonists for osteoporosis, tissue selective AR antagonists in the prostate that lack antagonistic action in bone and muscle may be useful agents for the treatment of prostate cancer, either alone or as an adjunct to traditional ADT such as with a GnRH agonist/antagonist [See also A. Stoch, et al., J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab., 86: 2787-2791 (2001)].
There is a need for more effective agents to treat osteopenia and osteoporosis in both men and women. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss, resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption (destruction) and bone formation, which starts in the fourth decade and continues throughout life at the rate of about 1-4% per year [Eastell, "Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis," New Engl. J. Med., 338: 736 (1998)]. In the United States, there are currently about 20 million people with detectable fractures of the vertebrae due to osteoporosis. In addition, there are about 250,000 hip fractures per year due to osteoporosis, associated with a 12%-20% mortality rate within the first two years, while 30% of patients require nursing home care after the fracture and many never become fully ambulatory again. In postmenopausal women, estrogen deficiency leads to increased bone resorption resulting in bone loss in the vertebrae of around 5% per year, immediately following menopause. Thus, first line treatment/prevention of this condition is inhibition of bone resorption by bisphosphonates, estrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and calcitonin. However, inhibitors of bone resorption are not sufficient to restore bone mass for patients who have already lost a significant amount of bone. The increase in spinal BMD attained by bisphosphonate treatment can reach 11% after 7 years of treatment with alendronate. In addition, as the rate of bone turnover differs from site to site, higher in the trabecular bone of the vertebrae than in the cortex of the long bones, the bone resorption inhibitors are less effectivein increasing hip BMD and preventing hip fracture. Therefore, osteoanabolic agents, which increase cortical bone formation and bone mass of long bones by stimulating periosteal bone formation, would address an unmet need in the treatment of osteoporosis especially for patients with high risk of hip fractures. The osteoanabolic agents also complement the bone resorption inhibitors that target the trabecular envelope, leading to a biomechanically favorable bone structure (Schmidt, et al., "Anabolic steroid: Steroid effects on bone in women," In: J. P. Bilezikian, et al., Ed., Principles of Bone Biology, San Diego: Academic Press, 1996). Tissue-selective AR agonists with diminished deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system and limited virilizing potential may be useful as a monotherapy for the prevention and/or treatment of female osteoporosis. In addition, a compound with osteoanabolic properties in bone and muscle but with reduced activity in the prostate and sex accessory tissues may be useful for the prevention and/or treatment of male osteoporosis and osteopenia in men, particularly elderly men.
Selective androgen receptor modulators may also be useful to treat certain hematopoietic disorders. It is known that androgens stimulate renal hypertrophy and erythropoietin (EPO) production. Prior to the introduction of recombinant human EPO, androgens were employed to treat anemia caused by chronic renal failure. In addition, androgens at pharmacological doses were found to increase serum EPO levels in anemic patients with non-severe aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes but not in non-anemic patients. Treatment modalities for anemia will require selective action such as may be provided by selective androgen receptor modulators.
Non-steroidal compounds having androgen receptor modulating properties were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,688,808; 5,696,130; 6,017,924; 6,093,821; WO 01/16139 (published 8 Mar. 2001); and WO 01/16108 (published 8 Mar. 2001), all assigned to Ligand Pharmaceuticals, and in WO 01/27086, assigned to Kaken Pharm. Co. Additional background for the rationale behind the development of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators is found in L. Zhi and E. Martinborough in Ann. Rep. Med. Chem. 36: 169-180 (2001). Non-steroidal SARMs were disclosed in J. P. Edwards, "New Nonsteroidal Androgen Receptor Modulators Based on 4-(Trifluoromethyl)-2(1H)-Pyrrolidino[3,2-g]quinolinone," Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 8: 745-750 (1998) and in L. Zhi et al., "Switching Androgen Receptor Antagonists to Agonists by Modifying C-ring Substituents on Piperidino[3,4-g]quinolinone," Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 9: 1009-1012 (1999).
There exists a need in the clinical art for more effective agents that can elicit the positive responses of androgen replacement therapy but without the undesired side effects of non-tissue selective agonists of the AR. What is needed are compounds that can produce the same positive responses as androgen replacement therapy but without the undesired side effects. Also needed are androgenic compounds that exert selective effects on different tissues of the body. In this invention, we have identified compounds that function as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) using a series of in vitro cell-assays that profile ligand mediated activation of AR, such as (i) N-C interaction, (ii) transcriptional repression, and (iii) transcriptional activation. SARM compounds in this invention, identified with the methods listed above, exhibit tissue selective AR agonism in vivo, i.e. agonism in bone (stimulation of bone formation in a rodent model of osteoporosis) and antagonism in prostate (minimal effects on prostate growth in castrated rodents and antagonism of prostate growth induced by AR agonists).
The compounds of the present invention identified as SARMs are useful to treat diseases or conditions caused by androgen deficiency which can be ameliorated by androgen administration. Such compounds are ideal for the treatment of osteoporosis in women and men as a monotherapy or in combination with inhibitors of bone resorption, such as bisphosphonates, estrogens, SERMs, cathepsin K inhibitors, αvβ3 integrin receptor antagonists, calcitonin, and proton pump inhibitors. They can also be used with agents that stimulate bone formation, such as parathyroid hormone or analogs thereof. The SARM compounds of the present invention may also be employed for treatment of prostate disease, such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Moreover, compounds of this invention exhibit minimal effects on skin (acne and facial hair growth) and may be useful for treatment of hirsutism. Additionally, compounds of this invention can stimulate muscle growth and may be useful for treatment of sarcopenia and frailty. Moreover, compounds of this invention can exhibit androgen agonism in the central nervous system and may be useful to treat vasomotor symptoms (hot flush) and to increase energy and libido, particularly in postmenopausal women. The compounds of the present invention may be used in the treatment of prostate cancer, either alone or as an adjunct to traditional GnRH agonist/antagonist therapy, for their ability to restore bone, or as a replacement for antiandrogen therapy because of their ability to antagonize androgen in the prostate, and minimize bone depletion in the skeletal system. Further, the compounds of the present invention may be used for their ability to restore bone in the treatment of pancreatic cancer as an adjunct to treatment with antiandrogen, or as monotherapy for their antiandrogenic properties, offering the advantage over traditional antiandrogens of being bone-sparing. Additionally, compounds of this invention can increase the number of blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets, and may be useful for the treatment of hematopoietic disorders, such as aplastic anemia. Finally, compounds of this invention have minimal effects on lipid metabolism. Thus, considering their tissue selective androgen receptor agonism listed above, the compounds of this invention are ideal for hormone replacement therapy in hypogonadic (androgen deficient) men.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide androstane 17β-carboxamide derivatives which are useful as selective androgen receptor modulators.
It is another object of the present invention to provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
It is another object of the present invention to provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising the steroid derivatives for use as selective androgen receptor modulators.
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment of diseases or conditions caused by androgen deficiency which can be ameliorated by androgen administration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for the treatment of diseases or conditions caused by androgen deficiency which can be ameliorated by androgen administration in combination with other agents.
It is another object of the present invention to provide androstane 17β-carboxamide derivatives of the present invention and their pharmaceutical compositions for use as a medicament for the treatment of diseases or conditions caused by androgen deficiency which can be ameliorated by androgen administration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide androstane 17β-carboxamide derivatives of the present invention and their pharmaceutical compositions for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diseases or conditions caused by androgen deficiency which can be ameliorated by androgen administration.
These and other objects will become readily apparent from the detailed description which follows.

Androstane 17-beta-carboxamides as androgen receptor modulators


A cutting member (1) for a shaving cartridge includes a front side, a back side opposing the front side, and a flat cutting portion (2) with a cutting edge portion (4). Further the cutting member includes a first bent portion (8), an intermediate portion (11), a second bent portion (9) and a base portion (10) that are made out of one single piece of material. The first bent portion is integral with the flat cutting portion. The first bent portion is convex on the back side of the cutting member, and the second bent portion is concave on the back side of the cutting member. The proposed shape of the cutting member resembles an “S” shape or a question mark shape.

Currently, shaving razors include one or more blades positioned within a blade portion of the housing. The cartridge is attached to a handle. The housing and the blades together form a razor cartridge.
Recently, it has been common for the blade to be supported/carried on a blade support, together forming a cutting member. Further, the cutting members are being used in razor cartridges, thus allowing the cutting member to move within some degree inside the housing during the shaving process. An increase in the number of blades used in the shaving cartridge leads to an improvement in the shaving efficiency, and a pressure to the skin of a user is well distributed. However, at the same time, an increasing number of blades decreases the space in the blade portion of the housing. That is, the space available for the flow of water and shaving remainders through the cartridge is decreased for a given shaving cartridge footprint. To enhance rinsability, there is a need to provide thinner blades which otherwise is difficult in sense of the minimum possible distance between the blades as well as the manufacture of the blades.
Due to the current design of the support of almost all movable blades, the loading of the blades is focused on the center of the blade thereby resulting in a need for supporting features in the housing. Rinsing of the cartridge containing the blades is much easier with movable blades but, by using thinner supports or integral bent blades in order to improve rinsing, additional supporting features of the housing are required, thus leading to blocked and/or restricted areas for rinsing. These supporting features of the housing create extra "obstacles" within the shaving head and therefore the rinsability of the head is greatly decreased, leading to debris accumulation and early blade dulling. Also, the deformation of the blade during shaving (for a shaving cartridge with specific dimensions) limits how thin the blade support and blade can be.


A recording apparatus includes: a recording section that performs recording on a recording medium; a driving roller disposed in a transportation path; a plurality of driven rollers driven to rotate by abutting against the driving roller, and biased to the driving roller; and a frame defining positions of the driven rollers. A biasing member that biases driven rollers applies a biasing force including a first direction component that is in the transportation direction to the frame in a state of being mounted thereon. At least a part of the driven rollers are disposed by being deviated in the position thereof in a second direction opposite to the first direction in a state where the biasing member is not mounted thereon.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus represented by a facsimile, a printer, or the like.
2. Related Art
In the related art, in an ink jet printer, recording is performed by ejecting ink from a recording head provided in a lower section of a carriage that is configured to be movable in a scanning direction onto a recording medium that is supported on a support surface.
In the ink jet printer, when the recording medium that is in a position facing the recording head is lifted from the support surface supporting the recording medium, deviation in an attachment position of the ink occurs on the recording medium and recording quality is deteriorated. Thus, in a transportation path of the recording medium in the printer, a driving roller and a driven roller for biasing the driving roller are provided on an upstream side or a downstream side of the recording head and the recording medium is biased to the support surface by the biasing force of the driven roller (see JP-A-2003-25664).
In the printer, the transportation roller is provided on the upstream side of the transportation path of the recording head. A plurality of pinch rollers (driven rollers) abut the transportation roller in the scanning direction of the carriage. The pinch rollers (driven rollers) are rotatably mounted on a pinch roller holder. A spring is mounted on the pinch roller holder and the pinch rollers are biased to the transportation roller by the biasing force of the spring.
In the pinch rollers, the biasing force when biasing the transportation roller by receiving the biasing force from the spring creates the resultant downward force in a height direction of the apparatus and a rearward force in a frontward/rearward direction of the apparatus in the printer.
However, in the printer, one end of the spring mounted on the pinch roller holder is mounted on a frame provided in an apparatus body. Generally, in order to suppress an increase in size and weight of the printer, the frame is formed to be lighter and thinner with metal. Therefore, when a reaction force of the biasing force that is generated in the pinch rollers is exerted on the frame, the frame cannot resist the reaction force and deflection (deformation) occurs in the frame.
Specifically, as in the printer, if a thickness of the frame is thin in the frontward/rearward direction of the apparatus, since the reaction force of the biasing force generated in the plurality of pinch rollers in the frame is exerted to the front of the apparatus, the frame is largely deflected to the front of the apparatus. Furthermore, even if the frame has the same thickness, for example, the frame is largely deflected when the length of the frame is long, as in a case where a product corresponds to an A3 size and the like.
As a result, since deviation occurs in an abutting position of the plurality of pinch rollers against the transportation roller which are disposed in the scanning direction of the carriage, a transportation force of the recording medium is reduced, the recording medium is lifted from the support surface, and the recording head and a recording surface of the recording medium are rubbed, and thereby there is a concern that the recording quality is deteriorated. Furthermore, since a difference is generated in the transportation force in a width direction of a sheet of the recording medium, there is a concern that transportation accuracy of the recording medium decreases and skewing or a paper jam occurs in the transportation path.


Turbine shrouds for turbine systems are disclosed. The turbine shrouds may include a unitary body including a forward and aft end, an outer surface facing a cooling chamber formed between the unitary body and a turbine casing of the turbine system, and an inner surface facing a hot gas flow path. The shrouds may also include a first cooling passage extending within the unitary body, and a plurality of impingement openings formed through the outer surface of the unitary body to fluidly couple the first cooling passage to the cooling chamber. Additionally, the shrouds may include a second cooling passage and/or a third cooling passage. The second cooling passage may extend adjacent the forward end and may be in fluid communication with the first cooling passage. The third cooling passage may extend adjacent the aft end, and may be in fluid communication with the first cooling passage.

The disclosure relates generally to turbine shrouds for turbine systems, and more particularly, to unitary body turbine shrouds that include a plurality of cooling passages formed therein.
Conventional turbomachines, such as gas turbine systems, are utilized to generate power for electric generators. In general, gas turbine systems generate power by passing a fluid (e.g., hot gas) through a turbine component of the gas turbine system. More specifically, inlet air may be drawn into a compressor and may be compressed. Once compressed, the inlet air is mixed with fuel to form a combustion product, which may be ignited by a combustor of the gas turbine system to form the operational fluid (e.g., hot gas) of the gas turbine system. The fluid may then flow through a fluid flow path for rotating a plurality of rotating blades and rotor or shaft of the turbine component for generating the power. The fluid may be directed through the turbine component via the plurality of rotating blades and a plurality of stationary nozzles or vanes positioned between the rotating blades. As the plurality of rotating blades rotate the rotor of the gas turbine system, a generator, coupled to the rotor, may generate power from the rotation of the rotor.
To improve operational efficiencies turbine components may include turbine shrouds and/or nozzle bands to further define the flow path of the operational fluid. Turbine shrouds, for example, may be positioned radially adjacent rotating blades of the turbine component and may direct the operational fluid within the turbine component and/or define the outer bounds of the fluid flow path for the operational fluid. During operation, turbine shrouds may be exposed to high temperature operational fluids flowing through the turbine component. Over time and/or during exposure, the turbine shrouds may undergo undesirable thermal expansion. The thermal expansion of turbine shrouds may result in damage to the shrouds and/or may not allow the shrouds to maintain a seal within the turbine component for defining the fluid flow path for the operational fluid. When the turbine shrouds become damaged or no longer form a satisfactory seal within the turbine component, the operational fluid may leak from the flow path, which in turn reduces the operational efficiency of the turbine component and the entire turbine system.
To minimize thermal expansion, turbine shrouds are typically cooled. Conventional processes for cooling turbine shrouds include film cooling and impingement cooling. Film cooling involves the process of flowing cooling air over the surfaces of the turbine shroud during operation of the turbine component. Impingement cooling utilizes holes or apertures formed through the turbine shroud to provide cooling air to various portions of the turbine shroud during operation.
Each of these cooling processes create issues during operation of the turbine component. For example, the cooling air utilized in film cooling may mix with the operational fluid flowing through the fluid flow path, and may cause turbulence within the turbine component. Additionally, turbine shrouds often have patterned surfaces that may improve sealing with the rotor during operation. However, the patterned surfaces are not usually conducive with film cooling processes for cooling the shroud. Impingement cooling is most effective if the exterior wall of the shroud is as thin as possible. However, structural requirements may mandate a thicker wall, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of impingement cooling. Additionally, in order to form impingement holes or apertures through various portions of the turbine shroud, the turbine shroud must be formed from multiple pieces that must be assembled and/or secured together prior to being installed into the turbine component. As the number of pieces assembled to form the turbine shroud increases, so may the likelihood of possible uncoupling and/or damage to the turbine shroud and/or the turbine component.

Turbine shroud including plurality of cooling passages


An air bag apparatus, assembled in a vehicle steering wheel, is provided with an inflator, an air bag in a folded state and a cover for covering the folded air bag. The cover provided with a hinged door portion which is opened by a force at a time when the bag body is initially developed and inflated as it deploys. The air bag is folded to one direction to form a long and narrow shape having a predetermined width and both ends of the long and narrow shape are housed in a housing space formed between the inflator and the cover in the form of outwardly winding rolls. At a time of initial development of the air bag, each outer surface of the outwardly winding rolls is brought into contact with a wall surface of the housing space opposing to the outer surface by a gas supplied from the inflator so that the development of the outwardly winding rolls is temporally delayed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air bag apparatus assembled in a steering wheel or the like of a vehicle and which develops and inflates a bag body in a direction toward a vehicle occupant to protect that vehicle occupant.
The present invention, while explained with reference to an embodiment of an air bag apparatus for a steering wheel, it can be equally applied to other air bag apparatus for an assistant driver's seat or a rear seat having a similar structure.
In this specification, each of the terms "vertical", "lateral" and "longitudinal", which shows a relationship between positions means a relative relationship between positions from a viewpoint in front view of the steering wheel with the vehicle going straight ahead.
2. Description of Related Art
Air bag apparatus usually includes an inflator, an air bag mounted to the inflator in a folded state, from an original circular shape, and a cover for covering the folded bag body. The cover is provided with a hinged door portion which opens by a force applied at a time when the air bag is initially developed and inflated.
On the basis of the present demand, in which the air bag of the air bag apparatus is preferentially developed and inflated in a vertical direction, an example of such, an air bag apparatus is described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-110600.
This air bag apparatus for a driver's seat is mounted to a substantially central portion of a steering wheel and comprised an inflator for generating a gas for developing an air bag. The air bag is arranged in a folded body state and surrounds a gas injection hole of the inflator, it has a circular shape when inflated and is covered by a cover member capable of suddenly breaking open.
The cover member included an upper flap which opens to an upper side of the steering wheel and a lower flap which opens to a lower side of the steering wheel.
In some cases a center line which agrees with the direction in which the upper and lower flaps of the cover member are broken and developed, passes through a center point of the air bag is defined as Y, and that a center line which crosses the center line Y in a perpendicular direction and passes through a center point of the air bag is defined as X,
The air bag is formed with a long and narrow shape in the Y direction by folding right and left side surfaces disposed in right and left side of the center line Y to a side of the seated occupant along a first folding line parallel to the center line Y.
Each of the side surfaces of the long and narrow shape, disposed in both side of the center line X, is folded to the side of the seated occupant along a second folding line parallel to the center line X so as to form the folded body having an upper surface and a lower surface which respectively open in an upper direction and a lower direction at an initial time of developing.
However, as a result of inflation testing of the foregoing air bag apparatus performed by the inventors of the present invention, it is found that there is a fast a change of the speed of an inflation between the time when the air bag body is in a middle position and when the air bag body is completely inflated (hereinafter refer to "inflation speed in the middle portion height").
Though it is necessary for the air bag body to completely inflate within a predetermined time, it is preferable that the inflation speed be slow in the middle portion until full inflation is completed.


The present invention provides a process for preparing a highly active metallocene catalyst by which polyolefin having improved properties can be prepared with a small amount of cocatalyst. A process for preparing a metallocene catalyst of the invention comprises the steps of: modifying the surface of a zeolite or molecular sieve inorganic carrier possessing crystalline pores of 7 to 100 .ANG. size by the addition of an organic solvent and organic aluminum compound under an environment of inert gas and reacting at a constant temperature, and drying; and, impregnating a metallocene compound into the inorganic carrier by the addition of an organic solvent and said metallocene compound, whose diameter is smaller than the diameters of said pores of the inorganic carrier, to the inorganic carrier and reacting at a constant temperature, and drying. In accordance with the present invention, a highly active metallocene catalyst can be prepared in an economical and efficient manner.

A variety of impregnated catalysts have been practically applied in the polymerization of olefins such as ethylene and propylene to prepare polyolefin. Among them, a metallocene catalyst, which is prepared by impregnating metallocene compound on inorganic carriers such as alumina and silica for the preparation of polyolefin, has prevailed in the art.
In general, a metallocene catalyst is prepared by adding an organic solvent and an organic aluminum compound to inorganic carriers such as alumina and silica under an environment of inert gas, to modify the surface of the inorganic carrier, and impregnating the surface-modified inorganic carrier with the metallocene compound, and drying.
On the other hand, polyolefin is prepared by adding the metallocene catalyst thus prepared to organic solvent and one or more olefin monomers such as ethylene, carrying out slurry or liquid type polymerization under a constant temperature and pressure in the presence of excessive amounts of organic aluminum compound such as methylaluminoxane as a cocatalyst, adding hydrogen to the reaction mixture in order to modulate molecular weight and terminating the reaction.
Since the supported metallocene catalyst plays a critical role on the properties of polyolefin such as tacticity, shape of polymer particle, molecular weight, and distribution of molecular weight, etc., studies on the preparation of metallocene catalysts having more improved properties have been actively carried out.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,561, U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,875 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,631 teach a process for preparing a metallocene catalyst by modifying the surface of an inorganic silica carrier with methylaluminoxane or modifying the surface of water-deposited silica with alkyl aluminum and impregnating with metallocene compounds such as bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride, etc.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,811 describes a process for preparing a metallocene catalyst by treating the surface of alumina with methylaluminoxane and impregnating with metallocene compound.
However, these prior art metallocene catalysts are proven to be less satisfactory in the sense that: polyolefin can not be produced with a high yield, since the conventional metallocene catalyst has low activity; shaping of the polymer is not so good, since shape of polyolefin thus prepared is not spherical; properties of polyolefin are not good, since a lot of remnants such as aluminum and metallocene metal remain within the prepared polymer which is caused by the excessive use of cocatalyst; and, the cost for polyolefin preparation is extremely high.
On the other hand, EP 436,326 A1 and EP 435,514 A2 disclose a process for preparing a metallocene catalyst in which prepolymerizing reaction was carried out by impregnating the metallocene compound and an electron donor compound on an inorganic carrier of magnesium chloride. The metallocene catalyst thus prepared permits preparation of polyolefin possessing reduced amount of remnants such as metallocene metal, etc. However, the prior art, like the above-mentioned prior art, has revealed some shortcomings: polyolefin can not be produced with a high yield, since the metallocene catalyst has low activity; and, shaping of the polymer is not so good, since the shape of polyolefin thus prepared is not spherical.
Under the circumstances, the present inventors have found that the problems of conventional supported metallocene catalysts result from the use of amorphorous or paracrystalline inorganic carriers such as silica having irregular pores whose spatial arrangement is distributed widely.

Process for preparing metallocene catalyst for polyolefin polymerization

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology


Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for handling deadlock conditions in a data processing system. Aspects of the method may comprise identifying a potential deadlock state in a distribute and merge data processing system. An actual deadlock state may be detected once the potential deadlock state is identified. The detected actual deadlock state may be indicated by generating a signal. The method may comprise initiating recovery from deadlock conditions by generating at least one signal that indicates when data is accepted in response to the indication of the actual deadlock state.

A composite video signal is the sum of a luminance (brightness) signal and a chrominance (color) signal. These signals may be referred to as luma and chroma signals, respectively. The frequency ranges of the luma and chroma signals are designed to overlap. In video processing, the luma and chroma signal components are added together in order to generate a composite video signal. The luma and chroma video elements are integrated and broadcasted as a single composite video stream. Once the broadcasted composite signal is received, the luma and chroma signal components may be separated in order for the video signal to be processed and displayed. A comb filter may be utilized for separating the chroma and luma video signal components. For example, a television may be adapted to receive a composite video input and utilize an integrated comb filter to separate the chroma and luma video signal components. However, before the television can display the received video signal, the chroma and luma video components have to be separated.
In a flow control based system, for example, a video processing system, a set of processes may be deadlocked if each process in a set is waiting for an event that only another process in the set may cause. As all the processes are waiting, none of them may ever cause any of the events that may wake up any of the other members of the set, and all the processes may continue to wait forever. Each member of the set of deadlocked processes may be waiting for a resource that is owned by a deadlocked process. As a result, none of the processes may be able to run or release any resources, and none of them may be awakened.
In the flow control based data path design, each block may receive and process data asynchronously. When a programming error occurs, it may cause a pipeline to stall, for example, a deadlock situation for a distributed and merge design. The system may not be able to self-recover from a deadlock situation, even when the programming error has been rectified and may be resolved only by a manual reset.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional system that utilizes a distribute and merge data processing system. Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises a distribute control block 102, luma filter 104, chroma filter 106 and merge control block 108. The distribute control block 102 may receive data from similar distribute and merge data processing systems and distribute data between two or more data paths, for example, path 1 and path 2. The luma filter 104 may be a notch and bandpass filter, for example, and may be adapted to allow luma data through and block chroma data. The chroma filter 106 may be a comb filter, for example, and may be adapted to separate chroma data from luma data in the frequency domain. The merge control block 108 may be adapted to receive data from path 1 and path 2, and merge this data from two or more data paths, for example, path 1 and path 2.
In operation, when another similar system intends to transmit data to distribute control block 102, it may send a i_ready signal to distribute control block 102. When distribute control block 102 is ready to accept data it may send an acknowledge signal o_accept and may begin to accept data. When distribute control block 102 has data ready to be transmitted to the luma filter 104, it may send a ready1.p1 signal to the luma filter 104 and when the luma filter 104 is ready to accept data it may respond by sending an accept1.p1 signal back to distribute control block 102 and data may begin to flow from distribute control block 102 to the luma filter 104. The luma filter 104 may continue to receive and process data until it reaches its capacity. When the luma filter 104 intends to transmit data downstream to the merge control block 108, it may send a ready2.p1 signal to the merge control block 108. When the merge control block 108 is ready to accept data it may send an acknowledge accept2.p1 signal back to the luma filter 104 and data may begin to flow from the luma filter 104 to the merge control block 108. When the merge control block 108 intends to transmit data to another similar system it may send an o_ready signal and begin transmitting data when it receives an i_accept signal from the other system.
When the distribute control block 102 has data ready to be transmitted to the chroma filter 106, it may send a ready1.p2 signal to the chroma filter 106 and when the chroma filter 106 is ready to accept data it may respond by sending an accept1.p2 signal back to distribute control block 102 and data may begin to flow from distribute control block 102 to chroma filter 106. The chroma filter 106 may continue to receive and process data until it reaches its capacity. When the chroma filter 106 intends to transmit data downstream to the merge control block 108, it may send a ready2.p2 signal to the merge control block 108. When the merge control block 108 is ready to accept data it may send an acknowledge signal accept2.p2 back to the chroma filter 106 and data may begin to flow from the chroma filter 106 to the merge control block 108.
A programming error may cause a deadlock situation to arise in a distribute and merge data processing system, wherein one of the data paths may be full of data, while the other data path may be empty. The deadlock situation may not be resolved by correcting the programming error, and the only way the distribute and merge data processing system may recover from the deadlock situation is by a manual reset of hardware, which may cause a loss of valuable information.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

Deadlock detection and recovery logic for flow control based data path design


An interworking apparatus includes an IP sending/receiving unit coupled to an IP network, an AAL2 sending/receiving circuit coupled to a WCDMA network, and a data processing circuit between the IP sending/receiving unit and AAL2 sending/receiving unit. The data processing circuit processes data in a format suitable for interworking between the WCDMA network and IP network.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communication systems, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for performing an interworking function between at least two networks.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many networks differ in terms of their communication protocols. For example, in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) network, voice and/or video data is forwarded to an AAL2 (ATN adaptation layer 2) cell. In an IP network, voice data is forwarded using a voice over IP (VoIP) service, where IP stands for Internet Protocol. VoIP is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities that deliver voice information using an Internet Protocol. Typically, this involves sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets, rather than according to traditional protocols of, for example, a public switched telephone network (PSTN).
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical VoIP network. As shown, a codec and IP connection device are connected to the IP network. In such a configuration, signals (e.g., voice or fax) are processed in a data format compatible with the IP network and then are sent through the IP network. The codec encodes voice or fax data into packets having a predetermined length in one direction, and decodes packetized data into voice or fax data in a reverse direction.
In one direction, the IP connection device (A) sends the data packetized in the codec over the IP network to another IP connection device (B) performing a VoIP function. In the reverse direction, the IP connection device (A) receives packets from the other IP connection device (B) over the IP network and forwards them to the codec.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of an AAL2 in a WCDMA system. As shown, a codec and an AAL2 (ATM adaptation layer Type 2) data processor are connected to a WCDMA network. In such a configuration, voice and/or video signals are processed in a data format compatible with the WCDMA network and then sent through the WCDMA network. In this system, the codec encodes voice and/or video data into packets of a predetermined length for transmission on the network, and decodes packets received from the network into voice and/or video data.
The AAL2 data processor assembles data from the codec into an AAL2 cell, and then forwards the cell for transmission over the WCDMA network. When an AAL2 cell is received from an AAL2 data processor of another station, it is disassembled into data packets, and then the codec decodes the packets back into voice and/or video data.
From the foregoing discussion, it is therefore apparent that each communication network performs data transmissions based only on their own protocols. That is, a VoIP network can implement voice service only with terminals that can access that VoIP network. Similarly, a WCDMA network can implement voice and/or video services only with terminals that can access that WCDMA network. There is no provision that will allow voice or data service to be provided through VoIP and WCDMA networks. Thus, when it is desirable to send data (e.g., voice, fax, video, etc.) from one type of network to another, no compatibility exists between the networks to do so.

Interworking apparatus and method for accepting IP in WCDMA system


An electronic device, a controlling method thereof, and a non-transitory storage medium are provided. The method includes displaying a first user interface of a first mode in a first area of a touch screen of the electronic device and one or more snapshots of a second user interface of a second mode in a second area of the touch screen while the electronic device is in the first mode. The method also includes detecting a first sliding gesture on or near the touch screen. The method further includes switching the electronic device from the first mode into the second mode if the first sliding gesture complies with a predetermined switching condition.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a controlling method, and more particularly, to a controlling method of an electronic device, an electronic device using the method, and a non-transitory storage medium.
2. Description of Related Art
As mobile communication becomes more and more advanced, mobile electronic devices have become indispensable tools in people's life nowadays. When manufactures develop products, they not only focus on the improvement in the performance of the hardware components but also focus more on the design of software. The quality of the user interface designs directly influences the users' perception and feelings about operation, and therefore it is an important indicator in the users' assessment on the products.
The mobile electronic devices nowadays allow the users to download and install applications and widgets by themselves, wherein the applications are displayed by application shortcuts on the desktop, and the widgets on the desktop display an image that may receive the users' operations and present more information. Not only do the applications and the widgets have different functions and ways of operation, the two are also presented in different ways on the desktop. The users have to memorize by heart how to operate various widgets and applications. For the users that use the electronic devices for the first time or are still unfamiliar with the operation, it may be difficult to learn the operation method quickly and thus causes inconvenience.

Electronic device, controlling method thereof, and non-transitory storage medium


Retaining bracket for a fluid spray delivery apparatus to ensure that an applicator rod remains properly attached to the apparatus and in fluid communication with the fluid even when subjected to a driving force. Also disclosed is a fluid application system or assembly, and a method of applying fluid using the same, the system or assembly including a source of fluid to be applied to a target object, a siphon gun assembly, an applicator rod, tubing for placing the applicator rod in fluid communication with the siphon gun assembly, and a retaining bracket that secures the tubing to the siphon gun assembly such that the tubing remains in place and does not disconnect from the siphon gun assembly when subjected to a driving force such as water under pressure.

Mechanical air conditioning and refrigeration is accomplished by continuously circulating, evaporating, and condensing a fixed supply of refrigerant in a closed system. Charging or recharging an air conditioning or refrigeration system with refrigerant is done through the low side suction intake fitting with the use of manifold gauges and service hoses. Low-pressure vapor refrigerant is compressed and discharged from a compressor as a high temperature, high-pressure, "superheated" vapor or liquid. The high-pressure refrigerant flows to a condenser, where it is changed to a low temperature, high-pressure liquid. It then flows through a filter dryer to a thermal expansion valve or TXV. The TXV meters the correct amount of liquid refrigerant into an evaporator. As the TXV meters the refrigerant, the high-pressure liquid changes to a low pressure, low temperature, saturated liquid/vapor. This saturated liquid/vapor enters the evaporator and is changed to a low pressure, dry vapor. The low pressure, dry vapor is then returned to the compressor. The cycle then repeats.
Such apparatus typically includes heat transfer coils (e.g., condenser and evaporator coils), cooling fins, and other components, which may be exposed to conditions that cause dirt and debris to accumulate on their surfaces and in gaps between them. For example, debris stuck on or between fins will reduce the heat exchange efficiency of the fins, and will reduce air flow through gaps between fins, reducing the overall efficiency of the unit. Some or all of these components should be cleaned periodically to ensure optimal operating efficiency of the apparatus. However, some components are difficult to access from the exterior of the unit, and due to their inaccessibility, cleaning is difficult and often not done, or at least not done well.
Coil cleaning apparatus exists that attempts to address these problems, and includes spray units with applicator wands that apply, under pressure, a fluid or foam to the HVAC unit. Difficulties have arisen, however, in that the applicator wand can unexpectantly disengage from the spray unit when subject to the operating pressures of the unit, resulting in a potentially dangerous and messy situation.
Embodiments disclosed herein address this problem by providing an apparatus and method that efficiently and effectively enables the application of fluid, for example, under pressure, in hard-to-reach places such as heat exchange coils, fins, or other internal components of HVAC systems, while eliminating the possibility of the applicator dislodging or disconnecting from the apparatus.
These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein and advantageous features thereof will become apparent as the description proceeds below.

Retaining bracket for applicator rod, fluid spray application system including the same, and method of applying a fluid to a target object


The invention provides a resin composition having an excellent dispersibility of a phosphor, and when the resin composition is processed and used as a color conversion material, to give a hardened material having a high heat resistance, resistance to thermal yellowing, light resistance, transparency and refractive index, and an excellent adhesion to allow color conversion of light emitted from an optical semiconductor stably and without a flare spot over a long period of time. The invention also relates to a hardening resin composition having at least one of epoxy and oxetanyl.

A light emitting diode (LED) has rapidly spread recently. With regard to a light emitting apparatus, such as the light emitting diode (LED) that has widely spread for use in a large display such as a TV and a PC, an information terminal for a touch panel, a cell phone and a smartphone, and lighting, a trend is to achieve high brightness. In such a current situation, high performance is also required for a sealing material used for the devices.
A method has been tried so far for performing resin sealing of an LED or the like by using as the sealing material a novolak-based epoxy resin, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin or an acrylic resin, and hardening with acid anhydride or a polymerization initiator (see Patent literature Nos. 1 and 2, for example). However, the resins are deteriorated by heat or ultraviolet light from a light emitting device not to allow maintenance of high transparency, and thus have a disadvantage of causing colorization.
As a sealing material having a high transparency, a dimethyl silicone-based resin has been used (see Patent literature Nos. 3 and 4, for example). The resins are hardened by condensation between silanol groups, a hydrosilylation reaction between a carbon-to-carbon double bond and a SiH group using a platinum catalyst, a reactive functional group such as an epoxy group, or the like.
A resin mainly formed of dimethyl silicone can keep a higher transparency over a long period of time, even when exposed to heat or light, in comparison with a conventional epoxy resin, and therefore has been widely used as the sealing material for the LED or the like. However, the resin has problems such as a low adhesion to a base material, a lower refractive index of the resin in comparison with a value required as the sealing material, tackiness on a surface of a resin hardened material during LED manufacture, and easy scratching of a surface due to softness of a hardened film, and thus a further improvement has been required for the resin.
On the other hand, a siloxane-based resin synthesized by a sol-gel process has bee also studied as an LED sealing material (Patent literature Nos. 5 and 6). However, while the resin has a high surface hardness, the resin has a crack caused during hardening, distortion of a film by shrinkage during hardening, a low compatibility with other molecules, and therefore is not dissolved to be transparent without adding a large amount of diluent to cause a low viscosity, and thus the phosphor is easily settled out. Moreover, when a large amount of diluent formed of an organic component is added, a ratio of silicon in a resin composition decreases, and if exposed to heat or light for a long period of time, the resin has a problem such as a decrease in transparency.
Various types have been proposed for an optical semiconductor device package and a method for manufacturing the package. Above all, with regard to a resin composition containing a phosphor, a sheet for sealing an optical semiconductor, or the like, when the phosphor is uniformly dispersed into the resin composition, a fluctuation in chromaticity is minimized, and high brightness can be maintained (see Patent literature Nos. 7, 8 and 9, for example).
Thus, when a resin composition in which dispersibility of the phosphor is improved, or a processed sheet for sealing the semiconductor is used, an optical semiconductor package having a higher brightness can be produced. However, when the resin composition is provided as the sheet for sealing the semiconductor, a method for manufacturing the optical semiconductor package is limited.
Moreover, in a case where the phosphor is dispersed into the resin composition, the phosphor sinks during molding, and therefore is unevenly distributed. In a case where a plurality of color conversion materials are used, specific gravity of each material is different, and therefore the materials are not uniformly dispersed. Thus, the case has a problem of generation of color unevenness.
Furthermore, in a case where a device that emits light having a short wavelength, such as an ultraviolet light-emitting device, is used, the resin into which the phosphor is dispersed deteriorates by light from the device, and thus the case also has a problem of causing a change of color.
Accordingly, a liquid resin composition containing the phosphor is required to have an excellent dispersibility of the phosphor, and simultaneously in a case where the resin composition is processed and used as the color conversion material, to have a high heat resistance, resistance to thermal yellowing, transparency or surface hardness, and an excellent adhesion to a base material. However, a resin composition having a balance among various characteristics described above has not existed yet. Therefore, a resin composition having a good balance among the characteristics is desired.
On the other hand, a sealing process in manufacture of the optical semiconductor package has been applied by thermosetting so far in many cases, in which several hours are required in order to sufficiently harden the composition. In such a situation, a need is present for requiring a material that can increase a production rate.

Hardening resin composition and color conversion material using the same


A wrap spring operating mechanism for use in a random start/stop clutch, brake, or combined clutch/brake assembly limits the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the second member relative to the first member when the assembly is engaged. The assembly includes a first member, a second member, and a helical spring wrapped about adjacent portions of the first and second members. An annular control collar is disposed circumferentially about portions of the first and second members. The wrap spring has a first end that is connected to the first member and a second end that is connected to the control collar. An annular armature is connected to the control collar for rotational movement therewith and for relative axial movement. An annular rotor is disposed circumferentially about and connected to the second member. An annular friction ring is disposed within a recess formed in the rotor. The friction ring is formed from a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, preferably about 0.2 or less under both wet and dry conditions. An electromagnetic coil assembly is provided for selective moving the armature into frictional engagement with the friction ring carried on the rotor to engage the assembly. By forming the friction ring from a non-magnetically permeable material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, the time duration of the frictional engagement of the armature with the friction plate is enlarged. As a result, the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the second member relative to the first member is limited to prevent undesirable impact loads from being generated, particularly when the assembly is operated at high speeds or when relatively large load are placed thereupon.

This invention relates in general to wrap spring operating mechanisms for use in clutch, brake, and combined clutch/brake assemblies to selectively connected first and second members together for concurrent movement. In particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for a wrap spring operating mechanism for use in such a clutch, brake, or combined clutch/brake assembly that limits the magnitude of acceleration or deceleration of the second member relative to the first member when the assembly is engaged.
Clutches are well known devices that are employed in wide variety of mechanical devices to selectively connect two members together for a desired purpose. A typical clutch structure includes a first member, a second member, and an operating mechanism for selectively connecting the first member to the second member. When the operating mechanism of the clutch is engaged, the first member is connected to the second member for concurrent movement. When the operating mechanism of the clutch is disengaged, the first member is disconnected from the second member to permit relative movement therebetween.
Clutches are frequently used in a driving mode, wherein the first member is connected to a source of rotational power and the second member is connected to a driven device. In these instances, when the operating mechanism of the clutch is engaged, the source of rotational power is connected through the clutch to rotatably drive the driven device. Conversely, when the operating mechanism of the clutch is disengaged, the source of rotational power is disconnected from the driven device to prevent such operation. Clutches are also frequently used in a braking mode, wherein the first member is connected to a stationary member and the second member is connected to a rotatable device. In these instances, when the operating mechanism of the clutch is engaged, the rotatable device is connected through the clutch to the stationary member so as to affirmatively brake the rotation thereof. Conversely, when the operating mechanism of the clutch is disengaged, the rotatable device is disconnected from the stationary member to allow such relative rotation. The above-described clutch and brake structures may be combined into a single clutch/brake assembly, wherein the second member is rotatably driven when the operating mechanism of the clutch/brake assembly is operated in a first mode and is affirmatively braked when the operating mechanism of the clutch/brake assembly is operated in a second mode.
One well known type of operating mechanism for clutch, brake, and combined clutch/brake assemblies is a wrap spring operating mechanism. A typical wrap spring operating mechanism includes a helical spring that is wrapped about adjacent cylindrical portions of the first and second members. The wrap spring has a relaxed inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the portions of the first and second members upon which it is wrapped. Thus, when the first member is rotated in a first direction, the spring wraps down upon and frictionally engages the first and second members such that the second member is rotatably driven by the first member. When the first member is rotated in a second direction, the spring expands out of frictional engagement with the first and second members such that the second member is not rotatably driven by the first member. Wrap spring operating mechanisms can be used both for selectively driving a second member to be rotatably driven by a source of rotational power and for selectively braking a second member to prevent such rotation, as described above.
To control the engagement and disengagement of the wrap spring clutch efficiently, a control member may be provided for selectively controlling the expansion and contraction of the wrap spring (and, therefore, the operation of the wrap spring clutch assembly) in response to an external actuator. Typically, one end of the helical spring is secured to the first member for rotation therewith, while the other end of the spring is secured to the control member. The external actuator is provided for selectively engaging the control member to either permit or prevent rotation thereof relative to the first member. In this manner, the control member can be operated to either contract or expand the spring and, therefore, operate the wrap spring clutch assembly as desired.
In one known embodiment, the control member is an annular control collar having one or more outwardly-extending stops provided on the outer surface thereof that can be selectively engaged by a pivotable actuator. When the pivotable actuator is moved into engagement with one of the stops on the control collar, rotational movement of the control collar is prevented. When this occurs, the wrap spring is either expanded or contracted, thereby either releasing or engaging the second member for rotation with the first member. It will be appreciated that this type of operating mechanism permits engagement and disengagement of the assembly only at discrete rotational positions of the first and second members. In another known embodiment, the control member is an armature that is selectively movable into frictional engagement with the second member for rotation therewith. Typically, an electromagnet is provided for effecting movement of the armature into such frictional engagement. When the electromagnet is energized, the armature is frictionally engaged with the second member for rotation therewith, thereby causing the wrap spring to connect the second member for rotation with the first member. It can be seen that this type of operating mechanism permits engagement and disengagement of the assembly at any rotational position of the first and second members. Thus, wrap spring operated assemblies of this general type are commonly referred to as random start clutches when used in the above-described driving mode or random stop clutches when used in the above-described braking mode.
One of the significant advantages of wrap spring operated assemblies is that the time duration required to contract the wrap spring about the first and second members to effect engagement is very small, typically about three milliseconds or less. Unlike conventional friction-operated clutches, the engagement time duration for wrap spring operated clutches is essentially constant regardless of rotational speed or load placed thereupon. This advantage can, in some instances, present a problem when the clutch is operated at relatively high speeds or when a relatively large load is placed upon the clutch. In these instances, an undesirably large impact load may be placed upon the driven device when the clutch is engaged. This is because the driven device is very quickly accelerated (when the clutch is used to rotatably drive the second member) or decelerated (when the clutch is used to affirmatively brake the second member) when the wrap spring operating mechanism is engaged. This rapid acceleration or deceleration can result in an undesirably large impact load being applied to the driven device or other portions of the system, especially when the clutch is operated at relatively high speeds or when a relatively large load is placed upon the clutch. These impact loads can result in premature wear or damage. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for a wrap spring operating mechanism for use in a random start/stop clutch, brake, or combined clutch/brake assembly that limits the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the second member relative to the first member when the assembly is engaged.

Wrap spring clutch/brake assembly having soft start and soft stop capabilities


A golf club holder useful for holding selected golf clubs in a generally upright position once such selected golf clubs have been extracted from the golf club bag for use by a golfer on the fairway or green approaching a hole. Such golf club holder includes a pointed shaft for insertion into the ground, a handle for ease in insertion and retraction of the golf club holder from the ground, a cigar holder, a bag hanger, and an international orange colored head assembly for ease in locating the golf club holder.

a. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related generally to the field of golf club holders, devices developed to support a golf club which has been removed from a golf bag in an upright position on the turf of the fairway and/or putting green.
Recreational golfers typically use more than one golf club to take the necessary swings, striking the golf ball as it lies on the fairway and/or green approaching a hole. Typically, the recreational golfer uses a golf cart which cannot be driven upon the green, and typically the recreational golfer does not have the assistance of a caddie. Accordingly, the usual situation confronted by the recreational golfer is that he needs the use of more than one golf club and he must carry all of the clubs himself. This situation results in the golfer extracting his desired drivers, wedges, and putter from the golf bag, and carrying the individual clubs with him for use in taking the necessary swings, striking the golf ball and approaching the hole. The golfer, carrying clubs outside the golf bag, then places unneeded golf clubs on the ground or propped up against a tree or other natural structure while he takes each swing in his approach to the hole.
Accordingly, a substantial problem confronted by the recreational golfer is that the golf clubs not needed for the particular swing being taken are placed on the ground in a prone position, or leaned up against a tree, by the golfer and then often lost and/or forgotten in the heat of competition.
A further problem often encountered by the recreational golfer is that golf clubs placed on the ground in a prone position, or leaned up against a tree, are subject to damage from ground moisture or from an inadvertent step by the golfer or a guest which could crush or bend the shaft of the golf club.
A yet further problem encountered by the golfer is that any device utilized as a golf club holder should provide a handle so that such golf club holder can be easily and affirmatively be pushed into the ground of the green and easily be extracted from the ground of the fairway or green after use. Such golf club holder handle should relieve the necessity for grasping the shaft of the golf club holder in order to insert or remove the golf club holder from the ground.
A yet further problem routinely encountered by golfers is that many of them have the habit of smoking a cigar while taking a leisurely turn about the course, and such cigars have necessarily to be held while the golfer is taking his swing. Again, unless the golfer is accompanied by an accommodating caddie, the golfer is forced to place his cigar on the ground or other available natural support while driving or putting.
A yet further problem encountered by a golfer is that any device utilized as a golf club holder, itself, must be carried from hole to hole as the golfer proceeds over the course. It is desirable that the golf club holder be carried inside the golf bag and that it be constructed of soft material(s) as it might otherwise scratch or wrongfully interact with the heads of the golf clubs being carried in the golf bag.
A yet further and final problem encountered by the golfer is that any device utilized as a golf club holder must be easily locatable. Far too often the golfer, concentrating on the swing to be made, forgets precisely where the golf club holder and the clubs being supported thereby was left.
b. Description of the Prior Art
Golf club holders are well known in the prior art.
Descriptions of such devices can be found in the following described U.S. Patents.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,597,363 and 5,820,479 teach golf club holders which are insertable into the ground and which have a plastic structure to support a golf club in an upright position on the turf of a putting green once the golf club has been taken outside of the golf bag.
U.S. Pat. No. D-371,590 teaches a golf club holder which is insertable into the ground and which provides an off-center support hook to support golf clubs in an upright position on the turf of a putting green once the golf club has been taken outside of the golf bag. A feature of this golf club holder is the separate club head support which is inserted into the ground in proximity to the golf club holder to provide additional support to the golf club being supported.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,980 teaches a golf club support device which provides a ground engaging assembly and is thus insertable into the ground, and which provides a handle engaging assembly for the golf club handle(s) whereby golf clubs may be supported at a distance above the ground.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,636,754, D-418,186 and D-318,090, additionally, teach golf club support devices which may be inserted into the ground and which may serve as golf club support devices to hold the golf club handle(s) above the ground.
However, the cited prior art golf club holders do not provide in combination a handle for insertion and removal of the golf club holder from the ground; a cigar holder; a means for connecting the golf club holder to the golf club bag; and a means for locating the golf club holder on the green. There is, thus, in the art a need for a golf club holder or support device which provides such combination of features.
The above-identified problems found in the prior art are addressed and overcome by the preferred embodiment of the instant invention. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.
The instant invention is of a golf club holder or support device which provides a shaft with a pointed end insertable into the ground of a green, a handle for insertion and removal of the golf club holder from the ground; a cigar holder; a means for carrying the golf club holder outside the golf club bag; and a means for locating the golf club holder on the green.
The instant invention was created to fill the void left in the prior art of golf club holders by providing in combination of features and solutions for the numerous problems noted in the prior art devices.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a device, a golf club holder or support device, which supports golf clubs which have been removed from the golf bag in an upright position.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a golf club holder which has a pointed end on its shaft for easy insertion into the ground of a fairway or green.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a golf club holder which has a handle for ease in insertion and retraction of the golf club holder""s shaft from the ground of a fairway or green.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a golf club holder which provides a cigar holder.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a golf club holder which provides a bag hanger for connection of the golf club holder to the opening or mouth of the golf club bag.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a golf club holder which provides a means for locating the golf club holder on the green.
It is yet a further and final object of the invention to provide a golf club holder which satisfies the foregoing objects and provides the indicated features in various useful combinations.
1. the instant invention, a golf club holder
3. head assembly
5. handle
7. cigar holder
9. bag hanger
11. shaft
13. pointed end of shaft
15. ground
18. golf club
21. connecting member
25. perpendicular member


The strike indicator includes a float formed from a plurality of sealed air enclosures, each of the plurality of sealed air enclosures including an outer membrane, each of the plurality of sealed air enclosures being entirely offset from the center of the float. The strike indicator also includes a line attachment device configured to secure a fishing line therein, the line attachment device being attached to the float and located in a center of the float between the plurality of sealed air enclosures. The line attachment device includes a threaded bolt having an L-shaped or V-shaped notch formed in its shaft, wherein a fishing line can be inserted in the notch to secure the strike indicator to the fishing line.

A strike indicator, often colloquially called a "bobber," is a buoyant fishing accessory that is attached to a fishing line and, when cast in water, floats above the water surface and in view of the angler. In so doing, the strike indicator suspends an attached bait or weight at a predetermined depth on the fishing line. The strike indicator also helps the angler determine the depth of the water in which s/he is fishing, and when a fish bites the fishing line, it pulls the strike indicator either along or underneath the water surface, thereby notifying the angler of the bite.
One type of strike indicator is a trapped air indicator, which comprises a closed-cell hollow float that seals air inside the float to achieve buoyancy. Trapped air indicators are popular due to their predictable buoyancy, visibility, and reusability. Trapped air indicators can also be customized with respect to size and buoyancy for different water types.
Most trapped air indicators in the art are made from a rigid plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), that is durable and has low permeability to ensure that air and water do not escape or enter the indicator. Unfortunately, such indicators tend to have hard surfaces that, when contacting the water surface upon being cast, create significant disturbances in the water that frighten fish away from the point of contact. In such circumstances, such indicators are not recommended for fishing in clear, calm, or shallow water.
Strike indicators in the art that are used for angling in clear, shallower water tend to be made from porous materials, such as foam or yarn, and cause fewer disturbances in the water when used. Unfortunately, these strike indicators can only be used for a brief period of time before they become ineffective, as their tendency to soak up water will cause them to lose buoyancy, making them unable to continuously suspend a line leader at a predetermined depth. In such circumstances, the angler must remove the saturated indicator from the water and either dry it or apply additional floatant material to it to give the indicator buoyancy. Such activities take time away from the activity of fishing.
In the foregoing circumstances, there is a desire for a strike indicator that achieves the consistency and longevity of trapped air indicators and the soft landing, low noise features of foam or yarn indicators.

Fly fishing strike indicator having multiple trapped air enclosures