A biodegradable aliphatic polyester elastomer which has rubber-like elasticity, hardness of 80 or less in accordance with ASTM D 676-58T, and elastic modulus from 1.times.10.sup.5 Pa to 1.times.10.sup.8 Pa at 25.degree. C., and decomposes with ease in the natural environment, under composting conditions or under hydrolysis conditions. The biodegradable aliphatic elastomer can be obtained by crosslinking aliphatic polyester containing aliphatic unsaturated polybasic acid as a polymer constituting ingredient and having a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 or more.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a biodegradable aliphatic polyester elastomer. The biodegradable elastomer of the invention is prepared by crosslinking aliphatic polyester containing aliphatic unsaturated polybasic acid as a polymer constituting ingredient.
The biodegradable elastomer of the invention can provide formed articles and workpieces by utilizing the favorable properties of the elastomer.
2. Related Art of the Invention
As well known in the art, there are several processes for preparing a high molecular weight aliphatic polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 or more from aliphatic polyhydric alcohol and aliphatic polybasic acid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,796 has disclosed a process for preparing aliphatic polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 or more, comprising conducting a heat dehydration reaction of aliphatic polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof with aliphatic polybasic acid or a mixture thereof, or an oligomer of these ingredients in a reaction mixture containing an organic solvent.
According to the process, high molecular weight aliphatic polyester thus obtained contains no impurity, is in a low grade of coloration, and has strength which is sufficient for formed items such as films and filaments.
However, the patent has disclosed aliphatic saturated polyester alone and no disclosure has been found at all on aliphatic unsaturated polyester or a biodegradable elastomer which differs in chemical properties.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,413 has disclosed a poly(propylene glycol fumarate) composition having a weight average molecular weight of 500-3,000.
The object of the art is to provide a composition which is specified in a terminal group ratio, weight average molecular weight and number average molecular weight, has improved mechanical properties and biodegradability, has high reproducibility, and is useful for biomedical applications such as bone cement.
Further, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Hei 7-133333 has disclosed a preparation process of biodegradable high molecular weight aliphatic polyester, comprising mixing aliphatic unsaturated polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 30,000 or more with polyester comprising 1 equivalent or more of polymerizable unsaturated group for 100 equivalents of terminal group and conducting copolymerization of unsaturated bonds in the mixture in the presence of organic peroxide.
According to the process, a biodegradable high molecular weight aliphatic polyester thus obtained has sufficient physical properties for preparing various formed items, can steadily increase the weight average molecular weight as compared with the number average molecular weight and can restrict scattering of viscosity.
However, these prior arts have no disclosure at all on the biodegradable elastomer.

Biodegradable aliphatic polyester elastomer and preparation process of same


A casino receives activity from a player, both in-house and on-line. The player's activities are combined in a single account stored by the casino. The combined activities can then be used to the player's benefit, for example by awarding benefits to the player, allowing the player to access his activity across a network, or by preparing for the player a tax statement based on his year-to-date activities.

Not so long ago, casinos were places you visited to gamble. Las Vegas, Nev. began with an image of dark, smoke-filled rooms where people went to engage in sinful activities. The moniker "Sin City," while no longer used with vehemence, still sticks to Las Vegas, Nev.
Over time, casinos have shed their old images. Now, casino floors are brightly lit, welcoming places. The hotels have taken into account the need to entertain families and not just adult gamblers. Ventilation systems help reduce the smell of smoke, once a prominent feature of the casinos.
To keep current in the competitive market, casinos have been using player clubs to entice players into being "loyal" to a casino. When playing, the players use a card to identify themselves. This lets the casinos know how much money the player is spending at the casino. In return, the casinos provide bonuses to the players.
The advent of the Internet presents new opportunities for casinos to develop. Internet gaming, that is, the capability to gamble using the Internet, allows casinos to reach players who are not physically present on the casino floor. Players who, for one reason or another, cannot physically travel to the casino are still able to participate. But the use of the Internet is one-way: revenue flows in to the casino from the Internet, but nothing flows back to the player.
Some on-line casinos (that is, casinos that exist only in cyberspace) offer player clubs similar to those offered by casinos that players can visit. These on-line casinos can track their players' activities.
Some regular casinos have begun to allow players to access information about their accounts. For example, some casinos upload information about play to their player tracking databases at pre-selected times. This allows the casinos (and the players) to track information about in-house gaming, even when the users of the database are remote from the casino. But because the uploads occur at pre-selected times (e.g., once a day), the player cannot access current information about his gaming activities immediately. For example, the player might go onto the casino floor and participate in gaming activities, then return to his room and try to access his account. Because the information is only uploaded infrequently, the player will not be able to access the most current information about his account.
A need remains for a way to allow casinos to utilize networks that addresses these and other problems associated with the prior art.

Method and apparatus for use of a network by a casino


A method and an apparatus for transmitting a multimedia data packet are provided. The method includes generating Media Abstraction Layer (MAL) information for abstracting information on the multimedia data to be transmitted, generating a multimedia data packet including said MAL information, and transmitting the generated multimedia data packet to a network entity.

A multimedia service refers to, for example, a conversational service, such as a video phone, a streaming service, such as a Video On Demand (VOD) service, a multicast or broadcast service, or the like. A real time multimedia service can be divided into a conversational service, an interactive service, a streaming service, and the like. Further, the real time multimedia service can be divided into a unicast service, a multicast service, and a broadcast service, according to the number of users who participates in the service.
In order to provide a multimedia service, a scheme for providing a QoS in a network may be divided into a Best Effort (BE) scheme, a per-class QoS scheme, and a per-flow QoS scheme.
First, in the BE scheme, no support is provided for QoS. The per-class QoS scheme is a scheme in which packets have different degrees of importance and the packets are processed according to the degrees of the importance in the middle of the network. For example, in the per-class QoS scheme, a QoS control is performed according to a degree of importance, that is, according to a priority, of a corresponding packet, regardless of a flow to which the corresponding packet belongs. In order to support the per-class QoS scheme, a resource reservation between a transmission side and a reception side is not required. For example, the priority may be a loss priority, a delay priority, or the like.
The per-flow QoS scheme may be a scheme for reserving a resource per stream. For example, a resource (for example, a bit rate, or a buffer status) or QoS (i.e., a delay, a loss rate, or the like) is reserved per flow. Here, the flow refers to a stream used for a service. For example, a video stream, an audio stream, and a text stream which are used for providing a VOD service become separate flows, respectively.
In a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) 3rd Generation (3G) of the 3G Partnership Project (3GPP) as well as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 (Wireless Broadband (WiBRO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX)), and Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, a standard is established to support a per-class QoS scheme and a per-flow QoS scheme. However, in order to use the QoS scheme, an interface between a media layer of a higher layer and a network layer of a lower layer is needed.
Degrees of importance of video packets are different from packet to packet when using Moving Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG-2) and H.264, or especially using Scalable Video Coding (SVC). In order to effectively control a QoS of a video service, the difference of the degrees of importance from packet to packet should be recognized. In an IPv6, in order to identify the importance by packet, after 5 tuples including a recipient's address, a sender's address, a port number of a corresponding service in the recipient's apparatus, a port number of a corresponding service in the sender's apparatus, and a protocol to be used are read, header data for identifying degrees of importance of packets should be read. This method needs time for processing each packet, and the independence of the protocol layer is violated. For example, packets should have been processed in a router with IP headers of packets, but it is not possible according to this method.
If degrees of importance by packet can be identified easily, a QoS control in a router may be performed smoothly. For example, if the network status is not good, packets can be removed from a less important packet according to importance of the packets.
Meanwhile, an SVC technique and a Multi-view Video Coding (MVC) technique which are in the process of standardization are based on the H.264/Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard. Further, a Network Abstraction Layer Unit (NALU) format is also used in the configuration of bit strings of coded data.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a Video Coding Layer (VCL) and a Network Abstraction Layer (NAL) in H.264/AVC according to the related art.
Referring to FIG. 1, in H.264/AVC, a NAL 120 is defined between a VCL 110 that performs a video encoding process itself and a subsystem 130 that transmits and stores the coded information. Therefore, the VCL and the NAL are separated.
In order to map coded data 111 generated in the VCL, into bit strings for a subsystem, such as an H.264/AVC file format 131, a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) 133, or an MPEG-2 system 135, the NAL 120 processes the coded data 111 generated in the VCL, a parameter set, or information, such as Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) 113 in a NALU.
The NAL unit is divided into a VCL NAL unit 123 and a non-VCL NAL unit 125. The VCL NAL unit 123 is a NAL unit that corresponds to the coded data 111 generated in the VCL, while the non-VCL NAL unit 125 is a NAL unit that corresponds to a parameter set and information, such as a SEI 113.
The NAL unit basically includes a NAL header and Raw Byte Sequence Payload (RBSP) which is a data part generated as a result of a video compression in a VCL.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a format of a NAL unit according to the related art.
Referring to FIG. 2, a NAL unit 200 includes a NAL header 210 and a NAL payload 240.
The NAL header 210 generally has a size of 1 to 5 bytes. The NAL header 210 includes NALU type information 220 for indicating a kind of the NAL unit, and Layer Identification Information 230 for identifying a compressed layer of an original data included in the NALU payload.
The NALU type information 220 includes one bit of a fixed bit (F) field 221, two bits of a nal_ref_idc (NRI) field 222 for indicating whether the video is a reference picture or not, and five bits of a NALU type field 223 which is an identifier for indicating a kind of the NAL unit.
The layer identification information 230 may include a combination of a priority, a spatial hierarchy level, a temporal hierarchy level, and/or a quality hierarchy level. For example, the layer identification information 230 may include 8 bits of a priority field (hereinafter referred to as "P") 231 for indicating priority so that the compressed layer of the original data can be identified, 3 to 8 bits of a Dependency_id field (hereinafter referred to as "D") 232 for indicating a spatial hierarchy level, 3 to 8 bits of a Temporal_level field (hereinafter referred to as "T") 233 for indicating a temporal hierarchy level, and 2 to 8 bits of a Quality_level field (hereinafter referred to as "Q") 234 for indicating a quality hierarchy level.
For reference, the format of the NALU is used in Multi-view Video Coding (MVC). Besides, in MVC, together with the NALU type information 220, instead of the layer identification information 230, view identification information for identifying a view can be included.
According to the format of the NAL unit according to the SVC or MVC of the related art, in order to identify the layer or the view of NAL unit, the layer identification information 230 or the view identification information of the NAL header needs to be parsed. Especially, the layer identification information 230 has a size of 4 bytes or less, and the layer to which the corresponding NAL unit belongs can be determined when values of the P 231, the D 232, the T 233, and the Q 234 are known by parsing the NAL header 210. However, parsing the entire NAL header 210 in order to find out the values of the P 231, the D 232, the T 233, and the Q 234 becomes a burden to a processor, and may be a cause of increasing the cost of a system.
Further, the NAL header 210 includes various kinds of information for identifying importance of packets like the layer identification information 230, such as the D 232, the T 233, and the Q 234 in addition to the NRI field 222 and the Priority field (P) 231. It is difficult to use the information since the relations among the kinds of information are not defined. For example, relating to the D 232, the T 233, and the Q 234 of the layer identification information, when a packet having "1" as a value of the D 232 and a packet having "1" as a value of the T 233 exist, if a relation for expecting a coding process is not understood, hierarchy on the priorities of the two packets may not be identified. Further, a NAL layer in a network of the related art is designed for a video service.
Therefore, for a future media service in which various media components, such as audios, videos, texts, and user interfaces are combined, a need exists for a multimedia abstraction layer which can be abstracted regardless of kinds of media components.
The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

Method and apparatus for transmitting a multimedia data packet

UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COOPERATION GROUP OF KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY


A method is disclosed that includes detecting a network entity and determining a type of the detected network entity. The method includes retrieving firewall configuration information based on at least the type of the network entity. Based on the firewall configuration information, a configuration of a firewall at a host is automatically and dynamically modified.

Firewalls play a security role by blocking certain communications to/from a computer on a network. Typically, when a new network or device is connected to the computer, the firewall is manually configured to allow proper operation of the network or device. Manual configuration of firewalls is a technical task that can involve many steps and may be difficult or burdensome for computer users. Such manual configuration typically relies on a user to answer configuration questions and to understand underlying firewall configuration settings (e.g., ports and protocols). During manual configuration of the firewall, a personal computer (PC) user may improperly configure the firewall or completely disable the firewall. As a result, PC security may be diminished, resulting in the PC being more susceptible to network based attacks.
Firewalls typically assume a static machine-wide configuration. For example, a particular port may be opened for all network connections, and certain network connections may be specified as safe or unsafe. A typical firewall may be configured such that if a capability is present, the capability is desirable for all users regardless of individual user preferences.


A system and method for providing a substantially constant-time copy operation for file system objects managed by a storage server begins by generating a snapshot of at least a portion of a data set managed by the storage server. The system then performs a copy operation in the storage server to generate a copy of the data set separate from the snapshot, on a set of block locations containing a predetermined reference value. During the copy operation to generate the copy of the data set separate from the snapshot, the system can receive from a requester a first read request directed to the copy of the data set that the copy operation is to generate. In response to the first data request, the system provides data from the snapshot to the requester by the storage server.

A network storage server is a processing system that is used to store and retrieve data on behalf of one or more hosts (clients) on a network. A storage server operates on behalf of one or more hosts to store and manage data in a set of mass storage devices, such as magnetic or optical storage-based discs or tapes. Some storage servers are designed to service file-level requests from hosts, as is commonly the case with file servers used in a network attached storage (NAS) environment. Other storage servers are designed to service block-level requests from hosts, as with storage servers used in a storage area network (SAN) environment. Still other servers are capable of servicing both file-level requests and block-level requests, as is the case with certain storage servers made by NetApp, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif.
Storage servers typically can perform various operations on data system objects managed by the storage server. These include, among others, read, write, truncate, append, and copy operations. Operations are executed in response to corresponding requests received from a host. For example, a read operation is executed in response to a read request, a write operation is executed in response to a write request, etc. In a read operation, the storage server provides a requested data block (or blocks) from a target file system object. In a write operation, the storage server modifies one or more data blocks in a target file system object. A truncate operation removes data blocks from the end of the file system object, while an append operation adds data blocks to the end of the file system object.
An important file system operation is the copy (or clone) operation, in which the storage server generates a new file system object that has contents identical to the contents of a source file system object. The new (copy) file system object is generally unavailable for other operations until the copy operation is complete. Because the storage server must copy all of the contents of the source file system object before the object is available for other operations, the time to complete the copy operation varies depending on the size of the source file system object. If the source file system object is large, the copy operation may have a duration that is noticeable to a user and can interfere with the user's activities. For example, for an extremely large file, the copy operation could take significant user-perceivable time with present technology.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for providing substantially constant-time execution of a copy operation


A corner mountable housing (10) is provided for encasing an electronic device and for mounting the electronic device in a corner (12) of a wall or other mount surface (14) via at least one fastener (16) extending through the housing (10) to engage the corner (12). The housing (10) includes a surface-mountable housing portion (20) in the form of a rear cover, with the housing portion (20) being a one-piece molded construction and having first and second fastener retention features (22) and (24) formed therein.

Devices such as security devices (passive infrared sensors (PIRs), motion sensors, sirens etc), thermostats, meters, lighting fixtures, and the like are typically mounted on a wall or ceiling surface. Installers need to hold mounting screws in one hand as well as the housing to be installed while climbing a ladder, making it difficult as well as unsafe. Once up on the ladder, the installer will typically hold the housing in place by pressing it against the wall with the side or heal of one hand, while also holding a screw between the index finger and thumb of the same hand, and then driving the screw into the wall with a power driver or drill in the other hand. This awkward process will typically be repeated for at least one additional screw. If the housing is not perfectly vertical and/or horizontal after driving the screws into the wall, it is desirable to have the ability to adjust the orientation. In addition, it is desirable for the screw receiving feature of the housing to be robust, as sometimes the force applied by the driver is not directly in-line with the screw and the screw may be pushed out of its most desired location before entering the wall.
For corner mount installations, at least part of the above concerns are successfully addressed by the structure shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,784, naming Ray Daggers and John Kovach as inventors. This patent teaches the application of a screw retention feature in the rear cover of the housing that will hold the screws in place in the rear cover so the installer can climb the ladder with a housing/screw assembly versus a number of loose parts. The installer can then firmly and comfortably hold the rear cover in position with one hand while driving the screws with a power driver in the other hand. However, the disclosed feature does not allow for a final fine tune adjustment vertical and/or horizontal orientation of the housing, nor is the feature as tolerant of driver to screw force misalignment as may often be desired.
As seen from above, there is always room for improvement in connection with the mounting features of surface mountable housings for electronic devices.

Mounting screw retention feature for a housing of an electronic device


A communication system which has a PROFINET IRT system with first communication devices for isochronous transmission. A special IRT bridge device is created, so that a traditional standard Ethernet communication device can also transmit real time-critical data over the PROFINET IRT system. The bridge device has a timer, which is synchronized in time with the timers of the first communication devices. In addition, a device for analysis of the transmission point in time of a real time-critical data telegram received by the communication device and a control unit are provided, such that the control unit controls the forwarding of the respective real time-critical data telegram to at least one second communication device as a function of the analyzed transmission point in time.

For some time now, Ethernet-based data networks which enable cycle times of a few milliseconds have been in use as field buses in automation systems. However, there are applications such as control of complex drive systems, which require much shorter communication cycles in the millisecond range, for example. The control of the drive systems is extremely time critical, i.e., they must be triggered at certain times to prevent malfunctions. A communication system that can transmit real time-critical data in short communication cycles is therefore needed.
To be able to use the Ethernet technology in real time-critical systems, the above-mentioned PROFINET IRT Standard has been introduced. The abbreviation IRT here stands for Isochronous Real Time, i.e., a technology which permits a clock-controlled data transmission in real time.
PROFINET IRT systems make it possible to transmit real time-critical and non-real time-critical data in communication cycles of an adjustable chronological length over a switchable Ethernet data network. To do so, each communication cycle is subdivided into a first time domain, in which real time-critical data can be transmitted, and a second time domain, in which non-real time-critical data can be transmitted. To be able to ensure the required time precision in such a system, the points in time of transmitting or relaying the real time-critical data or real time-critical data telegrams are scheduled. The PROFINET IRT Standard provides in this regard that the forwarding, sending and receiving points in time of the real time-critical data telegrams to be transmitted are saved in all participating coupling equipment and consumers, which capable of relaying, sending and/or receiving the real time-critical data telegrams, and namely more advantageously before the start of the data transmission. Coupling equipment and consumers must therefore be capable of forwarding and/or sending PROFINET IRT data telegrams in the millisecond range. To be able to maintain the precision scheduling of times for transmission and forwarding, the coupling equipment and consumers need special hardware components, which are available on the market. In particular each IRT-capable coupling unit and each IRT-capable consumer have their own clocks, which are synchronized with one another using an essentially known standardized method. Such a method is defined by the IEEE 1588 standard, for example. In order not to interfere with or endanger the required time precision within PROFINET IRT systems, non-IRT-capable equipment, for example, standard Ethernet devices must not be used between the IRT-capable coupling equipment and IRT-capable consumers.
The detailed design and functioning of such a real time-controlled Ethernet data network according to the PROFINET IRT Standard are disclosed in EP 1 388 238 B1, for example, and are sufficiently well known by those skilled in the art.

Communication system and method for isochronous data transmission in real time


A micro electrical mechanical system includes a membrane structure and a backplate structure. The backplate structure includes a backplate material and at least one pre-tensioning element mechanically connected to the backplate material. The at least one pre-tensioning element causes a mechanical tension on the backplate material for a bending deflection of the backplate structure in a direction away from the membrane structure.

In the technical field of transducers miniaturization is one of the major research interests. At the same time, typical performance figures of the transducers, such as signal-to-noise ratio or dynamic range should be maintained at a reasonable level. Micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) have been targeted for these applications as they are potentially small scaled, on the order of tens of micrometers, and for their compatibility with semiconductor-like processes. This leads to potentially large volume manufacture. Devices that can be achieved using MEMS fabrication processes are, for example, pressure sensors, ultrasonic transducers, loudspeakers, and microphones. Typically these devises comprise one or more membranes with electrodes for read-out/drive deposited on the membranes and/or a substrate. In the case of electrostatic MEMS pressure sensors and microphones, the read-out is usually accomplished by measuring the capacitance between the electrodes. In the case of transducers functioning as actuators, such as loudspeakers, the device is driven by applying a potential difference across the electrodes.
Typically, the membrane of a MEMS transducer is manufactured using a sacrificial layer, for example, silicon oxide SiO2. In use, the amplitude of the membrane movement is typically limited by approximately the thickness of the sacrificial layer because of structures formed on the sacrificial layers during the manufacturing process prior to (partly) removing the sacrificial layer, thus leaving the formed structures.

Micro electrical mechanical system with bending deflection of backplate structure


A vehicular disc brake rotor is provided with a cast-iron base, a nitrogen diffusion layer formed on the cast-iron base, a nitrogen compound layer formed on the nitrogen diffusion layer, and an iron oxide layer including Fe3O4 and formed on the nitrogen compound layer. In a burnish and a first re-burnish of a “Passenger car-Braking device-Dynamometer test procedures” (which is based on JASO C 406:2000), a change ratio of a frictional coefficient between the burnish and the first re-burnish is 10% or less.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cast-iron vehicular disc brake rotor.
Related Art
A frictional surface of a cast-iron friction member that is used for a sliding part such as a vehicular disc brake rotor, a brake drum, a machine tool and the like is required to have high corrosion resistance and high wear resistance. Therefore, the surface of the cast-iron friction member has been coated with a coating film or zinc phosphate coating. However, the coating film or the coating is worn or delaminated over long time, so that it is difficult to secure the sufficient corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
Compared to the above, a technology of performing a nitrocarburizing treatment for the frictional surface of the cast-iron friction member has been studied and utilized. The nitrocarburizing treatment is a surface treatment of enabling interstitial diffusion of nitrogen and carbon at the same time at a treatment temperature of A1 transformation point (727° C.) or lower, typically 550° C. to 580° C. In the nitrocarburizing treatment, since a hard layer of a nitrogen compound is formed on the outermost surface, it is possible to improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the cast-iron friction member. Also, since a phase transformation is not accompanied in the nitrocarburizing treatment, the strain is less caused, compared to a carburization treatment and the like. As the nitrocarburizing treatment, a salt-bath nitrocarburizing treatment method, a gas nitrocarburizing treatment method, a plasma nitriding treatment method and the like may be exemplified.
For example, JP-A-H06-307471 and JP-A-2010-53926 disclose performing a nitrocarburizing treatment on a surface of a cast-iron disc brake rotor so as to form a Fe—C—N based compound layer on the surface by the salt-bath nitrocarburizing treatment, thereby improving the corrosion resistance and wear resistance. However, the salt-bath nitrocarburizing treatment has a problem in terms of safety and environmental load because harmful cyanide is used. Also, the salt-bath nitrocarburizing treatment has a problem that a porous layer is apt to be formed on the outermost surface of the compound layer.
JP-B2-3303741 discloses a gas nitrocarburizing treatment in which nitrocarburizing treatment processes under nitriding atmosphere of 200 Torr or lower including ammonia gas at a treatment temperature of 450° C. to 560° C. are performed two times interposing a diffusion treatment process therebetween. In this method, the harmful cyanide is not used, and the compound layer to be formed on the surface of the cast-iron friction member can be made to be dense. Also, since it is possible to suppress a thickness of the compound layer from being excessively increased, it is possible to improve the surface durability.
However, when the cast-iron friction member having the nitrogen compound layer formed on the surface thereof by the above method is exposed to outside environments over a long period, red rust (Fe2O3) may be formed on the surface due to influences of temperature and humidity. Even when the surface of the vehicular disc brake rotor is subject to the nitrocarburizing treatment, if the surface is eroded by the red rust (Fe2O3), vibration may occur or a braking force may be lowered upon braking. Also, in recent years, an aluminum wheel having a high design property has been much increased. Regarding this, when the red rust (Fe2O3) is present on a surface of the rotor, it can be securely seen even from the outside with naked eyes, so that an outward appearance of a vehicle is deteriorated.
Regarding the above problems, it is efficient to further form an iron oxide layer having Fe3O4 as a main component, which is referred to as black rust, on the surface of the nitrogen compound layer obtained by the nitrocarburizing treatment. Since the iron oxide layer is uniform and compact, it can effectively prevent the red rust (Fe2O3) from being formed on the surface of the iron-cast friction member.
As disclosed in JP-A-H03-285058, the iron oxide layer is formed by a method referred to as homo treatment in which a target product is exposed to vapor of 400° C. to 500° C. for 1 to 1.5 hours. However, it is difficult to set conditions of the homo treatment. Thus, when the temperature is too high or the treatment time is too long, the red rust (Fe2O3) is formed. Therefore, it is very difficult to form a uniform and compact black iron oxide layer over the entire frictional surface of the iron-cast friction member.
As a method replacing the homo treatment, JP-B-S53-000371 discloses a method of treating a steel material in a mixed gas of a nitriding gas and a carburizing gas at 500° C. to 600° C. for 0.5 to 3 hours, taking out the steel material from a furnace at the treatment temperature, holding the same in air for 60 to 120 seconds to thus form a Fe3O4 film and then cooling the steel material having the film formed thereon to a room temperature in oil. According to this method, it is possible to continuously perform the nitrocarburizing treatment, the iron oxide layer formation treatment and the cooling treatment, so that it is possible to form the iron oxide layer of a good quality on the surface of the steel material.
However, according to the method disclosed in JP-B-S53-000371, after the nitrocarburizing treatment is performed, the target product is taken out from the furnace, as it is with being heated, the iron oxide layer is thus formed and then the target product is rapidly cooled (oil cooling). Thereby, a crack may be formed in the nitrogen compound layer or the iron oxide layer having Fe3O4 as the main component. Also, since the target product is cooled in oil, the oil may remain in a plurality of holes formed on the surface of the iron oxide layer.
Therefore, when the vehicular disc brake rotor obtained by the above method is used for a long time, the iron oxide layer having Fe3O4 as the main component is delaminated at the crack or the oil remains in the holes, so that friction characteristics are highly varied.
Patent Document 1: JP-A-H06-307471
Patent Document 2: JP-A-2010-053926
Patent Document 3: JP-B-3303741
Patent Document 4: JP-A-H03-285058
Patent Document 5: JP-B-S53-000371

Vehicular disc brake rotor and manufacturing method of vehicular disc brake rotor


The invention discloses a reloadable debit card which may be overdrawn by authorized merchants thus allowing future and recurring payments to be made via ACH transactions against this debit card. In addition, the cardholder may repay indebtedness simply by depositing funds onto the reloadable debit card.

With the introduction of financial tools like debit cards, smart cards and other "stored value" cards, consumers have more ways to access funds than ever before. Likewise, the number of systems which can use these devices, like ATMs, debit terminals, telephone IVR systems, and internet-based systems have likewise multiplied in number. One of the effects of this increase in electronic access cards and systems is a corresponding increase in electronic funds transactions.
The present invention relates to a certain class of financial cards, i.e. cards which permit the user only to spend the amount of money which has been previously loaded onto the card. Usually these financial cards are attached to an account held at the bank which sponsors the card. "Loading" refers to the process of remotely depositing funds into the account associated with the card, generally via a local merchant.
Institutions holding these accounts have very little risk in handling these transactions since by definition transactions which would result in a negative balance are not permitted.
For instance, Risafi in U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,500 discloses what is now recognized as a reloadable debit card. Benkert in U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,497 discloses cards with attached subsidiary cards which can control how the money on the card is allocated and spent. Martin, Jr. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,860 discloses a system to use the ATM network to facilitate automated debt payments.
However, there are situations where permitting such an account to become overdrawn, i.e., carry a negative balance, would be an extremely useful enhancement.
Therefore a need has arisen for a system which permits certain reloadable debit card accounts to become overdrawn. However this must be done in such a way as to eliminate any risk to the institution holding the accounts.

Method and apparatus for allowing secured overdrafts of reloadable debit card accounts


Small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 function are used to induce apoptosis of cells which are subject to Bcl-2, which cells are otherwise subject to Bcl-2 mediated blockage of apoptosis. The compounds are useful for treating cancer, autoimmune disorders and viral infection.

The present invention generally relates to the field of oncology and inhibitors of Bcl-2 proteins, and more particularly to small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 proteins involved in mediating the death of cancer cells, virally infected cells and self-reactive lymphocytes.
Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma/leukemia 2) was originally identified at the chromosomal breakpoint of t(14;18)-bearing B-cell lymphomas. Bcl-2 is now known to belong to a growing family of proteins which regulate programmed cell death or apoptosis. The Bcl-2 family includes both death antagonists (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bcl-w, Bfl-1, Brag-l, Mcl-l and Al) and death agonists (Bax, Bak, Bcl-x5, Bad, Bid, Bik and Hrk) (Thompson, Science 267:1456-62 (1992); Reed, J. Cell Biol. 124:1-6 (1994); Yang et al., Blood 88:386-401 (1996)). This family of molecules shares four homologous regions termed Bcl homology (BH) domains BH 1, BH2, BH3, and BH4. All death antagonist members contain the BH4 domain while the agonist members lack BH4. It is known that the BH1 and BH2 domains of the death antagonists such as Bcl-2 are required for these proteins to heterodimerize with death agonists, such as Bax, and to repress cell death. On the other hand, the BH3 domain of death agonists is required for these proteins to heterodimerize with Bcl-2 and to promote apoptosis.
Programmed cell death or apoptosis plays a fundamental role in the development and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Homologous proteins and pathways in apoptosis are found in a wide range of species, indicating that cellular demise is critical for the life and death cycle of the cell in all organisms. When extracellular stimuli switch on the cell-death signal, the response of the cell to such stimuli is specific for the particular cell type (Bonini et al., Cell 72:379-95 (1993)). The pathway to cellular suicide is controlled by certain checkpoints (Oltvai, Cell 79:189-92 (1994)). The Bcl family proteins, including both antagonists of apoptosis (such as Bcl-2) and agonists of apoptosis (such as Bax), constitute the primary checkpoint. As such, the transmission of a cell-death signal can be either promoted or blocked by the different combinations of the Bcl-2 family members. The three-dimensional structure of a death antagonist, Bcl-XL, as determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, provides a structural basis for understanding the biological functions of Bcl-2 family members and for developing novel therapeutics targeting Bcl-2 mediated apoptotic pathways (Muchmore et al., Nature 381:335-41 (1996)).
The detailed mechanism of Bcl-2 proteins in mediating molecular pathways of apoptosis has been the subject of intensive investigation. It is known that the apoptotic signaling pathway involves the activation of caspases which, once activated, cleave several cellular substrates such as poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and lead to final events of apoptosis. Bcl-2 plays a crucial role in regulating the process of apoptosis. One possible mechanism for Bcl-2 function is that Bcl-2 inhibits the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Cytochrome c is important for the activation of caspases. As such, Bcl-2 blocks caspase activation and subsequent events leading to apoptosis.
Being able to block apoptosis, Bcl-2 is known to contribute to neoplastic cell expansion by preventing normal cell turnover caused by physiological cell death mechanisms. High levels and aberrant patterns of Bcl-2 gene expression are found in a wide variety of human cancers, including xcx9c30-60% of prostate, xcx9c90% of colorectal, xcx9c60% of gastric, xcx9c20% of non-small cell lung cancers, xcx9c30% of neuroblastomas, and variable percentages of melanomas, renal cell, and thyroid cancers, as well as acute and chronic lymphocytic and non-lymphocytic leukemias (Ellis et al., Cell Biol. 7, 663 (1991); Henkart, Immunity 1, 343 (1994)); Kxc3xa4gi et al., Science 265, 528 (1994); Kxc3xa4gi et al., Nature 369, 31 (1994); Heusel et al., Cell 76, 977 (1994)).
The expression levels of Bcl-2 protein also correlate with relative resistance to a wide spectrum of current chemotherapeutic drugs and xcex3-irradiation (Hanada et al., Cancer Res. 53:4978-86 (1993); Kitada et al., Antisense Res. Dev. 4:71-9 (1994); Miyashita et al., Cancer Res. 52:5407-11 (1992); Miyashita et al., Blood 81:151-7 (1993)). Since Bcl-2 can protect against such a wide variety of drugs which have very different mechanisms of action, it is possible that all these drugs use a common final pathway for the eventual induction of cell death which is regulated by Bcl-2. This notion is supported by the findings that chemotherapeutic drugs induce cell death through a mechanism consistent with apoptosis as opposed to necrosis. Therefore, Bcl-2 can inhibit the cell killing effect of currently available anticancer drugs by blocking the apoptotic pathway.
Because of its role in blocking apoptosis, Bcl-2 plays an important role in many types of cancer. As noted above, Bcl-2 blocks apoptosis, thereby preventing normal cell turnover. As a result, neoplastic cell expansion occurs unimpeded by the normal cellular turnover process. Prostate cancer is one particular example where Bcl-2 has important implication in the pathogenesis and treatment for a disease. Approximately 100,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and about 30,000 deaths per year are attributable to this disease (Lynn et al., JNCI 87:867 (1995)). It has recently been found that hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancers express Bcl-2 (McDonnell et al., Cancer Res. 52:694-04 (1992)), while the normal prostate cells from which prostate cancers originate lack Bcl-2 (Colombel et al., Am J Pathol 143:390-400 (1993)). This indicates that Bcl-2 may protect prostate cancer cells from undergoing apoptosis induced by the anticancer drugs, such as Taxol (Haldar et al., Cancer Res., 56:1235-5 (1996)). The clinical efficacy of nearly every cytotoxic anticancer drug currently available depends directly or indirectly on the assumption that tumor cells grow more rapidly than normal cells. However, this may not apply to human prostate cancer cells, which show very slow growth kinetics. Tumor kinetics studies have indicated that prostate cancer may be the consequence of the imbalance in cell turnover mechanisms more so than an increase in cell cycle rates. Thus, current anticancer drugs may not be effective in eradicating these nonproliferative prostate cancer cells.
The understanding of the biology of Bcl-2 in cancer and chemoresistance has opened new avenues in the development of novel anticancer strategies. One effective approach to overcome the chemoresistance of prostate cancers is to inhibit the protective function of Bcl-2 proteins. New drugs that modulate Bcl-2 mediated apoptotic response would represent a novel mechanism-based strategy for the treatment of prostate cancers and other cancers. Because the function of Bcl-2 is not absolutely necessary in many normal cell types (Veis et al., Cell, 75:229-40(1993)), a systematic inhibition of Bcl-2 may not affect the normal cellular function. This notion is supported by recent encouraging data from the clinical trial that antisense oligonucleotides targeted against the Bcl-2 gene can specifically inhibit non-Hodgkin""s lymphoma in humans (Webb et al,. Lancet 349:1137-41 (1997)). However, the clinical value of such antisense oligonucleotides is limited by their lack of enzymatic stability, cell permeability, and oral activity. As discussed above, currently available anticancer drugs may not be effective due to the chemoresistance of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, there is an impending need for highly potent, cell permeable, and orally active Bcl-2 inhibitors as a new generation of effective therapeutics for the treatment of prostate cancer, as well as other cancers.
Compared to other therapeutics such as antibodies, peptides or antisense oligonucleotides, small organic drugs may possess several advantages in the clinical application: (1) they are less likely to be immunogenic; (2) they are likely to be stable and to be able to cross the cell membrane; (3) they are more likely to be administrable through the oral route, which is most desirable in terms of patient compliance; and (4) they are amenable to synthesis and modification which significantly lowers the cost of the therapeutic treatment.
It is an object of the invention to provide small molecule inhibitors of bcl-2 function useful in treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease and certain types of viral infection which are characterized by cellular signals which inhibit apoptosis.
It is an object of the invention to induce apoptosis of cells, particularly cancer cells, most particularly cancer cells which are regulated by Bcl-2.
It is an object of the invention to provide novel therapeutics and methods of treatment for reversing Bcl-2-mediated blockage of cell apoptosis in cancer cells.
It is an object to provide of the invention to overcome Bcl-2-mediated chemoresistance in tumor cells.
These and other objects of the invention are apparent from the following description.
A method of inducing apoptosis of cells regulated by Bcl-2 in a subject is provided. An effective amount of an active compound is administered to the subject. Preferably, the compound causes the fragmentation of DNA in a Bcl-2 transfected HL-60 cell line when incubated with such cells at a concentration of not more than 100 xcexcM for 24 hours. In some embodiments, the compound is also characterized by a dissociation constant KD of not more than about 500 xcexcM, preferably no more than about 100 xcexcM, most preferably no more than about 10 xcexcM, for binding the hydrophobic pocket on the Bcl-2 protein formed by the BH1, BH2, and BH3 domains.
By xe2x80x9cregulated by Bcl-2xe2x80x9d with respect to the condition of a cell is meant that the balance between cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death is controlled, at least in part, by Bcl-2. By xe2x80x9capoptotic cell deathxe2x80x9d is meant the programed death which results in controlled autodigestion of the cell, as opposed to necrotic cell death. Apoptotic cell death is characterized by cytoskeletal disruption, cell shrinkage, and membrane blebbing. The nucleus undergoes condensation and nuclear DNA becomes degraded and fragmented. Apoptosis is also characterized by loss of mitochondrial function. Necrotic cell death, on the other hand, is a pathological form of cell death resulting from acute cellular injury, which is typified by rapid swelling and lysis.
According to certain embodiments of the invention, the cells induced to undergo apoptosis comprise cancer cells, virus-infected cells or self-reactive lymphocytes. Thus, the active compounds are used to treat cancer, viral infection, or autoimmune disorders.
In another embodiment, a method of reversing Bcl-2-mediated blockage of apoptosis in cancer cells is provided by contacting such cells with an active compound of the invention. In another embodiment, a method is provided for treating a subject afflicted with a cancer characterized by cancer cells which express Bcl-2. The method comprises administering an effect amount of an active compound of the invention.
Active compounds which have a molecular weight in the range of from about 150 to about 500 daltons.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the compounds have the formula I:
wherein:
X is selected from the group consisting of CH2; CHOCH3; NH; O and S;
Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of CH and N; and when Z is N, then Y may further be xe2x80x94CR6, where R6 is selected from the group consisting of CH3; OCH3; CNH2; and COH;
R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-5 alkyl; C1-5 alkoxy; OH; NH2; NO2; CHO; COCH3; COOH; COOCH3; N(C1-3 alkyl)2; NH(C1-3 alkyl); OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3; NHCOCH3; NHNHCOCH3; NHNHCONH2; phenyl; phenyl which is mono-, di-, or tri-substituted with NH2, OH, halogen, NO2, CF3, COOH or COOCH3; cyclohexyl; cyclohexyl which is mono-, di-, ortri-substituted with NH2, OH, halogen or CF3; and five- and six-member heterocyclic rings, preferably a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of piperidino, piperazino, morpholino, pyrimidyl, pyrrolidino and imidazo;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-3 alkyl; C1-3 alkoxy; halogen; CF3; NH2; OH; COOH; COOCH3; CONH2; and CONHCH3;
or, R1 and R2 together may form the group xe2x80x94CH2CH2CH2xe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CH2CH2CH2CH2xe2x80x94;
or, R1 and R2 together may form, starting from R1, the group xe2x80x94NHCH2CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94NHCOCH2xe2x80x94, or xe2x80x94OCOCH2xe2x80x94;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of H; CH3; CF3; OCH3; NH2; OH; COOH; COCH3; CHxe2x95x90CH2; CH2xe2x95x90CHCH2; CH(CH3)2; CH2OH; CH2NH2; CH2COOH; cyclohexyl; cyclohexyl which is mono-, di-, or tri-substituted with NH2, OH, halogen, OCH3 or CF3; five- and six-member heterocyclic rings, preferably a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholino, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidino, and imidazyl; and a substituted phenyl group of the formula:
xe2x80x83wherein
R7, R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, CH3, CF3, OH, OCH3, CH2OH and CHO; provided that at least two of the members of the group R7, R8 and R9 must be OH or OCH3 when the remaining member of the group is hydrogen, CH3 or CF3;
R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, CH3, and OCH3; and when Y and Z are both CH, R4 and R5 may be further selected from OH and NH2;
or, R4 and R5 together may form the group xe2x80x94CH2CH2CH2xe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94HH2CH2CH2CH2xe2x80x94;
or, R4 and R5 together may form, starting from R4, the group xe2x80x94NHCH2CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94NHCOCH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCOCH2xe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94O(CH2)nxe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94, wherein n is 1, 2 or 3;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof when the compound includes at least one NH2 or COOH substituent.
Preferably, R2 is CH3, CH2CH3, COOH, COOCH3, CONH2, or CONHCH3.
Preferably, R7, R8 and R9 are all OCH3; or R7 and R9 are OCH3, and R8is OH.
When R1 or R3 is substituted cyclohexyl, the preferred position of the substitution is para. Likewise, when R1 is substituted phenyl, the preferred position of the substitution is para.
The preferred group corresponding to R3 in formula I is the substituted phenyl group of the formula:
Preferred compounds according to formula I include the compounds identified as HA11-1 through HA11-73, listed in Table 1, below. Most preferred compounds according to formula I include HA11-57 and HA11-17:
According to another embodiment of the invention, the active compounds have the formula II:
wherein
R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-5 alkyl; C1-5 alkoxy; OH; NH2; NO2; CHO; COCH3; COOH; COOCH3; N(C1-3 alkyl)2; and NH(C1-3 alkyl); and one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 may be phenyl or a heterocyclic ring, preferably a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of piperidino, piperazino, morpholino, pyrimidyl, pyrrolidino and imidazo; provided at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 must be hydrogen;
R5 and R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; CN; CH2CN; COOCH3; CONH2; phenyl; phenyl which is mono-, di-, or tri-substituted with NH2, OH, halogen, NO2, CH3, OCH3, CF3, COOH or COOCH3; cyclohexyl; cyclohexyl which is mono-, di-, or tri-substituted with NH2, OH, halogen or CF3; and five- and six-member heterocyclic rings, preferably a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholino, pyrimidyl and pyrrolidino; provided, only one of R5 or R6 may be phenyl, substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl or heterocyclic in the same compound, and further provided that when one of R5 or R6 is phenyl, substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl, substituted cyclohexyl or heterocyclic, then the other must be hydrogen;
or at least one of R5 and R6 may be halogen, provided that the other must be C1-5 alkyl or C1-5 alkoxy.
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof when the compound includes at least one NH2 or COOH substituent.
When R5 or R6 is substituted phenyl or substituted cyclohexyl, in formula II, the preferred position of the substitution is para.
Preferred compounds according to formula II include the compounds identified as HA12-3 and HA12-16 (compound HA12-16 may also be identified herein as xe2x80x9cHA01xe2x80x9d):
In the compounds of formula I and II, where halogen substitution is possible, chorine, fluorine and bromine are preferred, with fluorine being most preferred.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the active compounds have the formula III:
wherein:
X is selected from the group consisting of CH2; CHOCH3; NH; NCH3; O; and S;
R1 is selected from the group consisting of OH; NH2; CHO; COCH3; COOH; N(C1-3 alkyl)2; NH(C1-3 alkyl); OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3; NHCOCH3; NHNHCOCH3; NHNHCONH2; N(C1-3alkyl)2; NH(C1-3 alkyl); and five- and six-member heterocyclic rings, preferably a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholino, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidino and imidazyl;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl; C1-3alkoxy; OH; NH2; CHO; COCH3; OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3; COOH; COOCH3; COOCH2CH3; COOCH2CH2CH3;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl; C1-3 alkoxy; CN; CH2CN; CH2NO2; CHO; COCH3; COOH; OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3; NHCOCH3; NHNHCOCH3; NHNHCONH2; CHxe2x95x90CH2; CH2CHxe2x95x90CH2; CH2CHO; and five- and six-member heterocyclic rings, preferably a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholino, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidino and imidazyl;
R4 is selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl; C1-3 alkoxy; CN; CH2CN; CH2NO2; CHO; COCH3; COCH3; COOH; COOCH3;COOCH2CH3; COOCH2CH2CH3; OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3;
R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen CH3; OCH3; OH: NH2; Br; Cl; and F; and
R6, R7 and R8 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, CH3; CH2CH3; CF3; NH2; OH; OCH3; CN; NO2; Cl; Br; F; COOH; and COOCH3; provided, at least one member of the group R6, R7 or R8 must be Cl, Br or F when the remaining members of said group are hydrogen;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof when the compound includes at least one NH2 or COOH substituent.
Preferred for formula III are the following:
R1: NH2; N(C1-3 alkyl)2; and NH(C1-3)alkyl; piperidinyl; piperazinyl; morpholino; pyrimidyl; pyrrolyl; pyrrolidino; and imidazyl;
R2: COCH3; OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3; COOH; COOCH3; COOCH2CH3; and COOCH2CH2CH3;
R3: CN; CH2CN; CH2NO2; CHxe2x95x90CH2; CH2CHxe2x95x90CH2; and CH2CHO;
R4: COCH3; OCOCH3; OCOCH2CH3; COOH; COOCH3; COOCH2CH3; and COOCH2CH2CH3;
R5: hydrogen, Br; Cl; and F;
R6, R7 and R8: NH2; OH; OCH3; CN; NO2; Cl; Br and F.
When R6, R7 or R8 are Br, Cl or OCH3, the preferred positions of the substitution are R6 and R8.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the active compound for use in the method of the invention is selected from the group consisting of compounds HA13, HA14, HA02, HA03 and HA04:

Small molecule inhibitors of BCL-2 proteins


A comfort adapter for electronic collars that replaces the standard post electrodes normally found on electronic training collars with a plurality of acorn nut electrodes. This design ensures proper electrical contact with the dog's skin while increasing the comfort of these collars on small dogs, which have smaller necks. The adapter can be utilized with different types of electronic training collars, such as those used to facilitate training, to curb aggressive behavior and barking, and to confine dogs by means of an invisible fence.

It is well known to use electronic collars as aids for training for dogs. Such collars provide a mild electric shock to the animal as a correction technique to discourage actions such as aggressive behavior and barking, or to deter a dog from leaving a designated area bounded by what commonly is known as an invisible fence. While these are the most common uses for electronic collars, this invention also applies to electronic collars having other uses. The collars can be operated manually by means of a controller in the hands of an owner or a trainer, or automatically in response to the dog barking or moving within a specified distance of the invisible fence.
Electronic training collars comprise battery powered circuitry that can supply an electric charge across two electrode contact elements. Typically, the electrode contact elements comprise upstanding electrically conductive posts that are about one-half inch in length and terminate in a substantially pointed end, and are spaced about one and one-fourth inches apart. The posts must be pressed against the dog's skin to such an extent as to establish an area of contact that is of sufficient size to complete the circuit. This is accomplished by suitably tightening the collar about the dog's neck. Owing to the fact that this area of contact must be established with two relatively long and narrow posts, the tightening causes some discomfort to any dog upon which the collar is fitted. However, it can cause considerable discomfort to dogs with small necks, which can result in a reluctance of small dogs to submit to having the collar placed around their necks, as well as possible skin injury or irritation.


A server instance, which is a collection of LUNs, containing an operating system, any applications and data storage. A processing element is the physical hardware. The combination is a server as normally understood. Templates are used to define server instances and server types to simplify deploying a server instance to a processing element. A graphical user interface provides the templates where the particular storage groups are identified and then server instances are created from lists of operating systems, applications, and available storage. The management service processor is a PXE server and provides the necessary software to identify the components of the processing element and correlate between the processing element and a server instance. The management service processor then automatically provides software to the processing element to allow it correctly boot. The management service processor manages the interconnection of the processing element and the relevant LUNs.

1. Field of the Inventions
The invention relates to management of computer system and, more particular, to instantiations and state management of computer servers and systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
A computer system is commonly comprised of two primary components: (1) a processing element that includes temporary random memory, one or more computer processing units (CPU), and input/output (I/O) capabilities; and (2) persistent storage, typically implemented as a hard disk drive generally referred to as "disk drives" or simply as "disks." One example is a server with its related storage. A computer system's storage is generally classified into two types: (1) program codes that contain the programming instructions executed by its CPU that is, the operating system and applications that use that operating system; and (2) persistent storage needed by the operating system and applications, such as e-mail storage, websites and database systems.
This simplified description illustrates that a computer system typically needs all of these parts to act together at one time. The persistent copy of the operating system and applications define what a computer system does and how it does it. For example, the operating system and applications might be a web server application presenting an on-line store. The persistent storage used by those applications, in turn, will determine the identity of the store, such as whether the on-line store is a luxury retailer or a wholesale supply house, and its inventory and pricing.
Previously, the processing elements and disk subsystems were typically bound closely together. This was determined primarily by the need to cost effectively access disks with good performance from the processing system. This style of connecting storage to processor is generally known as directly attached storage. An implication of this interconnect style is that an entire system would run a single set of applications on a particular operating system with a particular data set. Examples of such systems are the desktop computers and servers that will be familiar to those skilled in the art.
Currently there are much more flexible techniques for connecting computer storage and processors. Many of the storage devices can be accessed by many processing systems through a network. Systems that present block level disk devices across the network are generally known as storage area networks (SANs). These SAN implementations have become increasingly common since the late 1990s. Prior to that, storage would typically be made available over networks using relatively high level file or database access protocols. When the dedicated servers or appliances are used as file servers, that approach is often referred as network attached storage (NAS).
The block level or SAN approach is typically the more flexible and higher performance approach. One reason SANs are more flexible is because computer systems are constructed to start-up, or boot, in a series of steps. The earlier steps in the boot sequence usually only deal with block level devices. In the later steps where the operating system is loaded onto the processing element, the operating system itself will generally define its own preferred structures, such as a file or database system, on a block level device.
Installing the persistent copy of the operating system on a processing element can be a rather complicated process that is labor-intensive and typically requires specialized computer system expertise. This is complicated by current computing environments. For example, servers today are commonly available in what are called blade or rack environments. In a rack environment, a series of thin servers are located in a rack. In a blade environment, a series of processing elements on individual blades are contained in a chassis, with a rack often containing multiple chassis. The high density leads to great physical management issues, particularly if a system fails. Further, if direct attached storage is used on each of these systems, the available storage space may be limited and the management issues are greatly increased as disk drives are a high failure item. In addition to the physical management issues, the logical management issues are also very complicated. When there may be hundreds of these servers either in blade or rack format, keeping track of applications assigned to each server becomes formidable.
While SANs are very flexible in providing a great deal of high-performance storage, actually managing and interconnecting the servers and storage units can be a relatively complicated operation. Zones need to be properly arranged, LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) need to be properly organized and defined and so on. In a larger environment there could be hundreds of servers as noted above, and literally thousands of LUNs available from the various storage devices, all on different portions of the SAN. The mapping between the various items can be horribly complex and very difficult and time consuming. Further, it can be highly error prone. Therefore methods and techniques to develop and simplify the management and deployment of servers and related storage, especially in enterprise environments, are highly desirable.


There are provided a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometry method which can realize shortening of the measurement time and reduction of the consumption of a sample. Ions, in which the intensity distribution forms a peak waveform at both of each retention time and each mass-to-charge ratio (peaks P11, P21, P22 and P32) are detected as MS/MS precursor ions based on three-dimensional information of a retention time, a mass-to-charge ratio and an intensity. Whether or not MS3 analysis is performed for each ion is determined beforehand based on whether or not the isotopic distributions of a plurality of ions are superimposed at each retention time rt1 to rt3. Ions (peaks P21 and P22) for which MS3 analysis is performed and ions (peaks P11 and P32) for which MS3 analysis is not performed can be hereby determined at the time the MS spectrum is measured to detect MS/MS precursor ions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer and amass spectrometry method in which sample components separated by a liquid chromatograph are ionized, and the obtained ions are cleaved and subjected to mass spectrometry to perform MSn analysis (n is an integer of 3 or greater).
2. Description of the Related Art
Sample components may be identified based on a MSn spectrum obtained by separating sample components by a liquid chromatograph and sequentially subjecting the separated sample components to MSn analysis in identification of an organism-derived high-molecular compound such as a peptide. In this case, mass spectrometry (MS analysis) of an ionized sample component is first performed to measure a MS spectrum. The measured MS spectrum is then correlated with a retention time to obtain three-dimensional information of a retention time (RT), a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and an intensity (I).
FIG. 8 is a view showing one example of three-dimensional information of a retention time, a mass-to-charge ratio and an intensity obtained from MS analysis. In this example, peaks of mass-to-charge ratios mz1 and mz2 are detected in MS spectra of mutually adjacent retention times rt1 to rt3. The intensity of the mass-to-charge ratio mz2 is low at the retention time rt1, and the mass-to-charge ratio mz1 is low at the retention time rt3.
In this case, ions corresponding to the peak P11 of the mass-to-charge ratio mz1 for the retention time rt1, the peak P21 of the mass-to-charge ratio mz1 and the peak P22 of the mass-to-charge ratio mz2 for the retention time rt2, and the peak P32 of the mass-to-charge ratio mz2 for the retention time rt3 are detected as MS/MS precursor ions. Thereafter, at each retention time, the MS/MS precursor ion is cleaved and subjected to mass spectrometry (MS/MS analysis) to measure a MS/MS spectrum. Sample components can be identified by performing search using a known database based on the MS/MS spectra obtained as described above.
However, for example, when a peptide as a sample component is subjected to post-translation modification, or ions are not sufficiently cleaved in MS/MS analysis, sample components may not be identified by database search as described above. In this case, it is effective that after MS/MS analysis is performed, a MS3 precursor ion is further detected from the MS/MS spectrum, and the MS3 precursor ion is cleaved and subjected to mass spectrometry (MS3 analysis) to measure a MS3 spectrum (see JP-A-2012-251878).
When database search is performed based on a MS spectrum, a MS/MS spectrum and a MS3 spectrum that are obtained by performing analyses up to MS3 analysis, identification results can be obtained with higher reliability.
However, when MS3 precursor ions are detected from all MS/MS spectra obtained by MS/MS analysis and MS3 analysis is performed, there is the problem that the measurement time is prolonged and the consumption of a sample is increased.
The present invention has been devised in view of the above-described situations, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometry method which can realize shortening of the measurement time and reduction of the consumption of a sample.

Mass spectrometer and mass spectrometry method


A surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device may be provided to accurately detect a specific substance even in the case in which a well member is used and achieving a simpler structure and a lower manufacturing cost, and a fluorescence detection method using the surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device.

A surface plasmon resonance device (hereafter referred to as an SPR device) has been used in which a phenomenon for obtaining a high optical output by a resonance of an electron and a light in a minute region of a nanometer level or the like (a surface plasmon resonance (SPR: Surface Plasmon Resonance) phenomenon) is put to practical use and an extremely fine analyte in a biological body is detected for instance.
As shown in FIG. 12, the SPR device 100 is provided with a sensor structure 110 in which a metallic thin film 104 is formed on the top surface of a dielectric member 102 and a ligand containing layer 108 that includes a ligand immobilized region 106 is formed on the metallic thin film 104.
Moreover, the SPR device 100 is provided with a light source 114 that is configured to apply an excitation light 112 toward the metallic thin film 104 and a light receiving means 118 that is configured to receive a reflected light 116 that has been applied from the light source 114 and that has been reflected on the metallic thin film 104 on the side of the dielectric member 102 of the sensor structure 110.
In the case in which the SPR device 100 is used, a ligand is affixed to the ligand immobilized region 106 formed on the metallic thin film 104, and a sample solution that includes a specific analyte is supplied to that.
Moreover in this state, the excitation light 112 is applied at a resonance angle θ1 from the lower side of the dielectric member 102 to the metallic thin film 104, and the reflected light 116 that has been reflected on the metallic thin film 104 is received by the light receiving means 118.
In the case in which the excitation light 112 is applied at a resonance angle θ1 toward the metallic thin film 104, a crude density wave (a surface plasmon) is generated on the metallic thin film 104, and a coupling of the excitation light 112 and an electronic vibration in the metallic thin film 104 occurs, thereby causing a light amount of the reflected light 116 to be reduced.
For this phenomenon, a resonance angle θ1 is varied depending on an existence of an analyte. Consequently, by previously researching a resonance angle θ1 in the case in which a sample solution that does not include an analyte is supplied to the ligand immobilized region 106, it can be judged that a specific analyte is included in the case in which a resonance angle θ1 is different from a resonance angle θ1 at that time.
By this configuration, it can be judged whether or not a predetermined analyte is included in a sample solution.
On the other hand, a surface plasmon field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement device (hereafter referred to as an SPFS device) has also been developed in which the analyte detection can be carried out with a higher degree of accuracy as compared with the SPR device 100 based on a principle of a surface plasmon excitation enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS: Surface Plasmon-field enhanced Fluorescence Spectroscopy) for putting a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon to practical use.
As shown in FIG. 13, the SPFS device 200 is provided with a sensor structure 210 in which a metallic thin film 204 is formed on the top surface of a dielectric member 202 and a ligand containing layer 208 that includes a ligand immobilized region 206 is formed on the metallic thin film 204.
Moreover, the SPFS device 200 is provided with alight source 214 that is configured to apply an excitation light 212 toward the metallic thin film 204 and a light receiving means 218 that is configured to receive a reflected light 216 that has been applied from the light source 214 and that has been reflected on the metallic thin film 204 on the side of the dielectric member 202 of the sensor structure 210.
On the other hand, the SPFS device 200 is provided with a light detection means 222 that is configured to receive a fluorescence 220 that is emitted from a fluorescence substance that has labeled an analyte that has been captured by the ligand immobilized region 206 on the side of the ligand containing layer 208 of the sensor structure 210.
A light collection member 224 that is configured to collect the fluorescence 220 in an efficient manner and a wavelength selection function member 226 that is configured to remove a light that is included in other than the fluorescence 220 and that is configured to select the required fluorescence 220 only are formed between the ligand containing layer 208 and the light detection means 222.
In the case in which the SPFS device 200 is used, a ligand is affixed to the ligand immobilized region 206 formed on the metallic thin film 204, and an analyte that has been labeled by a fluorescence substance is captured by the ligand.
Moreover in this state, the excitation light 212 is applied from the light source 214 into the dielectric member 202, and the excitation light 212 is incident to the metallic thin film 204 at a resonance angle θ2, whereby a crude density wave (a surface plasmon) is generated on the metallic thin film 204.
In the case in which a crude density wave (a surface plasmon) is generated on the metallic thin film 204, a coupling of the excitation light 212 and an electronic vibration in the metallic thin film 204 occurs, thereby causing a light amount of the reflected light 216 to be reduced. Consequently, by finding out a point in which a signal is varied (a light amount is reduced) for the reflected light 216 that is received by the light receiving means 218, a resonance angle θ2 by which a crude density wave (a surface plasmon) is generated can be obtained.
Based on the phenomenon that generates the crude density wave (a surface plasmon), a fluorescence substance of the ligand immobilized region 206 on the metallic thin film 204 is excited in an efficient fashion, whereby a light amount of the fluorescence 220 that is emitted from a fluorescence substance is increased.
By receiving the increased fluorescence 220 by the light detection means 222 via the light collection member 224 and the wavelength selection function member 226, an analyte of an infinitesimal quantity and/or an extremely low concentration can be detected.
In recent years, for the SPR device 100 and the SPFS device 200, an engineering development has been actively carried out for a further accuracy improvement.
By the way, as a method for supplying a sample solution to the ligand immobilized region 106 of the SPR device 100 and the ligand immobilized region 206 of the SPFS device 200, there can be known a supply method for supplying a solution by using a flow passage for instance.
The sensor structure 300 as shown in FIG. 14 is provided with a ligand immobilized region 306 on the metallic thin film 304 on the way of a horizontal type flow passage 308. In the case in which a sample solution 310 that includes a specific substance (an analyte) in the horizontal type flow passage 308 is sent after a ligand is affixed to the ligand immobilized region 306 in the horizontal type flow passage 308, the analyte is captured by the ligand immobilized region 306. A symbol 302 in the figure represents a dielectric member.
The sensor structure 300 that is provided with such the horizontal type flow passage 308 is designed to generate a reaction of a specific substance at any point of the ligand immobilized region 306 by circulating a sample solution 310 by using a unidirectional solution sending pump or by sending the solution in a reciprocating manner by using a reciprocated solution sending pump.
On the other hand, as another method for supplying a sample solution to the ligand immobilized region 106 of the SPR device 100, there can be known a supply method for storing a sample solution for instance.
For the sensor structure 400 that is disclosed in the Patent Literature 1, a well member 408 that is provided with a plurality of through holes 410 is formed on a ligand immobilized region 406 on a metallic thin film 404 as shown in FIG. 15, and a sample solution 412 is supplied and stored in each of the through holes 410. By this configuration, an analyte is captured by the ligand immobilized region 406 in the through hole 410.
For this method, it is not necessary that a solution sending pump is prepared like a method in which a solution sending is carried out by using a flow passage. Consequently, this method has the advantage of being able to simplify a structure as compared with the case in which a flow passage is used.

Surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device and fluorescence detection method using the same


A battery connector with retaining board includes an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals received in the insulating housing. Each terminal includes a connecting portion, a contacting portion and a soldering portion. The insulating housing has a vertical cooperating wall. A top wall and a retaining board backward extend from the backside of the vertical cooperating wall, thereby a retaining space is formed therebetween. The backside of the cooperating wall defines a contacting side formed between the top wall and the retaining board. A printed circuit board is retained in the retaining space and one end of the printed circuit board is depressed against the contacting side of the insulating housing whereby a firmly engagement is between the printed circuit board and the battery connector. Therefore, an electrical connection therebetween is stable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a battery connector, and more particularly to a battery connector with retaining board.
2. The Related Art
A battery connector is widely used in a mobile phone or other electronic devices for electrically connecting a battery with a printed circuit board mounted in the mobile phone.
FIG. 6 shows a conventional battery connector. The battery connector 1 has an insulating housing 2 and a plurality of terminals 3 received in the insulating housing 2. The insulating housing 2 is mounted on an inner printed circuit board 4 of an electronic device. Each terminal 3 includes a contacting portion 6 and a soldering portion 7. The contacting portion 6 stretches out of the cooperating wall of the insulating housing 2 and contacts a battery 5, the soldering portion 7 stretches out of the bottom of the insulating housing 2 and contacts the printed circuit board 4.
However, the battery connector is electrically connected to the printed circuit board just by the soldering portions of the terminals contacting with the printed circuit board, there is no horizontal holding force between the battery and the printed circuit board. When the battery is horizontally depressed against the contacting portions of the terminals, a relative horizontal displacement is liable to be caused between the battery connector and the printed circuit board. As a result, the soldering portion of the terminals is easily to be loosened from the printed circuit board: therefore, the electrical connection between the battery connector and the printed circuit board is not stable. Such kind of loose situation also happen when the electronic device is struck.


A low profile radio frequency (RF) module and package with efficient heat dissipation characteristics, and a method of assembly thereof, are provided. In some embodiments, the RF module package comprises a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) attached to a recessed area of a lead frame. The RFIC has an active integrated circuit pattern and a plurality of conductors formed on input/output pads of the active integrated circuit pattern. An integrated passive device (IPD) is attached to the RFIC via the plurality of conductors. The IPD has a passive integrated circuit pattern, a plurality of electrode pads connected to nodes of the passive integrated circuit pattern, and metal-filled vias for electrically connecting the electrode pads to the plurality of conductors. The RFIC includes a plurality of heat conducting vias for conducting heat to the lead frame.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to radio frequency (RF) communication and more particularly to a multilayer integrated circuit for RF communication and methods for assembly thereof.
2. Description of the Background Art
Cell phone manufacturers are under competitive pressure to make cell phones smaller, less costly, more power efficient, and more sophisticated by adding new functional capabilities. Accordingly, designers may focus on reducing the size and cost of RF modules. An RF module of a typical handset includes the electronic circuitry for receiving, processing, and transmitting RF signals. Typically, the RF module consists of a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and passive electronic components. For example, the RFIC may include a voltage controlled oscillator, a low noise amplifier, a filter, a mixer, and an antenna. The passive electronic components include resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
In general, the passive components are not integrated with the RFIC, and consequently consume large areas of the RF module. For example, in a conventional RF module, a spiral inductor is a coil wound several times within a defined area on a single plane of the RF module. Since the spiral inductor has an inductance value proportional to various physical dimensions including the length of the coil and the number of windings, the inductor may consume a large percentage of costly RF module real estate.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional RF module 100 of the prior art. The conventional RF module 100 includes a plurality of RFICs 110, 120, and 130 mounted on a lead frame 105. The RFICs 110, 120, and 130 are electrically connected to a plurality of lead frame inductors 140, 150, and 160 through bonding wires 170. The lead frame inductors 140, 150, and 160 are formed of the same material as that of the lead frame 105 for impedance matching to the RFICs 110, 120, and 130. According to other embodiments of the prior art, the inductors 140, 150, and 160 may be configured on printed circuit boards (not shown), and electrically connected to the RFICs 110, 120, and 130 via the bonding wires 170. Size and configuration of the conventional RF module 100 is determined to a large extent by the modular space occupied by the lead frame inductors 140, 150, and 160. The constraint placed upon the size and configuration of the RF module 100 by the lead frame inductors 140, 150, and 160 is disadvantageous to design engineers for developing smaller, lower cost handsets with efficient heat dissipation properties.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a plastic ball grid array (BGA) packaged RF module 200 of the prior art, such as RF module 100 shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the RFIC 110 is mounted on the lead frame 105 of a package substrate 210. An electrode pad (not shown) of the RFIC 110 is electrically connected to the lead frame inductor 150 via the bonding wire 170. The lead frame inductor 150 is connected to a solder ball 230 through a via 220. The via 220 is formed by punching the package substrate 210 and filling the punched substrate 210 with metal. The plastic BGA packaged RF module 200 includes a mold cap 240 formed of a plastic material. As illustrated, it is apparent that elements of the plastic BGA packaged RF module 200 are spread over a large area, and that heat generated by the RFIC 110 is transported through the RFIC 110 to the lead frame 105 for dissipation. Since the mold cap 240 is not a good conductor of heat, the lead frame 105 acts as a single heat sink for the RFIC 110.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a thermal enhanced BGA packaged RF module 300 of the prior art, such as RF module 100 shown in FIG. 1. The thermal enhanced BGA packaged RF module 300 is designed to provide a more efficient mechanism for heat dissipation. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the RFIC 110 is mounted on the lead frame 105, and the lead frame 105 is attached to a first surface 312 of a heat sink plate 310. Electrode pads (not shown) of the RFIC 110 are wire bonded to electrode terminals 315 of a multi-PCB layer 320, and connected to solder balls 340 through vias 330 filed with metal in the multi-layered PCB layer 320. A heat transfer gel 350 (also referred to as thermal grease) is deposited on a second surface 314 of the heat sink plate 310. Heat generated by the RFIC 110 is transported from the RFIC 110 to an upper surface 316 of the thermal enhanced BGA packaged RF module 300 via the lead frame 105, the heat sink plate 310, and the heat transfer gel 350. The heat is then dissipated by the upper surface 316.
However, manufacturing process steps in the assembly of the multi-PCB layer 320 are complex, and may lead to low yields. In addition, a multi-PCB layer designed RF module, such as the thermal enhanced BGA packaged RF module 300, is typically voluminous due to the thickness of the multi-PCB layer 320. Furthermore, heat flow is unidirectional, and thus restricted, due to layout and configuration of the RFIC 110, lead frame 105, heat sink plate 310, and thermal grease 350.
In addition to reducing size, another important concern of RF module design engineers is removal of heat generated by the RFIC 110. The RFIC 110 typically includes one or more power amplifiers that generate a large amount of heat that may change transistor parameters and affect RF signal processing operations. It is critical to the stable operation of the RFIC 110 that an RF module package effectively dissipate the heat generated during RF operation. In fact, if heat is not effectively dissipated, electronic components of the RFIC 110 may be damaged and rendered non-operational. Since the plastic BGA packaged RF module 200 (FIG. 2) and the thermal enhanced BGA packaged RF module 300 (FIG. 3) dissipate heat in one direction only, heat transfer rates are poor for these designs.
It is thus desirable to provide a low-profile RF module package having a high heat transfer rate.

Multilayer integrated circuit for RF communication and method for assembly thereof


A personal watercraft with a supercharging device and an intercooler is disclosed. The personal watercraft may include an engine, a water jet pump, a propeller shaft to transmit an output power of the engine to the water jet pump, and a bearing case configured to support a front portion of the propeller shaft. The personal watercraft may further include a supercharging device configured to pressurize air taken in from outside and supplied to the engine, an intercooler configured to cool the air pressurized and compressed by the supercharging device, and a pump room which is formed on a bottom surface of a rear end portion of the body and is configured to accommodate the water jet pump therein. The intercooler may be positioned forward of the pump room and behind the engine and may be mounted to an upper surface of the bearing case.

Some personal watercraft are equipped with an engine including a supercharging device such as a turbocharger or a supercharger.
Since the supercharging device is configured to compress air taken in from outside and supply the compressed air to a throttle device such as a throttle body, it generates a compression heat. If the air to be mixed with a fuel has a high temperature, then density of the air decreases, degrading engine performance. Accordingly, in order to cool the high-temperature air, an intercooler is disposed in close proximity to and downstream of the supercharging device.
However, if the intercooler is mounted in a limited internal space of a body of the watercraft, its size cannot be increased. Also, since an internal space of the body of the watercraft which is suitable in size to accommodate the intercooler is distant from a water jet pump, lengthy piping for the intercooler is needed, reducing cooling efficiency of the intercooler.


A separation disc for a centrifugal separator and a method for manufacturing the separation disc are disclosed. The separation disc is of metal material and adapted to be compressed in a stack of separation discs inside a centrifugal rotor for separating a liquid mixture. The separation disc has a truncated conical shape with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of spacing members extending a certain height above at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface for providing interspaces between mutually adjacent separation discs in the stack. The spacing members are of such small size that each one of them has a width which is less than 2 mm along the surface of the separation disc. The surface of the separation disc is configured with a distribution pattern of the small-sized spacing members, in such a way as to provide equidistant interspaces in the compressed disc stack.

Separation discs of metal are used in connection with relatively robust and large-sized centrifugal separators for separating liquid mixtures; wherein the separation discs are of relatively large size and exposed to both high centrifugal and liquid forces.
The separation discs are stacked at a mutual distance to form interspaces between themselves. The liquid mixture to be separated in the centrifugal rotor is conducted through the interspaces, wherein the liquid mixture is separated into phases of different densities during operation of the centrifugal separator. The interspaces are provided by said spacing members arranged on the surface of each separation disc. There are many ways of forming such spacing members. They may be formed by attaching separate members in the form of narrow strips or small circles of sheet metal to the separation disc, usually by spot welding them to the surface of the separation disc. The separation disc may also be manufactured with spacing members formed in one piece with the material of the separation disc itself. Known techniques for manufacturing separation discs with integrally formed spacing members are disclosed in for instance WO 2007/055630 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,794 B1.
The size of the interspaces between the separation discs depends on how much the spacing members extend or protrude from the surface, i.e. the height of the spacing members. Dimensioning the size of the interspaces or height of the spacing members involves different aspects to be considered. For instance, it will depend on the type and amount of solids (sludge) being suspended in the liquid mixture. In general, the height (or size of the interspaces) will be dimensioned somewhere in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 mm.
Furthermore, the centrifugal rotor provides a separation space which is designed with a given total height for the stack of separation discs. In order to maximize the separating capacity of the centrifugal separator, there is a de-sire to fit as many separation discs as possible into the stack within that given height. More separation discs in the stack means more interspaces in which the liquid mixture can be separated. An optimum height on each of the individual interspaces will however usually be given by (or depend on) the type of liquid mixture which is intended to be separated. Consequently, this leaves the option of making the separation discs as thin as possible to maximize the number of separation discs within said given total stack height.
However, there's a lower limit as to how thin the separation discs can be made. Present day manufacturing techniques and in particular the material of the separation disc will define this lower limit. The thickness of the separation discs (i.e. without counting the spacing members) will typically be somewhere in the range from 0.3 to 0.6 mm. A separation disc having a small size (diameter) may exhibit a thickness of 0.4 mm, whereas a substantially larger separation disc may exhibit a thickness as great as 0.7 mm. Hence, the separation disc is in general made thicker with the size (diameter) of the separation disc. The centrifugal rotor will rotate at high speeds, and accordingly the separation discs are exposed to high centrifugal forces and strains during rotation. If the separation discs are made too thin, such strains would lead to material failure or permanent deformation.
Prior to this happening, there may be other problems with very thin separation discs. As the separation discs are made thinner, they will exhibit a loss in rigidity and irregularities in their shape may begin to appear. The separation discs are furthermore compressed in the stack inside the centrifugal rotor to form a tight unit. The thin separation discs may thereby flex and/or because of their irregular shaping give rise to unevenly sized interspaces in the stack of separation discs. Accordingly, in certain parts of the interspaces (e.g. far away from a spacing member), the mutually adjacent separation discs may be completely compressed against each other to leave no interspaces at all. In other parts of the interspaces (e.g. in the vicinity of a spacing member) the separation discs will not flex much and accordingly provide an adequate height.
A high performing disc stack depends however, among other things, on the interspaces being equidistant. Having the same height all over means that the liquid mixture is evenly distributed in the interspaces of the stack. In this way, the interspaces all contribute to the separation of the liquid mixture. This is important for each of the interspaces separately and in relation to each other. Consequently, different sized interspaces along the stack would cause uneven flow distribution, whereby certain interspaces are overloaded with flow, while other interspaces barely receive any flow at all. Such uneven flow distribution will in turn cause a decrease in the separating efficiency of the disc stack. This problem may also appear in each of the individual interspaces, wherein compressed parts barely receive any flow at all and consequently do not contribute to separating the liquid mixture.

Separation disc for a centrifugal separator and a method for manufacturing the separation disc


Disclosed herein is a light emitting device manufactured by separating a growth substrate in a wafer level. The light emitting device includes: a base; a light emitting structure disposed on the base; and a plurality of second contact electrodes disposed between the base and the light emitting structure, wherein the base includes at least two bulk electrodes electrically connected to the light emitting structure and an insulation support disposed between the bulk electrodes and enclosing the bulk electrodes, the insulation support and the bulk electrodes each including concave parts and convex parts engaged with each other on surfaces facing each other, and the convex parts including a section in which a width thereof is changed in a protrusion direction.

A light emitting device, which is an inorganic semiconductor device emitting light by recombination between electrons and holes, has been recently used in several fields such as a display, a vehicle lamp, a general illuminating device, and the like.
Recently, in accordance with an increase in a demand for a small high output light emitting device, a demand for a large-area flip-chip type light emitting device having excellent heat radiation efficiency has increased. Electrodes of the flip-chip type light emitting device are directly bonded to a secondary substrate, and a wire for supplying external power to the flip-chip type light emitting device is not used, such that the flip-chip type light emitting device has heat radiation efficiency significantly higher than that of a horizontal type light emitting device. Therefore, even though a high density current is applied, heat can be effectively conducted to the secondary substrate, such that the flip-chip type light emitting device is appropriate for a high output light source.