A food service conveyor system for providing a space saving device for holding hot and cold food. The system includes a base for resting on a surface, and a plurality of rotatable levels mounted on the base. The plurality of rotatable levels comprises a first one of the rotatable levels being positioned adjacent to the base, a second one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the first rotatable level, and a third one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the second rotatable level. The first rotatable level has a first rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a first annular support located below the first rotatable panel. The first annular support includes cooling means for cooling the upper surface of the first rotatable panel. The second rotatable level has a second rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a second annular support located below the second rotatable panel. The second annular support includes a first heating means for heating the upper surface of the second rotatable panel. The third rotatable level comprises a third rotatable panel with an upper surface and a third circular support located below the third rotatable panel. The third circular support includes a second heating means for heating the upper surface of the third rotatable panel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to food conveyors and more particularly pertains to a new food service conveyor system for providing a space saving device for holding hot and cold food.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of food conveyors is known in the prior art. More specifically, food conveyors heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art food conveyors include U.S. Pat. No. 2,644,567, U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,440; U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,479; U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,810; U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,620; U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,492; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,099, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,778.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new food service conveyor system. The inventive device includes a base for resting on a surface, and a plurality of rotatable levels mounted on the base. The plurality of rotatable levels comprises a first one of the rotatable levels being positioned adjacent to the base, a second one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the first rotatable level, and a third one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the second rotatable level. The first rotatable level has a first rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a first annular support located below the first rotatable panel. The first annular support includes cooling means for cooling the upper surface of the first rotatable panel. The second rotatable level has a second rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a second annular support located below the second rotatable panel. The second annular support includes a first heating means for heating the upper surface of the second rotatable panel. The third rotatable level comprises a third rotatable panel with an upper surface and a third circular support located below the third rotatable panel. The third circular support includes a second heating means for heating the upper surface of the third rotatable panel.
In these respects, the food service conveyor system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a space saving device for holding hot and cold food.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of food conveyors now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new food service conveyor system wherein the same can be utilized for providing a space saving device for holding hot and cold food.
The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new food service conveyor system which has many of the advantages of the food conveyors mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new food service conveyor system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art food conveyors, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a base for resting on a surface, and a plurality of rotatable levels mounted on the base. The plurality of rotatable levels comprises a first one of the rotatable levels being positioned adjacent to the base, a second one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the first rotatable level, and a third one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the second rotatable level. The first rotatable level has a first rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a first annular support located below the first rotatable panel. The first annular support includes cooling means for cooling the upper surface of the first rotatable panel. The second rotatable level has a second rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a second annular support located below the second rotatable panel. The second annular support includes a first heating means for heating the upper surface of the second rotatable panel. The third rotatable level comprises a third rotatable panel with an upper surface and a third circular support located below the third rotatable panel. The third circular support includes a second heating means for heating the upper surface of the third rotatable panel.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature an essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide ,a new food service conveyor system which has many of the advantages of the food conveyors mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new food service conveyor system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art food conveyors, either alone or in any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new food service conveyor system that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new food service conveyor system that is of a durable and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new food service conveyor system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such food service conveyor system economically available to the buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new food service conveyor system which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new food service conveyor system for providing a space saving device for holding hot and cold food.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new food service conveyor system that includes a base for resting on a surface, and a plurality of rotatable levels mounted on the base. The plurality of rotatable levels comprises a first one of the rotatable levels being positioned adjacent to the base, a second one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the first rotatable level, and a third one of the rotatable levels being mounted adjacent to and above the second rotatable level. The first rotatable level has a first rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a first annular support located below the first rotatable panel. The first annular support includes cooling means for cooling the upper surface of the first rotatable panel. The second rotatable level has a second rotatable panel with an upper surface for supporting food containers and a second annular support located below the second rotatable panel. The second annular support includes a first heating means for heating the upper surface of the second rotatable panel. The third rotatable level comprises a third rotatable panel with an upper surface and a third circular support located below the third rotatable panel. The third circular support includes a second heating means for heating the upper surface of the third rotatable panel.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new food service conveyor system that may be placed on a table to hold dishes and food containers and keep the food and beverages with the containers hot or cold.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new food service conveyor system that is of a convenient size to place on a table and hold commonly sized dishes.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.


A component made from a crosslinked polymeric material, wherein the crosslinked polymeric material has a reduced crystallinity is described. An associated method for fabricating such a component is also described.

Implantable prosthetic devices typically include a component constructed from a polymeric material, such as polyethylene. For example, many implantable prosthetic devices include a bearing component, such as an acetabular bearing, a glenoid bearing, or a tibial bearing made from a polymeric material such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). UHMWPE is utilized in the construction of prosthetic bearing components due to its favorable mechanical and wear characteristics. Moreover, it has been determined that certain characteristics of polymeric materials, such as UHMWPE, may be enhanced by exposing the material to radiation. For example, exposing UHMWPE to predetermined doses of radiation crosslinks the UHMWPE and thereby increases its wear resistance. Accordingly, many prosthetic devices include a bearing component constructed of crosslinked UHMWPE in order to gain the aforementioned benefits.
However, the irradiation of polymeric materials, like UHMWPE, to increase their wear resistance can also cause the degradation of other mechanical characteristics of the material. For example, the mechanical characteristics which allow a polymer component to appropriately withstand high stress applications, such as those associated with locking rings and tabs, can deteriorate if the polymeric material is exposed to certain amounts of radiation. One approach to this problem is not to use highly crosslinked UHMWPE in high stress designs. For example, in some instances UHMWPE is only exposed to a reduced or low dose of radiation so that it will have adequate mechanical properties to withstand these high stress designs. Therefore, this UHMWPE will only be crosslinked to a low degree. However, a problem with this approach is that the wear rate of this low crosslinked polymeric material tends to be less than optimal. Therefore, a polymeric material and associated method for treating a polymeric material that results in it having an enhanced wear rate and other mechanical properties (e.g. the properties which allow the material to appropriately withstand high stress applications) is desirable.

Low crystalline polymeric material for orthopaedic implants and an associated method


A packing is mounted on a fixed ring of a rolling-contact bearing with rolling elements in contact with the fixed ring and a rotating ring. A sensor is supported by the packing and an encoder is mounted on the rotating ring. A protective casing for the sensor and its connection with a feed cable has a chamber extending axially, between a recess receiving the fixed ring and a bottom wall of the casing, for holding the cable. The resulting rolling-contact bearing assembly may include a winding cylinder and may include features permitting assembling together of a number of casings for different bearing assemblies.

This invention relates generally to a rolling-contact bearing assembly with a data sensor and, more particularly, to a bearing assembly which has a protective casing for a sensor component.
French Patent No. 2,661,246 A describes a rolling-contact bearing assembly with a data sensor which has a closed casing intended to protect the sensor means and the feed cable which is an integral part of the latter. However, this casing does not provide protection for the cable, particularly during the course of mounting on the rolling-contact bearing.
The foregoing illustrates limitations known to exist in present devices and methods. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advantageous to provide an alternative directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.

Rolling-contact bearing assembly with data sensor


An electronic device receives data from an EEPROM by sending address information to it on one set of leads and receiving data back from it through a different set of multiplexed address/data leads. The electronic device also sends and receives data to and from a data path controller by sending address information and sending or receiving data information to or from it through the set of multiplexed address/data leads. Selection of which device, the EEPROM or the data path controller, to communicate with is made by the electronic device setting appropriate values for chip select and chip enable commands. Synchronization of the sending and receiving of the address and data information is accomplished by the use of address and data strobe signals generated by the electronic device and connected, as appropriate, with the EEPROM and data path controller.

This invention relates in general to the transfer of data between an electronic device and two or more memory or peripheral devices and in particular, where at least one of the memory or peripheral devices requires that its input and output ("I/O") for the data and the data's address be non-multiplexed and on separate leads, and at least one other memory or peripheral device requires that its I/O for the data and the data's address be multiplexed through the same leads.
Many memory or peripheral devices such as EEPROMs, have separate address and data I/O leads and in turn, require separate address and data I/O communication capability from electronic devices to and from which they transmit data. These devices maximize their read/write data access speeds at the expense of increasing their required number of I/O leads.
However, some memory or peripheral devices and especially, certain peripheral devices such as data path controllers, have a single set of I/O leads through which address and data signals are multiplexed and in turn, require electronic devices to and from which they transmit data to also provide a corresponding set of I/O leads through which address and data signals are multiplexed. These devices minimize the number of their required I/O leads at the expense of slowing down their effective read/write data access times.
Frequently, it is desirable for an electronic device such as a microprocesser (".mu.P") to communicate in the same system with memory or peripheral devices of both types. In order to do so, the .mu.P or the .mu.P in conjunction with additional logic external to the .mu.P, must provide address and data signals to both types of devices that are compatible with their different I/O needs.
FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a prior art circuit for accomplishing this. A .mu.P 200 multiplexes and transmits the lower 8-bits of an address, A7-A0, with 8-bits of data, D7-D0, through one set of eight I/O leads 220, and transmits the upper 8-bits of the address, A15-A8, through a separate set of eight I/O leads 210.
An 8-bit address latch 300 receives the multiplexed address/data signals, AD7-AD0, at its I/O leads 230, and latches in only the 8-bit address information, A7-A0, for temporary storage. Storage of only the address information is accomplished by connecting the address strobe signal ("AS") generated by the .mu.P 200 to the latch enable ("LE") of the 8-bit latch 300.
Device 310 is a 32K.times.8 memory device that receives a 15-bit address, A14-A0, and receives or transmits 8 bits of data, D7-D0, through separate I/O leads, 260, 270 and 250 respectively. To interface with the .mu.P 200, the chip enable ("CE") of the memory device 310 is connected to the 16th address bit, A15, from I/O leads 210. The 16th address bit is used for this purpose, because it is otherwise not used when addressing only 32k address locations.
When the .mu.P 200 reads data from the memory device 310, the memory device 310 receives at its I/O leads 260 the lower 8-bits of the data's address from the output leads 240 of the address latch 300, and at its I/O leads 270, the upper 7-bits of the data's address from the first 7 of the set of 8 I/O leads 210. The 8-bit data is then strobed out of the memory device 310 through its I/O leads 250 and to the set of multiplexed address/data I/O leads 220 of .mu.P 200 by the data strobe signal ("DS") which is generated by the .mu.P 200 and connected to the output enable ("OE") of the memory device 310.
Device 320 is a 256.times.8 memory device that requires its 8-bit address, A7-A0, and 8-bit data I/O, D7-D0, to be multiplexed and received/transmitted through the same 8 I/O leads 280. To interface with the .mu.P 200, the chip select ("CS") of the memory device 320 is connected to a data memory control bit ("DM") generated by the .mu.P 200.
The memory device 320 then receives/transmits its multiplexed address/data I/O, AD7-AD0, directly from the I/O leads 220 of the .mu.P 200, which are connected to its I/O leads 280. The 8-bit address and data information are strobed off and one the set of the I/O leads 280 under the control of the AS and DS signals, respectively, which originate from the .mu.P 200 and connect to their respective pin counterparts on the memory device 320.
Although the example of FIG. 1 provides effective communication between the .mu.P 200 and the two external memory devices 310 and 320, in many applications where printed circuit board space is at a premium, the requirement of an additional component such as the 8-bit latch 300 is objectionable. For these applications, an interface configuration that does not require additional interface components is desirable.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an address/data I/O structure for an electronic device, such as a .mu.P, which can communicate with memory or peripheral devices with address/data I/O structures such as those of devices 310 and 320, respectively, without the necessity of adding additional interface components to the system circuitry.

Device with multiplexed and non-multiplexed address and data I/O capability


An optical fiber telecommunications cable includes micromodules positioned with a longitudinal central cavity formed by a jacket. Two strength members are arranged longitudinally in the jacket and define a bending axis of the cable. Each strength member has an elongated oval cross-sectional shape with a height perpendicular to the bending axis and a width parallel to the bending axis. The height-to-width ratio of each strength member is more than one and no more than two. The optical fiber telecommunications cable has a reduced diameter and good robustness, and can be manufactured at lower cost.

Optical fiber telecommunications cables are generally intended to be laid in ducts of urban or long-haul transmission systems. To facilitate its positioning within a duct, a telecommunications cable must have a certain robustness to withstand the traction and the mechanical stresses of installation, as well as a certain flexibility in at least one bending direction. In addition, a telecommunications cable must generally be able to withstand conditions of use over a wide temperature range, possibly between −40° C. to +60° C., which may cause expansions and compressions in the cable jacket. It is known to supplement the telecommunications cable with strength members, which absorb the mechanical stresses and thereby protect the optical fibers arranged in the cable. Strength members may be positioned in the central area of the cable or on its periphery.
For example, International Publication No. WO 2006/034722 and International Publication No. WO 2006/034723 describe cables with micromodules having two circular strength members located longitudinally in the cable jacket surrounding the micromodules.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,957 describes an optical fiber cable in which optical fibers are placed in a tubular element filled with a filler composition. A jacket surrounds the tubular element and strength members are arranged in the jacket against the tubular element. In one of the examples of this document, the strength members follow the outer periphery of the tubular element. The cable described in this patent, however, is not a cable with micromodules.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,457 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,575 each describe an optical fiber cable including bundles of fibers assembled and placed in a tubular element filled with a filler composition. A jacket surrounds the tubular element and circular strength members are arranged in the jacket against the tubular element.
International Publication No. WO 92/01962 describes an optical fiber cable comprising at least one so-called package of optical fiber ribbons and at least one reinforcing member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,789 (and its counterpart French Patent Publication 2,706,218) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,312 (and its counterpart French Patent Publication 2,665,266) disclose optical fiber cables that include several micromodules of optical fibers, wherein each optical fiber micromodule is enveloped by a retaining jacket enclosing several fibers.
There remains, however, a need for an optical fiber telecommunications cable that possesses a reduced diameter, as well as satisfactory robustness and water-blocking properties, and yet can be manufactured at lower cost than conventional telecommunications cables.


The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

The present invention relates to golf balls and, more particularly, to improved golf balls comprising multi-layer covers which have a comparatively hard inner layer and a relatively soft outer layer, and a unique dual core configuration. The improved multi-layer golf balls provide for enhanced distance and durability properties over single layer cover golf balls while at the same time offering enhanced xe2x80x9cfeelxe2x80x9d and spin characteristics generally associated with soft balata and balata-like covers of the prior art.
Traditional golf ball covers have been comprised of balata or blends of balata with elastomeric or plastic materials. The traditional balata covers are relatively soft and flexible. Upon impact, the soft balata covers compress against the surface of the club producing high spin. consequently, the soft and flexible balata covers provide an experienced golfer with the ability to apply a spin to control the ball in flight in order to produce a draw or a fade, or a backspin which causes the ball to xe2x80x9cbitexe2x80x9d or stop abruptly on contact with the green. Moreover, the soft balata covers produce a soft xe2x80x9cfeelxe2x80x9d to the low handicap player. Such playability properties (workability, feel, etc.) are particularly important in short iron play with low swing speeds and are exploited significantly by relatively skilled players.
Despite all the benefits of balata, balata covered golf balls are easily cut and/or damaged if mis-hit. Golf balls produced with balata or balata-containing cover compositions therefore have a relatively short lifespan.
As a result of this negative property, balata and its synthetic substitutes, transpolybutadiene and transpolyisoprene, have been essentially replaced as the cover materials of choice by new cover materials comprising ionomeric resins.
Ionomeric resins are polymers containing interchain ionic bonding. As a result of their toughness, durability and flight characteristics, various ionomeric resins sold by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company under the trademark xe2x80x9cSurlyn(copyright)xe2x80x9d and more recently, by the Exxon Corporation (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,451) under the trademarks xe2x80x9cESCOR(copyright)xe2x80x9d and the trade name xe2x80x9cIotek,xe2x80x9d have become the materials of choice for the construction of golf ball covers over the traditional xe2x80x9cbalataxe2x80x9d (transpolyisoprene, natural or synthetic) rubbers. As stated, the softer balata covers, although exhibiting enhanced playability properties, lack the durability (cut and abrasion resistance, fatigue endurance, etc.) properties required for repetitive play.
Ionomeric resins are generally ionic copolymers of an olefin, such as ethylene, and a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or maleic acid. Metal ions, such as sodium or zinc, are used to neutralize some portion of the acidic group in the copolymer resulting in a thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting enhanced properties, i.e. durability, etc., for golf ball cover construction over balata. However, some of the advantages gained in increased durability have been offset to some degree by the decreases produced in playability. This is because although the ionomeric resins are very durable, they tend to be very hard when utilized for golf ball cover construction, and thus lack the degree of softness required to impart the spin necessary to control the ball in flight. Since the ionomeric resins are harder than balata, the ionomeric resin covers do not compress as much against the face of the club upon impact, thereby producing less spin. In addition, the harder and more durable ionomeric resins lack the xe2x80x9cfeelxe2x80x9d characteristic associated with the softer balata related covers.
As a result, while there are currently more than fifty (50) commercial grades of ionomers available both from DuPont and Exxon, with a wide range of properties which vary according to the type and amount of metal cations, molecular weight, composition of the base resin (i.e., relative content of ethylene and methacrylic and/or acrylic acid groups) and additive ingredients such as reinforcement agents, etc., a great deal of research continues in order to develop a golf ball cover composition exhibiting not only the improved impact resistance and carrying distance properties produced by the xe2x80x9charexe2x80x9d ionomeric resins, but also the playability (i.e., xe2x80x9cspin,xe2x80x9d xe2x80x9cfeel,xe2x80x9d etc.) characteristics previously associated with the xe2x80x9csoftxe2x80x9d balata covers, properties which are still desired by the more skilled golfer.
Consequently, a number of two-piece (a solid resilient center or core with a molded cover) and three-piece (a liquid or solid center, elastomeric winding about the center, and a molded cover) golf balls have been produced to address these-needs. the different types of materials utilized to formulate the cores, coves, etc. of these balls dramatically alters the balls"" overall characteristics. In addition, multi-layered covers containing one or more ionomer resins have also been formulated in an attempt to produce a golf ball having the overall distance, playability and durability characteristics desired.
This was addressed by Spalding and Evenflo Companies, Inc., the assignee of the present invention, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,193 where a multi-layered golf ball is produced by initially molding a first cover layer on a spherical core and then adding a second layer. The first layer is comprised of a hard, high flexural modulus resinous material such as type 1605 Surlyn(copyright) (now designated Surlyn(copyright) 8940). Type 1605 Surlyn (Surlyn(copyright) 8940) is a sodium ion based low acid (less than or equal to 15 weight percent methacrylic acid) ionomer resin having a flexural modulus of about 51,000 psi. An outer layer of a comparatively soft, low flexural modulus resinous material such as type 1855 Surlyn(copyright) (now designated Surlyn(copyright) 9020) is molded over the inner cover layer. Type 1855 Surlyn(copyright) (Surlyn(copyright) 9020) is a zinc ion based low acid (10 weight percent methacrylic acid) ionomer resin having a flexural modulus of about 14,000 psi.
The ""193 patent teaches that the hard, high flexural modulus resin which comprises the first layer provides for a gain in coefficient of restitution over the coefficient of restitution of the core. The increase in the coefficient of restitution provides a ball which serves to attain or approach the maximum initial velocity limit of 255 feet per second as provided by the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) rules. The relatively soft, low flexural modulus outer layer provides for the advantageous xe2x80x9cfeelxe2x80x9d and playing characteristics of a balata covered golf ball.
In various attempts to produce a durable, high spin ionomer golf ball, the golfing industry has blended the hard ionomer resins with a number of softer ionomeric resins. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4884,814 and 5,120,791 are directed to cover compositions containing blends of hard and soft ionomeric resins. The hard copolymers typically are made from an olefin and an unsaturated carboxylic acid. The soft copolymers are generally made from an olefin, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an acrylate ester. It has been found that golf ball covers formed from hard=soft ionomer blends tend to become scuffed more readily than covers made of hard ionomer alone. It would be useful to develop a golf ball having a combination of softness and durability which is better than the softness-durability combination of a golf ball cover made from a hard-soft ionomer blend.
Most professional golfers and good amateur golfers desire a golf ball that provides distance when hit off a driver, control and stopping ability on full iron shots, and high spin on short xe2x80x9ctouch and feelxe2x80x9d shots. Many conventional two-piece and thread wound performance golf balls have undesirable high spin rates on full shots. The excessive spin on full shots is a sacrifice made in order to achieve more spin which is desired on the shorter touch shots. It would be beneficial to provide a golf ball which has high spin for touch shots without generating excessive spin or full shots.
These and other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following summary and description of the invention, the drawings and from the claims.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a golf ball comprising a dual core comprising a center component and a core layer disposed about the center component. The golf ball further comprises an inner cover layer molded on the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer is formed from a high acid ionomer including at least 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid. The outer cover layer is formed from a relatively soft polymeric material such as low flexural modulus ionomer resins and non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a multi-layer golf ball comprising a dual core component that includes an interior spherical center component and a core layer disposed about the spherical center component. The golf ball further comprises an inner cover layer molded over the core layer of the dual core, and an outer cover layer molded over the inner cover layer. The inner and outer cover layers have particular properties. The inner cover layer comprises an ionomeric resin including at least 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and has a modulus of from about 15,000 to about 70,000 psi. The outer cover layer comprises a blend of a sodium or zinc salt of a particular copolymer and a particular unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, and a sodium or zinc salt of a certain terpolymer, acrylic acid and a particular unsaturated monomer of the acrylate ester class. The outer cover layer has a modulus of from about 1,000 to about 30,000 psi.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-layer golf ball comprising a spherical dual core, an inner cover layer molded over the dual core, and an outer cover layer molded over the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer comprises an ionomeric resin including 17% to 25% of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and has a modulus of from about 15,000 to about 70,000 psi. The outer cover layer comprises a non-ionomeric thermoplastic selected from the group consisting of polyester elastomer, polyester urethane, and polyester amide. The outer cover layer has a modulus in the range of 1,000 to 30,000 psi.
In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a golf ball comprising a dual core, an inner cover layer molded on the dual core, an outer cover layer molded on the inner cover layer, and at least one outer core layer disposed about the dual core. The inner cover layer comprises a high acid ionomer including at least 16% of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid. The outer cover layer comprises a relatively soft polymeric material of low flexural modulus ionomer resins and non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a multi-layer golf ball comprising a spherical dual core including an interior spherical center and a core layer disposed about the center. The golf ball further comprises an inner cover layer molded over the spherical dual core, an outer cover layer molded over the inner cover layer, and at least one inner core layer disposed between the dual core and the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer comprises an ionomeric resin including at least 16% of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and has a modulus of from 15,000 to 70,000 psi. The outer cover layer comprises a particular blend of a sodium or zinc salt of a certain copolymer and a sodium or zinc salt of a terpolymer. The outer cover layer has a modulus of 1,000 to 30,000 psi.
Moreover, the present invention provides a multi-layer golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover molded over the dual core, an outer core layer molded over the inner cover, and at least one outer core layer disposed between the dual core and the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer comprises an ionomeric resin including 17% to 25% of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and has a modulus of 15,000 to 70,000 psi. The outer cover layer comprises a non-ionomeric thermoplastic of a polyester elastomer, a polyester polyurethane and a polyester amide. The outer cover has a modulus in the range of 1,000 to 3,000 psi.


A heated thermal filter cover maintains a fluid filter, and fluid within the filter, above a gelling temperature of the fluid. The filter cover includes a soft or flexible receptacle which is generally circular in top plan and an electrical resistance wire. The receptacle includes a circular wall and a bottom which define an upwardly opening chamber sized to receive the filter. A resistance wire is placed inside the chamber, preferably at the bottom of the chamber and adjacent the inner surface of the wall. Lead wires connect the resistance wire to a source of electricity, such as the electrical system of a truck or a battery. The wall and bottom of the receptacle are both made of two plies of fleece coated fabric, the two plies being assembled together so that the fleece surfaces face each other so that the wall and bottom of the receptacle will insulate the chamber. The outer ply is preferably a fleece backed vinyl and the inner ply is preferably a thermal fleece. The receptacle is closed by a draw string at the top of the wall. The resistance wire draws only about 0.7-1.1 amps to allow the filter cover to be operated for long periods of time without the engine operating and without substantially draining the battery.

This invention relates to filter heaters, and in particular, to a heated thermal filter cover for use with fluids, such as diesel fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluids, which gel at temperatures of less then 32.degree. F. Although the invention will be described primarily with respect to trucks which use diesel fuel, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention has broader applications.
The fuel filters for diesel engines of trucks, for example, are often outside the truck's engine compartment. The filter, therefore, is subjected to the ambient atmosphere. When it gets cold, e.g., less than 0.degree. F., the filter will get cold, and the diesel fuel, which is not heated, will gel in the filter. When the fuel gels in the filter, fuel cannot pass through the filter, and thus, fuel will not reach the engine. The engine, therefore, will stall or the operator will be unable to start the engine. When fuel gels in the filter, the only recourse for the operator is to pull the truck over to the side of the road and replace the fuel filter. If the operator does not have a spare fuel filter with him, he must wait for a new filter to be delivered. As can be appreciated, either of these options takes a considerable amount of time. Further, the gelling of fuel in the filter requires a filter to be replaced prematurely, i.e., before it would otherwise not have to be replaced. Both the time spent replacing the filter and the cost of the new filter increase the cost of transporting goods over the road.
Many have attempted to develop filter heaters to prevent fuels from gelling in filters. Most of these filter heaters, however, are complicated and expensive to build, and difficult to install. For example, there are several filter heaters which use heated cooling fluid from the engine to maintain the filter, and the fuel in the filter, above the fuel's gelling temperature. Such filter heaters are difficult to install because they must be interconnected with the engine's cooling system.
Other filter heaters are electrical. Although it is easier to connect the heater to the engine's electrical system than to the cooling system, the electrical heaters are difficult to install over the filter. Hence, they are also difficult to remove from the filter to change the filter. As can be appreciated, a heater which is difficult to remove and install only makes the changing of the filter more difficult and time consuming. Fuel filters must be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles in trucks. In many trucking operations, this distance is traveled very quickly (i.e., in a month or less). In filter heaters that are difficult to install and to remove from the filter, the time wasted because of the difficulty in changing the fuel filter will add up quickly.


A sleeve generally shaped as a limb and an overlapping area of curvature formed in the sleeve extending a length of the sleeve. A clasp is formed from slicing the overlapping area of curvature the length of the sleeve along a line substantially perpendicular to a transverse plane to create a first end and a second end. The sleeve is openable to separate the first end and the second end of the clasp for fitting the sleeve around the prosthesis and latchable by fitting the first end of the clasp over the second end of the clasp.

A prosthesis is often used to replace an amputated portion of the limb and to help restore the amputee's ability to use that limb. A prosthesis for a lower extremity amputation will often include artificial foot and ankle components coupled to an upright assembly, which is in turn coupled to a custom-fitted socket assembly. If the amputation is an above the knee, the upright assembly will often include an artificial knee joint.
Often times, a cosmetic cover is fabricated to cover the endoskeletal components of the prosthetic limb described above to simulate the outward appearance of a limb. One technique for hiding, covering, shielding or masking the structural component contemplates prosthesis foam shaped to substantially conform to the shape of a limb. Typically, the sound limb of an amputee is used as a model. The foam that covers the pylon is sculpted to look like the sound limb in shape and size. This process is expensive and time consuming.
Other types of prosthetic covers require multiple hand-crafted pieces to simulate the contour/appearance of an actual limb. Usually the resulting product is less than satisfactory because it lacks durability, is heavy and requires much more labor to install.
Accordingly, there is a need for a prosthetic cover that is durable, easy to install, and inexpensive and replicable to accommodate different aesthetics.

Prosthesis cover and method of manufacture


A distributed computing environment and associated method for monitoring a queue-based messaging system. The queue-based messaging system controls the exchange of messages between a server process and client process applications. A messaging application residing at the server computer platform and forming part of the queue-based messaging system manages a plurality of trigger-initiated local queues, each associated with one of the plurality of client process applications and having queue depth, trigger enable, get enable and put enable attributes. A monitoring tool residing on the server computer platform acquires a value for the queue depth, trigger enable, put enable and get enable attributes for a plurality of trigger-initiated local queues and generally simultaneously displays, on a user interface coupled to the server computer platform, the value for the queue depth, trigger enable, put enable and get enable attributes for each one of the plurality of trigger-initiated local queues.

In a computer network, plural computer systems are joined together to exchange information and share resources. Thus, a computer network is a distributed computing environment in which networked computer systems provide users with the capabilities of access to distributed resources, for example, remote files and databases or remote printers, and to distributed processing, for example, where an application is processed on two or more computer systems. In such a distributed computing environment, the components of an application may reside on different machines but work together. For example, each work station in a computer network often provides a user interface and local analysis and data processing, while larger, host computers, for example, a file server or mainframe, may maintain a large set of data files, coordinate access to large databases and perform larger scale data processing.
In a distributed processing environment, each application or process must be able to communicate and exchange information with other applications or processes in the environment. Currently, many inter-application or inter-process exchanges are performed using a messaging technique commonly referred to as message queuing. In message queuing, a first (or "client") process passes a message to request processing by a second (or "server") process. The messages are queued at the server process to await handling thereby. In turn, the server process returns an alert when the results are ready. A message queuing messaging technique may be further characterized as being a "trigger initialized" messaging technique if a notification is issued to the server process upon placement of the request message in the message queue and the message queue meets certain specified criteria. One message oriented middleware product which uses a trigger initialized message queuing messaging technique to enable processes to communicate and exchange information in a distributed computing environment is known as MQ Series messaging software and is commercially available through International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, N.Y.
A drawback to trigger initialized message queuing messaging techniques such as that disclosed in the MQ Series messaging software is that, if a message is already waiting in a queue when a new message arrives, the trigger flag is not set or otherwise checked when the new message arrives. As a result, if an error occurred during the arrival of a prior message and the trigger flag was not set upon the arrival of the prior message, then all later arriving messages will begin to back up in the queue because the trigger flag remains unset. As a result, both the original message as well as the later arriving messages will not be retrieved by the server process and the requesting messages issued by the client process will remain unprocessed.
A traditional technique used to identify problems in queues is to select individual queues for testing. To test a selected queue, a network administrator constructs a message designed to pass through that queue. If the message fails to arrive in a specified period of time, then the network administrator can reasonably conclude that the selected queue is having problems. It should be readily appreciated that to diagnose problems in a queue-based messaging system by testing individual queues thereof would be a laborious and time consuming task, particularly if the queue-based messaging system has many queues. Accordingly, many queue-based messaging systems are equipped with an interface which enables the network administrator to review the queues themselves. Heretofore, however, the network administrator/message queue interface has not been properly designed to enable the network administrator to readily identify and rectify problems in the message queues. For example, while the MQ Series messaging software is equipped with a message queue interface ("MQI") through which a series of administrative functions may be executed, such administrative functions operate on a queue-level. Using the MQI, the network administrator is able to review the status of a selected queue but cannot simultaneously review the status of plural queues. Thus, if a problem develops at the serving platform due to a problem within one of the message queues maintained thereat, the network administrator must review the functioning of each queue to locate the problem queue. Furthermore, the administrative tools available to the network administrator through the MQI are not particularly well configured to diagnose problems within a queue. Oftentimes, upon selecting a queue for examination, the network administrator must parse through pages of information related to the selected queue before the administrator is able to determine whether the queue is functioning properly or improperly.
Accordingly, this invention provides a tool by which a network administrator may readily identify and rectify queuing problems within a queue-based messaging system used for the exchange of messages between client and server processes or computer platforms of a computer network by enabling the network administrator to review selected information regarding selected queues of the queue-based messaging system at the network-level.

Method and apparatus for network-level monitoring of queue-based messaging systems


A radio receiver is selectively operable in a current mode or a voltage mode according to conditions prevailing within a wireless environment. If the signal levels within the wireless environment are relatively low, the radio receiver is operable in current mode. If the signal levels within the wireless environment are relatively high, the radio receiver is operable in voltage mode. The radio receiver is switchable between current and voltage mode of operation via selectively actuable switches that bringing into effect or remove from effect corresponding resistances.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that IEEE 802.15.4 is a simple packet data protocol for lightweight wireless networks, used in controllers, sensors, remote monitoring etc. where long battery life is important. This protocol is targeted at home and building automation and controls, PC peripherals, medical monitoring and toys. The primary motivations behind IEEE 802.15.4 are simplicity, long battery life, networking capabilities, reliability and cost. It will be appreciated that the Zigbee™ Alliance governs standards applicable to the above, further details of which are available at http://www.zigbee.org. One skilled in the art appreciates that the Zigbee Alliance has defined, or is in the process of defining, a standard that relates to the layers of a communication stack that are above the PHY and MAC layers of IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
Conventional transceivers compliant with this standard have operated exclusively in either a current mode or voltage mode. Operating the transceiver in a current mode is preferable in an environment where small signals prevail, that is, in an environment in which the signals have signals strengths for example from −95 dBm to −50 dBm. Operating the transceiver in a voltage mode is preferable in an environment where relatively larger signals prevail such as, for example, signals having a signal strength of −49 dBm to −10 dBm.
Therefore, it will be appreciated that a transceiver operable in current mode might be unsuitable for use in a wireless environment in which relatively large signals prevail. Similarly, a transceiver operable in voltage mode might be unsuitable for use in a wireless environment in which relatively small signals prevail.
It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to at least mitigate some of the problems of the prior art.

Radio receiver/transceiver including an interface circuit selectively operable in a current mode or a voltage mode


An instrument and method is provided for verifying the routing of and measuring the insertion losses of multiple fiber optic assemblies. Each light source launches the same amount of light power into each fiber. Correcting factors are provided for the responsivity of each detector. Optical switches are avoided. Calibration of base optical powers is reduced and made independent of the cable assembly. Base optical power is equalized for all fibers. A responsive correction is also provided for all detectors. The number of times that the connectors are mated and unmated is also reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fiber optic assemblies and in particular, to a system and instrument for verifying the routing and measuring the insertion losses of multiple fiber optic assemblies.
2. Description of the Related Art
The availability and proliferation of multiple fiber optical connectors has increased the complexity of cable assemblies necessary for routing the signals generated by transmission equipment into multiplexers and other local equipment. Until recently, single optical fiber cables were used to direct the signals between relevant points. In many cases this involved hundreds of cable assemblies which occupied a fair amount of space and were difficult to organize.
To solve this problem, special cable arrangements like shuffles and flexible fiber circuits were introduced. Essentially, these arrangements consist of a collection of multiple fiber connectors, normally 8, 12 or more fiber MT or similar type fiber optic connectors, or a combination of multiple fiber and single fiber connectors, organized as input and output connectors. Fibers are then routed from one position in an input connector to another position in an output connector according to the specified routing requirements. By partially organizing the fibers in a ribbon fashion a very compact arrangement can be obtained.
FIG. 1 shows a shuffle type cable assembly. In particular, the input side connectors 101, the output side connectors 104 and the optical fibers 102 are shown. FIG. 2 shows a flexible circuit type cable assembly. The optical fibers 102 are glued on a flexible substrate 103. Shown also are the input side connectors 101 and the output side connectors 104.
Normally the specifications of these circuits involve a table showing the start and end of each fiber, from one of the many positions in a particular multiple fiber connector to one of the many positions in another particular multiple fiber connector. It is important to verify the correctness of the routing. Sometimes it is also necessary to determine the insertion loss (attenuation) introduced into the overall system by the cable assembly. This is important because of optical power budgeting considerations.
In any fiber optic interconnection, some loss occurs. Insertion loss for a connector or splice is the difference in power that is seen by the insertion of the device into the system. Insertion loss (or attenuation) is defined as the difference between the optical power launched into an interconnection cable and the optical power measured at the opposite end, or mathematically as follows:Insertion Loss=10×log (P1/P0) dB
Wherein P0 is the power of the optical signal launched into a cable, and
P1 is the power of the optical signal as it passes out of the cable.
At present, there are two main methods to verify that routing is correct and to measure insertion losses. The first method consists of using a set of a limited number of light sources and detectors (usually 12 of each or less). Launching and receiving cables connected on one side to these light sources and detectors on the other side, respectively, are terminated with the required connector and then mated successively with the connectors in the shuffle or flexible circuit.
Only one multiple connector from the launching cable is mated with the connector in the shuffle or flexible circuit arrangement at one time. Since fibers in the arrangement could be routed arbitrarily from input to output connectors with fibers in one input connector being normally routed to one or more different output connectors, this implies that the mating of the cables has to be repeated several times for the same connectors, both in the input and output sides in order to verify the routing or measure the insertion losses. This not only increases the time and labor consuming nature of the measurement process, but the multiple operations of connecting and disconnecting might damage the fiber termination in the launching cables or the cable assembly arrangement itself. Moreover, determining the base power (P0 in the insertion loss formula) increases the complexity of the measurement.
The second method involves the use of optical switches. In this case, one light source is directed to each input fiber successively by mechanically or otherwise switching the light. Similarly, the light leaving each output fiber is switched to a single detector. The drawback of this last method is that optical switches for large numbers of positions are normally mechanically driven and consequently slow and bulky. Precision requirements also tend to make them expensive.
Accordingly, there is an unfilled need for a cost-effective system and instrument for quickly, easily and efficiently verifying the routing and measuring the insertion losses of multiple fiber optic assemblies. The present invention employs lasers and detectors that are currently manufactured in large quantities and relatively inexpensively so as to bypass the drawbacks of the two conventional methods mentioned above.

System and instrument to verify routing and measure insertion losses of multiple fiber optic assemblies


A distribution analysis device analyzes a distribution of a field having a property satisfying the Laplace equation, and includes: an obtainment unit that obtains measurement data indicating the distribution of the field measured through a sensor sensing area, the sensor sensing area being an area that moves in a measurement area where the distribution of the field is measured and being an area in which the field is sensed as an aggregate; and a calculation unit that calculates analysis data indicating the distribution of the field with a higher resolution than the measurement data, using an arithmetic expression that is obtained by deriving a solution of the Laplace equation using a boundary condition that an integral of the solution of the Laplace equation in a finite interval corresponding to a size of the sensor sensing area matches the measurement data.

Conventionally, a spatial distribution of a magnetic field (hereafter also referred to as "magnetic field distribution") is utilized in various applications such as locating an abnormal electric current path in an electronic component or examining a disease part of a human body. In measurement of such a magnetic field distribution, a superconducting quantum interference device, a magnetoresistive sensor, or the like is used as a magnetic field sensor. The superconducting quantum interference device is also referred to as "SQUID element".
Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) may also be used to obtain a magnetic field distribution. A magnetic field sensor formed by coating a sharpened silicon tip with a magnetic thin film is used for an MFM probe. Such a probe is also referred to as "magnetic probe". Patent Literature (PTL) 1 proposes a structure of using a carbon nanotube magnetic probe as the MFM probe. PTL 2 describes a method of measuring a three-dimensional distribution of a magnetic field, an electric field, a thermal field, or the like in a three-dimensional free space.
In the method described in PTL 2, the Laplace equation which is a fundamental equation of a static magnetic field is exactly solved using, as a boundary condition, a two-dimensional magnetic field distribution and a two-dimensional distribution of the gradient of the magnetic field obtained in a specific measurement plane, thus calculating a three-dimensional magnetic field distribution in a free space around the measurement plane. The gradient of the magnetic field mentioned here means a gradient of a magnetic field in a direction normal to the measurement plane. The free space around the measurement plane includes both a three-dimensional space above the measurement plane and a three-dimensional space below the measurement plane.
With the method described in PTL 2, a structure of a source of a magnetic field (magnetic field source) can be imaged using magnetic field distribution measurement data obtained in an area away from the magnetic field source. The image showing the structure of the magnetic field source is available, for example, for medical diagnosis or electronic component failure analysis.
In the case of analyzing the magnetic field source in the space below the measurement plane, an electronic circuit and a mechanical component for signal processing for the magnetic field sensor are typically present in the space above the measurement plane. These are not an object to be measured, but are a magnetic field source.
In the method described in PTL 2, the distribution of the field can be exactly analyzed even in the case where magnetic field sources are included in both of the spaces above and below the measurement plane.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KOBE UNIVERSITY


A load current compensated voltage sampling circuit is characterized by a sampling voltage that is compensated by utilizing different load current values of the detected sample as parameters for transforming into the intended display target value.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a load current compensated voltage sampling circuit, wherein the sampling voltage is compensated by utilizing different load current values of the detected sample as parameters for transforming into an intended display target value.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
All AC or DC power sources have internal impedance. Therefore the measured end voltages at no-load, low load, heavy load and overload conditions vary by the load current and internal impedance so that it is very difficult to detect the average value in frequent load changes.
The present invention relates to a load current compensated voltage sampling circuit, wherein different load current values of a detected sample are used as parameters to compensate the sampling AC or DC voltage at no-load, low load, heavy load and overload conditions for transforming into an intended display target value.

Load current compensated type voltage sampling circuit


A method for preparing hydro/organo gelators from disaccharide sugars by biocatalysis and their use in enzyme-triggered drug delivery. Controlled delivery of an anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive drug is achieved by an enzyme-triggered drug release mechanism via degradation of encapsulated hydrogels. The hydro- and organo-gelators are synthesized in high yields from renewable resources by using a regioselective enzyme catalysis and a known chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory drug, curcumin, is encapsulated in the gel matrix and released by enzyme triggered delivery. The release of the drug occurs at the physiological temperature and control of the drug release rate is achieved by manipulating the enzyme concentration and temperature. The by-products formed after the gel degradation clearly demonstrated the site specificity of degradation of the gelator by enzyme catalysis. The present invention has applications in developing cost effective, controlled drug delivery vehicles from renewable resources, with a potential impact on pharmaceutical research and molecular design and delivery strategies.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hydro/organo gelators, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing hydro/organo gelators from disaccharide sugars by biocatalysis and their use in enzyme-triggered drug delivery, cosmetic components delivery, and making of templated materials to generate inorganic and soft nanomaterials.
Description of the Prior Art
Use of renewable resources for production of valuable chemical commodities is becoming a topic of great interest and an objective of promoting the industrial bio-refinery concept in which a wide array of valuable chemicals, fuel, food, nutraceuticals, and animal feed products all result from the integrated processing of grains, oil seeds, and other biomass materials.1
An article by Stephan Harrera2 illustrates that industrial or 'white' biotechnology3 is making an increasingly important contribution to the development of a sustainable, biobased economy by an environmental benign approach.4 It uses enzymes and micro-organisms to make products in sectors, such as chemistry, food and feed, paper, textile, and medicine. As opposed to chemical synthesis, enzyme catalysis is highly selective and has been used to generate various specialty chemicals,5 including sugar-based esters.6
Thus, there exists a need for developing building blocks from renewable resources to generate soft nanomaterials, such as new surfactants, liquid crystals, organic gelling materials, and hydrogels.7
Hydrogels have a range of biomedical applications in areas such as tissue engineering,8 controlled released drug delivery systems,9 and medical implants.10 Design and synthesis of low-molecular-weight hydrogelators has received considerable attention in soft materials research in terms of its potential applications in cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceutical formulations. Literature study reveals that there are only limited reports on easily achievable and efficient low-molecular-weight gelators that are able to gel water or even water mixtures with other solvents,11 and which are often achieved by multi-step chemical synthesis. Surprisingly, to the best of applicants' knowledge, to date there are no examples in the literature where low-molecular-weight hydrogelators were synthesized from renewable resources by using regioselective enzyme catalysis.
Thus, there exists a need to use biocatalysis as a tool to make gelators from biomass and their assembly to form hierarchical superstructures in water, i.e., formation of hydrogel and soft nanomaterials, encapsulation of hydrophobic drug or hydrophobic cosmetic components, as well as enzyme mediated hydrogel degradation, which will give new insights into low-molecular-weight hydrogelators-based drug delivery.
Controlled delivery of drugs or cosmetic material occurs when a polymer, whether natural or synthetic, is judiciously combined with a drug or other active agent in such a way that the active agent is released in a pre-designed manner.12 While these advantages can be significant, the potential disadvantages cannot be ignored, such as the possible toxicity or non-biocompatibility of the materials used, the undesirable by-products from gel degradation, and the higher cost of controlled-release systems compared with traditional pharmaceutical formulations.
Thus, there exists a need for sugar amphiphiles by regioselective synthesis of amygdalin esters as new hydrogelators, which are low cost, efficient, safe, and with high gelation efficiency.
[O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy]benzeneacetonitrile known as D-Amygdalin is a naturally occurring glycoside found in many food plants, for example, the kernels of apples, almonds, peaches, cherries, and apricots.13 Amygdalin (a by-product of apricot, almonds and peach industry, see FIG. 1, which are pictures of: (a) an apricot pit that is a source of amygdalin; (b) Curcuma longa; and, (c) powdered curcumin14 that is commonly known as turmeric and used in traditional Indian culinary and medicine—has been used as a main ingredient in commercial preparations of laetrile, a purported therapeutic agent.15
Thus, there exists a need to synthesize amygdalin derivatives that can form nanoaggregates through self-assembly and encapsulation of a hydrophobic drug followed by release of the encapsulated drug upon enzyme mediated degradation, i.e., enzyme-triggered drug-delivery.
In amygdalin-fatty acid conjugates, sugar moiety can facilitate the stacking of molecules through hydrogen bonding, phenyl ring can facilitate intermolecular interactions through π-π stacking, and hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain not only decreases the solubility in water, it also helps the molecular association through the van der Waals interactions.
In general, multi-step synthesis, arduous separation procedures, and lower yields often keep low-molecular-weight gelators away from commercial use due to high production cost. Strikingly, the hydrogelators of the present invention were synthesized from renewable resources in a single-step process in high yields (>90%), and unpurified crude products showed unprecedented gelation abilities like their counter pure products, allowing the development of versatile gelators which can be made from low cost starting materials and without purification.
Thus, there exists a need for gelator molecules with various chain lengths. See FIG. 2, which is a synthetic scheme of amygdalin-based amphiphiles.

Method for preparing hydro/organo gelators from disaccharide sugars by biocatalysis and their use in enzyme-triggered drug delivery

RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK


A generation control apparatus for vehicles is provided, in which a drastic change in the drive torque of a generator, which occurs with the cancellation of gradual excitation immediately after starting an internal combustion engine, can be suppressed to prevent stoppage of the internal combustion engine. The generation control apparatus includes an engine-start detection circuit, a gradual excitation circuit, a comparator for gradual-excitation cancellation, and a masking circuit for gradual-excitation cancellation. After detecting an engine start by the engine-start detection circuit, an instruction for gradual-excitation cancellation is released during an initial gradual excitation performed by a gradual excitation circuit, based on an output from the masking circuit for gradual-excitation cancellation. The drastic change in the drive torque occurring with the cancellation of the gradual excitation immediately after the engine start, can thus be suppressed, thereby preventing the engine stop.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling power generated by a generator for vehicles, and in particular, to the method and apparatus for controlling the power generation based on a gradual excitation technique which requires the generator to be control on gradually changed excitation currents after its start.
2. Prior Art
In vehicles that run with a driving force, the conditions of an on-vehicle engine immediately after its start are unstable. On the other hand, immediately after the start, a power generation control unit on the vehicle allows an increase of excitation current of the engine-driven generator and allows commencement of power generation in order to raise voltage of the battery to a predetermined level. Upon commencement of power generation, torque of the generator is Increased, which tends to cause failure in starting the engine at low temperatures particularly in a cold morning, for example.
Generally known power generation control units for vehicles include one, for example, in which gradual excitation is performed by gradually increasing the excitation current (i.e., gradually exciting technique) at the time of starting to suppress drastic increase of drive torque of the generator, and to improve startability. In such a generation control unit, the gradual excitation is carried out as required, not only at the time of starting the engine, but also when an electric load(s) (i.e., current consumer) has increased. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-311798 discloses a generation control unit for vehicle, in which, compared to gradual excitation control performed for an increase in the amount of the load during the normal generation control (i.e., control except for the engine start), a rate of increasing the excitation current is decreased during gradual excitation when an internal combustion engine is started.
In cases where power consumption of current consumers is further increased during such a gradual excitation operation, under which the magnitude of power generation is suppressed, the voltage of the battery is considerably reduced, likely to disable the operations of the current consumers. If an engine control unit is disabled, the engine is stopped.
In contrast, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-107640, for example, discloses a power generation control unit for vehicle, in which the gradual excitation is cancelled when the voltage of the battery is reduced to not more than a predetermined voltage to drastically increase the excitation current, so that the battery is suppressed from reducing voltage.
Since power consumption of an engine starting system is very large, battery voltage is significantly reduced at an engine start. In the power generation control unit disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-107640 mentioned above, during a gradual excitation at an engine start, the gradual excitation is cancelled due to such a battery voltage reduction, so as to drastically increase the excitation current. Therefore, drive torque of the generator is also drastically increased, which may cause the engine in an unstable state to stop.

Method and apparatus for controlling power generation using gradually exciting technique


The apparatus for displaying plasma display panel (PDP) gray scales includes an automatic power controller for detecting an average signal level (ASL) in each field of video data; first and second frame memories for storing the video data in even and odd frames; a sub-field generator for mapping the video data according to the number of sub-fields, generating gray scale data, and selectively storing them in the frame memories; an address data generator for generating address data and applying them to the PDP; an ASL controller for comparing the numbers of sub-fields in each field with each other, and controlling the number of sub-fields; and a sustain scan pulse generator for receiving the number of sub-fields, generating sustain pulses and scan pulses, and applying them to the PDP.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plasma display panel (PDP). More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for displaying gray scales of a PDP, which are capable of reducing the generation of flickering and a pseudo-outline during the displaying of gray scales of a moving picture.
2. Description of the Related Art
A PDP is a kind of a display device for recovering input picture data from an electric signal by arranging a plurality of discharge cells in the form of a matrix and selectively radiating the discharge cells.
The PDP can display gray scales so as to function as a color display device. A gray scale display method for dividing a field into a plurality of sub-fields with time divisions controlling the sub-fields is used.
In a common gray scale display method, the number of sub-fields is fixed regardless of video data. In a method for displaying gray scales using a variable sub-field method, the number of sub-fields is determined according to the average signal level (ASL) of a video signal of one field. Input video data are mapped and stored in a field memory according to the determined number of sub-fields. Because the ASL is determined only when all of the video data of a field are input, a field memory for storing the data is necessary while the ASL of continuously input video data is determined. Therefore, the continuously input video data are mapped by sub-field by the ASL determined in a previous field and are stored in the field memory. The data stored in the field memory are read in a next field and are sustained according to the currently determined ASL.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gray display apparatus using a variable sub-field method in a conventional PDP.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gray scale display apparatus using the variable sub-field method includes a video signal processor 10, a gamma correction and error diffusion unit 20, an automatic power controller 30, first and second field memories 40 and 50, a sub-field generator 60, first and second frame memories 70 and 80, an address data generator 90, and a sustain scan pulse generator 100.
The video signal processor 10 digitalizes a video signal input received from the outside and generates digital video data.
The gamma correction and error diffusion unit 20 receives the digital video data output from the video signal processor 10, corrects a gamma value according to the characteristics of a PDP 110, diffuses a display error with respect to peripheral pixels, and outputs the digital video data.
The automatic power controller 30 selectively stores the video data output from the gamma correction and error diffusion unit 20 in the first and second field memories 40 and 50 according to whether the video data are even field data or odd field data, and detects the ASL of the respective video data. The ASL can be determined after the video data are stored in the field memories 40 and 50.
The sub-field generator 60 selectively stores the video data output from the automatic power controller 30 in the first and second frame memories 70 and 80 and generates gray scale data corresponding to the respective video data.
The address data generator 90 generates address data corresponding to the gray scale data output from the sub-field generator 60 and applies the address data to the address electrodes A1, A2, . . . and Am of the PDP 110.
The sustain scan pulse generator 100 receives the ASL output from the automatic power controller 30, generates sustain pulses and scan pulses, and applies the sustain pulses and the scan pulses to the scan electrodes X1, X2, . . . and Xn and to the sustain electrodes Y1, Y2, . . . and Yn of the PDP 110.
FIG. 2 schematically shows a method for displaying gray scales using a variable sub-field method in a conventional PDP.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, (n−1)th field data Dn−1 is input to the first field memory 40 through the automatic power controller 30 in a (n−1)th field. The ASL of the (n−1)th field data Dn−1, that is, ASLn−1, is determined by the automatic power controller 30 at the point of time when the input of the (n−1)th field data Dn−1 is completed, that is, when the (n−1)th field data Dn−1 is stored in the first field memory 40. ASLn, that is, the ASL of nth field data Dn, and ASLn+1, that is, the ASL of (n+1)th field data Dn+1, are determined by the method used for determining the ASLn−1.
The field data Dn−1, Dn, and Dn+1 are divided into even field data and odd field data and are alternately stored in the first field memory 40 and the second field memory 50. The field data Dn−1, Dn, and Dn+1 are sub-field mapped by the ASL determined in a previous field by the sub-field generator 60 and are stored in the corresponding frame memories 70 and 80.
For example, the nth field data Dn is sub-field mapped according to the number of sub-fields, which is determined by the ASLn−1 determined in the (n−1)th field, and is stored in the first frame memory 70. The (n+1)th field data Dn+1 is sub-field mapped according to the number of sub-fields, which is determined by the ASLn determined in the nth field, and is stored in the second frame memory 80.
In each field, data stored in a previous field are read and a sustain operation is performed on the PDP 110 according to the number of sub-fields, which is determined by the ASL determined in the previous field.
For example, in the nth field, the (n−1)th field data Dn−1 stored in the first frame memory 70 is read from the (n−1)th field and the sustain operation is performed according to the number of sub-fields, which is determined by the ASLn−1 determined in the (n−1)th field. In the (n+1)th field, the nth field data Dn stored in the second frame memory 80 is read from the nth field and the sustain operation is performed according to the number of sub-fields, which is determined by the ASLn determined in the nth field.
With reference to the nth field data Dn stored in the second frame memory 80 in the nth field, meanwhile, the second frame memory 80 is sub-field mapped according to the number of sub-fields determined by the ASL determined in the (n−1)th field that is a previous field, that is, the ASLn−1, and the sustain operation is performed in the (n+1)th field. Therefore, the sustain operation is performed according to the number of sub-fields, which is determined by the ASL determined in a previous field, that is, the ASLn.
In the variable sub-field method, the sub-field mapping is performed in a different way according to the ASL of the video data. For example, when the ASL is 33, 10 sub-fields are mapped. When the ASL is 34, 11 sub-fields are mapped, and so on. This is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.
In the variable sub-field method, when the ASL of an adjacent pixel corresponds to the boundary where the sub-field mapping varies, that is, the ASLs of adjacent pixels are 33 and 34 with reference to the above example, (see FIGS. 3 and 4) the ASL applied when the field memory is stored is different from the ASL applied when the sustain operation is performed on the field data. Accordingly, an undesirable screen flickering phenomenon occurs.

Apparatus and method for displaying gray scales of plasma display panel


A streaming media processing method, device and system are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The streaming media processing method includes: judging whether a transcoding is required according to the current bandwidth of a user terminal and a code rate of a pre-stored code stream, if yes, selecting a code stream of which the code rate is higher than the current bandwidth of the user terminal from the pre-stored code stream to perform the transcoding, and outputting the code stream matching the current bandwidth of the user terminal to the user terminal. The embodiments of the present invention enable the user terminal to obtain the streaming media of higher quality by effectively utilizing the bandwidth.

With the improvement of the network technique, the streaming media service is developed rapidly. The users can access a wired or wireless network with a terminal device such as cell phone, computer, television, etc. to enjoy audio and video services. The bandwidth of the accessed network varies with the type of the accessed network, e.g., the GSM usually can only provide a bandwidth of several tens of Kb, while the WIFI can provide a bandwidth of several tens of Mb. Even in the same network, the bandwidth varies with the time, especially in the wireless network. The higher the network bandwidth is, the better the provided video quality is, so it is a problem for the streaming media service provider to provide the best video experience under a variable bandwidth.
Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates an implementation solution of the prior art, in which, the code stream storage server stores the code streams of multiple code rates in each streaming media program, and each code stream is segmented into different slices at a fixed time interval (e.g., 2 s) to act as the basic unit of streaming media transmission, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
The streaming server in FIG. 1 is configured to detect the access bandwidth of the user terminal, and then select a code stream slice optimally matching the bandwidth of the user terminal from the code stream storage server to transmit to the user terminal. For example, the code stream storage server stores the pre-compressed code stream slices of 0.5 Mbps, 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps, wherein the code stream slice of 1 Mbps is transmitted when the access bandwidth of the user terminal is 1.8 Mbps, and the code stream slice of 2 Mbps is transmitted when the access bandwidth of the user terminal changes to 2.1 Mbps. The code rates are switched in a basic unit of slice, i.e., when the current code stream is slice 12 of code stream 1, if a bandwidth change is detected during the transmission of slice 12 and a switching to slice 23 of code stream 2 is required, the switching shall be made after slice 12 is ended.
During the implementation of the present invention, the inventor finds that the prior art at least has the following defect:
The streaming server can only select a code stream optimally matching the user terminal according to the bandwidth of the user terminal to transmit to the user terminal, thus there is the defect that the user bandwidth cannot be sufficiently utilized to provide a streaming media of the best quality. For example, when the user bandwidth is 1.8 Mbps, the streaming server can only select the code stream slice of 1 Mbps, thus the user bandwidth of 1.8 Mbps cannot be sufficiently utilized.

Media processing method, device and system


An apparatus may include a back-bias magnet; and a semiconductor chip element; wherein the semiconductor chip element has a sensor for measuring a magnetic field strength; and wherein a contact surface is formed on a contact side of the back-bias magnet and on a contact side of the semiconductor chip element and wherein the contact side of the semiconductor chip element has one or more structures such that the contact surface of the back-bias magnet is shaped in a manner corresponding to the structures of the semiconductor chip element.

Magnetic field sensors nowadays typically contain a semiconductor chip and may, moreover, include a magnet which is oriented such that it directs magnetic field lines through a section to be captured of the chip or magnetizes magnetizable elements such as for example elements of a polar wheel. Such magnets are also known as back-bias magnets. Magnetic field sensors having back-bias magnets are used for example as position sensors or rate of rotation sensors but also for other capturing processes of magnetic fields.
One example of a magnetic field sensor contains a chip sensor attached to a system carrier. In some cases, only the chip sensor is supplied to a customer, who positions the chip sensor between a permanent magnet and a movable component such as for example a gear wheel. It is possible that the customer may bend the system carrier in order to position the chip sensor in a preferred orientation. Apart from the preferred orientation, during use it may nevertheless be difficult to realize a desired magnetic field direction, for example a perpendicular magnetic field penetration for a GMR sensor, through the chip sensor. Both of the abovementioned aspects related to the use of conventional magnetic field sensors are undesirable.
Another example of a magnetic field sensor includes a chip sensor package that is positioned relative to a multi-pole magnetic gear wheel. In this case, the gear wheel provides the magnetic field. Such multi-pole magnetic gear wheels are complex and expensive, and the chip sensor package is still subject to the undesirable limitations mentioned above.

Apparatus having a back-bias magnet and a semiconductor chip element


A bifunctional gas diffusion electrode used in an electrochemical energy cell wherein a multi-ply composite layer containing an embedded metal screen current collector provides electrical power via the reduction of oxygen from air in the presence of an electrolyte and a catalyst. The electrode stores electrical power via the evolution of oxygen in the presence of an electrolyte and another catalyst. More than one composite layer may be used. Each ply of any particular composite layer is made of carbon-containing material of varying wettability and a fluorocarbon material. Each hydrophobic central ply contain a metal screen current collector. These central plies are prepared in a way to foster fissuring throughout the ply. Such fissuring, along with a hydrophilic impregnate forced into these fissures, permits controlled electrolyte penetration of the hydrophobic ply. Hydrophilic end plies sandwich the central ply and produce a large surface area for catalyzed oxygen reduction during the cell discharge cycle or catalyzed oxygen generation during cell charge cycle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electrodes, in particular gas diffusion electrodes, and especially to bifunctional gas diffusion electrodes, having an improved structure which permits them to operate with increased power generation over a prolonged life span.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Bifunctional gas diffusion electrodes for metal/air batteries generally consist of three components. These components are a hydrophobic layer which permits air passage while retaining electrolyte, a dual component active layer attached thereto containing a catalytic active paste material, and a plurality of porous fiber metal current collectors in which the active paste is contained, such as shown in Chottiner et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,489.
The active paste material usually has an oxygen absorption/reduction catalyzed carbon (C) having a total surface area from 30 to 1500 square meters per gram (m.sup.2 /gm), a suitable catalyst such as silver (Ag) for oxygen reduction and decomposition of intermediate reaction components, an oxygen evolution metal-containing additive such as tungsten sulfide (WS.sub.2) or tungsten carbide (WC) coated with 1 to 20 weight percent (wt.%) cobalt (Co), and a dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a bonding/non-wetting material, as taught by Chottiner et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,489, and Buzzelli in U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,901. This mixture is blended with deionized water to form the active paste.
Due to the relatively high viscosity of the active paste, it has been necessary to apply considerable force during the pasting operation in order to get reasonable loading of the porous fiber metal screen with active paste. This force generally tends to compress and compact the screen structure to provide only about 40% to 65% porous screen, and prevents the paste from filling all of the original screen pores or voids.
The ideal incorporation of the catalytic paste into the screen would be to have about 95% to 100% of the screen pores filled. This would produce the highest number of active sites within the confines of the screen, with all active sites very close to the metal collecting fibers. It is also advantageous to have most of the active material within the screen, rather than forming a separate composite layer held or attached to the screen structure. Thick coatings of catalytic paste on the surface of the screen result in many of the active sites being far removed from the nickel fibers with electrons from these sites having to traverse a high resistance path to each current collector.
For good cell performance, the electrolyte must penetrate into the electrode sufficiently to reach the interior surfaces, and contact air or oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. The electrode must at the same time be sufficiently electrolyte-repellent to prevent electrolyte flooding of the electrode pores. Electrolyte flooding can be a problem with gas diffusion electrodes, and while the Chottiner et al. structure, and the Buzzelli active paste composition, solve the problem to an acceptable degree by providing stable electrical characteristics for about 100 cycles, more improved structures or compositions would be highly desirable, especially if electrolyte flooding could be completely eliminated. Another problem with gas diffusion electrodes is the progressive dissolution of the discharge/oxygen reduction catalyst, particularly Ag, into the electrode during charging.
Typically, such electrodes have third cycle charging potentials of about 550 mV to 610 mV compared to a Hg/HgO reference electrode. Values of about 550 mV to 585 mV have been achieved using major amounts of oxygen evolution material, such as tungsten carbide (WC), adding substantially to the cost and weight of the electrode. It is desirable to lower this charging voltage, to conserve energy, and to reduce the amount of silver catalyst that dissolves in the electrolyte at that voltage. It is also desirable to reduce the cost and weight of the above described electrodes while maintaining a proper balance of electrolyte permeability.
Darland, Jr. et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,247 attempted to solve electrolyte flooding of gas diffusion electrodes in fuel cells by providing two zones in the electrolyte structure. One zone, next to the air supply, consists of low-surface-area, large particles having high wet-proofing and no catalyst, containing from about 30 to 70 volume percent PTFE. The other zone, next to the electrolyte, consists of high surface area, small, catalyzed particles operating in a wetted condition. A single mesh current collector is attached to the zone next to the air supply. Such a configuration is still not completely effective, however, and a need remains for a maximum output, minimum flooding electrode for use in metal/air batteries and fuel cells.
In another art area relating to graphite anodes used in the electrolysis of aqueous alkalide metal halide electrolyte, Currey et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,824, shows vacuum-impregnating a graphite anode with ferric or ferrous chloride, nitrate, acetate, or formate, and then calcining the impregnated graphite for up to four hours at 800.degree. C. to 2000.degree. C., in an inert atmosphere, to produce varying amounts of alpha iron and alpha-Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, in-situ in the graphite pores. The iron is used partly as a substitute for oil impregnate, to reduce the consumption of the anode during cell operation, the iron apparently preventing wetting of the interior of the anode by the liquid electrolyte. Such a process would make the electrode substantially electrolyte-impermeable.
Liu, et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,848, attempted to reduce weight and cost by using elemental iron to replace some or all of the oxygen evolution material. In addition, that gas diffusion electrode maintains a proper balance of electrolyte permeability because the elemental iron provides an electrolyte storage surface. Also, that bifunctional gas diffusion electrode possesses hydrophilic layers, including integrally-contained current collectors, which are press-bonded to hydrophobic layers. The hydrophobic layers are impervious to the electrolyte but capable of permitting gas and oxygen diffusion. However, although the oxygen evolution catalysts in that electrode do not change composition with time, the elemental iron has limited stability during long-term bifunctional cycling. This change in composition limits the life of that electrode due to electrolyte leakage.
Liu, et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,852, attempted to reduce electrolyte flooding and increase battery output by utilizing at least two bonded, catalytically active material sections in the electrode active layer, each comprising active material preferably bonded to, and at least partially impregnating, a supporting porous metal current collector. Furthermore, each active metal section is equally electrochemically active, and contains catalyst and a blend of hydrophobic agglomerates and hydrophilic agglomerates. However, the two bonded layers do not include a fissured, mud-caked or layer which has been baked to remove nearly all of the surfactant, thereby producing a barrier which is at least partially hydrophobic, and which prevents early electrolyte flooding and electrode failure.

Bifunctional gas diffusion electrodes employing wettable, non-wettable layered structure using the mud-caking concept