The present disclosure provides a method of standardizing a digital radiographic medical image, including obtaining a digital radiographic image of a variable attenuation plate to provide at least one reference value of at least one image characteristic, such as optical density and contrast, and standardizing the digital radiographic medical image against the reference values. Also provided are methods for comparing two or more radiographic images including standardizing the images against at least one reference value of at least one image characteristic obtained from a digital radiographic image of a variable attenuation plate.

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for comparing and standardizing the appearance of radiographic images. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and devices for using a variable attenuation plate (VAP) to aid in the interpretation of radiographs and to facilitate the comparison of radiographic images taken on different occasions.
Radiographic imaging is a common diagnostic tool used routinely in the health care system and is vital in patient care throughout the world. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation which can be attenuated, absorbed or scattered to varying extents by all materials, including tissues found in the human body. In general, a radiographic image is obtained by directing a beam of X-rays toward the appropriate area or part of a patient's body. A detector (which can be a film-based cassette or a digital detector) placed on the opposite side of the region being examined is then 'exposed' by the X-rays that have passed through the body tissues. Some structures such as bone have a higher density and will allow little if any of the X-ray beam to reach the detector. Other less dense tissues such as air-filled lungs will only minimally attenuate the beam, allowing most of the X-rays to pass through and reach the detector. Soft tissues, including organs such as heart and liver, will show an attenuation between that of bone and that of air. The resulting radiographic image formed on the detector therefore shows variations in intensity of exposure depending on the density of the body structures and tissues through which the X-ray beam has passed. The image can then be analyzed and interpreted by radiologists or other physicians.
The quality of a radiographic image depends on many variables. For example, the energy of the photons in the X-ray beam (as controlled by the peak kilovoltage (kVp) setting of the X-ray generator) affects the ability of the beam to penetrate body tissues. If the energy of the beam is too high, there will not be a sufficient difference between the ability of various body tissues to attenuate the beam, and the contrast of the resulting image will be reduced. As well, the intensity or quantity of photons in the beam (as controlled by the mA (milliamperes) or mAs (mA·s, milliampere seconds) setting of the X-ray generator), along with the exposure time, will affect the intensity as well as the contrast of the resulting image. A more intense X-ray beam will need less exposure time to provide an image of sufficient intensity. Optimal settings for a good quality image, including kVp and mA or mAs settings, are generally chosen depending upon the type of tissue being visualized. In addition, the patient needs to be properly positioned in the X-ray beam and as still as possible. Care needs to be taken to avoid exposing regions of the body or materials such as clothing, catheters, etc. that will attenuate portions of the X-ray beam, resulting in a change in the exposure of the underlying detector and thus a change in appearance of the radiographic image. For example, the extent to which the abdomen or shoulder is included when taking a chest radiograph will affect the exposure of the image obtained. Radiographs are often over- or underexposed due to inadequate control of these variables.
With the advent of digital imaging and increasingly powerful computer programs, radiologists and other health providers can now routinely manipulate digital radiographic images manually using Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), so as to optimize differences in the attenuation and contrast between body structures, and to attempt to equalize images of a patient taken on different occasions so as to facilitate comparison. Because some body structures will be better visualized with 'darker', more contrasted images while others are better visualized with 'lighter', less contrasted images, the manual adjustment of the density and contrast of digital images, or "windowing", is a very useful tool in the routine interpretation of radiographs. However, digital adjustment of images can lead to potential inconsistency in reporting because manipulation of the images is generally based on the personal preferences of individual interpreters. For example, two different radiologists interpreting the same image may window the radiographic image differently and thus come to different conclusions, and the image alterations made by one radiologist may not be available to the other for comparison or assessment. A recent study of 6 health care professionals interpreting chest radiographs has shown that there can be a 50% or higher rate of disagreement as to whether the disease process being examined was improving or deteriorating.
As an example, chest radiographs are routinely performed to diagnose fluid in the lungs (congestion). Normally, lung tissue weakly attenuates an X-ray beam because of the air contained within it, and therefore provides a relatively dark radiograph image. As the air is replaced by fluid in a more congested lung, the X-ray beam is more strongly attenuated, resulting in a 'whiter' radiographic appearance. It can be difficult for a radiologist interpreting such a lung radiograph to know whether the "whiteness" of the image is due to increased fluid or merely due to other variable factors as described above. The problem can be compounded if the radiographic image has also been digitally manipulated, or windowed, to facilitate interpretation, as described above.
In addition, radiographic images of the same subject may be taken on two or more occasions in order to monitor the progress of a particular medical treatment. For example, follow-up radiographs for assessing healing of broken bones or follow-up chest radiographs for patients with heart or lung conditions, such as congestive heart failure, or patients undergoing cancer treatment are common. In such cases, it can be difficult to tell whether differences in the appearance of the subsequent images are due to real, medically relevant changes in the patient's condition or simply due to variations in capturing and/or processing the radiographic image at each occasion, as described above.
There is therefore a need for a method and device that will allow radiographic images to be interpreted consistently in the face of variations in the conditions under which the image is obtained. In addition, there is a need for a method and device that facilitates efficient and reliable comparison of radiographic images taken on different occasions.

Method and device for comparing radiographic images


A closure (10) for mounting at an opening (O) of a container spout (S) comprises a compartment (32) in which material such as a tablet (T) can be positioned. The compartment comprises a wall (26) that comprises a first region (28) that is surrounded by a second bellows-like region (30) that enables the first region to be displaced from a first position to a second position to cause the material to be released from the compartment. The wall can comprise a protrusion (X) that extends into the compartment such that, when the wall is displaced to the second position, the protrusion can cause the material to be released from the compartment. Also, when the wall is displaced to the second position the first region can act directly on the material to force it out of the compartment.

Closures are known for the holding and dispensing of substances into containers. However, at least some such closures employ constructions that are complex to manufacture and thus relatively costly.
For example, WO 00/27717 discloses a discharge cap for a releasable tablet. However, a number of different outer cap constructions are disclosed that in turn each act on a separate envelope enclosing the tablet, to force a rupture of the envelope and release the tablet into a container. These configurations therefore each represent a more complex and thus costly means of holding and dispensing a tablet into a container.
A reference herein to prior art is not an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of a skilled person in the art in Australia or elsewhere.

Closure with second dispensing compartment


This invention is directed to preventing deformation, breakage, and the like of leads in a semiconductor device, reducing the fraction of defects, and making the semiconductor device smaller and thinner. In order to accomplish these objects, in a carrier including a base having a device hole and a plurality of leads for bonding a chip, the leads are provided with thin heat-resistant films.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for producing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various packaging forms for semiconductor devices have been developed as technical progress relating to semiconductor integrated circuits has developed and demand for higher density packaging by increasing a number of pins has increased.
A prior art is described below with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view showing a conventionally produced tape carrier. FIG. 13B is a cross sectional view taken along dashed line B-B in FIG. 13A.
In a conventional tape carrier, a number of device holes 114 are arranged in a series along a long axis direction of an elongated photographic-film-like base tape 140 made of a polyimide film, or the like. A plurality of carry holes 142 is provided in the vicinity of both short-axis-directional ends of the base tape 140 along the long axis direction of the base tape 140, and parallel to the device holes 114, in order to facilitate carrying, and the like, of the base tape 140 during production, transportation, and the like, thereof. A plurality of leads 120 is formed at each of the device holes 114.
As shown in FIG. 13B, each of the leads 120 is formed by providing a thin copper wire 120a with a metal plating 120b, which metal plating 120b is for a later bonding to a chip. Further, a solder resist 132 for protecting a wiring pattern is placed over portions of the leads 120 which are located on the base tape 140. Although it is not shown in the drawings, a chip is bonded to the leads 120 at a device hole side using metal eutectic bonding or thermo-compression bonding. Thereafter, molding is carried out to package the chip. Finally, the tape carrier is cut into respective frames and surface mounting onto printed wiring boards or the like is performed.
In comparison to other packaging forms, the above-described tape carrier packaging is easily made smaller and thinner and is extremely suitable for high-density surface mounting. Therefore, its range of usage is expected to continue to extended.
However, in the conventional tape carrier, a chip is supported only by the leads 120 to which it is bonded. Further, since the chip is supported in a slightly downward offset position with respect to the device hole of the carrier in order to prevent electrical short circuits in the wiring, namely, between the leads 120, defects such as deformation and breakage of the leads have been caused even by slight impacts occurring, for example, when the elongated tape carrier is wound, during transportation of the tape carrier, or even during quality inspection of the tape carrier. A fraction defective due to such defects has reached 5 to 10%. Thus, in order to improve a yield and with consideration of the difficulty of quality control, there is a demand for an immediate countermeasure.

Carrier with reinforced leads that are to be connected to a chip


Regulating group for adjusting the initial operating position of an interface associated with a gymnastic machine comprising a frame; a load group connected to the interface through a respective transmission device; a support group designed to carry the interface movable relative to the frame; the regulating group comprising a return device suitable, in use, to define, at the initial operating position, a stop for the movement of the interface relative to the frame; wherein the return device can be connected, in use, to the transmission device through a given coupling, so that to each variation in the initial operating position actuated through the return device corresponds a respective given variation in the operating configuration of the transmission device.

In the field of gymnastic machines the use of regulating devices is well known to change in a given manner characteristics of the operating configuration of a gymnastic machine, so as to adapt them, before the use or during it, to the user's anthropometric proportions and/or to the desired training modes. In particular, with reference to the gymnastic machines provided with an interface suitable, in use, to move in the space between an initial operating position, i.e. an operating position of starting the exercise, and a final operating position, i.e. an operating position of stopping the exercise, regulating devices are well known, which can be used to define selectively the initial operating position, selecting it among a plurality of possible operating positions. For instance, the gymnastic machines for executing leg extension and leg curl exercises are usually provided with regulating devices for adjusting the initial operating position of an interface carried in a freely rotatable manner by the frame of the gymnastic machine and comprising a cylindrical cushion acting as an abutment member for the legs during the execution of this type of exercises. These regulating devices generally comprise a first regulating member, integrally coupled to the interface, and a second regulating member, carried slidable by the frame of the gymnastic machine and connected to a respective load group through a mechanical transmission. These first and second members are designed so that they can be selectively coupled in a plurality of distinct operating configurations to connect the interface and the respective cylindrical cushion to the load group through the mechanical transmission, and to each of these operating configurations corresponds a respective initial operating position of the interface. For example, again with reference to the machines for executing leg extension or leg curl exercises, these first and second regulating member can comprise respectively a metallic plate integral with the rotatable interface and provided with a plurality of stepped holes, and a blocking pin integrally coupled to a traction cable connected to the load group and designed to engage stably one of the holes obtained in the respective metallic plate.
Analogously, the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,052 also discloses a gymnastic machine for executing squat exercises provided with a regulating device for adjusting the initial operating position of a respective interface. In particular, this machine comprises a frame, a gravitational load group, an interface, which is carried in a freely rotatable manner by the frame through a respective support arm and can be engaged, in use, by the user's back and shoulders, and a lever, which is carried by the frame rotatable around the same axis of rotation of the support arm and is connected to the load group. The gymnastic machine according to the patent document '052 furthermore comprises a regulating device for adjusting the rest initial position of the interface, comprising a device suitable to couple integrally the support arm for the interface with the first lever associated with the load group according to a plurality of operating configurations that can be selected by the user substantially at will. In particular, this coupling device comprises an arched portion obtained in a single piece with the first lever and presenting a plurality of stepped through holes, and a blocking pin that, in use, is maintained engaged in one of the holes of the arched portion by a respective feeder.
The technical solution described in the patent document '052 for executing squat exercises presents some drawbacks, which are also similar to the drawbacks present in the technical solutions previously described above with reference to machines for executing leg extension and leg curl exercises. In particular, the design choice to couple an interface or a support member for the interface directly to a transmission mechanism connected to the load group requires that the regulating device for adjusting the initial operating position of the interface be arranged near the location of the user during the execution of the exercises by the user. Therefore, in the patent document '052 the regulating device is in a potentially dangerous location because it can be accidentally engaged by the user during the execution of the exercises. Furthermore, the use of a direct and selectively releasable mechanical coupling such as those described in the examples cited above, requires that the regulating device for adjusting the initial operating position of the interface generally includes significant size and bulk.
An Alternative solution is disclosed in the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,367 which is relative to a machine to perform both wrist supination and pronation exercises acting on a couple of handles symmetrically carried by a rotatable shaft against the action of a gravitational load group. In particular, the machine according to document '367 allows the user to regulate the initial position of the shaft by adjusting the vertical position, along a respective post associated to the frame of the machine, of the device that supports the shaft in a rotatable way.
However also this solution presents some drawbacks, e.g. the user should stop is training session, leave the exercise station and interact with the gravitational load group to couple rigidly its weight stack to the frame of the machine each time he/she wants to adjust the initial position of the rotatable exercise shaft. Clearly this operation is uncomfortable and presents some risk as in the previous case of document '052
In view of the above description, the problem of adjusting the initial operating position of the interface of a gymnastic machine in an easy and safe way for each respective user of the gymnastic machine is therefore actually solved in an unsatisfactory manner and thus represents a challenge for the applicant, which has set itself the aim of producing a gymnastic machine provided with a regulating group for adjusting the initial operating position of a respective interface that is easy and safe and presents reduced bulk.
In particular, in view of the above described situation, it would be desirable to have available a regulating group for adjusting the initial operating position of the interface of a gymnastic machine that, even if arranged in a remote position from the exercising station of the gymnastic machine, can be easily actuated and controlled by a user who is in this exercising station.


A system for use in a wellbore, comprises a length of casing, a structure that is configured to deform with deformation of the casing, said structure being affixed to the length of casing at substantially the same radial position along the length of casing, and a sensing device that is configured to measure deformation of the structure, said device comprising a plurality of sensors that are distributed with respect to at least one of the length of said structure and the periphery of said structure.

Electromagnetic investigation tools are often used to take measurements at points along the length of a borehole in an earth formation. Wells in formations are commonly reinforced with casings, well tubulars, or production tubing that prevents the wells from collapsing. However, forces applied by the formation may cause the casing to bend, buckle, elongate, ovalize or otherwise deform. Where the deformation results in a significant misalignment of the well axis, the production that can be gained from the well can be partially or completely lost. In each case, additional time and expense is necessary to repair or replace the well. The ability to detect an early stage of deformation would allow for changes in production practices and remedial action.
In addition, casings are often perforated with guns to let oil or gas into a well. Certain types of guns perforate a casing before the casing is placed in a well and other types of guns can perforate a casing that has been placed in a well. Systems for monitoring deformation that include elements that are wrapped around the casing may obstruct casing perforations or may be damaged as a casing is perforated. There is a need for the ability to both monitor the deformation of a casing and perforate the casing.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A combined steering angle and torque sensor that inductively and with eddy current damping generates two absolute angle measurement signals over an angle range of 360 degrees including a first damping rotor being disposed on an end of an input shaft of steering column divided by a torsion element; a second damping rotor being disposed on an end of an output shaft of the steering column; at least one carrier being fixed to a housing of the steering column and through which the steering column passes at a right angle, the at least one carrier being fitted with flat coils in a complete angle range; and at least one passive actuating element, without periodically repeated structures, being borne on each of said first and second damping rotors, the actuating elements being in two different locations of said angle range acting on the flat coils of the at least one carrier.

The invention relates to a combined steering angle and torque sensor that inductively and with eddy current damping generates two absolute angle measurement signals over an angle range of 360 degrees.
For such measurements the steering column is normally divided by a torsion element at an abutment. The input shaft faces the steering wheel and bears a first actuating element in the vicinity of the twisted abutment. The output shaft of the steering column is associated with the steering gear and bears a second actuating element in the vicinity of the twisted abutment.
In this technical context, known in the prior art are (i) an inductive measurement technique by means of eddy current damping, (ii) measurement planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and (iii) two annular disk-shaped electrical damping members that are attached to the steering column on both sides of the torsion element; see the prior art in accordance with DE 29 51 148 C2, DE 37 29 230 C2, DE 101 01 174 B4, DE 199 41 464 A1, DE 101 56 238 A1, and DE 10 2004 027 954 A1. Known from one or the other of these publications are also (iv) two angle sensors, that are independent of one another, in two measurement planes, (v) a plurality of flat coils in one measurement plane, and (vi) flat coils that are not only staggered radially, but are also arrayed along the circumference over 360 degrees. In patent DE 101 01 174 B4, the elastic element is arranged outside of the longitudinal axis of the steering column, specifically on the steering wheel.
In the fields of automobiles, trucks, and commercial vehicles, in the past the steering angle and the torque have been detected using two separate sensors that have different principles of functioning (inductive, optical, capacitive, magnetic, etc.). Based on the high resolution that is required, many of the current torque sensors permit only a small torque range that is expressed as an angle on the order of magnitude of +/−10 degrees. In many multiturn sensors the steering angle range is also determined by the required accuracy and is often limited. Redundancy is increasingly demanded because these sensors are used in safety-related applications. Frequently a larger amount of space is required overall.
The object of the invention is comprised in providing a combined sensor in a small space despite the redundancy and steering angle/torque dual function.

Combined steering angle and torque sensor


An oven for continuously heating a cord, which oven has a housing defining an internal space for treatment of a cord. The housing has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the internal housing space and between which a cord being heated passes in a predetermined path. A heating chamber is defined within the internal housing space through which a cord being heated travels between the housing inlet and outlet. A first partition within the internal housing space is located beneath at least a part of the predetermined path and defines an upper wall of a hot air supply chamber within the internal housing space. The first partition has an elongate slit therethrough that resides beneath, and extends parallel to, the part of the predetermined path through which slit air in the hot air supply chamber is communicated to the heating chamber. An inlet opening in the housing communicates heated air to the hot air supply chamber. The housing has a second partition with first and second openings spaced in a lengthwise direction relative to the slit for causing heated air in the heating chamber to branch into each of the first and second openings. An air moving element is provided. There is further provided a conduit system for directing air from the first and second openings to the air moving element and for directing air accelerated by the air moving element to the hot air supply chamber. There is additionally a heater for air directed into the heating chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for treating an elongate cord, such as the type incorporated into power transmission belts and, more particularly, to an oven for heating the cord so as to effect curing of a processing substance applied thereto.
2. Background Art
It is known to use load carrying cords in all types of power transmission belts, i.e. V-belts, V-ribbed belts, toothed belts, etc., and particularly those used in industrial applications. Typically, the cords are made from fiber material, such as polyester fiber, aramid fiber, glass fiber, and the like. To improve adhesion with the belt rubber, it is known to pre-treat the fiber cords. For example, it is known to treat the cords with resorcinol-formalin-latex (RFL) alone or to use the RFL treatment after pre-treating the cords with an epoxy or isocyanate compound. It is also known to adhere rubber gum after the RFL treatment.
Apparatus are known for continuously pulling a cord from a supply under a fixed tension, using a drive roller, and to guide the cord in a predetermined path for processing. In this predetermined path, the cord moves through an adhesive processing liquid in a first dip tank, after which the cord is directed into an oven in which it is exposed to heated air. The cord continues to move to outside of the oven to complete a first treatment step. Additional dip tanks and ovens may be used to sequentially apply different processing liquids, followed by heating, which takes place once or any desired number of times following processing liquid application during the process. In addition to using different processing liquids, different heating temperatures can be used in the ovens. Additionally, the cords may be drawn to different tensions to produce optimal properties for the cord as a belt component. Upon completion of the treatment of the cord, the cord can be continuously collected on a take-up reel.
An exemplary prior art oven for use in the above type of system is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H.4-146232. Through intake and discharge fans, hot air is supplied to and discharged from a heating chamber. The heated air is circulated within the heating chambers. This unit is characterized as a "vertical" type unit.
It is also known to circulate the air in a partially closed system outside of the heating chamber. Through separate fans, some air is controllably drawn into a circulating air stream in a conduit communicating between intake and discharge openings on the oven and exhausted therefrom. As the heated air is circulated, the concentration of combustible gases produced within the heating chamber from vaporization of processing solvent such as toluene, or the like, is diminished.
In conventional apparatus for treating a cord, to effect high efficiency heat treatment, it has been generally necessary to advance the cord in a predetermined path at a relatively high speed. With this arrangement, the cord with the processing liquid thereon may be advanced through the heating chamber in the oven and out against a guide roller without the processing liquid being fully hardened. As a result, some of the processing liquid may adhere to and accumulate on the surface of the guide structure, which may be a roller, or the like. This condition may ultimately be aggravated to the point that the operation of the system is impaired.
To promote drying, it is also known to raise the temperature in the oven. However, cords generally have optimum treating temperatures. Thus, it is not practical to increase the temperature in the ovens without adversely affecting the properties of some cords.
As an alternative to raising the temperature in the oven, it is known to increase the size of the oven so that the cord travels for more extended periods therewithin. This results in the overall size of the apparatus increasing, which may add to the equipment cost and increase operating costs by reason of more extensive heat loss. Additionally, more installation and operating space is required. Further, it may be more difficult to perform regular inspections of, and maintenance on, the apparatus and to re-thread the cord as when the type of cord to be processed is changed. In a worst case, safety may be compromised by this construction.


An electrically powered appliance includes a first housing connected to a source of electric power. A second housing is spaced from the first housing and includes means for using the electric power. In a preferred embodiment, the electricity powers a light source. A flexible mounting assembly connects the first and second housings. One of the first and second housings includes an elongated slot and the other of the housings includes a protrusion for engagement with the slot. The first housing includes an axially extending U-shaped channel. A portion of the flexible mounting assembly adjacent said second housing is supported within said U-shaped channel when the first and second housings are adjacent each other.

This invention relates to electrically operated appliances and in particular to appliances having a working end, a power end and a flexible portion connecting the working and power ends. This invention more specifically relates to means for connecting the power end to the working end of the appliance for compact storage thereof.
Flexible flashlights such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,517,392, 5,521,803 and 5,567,115 have achieved enormous commercial success. The flashlights disclosed in the cited patents, include a working end or head housing, a power end or tail housing, and a flexible assembly connecting the working end and power end housings. A similar product which was marketed by an affiliate of the assignee of the present application comprised a battery operated individual, portable fan. In lieu of a bulb, light and reflector in the working end housing of a flashlight, the fan included a grille and fan assembly in the working end housing. Another appliance utilizing a flexible intermediate assembly is an A.C. powered work light. A.C. powered work lights are used in performing maintenance tasks and the like.
All the flashlights, individual fans, and A.C. powered lights including a flexible intermediate portion, are longer than standard length comparable units. Thus, particularly for shipping or storage purposes, it is desirable that the head end and tail end housings may be joined together with the flexible, intermediate portion forming a generally U-shape. When the intermediate portion is bent into the U-shaped configuration, the overall length of the apparatus may be 50 to 65% of the total length of the device when the intermediate portion is in an unbent state. By reducing the total length between 35 to 50%, shipping and storage of the device is made significantly more convenient.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to positively connect the head end and tail end housings of an appliance having a flexible intermediate portion so that the total length of the appliance can be reduced for shipping and storage purposes.

Light with flexible support and reduced storage length


Compounds having the formula i wherein m, R1, R2, R4 and X1 are herein defined are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting hepatitis replication, processes for making the compounds and synthetic intermediates used in the process.

The invention relates to non-nucleoside derivatives as inhibitors of HCV replicon RNA replication. In particular, the invention is concerned with the use of heterocyclic compounds as inhibitors of subgenomic HCV RNA replication and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
Hepatitis C virus is the leading cause of chronic liver disease throughout the world (N. Boyer et al., J. Hepatol. 2000 32:98-112). Patients infected with HCV are at risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver and subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma and hence HCV is the major indication for liver transplantation.
HCV has been classified as a member of the virus family Flaviviridae that includes the genera flaviviruses, pestiviruses, and hapaceiviruses which includes hepatitis C viruses (C. M. Rice, Flaviviridae: The viruses and their replication. In: Fields Virology, Editors: B. N. Fields, D. M. Knipe and P. M. Howley, Lippincott-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, Pa., Chapter 30, 931-959, 1996). HCV is an enveloped virus containing a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 9.4 kb. The viral genome consists of a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), a long open reading frame encoding a polyprotein precursor of approximately 3011 amino acids, and a short 3′ UTR. The 5′ UTR is the most highly conserved part of the HCV genome and is important for the initiation and control of polyprotein translation.
Genetic analysis of HCV has identified six main genotypes which diverge by over 30% of the DNA sequence. More than 30 subtypes have been distinguished. In the US approximately 70% of infected individuals have Type 1a and 1b infection. Type 1b is the most prevalent subtype in Asia. (X. Foms and J. Bukh, Clinics in Liver Disease 1999 3:693-716; J. Bukh et al., Semin. Liv. Dis. 1995 15:41-63). Unfortunately Type 1 infection is more resistant to therapy than either type 2 or 3 genotypes (N. N. Zein, Clin. Microbiol. Rev., 2000 13:223-235).
Viral structural proteins include a nucleocapsid core protein (C) and two envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2. HCV also encodes two proteases, a zinc-dependent metalloproteinase encoded by the NS2-NS3 region and a serine protease encoded in the NS3 region. These proteases are required for cleavage of specific regions of the precursor polyprotein into mature peptides. The carboxyl half of nonstructural protein 5, NS5B, contains the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The function of the remaining nonstructural proteins, NS4A and NS4B, and that of NS5A (the amino-terminal half of nonstructural protein 5) remain unknown. It is believed that most of the non-structural proteins encoded by the HCV RNA genome are involved in RNA replication.
Currently there are a limited number of approved therapies are currently available for the treatment of HCV infection. New and existing therapeutic approaches to treating HCV and inhibition of HCV NS5B polymerase have been reviewed: R. G. Gish, Sem. Liver. Dis., 1999 19:5; A. M. Di Besceglie and B. R. Bacon, Scientific American, October: 1999 80-85; G. Lake-Bakaar, Current and Future Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Liver Disease, Curr. Drug Targ. Infect Dis. 2003 3(3):247-253; P. Hoffmann et al., Recent patents on experimental therapy for hepatitis C virus infection (1999-2002), Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents 2003 13(11):1707-1723; M. P. Walker et al., Promising Candidates for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, Exp. Opin. investing. Drugs 2003 12(8): 1269-1280; S.-L. Tan et al., Hepatitis C Therapeutics: Current Status and Emerging Strategies, Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 2002 1:867-881; J. Z. Wu and Z. Hong, Targeting NS5B RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase for Anti-HCV Chemotherapy, Curr. Drug Targ.—Infect. Dis. 2003 3(3):207-219.
Ribavirin (1-((2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)-1H-[1,2,4]triazole-3-carboxylic acid amide; Virazole®) is a synthetic, non-interferon-inducing, broad spectrum antiviral nucleoside analog. Ribavirin has in vitro activity against several DNA and RNA viruses including Flaviviridae (G. L. Davis. Gastroenterology 2000 118: S104-S114). Although, in monotherapy ribavirin reduces serum amino transferase levels to normal in 40% or patients, it does not lower serum levels of HCV-RNA. Ribavirin also exhibits significant toxicity and is known to induce anemia. Viramidine is a prodrug converted to ribavirin in hepatocytes Interferons (IFNs) have been available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis for nearly a decade. IFNs are glycoproteins produced by immune cells in response to viral infection. Two distinct types of interferon are recognized: Type 1 includes several interferon alphas and one interferon β, type 2 includes interferon γ. Type 1 interferons are produced mainly by infected cells and protect neighboring cells from de novo infection. IFNs inhibit viral replication of many viruses, including HCV, and when used as the sole treatment for hepatitis C infection, IFN suppresses serum HCV-RNA to undetectable levels. Additionally, IFN normalizes serum amino transferase levels. Unfortunately, the effects of IFN are temporary. Cessation of therapy results in a 70% relapse rate and only 10-15% exhibit a sustained virological response with normal serum alanine transferase levels. (Davis, Luke-Bakaar, supra)
One limitation of early IFN therapy was rapid clearance of the protein from the blood. Chemical derivatization of IFN with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) has resulted in proteins with substantially improved pharmacokinetic properties. PEGASYS® is a conjugate interferon α-2a and a 40 kD branched mono-methoxy PEG and PEG-INTRON® is a conjugate of interferon α-2b and a 12 kD mono-methoxy PEG. (B. A. Luxon et al., Clin. Therap. 2002 24(9):13631383; A. Kozlowski and J. M. Harris, J. Control. Release, 2001 72:217-224).
Combination therapy of HCV with ribavirin and interferon-α currently are optimal HCV therapy. Combining ribavirin and PEG-IFN (infra) results in a sustained viral response in 54-56% of patients. The SVR approaches 80% for type 2 and 3 HCV (Walker, supra). Unfortunately combination therapy also produces side effects which pose clinical challenges. Depression, flu-like symptoms and skin reactions are associated with subcutaneous IFN-α and hemolytic anemia is associated with sustained treatment with ribavirin.
A number of potential molecular targets for drug development as anti-HCV therapeutics have now been identified including, but not limited to, the NS2-NS3 autoprotease, the NS3 protease, the NS3 helicase and the NS5B polymerase. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is absolutely essential for replication of the single-stranded, positive sense, RNA genome. This enzyme has elicited significant interest among medicinal chemists.
Nucleoside inhibitors can act either as a chain terminator or as a competitive inhibitor that interfere with nucleotide binding to the polymerase. To function as a chain terminator the nucleoside analog must be taken up be the cell and converted in vivo to a triphosphate to compete for the polymerase nucleotide binding site. This conversion to the triphosphate is commonly mediated by cellular kinases which imparts additional constraints on any nucleoside. In addition this limits the direct evaluation of nucleosides as inhibitors of HCV replication to cell-based assays.
Non-nucleoside allosteric inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase have proven effective therapeutics alone and in combination with nucleoside inhibitors and with protease inhibitors. Several classes of non-nucleoside HCV NS5B inhibitors have been described and are currently at various stages of development including: benzimidazoles, (H. Hashimoto et al. WO 01/47833, H. Hashimoto et al. WO 03/0002s54, P. L. Beaulieu et al. WO 03/020240 A2; P. L. Beaulieu et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,281 B1; P. L. Beaulieu et al. WO 03/007945 A1); indoles, (P. L. Beaulieu et al. WO 03/0010141 A2); benzothiadiazines, e.g., 1, (D. Dhanak et al. WO 01/85172 A1; D. Dhanak et al. WO 03/037262 A2; K. J. Duffy et al. WO03/099801 A1, D. Chai et al. WO 2004/0526313, J. K. Pratt et al. WO 2004/041818 A1; J. K. Pratt et al. WO 2004/087577 A1), thiophenes, C. K. Chan
et al. WO 02/100851 A2); benzothiophenes (D. C. Young and T. R. Bailey WO 00/18231); β-ketopyruvates (S. Attamura et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,423 B1, A. Attamura et al. WO 00/06529); pyrimidines (C. Gardelli et al. WO 02/06246 A1); pyrimidinediones (T. R. Bailey and D. C. Young WO 00/13708); triazines (K.-H. Chung et al. WO 02/079187 A1); rhodanine derivatives (T. R. Bailey and D. C. Young WO 00/10573, J. C. Jean et al. WO 01/77091 A2); 2,4-dioxopyrans (R. A. Love et al. EP 256628 A2); phenylalanine derivatives (M. Wang et al. J. Biol. Chem. 2003 278:2489-2495).


A heating-energy saving system and a heating-energy saving method, which realize self-learning energy preservation (SLEP) system or method. By means of this system or method, the energy consumption of a beverage machine, which is mainly due to heating of the liquid required to provide hot beverages, can be reduced. At the same time, by adaptively learning and anticipating when a user is likely to use the beverage machine, the waiting time for the user, which is typically caused by the reheating process of the liquid in the beverage machine, can be significantly reduced. The system adapts the heating to what it learns from the user behavior. The described system and method are adapted to be installed in all kinds of beverage machines, either used in private or in public.

The present invention relates to a heating-energy saving system and a heating-energy saving method for use with a heating-system of a beverage machine, which is adapted to produce hot beverages. In particular, the present invention relates to the so-called self learning energy preservation (SLEP) system and method, which have been developed for saving heating-energy in commonly used beverage machines. The SLEP system and method help to reduce the energy consumption of the beverage machine, while at the same time help to minimize the waiting time for users of the beverage machine, when the liquid in the beverage machine has to be reheated.
Devices for preparing hot beverages are well-known in the art, especially in the field of producing tea, coffee, or coffee type beverages. Additionally, other substances such as chocolate or milk products can be extracted or dissolved to form a hot beverage in such beverage machines. For the preparation of such hot beverages in an appropriate beverage machine a suitable liquid (e.g. water or milk or the like) is heated by a heating-system, which is provided in a supply means and is supplied to a beverage production chamber of the beverage machine. In view of the energy consumption of the beverage machine, the heating process consumes by far the biggest amount. Therefore, reducing the energy consumption of the beverage machine by controlling the heating-system is very efficient.
Beverage machines known from prior art, usually achieve a reduction of the energy consumption by directly controlling the heating of the liquid with a timer. The timer is adapted to stop the heating of the liquid, after the beverage machine has not been used for a predetermined amount of time. Completely stopping the heater is the most efficient way to reduce the energy consumption.
However, if the heater has been off for a certain amount of time, the liquid in the supply means of the beverage machine is cooled down, and has to be reheated before the beverage machine can be operated the next time to produce a hot beverage. Reheating the liquid requires a certain waiting time, and it is very frustrating for the user to wait while the beverage machine is reheating the liquid. Only after the reheating process is completed, the user can again operate the beverage machine to obtain the hot beverage.


Components having different heights are installed in a multilayer substrate using a metal core layer formed by bonding a plurality of metal layers. The metal core layer includes through-holes and a spot-faced portion. Passive components and an active component are disposed in the through-holes and the spot-faced portion, respectively. These components are connected to conductive patterns formed on wiring layers, with connecting vias therebetween. Contact faces of each component with the connecting vias are controlled so as to be disposed at the same level with the metal layers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multilayer substrate including components therein, and in particular, to a multilayer substrate including components therein that is useful for installing components having different dimensions in the substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to achieve a high density mounting of electronic components, a multilayer substrate including components therein has been produced. In such a multilayer substrate including components therein, the components are embedded inside of the wiring substrate. For example, PCT Publication No. WO 03/103355 discloses a structure of such a multilayer substrate including components therein. As shown in FIG. 5 in this patent document, a component is installed in a through-hole formed in a core member composed of a metal. According to this structure, a multilayer substrate that is excellent in the protection of the component and in the heat dissipation effect can be provided.
In addition, in order to adjust the height of the components to be installed, the above patent document discloses a structure including a height-adjusting member 30 shown in FIG. 3. According to this structure in which the height of the component to be installed is adjusted, even when components having different dimensions are installed, contact positions of these components can be adjusted. Therefore, this structure can be preferably used when contact holes for connecting in a face-up manner are formed using a laser.
However, in the method using such a height-adjusting member, in addition to the step of disposing desired components to be installed, a step of disposing the height-adjusting member is required. Accordingly, an improvement is desired.

Multilayer substrate including components therein


New photosensitive acrylic material compositions for fabrication of holographic recording materials (HRMs) are provided. These compositions are comprised of polymerizable acrylic monomers and light absorbing dyes, and when polymerized they are thermally stable, light sensitive, hard and inert to common chemicals. Methods of fabricating HRMs with symmetric concentration distribution of the dye are also provided.

The fundamental aspect of an HRM is to utilize a photochemical phenomenon wherein the light harvesting dye absorbs light, reacts with the polymerized matrix, and alters the index of refraction. These induced refractive index modulations result in phase holograms with high diffraction efficiency and wavelength and angular selectivity. The covalent reaction of the light harvesting dye with poly(methyl methacrylate) is known (See, for example, A. V. Veniaminov and H. Sillescu, Macromolecules, 32, 1828–1837, 1999). Previous HRMs are well known, but the HRM closest to the subject invention is limited to a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer and a light harvesting dye, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone composite.
For example, A. Popov et al. (A. P. Popov, A. V. Veniaminov, Y. N. Sedunov, SPIE, 2215, 64, 1994) describe a general method of fabricating a 6 to 8 mm thick HRM having a gradient distribution of the 9,10-phenanthrenequinone dye in the PMMA matrix across the material's thickness.
This variation of the dye concentration as taught by Popov et al., is achieved by exposing each surface to a mercury lamp light filtered in such a way that the transmission maximum coincides with having a wavelength within the absorption profile of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone dye. As the light propagates through the HRM, its intensity falls exponentially with the penetration depth in accordance with the Lambert-Beer law. The accompanying photoinduced effect, a reaction between the dye and the polymer matrix, decreases. Thereby, unreacted dye is located toward the center of the HRM's cross-section.
In the same publication, Popov et al. describe another method of fabricating a thick HRM with a gradient distribution of the 9,10-phenanthrenequinone dye in a PMMA matrix. In this method, the initial 100 micrometers thick layer of PMMA polymer is doped with 10 wt % of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, which was prepared from a dichloroethane solution. The dried film was then placed between two 3 mm thick pure PMMA slabs and the entire assembly pressed together and heated to accelerate dye diffusion from the center layer to outside layers. The diffusion into the PMMA slabs depends on the temperature. In most instances, the elevated temperature necessary to achieve reasonable diffusion rates exceeds the PMMA's glass transition temperature. Obviously, this result is not desired.
Likewise, B. Ludman et al. (J. E. Ludman, N. O. Reinhard, I. V. Semenova, Yu. L. Korzinin, and S. M. Shahriar, SPIE, 2532, 481, 1995) describe the use of an HRM consisting of 0.5 to 5 wt % of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone in a PMMA matrix. This HRM has similar problems of Popov et al.
Similarly, C. Steckman et al. (G. J. Steckman, I. Solomatine, G. Zou and D. Psaltis, Opt. Lett., 23, 1310, 1998) describe the preparation of a 1 to 5 mm HRM comprising 0.7 wt % of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone dye dissolved in a PMMA matrix. To prepare such material, a solution of the dye, a polymerization initiator, and methyl methacrylate, is poured into molds and allowed to polymerize in a pressure chamber at elevated temperatures.
A problem with these prior references is that the PMMA has a relatively low glass transition which can lead to distortions after light exposure. Another problem is that post exposure treatment at elevated temperatures (around and above the glass transition temperature), significantly reduces the photoinduced index modulation by the diffusion of the photoproducts and, consequently, the strength of the holograms substantially decreases. Another problem relates to the low number of reactive sites in the polymer matrix during holographic recording. Yet another problem involves the limited chemical inertness of the PMMA matrix toward common chemical agents such as alcohols, acetone, chloroform, benzene and others.


A pack of plastic bags for use with a bagging rack. Each plastic bag in the pack of bags has a central tab portion between its two upwardly extending handles, which are at the sides of the mouth of the T-shirt bags. "J"-shaped slits are formed in the handles for carrying them on a bagging rack. A central tab portion is located on the front and rear walls above the mouth region of the plastic bags. The central tab portion has an aperture for receiving a retaining hook of a bagging rack, and a central tab slit which extends across the central tab portion, except for uncut portions near side edges of the central tab. The tearing cuts pass through the stack of bags and follow a non-straight path. The pack of plastic bags is preferably formed from plastic material which has been exposed to corona surface treatment. Frangible pressure bonding can be formed along the bottom side of said tearing cut to provide a self-opening feature. When the top bag is removed from the bagging rack, the next bag in the pack of bags will self-open into a open position for loading with merchandise.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to plastic bags, and more particularly to a pack of T-shirt bags, merchandise bags, trash bags, and the like made preferably of polyolefins, and method of manufacturing same, which can be used with a variety of different sized bagging racks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Since the mid-1980's, the use of plastic shopping bags has grown dramatically due to the great advantage plastic bags have over bags made of other materials, such as paper. Plastic bags are typically made of low or high density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE, respectively), but can be made of any of the polyolefins. LDPE and HDPE bags are stronger, lighter and much more compact than paper bags when stacked, saving valuable storage space at the merchants' checkout counter and storage areas. These attributes also make these bags less expensive to transport. LDPE and HDPE bags can be manufactured and sold much less expensively than competing paper bags, making them the bags of choice for merchants. LDPE and HDPE bags are also environmentally friendly since they require 70 percent less energy to manufacture than competing paper bags and are readily recyclable, and when not recycled, are non-toxic when incinerated or disposed of in landfills.
Many groceries stores and other merchants now use a style of plastic bag to bag groceries called T-shirt bags. T-shirt bags are pleated bags which are closed, by heat sealing, at a bottom edge, and have a pair of integral handles extending upwardly to define an open mouth of the bag therebetween. The handles allow the grocery loaded bags to be more easily carried. Because high density polyethylene (HDPE) has a greater resistance to stretching and deformation, HDPE is generally used for making T-shirt bags, although LDPE and other polyolefins can also be used. T-shirt bags are normally provided in packs of aligned bags and these packs of bags are generally carried on a bagging racks for easy loading of the bags.
T-shirt bags are generally manufactured by the following process. A continuous tube of HDPE, LDPE, LHDPE, or some combination of these and other plastic materials having the desired color, thickness, diameter, and physical qualities such as tensile strength, stretch and tear resistance, is formed on a extruding machine. The continuous plastic tube is then passed over rollers to roll the continuous plastic tube onto a spool. Depending on whether or not the bags to be formed from the continuous tube of HDPE will be printed on one or both sides, the newly formed continuous tube may be subjected to corona surface treatment, wherein the side or sides of the continuous flattened tube of plastic which are to be later printed will be passed by high voltage corona discharge electrodes. Corona surface treatment affects electrical and chemical changes on the plastic's outer surface to prepare that surface of the bag for printing. Corona surface treatment also contributes to creating frangible pressure bonding and the reliable self-opening operation of the instant plastic bag pack system of the invention.
After being corona surface treated and rolled, the roll of continuous plastic tube is typically pleated on two sides in order to double from two to four the number of layers of plastic material on two side regions of the pleated roll. (The handles of the assembled bags are latter cut into this double thick side regions for added strength). A bagging machine is used to heat seam close and cut individual the pleated tubes into sections having a desired length, with the cut sections of the pleated tube at top and bottom edges forming closed and flattened pleated bags of a desired length and width (sometimes referred to as "pillowcases"), with the pleated sides being at both sides of the flatted pleated bags. Further downstream of the heat seaming and cutting step, the bags are stacked in aligned piles. Thereafter, a hydraulic die or other cutting method or tool is utilized to remove material at the stacked bags' top portion to form the handles and a central tab portion with a central tab slit for support of the pack of bags on a hook of a bagging neck and a tearing line below the central tab slit. Usually a heat weld is utilized to hold the stack of central tabs together, thus forming a pack of bags. Each handle will comprise four layers of material since they are cut out from the pleated side portions of the bag. This not only makes the handles stronger, but also thicker, and more comfortable to hold.
Despite the many advantages HDPE T-shirt bags have over paper bags, unlike thicker and stiffer paper bags with a discreet flat bottom, they are not self-standing. This is due to their relatively thin and flexible material. In grocery stores settings, where quick and easy loading of bags is desirable, T-shirt bags are provided in stacks or packs which are generally supported on a bagging rack as merchandise is loaded into the bags to overcome the lack of self-standing ability.
There are several popular styles of T-shirt bags available in packs of bags and bagging racks for use therewith, some main types of which will be discussed. In one type of pack of T-shirt bags and bagging racks used therewith, the bagging rack has a support base, a wire rear wall with a tab receiving hook, and two wire arms extending forwardly over the base. In the center top portion of the arms, the wire is formed so as to have a section which will spread and hold apart the handles of T-shirt bags engaged therewith to open up the mouth of the T-shirt bag. The pack of T-shirt bags used with these styles of bagging racks consists of a stack of overlapped and aligned bags which have a lower bag portion with two handles extending upwardly at both sides of the mouth of the bag. A central tab portion is provided on the mouth of the bags between the two handles, and the central tab portions of the pack of bags are heat-sealed together. The heat sealed central tabs thus form a stack or book of central tabs and have a central tab slit formed therethrough. The central tab slit is engaged with the tab receiving hook on the rear wall of the bagging rack, and the book of central tabs will remain engaged therewith, even after individual bags are removed. Below the central tab slit a tearing slit is provided which traverses almost the entire distance of the central tabs except for a small distance at both sides of the central tab portion. The tearing slit allows the individual bags to be torn off the pack of bags as they are needed, and looped onto the bagging rack.
A second major type of pack of T-shirt bag, and bagging rack designed to be used therewith, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. RE 33,264 to Baxley, et al. Another version of this style of bagging rack is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,336 to Stroh, et al. Both of these bagging racks have a bottom support base and a rear wire wall with a tab receiving hook located thereon. However, to open up each individual bag for loading, instead of looping the handles of the bags over the top of the support arm one at a time, as is done with the first type of pack of bags and rack, these racks have two handle support rods extending forwardly from the rear wire wall of the rack. The pack of T-shirt bags used with these styles of racks are similar to those used with the first type of rack, except that aligned, inverted horseshoe-shaped aperture s are formed on each handle of the pack of bags, through which pass the handle support rods of the bagging rack. In these prior art inverted horseshoe-shaped apertures, the cut ends are turned inwardly and upwardly. The theory behind the prior art inverted horseshoe-shaped handle aperture cut is that any slit or cut in a bag is a potential tear and rip initiation point, which can damage the integrity of the bag. By using an inverted, horseshoe shaped handle aperture cut with turned up and in ends, any potential tearing at the ends will tend to be propagated inwardly and upwardly, into the flap formed by the cut, which it is harmless. While inverted horseshoe shaped handle apertures do accomplish the intended purpose, they reduce the effective, continuous width of the handles and can somewhat weaken the handles. The longer the horseshoe, the weaker the bag handles become.
Despite the attempts to overcome the problems associated with these presently available T-shirt bags, there continues to remain a need for an improved pack of T-shirt bags which can be used with a variety of bagging racks, which is easily manufactured, and which is strong.

Plastic bag pack system with novel handle apertures


A control valve includes a first valve body component that defines an outlet passage and a first planar surface surrounding a valve seat. A second valve body component has a second planar surface and is fastened against the first valve body component with the second planar surface in contact with the first planar surface at a sealing land. The first valve body component and the second valve body component define a high pressure cavity surrounded by the sealing land. One of the first valve body component and the second valve body component define an inlet passage opening to the high pressure cavity. A valve member has a portion positioned in the high pressure cavity and is moveable between a closed position in which the valve member contacts the valve seat closing the outlet passage to the high pressure cavity, and an open position in which the outlet passage is open to the high pressure cavity. The sealing land has a symmetrical non-circular shape.

Examples of electronically controlled cartridge control valves for fuel injectors are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,219 to Maley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,131 to Maley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,462 to Logie et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,118 to Potter. In each of these examples, the injector includes a mechanically actuated fuel pumping plunger and an electronically actuated fuel pressure control valve assembly. The pressure control valve assembly includes a solenoid operated poppet valve member that controls fuel pressure in the injector in order to control fuel injection delivery and timing. Fuel pressure is controllably enabled to be developed within the injector by electrical actuation of the pressure control valve assembly. Fuel pressure is controllably prevented from developing within the injector by not electrically actuating the pressure control valve so that fuel can spill through a return passage while the plunger is undergoing a portion of its downward pumping stroke.
In such electronically controlled fuel injectors, the armature of the pressure control valve assembly moves the poppet valve member in one direction until it engages a valve seat, and holds the poppet valve in its closed position to enable fuel pressure to be developed in the injector, eventually resulting in fuel injection. At the end of the fuel injection cycle, the solenoid is de-energized, and a return spring moves the poppet valve member off the valve seat, returning the poppet valve member to its open position, which relieves fuel pressure by spilling the fuel back to a fuel reservoir.
Because of manufacturing and cost constraints, the valve must typically include several valve body components joined to one another. In most cases, a sealing land defining the contact area between two valve body components must withstand cyclic high fuel pressures without leaking. These pressures typically vary on the order from about 0 psi to 20,000 psi, or more, many times per second, and the sealing land must reliably seal against leakage over many hundreds of millions of injection pressure cycles. Because of the large number of cycles involved and the relatively high pressures, conventional o-ring and/or gasket sealing techniques are incapable of reliably sealing against leakage in this extreme environment. In other words, engineers must typically rely upon a metal to metal sealing land to adequately and reliably prevent leakage in some high pressure areas within control valves for fuel injectors.
Although machining technology is sufficiently developed to allow adequate high pressure sealing between two planar surfaces of a pair of metal valve body components, the ability to provide an adequate force to hold the two valve body components together sufficiently to prevent leakage is somewhat more problematic. In the case of cartridge control valves for fuel injectors, this force is often produced by relying upon a relatively high torque when attaching the control valve to an injector body. High torques can lead to excessive stress on the metal parts and cause distortion of the matched clearance bores. This in turn can cause parts to break and/or the distortion can cause a seizure of moving components within the fuel injector. Any improvement that reduces the amount of force necessary to hold two metallic valve body components together is desirable because of the decreased sensitivity to reliance upon high joining forces.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.

High pressure metal to metal sealing land in a control valve for a fuel injector


A self-locking drill chuck device includes a body, a nut, jaws, a front sleeve, a rear sleeve, a nut jacket and a rolling member. Three jaws are respectively and operatively inserted into three angled bores uniformly distributed around the body, the threads of the nut engages with that of the jaws to form a thread driving mechanism. A ratchet wheel is fixedly mounted at a rear portion of the body, a disk spring is provided between the rolling member and a load carrying shoulder of the body, the front portion of the body has key slots and an annular connecting groove, the rear end of the nut jacket has a plurality of driving grooves and keys on which a locking elastic element and a driving elastic element are respectively fixed. The drill chuck has a simple structure, convenience of operation and high working stability and reliability of self-locking capacity.

A conventional drill chuck typically comprises a chuck body, a plurality of jaws, a nut, a nut jacket, a rolling member, a front sleeve, a rear sleeve, and a locking means. The jaws, usually three, are respectively inserted into three angled bores uniformly distributed around the chuck body of the drill chuck device. The nut is fitted in a nut groove of the chuck body. The threads of the nut and the threads of the jaws together form a thread driving mechanism to drive the jaws back and forth. The nut jacket is fixedly connected to the nut. The front sleeve is mounted around nut jacket and connected to the nut via keys. The rear sleeve is mounted around the rear end portion of the body.
The present invention relates to a kind of drill chuck device, particularly to a self-locking drill chuck device. During assembling and using a drill with a drill chuck device according to the present invention, a threaded rod of a driving shaft of a driving device of the drill is connected with a threaded hole defined in the rear end portion of the chuck body. When the driving shaft is driven to rotate, the chuck body, which is driven by the driving shaft, drives the three jaws to rotate together with a tool fastened therein, such as a drill head. When assembling the tool, the front sleeve and the rear sleeve fixedly connected with the chuck body are rotated relatively, thereby the front sleeve drives the nut to rotate. Meanwhile, the jaws threadingly engaged with the nut move forward or backward along the angled bores in the chuck body, so the handle of the tool, i.e., the toolholder of the drill head, is fastened by the jaws or released therefrom. The tools for the drill chuck device usually comprises screw driver, nut drivers, burrs, mounted grinding stone and drill head etc.
In order to increase the chucking effects and reliability of the drill chuck, various additional locking means may be selectively adopted. For example, several types of locking means for the drill chucks are respectively disclosed in PCT/CN02/00375 and PCT/CN02/0399. Although the drill chuck as described in PCT/CN02/00375 has a simple and compact structure, this type of drill chuck is mainly applied for DC type impact drill, if it is used for AC type impact drill, the locking reliability will be insufficient due to the high speed and the huge impact force. PCT/CN02/0399 disclosed a drill chuck suitable for various impact drills with good performances, however the structure of this type of drill chuck is complicated, it costs more than necessary when it is used for lower powered AC or DC impact drills.
Therefore, the conventional drill chucks have some drawbacks such as complex structure, low locking reliability due to vibration and impact and inconvenient assembling and disassembling.


A grating structure useful for WDM multiplexer/demultiplexer applications is described. The grating structure has a substantially polarization-independent diffraction efficiency of a predetermined useful wavelength range, for example, between 1.4 and 1.6 xcexcm. Each grating period includes a triangular section and a flat-topped section, with the width of the flat-topped section between 20 and 50% of the grating period. The disclosed grating structure can be formed in any material that is substantially transparent over the useful wavelength range and used in either a Littrow and a Littman-Metcalf configuration.

The invention is directed to an diffractive optical structure with a high angular dispersion and low stray light, and more particularly to a grating structure with a polarization-independent diffraction efficiency that can be applied in WDM applications.
Fiber optic telecommunication systems are increasingly used to provide high-bandwidth transmission of information to homes and businesses. During the past decade, optical networks have become more complex and use multiple wavelengths transmitted simultaneously over the same fiber. This transmission method is referred to as wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM/D). The international telecommunications union (ITU) standards body has proposed a channel allocation grid with 100 GHz channel spacing (xcx9c0.81 nm at a 1550 nm wavelength) on even 100 GHz intervals, counting nominally in both directions from a center frequency of 193.1 THz. Newer systems are being designed to reduce the channel spacing to 50 GHz or less. In addition, the total wavelength range over which these devices are designed to operate is increasing. WDM is a general term applied to the separation and integration of information carried on these optical channels. The technologies involved in WDM/D require efficient handling of the optical signals propagating over fiber optic cables, and being routed through various devices that deliver the high bandwidth signals to the end customer.
To extract information from WDM channels, the various optical carrier frequencies propagating, for example, in a communication fiber, have to be separated. Wavelength-selective optical elements, such as interference filters, fiber Bragg gratings, arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG), and free space gratings, e.g., surface relief diffraction gratings, are employed for this purpose. Many of these wavelength-selective components have a polarization-sensitive response. The free-space gratings typically operates in a Littrow configuration. The gratings can be ruled gratings, holographic gratings or etched gratings. Etched gratings typically employ a crystalline, preferably a semiconductor substrate, that exposes crystal planes with a predetermined crystal orientation upon etching. For example, the (100) crystal planes in Si have a preferential etch rate of 400:1 over the Si (111) planes when etched with an aqueous solution of KOH.
It is well known that standard single-mode fiber may not preserve the launched state of polarization (SOP) of optical signals propagating through the fiber. Moreover, the SOP usually varies with time at any given point along the fiber due to small changes in the physical environment of the fiber or in the optical wavelengths. These random polarization fluctuations can affect transmission systems that employ polarization-sensitive optical components, such as optical amplifiers, coherent optical receivers or polarization-dependent photonic switches and demultiplexers. Polarization scramblers have recently been employed in optically amplified transoceanic communication systems, where they are used, for example, to eliminate anisotropic gain saturation (polarization hole burning) in the optical amplifiers by depolarizing the launched optical signal. Accordingly, optical components used with optical fibers should be made polarization independent, thereby reducing costs and complexity of the fiber-optic communications system.
It would therefore be desirable to provide compact wavelength-dispersive devices that can separate closely-spaced optical channels with equal efficiency regardless of the polarization direction of the light signal and with low crosstalk between channels.
The invention is directed to a grating structure for an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer which provides a substantially polarization-independent diffraction efficiency over a predetermined useful wavelength range. The diffraction grating has a surface relief structure with a repeating pattern consisting of triangular sections separated by flat sections. The structure can be used in both Littrow and Littman-Metcalf configuration.
According to one aspect of the invention, the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer having the grating structure according to the invention operates in xe2x80x9cdouble-passxe2x80x9d geometry (Littman-Metcalf configuration) to provide a greater angular dispersion and a finer channel spacing, allowing a larger number of optical wavelength channels to operate over a fiber optic network. In addition, with this structure, the received signal is cleaner as a result of reduced contribution from stray light (reduced channel cross talk).
The optical multiplexer/demultiplexer includes a prism having an input face, an output face and a grating face, with a grating being formed either directly on or alternatively applied to the grating face. A reflecting surface is disposed substantially parallel to the output face. Incident optical radiation with a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range passes through the input face and is diffracted by the grating towards the output face. The reflecting surface retro-reflects the diffracted optical radiation back onto the prism for an additional diffraction by the grating. The twice diffracted light exits the input face of the prism at a wavelength-dependent angle relative to a surface normal of the input face.
According to another aspect of the invention, optical multiplexer/demultiplexer device for applications in fiber-optic communications includes at least one input optical fiber or waveguide, at least one output optical fiber or waveguide, and a prism with an input face, an output face and a grating face. Optical radiation with a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range emanating from the input optical fiber or waveguide can be collimated by an optical element, for example a lens, before impinging on the input face of the prism. A grating is formed either directly on or alternatively applied to the grating face. A reflecting surface is disposed substantially parallel to the output face. The incident optical radiation passes through the input face and is diffracted by the grating towards the output face. The reflecting surface retro-reflects the diffracted optical radiation back onto the prism for an additional diffraction by the grating. The twice diffracted light exits the input face of the prism at a wavelength-dependent angle relative to a surface normal of the input face.
The grating can be formed as an immersion grating in or on a material that is substantially transparent over the wavelength range of interest, such as glass, Si, Ge and the like. In addition, polarization rotation means, for example a quarter waveplate or a Faraday rotator, can be placed between the reflecting surface and the output face. The grating can be etched into silicon, wherein the natural etch planes of crystalline silicon, such as the (111 ) planes, form the sides of the triangles of the grating relief structure. The flat-topped region has a width between 20% and 50%, preferable between 25% and 35% of the grating period.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments.

Diffractive structure for high-dispersion WDM applications


An electrical connection interface system for a galley insert or appliance for an aircraft galley includes a high level interface configured to be electrically connected with an appliance power and control unit or galley power and control unit. In a presently preferred aspect, the galley insert or appliance may be an oven, refrigerator or chiller.

Aircraft galley systems for commercial aircraft with in-flight catering services typically incorporate self-contained refrigeration units that are cooled to prevent spoilage of food prior to distribution to passengers, and to keep beverages at desired serving temperatures, as well as separate ovens for heating food in the preparation of hot meals to be served aboard aircraft. Currently space must be allocated for each of the heating and cooling devices separately, either in the same galley or in different galleys.
Conventional electrical connection interfaces for a galley insert or appliance for an aircraft galley typically involve a large amount of complex internal electrical and other systems, contributing significantly to the length, complexity and weight of such aircraft galley electrical systems, and are subject to possible damage from disconnection due to movement of a galley insert or appliance after an electrical connection interface is completed.
It would be desirable to provide a high level interface that allows a reduction in overall weight of the galley insert or appliance by reducing a length of the internal electric cabling, electromagnetic interference protection and other services. It would also be desirable to provide a high level interface that allows reduction of weight of a galley electrical wiring and data system by significantly shortening a connection length between an appliance power and control unit and the galley insert or appliance, and by shortening a connection length between the appliance power and control unit and a galley power and control unit. It would also be desirable to provide a high level interface that allows a galley insert or appliance to be installed and uninstalled as a conventional line replaceable unit without the need for additional tools. It would also be desirable to provide a high level interface that provides a significant safety separation between the electrical and water systems by placement of such water systems below a level of an interface connection point. It would also be desirable to provide a high level interface that can provide a common electrical interface with different galley insert or appliance types, allowing interchangeability within a given location, and that allows for float in both a galley insert or appliance and an appliance power and control unit preventing damage or disconnection through movement. The present invention meets these and other needs.

Appliance insert connection interface for an aircraft galley


The present disclosure relates to an optical obturator that facilitates the visualization of tissue therethrough during use. The optical obturator disclosed herein includes a housing that is disposed at a proximal end thereof, an elongate member that extends distally from the housing, a distal end formed of a substantially opaque material with one or more openings formed therein, and a shield member.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the penetration of body tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical obturator having an opaque distal end that includes one or more openings to facilitate the viewing of tissue.
2. Background of Related Art
In endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, surgery is performed in any hollow viscus of the body through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted percutaneously through a small incision or access point in the skin. Generally, in such procedures, the surgical region is first insufflated. Thereafter, a surgical access assembly, such as a cannula or trocar assembly, is typically used to create the incision or access point by advancing a surgical instrument through the skin. Such instruments may include an obturator, stylet, or trocar, and will collectively be referred to as obturators throughout the present disclosure. An example of a known obturator may be seen in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,266 to Stellon, which issued Nov. 21, 2001, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
Endoscopic, and in particular, laparoscopic procedures, often require a clinician to act on organs, tissues or vessels that are far removed from the incision or access point that may be difficult to see, e.g. due to the location of the organ, tissue, or vessel, the presence of blood or other fluids, or the crowded nature of the surgical workspace. Consequently, many known surgical access assemblies are employed blindly. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an obturator which facilitates the viewing of the underlying workspace therethrough.


In a fuel cell vehicle on which a fuel cylinder is mounted, high-pressure fuel gas discharged to the air through a pressure control valve from the fuel cylinder is efficiently diffused and discharged to the outside of the vehicle.

In recent years, there has been known a fuel cell vehicle which supplies electric power generated by a fuel cell system to a motor and drives wheels by this motor. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-130468 (FIG. 1) discloses a fuel cell system providing electric power generation in a fuel cell stack by a chemical reaction between hydrogen as fuel gas and oxygen as reactive gas. Here, oxygen is taken in from the air through an air compressor, and hydrogen is supplied from a fuel cylinder through a flow regulating valve.
For the purpose of extending mileage for one fuel gas supply, and the like, the fuel cylinder mounted on the fuel cell vehicle is filled with high-pressure hydrogen gas. In the fuel cylinder filled with the high-pressure hydrogen gas, besides the flow regulating valve, a pressure control valve is provided to prevent an internal gas pressure from being a certain gas pressure or more.
When the pressure control valve is actuated to discharge the hydrogen gas from the fuel cylinder to the air, it is preferable that the hydrogen gas is discharged to the air, in other words, to the outside of the vehicle while the discharge pressure is lowered and the fuel gas is diffused.
However, in the above-described document related to the prior art, there is no description as to how to discharge the hydrogen gas by use of the pressure control valve itself and by operation thereof.
The present invention was made in consideration for the foregoing problem. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell vehicle on which a fuel cylinder is mounted, which is capable of efficiently diffusing fuel gas discharged to the air from the fuel cylinder and discharging the fuel gas to the outside of the vehicle.


Trench structures (12,32,35,46) are formed in single crystal silicon substrates (10,30) that have either a (110) or (112) orientation. A selective wet etch solution is used that removes only the exposed portions of the single crystal silicon substrates (10,30) that are in the (110) or (112) crystal planes. The trench structures (12,32,35,46) are defined by the {111} crystal planes in the single crystal silicon substrate (10,30) that are exposed during the selective wet etch process. Trench structures (32,35) can be formed on both sides of a single crystal silicon substrate (30) to form an opening (34). Opening (34) can be used as an alignment mark to align front side processing to backside and vice versa. Trench structures can also be use to form a microstructure (41,61) for a sensor (40,60).

This invention relates, in general, to methods of fabricating semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to methods for etching semiconductor substrates.
There has been an ongoing effort to produce semiconductor devices with improved performance and functionality. In some cases, the improvement in performance is achieved by developing sophisticated semiconductor device structures, which is accomplished with a complex processing sequence. Traditionally, all semiconductor devices have been formed on only one side of a semiconductor substrate. However, many sophisticated semiconductor structures now require that processing occur on both sides of the semiconductor substrate.
A manufacturing flow which processes both sides of a semiconductor substrate requires that the process steps occurring on one side be accurately aligned to the process steps occurring on the opposite side. Up to now, this alignment has been provided by aligning the flat or flats of a semiconductor substrate to a known orientation. This traditional method, however, is not sufficient for aligning a semiconductor substrate on wafers with large diameters when sub-micron device structures are fabricated by processing both sides of the semiconductor substrate.
Accordingly, it should be appreciated that it would be advantageous to provide a method of forming structures in a semiconductor substrate such that the structures can be used to accurately align the substrate. It would also be advantageous if the method could be used to form other semiconductor device structures.

Method of etching a trench into a semiconductor substrate


Concepts and technologies for dynamic cyclic extension (“CE”) for Fast Access to Subscriber Terminals (“G.Fast”) are described. According to one aspect described herein, a system can synchronize a G.Fast modem with the default CE value, measure an upstream signal attenuation of a G.Fast cable in a G.Fast circuit to obtain an upstream signal attenuation value, determine a new CE value based upon the upstream signal attenuation value, and determine if the new CE value is not equal to a default CE value. In response to determining that the new CE value is not equal to the default CE value, the system can update and apply a CE value for the G.Fast cable in the G.Fast circuit to the new CE value. If, however, the new CE value is equal to the default CE value, the system can instead apply the default CE value.

In recent years, the telecommunications industry has focused primarily on mobile broadband technologies, such as Long-Term Evolution ("LTE"), LTE-Advanced ("LTE-A"), and, more recently, 5th generation ("5G") technologies. Fixed broadband, however, still offers many advantages over mobile broadband, including overall reliability, speed, and cost. Currently, the state-of-the-art for fixed broadband service utilizes a fiber-to-the-home/building ("FTTH/B") infrastructure to provide fixed broadband services to customers' homes and buildings. However, the implementation of FTTH/B network-wide is met with many financial, regulatory, and strategic burdens. Rather than implement FTTH/B throughout the network, some service providers are exploring ways to improve upon the existing infrastructure and hardware currently deployed, such as using existing copper telecommunications cables with new broadband access standards.
Service providers can improve their fixed broadband networks by implementing Fast Access to Subscriber Terminals ("G.Fast"). G.Fast is a broadband access standard for local loops shorter than 500 meters, and provides up to 2 gigabits per second dedicated per customer, depending on the loop length. G.Fast has been standardized in reference specifications provided by the International Telecommunication Union ("ITU") Telecommunications Standardization Sector ("ITU-T"), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute ("ETSI"), and the Broadband Forum.
G.Fast utilizes a parameter called cyclic extension ("CE"). The required value for CE depends on the cable length used in a given G.Fast circuit. If the CE is too small, inter-symbol interference ("ISI") may result. ISI is a type of distortion of a signal in which one symbol interferes with subsequent symbols. ISI can cause errors during data transmission. If the CE is larger than necessary, unneeded overhead is added. A technician must know in advance the cable length for a given installation to obtain a correct value for the CE. The cable length can be measured manually by the technician, but this is very time-consuming. For this reason, many service providers choose to instead set a maximum value for the CE to account for any possible cable length. This yields a less data efficient implementation of G.Fast that can affect the end user's experience.

Dynamic cyclic extension for fast access to subscriber terminals (G.Fast)


An electronic device includes a log management unit and an assist function managing unit. The log management unit stores job logs containing, in relation to jobs, set content and execution result, and at least one of: required time, or printed sheet count and printed page count. The assist function managing unit: (a) extracts failed-job job logs in which the execution results indicate failure from the log management unit; (b) extracts successful-job job logs, corresponding to the failed-job job logs, in which, for jobs on a document executed immediately after a failed job on the document, the execution results indicate normal termination; and (c) registers, as operation assist functions, alternative user operations in terms of setting operations for successful jobs corresponding to the failed jobs that meet predetermined conditions in terms of the at least one of: required time, or printed sheet count and printed page count.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the description in this section is not prior art to the claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Along with the recent multifunctionality of an image forming apparatus, a user operation when using an image forming apparatus has been complicated. Therefore, as means to improve operability, the image forming apparatus includes an operation assist function such as a panel program and a one-touch key. These functions reduce a load of an operation of the user by preliminarily registering a specific function or a sequence of functions to a specific key.
In a certain image forming apparatus, an administrator registers a program or a workflow executed combining a plurality of operations. Then, the image forming apparatus suggests the program or the workflow to users.

Electronic device that automatically registers alternative user operation


A reduced shedding regenerator and method are disclosed with regenerator surfaces to minimize shedding of particles from the regenerator thereby alleviating a source of potential damage and malfunction of a thermal regenerative machine using the regenerator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to machines and, more particularly, to thermal regenerative machines.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional thermal regenerative machines including Stirling cycle engines and coolers use a working fluid, such as a gas. Portions of the working fluid travel in passageways between a hot area and a cold area. As the working fluid travels from the hot area to the cold area, it passes through a conventional random fiber mesh material called a regenerator that retains heat from the working fluid. As the working fluid returns from the cold area back to the hot area, it receives some heat back from the regenerator thereby resulting in increased efficiency. Unfortunately, the mesh material of the regenerator can shed small particles, which migrate within the machine to become undesirably located in other regions and parts of the machine, thereby introducing a potential cause of damage or malfunction. Conventional approaches to reduce shedding have included addition of screen components to end surfaces where working fluid either flows into or out of the regenerator. These approaches have had limited success. Other surfaces of the regenerators remain unprotected and the additional screen components increase piece counts for manufacturing.


A furniture drive system for a furniture part that is moveably mounted on a furniture body, includes a mechanical control unit having a pivotally mounted control arm for moving the moveable furniture part and at least one energy store for applying force to the control arm; an electric drive unit configured as a component designed to be separate from the mechanical control unit, and which has an electric motor for the electric motor-powered support of the movement of the moveable furniture part and a driver that can be driven by the electric motor for transmitting a torque of the electric motor to the mechanical control unit; and a damping device for damping the movement of the moveable furniture part. The damping device is arranged in the component of the electric drive unit for damping the movement of the moveable furniture part.

The invention relates to a furniture drive system for a furniture part that is movably mounted on a furniture carcass, with a mechanical actuating unit. The drive system has at least one pivotably mounted actuating arm for moving the movable furniture part and at least one energy storage mechanism for applying force to the at least one actuating arm. An electric drive unit is designed as an assembly formed separate from the mechanical actuating unit and has at least one electric motor for the electromotive support of the movement of the movable furniture part and at least one driver, and can be driven by the at least one electric motor for transmitting a torque of the electric motor to the mechanical actuating unit. At least one damping device is provided for damping the movement of the movable furniture part. The invention furthermore relates to a piece of furniture with a furniture carcass, at least one furniture part that is movably mounted on the furniture carcass, and at least one such furniture drive system.
Furniture drive systems as generally described above are already known from the state of the art. In order to achieve as harmonic a movement of the movable furniture part as possible, one or more damping devices for damping the movement of the movable furniture part are provided. They serve in particular to damp the movement of the furniture part into the two end positions, thus the closed position and the completely open position.
In the case of the furniture drive systems which have on the one hand a mechanical actuating unit and on the other hand an electric drive unit, the electric drive unit is also often optionally omitted (i.e. only the mechanical actuating unit is used). In other words, during the purchase, a user can decide either to buy only the mechanical actuating unit or additionally also the electric drive unit. However, the additional use of the electric drive unit changes the demands on the damping of the movable furniture part.
For example, if the mechanical actuating unit were used without an electric drive unit, it would not be necessary to damp the movement of the furniture part into the completely open position since in this case it would be possible to design the at least one energy storage mechanism in such a way that the weight of the movable furniture part is perfectly compensated for by the at least one energy storage mechanism. If the electric drive unit is now added to the mechanical actuating unit, the electric drive unit moves the movable furniture part into the completely open position undamped. In this case, an additional damping would be desirable.
In order to accommodate this desire, two approaches are chosen in the state of the art. A first approach consists of actuating the at least one electric motor in such a way that a braking effect is achieved. However, this route is disadvantageous since in many cases it is desired to also equip the electric drive unit with a free-wheel clutch, for example to avoid injuries. If the speed of the electric motor were now reduced to achieve a braking effect, the free-wheel clutch would become active and disconnect the drive train.
A second approach consists of providing the mechanical actuating unit with a corresponding damping device. At the same time, however, the at least one energy storage mechanism must be modified in such a way that a force is exerted on the at least one actuating arm or the movable furniture part in the direction of the completely open position so that the movable furniture part, when operated without an electric drive unit, can be moved into the completely open position against the damping effect of the damping device, without a user having to apply an additional force. However, at the same time, this also means that a force exceeding the compensation of the weight of the movable furniture part is always exerted on the movable furniture part by the at least one energy storage mechanism. This is, in turn, disadvantageous as a user would often like to leave the movable furniture part in a particular position, which is, however, not possible since the at least one energy storage mechanism automatically moves the movable furniture part out of this position.
In the end, it is therefore attempted in the state of the art to find a compromise in relation to the at least one damping device which, on the one hand, allows for operation without an electric drive unit and, on the other hand, allows for operation with an electric drive unit. Disadvantages always arise.