A pump for metering liquids out of a tank into a delivery line, includes, fitted on the output side, an air-purge device which is designed to separate off gas, in particular air, entrained by the pressurized liquid being conveyed and to lead the gas away into a gas-collection space which is at a pressure lower than that of the liquid. In order to ensure reliable purging, even with corrosive liquids, the pump is designed so that the purging device has a semipermeable membrane, on one side of which the pressurized liquid acts, the other side being in direct contact with the gas-collection space.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a metering pump for the measured delivery of liquids from a supply into a metering pipe, and more particularly to a metering pump that is vented to permit pressurized liquid being pumped to be removed in a degassing space where the pressure is below the liquid pressure and discharged.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In the pumping and metering of liquids, the reproducibility of delivery and the intake behavior can be seriously affected by outgassing of the liquid. Gas present in the liquid to be delivered is compressed during the compression stroke and can expand again during the following suction stroke. Accordingly, only part--if any--of the liquid is actually pumped. If the metering pump operates with a low stroke volume, even small amounts of gas can lead to serious metering errors. In addition, gas can be compressed in the pump chamber during pumping and can expand during the intake of liquid so that the intake and hence the delivery of the liquid by the metering pump is impaired. Accordingly, it is standard practice to fit metering pumps with a venting system.
A metering pump with the features mentioned at the beginning is known from DE 42 41 030 C1. The venting system comprises a vent valve located between a pressure valve of the pump chamber of the metering pump and the output side of the pump where there is a pressure valve leading to a metering pipe. The vent valve opens during the suction stroke and closes during the compression stroke. During the suction stroke when the pressure valve is closed, gas is able to escape through the opened vent valve. Although this metering pump has proved successful in practice, its use for aggressive or sensitive liquids can lead to difficulties, particularly with regard to the moving valve parts.


A system for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel, a flexible member for positioning the graft ligament in the bone tunnel, the flexible member having a first closed loop at a first end thereof and a second closed loop at a second end thereof, a delivery device having an end for positioning the first and second loops of the flexible member in the bone tunnel, and a pulling member having an end for withdrawing a selected one of the ends of the flexible member from the delivery device when the delivery device is positioned in the bone tunnel, and for pulling the selected end of the flexible member through a portion of a second bone tunnel which intersects, and extends traverse to, the first-mentioned bone tunnel.

A ligament is a piece of fibrous tissue which connects one bone to another.
Ligaments are frequently damaged (e.g., detached or torn or ruptured, etc.) as the result of injury and/or accident. A damaged ligament can impede proper motion of a joint and cause significant pain.
Various procedures have been developed to repair or replace a damaged ligament. The specific procedures used depend on the particular ligament which is to be restored and on the extent of the damage.
One ligament which is frequently damaged as the result of injury and/or accident is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Looking now at FIG. 1, the ACL 5 extends between the top of the tibia 10 and the bottom of the femur 15. A damaged ACL can cause instability of the knee joint and cause substantial pain and arthritis.
Numerous procedures have been developed to restore the ACL through a graft ligament replacement. In general, and looking now at FIG. 2, these ACL replacement procedures involve drilling a bone tunnel 20 through tibia 10 and up into femur 15. Then a graft ligament 25, consisting of a harvested or artificial ligament or tendon(s), is passed through the tibial portion 30 of tunnel 20 (sometimes referred to as "the tibial tunnel"), across the interior of the joint, and up into the femoral portion 35 of tunnel 20 (sometimes referred to as "the femoral tunnel"). Then a distal portion of graft ligament 25 is secured in femoral tunnel 35, and a proximal portion of graft ligament 25 is secured in tibial tunnel 30.
There are numerous ways in which graft ligament 25 may be positioned in tunnel 20 and secured in position.
One such way is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,604, issued Jul. 6, 1999 to Whelan for METHOD OF LOADING TENDONS INTO THE KNEE. According to this patent, the ligament may be towed up tibial tunnel 30 and femoral tunnel 35 and then secured in femoral tunnel 35 with a crosspin.
More particularly, and looking now at FIG. 3, the bone tunnel 20 is formed by drilling through tibia 10 and up into femur 15, whereby to form tibial tunnel 30 and femoral tunnel 35. Then a transverse bone tunnel 40 is formed in femur 15 so that transverse bone tunnel 40 intersects femoral tunnel 35. Bone tunnel 20 bifurcates transverse bone tunnel 40 into two tunnel portions, a first transverse bone tunnel portion 45 and a second transverse bone tunnel portion 50.
After transverse bone tunnel 40 has been formed, a flexible member 55 is used to draw graft ligament 25 up into place.
More particularly, according to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,604, this is done by threading flexible member 55 through transverse bone tunnel 40. Then a crochet-hook device (not shown in FIG. 3) is passed up tibial tunnel 30, across the interior of the knee joint, and up femoral tunnel 35. The crochet-hook device is used to hook flexible member 55 at the intersection of transverse bone tunnel 40 and femoral tunnel 35. Then the crochet-hook device is used to pull flexible member 55 down femoral tunnel 35, across the interior of the knee joint, down tibial tunnel 30, and out the front side of tibia 10. Next, graft ligament 25 is looped over flexible member 55 (FIG. 3). One or both free ends of flexible member 55 is/are then pulled away from femur 15, whereby to pull flexible member 55, and hence the looped graft ligament 25, up tibial tunnel 30, across the interior of the knee joint, and then up into femoral tunnel 35. (FIG. 4).
Once flexible member 55 and graft ligament 25 have assumed the position shown in FIG. 4, the graft ligament may be retained in that position by passing a cannulated crosspin 57 over flexible member 55 and into transverse bone tunnel 40 so that the crosspin 57 extends under graft ligament 25 and supports the looped graft ligament 25 within femoral tunnel 35. Then flexible member 55 is withdrawn from the surgical site.
Unfortunately, the method taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,604 suffers from a number of drawbacks.
For one thing, use of this method can result in erosion of the patient's bone. More particularly, and looking now at Fig. 5, flexible member 55 must first be drawn down femoral tunnel 35, across the interior of the knee joint, and then down tibial tunnel 30 in order to pick up graft ligament 25; and then later, flexible member 55 must be drawn back up tibial tunnel 30, across the interior of the knee joint, and then back up femoral tunnel 35 in order to carry graft ligament 25 into position. These actions cause flexible member 55 to engage the bone which is located at the intersection of femoral tunnel 35 and transverse bone tunnel 40, i.e., to engage the bone edges 59 (FIG. 5) as the flexible member 55 is drawn down the femoral tunnel 35 and the tibial tunnel 30 and, again, as the flexible member 55 is drawn back up the tibial tunnel 30 and the femoral tunnel 35. This engagement between flexible member 55 and bone edges 59 can cause bone edges 59 to be eroded. This erosion can be particularly significant where substantial forces are required to draw flexible member 55 out of bone tunnel 20 (e.g., where flexible member 55 is a metallic flexible member with significant resiliency).
For another thing, the method taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,604 can be tedious to practice. More particularly, when flexible member 55 is threaded through transverse bone tunnel 40, the crochet-hook device (not shown) must be passed up tibial tunnel 30, across the interior of the knee joint, and up femoral tunnel 35. The crochet-hook device must then be manipulated to hook flexible member 55 at the intersection of femoral tunnel 35 and transverse bone tunnel 40. This is typically done without the assistance of visualization and may require several attempts before flexible member 55 is successfully hooked.
Furthermore, using the procedure taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,604 may cause the flexible member 55 to twist, thus creating additional damaging forces in femoral bone tunnel 35, tibial bone tunnel 30 and/or transverse bone tunnel 40, and/or to the graft ligament 25.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus and method for reconstructing a ligament


An apparatus for aligning a lens module with an image sensor to form a camera module includes a chart holder, a positioning unit and a reflective elements holder assembly. In use, the chart holder holds a test chart having a region of interest (ROI), the positioning unit holds the lens module and the image sensor, and the reflective elements holder assembly holds multiple reflective elements between the chart holder and the positioning unit. A first optical path from the ROI is directed to a first position on the image sensor. Second optical paths from the ROI are reflected by the reflective elements to respective second positions on the image sensor, the second positions being spaced from the first position. The images captured by the image sensor (arising from the aforementioned optical paths) are analysed and the positioning unit aligns the lens module with the image sensor based on such analysis.

Camera modules for use in mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptop computers typically include a lens module assembled with an image sensor. The performance of these camera modules can be extremely sensitive to misalignment between the lens module and the image sensor. In particular, misalignment between the lens module and the image sensor may cause the images captured by the camera module to be out of focus. Accordingly, during the assembly of a camera module, an active alignment process should be performed to align the lens module and the image sensor.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art apparatus 100 for aligning a lens module 102 (having a lens 102a received in a lens housing 102b) with an image sensor 104. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical active alignment process involves the use of a test chart 106 having a plurality of regions of interest 106a-106e. During the alignment process, the test chart 106 is illuminated. The lens module 102 is positioned at a test distance 108 from the test chart 106 and the image sensor 104 is positioned below the lens module 102. The image sensor 104 is electrically connected to a circuit board and activated. Images of the test chart 106 are then captured by the image sensor 104 at varying test distances 108. The regions of interest 106a-106e in these captured images are analysed and based on the analysis, the relative arrangement between the lens module 102 and the image sensor 104 is adjusted to obtain a correct alignment of the image sensor 104 relative to the image plane of the lens 102a.
In a typical active alignment process, the size of the test chart 106 is dependent on the test distances 108 and the field of view (FOV) of the lens 102a in the lens module 102. With an increasing demand for wider FOV of the camera modules, larger test distances 108 and larger test charts 106 are required for performing the active alignment process. This in turn increases the size of the apparatus 100. As a result, more space in the clean room is required to house each apparatus 100. It would be beneficial to reduce a size and footprint required for such apparatus.

Apparatus using reflective elements for aligning a lens module with an image sensor


A system for automatically milking animals, such as cows, by a milking robot which emplaces teat cups on the teats of the animal, wherein the milking of the animal commences for a predetermined short length of time or for a short period of time that it takes for a sensor to determine that foremilking of the animal has been completed. The foremilk is diverted from the milking conduit and the teat cups are removed, cleaned and replaced on the teats of the animal following foremilking, after which the conventional automatic milking of the animal is completed.

In the process of automatically milking animals, the foremilk obtained with the teat cups, i.e. the squirts of milk first drawn from the animal's teat into the teat cup, are generally mixed with milk left in the animal's teat from the previous milking and this old milk is jointly stored with fresh milk in a milk tank. It is generally known that the foremilk of some animals can have a high germ count. Mixing the foremilk with the fresh milk is thus undesirable because it results eventually in milk of a lower quality.

Method and apparatus for automatically milking animals, such as cows


In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a Wi-Fi authentication request from a mobile device at a wireless controller, the request including a network access identifier, transmitting the request from the wireless controller to an authentication proxy, wherein the authentication proxy is in communication with a plurality of mobile operator authentication devices and operable to forward the request to one of the mobile operator authentication devices based on the network access identifier, and receiving a response to the request at the wireless controller, wherein the mobile device is permitted Wi-Fi access to a network by the wireless controller if the request is authenticated by the mobile operator authentication device. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.

Mobile device users are increasingly using Wi-Fi rather than a cellular network to connect to the Internet. The number of Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices continues to grow and the number of Wi-Fi networks available for roaming is expected to increase. Access to a Wi-Fi network often requires logging in on a portal page and entering a password to gain Wi-Fi access at a public hotspot. Hotspot 2.0 is an industry initiative to develop standards based interoperable Wi-Fi authentication and handoff to provide a seamless handoff between cellular and Wi-Fi networks that allows mobile device users to roam between two networks without the need for additional authentication. Hotspot 2.0 enables enterprises to provide guest access by using trusted credentials from a service provider in a visitor's mobile device. However, this requires the transfer of credentials from visitors associated with different service providers back to each of the service providers for authentication.


Device for facilitating the loading of capsules into a machine for dispensing capsules or for preparing drinks based on these capsules comprising: a detachable tube, containing stacked capsules furnished with an opening for the capsules to pass through the tube, means of aligning the tube allowing the tube to be aligned through a capsule receiving zone for the capsules to descend by gravity into this zone. The alignment means comprise means for retaining the capsules in their stack when the tube is moved with its opening oriented downwards, in the direction of the position in which the tube is aligned with the reception zone.

The invention relates to a device for loading capsules intended for the feeding of machines, dispensers, display units or other devices for the dispensing of such capsules and/or for the preparation of food products based on these capsules, such as coffee machines or other machines.
In the food field, the use of systems for preparing food products based on capsules, such as drinks dispensers, is expanding rapidly due to the many advantages that these systems generally bring. Such systems may be drinks dispensers, for example, which work by using capsules containing a base for preparing a drink. The consumer may prepare a drink for himself by using these capsules simply, rapidly and most of the time with a minimum of intervention on his part for preparation and/or cleaning.
These capsules may be, for example, dosed packages of extremely varied configuration, size and/or nature. These may be capsules made of plastic film, filter paper, aluminium or composite laminate and may be in the form of a lens, a beaker or other forms.
In most of the known systems, the capsules are supplied in closed packs such as cardboard boxes or flexible or rigid plastic packs that are separate from the machines themselves. The user takes a capsule from the chosen pack and inserts the capsule into the preparation machine which carries out the preparation such as by dissolving, extracting or percolating the product contained in the capsule with a diluent such as water.
In certain cases, there are capsule dispensers associated with or yet integrated into the preparation machines. Specifically there is a requirement for building stocks of capsules in order to ensure supplies with a minimum of interruption and offer the consumer a choice. The capsules may further be available on demand as in the form of a display unit or a dispenser, with or without payment system, in which the consumer has access to the capsule which he can then take from the dispenser then insert in a machine for preparing the food speciality, for example, for preparing a hot or cold drink.
It may further involve a device which is directly integrated into the machine for preparing the food product and, in this case, the capsule is selected directly and the. product is prepared in the same machine without direct contact between the capsule and the consumer. The capsule is then picked up by mechanical means to be transported from the storage zone to the preparation means such as an extraction or dissolving chamber for example, where the product contained in the capsule may be extracted or dissolved.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,106 relates to a magazine for capsules used to store several capsules stacked one upon the other. The capsules may thus be removed from the magazine on demand via an opening made in the base of the magazine. A drawback arises in that, to reload the magazine, the capsules must be inserted into the magazine individually in a slot provided for this purpose. The reloading process is therefore long and not very practical. This system therefore does not lend itself very well to receiving large series of capsules and to an overcomplex automation of the system.
Patent application EP 1 247 481 A1 sets forth a drinks extraction device comprising an integrated capsule loading system. Such a system is particularly practical because it can be used to automatically feed an extraction system with capsules to be extracted by means of a turntable positioned in direct relation with the extraction system. Such a device comprises packs in the form of detachable tubes for storing capsules which match with tubular supports mounted on a rotating base. However, loading the packs into the tubular supports poses a problem.

Capsule loading device for feeding a capsules dispensing machine


The present invention is directed to an oil-soluble oleaginous composition additive comprising at least one terminally unsaturated ethylene alpha-olefin polymer of from above 20,000 to about 500,000 number average molecular weight substituted with mono- or dicarboxylic acid producing moieties (preferably dicarboxylic acid or anhydride moieties), wherein the terminal unsaturation comprises terminal ethenylidene unsaturation. The mono- and dicarboxylic acid or anhydride substituted polymers of this invention are useful per se as additives to oleaginous compositions such as lubricating oils, and can also be reacted with a nucleophilic reagent, such as amines, alcohols, amino alcohols and reactive metal compounds, to form products which are also useful oleaginous composition additives, e.g., as multifunctional viscosity index improvers.

Nitrogen and ester containing lubricating oil multifunctional viscosity index improver, e.g., viscosity index improver-dispersant, additives have been widely used by the industry. Typically, these multifunctional viscosity index improvers are prepared from a long chain hydrocarbon polymer by reacting the polymer with an acid producing moiety such as acid or maleic anhydride to form the corresponding polymer which is substituted with succinic acid or anhydride groups. Ethylene-propylene has been widely used as the polymer of choice.
High molecular weight ethylene-propylene polymers and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers, having viscosity average molecular weights of from about 20,000 to 300,000, are generally produced employing Ziegler catalysts, generally VCl.sub.4 or VOCl.sub.3 with a halide source, such as organoaluminum halides and/or hydrogen halides. Such high molecular weight EP and EPDM poyymers find use as viscosity index improvers. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,563,964; 3,697,429; 4,306,041; 4,540,753; 4,575,574; and 4,666,619.
The concept of derivatizing V.I. improving high molecular weight ethylene copolymers with acid or anhydride moieties such as maleic anhydride followed by reaction with an amine to form a multifunctional viscosity index improver, e.g., a viscosity index improver-dispersant, oil additive is known in the art as indicated by the following patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,316,177 teaches ethylene copolymers of at least 50,000, such as ethylene-propylene, or ethylene-propylene-diene, which are heated to elevated temperatures in the presence of oxygen so as to oxidize the polymer and cause its reaction with maleic anhydride which is present during the oxidation. The resulting polymer can then be reacted with alkylene polyamines.
U.S Pat. No. 3,326,804 teaches reacting ethylene copolymers with oxygen or ozone, to form a hydroperoxidized polymer, which is grafted with maleic anhydride followed by reaction with polyalkylene polyamines. Preferred are ethylene-propylene copolymers, having M.sub.v from 100,000 to 500,000, prepared by Ziegler type catalysts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,739 teaches an ethylene copolymer (M.sub.v =10,000 to 200,000) which is grafted, using, a free radical technique, with alternating maleic anhydride and a second polymerizable monomer such as methacrylic acid, which materials are reacted with an amine having a single primary, or a single secondary, amine group.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,452 relates to graft copolymers wherein the backbone polymer is a polymeric hydrocarbon such as EP copolymer or EPDM (M.sub.v =10,000 to 200,000) and the grafted units are the residues of an addition copolymerizable monomer system comprising, e.g., maleic anhydride, and at least one other addition monomer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,273 reacts an ethylene copolymer (M.sub.v =10,000 to 100,000) with maleic anhydride in the presence of a free radical initiator and then with mixtures of C.sub.4 to C.sub.12 n-alcohol and amine such as N-aminopropylmorpholine or dimethylamino propyl amine to form a V.I.-dispersant-pour depressant additive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,104 relates to EP and EPDM viscosity index improver-dispersant additives prepared from EP polymer (M.sub.n =5000 to 500,000), by maleic anhydride grafting and reaction with polyamines.
The following references include disclosures of EP/EPDM polymers of M.sub.n of 700/500,000, also prepared by conventional Ziegler catalysts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,794 teaches grafting the ethylene copolymer (M.sub.n =700 to 500,000) with maleic anhydride using peroxide in a lubricating oil solution, wherein the grafting is preferably carried out under nitrogen, followed by reaction with polyamine.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,185 teaches reacting C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 monocarboxylic acid anhydrides, and dicarboxylic anhydrides, such as acetic anhydride, succinic anhydride, etc. with an ethylene copolymer (M.sub.n =700 to 500,000) reacted with maleic anhydride and a polyalkylene polyamine to inhibit cross linking and viscosity increase due to further reaction of any primary amine groups which were initially unreacted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,181 is similar to U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,185 in that it teaches using a sulfonic acid to inactivate the remaining primary amine groups when a maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-propylene copolymer (M.sub.n =700 to 500,000) is reacted with a polyamine.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,432 teaches maleic anhydride grafted ethylene copolymer (M.sub.n =700 to 500,000) reacted with a mixture of an amine having only one primary group together with a second amine having two or more primary groups.
Related disclosures of maleic anhydride grafted, aminated ethylene-propylene polymer viscosity improver-dispersant additives useful in lubricating oil compositions are contained in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,507,515; 4,557,847; 4,632,769; 4,693,838; and 4,707,285.
However, these conventional multifunctional viscosity index improvers derived from conventional ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by such methods as free-radical initiated grafting require relatively harsh reaction conditions in order to graft the acid or anhydride moieties such as maleic anhydride onto the ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer backbone. This may result in economic disadvantages, the formation of deleterious or unwanted byproducts, and incomplete reaction of the ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer with the acid or anhydride moieties (low active ingredient--a.i.). The present invention, by utilizing an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a high degree of terminal ethylenylidene unsaturation, remedies these disadvantages.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,834 to Uniroyal Chemical discloses preparation (via certain metallocene and alumoxane catalyst systems) and composition of ethylene-alpha olefin copolymers and terpolymers having vinylidene-type terminal unsaturation, which are disclosed to be useful as intermediates in epoxy-grafted encapsulation compositions.
Japanese published Patent Application 87-129,303A of Mitsui Petrochemical relates to narrow molecular weight distribution (M.sub.w /M.sub.n <2.5) ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers containing 85-99 mol % ethylene, which are disclosed to be used for dispersing agents, modifiers or materials to produce toners. The copolymers (having crystallinity of from 5-85%) are prepared in the presence of a catalyst system comprising Zr compounds having at least one cycloalkadienyl group and alumoxane.
European Patent 128,046 discloses (co)polyolefin reactor blends of polyethylene and ethylene higher alpha-olefin copolymers prepared by employing described dual-metallocene/alumoxane catalyst systems.
European Patent Publication 129,368 discloses metallocene/alumoxane catalysts useful for the preparation of ethylene homopolymer and ethylene higher alpha-olefin copolymers.
European Patent Application Publication 257,696 A1 relates to a process for dimerizing alpha-oletins using a catalyst comprising certain metallocene/alumoxane systems.
PCT Published Patent Application WO 88/01626 relates to transition metal compound/alumoxane catalysts for polymerizing alpha-olefins.

Derivatized ethylene alpha-olefin polymer useful as multifunctional viscosity index improver additive for oleaginous composition


A system and method for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The system can includes an auxiliary drain including a main collection pipe, a heater having a bracket configured to attach the heater to the main collection pipe of the auxiliary drain, the bracket including a deflector configured to direct heat from the heater onto the main collection pipe, and a self-draining apparatus configured to receive excess water from the auxiliary drain.

A dry pipe sprinkler system or pre-action system comprises a fire suppression system that is typically used in structures and areas that are oftentimes unheated and subject to freezing temperatures. The dry pipe sprinkler system includes a network of pipes including branch lines servicing sprinkler heads, risers, and feed mains for delivering water from a water supply to the branch lines. Under normal conditions, this network of pipes contains a pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen, which holds closed a dry pipe valve that connects the main supply pipes of main feeds of the sprinkler system to the water supply. When heat from a fire opens a sprinkler, the compressed gas is released from the system. The resulting drop in pressure causes the dry pipe valve to open, or trip, thereby releasing water into the main supply lines or main feeds.
When the network of pipes is filled with the pressurized gas and the ambient temperature lowers, condensate can collect in the network of pipes. If the condensate builds up in the system, then there is a risk that the condensate will freeze in the pipes. Freezing condensate can cause pipes to leak or burst, or inhibit the flow of water through the branch lines in the event of fire. For this reason, dry pipe systems often include one or more condensate collector arrangements (sometimes called an "auxiliary drain") which collect condensate from the network of pipes. These auxiliary drains are typically located at low points of the dry pipe system and usually include a drainage valve and a shut-off valve connecting the auxiliary drain to a low point. An auxiliary drain is drained of condensate by first closing the upper valve. This prevents pressurized gas from exiting the system when the auxiliary drain is being drained. The drain valve is then opened and condensate is drained from the auxiliary drain. Then the drain valve is closed again and the upper valve is reopened to again allow condensate to be collected.
A fully open or ruptured auxiliary drain will allow the compressed air inside of the dry system to rapidly vent. This will falsely trip the dry valve, allowing pressurized water to enter the dry portion of the system and a potentially damaging high flowrate will spill out of the open/broken auxiliary drain. In addition to occupant inconvenience, a compromised auxiliary drain can result in thousands of dollars in damage and repair costs plus, hours of maintenance/service time to restore the system to normal operation.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0060652 discloses an assembly having an auxiliary drain with a level switch, housed in an insulated cabinet with a heater. The heater monitors the temperature in the cabinet and turns on and off as needed to keep the accumulated condensation in the auxiliary drain from freezing. When the amount of water collected reaches a certain volume the level switch will activate and an audible and/or visual alert can be given that the auxiliary drain needs attention.
One of the factors working against an automatically draining auxiliary drain is the fact that building code currently requires that the outlet of an auxiliary drain terminate in either a cap or a plug. Typically, auxiliary drains have been located throughout a structure with little concern for incorporated draining, basically a maintenance worker goes around with a bucket or if temperatures are warm enough just dumps the contents of the auxiliary drain out onto the floor of the structure, giving a distinct rust color staining on the floor and walls near the auxiliary drain. However, as systems become more sophisticated and the desire for automation increases, it is anticipated that relevant building codes will be altered or Authority Having Jurisdiction's (AHJ's) will allow auto draining as long as accommodations have been made to drain the water safely so as not to cause a potential slip-and-fall situation.

System for maintaining integrity of a dry pipe system with heated cabinet and flow restrictor valve


There are provided an image processing apparatus and method thereof which, in a case where drawing data represented by an RGB space satisfies a predetermined condition, perform a compensation of color that converts a pixel value of image data in an MCYK color space into a predetermined value, and in accordance with information for designating whether or not to use color conversion for each respective object included in the drawing commands, select whether to perform normal conversion processing for converting the drawing data of the RGB color space into a pixel value in the MCYK space or to perform color compensation conversion processing, and convert the pixel data from RGB to MCYK.

An image processing apparatus is known that inputs drawing commands specified with an RGB color space to generate bitmap data of a color space of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black) in order to reproduce colors corresponding to the drawing commands in a printer or the like. In this type of apparatus, when instructed to perform compensation of gray according to the type of object, for example, characters, graphics or images of the drawing commands, if R (red)=G (green)=B (blue) in the RGB data of a pixel, then the color of the pixel is judged to be an achromatic color and that RGB data is converted to K (black) data (Y=M=C=0).
Further, in an image processing apparatus that enters drawing commands specified with a CMYK color space to generate color bitmap data for a CMYK color space of a device, when in an input pixel value of a CMYK color space, a value of cyan is equal to a value of magenta and yellow (C=M=Y), the color of the input pixel is taken as an achromatic color and a compensation of monochrome K is performed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-277606).
Thus, conventionally the compensation of a single color has been limited to black only, and it was not possible to compensate another single color, for example, each of the coloring materials of C, M and Y. Furthermore, for secondary colors (realized using a plurality of coloring materials, for example, green (G) obtained by a mixture of cyan ©) and yellow (Y)) also, such color compensation could not be effected.

Image processing apparatus and method thereof


Devices and methods for defining a data set, referred to herein as a signature, for a particular device having interior channels. A baseline signature is established for the particular device while the particular device is known to be in a decontaminated condition. After use of the device and subsequent decontamination of the device, a signature for the particular device is determined and compared with the baseline signature to verify that the latter signature is within an acceptable range.

The nature of bacteria acquired in the health care setting differs significantly from bacteria found in a community setting, primarily in their resistance to antibiotic therapy. Abundant evidence exists, however, that the hospital environment itself contributes to the problem by harboring virulent strains of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and that many disinfection methods commonly used are ineffective and may actually spread contaminants. These contaminants are present on objects used in the health care setting, and in particular, on medical devices or instruments. These instruments must be decontaminated between uses.
Many medical devices are reusable after decontamination. Along with such materials pathogens and other contaminants are introduced. Endoscopy involves looking inside the body. Many of these devices have lumens and other channels or passages in which blood, tissue, and other materials are introduced during medical procedures. Decontamination of lumens and other channels and passages is critical, but also difficult due to access.
Endoscopes are non-exhaustive examples of such devices. Endoscopy is a common procedure in modern medical practices. Endoscopy involves the use of an endoscope, which is an instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. Endoscopes are inserted directly into an organ. Channels in endoscopes are used to transport medical instruments and materials, such as gasses and fluids. Tissue and fluids from the patient, and associated pathogens, are introduced into interior channels of the endoscope during such procedures. These devices must be decontaminated between uses.
Examples of such devices are flexible and rigid endoscopes. Endoscopes are used to examine and surgically manipulate the sinus cavities, upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts, lung fields, larynx, and intra-abdominal spaces. Endoscopes may have interior channels or conduits that are difficult to reach and disinfect. Relatively straightforward methods exist to disinfect endoscopes, although the working life of the endoscopes is lessened by washing due to chemical degeneration of components of the endoscope. An ongoing problem has been the reliable disinfection of endoscopes that have interior channels. Channels are used to inject liquid irrigants, suction, and to pass flexible instruments such as biopsy forceps. Interior channels and chambers have represented a challenge to infection control efforts.
Ultraviolet irradiation, particularly in the C bandwidth (2537 Angstroms), when given in adequate doses is lethal to all known pathogens. Microbes are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of light at wavelengths at or near 2537 Angstroms, due to the resonance of this wavelength with molecular structures. For the purposes of this document, the term UV-C is used for a wavelength of light being utilized for its germicidal properties, this wavelength being in the region of 2537 Angstroms.
The United States Food and Drug Administration and the United States Center For Disease Control and Prevention define disinfection as the use of a chemical procedure that eliminates virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., bacterial endospores) on inanimate objects. There are three levels of disinfection: high, intermediate, and low. High-level disinfection kills all organisms, except high levels of bacterial spores, and is effected with a chemical germicide cleared for marketing as a sterilant by the Food and Drug Administration. Intermediate-level disinfection kills mycobacteria, most viruses, and bacteria with a chemical germicide registered as a "tuberculocide" by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Low-level disinfection kills some viruses and bacteria with a chemical germicide registered as a hospital disinfectant by the EPA. For the purposes of this document, "disinfection" includes all three of these levels.

Instrument disinfection quality methods and devices


A system, method, and apparatus of social log file collaboration and annotation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method identifies a log file of importance, centralizes storage of the log file of importance and generates a social profile of the log file of importance. The method sets an access privilege associated with a user accessing the social profile of the log file of importance and permits the access the social profile of the log file of importance. The method processes a comment and/or an annotation in the social profile of the log file of importance of the user accessing the social profile of the log file of importance using a processor and a memory.

A software developer may need to test and debug a software code that they create. The software code may be associated with a mobile application, an enterprise software application, a desktop application, a client/server application and/or a web based application. Sometimes, the software developer may work in a team of programmers that are working on the same software code simultaneously, and/or which have worked on similar software code in the past.
The software developer may utilize a log file to determine a set of activities (e.g., error conditions) associated with an operation of a software code. Productivity of the software developer may be compromised spending time finding error conditions that have been resolved by other developers in the past. In addition, the software developer may not know which other developer with knowledge to ask for advice. As a consequence, the software developer may need to repeat work done by others. Repeating work done by others in analyzing the log file may be cumbersome, expensive, and/or inefficient.

Social log file collaboration and annotation


The invention relates to a pressure relief valve, comprising a base body, which is covered by a valve membrane. The base body which is located on the inner face of a packaging container, permits the escape of excess pressure from the packaging container into the atmosphere by means of passages and perforations that are configured in the wall of the packaging material. The inventive pressure relief valve thus responds particularly well. i.e. allowing particularly low opening pressures, by means of the special configuration of its base area.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a pressure relief valve for a packaging container.
2. Description of the Prior Art
DE 102 56 245 A1 has disclosed a pressure relief valve in which, in the region in which it overlaps with the base body, the valve membrane is always spaced the same distance apart from it except in the region of a recess. This makes it possible to achieve a very good seal, i.e. outside air cannot get into the interior of the packaging container. This is due to the fact that the flat contact of the valve membrane against the base body permits the sealant in the form of silicone oil between the base body and the valve membrane to provide relatively powerful adhesion forces between the valve membrane and the base body. In order to enable the pressure relief valve to better react to the occurrence of an excess pressure inside the package due to the generation of gases, however, it is necessary for the pressure relief valve to have the lowest possible opening pressure, i.e. the valve membrane should lift away from the base body extremely easily in order to produce a through conduit.

Pressure relief valve for a packaging container


A toner case includes a case main body, an attachment member and a conveying member. The case main body has a discharge port configured to discharge a toner. The attachment member is provided at the case main body to be rotatable in normal and reverse rotation directions around a rotation axis. The conveying member is rotatable in the normal and reverse rotation direction around the rotation axis to convey the toner from/to the inside of the case main body to/from a side of the discharge port. When the attachment member is reversely rotated, the conveying member is moved in a direction of the rotation axis between a first position in which the conveying member is reversely rotated together with the attachment member and a second position in which the attachment member runs idle.

The present disclosure relates to a toner case configured to contain a toner (developer) and an image forming apparatus provided with the toner case.
In an electrographic image forming apparatus, a toner is supplied on an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor drum or the like from a development device to carry out a development operation. The toner used for the development operation is supplied to the development device from a toner case, such as a toner container or an intermediate hopper or the like. Usually, the above-mentioned toner case is formed with a filling port for filling the toner into the toner case. After filling the toner case with the toner through the filling port, the filling port is closed with a cap.
For example, there exists a configuration that the filling port is closed with the cap from the inside of the toner case. Alternatively, there exists another configuration that by pulling out the cap from the filling port of the toner case a member inside the toner case is broken. There exists still another configuration that the filling port of the toner case is closed with the cap while the cap is covered with a cover member.
However, each configuration mentioned above needs to use the cap in order to close the filling port after filling the toner case with the toner, resulting in an increase in cost.


The trailer steering mechanism automatically steers the wheels of a trailer in accordance with the tow vehicle steering and articulation between the tow vehicle and trailer during backing maneuvers in order to facilitate backing maneuvers and to prevent or greatly reduce the possibility of jackknifing between tow vehicle and trailer. The mechanism includes a pivotally attached steering frame connected between the steerable wheels of the trailer and one or more hydraulic cylinders that, when locked, create a very strong link between the tow vehicle and the trailer and its steering system. The hydraulic cylinders are able to withstand great loads, and more importantly, are able to disengage while under great load without jamming. The hydraulic cylinders provide links that exert lateral force to the trailer to push or pull the trailer into a turn while backing, in addition to controlling the steering mechanism of the trailer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to vehicle steering systems, and particularly to a trailer steering mechanism for towing a trailer behind a motor vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
The towing vehicle and trailer combination is an inherently unstable one during backing maneuvers. Even a simple trailer having a single axle with non-steerable wheels requires some skill by the driver of the towing vehicle during backing maneuvers. This is because of the articulation between the towing vehicle and trailer, which allows the trailer to turn relative to the towing vehicle. Once the trailer begins to turn, even continued straight backing by the towing vehicle will cause the trailer to turn ever more sharply, resulting in the jackknifing of the trailer and towing vehicle in short order.
While the above problem can be overcome by a skilled driver operating a single axle trailer, other trailer configurations can be impossible to back. For example, truck tractors, or other towing vehicles towing multiple articulated trailers in tandem, can only successfully back the single trailer connected directly to the towing vehicle. There is no way for the driver of the towing vehicle to steer both trailers of such a configuration while backing. Another example is the farm wagon-type trailer, having a front axle with steerable wheels and a rear axle with directionally fixed wheels. This combination cannot be backed due to the instability of the steerable front wheels of the trailer, which causes a castering action when backing.
A number of different trailer steering mechanisms have been developed over the years in attempts to solve at least some of the above-described problems.
German Patent No. 3,538,338, published on Apr. 30, 1987, describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) an electrical system incorporating servomotors to drive the trailer steering. The drawings are primarily directed to the electronic circuitry used in the system.
German Patent No. 4,216,543, published on Dec. 3, 1992, describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a rigid linkage of two or more struts or tow bars between the towing vehicle and trailer, which angularly lock the trailer relative to the towing vehicle and prevent articulation therebetween. The trailer wheels are not actively steered, but, rather, caster to follow the turns of the towing vehicle during both forward and reverse travel. The lateral hydraulic cylinder disclosed in the drawings is not a steering actuation link or element, but is a shimmy damper, as conventionally applied to castering wheel systems.
Finally, German Patent No. 10,236,335, published on Feb. 27, 2003, indicates (according to the English title and abstract) that the subject trailer has a steerable front axle. However, no such steering mechanism is apparent in the drawings of the two-axle trailer. It appears that the trailer actually has castering front wheels, with no positive steering system being apparent.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a trailer steering mechanism solving the aforementioned problems is desired.


A sheet is removably positionable adjacent to a window. The sheet has upper, lower and side edges. A plurality of braces is secured to the sheet. Each brace has a metal base plate and a pair of fixed housings. A vertical push rod is slidably supported in each fixed housing for axial reciprocation. A cam is rotatably secured in each fixed housing. A swivel rod is secured to the handle and both of the cams. A reciprocable housing has an open upper face and a lower face. The housing is secured to the push rods. A rubber bumper is secured to the upper face. The bumper is adapted to contact an adjacent surface when in the extended operative orientation during operation and use.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a friction compression brake system and more particularly pertains to protecting windows from damage due to natural elements including hurricanes in a safe, convenient and economical manner.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of brace systems of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, brace systems of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of protecting windows from damage due to natural elements including hurricanes through known methods and apparatuses are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,175 issued Dec. 18, 1973 to Wallen relates to a Portable Locomotive Cab Storm Window. U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,978 issued Apr. 24, 2001 to Wood relates to a Device for Covering Windows and Doors During Severe Storms. U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,2001 issued Dec. 18, 2001 to Dodrigues relates to a Window Storm Panel Brace. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,312 issued Jun. 28, 2005 to Whitworth relates to a Storm Brace Assembly.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a friction compression brake system that allows protecting windows from damage due to natural elements including hurricanes in a safe, convenient and economical manner.
In this respect, the friction compression brake system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of protecting windows from damage due to natural elements including hurricanes and the like in a safe, convenient and economical manner.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved friction compression brake system which can be used for protecting windows from damage due to natural elements including hurricanes in a safe, convenient and economical manner. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A Radio Frequency Receiver on a Single Integrated Circuit (“RFSIC”) is described. The RFSIC may include a mixer, a phase-locked loop (“PLL”) in signal communication with the mixer, and an on-chip auto-tuned RF filter in signal communication with both the mixer and PPL, such that the same PLL simultaneously tunes the frequency of the VCO and the frequency response of the auto-tuned RF filter.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates in general to satellite navigation systems and in particular to Global Positioning System ("GPS") receivers utilizing Radio Frequency ("RF") receivers integrated onto a single integrated circuit ("IC").
2. Related Art
The use of telecommunication devices in present day society has grown at an enormous rate. At present, the demand for portable telecommunication devices such as cellular telephones, Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® enabled portable devices, Personal Communication Service ("PCS") devices, Global Positioning System ("GPS") enabled portable devices, etc., is growing in popularity every day. As the demand increases for portable telecommunication devices with varying communication characteristics, manufacturers are seeing a need to combine and integrate many of these devices. As an example, there is a need to integrate cellular telephones (i.e., "cellphones") with GPS receivers in order to allow a cellphone to determine its position for both personal and emergency use.
As the need to combine multiple telecommunications devices grows and also as the need to integrate them into a minimum number of integrated circuits ("ICs" also known as "chips") increases, there is a need to eliminate any unnecessary circuitry to reduce the area size of the circuitry and the associated costs. A known technique for reducing costs and area size in telecommunication device receivers is to integrate the receivers on to a single IC creating what is commonly known as a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit ("RFIC") receiver.
Unfortunately, most existing RFIC receivers are not capable of being fully integrated because they use external RF filters that utilize Surface Acoustic Wave ("SAW"), Bulk Acoustic Wave ("BAW"), or ceramic technology. The reason for this is that these external RF filters are typically discrete components and the Q-factor that can be achieved in SAW, BAW, and ceramic technology is higher than can be achieved in silicon leading to better performance within the RFIC receiver circuitry.
As an example, in FIG. 1 a block diagram of an example of a known implementation of an RFIC receiver 100 is shown. In this example, the RFIC receiver 100 may be in signal communication with an external RF filter 102 and may include a low-noise amplifier ("LNA") 104, optional RF amplifier 106, mixer 108, a frequency reference 109, and a phase-locked loop ("PLL") 110. As an example, the RF filter 102 may be in signal communication with both the LNA 104 and optional RF amplifier 106 via signal paths 112 and 114, respectively. The mixer 108 may be in signal communication with both optional RF amplifier 106 and PLL 110 via signal paths 116 and 118, respectively.
The PLL 110 may include a phase detector 120, loop filter 122, divide-by-N divider 124, and a voltage-controlled oscillator ("VCO") 126. The phase detector 120 may be in signal communication with both loop filter 122, divide-by-N divider 124, and frequency reference 109 via signal paths 128, 130, and 131, respectively. The VCO 126 may also be in signal communication with the mixer 108, the loop filter 122 and divide-by-N divider 124 via signal paths 118, 132 and 134, respectively, where signal paths 118 and 134 may be the same signal path. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that in general, a PLL (such as PLL 110) is a circuit architecture that acts as a closed-loop frequency control system, which functions based on phase-sensitive detection of any phase difference between a reference input 135 and the divided output 136 of the controlled oscillator (such as VCO 126).
In an example of operation, the RFIC receiver 100 receives an input RF signal 137 at the LNA 104. The LNA 104 amplifies the input RF signal 137 to create an amplified signal 138 and passes the amplified signal 138 to the external RF filter 102. The external RF filter 102 filters the amplified signal 138 to create a filtered signal 140 and passes the filtered signal 140 to the optional RF amplifier 106. The optional RF amplifier 106 amplifies the filtered signal 140 to create a second amplified signal 142 and passes the second amplified signal 142 to the mixer 108. The mixer 108 then mixes the second amplified signal 142 with a local oscillator ("LO") signal 144 (which was produced by the PLL 110) and produces a resultant signal 146. Within this process, the PLL 110 utilizes a frequency reference signal 135 to "lock" the VCO 126 to a multiple frequency of the frequency reference signal 135.
Generally, in multiple RF transceiver applications (such as cellphone applications) with large interferers, the GPS receiver may require that two SAW filters are used; one before the LNA (generally known as a pre-filter) and one between the LNA and the mixer. As cellphones and other portable telecommunication devices become smaller and less costly, there is increasing pressure to eliminate one or more of these SAW filters to save area and cost. Typically, other receivers often have similar problems and similar solutions.
Additionally, while an integrated (i.e., "on-chip") RF filter may not perform as well as an external SAW filter, they now have the potential of performing well enough to eliminate one SAW filter in applications that currently require two SAW filters because of the improvement of performance of on-chip spiral inductors, thus reducing the total system implementation size and cost.
However, due to Process-Voltage-Temperature ("PVT") variations, on-chip RF filters must be tuned or calibrated to maintain their frequency response. Unfortunately, tuning circuits consume power and area on-chip, and they also increase the complexity and risk of failure of the on-chip RF filter.
Therefore, there is a need for a system and method capable of auto-tuning and/or auto-calibrating an on-chip RF filter without requiring any additional tuning circuitry, other than what is already present in the PLL synthesizer of the RF receiver.

Auto-tuning system for an on-chip RF filter


The invention relates to a method for operating a self-propelled motor vehicle having a plurality of control units and a plurality of program codes for controlling the function of autonomous driving and possibly other functions of the self-propelled vehicle, wherein a plurality of program codes used for an autonomous driving mode are redundantly applied to at least two different control units. In doing so, the self-propelled motor vehicle is operated in an at least partially autonomous driving mode. In this mode, the functions directly needed to satisfy the passenger's wishes are ascertained and weighted corresponding to their relevance for satisfying the passenger's wishes. In so doing, the functions, or the scope of functions, are released depending on the achievement of a target achievement level.

This background section is provided for the purpose of generally describing the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
Present-day vehicles already have numerous assistance systems that help the driver in numerous driving situations supported by computer. Such assistance systems can access sensors for detecting a great deal of measured data that greatly exceed the sensory perceptions of humans. Moreover, the speed of these assistance systems significantly exceeds human reaction time. Known driver assistance systems are for example lane departure warning systems, brake assistants in the context of pedestrian recognition, and adaptive cruise controls, in particular for traffic jam situations.
Through the use of such assistance systems, the autonomy of the driver with respect to his driving decisions is increasingly being transferred to the vehicle, or respectively to correspondingly operating control units. At the end of these developments is a self-propelled vehicle that can maneuver entirely without the intervention of a human. Fully-automated passenger transportation is possible using such a self-propelled vehicle.
The driving mode of a self-propelled automobile is controlled by a driving system which, in the context of the present application, is to be understood as a control unit in the broadest sense that is specially designed and configured for this task. This control unit is designed to automatically transversely and longitudinally guide the vehicle by using a plurality of input signals, in particular sensor data detected by the vehicle itself, as well as received communication data. Such controlling of automated transverse and longitudinal guidance poses complex calculation requirements on the driver assistance system which generally possesses algorithms, models and control functions for this purpose that are at least partially based on machine learning (artificial intelligence).
To safely operate an autonomous automobile, numerous software applications are required that interact with each other. However, the problem is that errors such as for example in the context of the software application or a computing node can cause some applications to no longer be executable. Depending on the importance of the application, this may have dramatic consequences for the safety of the passengers and other road users.
To prevent the dramatic consequences of errors that arise, the software applications may be redundantly executed in different computing nodes. The idea is that the redundant instances are executed in a passive mode. This means that they execute the same procedures as the active instances, but however do not interact with the executing systems.
Depending on the functional relevance of the corresponding function, this could lead to uncontrolled driving situations, a loss of comfort up to an endangerment of the passengers in the autonomously driving motor vehicle. It is known to redundantly design safety-relevant systems in order to reliably avoid hazardous driving situations.
The job of determining the assignment between instances of applications and computing nodes is nontrivial. The decision depends on many different parameters. For example, computing nodes only possess a limited amount of computing and memory resources. On the other hand, each application requires a certain amount of resources in order to function as planned. To ensure that all applications can be executed in the computing nodes installed in the vehicle, a multidimensional and complex application placement problem must be solved.
Hazardous situations from software or hardware errors can, as already noted, be (partially) prevented by redundant software design. The introduction of redundant application instances however increases the complexity of the application placement problem since additional parameters must be taken into account. For example, the minimum number of redundant instances can be indicated for each application. Moreover, the minimum degree of hardware segregation can be defined for each application. This parameter indicates the minimum number of different computing nodes in which the instances of the application must be executed. In this case, the number of available controlling units and the requirement for minimum hardware segregation with respect to the programs leads to a distribution problem.
Since the number of software applications that are necessary to operate an autonomous vehicle is rather high (about 100 applications are affected), numerous valid assignments between computing nodes and the application instance generally exist. However, not all valid assignments are equally "good". To select the best possible mapping, an optimization target must be formulated. The optimization target can for example be formulated so that mappings which enable as many computing nodes as possible to be shut down, give preference to those mappings that use all computing nodes with which the vehicle is equipped. In addition to this optimization target, various other target functions are conceivable that take into account other criteria.
During the operation of a vehicle, the placement of the application can change several times. For example after events such as the error of a computing node or the error of an application instance, it may be necessary to switch to a new application placement. In addition to these events, the recognition of a potential optimization possibility can also trigger the switchover to a new application placement.

Method for operating a self-propelled vehicle, and control system for performing such a method


A pressure control valve unit for a hydraulic brake device is provided which considerably reduces noise, vibration, and harshness, and is compact and inexpensive. The pressure control valve unit comprises a switching valve and a normally-open inlet valve sequentially located in the main brake line in a housing cavity between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder(s). During a brake pressure control action, the difference in pressure acting on the master cylinder side and that on the wheel cylinder side causes the switching valve to switch to a constricted channel, thereby noticeably reducing the amount of noise vibration harshness.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a pressure control valve unit for a hydraulic brake device for vehicles equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS) or a traction control system (TCS).
2. Description of the Related Art
A hydraulic brake device that can electronically control the brake pressure to prevent the wheels from locking during a sudden braking operation or a sudden acceleration is publicly known. It is known that the alternate opening and closing of the solenoid-type inlet and outlet valves in that type of device is accompanied by an abnormal noise, referred to as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and vibration.
Two methods have been proposed as means of eliminating this NVH; the placement of a pressure-actuated switching valve on the downstream side of the inlet valve in the main brake line, or the placement of an independent pressure-actuated switching valve on the upstream side of the inlet valve. However, these methods have the following problems:
1. Placement of a pressure-actuated switching valve on the downstream side of the inlet valve should reduce the NVH, but in some cases there is a prominent high frequency noise.
2. Placement of an independent pressure-actuated switching valve on the upstream side of the inlet valve does reduce the NVH to a certain degree, but a sudden abnormal noise and vibration is generated. Moreover, the introduction of an independent switching valve makes the layout design more complex, and increases the cost.
3. Although experiments have been conducted to incorporate the switching valve inside another solenoid valve, the problems of size and cost have yet to be resolved, and such a design is not yet in practical use.

Pressure control valve unit for hydraulic brake device


The present invention provides a method for creating and pathophysiologically analyzing graphs of cardiac function in atrial fibrillation and sinus arrhythmia by using thoracic impedance measurements. A two-dimensional scatter plot is created by applying (dZ/dt)min values corresponding to preceding RR interval (RR1) values and an approximate curve (i.e., cardiac function curve) is fitted to dots on the plot. The distribution pattern of the dots and the slope of the approximate curve allow for readily and visually evaluating cardiac function. Furthermore, a graph of the relationship between (dZ/dt)min values and RR1/pre-preceding RR interval (RR2) ratio values makes it possible to analyze pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac function in more detail. This novel method of the present invention can be easily and repeatedly performed in atrial fibrillation and sinus arrhythmia with less of a physical burden on the patient, thereby being able to provide a very useful information for diagnosis and treatment.

An increase in cardiovascular disease is predicted in association with the aging society. Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease are important and a periodic examination of cardiovascular function is needed.
Morbidity of atrial fibrillation in cardiovascular disease is known to increase with aging, and epidemiological studies have shown that its prevalence rapidly increases in over the age of 70, and reached 4 to 8% in the seventies and 10% in the eighties. It has been indicated that patients with atrial fibrillation have a high risk for a left atrial thrombus, which flows out from the heart and occludes cerebral vessels to cause cardioembolic stroke. Accordingly, in recent years, aggressive treatment with anticoagulants for preventing cardioembolic stroke have dramatically improved treatment of cardiogenic brain embolism associated with atrial fibrillation.
On the other hand, the heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation is irregular and often results in tachycardia. Therefore, cardiac output is decreased and cardiac function is worsened. The heart rate control therapy in the irregular heart beat has been performed not to cause deterioration of cardiac function. However, the results of mega-clinical trial have demonstrated that there is no significant differences in life prognosis between the strict rate control group, in which patients have a heart rate of less than 80 beats per minute, and the lenient rate control group, in which patients have a heart rate of less than 110 beats per minutes. Consequently, it has been considered that it is not necessary for patients with atrial fibrillation to be treated on the basis of target heart rate. To date, medical treatment in atrial fibrillation is performed based on patient's complaints such as palpitation, shortness of breath, and general fatigue.
As rapidly increasing an aging population, patients with atrial fibrillation and dementia have similarly increased. Furthermore, it has been reported that risk of dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation was increased approximately 1.4-fold. Therefore, it is considered to be problematic for medical treatment on the basis of only elderly patient's complaints as well as complaints of pediatric patients who cannot appropriately explain symptoms. For these reasons, it has been needed to objectively diagnose, perform medical treatment, and observe response to treatment by using a reasonable index for assessment of cardiac function in atrial fibrillation instead of the therapeutic strategy based on subjective patient's complaints.

Method for creating and analyzing graphs of cardiac function in atrial fibrillation and sinus arrhythmia based on thoracic impedance measurements

MEDICAL CORPORATION USHIRODA INTERNAL MEDICINE CLINIC


An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.

The present invention relates to a sample analyzer having a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent or the like.
An automatic analyzer is an apparatus designed to automatize a procedure for mixing a reagent into a sample (specimen), e.g., a bodily fluid such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid or tissue and performing component analysis and inspection by checking reactions by light. Analysis and inspection can be done in large quantities at once by using this automatic analyzer. Such apparatuses are therefore widely used in hospitals, testing laboratories, and the like, greatly contributing to an improvement in operability.
FIG. 1 shows a general automatic analyzer. General automatic analysis processing will be described below with reference to FIG. 1.
First of all, a sampler 2 rotates by a predetermined amount to move a sample vessel 201 containing a sample as an analysis/measurement target to the position of a sample dispensing mechanism 3. The sample dispensing mechanism 3 aspirates the sample through a probe 31, and discharges the sample in an amount required for analysis processing (required amount) into a reaction vessel 41. Thereafter, a reaction unit 4 further rotates and stops at the position of a reagent dispensing mechanism 7 or 8. The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 or 8 aspirates a reagent used for a measurement item of the sample in the reaction vessel 41 from a reagent reservoir 5 or 6 through a probe 71 or 81, and discharges the required amount of reagent into the reaction vessel 41, thereby executing reagent dispensing. The reaction vessel 41 then moves to the position of an agitating unit 9, so that the mixture of the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 41 is agitated by an agitating rod 91 of the agitating unit 9. The reaction vessel 41 is analyzed by, for example, a photometer (not shown). After the analysis, the reaction vessel 41 is cleaned by a cleaning mechanism 11 and used for the next sample analysis.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are views for explaining one cycle of dispensing operation by the sample dispensing mechanism 3, 7, or 8 shown in FIG. 1. Although FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show a cross-section of the probe 71 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 as an example, its arrangement and operation are the same as those of the sample dispensing mechanism 3 or 8.
Dispensing executed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 7 will be described next.
FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the probe 71 before the aspiration of the reagent. FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the probe 71 after the aspiration of the reagent. FIGS. 2C and 2D are sectional view of the probe 71 after the discharge of the reagent.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the probe 71 before the aspiration of the reagent is filled with water 711 that is aspirated in advance. The reagent dispensing mechanism 7 moves up and down and rotates to insert the probe 71 into a reagent vessel 51, and aspirates a predetermined amount of reagent at a predetermined aspiration speed, as shown in FIG. 2B. In FIG. 2B, a measurement reagent 714 is a reagent that is discharged into the reaction unit 4 in an amount required for measurement. An air gap 712 is an air layer that is aspirated before the aspiration of the reagent to prevent the mixing of the reagent with the water. The reagent aspirated as shown in FIG. 2B is discharged as shown in FIG. 2C to be set in the state shown in FIG. 2D. Thereafter, the inside of the probe 71 is cleaned with water 111, and one cycle of reagent dispensing is completed.
In general, when a reagent is aspirated in dispensing, an excess amount 713 of reagent is aspirated as shown in FIG. 2B, in addition to the amount of reagent required for measurement. This operation is performed to compensate for a decrease in reagent concentration due to the mixing of the reagent with the water left on the inner wall of the probe 71.
This reagent aspirated in an excess amount will be referred to as "reagent dummy" hereinafter. In general, the amount of reagent dummy 713 is determined as, for example, <discharge amount×8%+6 μl> in accordance with the amount of reagent discharged. This mathematical expression is applied regardless of the measurement item (the type of reagent). Note that the measurement reagent 714 and reagent dummy 713 are the same, but are illustrated distinct from each other in FIGS. 2A to 2D for the sake of descriptive convenience.
Recently, as a method of decreasing the running cost of the automatic analyzer 1, an attempt has been made to decrease the amount of reagent dummy. In this case, according to a conventional automatic analyzer, the amount of reagent dummy is uniformly decreased from, for example, <discharge amount×8%+6 μl> to <discharge amount×4%+3 μl> regardless of the analysis item or the type of reagent.
Depending on the measurement item (reagent), however, the reagent may scatter or drip from the distal end of the probe 17 when the reagent is discharged, as shown in FIG. 3. This inconvenience occurs because when the amount of reagent dummy is changed, the density and the like vary, and the physical condition for proper dispensing falls outside an allowable range.
Reagents have different components and properties (e.g., surface active effect, viscosity, foaming, and the like). For example, even at the same discharge speed, reagents are basically discharged from the probe in different states depending on their types. Even at a discharge speed at which a given reagent does not foam, another reagent may scatter or drip when they are discharged, or agitation of another reagent and a sample may become insufficient in dispensing operation. As described above, therefore, if the amount of reagent dummy is decreased uniformly regardless of the analysis item or type of reagent, the occurrence of such an inconvenience seems inevitable.
According to the conventional automatic analyzer, factors (e.g., the amount of reagent dummy described above) that determine the physical condition of a reagent in dispensing cannot be defined for each analysis item or each type of reagent. This leads to a low degree of freedom in terms of the use of the apparatus and low compatibility with respect to reagents, as typically indicated by the above reduction in reagent dummy amount.


A method for efficiently forming external electrodes of desired thicknesses on chip electronic components such as multilayer ceramic capacitors. Cutting grooves are formed in a block along surfaces to be provided with external electrodes. The block is divided into individual chips after metal paste for forming external electrodes is cast into the cutting grooves and dried. The metal paste filling up each of the cutting grooves is cut with a blade to be divided into two parts. The two parts of the metal paste thus formed with the blade define external electrodes. The present invention can also be applied to form external electrodes in an electronic component array comprising a plurality of electronic component elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing electronic components such as chip capacitors or chip resistors or an electronic component array such as a capacitor array. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing electronic components, including a step of forming external electrodes on such electronic components.
2. Description of the Background Art
As one example of the prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-109204 (1985) describes a conventional method of forming external electrodes on chip components.
According to this prior art reference, external electrodes are formed on chip components by the following procedure:
(1) A first and a second holding plate are prepared, each of which is formed by an elastic body provided with a plurality of receiving holes passing therethrough across the front and rear surfaces of the elastic body.
(2) Ends of chip components are the receiving holes of the first holding plate from the front side thereof, so that first ends of the chip components are exposed on the front surface of the first holding plate.
(3) Metal paste is applied to the first ends of the chip components which are exposed on the front surface of the first holding plate, and the paste films thereby formed are dried.
(4) The front surface of the first holding plate is at a position opposed to the front surface of the second holding plate. The first ends of the chip components provided with the metal paste films, and held by the first holding plate, are pushed into the receiving holes of the second holding plate so that second ends of the chip components, without metal paste films, are exposed on the front surface of the second holding plate, thereby transferring the chip components from the first holding plate to the second holding plate.
(5) Metal paste is applied to the second ends of the chip components which are exposed on the front surface of the second holding plate, and the metal films thereby formed are dried.
(6) The chip components are then taken out from the second holding plate.
(7) The chip components treated in the aforementioned manner are heat treated in a heat treat furnace so that the metal paste films are fired, thereby forming external electrodes.
In the aforementioned conventional method, however, it is necessary to handle separate chip components for forming external electrodes thereon, and hence equipment is required for orienting the chip components along a constant direction. Such equipment includes, for example, the aforementioned first and second holding plates, and a device for pushing the chip components into the receiving holes of the first holding plate along a constant direction. Further, a relatively large number of steps must be carried out in order to form the external electrodes after the above equipment.
In addition, thicknesses of the metal paste films formed tend to disperse in the aforementioned conventional method.

Method of manufacturing electronic components


A structural truss system and electrical conduit for suspended mounting of electrical components such as stage lighting and remote controlled equipment featuring an elongated support beam with removable endcaps and a sidewall. The sidewall is cooperatively engageable with the support beam along substantially its engire length and allows access to the conduit formed inside when engaged with the support beam. A mounting track formed on the exterior surface of said bottom wall of the support beam and provides a slidably engageable mount for component mounts that attach to electrical components such as lights thereby providing positioning ability for the attached components. One or a plurality of electrical plugs or similiar attachments communicate through the sidewalls with wires running in the conduit and allow the electrical components to be properly situated in the mounting track and then plugged into the electrical power or control signals provided by the internal wiring.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to support members used for attachment of lighting and electrical components. More particularly it relates to a structural truss device for use in construction of theatrical lighting and mounting of electrical components such as spotlights, and speakers, over stages used by entertainers. The device provides a combination of an enclosed conduit for routing electrical wires and control wires protected from external harm while inside the interior cavity. The device further provides a track for the adjustable mounting of lights and other heavy stage electrical equipment therefrom along with and a removable sidewall which provides access to the wires communicating through the enclosed conduit. Optional compression bolts may be used to increase compaction on the sidewall in its mountings and to also allow for mounting to support structures or wires if desired.
2. Prior Art
Modern stage productions frequently involve the necessity of overhead lights, sound system equipment, and other electronic equipment used during the production on the stage. With the advent of modern traveling rock bands and theater productions, the stages used for the production in question frequently moves from city to city on a weekly if not daily basis. Consequently the components used for installation of light and sound and other electronic equipment for such productions must provide for easy installation, removal, and reinstallation at frequently changing venues. Even productions that are static in that they do not move still require the installation of many overhead lights and other electrical equipment necessary for a modern theatrical production.
Currently, the installation of lights and sound equipment above stages is accomplished by the mounting of trusses which traverse the stage and are supported by end posts and cables and other conventional manner. The beams used for this type of support generally are round and of a length sufficient to traverse the distance required. The lighting or speakers or other equipment suspended from the beams are generally bolted to the exterior or attached using compression clamps or similar compression type fittings that grip the exterior surface of the support beam.
Since electric components require wires to power them and to control any remote movement aspects such as motors to change the direction of attached spotlights, this wiring must also communicate between the attached components and the power source or remote control device that controls their movement. This wiring is conventionally attached at the exterior of the support beam using plastic ties or rope or other manner to hold the wires to the support beam and out of the viewing area of the stage.
A number of problems arise in this mode of construction and wiring for the heavy devices such as spotlights and speakers used on a modern stage. First, the wiring being mounted on the outside of the support structure is subject to constant damage from abrasion from heavy poles adjacent to the support beam. Further, on stages designed for rapid deployment in venues in different cities, the constant removal and reinstallation of the wires in this manner subjects them to constant risk of damage from abrasion and impact during construction and removal of the stage structure.
Further, problems arise in the mounting of the heavy lighting and sound equipment from the support beams. Generally such heavy components are attached to the support beams using compression fittings such as xe2x80x9cCxe2x80x9d clamps that grip the support beam and must be tightened to a point that the clamp will not slide or rotate on the support. If the clamp loosens from vibration the light or speaker or other device will become disoriented from its intended direction. Also, the very nature of the intense compression needed to insure a firm mount to the support beam exterior also insures a hard time uninstalling the component due to the force needed to decompress the fitting on the structure. Such a compression mounting also causes delays in the installation of the equipment on new venues due to the time involved in mechanically turning the compression screws or other devices required to achieve a safe and secure mount above the performers.
Additional concerns arise with the connection point of the electrical device to the communicated power source or control device. Generally the high current draw of spotlights require thick wiring for supply and communication of a high amperage power supply to the light. Most such wires terminate at a pin connector which has male and female components to allow connection and disconnection of the light or speaker or other component from the wiring supplying it. These pin connectors are also subject to damage during installation on stage structures that are constantly being installed and dismantled. Further, they are subject to disconnection if the communicating components of the pin connectors are not properly mated and held together during installation.
As such, a need is ever present for an easily installed system of overhead support structures for stage lighting, speakers, and other electrical components mounted overhead in modern stage productions such as rock concerts and plays. Such a system should allow for easy assembly and disassembly for shows that travel to new venues on a constant basis. Such a system should also provide protection from damage to the electrical cables supplying the mounted components. Finally such a system needs to provide a very secure mount to the heavy components mounted upon it, while concurrently providing an easy manner to achieve that mount and to adjust that mount if needed. Additional utility from such a system would be provided by the ability to pre configure the support structure to individual stage construction and thereafter allow very fast installation of the wiring and components using the pre configured support beams and internally mounted wiring and pin connections.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,003 (Shemitz) addresses a universal track mounting system to provide modular construction, however Shemitz does not provide for an easy mount of components on the support structure since in requires a clamp clamps about the entire structure. Further Shemiz makes no provision for the large wiring required by high current drawing stage lighting and similar components and access to such wiring during installation or prefabrication.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,315 (Shen) teaches a structure for clamping of lamps to a support that provides a track for power to the lights however Shen does not provide for the many varying types of speakers, spotlights, and remote control wiring that must be individually communicated to the many components mounted to a stage support truss. Neither does it provide any easy manner to access that wiring if needed.
As such, there exists a need for an easily and inexpensively manufactured system of components that may be readily assembled into a stage lighting and sound system over a stage production. Such a system would provide a protected conduit for the individual control and power supply cables that must communicate with each individually supported lighting, sound, or other device attached to support members. Such a system would provide easy access to the conduit while concurrently providing the weight bearing attributes of the support beam to carry the heavy components used for stage productions. Further such a system would provide for easy assembly and disassembly of the stage lighting and sound systems for productions that change venue frequently, or stages that change shows frequently and thereby require different structures for the different shows being shown on the stage at different times.
Applicants"" device is an easily configured and installed system for structural truss system for providing an adjustable mechanical mount using a track for the heavy lighting, sound, and other components used overhead in stage productions.
The system features a track formed upon the lower surface of a support beam which allows for easy attachment of a mount for a spotlight or speaker or other component to any number of positions on the track. The mounting is achieved by insertion of a cooperatively engaging track mount onto the track and sliding it to the proper location for the component being mounted. Once so placed, the track mount is secured in place by a quick compression of a fitting upon the track. Since the track mount is supported by the track and not the compression upon the beam of a clamp or other mounting component, little compression is needed to secure the component in place and there is no danger of heavy components falling if compression on the fitting is not tight.
The wiring providing electrical current to the mounted devices such as spotlights, speakers, amplifiers, and the like is run through a conduit formed on the interior of the support beam. By running the power and control wires through the conduit formed internally in the support beam, the wiring is protected from abrasion and other damage during the installation of the heavy components used in stage productions. It is also protected from others on the stage or set that might be installing equipment that could brush against the support beam and cause damage to the wires.
If the support beams are prefabricated to the individual requirements of the show being staged, the wires placed in the conduit may remain sealed safely therein during installation, disassembly, and transport. This function is provided by the provision of pin connectors or other means of electrical connection of the internal wiring to external power or control panels. By placing pin connectors in a removable side panel so that a face with pin connectors is communicated through the side wall, a mating pin connector may be attached. In this way the wiring placed inside the conduit may be attached at both ends to connectors that will mount to the sidewall and communicate the circuit through the sidewall to a face plate with pin connectors therein. When installed on a set or stage, the pin connectors provide both a connection point to the power and control panels and the cables inside the conduit, and, a connection point at the other end of the cables to the light, speaker, or other component that must communicate with the respective power source or control unit attached at the other.
When installing or disassembling a stage setup, the support beam thus is attached at its ends to support structures, the components mounted to the track in the appropriate placement, and the wiring to the components connected using the pin connectors or other cooperative connecters communicating through the removable sidewall at both ends of the cables.
Another object of this invention is to provide an easily assembled and disassembled support system for stage components such as lighting and speakers.
A further object of this invention is the provision of adjustable mounting of the components in a support track that provides a safe and secure mount of the heavy components over the stage.
An additional object of this invention is providing a conduit to protect the supply and control cables which communicate with the components mounted in the support track.
A still further object of this invention is provided by the ability to preassemble the support beams to the dimensions of the stage for easy and fast installation and removal while still providing a secure mount to the components and protection to the wiring in a conduit.
Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

Structural truss system with adjustable mechanical mounting track and internal conduit accessible from removable sidewall


A liquid detergent composition is disclosed, which has a pH value ranging from 6 to 8 and comprises the following Components (A), (B) and (C):. (A) an N-acylamino acid salt represented by formula (1): EQU R.sup.1 CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.n COOK (1) PA0 wherein R.sup.1 CO represents a straight-chain acyl group having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, n is a number of 1 or 2 and K is potassium; PA0 (B) a water-soluble anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkylsulfuric acid salt, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid salt, an amidoamino acid salt, an N-acylmethyltaurine salt, a polyoxyethylene alkylsulfosuccinic acid salt, an N-acylmethyl-.beta.-alanine salt, an N-acylsarcosine salt and an acylglutamic acid salt; and PA0 (C) water,. wherein a weight ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) is from 6/1 to 1/3. The liquid detergent of the present invention is hardly irritative to the skin and hair, has high detergency and gives excellent feeling during and after use.

Detergent compositions for body use generally contain anionic surfactants, such as an N-alkylacylamino acid-based surfactant, as the main component. For example, JP-A-63-2962 discloses a liquid detergent composition in which an N-alkylacylamino acid-based surfactant is used as a low irritative base material. (The term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application".)
However, the N-alkylacylamino acid surfactants contained in the prior art detergents are tertiary amide type N-alkyl-N-acylamino acid salts, and they give an unpleasant feeling when used, such as poor foam breakage, a slimy feel and the like, though they have excellent water solubility.
In addition, JP-A-63-2962 discloses at its Example 5 N-lauroyl-.beta.-alanine sodium salt which is a secondary amide type N-acylamino acid salt. This salt, however, is hardly applicable to a liquid detergent because of its low water solubility. Also, JP-A-63-2962 further discloses to employ the compound at a concentration of 1%, but the compound could not give an excellent feeling upon use even when it was employed in such concentration.
In consequence, great concern has been directed toward the development of a liquid detergent composition which is hardly irritative against the skin and hair, has high detergency and gives an excellent feeling upon use.
On the other hand, the present inventors have found as a result of intensive investigation that an N-acylated amino acid salt which is used in the present invention as component (A) can provide a hardly irritative detergent composition having high detergency and excellent feeling upon use. However, when such an N-acylated amino acid salt is employed in a liquid detergent having a pH value ranging from 6 to 8, it gives precipitation of crystals of an N-acrylated amino acid, which is an unneutralized compound of the N-acrylated amino acid salt, so that a stable liquid detergent composition has hardly been obtained with the use of the N-acrylated amino acid salt.

Liquid detergent composition based on N-acylamino acid potassium salt