Method for debugging and testing the correctness of programs, comprising the loading in a data processing system of a monitoring program, of at least a source program to be testing and of at least an object program achieved by the source program through a preprocessing which includes, at each executable program row, a call to a control routine, in the independent activation of a monitoring process based on the monitoring program and of a process to be tested, based on the object program, the two processes interacting by use of message queues.

It is known that testing of the correctness of programs for data processing systems is a basic problem in the electronic data processing field. This problem has not been entirely solved, in spite of the several analysis and test tools which have been adopted.
A basic reason for the difficulty in testing the correctness of a program is that the program behavior largely depends on the data on which the program operates and, in case of interactive programs, on the information (data and commands) received from a user. Therefore even if exhaustive testing is impossible, as is often the case, program testing and verification is preferably conducted by causing the program to operate with some data. In other words, by creating and performing what is defined as a "process " by software designers.
A "process" is commonly defined as an address space, a control thread operating within the address space, and the set of system resources needed for operating with such thread. A is therefore a logic entity consisting of the program itself, the data on which it must operate and the memory resources and input output resources required for running the process. Program verification and the detection of errors (bugs) is therefore the execution of the program as a process thread to test if the process develops in the correct way or if undesired or unexpected events occur. To test a process in the course of its running, the proper art offers two basic tools: tracing functions, or tracers and symbolic analysis functions, or symbolic debuggers. The tracing functions modify a program to be tested so that each program instruction is preceded and followed by instructions which control the printing of the instructions and possible variables used by the instructions before and after execution of the instructions.
The symbolic analysis functions are basically interactive programs which, starting from a source program to be tested, which is in a high level language such as the C language and which is treated as a data file, generate a compiled program as an executable copy of the source. The symbolic analysis functions modify the executable copy of the source so that for each source code instruction it performs a routine which, by means of conditional branches to other routines, allows the user to see on a screen the various instruction sequences and to selectively set break points after each instruction of the object program, using a display of the source as a reference.
The symbolic debuggers further allow the insertion in the object program of routines for recording the variables used in execution of the instruction and, on user request, lists of break point lists and used variables, displaying them on a screen and enabling the user to add and remove break points, to modify variables, and to test the program functions in different environments. These tools are particularly effective in that they permit step by step control of the execution of a program, that is, they allow the evolution of the related process to be controlled by halting and restarting the process at will and by changing parameters during the course of execution of the process. The tools also display the execution of the process to the user in detail by means of display windows which allow the user to continuously monitor the process status and which allow the user to control execution of the process through user intelligible indications.
No matter how effective the tools, such tools suffer from severe limitations. First of all they can test and operate on only a single process at a time, and the monitored process is treated as a "child" process of the symbolic analysis function or process. That means that, in the case of more interactive processes, the monitoring can be performed only on single non-active process phases, which have to be obtained by severing the program into segments. Otherwise, it would be necessary to link the various programs so as to generate a single process whose evolution would then be extremely difficult to follow, even at symbolic level.
Further, the process to be tested must be activated by the father process (the symbolic analysis process) and cannot be activated earlier. The debugging of programs which are activated at system start up, such as monitors, daemons, etc., is therefore impossible.
Eventually, since the process to be tested is generated as a child of the symbolic analysis and in a certain sense is the result of a combination of the symbolic analysis function/program with the program to be tested, the two processes must share or utilize the same resources. As a consequence, interactive program which make use of masks and windows and therefore need a terminal cannot be tested because they compete or interfere with the symbolic analyser in requiring access to the display and control terminal.
These limitations are overcome by the method for program debugging and correctness testing which is the object of the present invention.

Bull HN Information Systems Italia S.p.A.


The invention relates to a headrest that is retained on a vehicle seat by at least one support rod (12) and that has at least one adjustment part (13) that can be moved relative to the back rest by at least one drive mechanism (14, 15, 16, 22) having at least one first drive (14, 15) that is fixed to the adjustment part and a second drive (16, 22) that is fixed to the back rest.

Such a headrest is described in DE 35 19 351 for example. The headrest is vertically adjustable in that a head box that carries the head cushion can be moved relative to the support rods by an electric drive motor. The drive train is provided with an overload safety device in such a way that the drive motor and shafts that drive the head box are rotationally connected by a rotationally elastic coupling. According to a second aspect of the invention, the overload protection consists in that the shafts each have drive wheels that run on a track of the support rod. The drive wheel is designed as a friction wheel.
A headrest that has a support plate fixed to support rods and a plate movable in the X-direction relative to the support plate is described in DE 10 2009 049 946. A guide has rods of the plate and mounted in guide bushes of the support plate. The plate is driven by a shaft provided with two gears each meshing with a toothed rail fixed to the guide rod. A ratchet wheel is fixed to the drive shaft. A latch can be releasably engaged with the ratchet wheel. When the latch is engaged with the ratchet wheel, movement of the plate is blocked.
A headrest that can be vertically adjusted by gear teeth is described in DE 198 00 040, the angle of the headrest section being simultaneously set by the height adjustment.
DE 297 23 240 describes a headrest with which the seat height adjustment is coupled to the headrest height adjustment. When the seat is raised, the headrest adjusts itself downward. When the seat is lowered, the headrest adjusts itself upward. In one embodiment, the headrest height adjustment is driven by a toothed shaft that meshes with gear teeth of the headrest support rods.
A headrest with which a headrest section is mounted for vertical adjustment on support rods is described in DE 10 2004 030 319. Gear teeth that mesh with a drive pinion in order to vertically position the headrest are provided on the support rods. A flexible head cushion is placed over the headrest section and is designed so that it can be changed in shape.

Abstract: The special feature is that the drive (14, 15, 16, 22) has an overload safety device (17) that can be moved from a starting position into a release position when a maximum force acting on the adjustment part (13) is exceeded, and, in the release position, the drive (14, 15, 16, 22) is at least partially relieved of the force acting on the adjustment part (13).


A system and method for generating a graphical image on a display is disclosed. The graphical image is generated from data describing at least one object. The display includes a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions has an area. The system and method include determining if a portion of the at least one object intersects a current position of the plurality of positions and providing an output if the portion intersects the current position. The method and system further include providing a mask for the portion if it is determined that the portion intersects the current position. The mask indicates an extent to which the at least one portion occupies the area of current position. The method and system further include utilizing the mask to provide antialiasing. The method and system also include repeating the determining, one mask providing, and utilizing steps for each of the plurality of positions.

A conventional computer graphics system can display objects on a display. The display includes a plurality of display elements, known as pixels, typically arranged in a grid. In order to display objects, the conventional computer graphics system typically breaks each object into a plurality of polygons. A conventional system then typically renders the polygons in a particular order. For a three-dimensional scene, the polygons are generally rendered from back to front as measured from the viewing plane of the display. Similarly, a two-dimensional scene can be displayed where polygons are rendered based on their layer. Deeper layers are occluded by shallower layers.
When rendering each polygon, the conventional system often renders diagonal lines or polygons which have edges that are not perfectly horizontal or vertical. When a diagonal line is rendered, pixels not directly above or next to each other are used to render the line. However, each pixel is not a point. Instead, each pixel has physical dimensions. For example, consider each pixel to be a square. As a result, a diagonal line will not appear smooth. Instead, the edges of the line will appear jagged, similar to a staircase. This effect is known as aliasing. Aliasing may appear for similar reasons at edges of a polygon. In order to reduce this effect, conventional systems perform antialiasing. Antialiasing helps reduce the effect that the physical dimension of the pixels has on the appearance of objects being displayed.
Several conventional mechanisms are used to perform antialiasing. Each mechanism has its drawbacks. One conventional mechanism determines the color for a pixel across which an edge lies by blending the colors of polygons existing at a pixel. The blending value for each polygon is used to determine how much the polygon will contribute to the color of a particular pixel. The polygon occupies only a fraction of the area for a pixel on which the edge of the polygon lies. Because the polygon contributes only a fraction of the color for such a pixel, the color of the polygon is blended with the remaining colors for the pixel. As a result, staircasing is reduced. However, some of the polygons at a pixel or the background may be obstructed. These polygons or the background still have a blending value which allows them to contribute to the color of a pixel. As a result, the color of the obstructed polygon is displayed to a user. This effect is known as edge bleeding and is undesirable.
A second conventional mechanism for antialiasing is to render a polygon multiple times. Each time the polygon is rendered, the polygon is shifted slightly. Similarly, a polygon can be inflated slightly. The edges of the inflated polygon are translucent. As a result, the edges are blurred and staircasing is reduced. However, because the polygon is shifted each time it is rendered, the entire polygon appears blurred. In addition, bleed through can occur at the edges.
A third conventional mechanism for antialiasing is known as supersampling. Each pixel is considered to be an M×N matrix of subpixels. Data for each polygon is evaluated at each subpixel. Finally, data for each subpixel in a pixel is combined to provide the data for each pixel in the polygon. As a result, aliasing is reduced. However, in order to perform supersampling, much more data is processed for each pixel. For example, a pixel broken into M×N subpixels will require M*N the amount of processing as a pixel which is not supersampled. Consequently, processing is slowed. Furthermore, supersampling is typically performed for a portion of the display, called a tile, or the entire display at a time. Each pixel in the tile or display has M×N subpixels. Thus, the system requires enough memory to retain data for M×N subpixels for each pixel in a tile. Therefore, a large amount of memory is required. If only a tile is rendered, then it must be ensured that there are not artifacts at the seam between tiles. Thus, processing is again slowed.
A fourth conventional mechanism for antialiasing uses an accumulation buffer ("A-buffer") and is known as an A-buffer technique. Data for each pixel in each polygon is processed. During processing, a mask is provided for each pixel in each polygon. The mask indicates the portion of the pixel covered by the polygon. A linked list is then provided for each pixel. The linked list links polygons that are associated with each pixel to the pixel. To link polygons, the linked list typically holds a mask, a color value, and other data relating to each polygon's potential contribution to the display of the pixel. After the entire scene has been stored in the A-buffer, the linked list is then traversed in order to accumulate and render data from the polygons associated with each pixel. Aliasing is thereby reduced. However, the A-buffer technique also has its drawbacks. Two passes are made through the data in order to render objects to the display. The first pass is to provide the masks for each polygon and to associate the polygons with particular pixels. The second pass utilizes the data stored for each pixel to determine how data for each pixel is to be displayed. Thus, this mechanism is time consuming. The linked list must also be managed by the computer graphics system, making the A-buffer technique more difficult to implement. Typically both an A-buffer and a frame buffer are used in rendering the scene. Therefore, the A-buffer technique also requires additional memory.
A fifth technique for antialiasing finds the edges of each polygon being rendered. Antialiased lines or lines having some transparency are then drawn over the edges. This may give the appearance of the polygon edge being smooth. To avoid edge bleeding, the application must indicate "silhouette" edges, which are time consuming to calculate.
Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for more efficiently providing antialiasing. The present invention addresses such a need.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for providing edge antialiasing


A system for differentiating magnetic recording media of varying shades of black comprises a controller 10, first and second amplifiers 12A, 12B, and first and second fiber optic cables 14A, 14B. The sensitivity of the first fiber optic unit is adjusted such that it detects gamma ferric oxide media but not metal particle or barium ferrite media. The sensitivity of the second unit is adjusted such that it detects both barium ferrite and gamma ferric oxide media, but not metal particle media. The controller employs binary logic to determine which type of media is being viewed by the fiber optic units.

Historically, magnetic recording media evolved from metal tapes to magnetic oxide particles held in an organic binder and carried by a polymer tape substrate. Particulate recording tape continues to be the dominant tape medium, with countless refinements introduced over the last several decades. However, a need for rapid access to stored data has developed with the growth of the computer industry. The sequential access of information stored on tape is too slow for many applications. Plated metal films on spinning drums were used for a time. The use of rotating rigid disks replaced drum storage since disks could be more easily coated and could be stacked and recorded on two sides, thus increasing the volume storage capacity compared with drums. Presently, particulate media dominate the disk as well as the tape industry. With the appearance of mini- and microcomputers, a third form of magnetic storage grew to major proportions, namely the flexible (floppy) disk. This technology is also dominated by particulate media.
The most commonly used magnetic media are particles of gamma ferric oxide. Other particles that are being used for more advanced applications include cobalt-modified gamma ferric oxide, chromium dioxide, and metal particles. In addition, barium ferrite has recently received increased interest in connection with its use in recording media for perpendicular recording. For example, next-generation camera-type or improved quality home video, digitally encoded audio, and professional video recording systems are expected to go to wavelengths as short as 0.5 micrometers. This requires the high remanence and coercivity values found with metal particle tapes. Barium ferrite platlettes, oriented for perpendicular recording, lend themselves to an extremely flat frequency response which may result in similar output levels as those of metal particle tapes at the target wavelengths below 0.5 micrometers. See C. Denis Mee et al., Magnetic Recording, Vol. 1: Technology, (1987).
There is presently a need for a system having the ability to discern the difference between various types of magnetic recording media, including ferric oxide, barium ferrite, and metal particle recording media. Such a system would allow a manufacturer to "mistake proof" assembly and test stations that process multiple media types. Other applications, e.g., in a tape playback apparatus, can also be envisioned.

Magnetic recording media differentiation system and method with color sensors


A collapsible high chair for children comprises a frame, a seat portion, a backrest and an adjusting mechanism, all of which are sequentially connected with. The adjusting mechanism further comprises a pivotal member and a first engaging unit for connecting the seat portion with the frame at a first portion and a second portion of the pivotal member. Two actuating pieces of the first engaging unit respectively cooperate with two rods and make the rods be removed from the pivotal member at the first portion so as to allow the seat portion being pivotally rotated about the second portion. Also, the backrest can be rotated relative to the seat portion, so that the volume of the collapsed high chair is very small. Besides, the seat portion includes at least a movable piece with a bump for be engaged into the slits with different height at the arm of the seat portion to adjust the tray in height.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional high chair 9′ (or a stroller) mainly comprises a seat portion 1′, a backrest 2′, an arm 12′, a frame 4′, a plurality of wheels 8′ and a tray 3′, all of which are pivotally connected together. However, when the conventional high chair 9′ is collapsed, only the frame 4′ can be collapsed into two parallel bars or moreover the backrest 2′ is adjusted to parallel with the frame 4′, but the angle between the seat portion 1′ and the frame 4′ can by no means be adjusted. Therefore, the front-rear seat portion 1′, almost perpendicular to the frame 4′, has a large longitudinal size and thus not only lots of packing material is consumed but also too much transportation space is occupied. It consequently wastes the packing material, increases the transportation cost and is inconvenient for users to carry the high chair 9′ outdoors.
On the other hand, the conventional high chair 9′ only has a button (not shown) for collapsing the high chair 9′. Hence, if the button is mistakenly pressed or broken down, the infant in the high chair 9′ may drop down or be jammed.


A wireless pairing system and method are presented, the system having a network and a luminaire, which may include an electrical base, an enclosure, and a heat sink, as well as a light source, a network interface, a camera, and a controller in communication with the electrical base. The light source, the network interface, and the camera may be in communication with the controller, the controller having a central processing unit (CPU), and an input/output (I/O) interface. The controller, the camera, the light source and the network interface may be carried by the enclosure. The camera may capture an image having a configuration code associated with the network and the CPU may analyze the image to determine the existence of the configuration code. The CPU may then configure the network interface to connect the luminaire to the network so that the luminaire may be operated or monitored through the network.

Configuring most consumer electronics to be paired with a network can sometimes be a challenging task. Often, the configuration process requires the user to have some understanding of electronics or IT protocols and technologies. This required understanding may make use of the consumer electronics inaccessible to many potential users.
A common example of potentially burdensome configuration of a consumer electronic product may include pairing a WiFi device to a network. The WiFi pairing process may be complicated when the device to be paired lacks an interface, such as a display or keyboard. To pair a consumer electronics device to a WiFi network it may be necessary to know which network to connect to, and also the type of encryption to use along with the cipher or password. The pairing process can be somewhat complicated if the device to be paired to the network does not have an interface for input of these parameters.
Previous attempts at solving this problem have required the user to first connect the device to a computer using other wired methods such as USB or Ethernet. This degrades the initial advantage of providing wireless connectivity on the device and also places additional hardware requirements on the user's configuration device, such as a PC.
Another method that has been set forth to attempt to address this problem involves writing proprietary protocols and software. In this method, the device may initially operate in a proprietary mode, wherein it may wait for a PC with which to communicate. The PC may run a program that places its WiFi interface into an alternate mode, which may inconveniently disconnect the PC from the existing wireless network. This common method for pairing of devices may often encounter hardware compatibility issues. Additionally, the software that runs on the PC must be very specific to the platform, meaning that versions must be written for all platforms supported.
As a result, there exists a need for a simple and intelligent wireless configuration system that may pair an electronic device to a network with minimal complexity. Additionally, there exists a need for an intelligent wireless configuration system that may pair an electronic device to a network without requiring cumbersome or proprietary protocols and interfaces.

Wireless pairing system and associated methods


A rolling-ball switch includes a housing, at least two terminal rods, and a conductive ball. The housing defines a chamber, and has a bottom wall provided with at least two through holes. Each through hole is defined by a multi-sided hole wall. Each terminal rod has an inner end extending into the chamber through the respective through hole, an outer end that extends outwardly of the bottom wall and that is adapted to be inserted into a circuit board, a multi-sided lateral surface extending between the inner and outer ends, and at least one engaging member provided on the multi-sided lateral surface and engaging the hole wall of the respective through hole. The conductive ball is disposed movably in the chamber to contact separably the inner ends of the terminal rods.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a switch, more particularly to a rolling-ball switch that may be suitably mounted on a circuit board for providing triggering signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional switch 10, as disclosed by the applicant in Taiwanese Patent No. 155965, includes a housing, a conductive ball 12, and four terminal rods 14.
The housing includes a bottom seat 13 and a top cover 11. The bottom seat 13 is made of plastic, and has top and bottom surfaces, and four spaced-apart through holes 131 extending through the top and bottom surfaces. Each through hole 131 is defined by four interconnected hole walls 132. The top cover 11 is made of plastic, and has a top wall 111, and four interconnected side walls 112 extending downwardly from a peripheral end of the top wall 111. The top wall 111 and the side walls 112 cooperatively define a chamber 113 having a bottom opening 114.
Each of the terminal rods 14 has an inner end 141 located within the chamber 113, an outer end 142 located outwardly of the bottom seat 13, and four interconnected lateral surfaces 143 extending between the inner and outer ends 141, 142.
The conductive ball 12 is disposed in the chamber 113, and is movable toward the inner ends 141 of the terminal rods 14 so as to place the switch 10 in an "ON" state, or away from the inner ends 141 of the terminal rods 14 so as to place the switch 10 in an "OFF" state.
During assembly, the bottom seat 13 is inserted into the chamber 113 so as to close the bottom opening 114 and thereby confine the conductive ball 12 within the chamber 113. The terminal rods 14 are then inserted respectively and interferentially into the through holes 131 by a jig (not shown) so as to position the terminal rods 14 in the respective through holes 131. The outer ends 142 of the terminal rods 14 are inserted respectively through slots 21 in a circuit board 20, after which the terminal rods 14 are soldered to the circuit board 20, thereby mounting and positioning the switch 10 on the circuit board 20. The switch 10 is tilted or turned so as to shift from an OFF state to an ON state, and vice versa.
Although the aforementioned conventional switch 10 can achieve its intended purpose, since the lateral surfaces 143 of the terminal rods 14 are smooth, connections between the lateral surfaces 143 of the terminal rods 14 and the hole walls 132 of the through holes 131 are weak and unstable.


A portable storage device (1) includes a memory device with a USB interface (20) and a protective cap (30) detachably mated with the USB interface. The USB interface may be a conventional one, which has a metal shell (21) defined pair of holes (213) therein. The protective cap has a case (31), a spring member (34) mounted therein and a button (33) engaged the spring member. The spring member defines a hook section (343) thereon to engage with the hole of the USB interface. To press said button inwardly disengages the hook section of the spring member from the hole of the USB connector, thereby detaching the USB interface from the cap.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a portable storage device, and particularly to a portable storage device with a protective cap which can protect connector of the portable storage device.
2. Description of Related Art
Please refer to FIG. 8, which is a schematic diagram of a conventional portable storage device. The portable storage device includes a case 16, a USB connector 14, and a cover 12 detachably connected to the case 16 to cover the USB connector 14.
The case 16 of the above-described conventional portable storage device is internally provided with circuits for storing and transmitting computer data, and is electrically connected to the connector 14, such that when the cover 12 is removed from the case 16 to expose the connector 14, the connector 14 may be directly plugged into a USB connector provided on a computer to function like an externally connected hard disk drive to transmit or store data. When the connector 14 is unplugged, the portable storage device can be carried by a user to any other place or be connected to another computer. Therefore, the portable storage device is highly mobile and convenient for use.
The connector 14 of the above-described conventional portable storage device is connected to an end of the case 16, and is protected by the cover 12 against uselessness resulted from collision, damage, distortion or deformation of the connector 14. During usage, the cover 12 may be taken off from the case 16 and easily lost. Once the cover 12 is lost, the connector 14 is no longer suitably protected and tends to become damaged, failed, and unusable.
Hence, how to improve the disadvantage in prior art is the major discussion of the present invention.

Portable storage device with protective cap


A compact mobile x-ray C-arm system employs a cart supporting a video monitor on a top shelf and other imaging equipment on lower shelves opening from the front of the cart. The C-arm is supported by a pivot attached to the side of the cart below the platform allowing the C-arm to extend forward without obstructing the shelves or video monitor and yet providing for a balanced operation permitting a smaller footprint area of the cart. Use of the C-arm as a heat sink for the x-ray source and swiveling casters to allow an additional axis of rotation allow a more compact structure to be produced.

Portable x-ray fluoroscopy machines provide an x-ray source held in opposition to an electronic image detector, typically on a C-arm, so that x-rays from the x-ray source are received by the image detector. The C-arm may slide through a collar so as to allow it to be rotated to different angles about the patient. Further, the collar may be supported by a pivoting arm providing additional freedom in the positioning of the C-arm.
When the C-arm is correctly positioned, the x-ray source is activated and x-rays pass through the patient to be received by the image detector which provides electronic signals to a video monitor. For larger mobile C-arm systems, the video monitor is typically held on a separate cart or may be suspended from the ceiling on a fixed bracket to be connected to the mobile unit when the mobile unit is in place.
With improvements in electronic hardware and in particular the development of compact image intensifiers and CCD video cameras, it has become possible to build an extremely compact mobile C-arm system. Such systems may make use of increasingly powerful desktop computer technology for image processing and other tasks and may use compact digital printers for producing images. To realize the full benefit of such a compact design, it is desirable that the video monitor be placed with the C-arm on a single integrated structure. It is desirable too that this structure also hold a computer and or printer so that these too can be readily accessible. Ideally, a mobile fluoroscopy unit constructed as a single integrated structure would preserve the user's ability to flexibly position the C-arm at arbitrary angles and positions about the patient, while maintaining access to the integrated video monitor and other equipment, in a compact unit that is lighter and occupies less floor space than previous mobile fluoroscopy systems.

Combined mobile x-ray imaging system and monitor cart


The present invention relates to coating compositions containing. a) aldimines and PA0 b) polyisocyanates which. i) contain 2 to 35% by weight of allophanate groups, based on the weight of the polyisocyanates, PA1 ii) have a viscosity of less than 3000 mpa.s at 25.degree. C. when measured at a solids content of 100%, PA1 iii) are based on the reaction products of aliphatic polyisocyanates with PA1 iv) contain less than 10 mole percent of urethane groups, based on the total moles of urethane groups obtained from monohydroxy compounds 1) and polyhydric alcohols 2).. 1) 10 to 90 mole percent of monohydroxy compounds and PA2 2) 10 to 90 mole percent of polyhydric alcohols, wherein the mole percentages of 1) and 2) add up to 100, and the percentages are based on the total moles of monohydroxy compounds 1) and polyhydric alcohols 2) and. The present invention also relates to these polyisocyanates containing allophanate groups and to polyisocyanate mixtures containing these polyisocyanates and polyisocyanate adducts containing isocyanurate, uretdione, biuret and/or urethane groups.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to allophanate group-containing polyisocyanates which not only have excellent compatibility with aldimine co-reactants, but are also useful for improving the compatibility of other polyisocyanates with aldimine co-reactants, and to their use in coating compositions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Coating compositions based on mixtures of polyisocyanates and aldimines are known. One of the disadvantages of these compositions is the compatibility between the polyisocyanate and the aldimine, which is necessary to obtain clear, high gloss coatings. Depending upon the particular co-reactants, the mixtures range from totally incompatible systems to those which exhibit a minor amount of cloudiness. The former are totally unsuitable for the production of coatings, while the latter result in coatings which are either hazy in appearance or suffer from a lack of gloss.
The compatibility problem between polyisocyanates and aldimines is addressed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,466,771; 5,516,873; and 5,523,376. U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,771 describes certain allophanate-modified polyisocyanates containing isocyanurate groups that possess improved compatibility with aldimines. Similarly U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,376 describes certain uretdione-modified polyisocyanates that possess improved compatibility with aldimines. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,873 describes the use of polyaspartic acid esters to improve the compatibility between polyisocyanates and aldimines.
While it is possible to blend the polyisocyanates described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,446,771 and 5,523,376 with aldimines to obtain coating compositions that are suitable for the production of acceptable coatings, there is a need to further improve their compatibility with aldimines, such as the aIdimine based on 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA).
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide polyisocyanates that are not only compatible with aldimines, such as the HDA aldimine, such that the resulting coating compositions can be used to prepare coatings having a high gloss, but can also be blended with incompatible polyisocyanates to improve their compatibility with aldimines.
This object may be achieved with the polyisocyanates according to the present invention, which contain allophanate groups, are substantially free of urethane groups, have a low viscosity and are prepared by reacting an aliphatic polyisocyanate with a mixture of monohydroxy compounds and polyhydric alcohols, preferably linear or branched, aliphatic monohydric and polyhydric alcohols.
Processes for the production of polyisocyanates containing allophanate groups are described in British Patent 994,890; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,769,318, 4,160,080, 4,177,342 and 4,810,820; and German Offenlegungsschrift 4,416,321. While some of these patents disclose that mixtures of monoalcohols and polyhydric alcohols may be used to prepare polyisocyanates containing allophanate groups and/or contain examples describing polyisocyanates prepared from mixtures of monoalcohols and polyhydric alcohols, none of these patents are directed to improving the compatibility between polyisocyanates and HDA aldimines and do not recognize the particular requirements that are necessary to achieve this compatibility.
Polyisocyanates containing allophanate groups and prepared from a mixture of monoalcohols and polyhydric alcohols are described in certain examples of U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,820. The percentage of urethane groups converted to allophanate groups, which is set forth in the tables, was obtained by determining the reduction in the NCO content after urethane formation. This calculation is based on the assumption that every isocyanate group that was consumed reacted with a urethane group to form an allophanate group. However, this assumption is not accurate. For example, isocyanate groups can react with other isocyanate groups to form uretdione groups or isocyanurate groups. The examples set forth hereinafter demonstrate that contrary to the polyisocyanates of the present invention, the products of U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,820 are not substantially free of urethane groups.

Allophanate group-containing polyisocyanates improved compatibility with aldimines


A measuring device having a flange extending from a rule portion at one end and an ergonomic module on the other end. The ergonomic module has side surfaces which angle at the same angle as side edges of the flange to permit the measuring device to be supported on the side surfaces during use. A magnet may be encapsulated in the ergonomic module for supporting the measuring device when not in use. A thumb depression is formed in the ergonomic module to facilitate use by the user.

Measuring devices for measuring length of a work piece are well known. These devices include rulers, yardsticks and measuring tapes. Such devices generally have gradation markings or markings at regular intervals along one or both edges. These devices are typically used by holding the measuring device in one hand and placing the gradation markings adjacent to a work piece. However, the devices are cumbersome to store and not conveniently used in many applications.


Methods and apparatus are provided for changing vehicle personalization features. The apparatus comprises a multifunction switch coupled to a multifunction display. The display includes a main menu display configured to display, in response to signals from the switch, in sequence, first numeric codes that are representative of a sequence of settable features and a second numeric code identifying the current selected mode of a given feature. The display also includes a sub-menu display that is configured to display, in response to additional signals from the switch, a first numeric code defining the feature selected to be changed and to display, in sequence, second numeric codes representative of selectable modes of the settable feature. The multifunctional switch is also coupled to an electronic module that is configured to set a selected mode of a settable feature in response to yet a further signal from the switch.

Programming of personalization features in a motor vehicle such as, for example, the automatic door lock/unlock function (whether or not the doors automatically lock when the vehicle is shifted from "park" and whether or not the doors automatically unlock when the vehicle is shifted into "park") as well as functions such as resetting the "change oil indicator" is presently done in either of two ways. In expensive or "high end" vehicles, such programming is done by one or more switches that are dedicated to the programming function, usually in combination with a dedicated display. Use of dedicated switches and displays is costly because of the added components and may detract from the refined appearance of the dash board. In less expensive or "low end" vehicles, such programming is done by various existing switches available within the vehicle. The number of features that can be programmed in low end vehicles is limited due to the limited number of available switches and the number of unique operations of these switches that can be provided to the vehicle operator without confusion. In existing low end vehicles such programming is often awkward, confusing and non-intuitive. For example, the automatic door lock/unlock function may be performed by pressing and holding the door "lock" switch for a prescribed length of time and listening for and counting the number of times an audible alarm chimes. Alternatively, this function may be programmed by an even less intuitive combination of actions with the turn signal, ignition key, and lock switch.
All of the existing mechanisms and methods for programming operator programmable personalization options are either costly or confusing and non-intuitive. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide mechanisms and methods by which such personalization options can be easily and intuitively programmed without requiring additional dedicated components. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

Method, programming interface and mechanism for changing vehicle personalization settings/features


The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) which are inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylases (PNP), purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PPRT), 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylases (MTAP), 5′-methylthioadenosine nucleosidases (MTAN) and/or nucleoside hydrolases (NH). The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) which are inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylases (PNP), purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PPRT), 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylases (MTAP), 5′-methylthioadenosine nucleosidases (MTAN) and/or nucleoside hydrolases (NH).

Nucleoside analogues that are potent inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) and purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PPRT) are useful in treating parasitic infections, T-cell malignancies, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders {see e.g. V. L. Schramm, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1587 (2002) 107-117}. The analogues are also useful for immunosupression in organ transplantation.
Related nucleoside analogues that are potent inhibitors of 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and 5′-methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (MTAN) are useful:    (a) as anti-microbial compounds, and in decreasing the virulence of microbial infections by decreasing production of the quorum sensing pathway;    (b) as agents for treating parasitic infections such as malaria that infects red blood cells {see e.g. G. A. Kicska et al., J. Biol. Chem., 277 (2002) 3226-3231}; and    (c) as anti-tumour compounds, potentially in combination therapy with methotrexate or azaserine.
The applicants have previously disclosed potent inhibitors of such enzymes in a class called the Immucillins, based upon deazapurines covalently linked directly to aza-sugar moieties (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,985,848 and 6,066,722, "Inhibitors of Nucleoside Metabolism"; and WO 02/19371, "Nucleoside Metabolism Inhibitors").
In the search for new and improved nucleoside analogues that are potent inhibitors of the aforementioned nucleoside phosphorylases and nucleosidases, the applicants have also discovered a new class of compounds that are potent inhibitors of these nucleoside phosphorylases and hydrolases (PCT Patent Application PCT/NZ03/00186, "Inhibitors of Nucleoside Phosphorylases and Nucleosidases").
The preparation of such nucleoside analogues is by way of multi-step chemical syntheses. Consequently, the time and cost required for each synthesis can be considerable. There is therefore a need for more efficient and cost effective methods of preparing compounds in this new class.
The Mannich reaction is a condensation reaction between three components, namely an amine, formaldehyde and a compound with an active hydrogen atom such as a heteroaromatic compound e.g. indole (pages 812-814, Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry, 4th Edition, revised by B. S. Fumiss, A. J. Hannaford, V. Rogers, P. W. G. Smith and A. R. Tatchell, Longmans, London, 1978).
Mannich reactions have been used to assemble compounds that incorporate a 9-deazapurine moiety linked via a methylene group to aliphatic and alicyclic amines [G. A. Modnikova et al., "Pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidines. III. 7-Aminomethyl-substituted pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidines", Khim.-farm. Zh., 1983, 352-356 (English translation)]. Compounds that incorporate a pyrimidine moiety linked via a methylene group to a cyclic secondary amine have also been assembled using Mannich reactions. [V. V. Filichev and E. B. Pedersen, "Synthesis of 1′-aza-C-nucleosides from (3R,4R)-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidin-3-ol", Tetrahedron, 57 (2001) 9163-9168].
The applicants have now found that a Mannich reaction can be used to prepare compounds that incorporate a 9-deazapurine or an 8-aza-9-deazapurine moiety (or their 2-aza-analogues) linked via a methylene group to a cyclic secondary amine. These compounds are described as potent inhibitors, or potentially potent inhibitors, of nucleoside phosphorylases and nucleosidases in PCT Patent Application PCT/NZ03/00186.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a process for preparing these compounds, or at least to provide a useful choice.

Process for preparing pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors of nucleoside phosphorylases and nucleosidases


Water-soluble, branched, high molecular weight, cationic polymer flocculants are disclosed, as well as methods of making the same and methods of dewatering suspended solids using the same.

Flocculation is a method of dewatering suspended solids by agglomerating the solids. Flocculation materially improves the dewatering rate of many types of suspended solids, including those used in mineral, papermaking, waste water treating and oil field applications.
Synthetic polymer flocculants have been utilized in the industry since the 1950's as flocculating agents in the treatment of suspended solids. However, due to modern concerns with environmental protection, sludge incineration, transportation and disposal costs, it has become increasingly desirable to improve on the performance of conventional linear polymer flocculants by providing a flocculating agent which achieves greater dewatering at a given polymer dose, or equivalent dewatering at a lower polymer dose.
The present invention provides compositions and methods for dewatering suspended solids, including those frequently encountered in the waste water treating, mining and papermaking industries, using high molecular weight, water-soluble or water-swellable, branched, cationic, polymer flocculants, as well as methods for making said compositions. The compositions and methods of the instant invention provide for superior dewatering when compared to those previously used in the art.
Linear polymer flocculants have been "structured" in the art through the use of branching or crosslinking agents. Polymer structuring is discussed by J. E. Morgan et al., Adv. Chem. Ser., Vol. 187, pp. 235-52 (1980). U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,720,346 and 4,943,378 describe the use of crosslinked cationic polymer particles having a dry particle size below 10 micrometers (.mu.m). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,152,903 and 5,340,865 disclose a method of flocculating using cross-linked cationic polymer microparticles. U.S. Pat. No. 3,235,490 describes a flocculation method which utilizes crosslinked polyacrylamide. U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,037 teaches a method of releasing water from activated sewage sludge using crosslinked cationic emulsion polymers. Methods and compositions useful for thickening aqueous media are given in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,059,552; and 4,172,066. Copending applications Ser. Nos. 08/028,916, 08/028,001, 08/437,258, 08/454,974 and 08/455,419, which are assigned to assignee of this invention and are all hereby incorporated herein by reference, describe methods for flocculating suspended solids using cationic, high molecular weight, water-soluble, branched polymers.
Water-soluble polymers may be characterized by determining the solution viscosity of dilute e.g. 0.05% to 1%, solutions of the polymers in pure water and in salt solutions. Herein, all percentages are given as weight percent based on total weight. The dilute solution viscosity of a linear, cationic, high molecular weight water soluble polymer is typically much higher in pure water than in, for instance, 1 molar (M) NaCl solution. For our purposes, the "bulk viscosity" of a polymer is defined as the viscosity of a 0.2% solution of polymer in pure water, measured using a rotating cylinder viscometer, e.g., Brookfield viscometer, under the conditions described in the Examples. As used herein, "standard viscosity" is the viscosity of a 0.1% solution of polymer in 1 M NaCl solution, also measured using a rotating cylinder viscometer, e.g., Brookfield viscometer, under the conditions described in the Examples. The ratio of the bulk viscosity to the standard viscosity, BV/SV, tends to vary as a function of the degree of structuring present in the polymer.
The "sedimentation value" also varies as a function of the degree of structuring present in the polymer. The "sedimentation value" is a sensitive indicum of the settling rate of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer in salt solution. A sedimentation value of less than 10% means that there is little or no tendency for the polymer to sediment in salt solution. A sedimentation value is determined by preparing a 0.05% solution of a particular polymer in 0.001M NaCl, centrifuging part of the solution for about 60 minutes at about 18,000 X G (gravity) and 22.degree. C., and measuring the ultraviolet (UV) absorbance, at 215 nanometers (nm), of the uncentrifuged part and of the supernatant of the centrifuged part. The absorbance of the supernatant of the centrifuged part compared to the absorbance of the uncentrifuged part is calculated as .DELTA.A(uncentrifuged)--.DELTA.A(centrifuged)!/.DELTA.A(uncentrifuged), where .DELTA.A=A(polymer solution)-A(water) and A is the measured UV absorbance at 215 nm. The value calculated thereby is multiplied by 100 to give the sedimentation value, which is expressed as a percentage.
Surprisingly, it has now been found that water-soluble polymers having BV/SV of from about 300 to about 500 and having sedimentation values of less than 10%, are superior flocculants for suspended solids. In particular, these polymers give faster dewatering of waste activated sludge, in particular extended aeration activated sludge, than polymers of similar molecular weight and cationicity that do not have the BV/SV and sedimentation values mentioned above.

High performance polymer flocculating agents


A sheathed endoscope has a flexible elongate insert part and a sheath that is removably fitted over the insert part. The sheathed endoscope comprises a distal end part that is provided at the distal end of the insert part, a distal end cover that is provided at the distal end of the sheath and that is removably fitted over the distal end part, and a lock device that is provided on the distal end cover so as to be engageable with the distal end part. The lock device is disengaged from the distal end part by deforming the distal end cover so that the lock device moves radially outward. A sheath for a sheathed endoscope is provided and is removably fitted over a flexible elongate insert part of the endoscope. The sheath comprises a flexible tubular member that is removably fitted over the insert part, a distal end cover that is connected to the distal end of the tubular member so as to be removably fitted over the distal end of the insert part, the cover being made of a shape-memory synthetic resin material that is restored to a previously memorized shape by heating it to a shape restoration temperature, and a lock device that is provided on the distal end cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheathed endoscope which is designed so that an insert part of the endoscope is covered with a sheath that can be replaced with a new one each time the endoscope has been used in order to prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses from one patient to another through the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a sheath that is used for the above-described sheathed endoscope.
The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese patent application Nos. 1-335534 and 1-335535 (both filed on Dec. 25, 1989) which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A common sheath that is used for a sheathed endoscope comprises a tube and a transparent distal end cover that is attached to the distal end of the tube, and that is removably fitted over an elongate insert part of the endoscope.
However, when such a sheath is merely fitted over the insert part of an endoscope, a gap may be produced between the distal end cover and the distal end face of the insert part during use. In particular, a sheathed endoscope in which an end portion of a forceps inserting channel for inserting a tool for an endoscopic procedure, for example, a biopsy forceps, is connected to the distal end cover of the sheath involves the problem that the distal end cover may be strongly pushed forward by the forceps inserting channel during use, resulting in a large gap between the distal end cover and the distal end face of the insert part.
Such a sheathed endoscope has a viewing window and illuminating windows, which are provided at the distal end of the insert part, and both an observation light and an illuminating light pass through the transparent distal end cover. Accordingly, if a gap is produced between the distal end cover 251 of the sheath and the distal end face 261 of the insert part of the endoscope, as shown in FIG. 9, part of the illuminating light that is emitted from the illuminating windows 262 enters the viewing window 263 after being reflected at the inner surface of the distal end cover 251. In such a case, an intense flare or ghost may appear in the observation field of view, thus degrading the observation capabilities of the endoscope.
In order to prevent this problem, the distal end cover must be secured to the distal end of the insert part. However, the insert part of the endoscope must be formed as thin as possible with a view to minimizing the pain given to the patient. It is therefore almost impossible to secure the distal end cover to the distal end of the insert part by means, for example, of screws, because of the limited space. In addition, it would be troublesome to untighten and tighten screws for each endoscopic procedure.


The thermal expansion coefficient of a composite insulator layer is adjusted in order to suppress warping deformation in a multilayer printed wiring board caused by temperature change. The thicknesses and the covering ratios on the both sides of the electric conductor layer composing the multilayer printed wiring board are asymmetric with respect to the central plane. A multilayer printed wiring board is formed by laminating composite insulation layers and laminated bodies, the composite insulation layer being made of a cloth a resin impregnated into the cloth, the laminated body being composed of electric conductor layers formed by coating on a surface of the composite insulation layer. The thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulation layer having a conductor layer with a higher covering ratio is set to be smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulation layer having a conductor layer with a lower covering ratio.

The present invention relates to a multilayer printed wiring board and, more particularly to a multilayer printed wiring board suppressing warping caused by temperature change and an electronic equipment using the multilayer printed wiring board.
A printed wiring board is composed of a composite insulation material formed of fiber woven cloth impregnated with a resin and a circuit pattern of electric conductor formed on the surface of the composite insulation material, and a multilayer printed wiring board is formed by laminating the printed wiring boards in multilayer. E-glass fiber of electric use is generally used for the cloth used for the composite insulation material. Quartz glass fiber or aromatic polyamide fiber is sometimes used for the cloth. A copper film or a copper film having nickel plate on the surface is used for the electric conductor.
The thermal expansion coefficient of the copper film of the electric conductor material is approximately 17xc3x9710xe2x88x926 (1/xc2x0C.), and the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulation material made of E-glass fiber and an epoxy group resin is approximately 11xc3x9710xe2x88x926 (1/xc2x0C.). The thermal expansion coefficients of the electric conductor material and the composite insulation material are different from each other as described above. Therefore, the thermal expansion coefficient in the surface direction of the multilayer printed wiring board made of the electric conductor material and the composite insulation material depends on a thickness of the electric conductor forming the circuit pattern and a ratio of the circuit pattern formed of the electric conductor covering the surface of the composite insulation material, that is, a covering ratio.
In general, the circuit patterns formed in the multilayer printed wiring board are not symmetric with respect to the central plane in the thickness direction of the multilayer printed wiring board. In the case where the thicknesses and the covering ratios on the both sides of the electric conductor layers composing the multilayer printed wiring board are asymmetric with respect to the central plane as described above, the thermal expansion coefficients in the surface direction of the electric conductor layers become asymmetric.
Therefore, when the multilayer printed wiring board receives a thermal effect during manufacturing, a warp occurs in the board. If there is a warp in the multilayer printed wiring board, trouble occurs in connecting electronic parts when the electric parts are soldered on the surface of the multilayer printed wiring board because displacement occurs in positional relationship between a junction formed in the part and a junction formed in the multilayer printed wiring board.
In general, the multilayer printed wiring board is formed by that a plurality of printed wiring boards having a circuit pattern on the surface of the composite insulation material are bonded using prepreg by heating at about 170xc2x0 C. Therein, in a case where the thicknesses and the covering ratios on the both sides of the electric conductor layers composing the formed multilayer printed wiring board are asymmetric with respect to the central plane as described above, a warping deformation occurs in the multilayer printed wiring board due to the difference of the thermal expansion coefficients when the multilayer printed wiring board is cooled down to room temperature (20xc2x0 C.) after being heated and bonded at 170xc2x0 C. When electronic parts are soldered on the multilayer printed wiring board, the multilayer printed wiring board is heated up to 170xc2x0 C. or higher. In that time, a warping deformation also occurs in the multilayer printed wiring board due to the difference of the thermal expansion coefficients.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer printed wiring board and an electronic circuit which are small in the warping deformation due to temperature change even if the thicknesses and the covering ratios on the both sides of the electric conductor layer are asymmetric with respect to the central plane. the present invention is characterized by a multilayer printed wiring board formed by laminating composite insulation layers and laminated bodies, the composite insulation layer being made of a cloth and a resin impregnated into the cloth, said laminated body being composed of electric conductor layers formed on a surface of the composite insulation layer, wherein a thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulation layer having a higher covering ratio by the electric conductor layer is set to a value smaller than a thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulation layer having a lower covering ratio by the electric conductor layer.
Further, a multilayer printed wiring board in accordance with the present invention is characterized by that a thermal expansion coefficient of the cloth in the composite insulation layer having a higher covering ratio by the electric conductor layer is a value larger than a thermal expansion coefficient of said the in the composite insulation layer having a lower covering ratio by the electric conductor layer.
Further, a multilayer printed wiring board in accordance with the present invention is characterized by that the electric conductor layer comprises an electric power supply layer and a signal layer, and a thermal expansion coefficient of at least one of the composite insulator layers in contact with the electric power supply layer is set to a value smaller than a thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulator layer in contact with the signal layer.
Further, a multilayer printed wiring board in accordance with the present invention is characterized by that the electric conductor layer comprises an electric power supply layer having a covering ratio of 60 to 80%, preferably 65 to 75% and a signal layer having a covering ratio of 10 to 20%, and a thermal expansion coefficient of at least one of the composite insulator layers in contact with the electric power supply layer is within a range of 8.5 to 9.5xc3x9710xe2x88x926/xc2x0C., and a thermal expansion coefficient of the composite insulator layer in contact with the signal layer is within a range of 10 to 12xc3x9710xe2x88x926/xc2x0C., preferably 10.5 to 11.5xc3x9710xe2x88x926/xc2x0C.
Further, a multilayer printed wiring board in accordance with the present invention is characterized by that the electric conductor layer comprises an electric power supply layer and a signal layer, and the cloth of at least one of the composite insulator layers in contact with the electric power supply layer is made of quartz glass, and the cloth of the composite insulator layer in contact with the signal layer is made of a glass having a thermal expansion coefficient larger than a thermal expansion coefficient of the quartz glass.
As the circuit layers in accordance with the present invention, 4 to 50 layers can be formed.
Further, the present invention is characterized by an electronic equipment comprising electronic parts mounted on a circuit connecting pad formed on a surface of the multilayer printed wiring board described above.
Particularly, in the present invention, a highly productive wiring board can be obtained by that the composite insulator layer is formed by using the same amount of cloth contained in each composite insulator layer and using a material having different thermal expansion coefficient for the cloth. Therefore, it is preferable that quartz glass is used for the composite insulator layer having a larger covering ratio and a glass having a thermal expansion coefficient larger than a thermal expansion coefficient of the quartz glass is used for the composite insulator layer having a smaller covering ratio.
An example of a manufacturing method of the multilayer printed wiring board in accordance with the present invention is as follows.
A sheet of inner prepreg is obtained by impregnating and applying an impregnating epoxy vanish into and to a sheet-shaped base material and by drying it at temperature of room temperature to 170xc2x0 C. Therein, setting of the drying temperature is determined depending on the solvent and the base material used. Circuit patterns are formed on a cured laminated board formed of the obtained prepreg and copper films, and then necessary number of the cured laminated boards having circuit patterns are laminated interposing prepreg sheet between the cured laminated boards, and the laminated cured laminated board is bonded under a condition of 100 to 250xc2x0 C. and 1 to 100 kgf/cm2 to obtain a multi printed wiring board.
In regard to the fiber cloth of the sheet-shaped base material, various kinds of glass fibers such as E-glass fiber, C-glass fiber, A-glass fiber, S-glass fiber, D-glass fiber, YM-31-A glass fiber made from SiO2, Al2O3, and quartz glass fiber can be used as an inorganic fiber. Alamide fiber made from a polymer having an aromatic polyamideimide skeleton can be used as an organic fiber. It is preferable that the fiber cloth is contained 20 to 40 volumetric % to the insulator layer and has a diameter of 10 to 20 xcexcm.
It is preferable that one layer of the insulator layer is composed of a plurality of the fiber cloth layers, and the insulator layers are laminated alternatively in a thinner layer and a thicker layer through the circuit conductor layer, and line width of a signal layer and a matching layer is smaller than 100 xcexcm.
It is preferable that thickness of the insulator layer is smaller than 250 xcexcm, and number of the fiber cloth layers per one layer of the insulator layer is 2 to 5. Particularly, it is preferable that one layer of the thinner insulator layer is composed of 2 layers of the fiber cloth layers and has a thickness smaller than 100 xcexcm and one layer of the thicker insulator layer is composed of 3 layers of the fiber cloth layers and has a thickness smaller than 150 xcexcm.
In the present invention, in a computer connecting structure in which pins provided in a ceramic multilayer wiring board mounting a plurality of semiconductor elements are inserted into and fixed to through holes provided in a multilayer printed wiring board, and terminals of the multilayer printed wiring board are electrically connected to a multi-conductor connector provided in a back board, at least one of the multilayer printed wiring board and the back board is formed of the above-mentioned board alternatively laminated the insulator layer the fiber cloth impregnated with a resin and the circuit conductor layer, and the insulator layer has a specific dielectric constant in 1 MHz of 3.0 to 3.5, a flame retardancy in UL94 of V-0 and a thermal expansion coefficient of 5.0xc3x9710xe2x88x925 to 8.0xc3x9710xe2x88x925/xc2x0C., and a line width of the circuit signal layer is smaller than 100 xcexcm.
In addition to the above, the multilayer printed wiring board in accordance with the present invention can be used for a printed board of an electronic unit of a cellular phone, personal computer or a ECU of a vehicle.

Multilayer printed wiring board and electronic equipment


A filter for the filtration of media, having a pleated, cylindrical filter element, which is located between a perforated, cylindrical backflow preventer and a perforated, cylindrical core, the filter element being arranged in pleated folds, a plurality of folds having a first fold height which is greater than the difference between the radius of the backflow preventer and the radius of the core and which, each being inclined in relation to a radial line by an angle of inclination, are directed away from the outer surface of the core, a plurality of folds being provided having at least one second shorter fold height, and the folds of the second shorter fold height being arranged adjacent, radially at the outside, to the backflow preventer and alternatingly adjacent to the folds of the first fold height.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a filter for the filtration of media, having a pleated, cylindrical filter element, which is located between a perforated, cylindrical backflow preventer and a perforated, cylindrical core, the filter element being arranged in pleated folds, a plurality of folds having a first fold height which is greater than the difference between the radius of the backflow preventer and the radius of the core and which, each being inclined in relation to a radial line by an angle of inclination, are directed away from the outer surface of the core.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optimized pleat and/or fold geometries are used in order to circumvent the classic problem of the star-shaped pleat fold arrangement in cylindrically shaped filter elements. This fold arrangement deploys radial folds of identical fold height, which are tightly pressed together on the smallest circumference on the core, but are located far apart on the outer circumference on the backflow preventer. In this manner, a large proportion of the space provided cannot be filled with filter material, and the mechanical stability of the filter element in the outer region is compromised by the potential for movement of the folds in the free spaces which are located in between. Filter surfaces which are achieved with two layers of membranes measure approximately 0.5 to 0.7 sq.m. per 10 inches of element.
An increase of the filter surface is often achieved by means of thinner filter materials, or in particular by thinner drainage and/or spacer materials. The number of folds per filter element and, therefore, the filter surface are thus increased. A disadvantageous consequence is a reduced mechanical stability of the folds made from these thinner materials. In addition, the inflow to the filter materials which are located between the folds is associated with an increasing flow resistance, when using thinner drainage and/or spacer materials. As a result, the throughput performance may drop despite a larger filter surface. Beyond this, there is the danger that the inflow can no longer pass to the end regions of the intermediate spaces between the folds, or that air pockets are formed. The filter surface in these regions then becomes inactive.
The fundamental endeavor is thus to increase the filtration performance as a function of throughput and service life.
DE 693 29 118 T2, DE 693 34 045 T2 and DE 693 33 430 T2, which belong to the same patent family, disclose a filter having a pleated, cylindrical filter element which is located between a backflow preventer and a core. The filter element here is formed with multiple layers and arranged in pleated folds which have a fold height which is greater than the difference between the radius of the outer cylinder and the radius of the core. The folds here are directed away in curved shaped from the outer surface of the core in a tangential direction and have an angle of inclination in relation to a radial line.
The fold height may be significantly increased here, these oversized folds being increasingly inclined tangentially towards the outer cylinder, such that a space which has hitherto not been filled with filter material may also be filled up to the outer cylinder.
However, the long intermediate spaces which have to be perfused between folds in this known filter are disadvantageous. There is the danger that the inflow can no longer pass to the end regions of the intermediate spaces between the folds, or that air pockets are formed. The filter surface in these regions then becomes inactive.
Furthermore, DE 39 35 503 C2 discloses a ring filter element made from a filter material which has been folded in a zigzag shape with folds which are radially oriented and of different lengths in the direction of the radial depth, the shorter ones being located outside in the radial direction. Here, at least two long folds should follow each short one, the short and the long folds each having the same radial depth as viewed across the entire circumference.
In the case of these radially arranged long folds and the short folds located in between, it is disadvantageous that the available filter surface is relatively small, which leads to an insufficient filtration performance. Moreover, the stability of such filters needs improvement.
The object of the present invention is to improve the known filters in such a manner that their performance, and in particular their service life, are increased while good mechanical stability of the filter element is maintained simultaneously.


The present invention discloses an optical fiber twig tree, which comprises a plurality of plastic optical fiber bundles and a stand structure; wherein the plastic optical fiber bundles are designed in a shape corresponding to the branches of the optical fiber twig tree and tied into a fixed position by a tie. The plastic optical fiber bundles are disposed at the bottom of the stand, and coupled with an illuminating structure. A hook at one end of a main branch of the stand is latched into a screw of a branch base, such that the whole stand with the plastic optical fiber bundles can swing up and down freely to adjust their position at an angle. Further, the main stand comprises a plurality of branch bases to constitute the optical fiber twig tree, and such product can be used as a decoration for festivals or Christmas.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical fiber twig tree that combines a plurality of plastic optical fiber bundles with a stand structure and the plastic optical fiber with an illuminating structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, a prior-art decorative tree has decorative leaves built on a stand, and traditional serially connected lamps wound around the whole tree structure if light is needed. However, the traditional setup has its shortcomings of being overheated bearing a risk of fire accidents, and increasing the cost due to the blinking light bulbs. The decorative tree of this sort definitely brings the safety concern to public places.


This disclosure relates to process for producing titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments, comprising the following steps: a) oxidizing a mixture of titanium tetrahalide and a rutile forming agent, such as aluminum halide, present in the vapor phase and in the presence of a nucleant to form a gaseous suspension comprising titanium dioxide particles; b) passing the gaseous suspension to a cooling conduit; c) introducing scouring material into the cooling conduit; wherein the particles of the scouring material have a diameter in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 12.7 mm; d) separating the vapor phase to form a powder comprising the titanium dioxide particles and the scouring material; and e) simultaneously subjecting the powder to substantially uniform heating at a temperature of about 300° C. to about 600° C. and reducing the size of the titanium dioxide particles and the particles of the scouring material in the powder to a mean particle size of about 50 nm to about 1000 nm, whereby the titanium dioxide pigment has a chloride content of less than about 500 ppm. The so treated powder may have a residual free chlorine content of less than about 1 ppm.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to an improved process for making titanium dioxide pigment, and in particular to an improved finishing process for making titanium dioxide pigments.
2. Background of the Disclosure
In producing pigmentary titanium dioxide (TiO2) in rutile form a titanium tetrahalide such as titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) along with a rutile formation agent such as aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) is reacted in the vapor phase with an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor at a temperature in the range of about 900° C. to 1600° C. to produce a hot gaseous suspension of TiO2 solid particles and free chlorine. This hot gaseous suspension must be quickly cooled below 600° C. within about 1–60 seconds following discharge of the suspension from the reactor. This cooling is accomplished in a conduit, e.g., a flue, which is externally cooled with flowing water so that undesired TiO2 particle size growth is prevented and particle agglomeration is minimized. Particle size and particle agglomeration are important TiO2 pigment properties.
The particle size of the TiO2 pigment can be measured in terms of carbon black undertone (CBU). Pigments containing smaller sized particles have a relatively high CBU, and finished products (e.g., paints, plastics, etc.) containing such pigments tend to have a bluish tint. Pigments with larger sized particles have a relatively low CBU and finished products containing such pigments tend to have a more yellowish tint. The particle agglomeration of the pigment is typically measured in terms of its particle size distribution. Pigments, wherein a low weight percentage of the particles (e.g., less than 30%) have a particle diameter size greater than 0.6 microns, tend to have low particle agglomeration and finished products made with such pigments tend to have high gloss. Pigments, wherein a high weight percentage of the particles have a particle diameter size greater than 0.6 microns, tend to have greater particle agglomeration and finished products made with such pigments tend to have less gloss.
It is known that the production of titanium dioxide pigment may be improved when the TiCl4 and an oxygen-containing gas are reacted in the presence of a nucleant. The method provides TiO2 pigment having improved particle size uniformity, color, and in-process bulk density.
However, in the manufacturing methods described above, the TiO2 particles have a strong tendency to deposit on the inner walls of the cooling conduit. The cooled TiO2 particles tend to form adherent layers on the inner walls and can cause plugging of the conduit. Further, the TiO2 deposits are poor heat conductors and the internal surfaces of the cooling conduit can become insulated which inhibits the heat-exchange properties of the conduit. Scouring material (examples are water-soluble salts like NaCl, KCl, CsCl or insoluble oxides such as TiO2 or SiO2) can be introduced into the cooling conduit to remove the deposits.
The titanium dioxide formed is then subjected to wet treatment, filtration, and drying before the particles are subjected to micronization processes. When the scrubs are water soluble, they dissolve and are removed from the pigment during these processing steps. When they are insoluble, they are separated either by wet screening or by other techniques. A need exists for a streamlined finishing process that eliminates the need for the wet treatment, filtration, and drying steps.
The titanium dioxide product can contain high levels of halogens resulting from upstream processes in which a halogen-containing feedstock, such as titanium tetrahalide is used. The source of halogens in the titanium dioxide product may also be from additives introduced to the process such as one or more halogen-containing rutile-forming agents or nucleants. It is believed that the halides become adsorbed to the surface of the titanium dioxide product, which makes them a challenge to remove. A need exists for a process which is capable of reducing halides from the titanium dioxide product.


A method and apparatus for determining a motion transmission value that provides security of motion transmission between two components that transfer motion through frictional engagement. The motion transmission value provides security of motion transmission through the reaction of the motion transmitted to a change in the contact force between the components that are frictionally engaged. The contact force is modulated in a predetermined frequency range during the motion transmission, and the change in the motion transmitted during the modulation of the contact force is detected. The change in the motion transmitted is evaluated using a filtering process, and the motion transmission value is determined as the result of the evaluation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for determining a transmission value for the security of transmission of motion between two components that transmit motion through frictional engagement. The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out such a method.
2. Description of the Related Art
For convenience, fuel consumption, and environmental reasons, automated power trains are being used more often in motor vehicles. Such power trains contain, for example, a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a continuously variable transmission ratio. To ensure prolonged reliable operation of such a transmission, suitable contact pressure between the endless torque-transmitting means and the conical disks is important. Suitable contact pressure means, first, that the pressure ensures that the endless torque-transmitting means does not slip, and, second, that the contact pressure is not unnecessarily high, so that it does not produce any unacceptable loads on parts or impair the operating efficiency as a result of the high hydraulic pressure that must be provided. To appropriately control or regulate the contact pressure, precise knowledge of the slippage condition or of the security of transmission between the conical disks of the belt-driven conical-pulley transmission and the endless torque-transmitting means is necessary. Direct measurement of that slippage is complicated and expensive, because in addition to the rotational speeds of the pulleys and the speed of the endless torque-transmitting means, it is also necessary to know the exact effective radii at which the frictional engagement between the endless torque-transmitting means and the conical surfaces of the pulleys occurs.
An object of the present invention is to provide a simply-executed method for determining a transmission value for the security of motion transmission in, for example, a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The invention also has as an object to provide apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Method and apparatus for determining the security of transmission between two frictionally engaged motion transmitting components

LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KG


Disclosed herein is a nonflammable mixed solvent composition comprising a completely fluorinated organic compound and a partially fluorinated organic compound as essential components, wherein the completely fluorinated organic compound is contained in an amount of at least 5% by weight.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel non-flammable mixed solvent composition, and a cleaning method and a cleaning apparatus using such a solvent composition, and further particularly to a novel nonflammable mixed solvent composition which is replaceable for organochlorine solvents including 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (hereinafter abbreviated as "flon 113") and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (hereinafter abbreviated as "triethane") and has excellent properties, in particular, as a cleaning solvent and a vapor drying solvent (vapor cleaning and drying solvent), and a cleaning method using such a solvent and a cleaning apparatus for performing the cleaning method.
2. Related Background Art
Chlorofluorocarbons (hereinafter abbreviated as "CFC") have heretofore been used in many industrial fields because most of them are low in toxicity, incombustible and chemically stable, and various kinds of flons different in boiling point are available.
Among these, flon 113 has been used as a degreasing solvent or vapor drying solvent for many plastic materials, a part of rubber materials and various composite materials, making good use of specific chemical properties inherent in the solvent.
The reason why flon 113 has heretofore been often used as a vapor drying solvent is that it has the following properties:
a) to have moderate dissolvability for various kinds of dirt and oils; PA1 b) to have excellent chemical and thermal stability, and so there is little fear of decomposition; PA1 c) to be low in toxicity and have neither flash point nor ignition point, and hence be high in operational safety; PA1 d) to be low in polarity and hence cause no damage to various kinds of plastic materials; and PA1 e) to have a sufficiently low surface tension and hence wet the surface of a substance to be cleaned to thinly and evenly spread thereon. PA1 a) to have strong detergency to metalworking oils; PA1 b) to be low in toxicity and have neither flash point nor ignition point, and hence be high in operational safety; and PA1 c) to cause no damage to metals to be cleaned because it has no water-solubility and hence contains no water therein (namely, low in possibility that it may oxidize and corrode the metals).
Therefore, in order to replace flon 113, a replacement is also required to have the same properties as described above.
At present, hydrochlorofluorocarbons such as 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (hereinafter abbreviated as "HCFC123"), 1-fluoro-1,1-dichloroethane (hereinafter abbreviated as "HCFC141b"), 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane (hereinafter abbreviated as "HCFC225ca") and 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (hereinafter abbreviated as "HCFC225cb") have been developed as second-generation flons and are under investigation as to whether they can be used as replacements or not.
However, these second-generation flons are high in dissolvability for various kinds of oils and fats, but most of them attack general-purpose plastics such as acrylic resins and ABS resins and besides, they are high in ozone depletion potential because they contain chlorine in their molecules. Therefore, they are not of serious consideration as replacements.
Besides, triethane has been used as a replacement for trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, which have hitherto been used as degreasing and cleaning solvents for metal surfaces after metal working, are noxious to the human body and form the cause of pollution of underground water.
The reason why triethane has been used is that it has the following properties:
At present, methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and various petroleum cleaning solvents have been studied as replacements for triethane. However, no replacement well balanced among all the aspects of safety (toxicity, carcinogenesis, flammability, etc.), detergency and drying characteristics has been yet developed.
A method in which only a completely fluorinated organic compound is used as a vapor drying solvent is also studied in a semiconductor-fabricating process and the like. However, completely fluorinated organic compounds involve a problem that since they have no degreasing ability, a stain tends to occur on the surface of an article cleaned unless the article is completely degreased prior to this cleaning step.
The completely fluorinated organic compounds exhibit specific dissolution behavior that they are miscible only with some limited solvents. Therefore, they involve a problem that a stain after drying tends to occur because a solvent and water used for degreasing in a preceding step cannot be purged with ease.
In recent years, ozone holes by which global environment is made worse have been discovered, and the main cause that the ozone hole is created has been proved to be attributable to organochlorine compounds.
For example, flon 113, which is chemically stable, lasts long in the troposphere, diffuses to the stratosphere and is photochemically decomposed by sunrays there, thereby generating chlorine radicals which then combine to ozone so as to destroy the ozonosphere. Therefore, after this, the organochlorine compounds including flons have a tendency for their use to be internationally limited or prohibited.
Among these, flon 113 as described above is high in ozone depletion potential. Thus, flon 113 is desired to be early replaced with proper one, and has a schedule for unsparingly reducing its use. Triethane and other organochlorine solvents are also scheduled to be unsparingly reduced for the same reason as described above.

Mixed solvent composition, and cleaning method and cleaning apparatus using the same


The present invention relates to an actuation device for the actuating of an adjustment surface of an aircraft such as an elevator, a rudder or the like, of landing gear or another aircraft or surface vehicle actuator, comprising an electrohydraulic actuator having a servo control cylinder, a pump for pressure fluid action on the servo control cylinder as well as an electric motor for the actuation of the pump, with the electric motor having a liquid cooling. In accordance with the invention, the actuation device is characterized in that a leak flow of the pump is guided over a leak passage through the electric motor to cool the electric motor.

The present invention relates to an actuation device for the actuating of an adjustment surface of an aircraft such as an elevator, a rudder or the like, of landing gear or another aircraft or surface vehicle actuator, comprising an electrohydraulic actuator having a servo control cylinder, a pump for pressure fluid action on the servo control cylinder as well as an electric motor for the actuation of the pump, with the electric motor having a liquid cooling.
In aircraft, actuators such as elevators or ailerons are frequently actuated by means of a hydraulic cylinder which is connected to a central hydraulic supply via corresponding hydraulic lines. With such a central supply system, however, depending on the position of the servo control cylinder to be actuated, long supply lines are necessary which have a corresponding hydraulic volume and bring about a high weight. In addition, such a central hydraulic system has to include a plurality of valves to supply the various servo control cylinders with the respectively required hydraulic amount, which results in complex hydraulic systems.
In contrast to such a central supply system, decentralized actuator units have already been proposed which work with the assistance of so-called electrohydraulic actuators in which the respective servo control cylinder can be acted on by a decentralized pump which can be driven by an associated electric motor. In this connection, the electric motor and the pump as well as, optionally, also the servo control cylinder are combined into one assembly so that long hydraulic lines between the pump and the servo control cylinder can be saved. Such an electrohydraulic actuator is shown, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,441 in which the electric motor, the pump and the servo control cylinder of the actuator are integrated into a common housing. In this context, the pump is configured as an axial piston pump which can be driven in opposite directions by the electric motor in order to be able to generate opposite actuation movements of the servo control cylinder depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. The pressure chambers of the servo control cylinder are connected to the pressure connections of the pump.
With such electrohydraulic actuator units, heating and temperature problems occasionally occur, in particular at the electric motor. WO 98/11358 suggests, for this purpose, using a liquid-cooled motor into which some of the hydraulic fluid provided by the pump is introduced to cool the motor. For this purpose, a valve arrangement is provided between the pump and the servo control cylinder and branches off some of the pressure fluid and introduces it into the electric motor to cool it. This additional valve arrangement, however, has to be controlled separately again and makes the construction of the actuator complicated; in addition, it brings along additional weight, which should be avoided in particular in the aerospace sector. In addition, the branching off of the pressure fluid for cooling purposes can impair the efficiency of the actuator unit.


Nitrogen doped polymeric carbon is prepared by reacting stannic chloride with a primary amine at an elevated temperature. The process is useful for coating glass to make reduced solar energy transmittance automotive and architectural glazings.

Nitrogen doped polymeric carbon may be deposited onto the surface of a glass sheet for the preparation of reduced solar energy transmittance automotive and architectural glazings. Such coated glazings are generally neutral in color and can be produced at thicknesses which result in a high shading coefficient. Additionally, such coatings are conductive and therefore may be used as a component in a heatable or electroactive glazing system.
Several products have been developed by the glass industry for use as automotive or architectural glazings having reduced solar energy transmittance. Such glazings are designed to admit some light but exclude much of the solar energy from the interior of an automobile or building. For example, it is well known that a quantity of iron may be introduced into glass to produce a bluish-green glazing which absorbs infrared energy and has a moderate shading coefficient. An alternative method for producing a low solar energy transmittance glazing is to coat the glass or plastic substrate with a metal, metal oxide, or other compound which absorbs or reflects solar radiation. Such coatings may be deposited by well-known methods such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, sputtering, and the like.
Carbon films may be grown on glass substrates by Plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, wherein a microwave or radio-frequency generated discharge is directed into a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and a hydrocarbon. The carbon-containing gas mixture is highly dissociated by the action of the electromagnetic discharge, resulting in a carbon growth rate of several microns per hour at temperatures in the range from about 800.degree. C. to about 1,000.degree. C.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,915 to Subramaniam discloses the deposition of nitrogen doped polymeric carbon films onto substrates such as glass. A mixture of carbon monoxide and nitrogen is irradiated with a carbon monoxide laser in the presence of the substrate. The carbon monoxide and nitrogen molecules react preferentially with and/or adhere to the surface of the substrate.
It would be desirable to prepare nitrogen doped polymeric carbon by a conventional chemical vapor deposition technique, and to use this technique for coating glass sheets to prepare reduced solar energy transmittance automotive and architectural glazings.