An aqueous composition which comprises an aqueous medium (component C) and an oil-soluble substance (component B) solubilized or dispersed therein by the action of a solubilizing or dispersing agent (component A), said component A comprising a polyglycerol saturated fatty acid ester which has a cloud point of 20.degree. C. or higher and in which at least 70% by weight of the fatty-acid moieties thereof are derived from a saturated fatty acid having 12 to 14 carbon atoms; and the amount of said component A being from 1 to 10 parts by weight per part by weight of said component B.

Various kinds of conventional articles which are liquid at ordinary temperature, among cosmetics, deodorants, bath additives, fragrances, deodorizers, foods, medicines, and the like, contain oil-soluble substances, such as colorants, flavoring materials, vitamins, antioxidants, preservatives, bactericides, oils, fats, etc., solubilized or dispersed in an aqueous medium by the action of emulsifying agents. However, these articles have a problem that the oil-soluble substances solubilized or dispersed in an aqueous medium with emulsifying agents separate out from the aqueous medium during preparation of the articles or during storage or transportation thereof after their preparation.
Most of the techniques proposed so far for eliminating such oil/water separation problem are to add polyhydric alcohols, surfactants, or the like as solubilizing or dispersing agents. Some of such techniques have come into practical use. Representative examples of the solubilizing or dispersing agents proposed so far include lecithin and surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (nonionic surfactant), ethylene oxide adducts of hydrogenated castor oil, and sucrose fatty acid esters.
Among the conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents, lecithin is extensively used because it is a highly safe substance derived from a natural substance such as egg yolk or soybean. However, since lecithin has insufficient hydrophilicity, use of lecithin for the solubilization or dispersion of oil-soluble substances in aqueous mediums necessitates use of water-soluble solvents, e.g., polyhydric alcohols. If the final product is a food, the additional use of such water-soluble solvents causes problems concerning taste. Another disadvantage of lecithin is that, since it is derived from a natural substance, it is susceptible to putrefaction, rancidity, or the like and thus lacks stability.
Polyoxyethylene-based nonionic surfactants have a disadvantage that the ethylene oxide chain contained as a hydrophilic group in the molecular chain thereof degrades with the lapse of time, resulting in reduced solubilizing or dispersing power. In addition, there is a fear that the degradation of those surfactants may result in formation of formalin, which is a decomposition product of ethylene oxide chain, or in a decrease in pH. Therefore, use of the polyoxyethylene-based nonionic surfactants as food additives is prohibited in Japan from the standpoint of safety. Thus, those surfactants are restricted in their applications. Sucrose fatty acid esters may degrade under acidic conditions, so that they have a problem that they cannot exhibit sufficient solubilizing or dispersing power under low-pH conditions.
On the other hand, solubilizing or dispersing agents comprising polyglycerol fatty acid ester (hereinafter often referred to as PoGE), which are emulsifying agents whose use as a food additive has been authorized, have been proposed (JP-A-61-234920 and JP-A-62-250941). (The term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application.") However, use of the proposed solubilizing or dispersing agents comprising PoGE for the solubilization or dispersion of oil-soluble substances in aqueous mediums disadvantageously necessitates additional use of another additive such as polyhydric alcohols. Further, the fatty acid moieties of the PoGE are mainly derived from an unsaturated fatty acid having low long-term stability. Thus, the proposed PoGE-based solubilizing or dispersing agents have problems that taste is influenced by the additives when the article is a food or the like, and that the poor long-term stability influences the distribution and storage of the article.
In addition, use of the conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents in the solubilization or dispersion of oil-soluble substances has disadvantages concerning article production. For example, for solubilizing or dispersing oil-soluble substances in aqueous mediums without fail, it is necessary to employ emulsifiers, high-pressure homogenizers, or the like for the solubilizing or dispersing operation to apply a powerful shearing force to a raw-material mixture. Consequently, there has been a desire for the development of solubilization or dispersion systems which comprise aqueous mediums and oil-soluble substances easily solubilized or dispersed therein, and which are stable over a prolonged period of time and do not influence taste, etc. in food applications.

Aqueous composition containing solubilized or dispersed oil-soluble substance


A display device includes: a substrate on which a display is formed; an encapsulation portion covering the substrate; and a sealing portion arranged between the substrate and the encapsulation portion and surrounding the display, wherein at least one power wire passes between the substrate and the encapsulation portion, and wherein a metal layer is formed between the sealing portion and the at least one power wire.

Field
One or more embodiments relate to a display device.
Description of the Related Technology
In general, a display device such as an organic light-emitting display device (OLED) may be used in a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a digital camera, a camcorder, or portable information terminal, or an electronic and electrical product such as an ultra-thin television, among others.
The display device should be sealed to protect a display that displays an image. Thus, a sealing member is typically disposed between upper and lower substrates of the display device and then hardened to couple the upper and lower substrates by applying energy to the sealing member.
It is desired to reduce an unnecessary area, for example, a dead space within the display device while manufacturing the same. Furthermore, a structural strength of a sealed area should be maintained.

Display device with glass frit sealing portion


A distance detecting apparatus in which an operator is able to readily and accurately see to which one of a plurality of objects the distance is detected. The apparatus is able to concurrently detect the distances to a plurality of objects which exist within the field of view of the subject vehicle. To this end, the apparatus includes: a pair of first and second image sensors including a pair of optical systems for optically sensing a plurality of objects; a first memory for storing the pictures of the objects sensed by the first image sensor as first image signals; a second memory for storing the pictures of the objects sensed by the second image sensor as second image signals; a window defining device for defining a plurality of windows at specific areas of the first or second image signals; and a calculator for making image signals within the respective windows defined by the window defining device as reference signals. The calculator is operable to make a comparison between those of the first and second image signals which correspond to the reference signals, to individually calculate the distance to each object in each window. Preferably, the first and second image sensors are disposed in a vertically spaced apart relation.

The present invention relates to a distance detecting apparatus for optically measuring the distance from a vehicle to an object such as an obstacle, a preceding vehicle, etc., lying ahead thereof.
Some typical examples of such a distance detecting apparatus are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 63-38085 and 63-46363. The apparatuses disclosed therein commonly have a pair of first and second parallel optical systems having two convex lenses 101, 102 disposed in a horizontally aligned relation at a prescribed distance L away from each other, as shown in FIG. 5. A pair of separate image sensors 103, 104 are horizontally disposed at focal points of the lenses 101, 102 apart their focal distance f from the locations of corresponding lenses 101, 102, respectively, for generating respective image signals to a common signal processor 120. The signal processor 120 successively shifts the image signals from the image sensors 103, 104 and electrically superposes them one over the other, so that the perpendicular distance R from the lenses 101, 102 to an object 121 is calculated based on the principle of triangulation using the following formula: EQU R=(f.times.L)/d
where d is a shift distance by which the image signals are moved to obtain the best match.
With the above-described conventional distance detecting apparatus as constructed above, however, if there are many objects within the field of view of the image sensors 103, 104, it is unclear to which object the distance from the subject vehicle is being detected. In particular, let us assume that the distance to an object in the form of a preceding vehicle is detected by the above-described distance detecting apparatus mounted on the subject vehicle during the travel thereof. In this, case, if another vehicle travelling on a lane of a road adjacent the one on which the subject vehicle is travelling comes into the field of view of the subject vehicle, it is not clear at all or the driver cannot tell to which vehicle (i.e., travelling on the same lane or on an adjacent lane) the distance is detected.


There is provided a composition comprising an effective amount of Annexin A5 for use in treatment of an inflammatory disorder. There is provided a composition comprising an effective amount of Annexin A5 for use in improving organ function. Methods for administering such compositions for treatment of animals are also provided.

Throughout this application, various references are cited in parentheses to describe more fully the state of the art to which this invention pertains. Full bibliographic information for each citation is found at the end of the specification, immediately preceding the claims. The disclosure of these references are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure in their entirety.
Abnormalities associated with inflammation comprise a large group of disorders which underly a variety of human diseases. The immune system is often involved with inflammatory disorders, demonstrated in both allergic reactions and some myopathies, with many immune system disorders resulting in abnormal inflammation. Non-immune diseases with aetiological origins in inflammatory processes are thought to include sepsis, cancer, atherosclerosis, and ischaemic heart disease.
A large variety of proteins are involved in inflammation, and altered expression and/or activity of one or more of these proteins can impair or otherwise dysregulate the normal immune function.
Vertebrates achieve internal homeostasis during infection or injury by balancing the activities of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. However, in many disease conditions, this internal homeostasis becomes out of balance. For example, endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) produced by all Gram-negative bacteria activates macrophages to release cytokines that are potentially lethal (Tracey, K. J. et al., Science, 234:470-74 (1986); Dinarello, C. A., FASEB J., 8: 1314-25 (1994); Wang, H., et al., Science, 285:248-51 (1999); Nathan, C. F., J. Clin. Invest., 79:319-26 (1987)).
Inflammatory disorders (such as septic shock caused by endotoxin exposure) are often induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF; also known as TNFα or cachectin), interleukin (IL)-Ia, IL-I β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, interferonγ, platelet-activating factor (PAF), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and other compounds. Pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to various disorders through their release during an inflammatory cytokine cascade.
Therefore, there is a need for a treatment for inflammatory disorders.

Annexin and its use to treat inflammatory disorders

LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE RESEARCH INC.


An improved method of metallurgically bonding two dissimilar materials to form, for example, a valve seat for an internal combustion engine. The bonding process is coupled by pressing pressure and the application of heat. The process is controlled so that the temperature of the lower melting point material never exceeds its solidus temperature but is close to it. Plastic deformation occurs in the base material but the base material is not liquefied.

This invention relates to a method of bonding dissimilar metals and the resulting structure therefrom and more particularly to an improved method for forming a valve seat for a reciprocating machine such as an engine and the resulting valve seat.
In many instances, it is the practice to form a component of a mechanism from dissimilar metals. This technique is resorted to so as to take the advantages of the individual properties of the two dissimilar materials in their specific locations. For example, it may be desirable to form components of a mechanism such as an engine from a lightweight material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, this type of material has certain wear disadvantages. Therefore, in areas of high wear, it is a practice to utilize a material that is somehow fixed to the base aluminum material, but which has more wear resistant characteristics.
A specific example of such an arrangement is the cylinder head of an engine. In the cylinder head, an aluminum alloy is frequently used as the base casting material because of the higher heat conductivity and lighter weight of the base aluminum alloy. However, in areas where wear is likely to incur, such as the valve seats, a harder, more wear resistant material is employed. Frequently, sintered iron or other similar materials are utilized to form the valve seats of the engine.
This gives rise to a problem in adhering the sintered iron valve seat to the aluminum alloy body of the cylinder head. Frequently, a press-fit arrangement is employed for forming such joints and FIG. 1 illustrates a section through a cylinder head having a press fit valve seat utilizing these two materials. The disadvantages of this type of construction will be described by particular reference to this figure after the basic structure of the cylinder head is described in conjunction with the figure.
In FIG. 1, a cylinder head assembly is indicated generally by the reference numeral 21. Only a portion of the cylinder head assembly 21 is illustrated because the invention deals, as aforenoted, primarily with the connecting arrangement between the valve seat inserts and the base cylinder head material. Therefore, a cross-sectional view taken through a portion of the cylinder head that forms a portion of the combustion chamber will permit those skilled in the art to understand the problems associated with this basic type of prior art construction.
The cylinder head 21 has a lower sealing surface 22, that is adapted to be brought into sealing engagement with a cylinder block which is not shown so as to form a closure for the cylinder bores at one end thereof. The surface 22 is interrupted by recesses 23 which cooperate with the cylinder bores and associated pistons to form the combustion chambers of the engine.
One or more exhaust ports 24 extend through one side of the base cylinder head material 25 and terminate in valve seats, indicated generally by the reference numeral 26. Each valve seat 26 is comprised of a generally cylindrical machined recess 27 formed in the cylinder head material 25 and into which is pressed a valve seat insert 28. Typically, the material of the cylinder head casting 25 will be aluminum or an aluminum alloy, while the valve seat insert 28 will be formed from a material that is harder and more wear-resistant, such as a sintered iron or the like.
A valve 29 is supported in a valve guide 31 in the cylinder head and is operated by a suitable actuating mechanism of any known type for opening and closing the valve seat 26 in a manner well known in the art.
A further intake passage 32 is formed also in the base cylinder head material 25 and has a valve seat insert 33 formed therein. The valve seat insert 33 is assembled in the same manner as the exhaust valve seat and, therefore, further description of it is not required.
An intake valve 34 is supported in a valve guide 35 in the cylinder head material 25, and is also operated by a suitable valve actuating mechanism.
It should be readily apparent that it is extremely important that the valve seat inserts 26 and 33 must be firmly attached in the cylinder head base material. There is a number of reasons for this. First, it must be ensured that the inserts do not fall out of the cylinder head when the engine is running. This would obviously cause serious damage to the engine.
Therefore, a technique using a force fit has been employed for placing the inserts into the cylinder head. This is accomplished by forming the bores in which the insert rings are placed with a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the insert ring. The cylinder head is then heated and/or the insert ring is chilled so that the thermal expansion will permit the insert to be forced into the bore of the smaller diameter.
This requires considerable force, and when the materials return to their original temperatures, there will be a compressive force on the insert and a tensile force on the cylinder head, which can result in cracking of one or both of these components.
Furthermore, because of the difference of thermal expansions between the cylinder head material and the insert ring, the force fit must be such that when the engine becomes heated, the higher thermal expansion of the base cylinder head material will not cause the insert ring to become loosened, and fall out of its position. This requires an initial stress that is quite high.
In order to resist this cracking, it is necessary to provide an insert ring that has substantial thickness and also substantial length. This means that the heat transfer between the valves and the base cylinder head material is retarded by the interpositioning of this less thermally conductive material.
Furthermore, because of the sizes required, the configuration of the ports are also dictated in large part by the dimensions of the insert ring.
In addition to all of these disadvantages, the distance between adjacent valve seats must be kept relatively large so as to provide sufficient base cylinder head material between the valve seats to withstand the stresses required by the press fitting. Thus, it is not possible to utilize as large a valve area in the engine as might be desired.
In order to overcome these difficulties, it has been proposed to form some method of more permanently adhering the insert ring material into the base cylinder head material. Such techniques as welding or laser cladding have been proposed. Generally, these techniques require the application of sufficient heat so as to cause a melting to occur between the outer surface of the insert ring material and the inner surface of the cylinder head material. This forms a resulting alloy in the interface that is comprised of a mixture of the materials of the basic cylinder head and of the insert ring.
Although these welding or laser cladding techniques provide a more permanent bond, they do not totally solve the aforenoted problem. For example, because of the melting which occurs, there may be formed gas pockets or cavities in the interface between the two materials. These obviously will reduce not only the strength of the resulting bond, but will also reduce the heat transfer from the valve to the basic cylinder head material.
In addition, the resulting composition of the alloy at the interface can provide both metallurgical and physical properties that are not desirable. The alloy may, in fact, impede the heat transfer, or can reduce the strength or wear resistance of the resulting structure.
Therefore, there have been proposed techniques for forming a metallurgical bond between the insert ring and the cylinder head. The insert ring is pressed into place, and the insert ring and cylinder head material is heated sufficiently so as to form a metallurgical bond between the insert ring and the cylinder head at the interface, without any significant alloying of the two materials. This is also done in such a way that there is not a significant degree of liquification of the materials of either the insert ring or the cylinder head material that would cause voids. The following applications for United States Letters Patent, all of which are assigned to the Assignee hereof, and many of which are invented by the inventors hereof, are examples of methodology and valve seat insert formations that have been proposed so as to solve these problems and which, in fact, do solve these problems:
______________________________________ Ser. No. Filing Date ______________________________________ 08/278,026 July 20, 1994 08/483,246 June 7, 1995 08/601,287 February 16, 1996 08/607,823 February 27, 1996 ______________________________________
and others.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved method of forming a metallurgical bond between two dissimilar metals that will overcome the problems of the prior art and which will offer a further improvement in the resulting strength of the bond from those noted copending applications.
As has been noted, this type of technique is utilized in environments where the resulting structure may be exposed to considerable thermal stresses. It has been found that although high initial bonding strength may result from certain techniques, when the resulting bond has been subjected to high temperatures for a length of time, the bonding strength may deteriorate.
It is, therefore, a further object of this invention to provide an improved bonding method wherein the bonding technique is such that the joint will maintain high strength, even after prolonged periods of operation at high temperatures.


A web tension maintaining roll in a scroll sign module is arranged with its axis parallel to a rotatable second roll, both rolls being arranged for rotation between laterally spaced apart side frame members. For each roll, a short shaft projects from opposite side frame members toward each other for the roll to rotate about the common axis of the shafts. A motor driven drive shaft whose axis is transverse to the axes of rotation of the rolls has a worm fastened to the shaft adjacent each of the rolls. The worms are drivingly engaged, respectively, with worm wheels that are supported for rotation about the axis of the short shafts and about the rotational axis of the rolls. The worm wheel for the tension roll is coupled in driving relationship to the tension roll by way of a spiral spring whose inner end is connected to the worm wheel and whose outer end is connected to the tension roll. The motor driven main drive shaft has a knob on at least one end or a cable connection that provides for turning the main drive shaft manually to provide the option of manual operation or motor operation of the sign module. The worm and worm wheel roll drive mechanism precludes roll backlash.

The invention disclosed herein pertains to a scroll sign module comprised of two rolls that are mounted between the sides of a frame in spaced apart relationship for rotating bidirectionally about parallel axes to wind an information bearing web onto one roll as the web unwinds from the other roll.
Roll sign modules have various applications including, but not limited to displaying prices of goods or services or other information that must be readable from a substantial distance. Displaying the price of vehicle fuel is a typical use of such modules. In this use, several modules are arranged in juxtaposition, to compose the price of fuel, and are mounted on a pole at a great height adjacent a highway for being visualized by vehicle drivers at a great distance from the sign installation site.
Several types of scroll sign modules are known. A typical module has an electric motor operatively coupled in driving relation with two spaced apart parallel rolls by means of a suitable mechanism including gears, chains, sprockets, toothed belts and pulleys. Typically, at least one roll in a parallel pair is coupled to a driving source inelastically for positive driving and the other roll in a pair is a so-called tension roll that is driven rotationally through the agency of an elastic device such as a helical or spiral spring. The spring that is coupled to a driven axle and the tension roll provides for maintaining a substantially constant tension in that part of the indicia displaying web which is stretched between the two rolls even though the overall diameter of the rolls plus the web wrapped on them increases on one roll and decreases on the other roll as the web is wound and unwound, respectively.
U.S. Pat. No. 734,982, which was granted to Smith on Jul. 28, 1903, discloses a scroll module wherein a tension roll is journaled for rotation on a rotationally driven shaft. A spiral spring is installed in a cylindrical recess in the end of the tension roll concentrically to the roll driving shaft that extends through the recess. The inside end of the spiral spring is attached to the shaft and the outside end is attached to the roll so that when the shaft rotates the tension roll is driven elastically by way of the spiral spring. The shaft for the tension roll and the other cooperating roll are provided with sprockets for being driven with a chain that is translated by sprockets on the shafts of the rolls and an electric motor. In this patent, the mechanism includes a lead screw operated with a chain and gear system to switch the take-up roll to becoming the unwind roll for the web and, vice versa, when the end of the web is reached.
Among the problems of driving the rolls of a sign module with chains and sprockets is that these components must be lubricated regularly to maintain good operation and inhibit corrosion. Applying lubricant to the components of a sign that is mounted on a tall structure is an inconvenient and unpleasant task. Dripping of lubricant which is commonplace with chains is another problem. Chains also have the undesirable characteristic of becoming less flexible when the ambient temperature drops to below zero degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, which is not uncommon during the winter in the northern states. A stiff chain reassures a greater force to bend it around the sprockets which can result in overloading the motor.
A loose chain may come off the sprockets and an excessively tight chain may impose a greater load on the small electric motor that drive a sign of this type.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,176, which was granted to Grehan on Sep. 27, 1988, also drives a tension roll in a sign module by way of a spiral spring. In this patented design, the tension roll has internal bearings for turning on a shaft which has an axial length that is greater than the axial length of the roll so one end of the shaft extends axially from the roll. The rolls in the module are driven with a flexible toothed belt running on toothed pulleys. A toothed pulley fits on the end of the tension roll shaft. The pulley has a large axial counterbore in which there is a spiral spring arranged concentrically to the shaft with the inside end of the spiral spring attached to the shaft and the outside end fastened to the toothed pulley. Hence, when the pulley rotates it causes an elastic or yieldable torsional force to be applied to the shaft so the shaft and roll can change their angular relationship to compensate for the overall change in the diameter of the roll and the web thereon that results from the amount of web on one roll decreasing while increasing on the other roll.
One problem that is inherent in modules driven with a toothed belt is that thermal expansion of a belt differs substantially from the thermal expansion of the metal frame that supports the components of the module. Hence, at low ambient temperatures, the toothed belt may become too loose and at high temperatures the belt may become too tight. An excessively tight belt can impose a large radial load on the motor and the bearings for the rolls and a loose belt can become unmeshed from the toothed pulleys. Moreover, in cold weather toothed belts become stiffer and require increased force to bend around the pulleys. This also imposes a greater load on the motor which could make the module inoperative under certain temperature conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,255,541, which was granted to B. H. Bettcher on Jun. 14, 1966, discloses another version of a scroll module. In this patent a web tension maintaining roll has stub-axles extending axially inwardly by a short distance at opposite ends of the roll. The stub-axle at the driven end of the roll extends coaxially from a pinion gear that is driven by a motor driven gear train. A helical spring is mounted concentrically to the stub-axle. One end of the helical spring is attached to the driven stub-axle and the other end of the spring is attached to the roll to thereby provide an elastic connection between the power driven stub-axle and the roll to compensate for the changing overall diameter of the web on the roll as the web is transferred between the parallel arranged tension and cooperating rolls. The Bettcher patent module would have the problems incident to driving the rolls through a gear, sprocket and chain arrangement as has been explained.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,504 which was granted to Brown on Oct. 7, 1997, also discloses a module wherein a tension roll is driven elastically through the agency of a spiral spring. In this patented design a module is comprised of the usual laterally spaced apart frame members between which two web winding and unwinding rolls are positioned. To provide for rotation of the tension roll, bearing members are fixedly mounted in each of the spaced apart module frame members in coaxial relationship. The bearing members each have a central bore constituting an inside bearing or bushing for an axle and have a smooth concentric periphery constituting an outside bearing on which an end cap for the roll can rotate. The end cap contains an annular recess for containing a spiral spring that is positioned inside of the roll. A pulley for driving the roll rotationally with a belt is positioned outside of the frame member and a stub-axle that is unitary with the pulley extends axially from it for being journaled in the bushing and for extending into the spring recess in the end cap to provide for connecting the inside end of the spiral spring to the stub-axle and the outside end of the spring to the end cap. Since the end cap is latched to the roll, when the stub-axle is driven rotationally by means of the belt and pulley, a torsional force is applied to the end cap through the spring for rotating the tension roll. There is no simple way of providing for manual operating means in this patented design nor is backlash assuredly prohibited.
The module design first discussed has the disadvantages of being belt driven as previously explained. Moreover, the drive pulley for the tension roll and the pulley for the cooperating roll are outside of the module frame member so the modules must be undesirably spaced apart from each other by at least the width of a pulley when the modules are juxtaposed to compose a sign.
Additional patent references that disclose driving a tension roll in a module through the agency of a helical spring are U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,925 which was granted to Strand et al. on Sep. 5, 1978 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,902,884 which was granted to Wagner on Mar. 28, 1933.
The foregoing observations about preexisting scroll sign modules reveals that they are not optimized for trouble free operation. As explained, chain and belt drive systems are often adversely affected by changes in temperature wherein the chains or belts may stretch excessively, contract excessively, become stiff or too soft, or possibly drip oil as a result of requiring regular lubrication. It will be evident from inspection of the arrangement of the parts in pre-existing modules that differential expansion and contraction can occur that can prevent consistent module operation through a range of temperatures. Also, when timing belts and chain drive systems are used, an inventory of different sizes of belts or chains must be kept to cover changes in module sizes. Thus, according to prior practice, each module size requires individual parts that are not exchangeable between modules of different sizes. Pre-existing belt and chain drive systems also will have the inherent problem of allowing the web to relax, that is to lose tension, in the information display area between the tension roll and its cooperating roll due to backlash of such flexible drive systems.
Another limitation in pre-existing roll sign module drive systems is that they can be operated only with a motor and are without means for advancing the web in one direction or the other manually. In pre-existing designs, it is necessary, but not really practical, to grasp a chain or a belt and pull on it to translate it and thereby turn over the gear or sprocket system that is required for driving the web rolls rotationally.

Changeable information scroll sign module


Small sheet metal reinforcement pieces are co-formed with a larger sheet metal part during a hot stretch forming against a heated forming tool surface. Locator holes are made in blanks for the reinforcing pieces so they can be precisely located on locator pins in the forming surface where the reinforcing pieces are ultimately to be attached to the formed sheet part. A preheated blank of the larger part is stretched against the trapped reinforcement blanks and both the part and reinforcing pieces are shaped against the hot tool. The part and reinforcing pieces are removed and cooled, and the closely fitting reinforcing pieces attached to the part at a suitable later time.

Hot stretch sheet forming of certain high elongation aluminum alloys has been used to make one-piece body panels for automotive vehicles.
Cold rolled sheets of fine-grain magnesium and manganese containing alloys are heated to a forming temperature in the range of, for example, 400 to 510° C. and stretch formed against a heated forming tool surface into the shape of the panel. A sheet blank is gripped at its edges between the forming surface tool on one side of the sheet and an opposing tool defining a pressure chamber on the other side of the blank. A pressurized working gas is admitted into the chamber stretching and draping the heat softened sheet into compliance with the forming surface. After forming, the pressurized gas is released, the hot tools are parted, and the formed hot sheet product carefully removed from the forming tool to a cooling rack.
The sheet metal blanks are typically about one to three millimeters thick and there is some localized thinning of the sheet material during the stretch forming process. In applications involving the forming of automobile body panels, the original blanks are often generally rectangular with sides three or four feet in length. When a passenger compartment floor pan for a vehicle is to be stretched formed, the blank is considerably larger.
Sometimes a panel design requires reinforcement pieces to be attached at specific locations on a side of the one-piece panel. Such reinforcing pieces are often considerably smaller than the panel to which they are to be attached. These reinforcement sheet pieces may provide local thickening for structural support or for attachments or the like. They have been formed separately and welded or otherwise suitably attached to the formed panel during final assembly. It would be desirable to form the reinforcement pieces when the main panel is being stretch formed so that the reinforcement precisely fits the formed part. However, it is necessary to suitably position reinforcing sheet pieces on the relatively large area tool for forming the hot sheet blank. When a number of parts are being produced successively the forming tool is hot and the reinforcing piece must be positioned on a hot forming surface of the tool.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a practice for locating pieces, sometimes relatively small pieces, of sheet metal on a forming tool before a sheet metal blank is gripped over the tool surface for hot stretch forming into a body panel or the like.

Making panel reinforcements during hot stretch forming


A toy armchair cushioning and entertainment apparatus for use by a caregiver interacting with a child. The apparatus is secured to the chair arm and a caregiver rests his or her arm on or against the apparatus while holding or cradling a child. Moreover, movement and/or music generated by the apparatus provides entertainment for the caregiver and child. A storage attachment provides a convenient place to store feeding bottles or frequently used items such as books or toys.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of toys or childcare devices.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Small children are often comforted or fed by adult caregivers. Moreover caregivers often sit for extended periods in a chair to feed or comfort a fussing child. While some chairs are substantially padded and comfortable, some chairs are comparatively rigid and uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods. Moreover, feeding small children can create messes.
The publications below list related art devices that can serve some use in the problems described above.
Patent No. or PublicationNamedInformationPersonDate1.1247547P C KoEuneNov. 20, 19172.1650385H PaytonNov. 22, 19273.2057551GE BishopOct. 13, 19364.D329836M MeyersSep. 29, 19925.5332288J H CoatesJul. 26, 19946.D350866C J Miller et al.Sep. 27, 19947.5507551T P BarryApr. 16, 19968.D369929M 0 PerryMay 21, 19969.5605374M 0 PerryFeb. 25, 199710.D383930M 0 PerrySep. 23, 199711.D445623B HartnerJul. 31, 200112.5700053D DowningDec. 23, 199713.5967345J SubotinOct. 19, 199914.5975390D SaroliNov. 2, 199915.2002/0130538A ArtsvelyanSep. 19, 200216.2003/0214162 A1Romano et al.Nov. 20, 2003
The publications listed above can logically be divided into three categories; stuffed animal furniture, armchair cushions, and bottle or accessory holders. Among the stuffed animal furniture category are; U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,551 to Barry, which shows a stuffed bear chair, and U.S. Pat. No. D445623 to Hartner, which shows a stuffed hippo pillow. U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,345 to Subotin discloses a baby bottle and accessory holder. U.S. Pat. No. 1,247,547 to P C KoEune, U.S. Pat. No. 1,650,385 to H Payton, U.S. Pat. No. 2,057,551 to G E Bishop, D329836 to M Meyers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,288 to J H Coates, D350866 to C J Miller et al., D369929, U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,374 and D383930 to M O Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,053 to D Downing, U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,390 to D Saroli, 2002/0130538 to A. Artsvelyan, and 2003/0214162 A1 to Romano et al. disclose arm chair cushions. While each of the publications above discloses one or more useful devices, none disclose the apparatus described in the subject application.


A color image reproducing device comprising a scanner, a color value memory, a scanner signal memory, a conversion element, and the adjusting element. Each memory stores standard color values derived from reference color values and standard scanner signals derived from reference scanner signals. The reference color values and reference scanner signals are obtained by measuring both by a colorimeter and by scanning of color patches. The color values are derived from measured scanner signals of an original based upon correspondence between standard color values and standard scanner signals. Finally, the device adjusts relative color balance by controlling the intensity of outputs based upon the color values.

Color image reproducing devices such as a color electric photographic copy machines, systems of processing silver halide color photographic light-sensitive materials, cathode ray tubes, and systems of printing are all well known in the art. A color scanner is a device used to detect the color images. The scanner outputs a signal in the form of RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) signals for the color image; however, these signals do not provide any absolute colorimetric information; they indicate only relative values; i.e. the color is more (or less) reddish (greenish, or bluish).
To handle color precisely, some physical definition and values are needed. According to CIE definitions, Color Matching Functions, which correspond almost exactly to the spectral sensitivities of the human eyes, are used to calculate tristimulus values, which are represented by the three letters X, Y and Z, and which are called color values. These values represent the visual perception and are the basis for any color manipulations.
A device and method which can obtain accurate color values, which are precisely in accord with the visual perceptions of the human eye, are highly desirable.
In the prior art, there were two approaches for obtaining color values. One is to adjust the total scanner spectral sensitivities to one set of linear transformations of human sensitivities (the Luther condition), the other is to establish the relationship between the input scanner signals (RGB) and the color values, such as XYZ, CIELUV, CIELAB, or any other three or more values which can represent the total color.
FIG. 1 shows components of human vision and machine vision. In human vision, a light reflects from object 2 and reaches human eye 3. Analogously, in the machine vision (scanner), artificial light 4 reflects on object 2 and reaches detector 7 through lenses 5 and filters 6.
If the scanner has the same spectral response as the human eye, the signals from the scanner could be transformed into tristimulus values (XYZ) by a matrix and could be changed to another color of the desired values. Two examples are shown in FIG. 2; one is the Color Matching Functions which have been defined by CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) to calculate the standard color values (XYZ or tristimulus values). These are used for representation of colors by physical values instead of names, such as blue, green, yellow, etc. The other is its linear transformation to provide one peak and the narrowest curve. One can calculate the color values from the scanner signals by a simple linear matrix multiplication.
However, practically speaking, matching the total sensitivities to the Luther condition is very difficult because bright illumination (especially fluorescent light) tends to have sharp spikes in its spectral power distribution although the desired total sensitivity curves are smooth. The sensitivities of CCD (charged coupled device), which is often used as a sensor, has jagged spectral sensitivity curves. Theoretically these shapes of the spectral curves can be compensated for by filters, but making filters which cancel the spikes and jagged spectral sensitivities is very difficult. Even if such filters are created, they may be ineffective because reducing the strong spikes will make the illumination much dimmer. Therefore, in practice, it is almost impossible to adapt the total sensitivities of the scanner to coincide with the Luther condition. In addition, a scanner matching the Luther condition has a bad chroma S/N ratio because two of the three sensitivities in FIG. 2 are so close (in sense of the low S/N ratio, three monochromatic sensitivities are ideal, but of course, this kind of scanner is far from the Luther condition).
On the other hand, regressions to establish the relationship between scanner signals and color values have been attempted. However, this relationship is essentially non-linear and there is no way to pick up the non-linear terms on rational basis; it is very difficult to fit the 3 dimensional relationship with non-linear terms chosen at random.

Color image reproducing device and method


Conversion of a double-byte representation of a character in a first interchange code to a double-byte representation of the character in a second interchange code is taught. The double-byte representation is used to provide column and row indices into a conversion array. This occurs through comparison of the first and second bytes of the representation to first and second national language verification arrays, respectively. The first byte is compared against the first national language verification array to return a first value. The second byte is compared against the second national language verification array to return a second value. The first and second values are then evaluated against first and second range limits, respectively, which, if met, validate the returned values as indices into a national double-byte translation table.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to information interchange between data processing systems and, more particularly, to conversion of strings of an N-byte sparse data set to other N-byte strings in another sparse data set. Still more particularly, the invention relates to methods for conversion of double-byte character strings between any 16-bit data code to another 16-bit data code, such as between IBM Host Code and IBM PC Code.
2. Description of the Related Art
Information interchange between data processing systems requires consistency in application of meaning to the symbolic code exchanged. Several interchange codes are in common use and thus the need to convert between these codes frequently arises. For example, one interchange code, IBM PC Code, is used in IBM PS/2 Model 55 personal computers. IBM PC Code is an extension of the American National Standard Code for Information Interchange ("ASCII") to cover written Japanese. Another interchange code, IBM Host Code, is used in various mid-range and main frame systems manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation. IBM Host Code is a similar extension of Extended Binary-Coded Decimal Interchange Code ("EBCDIC").
Information interchange codes define character sets for national languages. The necessary symbols or characters are relatively few in number in most languages. English, for example, uses only 26 Roman letters, each of which has an upper case and a lower case representation, for 52 symbols. German requires the addition of only 7 symbols, allowing for three vowels receiving diacritics (both in upper case and lower case) and the Greek lower case beta symbol. Similar minor additions allow French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and the Scandinavian languages to be written, all with one code set. 10 digits allow expression of all numbers. There is room for a variety of punctuation symbols and other specialized symbols, such as various national monetary symbols (e.g. $, , ). In all it has been found sufficient to provide 256 bytes of 8 bits each to express all of these characters. Two sets of standard interchange codes exist for each of the single-byte languages. They include the American National Standard Code for Information Interchange ("ASCII") and the Extended Binary-Coded Decimal Interchange Code ("EBCDIC"). Conversion from one interchange code to another for the single-byte language has required provision of a single 256 byte conversion table.
Unlike most languages, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean contain more than 256 characters. Traditional written Chinese utilizes in excess of 13,000 ideographs. Japanese utilizes between 3,000 and 8,000 ideographs (kanji characters) and several hundred other symbols for the numerical, hiragana and katakana characters. Conversion between interchange codes is further complicated by the fact that the ideograph sets for Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese differ in content and size. To handle such large character bases, the interchange code sets for these languages use a double-byte of 16 bits for each character. This allows the expression of some 65,536 characters (2.sup.16). The double-byte character sets have been organized in several different ways. For Japanese, four different character sets are in current use in various computers. Korean uses five sets, and Traditional Chinese uses two sets. By way of example, one kanji symbol, the one for "LARGE", is `455B` in IBM Host Code, `91E5` in IBM PC Code, `1371` in Kanji Assigned Number Code, and `3471` in JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Code. The numbers are all hexadecimal representations.
In theory, a method similar to that used for conversion between single-byte interchange codes could be used in double-byte conversion. Unfortunately, in application, such an approach would take up considerably more memory than for a single-byte language. A conversion table for the single-byte language is only 256 bytes in length. A conversion table for just one double-byte language would be in excess of 128 Kilobytes in length.
The traditional methods for double-byte character set ("DBCS") conversion utilize a series of language dependent comparisons against the individual double-byte characters to determine their validity. These steps are in essence a series of range comparisons. Once the validity of the character has been established, a language dependent method is utilized to derive array indices for the character into a 256 entry by 256 entry conversion array of double-bytes. The array indices are then utilized to recover the appropriate character from the translation array.
Although not directed to conversion between interchange codes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,746 to Ueda et al. teaches a method which has applicability to simplification of the range comparison and indices generating portions of the traditional method. Ueda et al. teach a code converting device for converting code signals of 16 bits to code signals of 13 bits. Ueda et al. basically allow for the conversion of a series of sparse data items into consecutive references. The teaching exploits the fact that notwithstanding the large character set size for Japanese, it requires use of no where near 128 Kbytes of memory space for complete table of double-byte characters. However, Ueda et al. can deal with a maximum of about 8,000 data items. Therefore, Ueda et al. cannot be applied to either traditional or simplified Chinese. Nor is Ueda et al. of general application to multiple byte systems. Ueda et al. provides limited error checking capacity compared to the present invention.

Method for interchange code conversion of multi-byte character string characters


An exact three-dimensional rotationally symmetric quadrupole field or an electric field of higher multipole moments can be generated by closed boundaries with continuously varied potential, especially with linearly variable potential, in the ideal case by simple cone-shaped boundaries with linearly variable potential. An example for the application of the field is storage of charged particles inside the closed boundaries. Within the same cone-shaped boundaries, a homogeneous ideal field in the direction of the symmetry axis can be superimposed. This field can be employed for excitation of the kinetic energy, for quenching, or for energy analysis of the stored charged particles. For the generation of mass spectra the mass-to-charge specific fundamental frequencies of the charged particles stored in the electrode structure are excited. The image currents induced in the electrode structure are frequency analysed (e.g. by Fourier transform).

This invention relates to a method of generating a three-dimensional rotationally symmetric quadrupole electric field or an electric field of higher multipole moments inside an electrode structure forming the boundary of the field by application of a resultant electric potential .PHI..sub.q0 to the electrode structure.
Up to now, three-dimensional rotationally symmetric quadrupole fields were generated by an array of metallic electrodes with hyperbolic isopotential surfaces (U.S. Pat. No. 2,939,952 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,939). As an example in FIG. 1 the standard structure is shown, which consists of a ring electrode (1) of radius r and two end caps (2) of distance 2z.sub.0 .multidot.r.sub.0 and z.sub.0 are characteristic dimensions, which are related to the spacings of the hyperbolic surfaces from the center of the structure. The application of the three-dimensional rotationally symmetric quadrupole field to trap ions and charged particles and to study the properties of the trapped species and to generate mass spectra is well reported in the literature (Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry and Its Applications, P. H. Dawson, Ed., Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1976, and D. Price and J. F. J. Todd, Int. Mass Spectrom. Ion Processes, 60 (1984) 3).
For the generation of mass spectra chiefly four methods are described:
Mass analyzer method, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,939,952, PA1 The mass-selective storage method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,939, PA1 The mass-selective instability method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,884, PA1 Detection of image currents disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,939,952, published in E. Fischer, Z. Phys., 156 (1969) 26, employing Fourier Transformation. PA1 The manufacturing of electrodes is complicated and costly. PA1 Due to the finite size of the electrodes, field imperfections are generated. PA1 Since gaps exist between ring and cup electrodes the resulting quadrupole field is easily influenced by charges accumulated on the surface of the electrodes. PA1 The detection of the image current signal generated by the ions is disturbed by other electric fields. PA1 The image current generated by the charged particles depends on their position in the trap, resulting in a noise signal.
The generation of a three-dimensional electric quadrupole field by hyperbolically shaped metallic electrodes generates several severe problems:
Finally, there is one further important disadvantage in generating a three-dimensional electric quadrupole field using hyperbolically curved electrodes: It is impossible to generate additional electric fields within the same interior region of the electrodes without any interference with the first electric field.
However, employing metallic electrodes with hyperbolic surfaces is not the only possibility of generating three-dimensional quadrupole fields, although up to now only electrode surfaces following the equipotential surfaces at the boundary of the electric field are commonly used because of prejudice.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and the corresponding structures for generating a three-dimensional quadrupole electric field or an electric field of higher multiple moments which is much more exact, using no hyperbolically curved metallic electrodes and thus presenting the possibility of superimposing additional homogeneous electric fields without interference with the first electric field.

Generation of an exact three-dimensional quadrupole electric field and superposition of a homogeneous electric field in trapping-exciting mass spectrometer (TEMS)


An optical isolator with a collimator which is used at the tip end of a laser beam transmitting fiber utilized in a laser processing. The optical isolator can provide solutions to the problems how to make return lights to be isolated from an incident light path and how to prevent the light energy from being conducted to an incident fiber, a laser oscillator, the collimator, and the optical isolator. The solutions include light-receiving fibers disposed at focal points of a collimator lens to which reflected lights from a workpiece return through the optical isolator. The return lights are then led to a ceramic tube where the return light energy is converted to thermal energy and dissipated.

Solid-state YAG lasers were previously used for a laser welding, cutting, or marking of metals in metal processing. Fiber lasers were recently developed and begun to be used practically in the wavelength region between 1.0 micrometer and 1.1 micrometers. The fiber lasers are paid attention as a replacement of YAG lasers.
Optical reflectivity of metals is very high in these wavelength regions, especially the optical reflectivity of gold, silver, copper, and aluminum are more than 90%. Although iron, nickel, and cobalt metals have relatively low optical reflectivity and suit for laser processing in these wavelength regions, the optical reflectivity of these metals is more than 50%. It must be taken into consideration that a considerable amount of the laser light energy returns to the laser light source, though all of the radiated energy does not return to the laser light source because the surface of the metal workpiece is not always mirror finished surface.
Resonant material of a YAG solid-state laser is crystal and that of a fiber laser is quartz glass which has a lower power damage threshold than crystals. For this reason, a return light to the laser light source and particularly an incident light normal-incidence to the light source have to be avoided. The use of an optical isolator is ultimately effective in cases of fiber lasers wherein the optical polarization plane can always be changed arbitrary. The polarization independent optical isolators are especially useful.
The polarization independent optical isolator is an optical device composed of two optical polarizers made of birefringent crystal and a Faraday rotator. The polarization independent optical isolators are classified into two types with its crystal polarizer type. One optical isolator is using plane plate polarizers, and the other is using wedge polarizers.
In the case of the plane plate type optical isolator, one incident collimated optical beam is separated into two parallel beams after passing through the plane plate polarizer. The two parallel beams propagate through the Faraday rotator whose area of cross section must be at least 2φ, that is twice as large as the diameter φ of the incident beam. On the other hand, in the case of the wedge type optical isolator, the incident beam is separated into two beams, i.e. an ordinary light beam and an extraordinary light beam, at a definite angle θ after passing through the polarizer. The diameter of the Faraday rotator must be φ+d×tan θ, where d denotes the distance between two wedge polarizers. The numerical values of these parameters, namely, beam diameter φ, distance between polarizers d, and the beam separation angle θ determines which type of isolator is more advantageous. It can generally be said that the wedge isolator has an advantage, because the required Faraday rotator cross sections do not increase as a beam diameter increases. In the case of the plane plate type optical isolator, the more power of the fiber laser, the more beam diameter increases practically. In view of this fact, it is expected that there will be an increase in demand for the wedge type optical isolators and that the high durability to the high power fiber laser will be needed for the wedge type optical isolators.

Collimator and optical isolator with collimator


An exercise apparatus comprises first and second arm cuffs and a central elastic member. The first and second arm cuffs are configured to encircle right and left arms, respectively, of an exerciser. Each arm cuff is configured to encircle an elbow of the arm, a portion of an upper arm of the arm, and a portion of a lower arm of the arm. The first and second arm cuffs are attached to opposite sides in a longitudinal direction of the central elastic member. The central elastic member has a substantially rectangular shape and has a length sufficient to extend across a chest of the exerciser and for the first and second arm cuffs to encircle the right and left arms, respectively, of the exerciser.

Various exercise devices have been proposed for improving the effect of an exercise. Some exercise devices distribute weight during exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,524 (to Waszkelewicz) discloses a weight lifting aid for barbell lifting or arm curls. The weight lifting aid includes a rigid member that has a concave surface for fitting on the shoulders of the weightlifter during barbell lifting or across the stomach during arm curls. The rigid member distributes weight away from the nape of the neck during barbell lifting. This weight lifting aid is not designed for push-ups or bench presses.
Some exercise devices restrict the movement of the arms or legs during exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,808,267 (to Heaton) discloses a golf practice arm restraint that controls movement of the arm during a golf swing. The golf practice arm restraint comprises a harness that includes an stretchable member that is disposed on the user's back. An anchoring band attached at one of the stretchable member is worn around the golfer's shoulder of the arm. Another anchoring band attached at the other end of the stretchable member is worn around the upper arm of the golfer. The anchoring band over the shoulder restricts the movement of the arm during the swing of the golf club.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,324,851 (to Posner) discloses an arm restraining device for restricting the movement of the arms of the person wearing the device. The device includes an inelastic belt member with a pair of elastic arm restraining bands on opposite ends of the belt member.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,724,846 (to Perrine) discloses a weight lifting harness worn on a shoulder to keep the biceps, triceps and forearm muscles in predetermined positions during a weight lifting exercise. The harness includes a U-shaped yoke that fits across the chest during a weight lifting exercise. Ends of the yoke include pads that are positioned against the biceps during the weight lifting exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,183 (to Perrine) discloses a U-shaped yoke that fits across the chest during a weight lifting exercise. A U-shaped pivotable arm support is selectively positioned against the biceps or triceps during a weight lifting exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,675 (to Helmer) discloses an arm locking device for weightlifters that includes a strap that is non-elastic that is worn across the chest of the weightlifter. Loops are attached at opposite ends of the strap for wrapping around the upper arm of the weightlifter. The arm locking device holds the arms of the weightlifter in a relatively fixed position to prevent cheating during lifting by keeping the elbows close to the body.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,581 (to Gwyn) discloses a biceps and triceps isolator. The isolator assists a weightlifter in maintaining proper arm position while exercising. The isolator includes an elongated flexible strap, which is substantially non stretchable in its axial dimensions. A buckle adjustably holds the ends of the strap in fixed positions, relative to each other. The weightlifter places his arms over the biceps and triceps through a loop formed by the strap. The loop holds the upper arms of the weightlifter in a desired position while the weightlifter is exercising.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,801 (to Michalow) discloses a shoulder stabilization system that uses an actuator to engage the arm that is being trained distal to the axis of rotation of the joint. The actuator provides resistance to the arm as the arm is moved.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,185 (to Drennan) discloses a hip stabilizer to prevent hip dislocations. The hip stabilizer includes a girdle and thigh cuffs. Elastic cables are connected to the girdle and the thigh cuffs to provide tension that prevents rotation of the girdle.
These devices are directed to restricting movement during exercise and are not directed to assisting push-ups or bench presses.
Other exercise devices provide resistances during exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,328 (to Ozbey) discloses a chest muscle and posture developer. The muscle developer includes a pair of arm bands. Each arm band has a back section attached thereto. The arm bands are elastic in one direction. The back sections are fastened to each other and worn across the back of a user. The back sections stretch longitudinally.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,305 (to Romney) discloses a sleeve-like apparatus that includes a sleeve having a removable elongate distance member therein. A wrist cuff holds the one end of the elongate distance member, which is connected at an opposite end to a shoulder harness. Flexing of the arm stretches the elongate distance member for exercising.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,487 (to Wallner) discloses an exercise device that uses progressive resistance for exercising the legs. The exercise device includes collars formed of flexible elasticized material that are secured in the region of the knee using mating hook-and-loop fasteners. A pair of resistance members is attached to the collars. The user exercises by walking, running or lifting one leg to stretch the resistance members to produce a tension from the stretching.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,378 (to Winston) discloses an exercising device that exercises biceps and triceps by using a resistance to muscle expansion. The exercising device includes gussets to hold weights. The exercising device further includes a band that is wrapped around the muscles to be exercised. The expansion of the muscles expands the band which provides resistance to the muscles.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,336 (to Pape) discloses an exercise device that includes a resistance arm connecting the arm to the body or an upper arm to a lower arm. The resistance arm provides tension against muscle movement for the exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,572 (to Spano) discloses a weight resistance exercise training device for exercising leg, hip and buttocks muscles. The training device is strapped to the leg above the knee. The training device includes a central compartment and side compartments that each hold sand. Elastic straps hold the training device to the leg and allow movement of the leg.
U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2003/0045408 (to Seles) discloses an exercise device that includes a central elastic portion and a pair of cuff portions. The cuff portions are attached to a person's ankles. During exercise the central elastic portion is stretched when the ankles are further separated.
U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2008/0214330 (to Goebel) discloses an apparatus for restricting arm movement during exercise. The apparatus includes two wrist cuffs connected by an elastic cord to limit the separation of the wrists.
These devices are directed to restricting movement during exercise and are not directed to assisting push-ups or bench presses.
Other exercise devices are directed toward competitive weightlifting.
U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0000015 (to Alaniz et al.) discloses an athletic shirt that stores energy during weightlifting. The shirt is formed of a non-elastic material. The shirt stretches to absorb energy from lowering the weight and to expend the energy while raising the weight. The sleeves of the shirt twist to absorb energy from lowering the weight and to expend the energy while raising the weight.
This athletic shirt is formed of a non-elastic material using twisting action for weightlifting. The shirt requires the assistance of another person to put on. The athletic shirt cannot be used during push-ups.

Exercise apparatus for assisting in strength exercises


A programmable input/output device for use with a programmable logic device (PLD) is presented comprising an input buffer, an output buffer and programmable elements. The programmable elements may be programmed to select a logic standard for the input/output device to operate at. For instance, a given set of Select Bits applied to the programmable elements may select TTL logic, in which case the input and output buffers would operate according to the voltage levels appropriate for TTL logic (e.g., 0.4 volts to 2.4 volts). For a different set of Select Bits, the GTL logic standard would be applied (e.g., 0.8 volts to 1.2 volts). The invention enables a single PLD to be used in conjunction with various types of external circuitry.

This invention relates to programmable logic devices ("PLDs"), and more particularly to a new architecture for the input/output (I/O) circuitry which couples the PLDs to external circuitry.
Programmable logic devices are integrated circuits which are able to implement combinational and/or sequential digital functions which may be defined by a designer and programmed into the device. Thus, PLDs may be configured by a user to implement any Boolean expression or registered function with built-in logic structures. Once a PLD is configured, the user must connect the PLD to external circuitry which provides input signals to, and receives output signals from, the PLD.
One deficiency of conventional PLDs and their I/O circuitry is that each PLD must be configured to operate with specific external circuitry. For example, if a user utilizes Transistor-to-Transistor Logic (TTL) or CMOS external circuitry, the PLD must be configured to provide the appropriate drive signals. However, the selection of open drain logic may require different drive parameters and thus, a different PLD, even though the basic PLD is substantially the same. This deficiency is even more apparent in view of the programmable nature of PLDs and the flexibility provided to the end users.
Further, the nature of PLDs, as semiconductor devices, is that they are susceptible to a wide range of potential hazards, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD). To avoid these potential problems, care must be taken in connecting the PLD pins to external circuitry. Any pins which are used as input pins should preferably be driven by an active source (including bi-directional pins during input operations). Additionally, unused pins are typically tied to ground to avoid the potential of additional DC current and noise being introduced into the circuits.
Output loading of the PLD I/O pins is typically resistive and/or capacitive. Resistive loading exists where the device output sinks or sources a current during steady-state operation (e.g., TTL inputs, terminated buses, and discrete bipolar transistors). Capacitive loading typically occurs from packaging and printed circuit board traces. Further, an important design consideration of the interface between the PLD and external circuitry is that the target device can supply both the current and speed necessary for the given loads.
Various attempts have also been made at providing interface circuitry that operates at lower power levels, for example, the Gunning Transistor Logic (GTL) interface described in Gunning U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,488. GTL interface drivers typically operate with a voltage swing on the order of about 0.8 volts to 1.2 volts, which are intended to drive a CMOS binary communications bus. Another interface, High-Speed Transistor Logic (HSTL) typically operates with a voltage swing of about a predetermined voltage plus 0.050 volts to the predetermined voltage minus 0.050 volts and at relatively higher switching frequencies than GTL (for terminated HSTL, the predetermined voltage is the termination voltage, while non-terminated HSTL uses a reference voltage).
One deficiency of Gunning and other known driver circuitry is the limited scope with which the circuitry may be used. A PLD having GTL drivers must interface with a GTL bus. A PLD having TTL drivers must interface with a TTL bus or discrete TTL components. A PLD having HSTL drivers must interface with a HSTL bus or discrete HSTL components.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to be able to provide an I/O architecture which provides the capability to drive multiple logic standards.
It would also be desirable to be able to provide an I/O architecture having the capability to selectively drive any one of multiple logic standards.
It would further be desirable to be able to provide an I/O architecture which may be programmed by a user to select any one of several logic standards, such that a single PLD may be used with external circuitry that operates at different logic levels.

System for coupling programmable logic device to external circuitry which selects a logic standard and uses buffers to modify output and input signals accordingly


An automated power actuated gun having a fastener feeding track with guides for holding a fastener assembly having a plate and attached stud in a firing position. The power actuated gun is attached to the fastener feeding track so as to permit relative movement there between. A fastener loading control prevents movement of an adjacent fastener assembly held within the fastener feeding track from moving until the barrel of the power actuated gun is clear. The relative movement between the fastener feeding track and the power actuated gun is utilized to activate a control mechanism to perform various functions on the power actuated gun, such as to advance a charge or to push a trigger firing the power actuated gun. The functioning of the power actuated gun is automated, greatly increasing productivity of a worker and eliminating the need of the worker to tediously load by hand and fire individual fastener assemblies.

Power actuated guns are frequently used in construction. The power actuated guns are used to fasten building materials to a hard surface. Power actuated guns generally use a powder charge or a cartridge to drive a nail or a stud with great force into a hard surface, such as cement. Fasteners are often used that are comprised of a shaped plate with a nail or stud placed there through. Often, an angled plate having a hole therein is used so that a wire or other device can be fastened thereto. An example of a fastener which is used with a power actuated gun is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,923 entitled "Fastener Assembly" issuing to Losada on Apr. 12, 1988, which is herein incorporated by reference. Power actuated fastener guns have been used in combination with the fastener assemblies. The stud or nail of the fastener assembly is placed within the barrel of the power actuated gun and placed adjacent a hard surface. The power actuated gun is then fired driving the stud or nail into the hard surface. Often, the fasteners will be used in ceiling applications with the power actuated gun being placed on a pole, the fastener assembly being inserted within the bore of the power actuated gun and the whole device raised to the ceiling with the pole. When pressure is applied to the pole, the power actuated gun fires, driving the nail or stud into the hard surface. The power actuated gun is then lowered for insertion of another fastener assembly. Often, it is also necessary to cock the gun or to advance the powder charge to render the gun operable for another firing. While this operation is satisfactory for many applications, it also requires a great deal of time to manually load each fastener assembly prior to firing the power actuated gun. Therefore, there is a need to improve and make more productive the use of power actuated guns and fastener assemblies so as to increase their efficiency and make each worker more productive. Increases in productivity are essential in the construction field where ever escalating labor costs make it essential that each worker as productive as possible. Therefore, there is a continuing need to increase the productivity of each worker and to automate the construction process as much as possible. One system that has greatly advanced the power actuated gun art is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/403,109 filed Oct. 14, 1999 and entitled "Fastener Feeding System For Power Actuated Gun" invented by Losada, which is herein incorporated by reference. While this device has dramatically improved the productivity of workers, there is a need for yet further improvement.


A culinary device that includes a planar first member that forms a throughhole and a planar second member. A multi-position coupling mechanism couples the planar first member with respect to the planar second member, and allows the planar second member to be moved from a first position with respect to the planar first member to a second position with respect to the planar first member.

Culinary devices, such as cutting boards, are frequently used for meal preparation. A food product is typically placed on a cutting board and cut into multiple food pieces. The food pieces are then transferred from the cutting board to a container. One transfer mechanism involves lifting the cutting board and placing the cutting board in a position with respect to the container such that the food pieces may be scraped from the cutting board to the container. With a larger cutting board this can be awkward or difficult. If a knife is used to scrape the material from the cutting board to the container, this may also be dangerous.
Another transfer mechanism involves gathering the food pieces by hand and transporting them by hand to the container. Food pieces are often inadvertently dropped during this process, and the chef may need to clean or at least rinse their hands after transporting each different food product from the cutting board to the container. When preparing a meal that involves multiple food products, such as during preparation of a salad, this process may occur repeatedly.


A substantially egg or tear drop shaped handle in which a segment, parallel to the major axis, has been cut away so as to provide a flat surface. Either end of the major axis of the substantially egg shaped handle or the non-rounded (i.e. pointed) end of the substantially tear shaped handle is adapted to receive, adapted to be received by, or integrally manufactured with, the item to be held by the handle. The flat surface is available as a thumb rest. Preferably the handle is of a size that when the thumb is against the flat side, the end of the major axis which is not attached to anything rests comfortably against a portion of the palm.

Handles for implements of all kinds have been in use for centuries. Unfortunately, the handles themselves have undergone little variation or development over the years and, in many instances, are quite cumbersome for the user.
Handles for brushes have been, for the most part, of two general types, pencil-like and door-knob like. The pencil like handles are generally cylindrical and typically have a circular cross-section. Some brush handles of this type have a slight thickening of the diameter near the center of the handle giving the axial cross-section an arcuate look, making the handle a bit more comfortable. However, in general, even these pencil-like handles still have the attributes of and the deficiencies of purely cylindrical handles.
Door-knob like handles are generally easier to grip than pencil-like handles, but they have their own problems. In many instances where control of the item being held by the handle is crucial, as in painting (artistic), use of nail brushes, applying cosmetics, or the use of craft/hobby brushes, the door-knob like handles do not allow for precise control. With handles of the door-knob variety, the motion needed to move the item to which the handle is attached is from the wrist rather than the fingers. This results in a substantial loss of precise control over the item.
Other handles for brushes which have been used in the past include various product caps which have a brush affixed to the cap for storage in the container to which the cap is applied when it is not in use. Generally, these caps age not suitably shaped to allow for comfort of use and for precise control over the brush. Most of these caps are cylindrical in shape with a wide diameter and relatively short length. In fact they could be described as being of the door-knob type, having the defects associated with those types of handles. Typical of these are brush caps found in the nail polish and typographic correction fluid areas.
Still other handles for other implements such as hand tools are generally cylindrical in overall shape, but they may also have regular polygonal cross sections to allow for gripping. These handles may have more complex cutouts along the circumference of the cylinder (aligned axially) to allow for even greater gripping. These are typically found on tools that require substantial torques applied, such as screwdrivers, hand drills, awls, etc. Such tools are not concerned with the comfort of the handle to the user or with the fine control of the item held by the handle. In these tool applications, the ability to deliver the appropriate torque is of greater concern.
In addition to these issues, many people have some limitation to their manual dexterity. This is especially so for those who have medical conditions which do not allow for firm gripping of the pencil-like handles of the past, especially those afflicted with arthritis, and other such conditions. For these people, items having handles of the pencil-like type cannot be grasped as efficiently as they are intended to be, resulting in alternate techniques such as wrapping the fingers circumferentially about the handle so that motion needed to utilize the item would have to come from wrist or the entire arm. This leads to very little control over the item to which the handle is attached, a result which is totally unacceptable in areas such as artistic, craft and hobby work and application of cosmetics.
Furthermore, those persons having disfigurements of the hands, typically in the ends of the fingers often have difficulty in utilizing implements with the standard pencil-like handles. For many applications, such handles are all that is currently available. For other applications, the door-knob like handles are available, but they do not offer the degree of control which would be desirable for these individuals.

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A system for matching lending orders and borrowing orders includes a borrowing order receiver, a lending order receiver, and a matcher. The borrowing order receiver is configured to receive borrowing orders from at least one borrower, each borrowing order including borrower-requested loan terms. The lending order receiver is configured to receive lending orders from at least one lender, each lending order comprising lender-requested loan terms. The matcher is configured to automatically identify a plurality of borrowing orders each having borrower-requested loan terms that satisfy the lender-requested loan terms of a respective current lending order, and select from amongst the identified plurality of borrowing orders a set of borrowing orders to be provided as a match of the respective current lending order, wherein the borrowing orders of the sets are selected so as to optimize said respective provided matches with respect to criteria of respective operator-definable utility functions.

The present invention relates to generating and processing lending and borrowing transactions and more particularly, but not exclusively to a system and a method for generating and processing lending and borrowing transactions by means of matching between borrowers and lenders.
Borrowed money is a primary source of capital for both businesses and consumers. Banks and other financial institutions are the primary facilitators, bridging between lenders and borrowers, managing risks and collecting fees in the process.
Banks borrow money from depositors through certificates of deposit, checking accounts, money market accounts and other debt instruments. Depositors lend their money to the bank against the bank's balance sheet, relying partly on government insurance (such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—FDIC) and government regulation. The bank, in turn, lends this money to both business and consumers. It is the bank's responsibility to assess the lending risk, to verify collaterals, to manage the flow of funds and to take action in cases of delinquency by borrowers. No direct contractual relationship exits between the original lenders and the eventual borrowers who receive the money from the bank.
Governments, Government Agencies and commercial enterprises routinely issue bonds and other debt instruments. With the exception of government issued debt instruments, such securities carry the credit risk of the issuers, are relatively liquid (say, traded at various exchanges), and have preset maturity schedules (the schedules of repayments by dates and amounts), and prepayment options. Bonds are usually issued with respect to large sums of money.
Banks and other financial institutions package and sell many other forms of debt securities and debt derivatives. In essence, in these packages, a number of loans (each with its terms and conditions and risks profile) are owned by a single entity, whose securities (debt or equity) are directly linked to the risks and the performance of the loans or derivatives owned by the entity. There is no direct contractual relationship between the securities holders of such entity and the borrowers who receive the packaged loans.
Micro-Lending, within and outside the traditional banking sector, involves lending of relatively small amounts (typically less than $25,000), to micro entities (individuals or organizations) who lack the collateral or the capacity to convince traditional banks that they are able to repay a loan, and are therefore considered a risky client group. Micro entities frequently have limited track record or financial reporting capacity. The costs of processing small loans and the risks involved in lending to micro entities make financial institutions hesitant to develop services for micro entities and small time entrepreneurs. All these factors limit the access to credit available for micro entities.
There are key differences in the service delivery principles of micro-versus traditional lending. Micro lending is characterized by its small loan size, the non-traditional aspects of collateral requirements and assessment of credit worthiness, and quick and easy access. The relatively high transaction costs of micro-lending are covered either through above market level interest rates or subsidies. No direct contractual relationship exits between the sources of capital used by the micro-lenders and the eventual micro-borrowers who receive the money.
Financial exchanges allow buyers and sellers to trade various types of securities (stocks, bonds, futures, options). Taking orders from both buyers and sellers, these exchanges match sell or buy orders for individual securities based on price and quantity, to generate trades.
With the rise of the Internet, and the growth of e-commerce, a new breed of exchanges, i.e. electronic marketplaces, has developed. These marketplaces, used mainly as auctions for trading goods, are either Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) marketplaces (such as eBay™), Business-to-Business service providers (B2B) (such as Fiber2fashion™), or Business-to-Consumer (B2C) service providers (such as Yahoo.com™).
Currently, there are a few electronic market lending places. For example, Prosper Marketplace Inc. offers an electronic marketplace where borrowers may organize in a group, for negotiating better loan rates for the group.
In another example, Zopa Ltd. offers a web site where lenders may define the minimum required credit rating of the borrowers (according to a single rating agency) and the desired interest rate. Only borrowers rated by the single rating agency may choose to agree to the loan terms. The funding offered by the lender under the loan terms is arbitrarily divided between the borrowers that meet a specific credit rate, such that each borrower is allocated a small chunk of the funding (less than 1/50).
Both financial exchanges and electronic marketplaces implement one or more auction mechanisms to match buy orders and sell orders, for generating transactions. An auction is defined as any negotiation mechanism that is: mediated, well-specified (i.e., runs according to explicit rules) and market-based (i.e., determines an exchange in terms of standard currency).
Auctions can be either single dimensional—where the only bid dimensions are price and quantity of a single good, or multi-dimensional—where other attributes of the goods are also negotiated. For example, if the goods are loans, the other attributes may include the collaterals offered by the borrowers. Single dimensional auctions can be further subdivided into one-sided auctions and two-sided auctions.
Two-sided auctions include the Continuous Double Auction (CDA) and Call Market (periodic clear) types described herein below.
Two-sided auctions form the basis of many of today's financial exchanges. For example, NASDAQ has a Continuous Double Auction process, in which every new order is matched immediately if possible, and the remaining orders are put on the order book. The Arizona Stock Exchange (AZX) operates a Call Market ("periodic clear") in which orders are matched periodically.
Multi-dimensional auctions include multi-attribute (matching a single good with multiple attributes) and multi-good mechanisms.
An auction operator performs three types of activities: receiving bids, disseminating information and arranging trades (clearing). Therefore, in analyzing the different types of auctions, one can use three dimensions: bidding rules, clearing policy and information revelation policy.
Current systems and methods for processing lending and borrowing transactions have several disadvantages.
Businesses and consumers commonly borrow at local banks or financial institutions having specific knowledge and information about the local market, the community and often the individual borrowers.
The emergence of credit reporting agencies and the Internet have broadened the access to such information, but have not eliminated the trust and long-term relationships aspects of lending and borrowing decisions. Lenders without local presence have only limited direct access to local borrowers. Similarly, borrowers are limited in their access to lenders without local presence.
The banking system is characterized by high costs. The high costs include both fixed costs, such as: fixed assets (branch offices, distributed IT infrastructure, etc.), and variable costs of operation, which include required capital reserves expensive workforce, information systems services, insurance, and regulatory costs.
The costs include both operational costs (bank branch operation costs, salaries, providing local physical points of service to the public), and financial costs associated with the fact that banks need to hold reserves that cover the risk associated with the fact that the bank is a part of the transaction
The high costs are reflected by a large spread between the interest rates paid to lenders and those collected from borrowers.
The fact that the loan market is characterized by a limited number of mega banks and financial institutions using a limited number of lending policies, limits the options available to a specific borrower based on his unique circumstances.
Most banks and lending institutions utilize a limited number of inflexible lending processes. The limited and inflexible processes prevent a potentially major increase in the number of lenders able to manage their risk in a different way, which would have resulted, had there been more flexible lending processes available.
More flexible lending processes may create higher yield for the lenders and more options for the borrowers. (i.e., a partial advance against the total amount of the loan before verifying the collaterals, a lower interest rate in return for a portion of the borrower's earning from a particular activity, additional means of payment such as bartered services, etc.).
Currently, lending institutions, banks, and other financial institutions deal with very limited and finite number and types of risk profiles. Consequently, the financial institutions lack the ability to address very specific situations that current risk profiles fail to address. Different lenders may have different subjective risk assessment of the same borrower. For example lending to a Chinese borrower may be deemed safe for one lender and too risky to another lender. More opportunities will be available if many borrowers and lenders participate in a large market where each of them can find what he considers the best deal.
Borrowers of small amounts from thousands of Dollars to a few Million Dollars are limited in their ability to issue public debt securities. Even if they can issue such securities, the cost may be prohibitively high and the regulatory requirements may be complex. For example, there is a need to meet the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) is a US law which was passed in 2002, and aims at strengthening corporate governance and restoring investor's confidence.
Consumers and many businesses invest their short term cash surpluses in low interest money market accounts because they do not have a better way to maximize their gain from small amounts available for relatively short periods.
The public market for small debt issues is very limited and illiquid and there is almost no market for non-public debt issues.
Currently, lenders lack the ability to leverage their knowledge or assessments in lending to particular industries, geographies, or other profiles of entities. That as to say, the lenders have to trust a bank or another financial institution to make the decisions that are reflected in the interest rate available to them. The interest rate is based on average costs and risks across a very big loan portfolio of the bank in general, rather than a target subpopulation of borrowers the lenders are willing to finance.
Current lending processes represent cumbersome, inefficient and costly processes that were appropriate in the past. The processes fail to weigh together the needs of borrowers, lenders, and other parties involved in the lending process. Current lenders and borrowers face a rather limited number of choices, with regards to the lenders/borrowers, lending/borrowing support services—which are limited to traditional banking systems, etc.
There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a system and a method, devoid of the above limitations.

Networked loan market and lending management system


A bottle arrangement includes a bottle body a measuring bucket. The measuring bucket includes a guiding base assembly, a second compartment base, and a top cap. The guiding base assembly includes an inclined first compartment base, an inclined first channel base, an inclined second channel base, and an inclined backflow channel base. The guiding base assembly has a through first inlet opening, a through second inlet opening and a backflow opening. The first inlet opening and the backflow opening communicate with the bottle body. The measuring bucket also includes first through fourth partitioning walls provided on the guiding base assembly to define at least a first compartment, a first communicating channel, a second communicating channel, and a backflow channel.

Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a measuring device, and more particularly to a bottle arrangement comprising an overturning device which is capable of measuring and dispensing fluid.
Description of Related Arts
A conventional bottle arrangement usually comprises a bottle body and an overturning device provided on the bottle for measuring and dispensing fluid. The overturning device is equipped with a measuring chamber. The bottle arrangement achieves measuring, storing, and discharging of fluid by overturning a bottle body several times. A major disadvantage of this type of conventional overturning device is that although the measuring chamber is provided to achieve measuring, storing and discharging of fluid, there is no calibration structure of any kind in the measuring chamber. Since the amount of the fluid stored in the bottle body is varied, the speed and angle for a user to overturn the device will also be varied. As a result, it is very hard to ensure that the fluid coming out from the bottle arrangement is of the same volume each time a measuring and dispensing step are performed. In other words, the conventional bottle arrangement as described above lacks sufficient accuracy which severely affects its practicability.

Reversal-type liquid measuring device and bottle assembly having the same