An elevating module for a projection apparatus is provided. The elevating module includes a base, a movable leg, a first elastomer, a decelerating module and a fixing component. The base is connected to the projection apparatus and has a slide way, an accommodating space and an opening. The accommodating space is disposed in the base and connected to the opening disposed at one end of the base. The slide way is disposed on one sidewall of the base and connected to the accommodating space. The movable leg penetrates the opening of the base and accommodates within the accommodating space. The first elastomer is connected to the base and the movable leg that can protrude from the opening of the base through the first elastomer. The deceleration module is disposed on the base and connected the movable leg. The fixing component is fixing the base to the movable leg.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an elevating module. More particularly, the present invention relates to an elevating module for a projection apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a conventional projection apparatus 50 for projecting an image on a screen 80. Referring to FIG. 1, an elevating module 100 is often utilized to adjust a position of the image projected from the projection apparatus 50. Through the elevating module 100, an elevation angle θ of the projection apparatus 50 can be adjusted to a suitable level for projecting the image onto the screen 80.
FIG. 2 is an explosion view showing major components of the conventional elevation module. As shown in FIG. 2, the conventional elevating module 100 comprises a base 110, a movable leg 120, a spring 130, a fixing component 140 and a pad 150. The fixing component 140 further includes a button 142. The base 110 is connected to the projection apparatus 50 (shown in FIG. 1) and the movable leg 120 is disposed in the base 110. Furthermore, the spring 130 is disposed between the base 110 and the movable leg 120. The fixing component 140 has a positioning section (not shown) for inserting into a positioning groove 122 of the movable leg 120 so that the movable leg 120 can be fixed. In addition, the pad 150 is connected with one end of the movable leg 120.
In the conventional elevating module 100, when a user pushes the button 142 of the fixing component 140, the positioning section of the fixing component 140 is detached from the positioning groove 122 of the movable leg 120. Hence, the spring 130 provides an elastic force necessary for ejecting the movable leg 120 from the base 110. Thereafter, the user releases the button 142 to fix the movable leg 120 through the fixing component 140. Thus, the elevation angle θ of the projection apparatus 50 can be adjusted.
Because the spring 130 provides the elastic force for ejecting the movable leg 120 from the base 110 quickly, a strong impact between the movable leg 120 and the base 110 creates a burst of noise that causes some unpleasant feeling to the user. Moreover, the impacts between the movable leg 120 and the base 110 damage the elevating module 100. Furthermore, adjusting a length of an extension of the movable leg 120 by the user is difficult and inconvenient because the movable leg 120 ejects from the base 110 quickly. In addition, a larger gap is disposed between the movable leg 120 and an interior wall of the base 110 to cause a wobbling of the movable leg 120 during ejecting. Thus, the user thinks the conventional projection apparatus 50 without quality.


A device for measuring the body temperature of a living being is provided with a sensor housing containing a first temperature sensor which can be placed on the skin of the body for detecting the skin temperature of the living being, a second temperature sensor arranged on a side of the first temperature sensor facing away from the skin of the body at a spaced location from the first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature. An analyzing unit is provided in which the body temperature is calculated according to a predetermined temperature formula containing a temperature difference based on temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. A compensation term expands the temperature formula. The compensation term depends on a change over time in the sensor temperature and such parameters that a temperature correction value can be determined for taking into account the heating of the sensor housing and/or of a space surrounded by the sensor housing by the contact between the sensor housing and the skin of the body.

DE 10 2005 004 933 B3 (corresponding to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/339,577 filed Jan. 26, 2006) discloses a device for measuring the body temperature of a living being with a sensor housing, which device has a first temperature sensor for detecting the skin temperature of the living being, on the one hand, and a second temperature sensor for detecting a second temperature, on the other hand, wherein the second temperature represents a temperature in the area of a side of the sensor housing facing away from the skin. The sensor housing comprises, furthermore, an analyzing unit, by means of which the body temperature of the living being is calculated according to a preset temperature formula by calculating the temperature difference between the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and other parameters. In addition, the temperature formula according to the prior-art device has a compensation term, by means of which a heat flux due to energy losses which arises from the fact that the heat flux released by the body to the sensor housing of the device is not sent completely over the first temperature sensor to the second temperature sensor, is taken into account. The heat flux flowing off from the main heat flux laterally transversely between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is taken into account by the known compensation term. The prior-art device, which has proved, in principle, successful in practice, does, however, require a relatively long time until a correct body temperature value can be determined when it is used in a relatively cold environment, for example, at an ambient temperature of 5° C.

Device and method for measuring the body temperature of a living being


The invention relates to substituted propanolamine derivatives and their acid addition salts.. Propanolamine derivatives of formula I, ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 to R.sup.8 have the meanings indicated in the specification, and their physiologically tolerable salts and processes for their preparation are described. The compounds are suitable, for example, as hypolipidemics.

Several classes of active compounds have already been described for the treatment of obesity and disorders of lipid metabolism:
polymeric adsorbers, such as, for example, cholestyramine PA1 benzothiazepines (WO 93/16055) PA1 bile acid dimers and conjugates EP 0 489 423) PA1 4-amino-2-ureidopyrimidine-5-carboxamides (EP 0 557 879) PA1 R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 independently of one another are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, CHO, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, it being possible in the alkyl radicals for one or more hydrogen(s) to be replaced by fluorine; PA1 R.sup.9 to R.sup.12 independently of one another are hydrogen, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl; PA1 X is CH, NH; PA1 Y is CH, NH; PA1 R.sup.1 is phenyl; PA1 R.sup.2 is phenyl; PA1 X is CH; PA1 Y is CH; PA1 R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are cycloalkyl having 3-8 ring carbon atoms, phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrimidyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, phthalimidyl, quinolyl, piperazinyl, tetrazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl or their thieno-, pyridino- or benzo-fused derivatives, it being possible for the cycloalkyl ring, aromatic ring or heteroaromatic ring to be mono- to tri-substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, it being possible in the alkyl radicals for one or more hydrogen(s) to be replaced by fluorine; PA1 R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 independently of one another are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, it being possible in the alkyl radicals for one or more hydrogen(s) to be replaced by fluorine; PA1 R.sup.9 to R.sup.12 independently of one another are hydrogen, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl; PA1 X is CH, NH; PA1 Y is CH, NH; PA1 R.sup.1 is phenyl; PA1 R.sup.2 is phenyl; PA1 X is CH; PA1 Y is CH; PA1 R.sup.1 is pyridyl, pyrimidyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, it being possible for the heteroaromatic ring to be mono- to trisubstituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, CHO, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12 ; PA1 R.sup.2 is phenyl, it being possible for the aromatic ring to be mono- to trisubstituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(.sup.9)R.sup.10, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12 ; PA1 R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 independently of one another are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(.sup.9)R.sup.10, CHO, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, it being possible in the alkyl radicals for one or more hydrogen(s) to be replaced by fluorine; PA1 R.sup.9 to R.sup.12 independently of one another are hydrogen, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl; PA1 X is CH; PA1 Y is NH;
The invention is based on the object of making availiable compounds which display a therapeutically utilizable hypolipidemic action.
The invention therefore relates to propanolamine derivatives of the formula I, ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are cycloalkyl having 3-8 ring carbon atoms, phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl, pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrimidyl, indolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, coumarinyl, phthalimidyl, quinolyl, piperazinyl, tetrazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl or their thieno-, pyridino- or benzo-fused derivatives, it being possible for the cycloalkyl ring, aromatic ring or heteroaromatic ring to be mono- to trisubstituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, OH, CF.sub.3, --NO.sub.2, CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl, NH.sub.2, --NH--R.sup.9, --N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, CHO, --COOH, --COOR.sup.11, --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-OH, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl(--OH)-phenyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-CF.sub.3, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-NO.sub.2, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-CN, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-NH--R.sup.9, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-CHO, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-COOH, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-COOR.sup.11, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-OH, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-CF.sub.3, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-NO.sub.2, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-CN, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-NH.sub.2, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-NH--R.sup.9, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-N(R.sup.9)R.sup.10, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-CHO, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-COOH, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-COOR.sup.11, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.12, --N--SO.sub.3 H, --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.3, --O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkyl-O--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)-alkylphenyl, it being possible in the alkyl radicals for one or more hydrogen(s) to be replaced by fluorine;
with the proviso that the radicals R.sup.1, R.sup.2, X and Y do not simultaneously have the following meaning:
and their physiologically tolerable acid addition salts.
Preferred compounds of formula I are those in which one or more radical(s) has or have the following meaning:
with the proviso that the radicals R.sup.1, R.sup.2, X and Y do not simultaneously have the following meaning:
and their physiologically tolerable acid addition salts.
Particularly preferred compounds of formula I are those in which one or more radical(s) has or have the following meaning:
and their physiologically tolerable acid addition salts.
Physiologically tolerable acid addition salts are understood as meaning readily water-soluble, soluble and less soluble compounds according to the definition in Deutschen Arzneibuch ("German Pharmacopeia", 9th Edition 1986, Official Edition, Deutscher Apotheker-Verlag Stuttgart), page 19. The hydrochlorides and sulfates of the compounds are preferred.
The invention relates both to isomer mixtures of formula I, and to the pure enantiomers of formula I.
The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of propanolamine derivatives of formula I. ##STR3##
Process A for the preparation of the compounds of formula I comprises a) preparing imines substituted by R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 and which are unknown from the literature, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 having the meaning indicated for formula I, following literature processes, from amines of type II and aldehydes of type III. To do this, for example, the amine II and the aldehyde III are reacted in undiluted form or in a suitable solvent such as ethanol, toluene or acetic acid with or without addition of an acid, e.g. p-toluenesulfonic acid, at temperatures of 20.degree.-150.degree. C.
Keto compounds of formula VII substituted by radicals R.sup.3 to R.sup.8, R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 having the meaning indicated for formula I, are prepared by processes known from the literature or following such processes. Thus, for example, picoline derivatives V are metalated with a suitable base, such as n-butyllithium, and reacted in tetrahydrofuran or another suitable solvent with the corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives VI, e.g. present as carboxylic acid dialkylamides or esters, at temperatures between -80.degree. and 20.degree. C.
Compounds of type VIII are obtained by reacting imines of type IV and ketones of type VII, in each case substituted by radicals R.sup.3 to R.sup.8, R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 having the meaning indicated for formula I. This reaction can be carried out, for example, by mixing of the two compounds in diluted form, without solvent, and subsequent heating, or in a suitable solvent such as ethanol, toluene, diglyme or tetradecane, at temperatures from 20.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. (c).
The keto compounds of type VIII are reduced to hydroxy compounds of type I in a suitable solvent, such as, for example, methanol, THF or THF/water using NaBH.sub.4 or another suitable reductant, at temperatures between -30.degree. and +40.degree. C., it being possible for compound I to be substituted by the radicals R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 and R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 having the meaning indicated for formula I (d).
The compounds of formula I are obtained by the above-described reduction as isomer mixtures. Different isomers can be separated from one another by fractional crystallization or by column chromatography. The pure enantiomers can be obtained from the racemates of the compounds of formula I by chromatography on chiral column material or by processes known from the literature using optically active auxiliary reagents, such as described in J. Org. Chem. 44, 4891 (1979). In addition, the compounds of formula I can be readily converted into their physiologically tolerable acid addition salts by known processes.
Process B for the preparation of the compounds of formula I comprises not preparing and isolating the imine compound IV as process A, but preparing the compounds of type VIII, substituted by the radicals R.sup.3 to R.sup.8, in a three-component reaction from ketones VII, amines II and aldehydes III. To do this, these three components are reacted in undiluted form or in a suitable solvent, such as ethanol, tetradecane or toluene, at temperatures from 20.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. (e). The compounds VIII are reduced, as described for process A, to the compounds of formula I (f), it being possible to employ the compounds VIII as purified ketones, but also as crude products from the reaction described above.
The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations which, in addition to nontoxic, inert, pharmaceutically suitable excipients, contain one or more active compounds according to the invention or which consist of one or more active compounds according to the invention, and to processes for the production of these preparations.
Nontoxic, inert, pharmaceutically suitable excipients are pharmaceutically acceptable solid, semisolid or liquid diluents, fillers and formulation auxiliaries of any type, which after mixing with the active compound bring this into a form suitable for administration.
Suitable administration forms of the compounds according to the invention are, for example, tablets, coated tablets, capsules, pills, aqueous solutions, suspensions and emulsions, where appropriate sterile injectable solutions, nonaqueous emulsions, suspensions and solutions, sprays and also preparation forms having protracted release of active compound.
The therapeutically active compounds should be present in the above mentioned pharmaceutical preparations expediently in a concentration from approximately 0.1 to 99.0, preferably from 0.5 to 70.0, percent by weight of the total mixture.
The administration concentrations for solutions and also aerosols in the form of sprays are in general 0.1 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 5, percent by weight.
Apart from the active compounds according to the invention, the abovementioned pharmaceutical preparations can also contain other pharmaceutically active compounds.
The abovementioned pharmaceutical preparations are prepared in a customary manner by known methods, e.g. by mixing the active compound(s) with the excipient(s).
The active compounds or the pharmaceutical preparations can be administered orally, parenterally, intraperitoneally and/or rectally.
The compounds of the present invention and their salts, which are utilizable, for example, as hypolipidemics, can be used for the production of pharmaceutical preparations which contain an efficacious amount of the active substance together with excipients and which are suitable for enteral and parenteral administration. Tablets or capsules (gelatin capsules) are preferably used which contain the active compound together with diluents or excipients, e.g. lactose, dextrose, cane sugar, mannitol, sorbitol, cellulose, various types of starch and/or glycine, and lubricants such as silica, talc, stearic acid or its salts, such as magnesium or calcium stearate, and/or polyethylene glycol. Tablets also contain binders such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium aluminum silicate, starch, gelatine, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone and, if required, colorants, flavorings and sweeteners. Injectable solutions are preferably isotonic aqueous solutions or suspensions, which can be sterilized and can contain auxiliaries, such as preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents and/or emulsifiers, solubilizers, salts for regulating the osmotic pressure and/or buffer substances. The pharmaceutical preparations according to the invention, which if desired can contain further pharmacologically active substances, are produced, for example, by means of conventional mixing, granulating and sugar-coating processes and contain 0.1% to 80%, preferably approximately 5% to approximately 65%, of the active compound.
Oral administration takes place in pharmaceutically customary preparations, for example in the form of tablets, coated tablets or capsules which contain, for example, per daily dose 5 to 1000 mg, preferably 20 to 200 mg, of the active compound as a mixture with a customary excipient and/or constituent, it being possible to give individual doses of 5 to 200 mg, preferably one to three times daily.
However, it may be necessary to depart from the doses mentioned, namely depending on the type and the body weight of the subject to be treated, the nature and severity of the disorder, the type of preparation and the administration of the medicament, and the time or interval within which administration takes place. Thus in some cases it may be adequate to manage with less than the abovementioned amount of active compound, while in other cases the abovementioned amount of active compound must be exceeded. The optimal dose and type of administration of the active compounds necessary in each case can be established by any person skilled in the art on account of his/her expert knowledge.
The compounds of formula I and their physiologically tolerable salts are ideal pharmaceuticals for the treatment of disorders of lipid metabolism, in particular of hyperlipidemia. The compounds of formula I are also suitable for affecting the serum cholesterol level and for the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerotic symptoms. The following findings confirm the pharmacological activity of the compounds according to the invention.
The biological testing of the compounds according to the invention was carried out by determination of the inhibition of the .sup.3 H!-taurocholate uptake in brush-border membrane vesicles of the ileum of rabbits. The inhibition test was carried out as follows:
1. Preparation of brush-border membrane vesicles from the ileum of rabbits
The preparation of brush-border membrane vesicles from the intestinal cells of the small intestine was carried out using the so-called Mg.sup.2+ precipitation method. Male New Zealand rabbits (2 to 2.5 kg body weight) were sacrificed by intravenous injection of 0.5 ml of T61.RTM., an aqueous solution of 2.5 mg of tetracaine HCl, 100 mg of embutramide and 25 mg of mebezonium iodide. The small intestine was removed and rinsed with ice-cold physiological saline solution. The terminal 7/10 of the small intestine (measured in the oral-rectal direction, i.e. the terminal ileum, which contains the active Na.sup.+ -dependent bile acid transport system) were used for the preparation of the brush-border membrane vesicles. The intestines were frozen in plastic bags under nitrogen at -80.degree. C. For the preparation of the membrane vesicles, the frozen intestines were thawed at 30.degree. C. in a water bath. The mucosa were scraped off and suspended in 60 ml of ice-cold 12 mM Tris/HCl buffer (pH 7.1)/300 mM mannitol, 5 mM EGTA/10 mg/L of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride/L mg/L of trypsin inhibitor from soybeans (32 U/mg)/0.5 mg/L trypsin inhibitor from bovine lung (193 U/mg)/5 mg/L of bacitracin. After diluting to 300 ml with ice-cold distilled water, homogenization was carried out with an Ultraturrax (18-rod, IKA Werk Staufen, Germany) for 3 minutes at 75% max. power with ice-cooling. After addition of 3 ml of 1M MgCl.sub.2 solution (final concentration 10 mM), the homogenizate was allowed to stand at 0.degree. C. for exactly 1 minute. By addition of Mg.sup.2+, the cell membranes aggregate and precipitate with the exception of the brush-border membranes. After centrifugation at 3000.times.g for 15 minutes (5000 rpm, SS-34 rotor), the precipitate was discarded and the supernatant which contains the brush-border membranes was centrifuged at 48000.times.g for 30 minutes (20000 rpm, SS-34 rotor). The supernatant was discarded and the precipitate was re-homogenized in 60 ml of 12 mM Tris/HCl buffer (pH 7.1)/60 mM mannitol, 5 mM EGTA using a Potter Elvejhem homogenizer (Braun Melsungen, 900 rpm, 10 strokes). After addition of 0.1 ml of 1M MgCl.sub.2 solution and an incubation time of 15 minutes at 0.degree. C., centrifugation at 3000.times.g was again carried out for 15 minutes. The supernatant was then centrifuged again at 48000.times.g for 30 minutes (20000 rpm, SS-34 rotor). The precipitate was taken up in 30 ml of 10 mM Tris/HEPES buffer (pH 7.4)/300 mM mannitol and homogeneously resuspended by 20 strokes in a Potter Elvejhem homogenizer at 1000 rpm. After centrifugation at 48000.times.g for 30 minutes (20000 rpm, SS-34 rotor), the prcipitate was taken up in 0.5 to 2 ml of Tris/HEPES buffer (pH 7.4)/280 mM mannitol (final concentration 20 mg/ml) and resuspended with the aid of a tuberculin syringe having a 27 gauge needle. The vesicles were either used for transport investigations immediately after preparation or stored in liquid nitrogen at -196.degree. C. in 4 mg aliquots.
2. Inhibition of the Na.sup.+ -dependent .sup.3 !-taurocholate absorption in brush-border membrane vescles of the ileum
The absorption of substrates in the brush-border membrane vesicles described above was determined by means of the so-called membrane filtration technique. 10 .mu.l of the vesicle suspension (100 .mu.g of protein) were pipetted as drops onto the wall of a polystyrene incubation tube (11.times.70 mm) which contained the incubation medium with the appropriate ligands (90 .mu.l). The incubation medium contained 0.75 .mu.l=0.75 .mu.Ci of .sup.3 H(G)!-taurocholate (specific activity: 2.1 Ci/mmol)/0.5 .mu.l of 10 mM taurocholate/8.75 .mu.l of sodium transport buffer (10 mM Tris/HEPES (pH 7.4)/100 mM mannitol/100 mM NaCl) (Na-T-B) or 8.75 .mu.l of potassium transport buffer (10 mM tris/HEPES (pH 7.4)/100 mM mannitol/100 mM KCl) (K-T-B) and 80 .mu.l of the inhibitor solution concerned, dissolved in Na-T-buffer or K-T-buffer depending on the experiment. The incubation medium was filtered through a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane filter (SYHV LO 4NS, 0.45 .mu.m, 4 mm diameter, Millipore, Eschborn, Germany). Transport measurement was started by mixing the vesicles with the incubation medium. The concentration of taurocholate in the incubation batch was 50 .mu.M. After the desired incubation time (customarily 1 minute), the transport was stopped by addition of 1 ml of ice-cold stop solution (10 mM tris/HEPES, (pH 7.4)/150 mM KCl). The resulting mixture was immediately filtered off under a vacuum of 25 to 35 mbar through a membrane filter of cellulose nitrate (ME 25, 0.45 .mu.m, 25 mm diameter, Schleicher & Schuell, Dassell, Germany). The filter was washed with 5 ml of ice-cold stop solution.
For measurement of the absorption of the radiolabeled taurocholate, the membrane filter was dissolved using 4 ml of the scintillator Quickszint 361 (Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) and the radioactivity was measured by liquid scintillation measurement in a TriCarb 2500 measuring apparatus (Canberra Packard GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany). The measured values were obtained as dpm (decompositions per minute) after calibration of the apparatus with the aid of standard samples and after correction for any chemiluminescence present.
The control values were in each case determined in Na-T-B and K-T-B. The difference between the absorption in Na-T-B and K-T-B gave the Na.sup.+ -dependent transport fraction. The IC.sub.50 Na.sup.+ was designated as that concentration of inhibitor at which the Na.sup.+ -dependent transport fraction was inhibited by 50%--relative to control.
The pharmacological data comprise a series of tests in which the interaction of the compounds according to the invention with the intestinal bile acid transport system was investigated in the terminal small intestine. The results are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1 shows measurements of the inhibition of the .sup.3 H!-taurocholate absorption in brush-border membrane vesicles of the ileum of rabbits. The quotients of the IC.sub.50 Na values of the reference substance and taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC) and the respective test substance are indicated.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Compounds from Example ##STR4## ______________________________________ 6 0.10 10 0.36 32 0.29 36 0.22 61 0.20 70 0.27 72 0.28 83 0.22 86 0.24 101 0.23 ______________________________________
The following Examples serve to illustrate the invention in greater detail without restricting the latter to products and embodiments described in the Examples.

Propanolamine derivatives, processes for their preparation, pharmaceuticals comprising these compounds, and their use


An antireflection film formed on a membrane of an X-ray mask has an amorphous structure. A patterned X-ray absorber intercepting transmission of X-rays is formed to be in contact with the front surface of the antireflection film. Thus, an X-ray mask having excellent pattern positional accuracy and a method of fabricating the same are obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an X-ray mask employed for X-ray lithography and a method of fabricating the same, and more concretely, it relates to an X-ray mask which makes it possible to reduce distortion in patterning by changing the crystal structure or stress of an etching mask or an antireflection film (etching stopper) and a method of fabricating the same.
2. Description of the Background Art
In semiconductor memory devices having relatively low degrees of integration, patterns have generally been transferred through lithography with ultraviolet rays. However, semiconductor memory devices are now implemented with higher degrees of integration, and a semiconductor memory device in the gigabit range such as a 1-gigabit DRAM (dynamic random access memory), for example, requires pattern transfer of higher resolution since patterns of wires and the like are extremely refined in accordance with device rules.
Lithography with X-rays is expected as the technique for transferring such fine patterns. According to this X-ray lithography, patterns can be transferred in higher resolution than the lithography with ultraviolet rays since X-rays serving as exposure light have shorter wavelengths (.lambda.=5 to 20 nm in case of soft X-rays) as compared with ultraviolet rays.
A structure of an X-ray mask employed for such X-ray lithography and a method of fabricating the same are described in SPIE (The Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers), 1994, vol. 2194, pp. 221 to 230, for example. The structure of the X-ray mask and the method of fabricating the same shown in this literature are now described as the prior art.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure of the conventional X-ray mask described in the aforementioned literature. Referring to FIG. 8, the X-ray mask has a silicon substrate 1, a membrane 2, an etching stopper serving also as an antireflection film (hereinafter simply referred to as an antireflection film) 103a, an antireflection film 103b, an X-ray absorber 104, and a support ring 5.
The membrane 2, which is a substrate transmitting X-rays, is formed on the silicon substrate 1. The antireflection films 103a and 103b are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the membrane 2 respectively. The X-ray absorber 104, consisting of a material intercepting transmission of X-rays, is formed on the antireflection film 103a in a prescribed shape. The support ring 5 is stuck to the rear surface of the silicon substrate 1 with an adhesive (not shown), and supports the silicon substrate 1.
A method of fabricating the aforementioned conventional X-ray mask is now described.
FIGS. 9 to 11 are schematic sectional views showing the method of fabricating the conventional X-ray mask in order of the steps. Referring to FIG. 9, the membrane 2 is first formed on the silicon substrate 1, and thereafter a part of the silicon substrate 1 is removed (back-etched), to expose the rear surface of the membrane 2. Thereafter the antireflection films 103a and 103b are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the membrane 2 respectively. Thereafter the support ring 5 is stuck to the silicon substrate 1.
Referring to FIG. 10, the X-ray absorber 104 is formed on the antireflection film 103a by sputtering, for example. The current mean membrane stress of the X-ray absorber 104 is measured, a temperature for zeroing the mean stress is decided, and the X-ray absorber 104 is uniformly annealed in an oven at 250.degree. C., for example, so that its mean membrane stress is adjusted to zero. An etching mask 106 is formed on the X-ray absorber 104 by sputtering, for example. A resist material 7 is applied onto this etching mask 106, and thereafter baked at 180.degree. C., for example.
Referring to FIG. 11, a pattern is drawn on the resist material 7 with an electron beam drawer (EB), and thereafter developed to form a resist pattern 7. The etching mask 106 is etched through the resist pattern 7. Thereafter the X-ray absorber 104 is etched through the etching mask 106. Finally, the etching mask 106 is removed, to complete the X-ray mask shown in FIG. 8.
The steps of back-etching the silicon substrate 1 and sticking the silicon substrate 1 to the support ring 5 are not necessarily performed in this order.
In relation to a semiconductor memory device in the gigabit range requiring fine working, the resist pattern 7 cannot be increased in thickness. If the resist pattern 7 is directly formed on the X-ray absorber 104 for patterning the X-ray absorber 104, the resist pattern 7 may completely disappear during this patterning. However, the etching mask 106 consists of a material having a high etching selection ratio with respect to the X-ray absorber 104, and hence serves as a mask if the resist pattern 7 disappears during patterning of the X-ray absorber 104. Thus, the etching mask 106 is useful.
X-ray lithography, which is employed for transferring fine patterns due to the short wavelengths of X-rays, is generally applied to transfer of equal-scale magnification due to the properties of the X-rays. Therefore, high pattern positional accuracy is required of the X-ray mask. If stress remains in the X-ray absorber 104, however, the pattern position thereof is moved by this stress along arrow as shown in FIG. 12 after the patterning, to disadvantageously reduce the positional accuracy.
In the conventional method of fabricating an X-ray mask, therefore, annealing is performed for zeroing the mean membrane stress of the X-ray absorber 104.
However, the etching mask 106 formed in the conventional method of fabricating an X-ray mask generally has a columnar crystal structure. Therefore, the etching mask 106 is readily patterned along grain boundaries through the resist pattern 7 serving as a mask as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, to result in edge roughness of the pattern. When the etching mask 106 causing such edge roughness is employed as a mask for patterning the X-ray absorber 104, the pattern is misregistered by a dimension W.sub.0 in FIGS. 13A and 13B, disadvantageously leading to deterioration of the pattern accuracy.
FIG. 13B shows the X-ray mask as viewed from the direction of arrow in FIG. 13A, while omitting the resist pattern 7.
In the conventional method of fabricating an X-ray mask, no consideration is given to stress and stress irregularity of the etching mask 106 and the antireflection film 103a, although the stress of the X-ray absorber 104 is taken into account. Therefore, the positional accuracy is disadvantageously deteriorated after the patterning of the X-ray absorber 104. This problem is now described in detail with reference to the etching mask 106 having stress irregularity.
FIGS. 14 to 17 are schematic sectional views for illustrating the deterioration of the positional accuracy caused by stress irregularity of the etching mask 106 in the conventional method of fabricating an X-ray mask. Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, the antireflection film 103b and the support ring 5 shown in FIG. 8 are omitted, for convenience of illustration.
Referring to FIG. 14, the mean membrane stress of the X-ray absorber 104 is zeroed by annealing, as hereinabove described.
Referring to FIG. 15, the etching mask 106 having stress irregularity shown in FIG. 18 is formed on the X-ray absorber 104. In this case, a prescribed point A of the X-ray absorber 104 is pulled and moved by the stress of the etching mask 106.
Referring to FIG. 16, the etching mask 106 is patterned through the resist pattern 7 serving as a mask in this state, and the X-ray absorber 104 is patterned through the patterned etching mask 106.
Referring to FIG. 17, the resist pattern 7 and the etching mask 106 are thereafter removed, whereby the point A of the X-ray absorber 104 is released from the stress of the etching mask 106 and restored to the original position. Thus, the pattern position is misregistered by the dimension W.sub.1 of this restoration.

X-ray mask and method of fabricating the same


A fastening system includes a grommet having a grommet shank and two grommet cap ends secured to opposing ends of the grommet shank; a planar border having a base and integrally formed substantially parallel planar flexible peripheral first and second legs of substantially like length, the first leg having a first leg distal end with a first aperture and the second leg having a second leg distal end with a second aperture and an integral and peripheral first spike having a first spike pointed end, each of the first and second apertures being proportioned for slidable receipt of the grommet when the first and second apertures are aligned with each other; and an elongate securement leg integrally dependant from the base in a direction of the distal ends of the flexible legs, and including a securement leg distal end having a receiving surface for receiving first spike pointed end.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of engaging devices such as hair clips which, subject to adaptations as taught by the within invention, may be employed as a fastening element for the holding of cards and other planar articles. More specifically the present invention relates to an integral spike fastening system. A sheet metal stamped blank shaped to include several distinct regions in the form of a base from which integrally depends first and second substantially planar, flexible, peripheral legs. The first leg includes a first leg proximal end which is integral with the base and a first leg distal end having a preferably rounded periphery and having a first aperture. The second leg includes a second leg proximal end also integral with the base and a second leg distal end with a second aperture and at least a first spike preferably protruding distally from distal end. The first spike is integral with the second leg and formed as part of the stamped blank. The spike is bent at substantially a right angle with respect to the plane of the blank. Additional spikes optionally are provided protruding in various directions from the second leg distal end. Medially disposed between the first and second legs is an elongate securement leg having a securement leg proximal end, which integrally depends from the base, and a securement leg distal end which includes an upwardly bent receiving surface forming an inverted V-shape and preferably having a spike passing slot.
The second leg distal end is placed in alignment with the first leg distal end so that the first and second apertures are in alignment and register. When in this position, a fastener in the form of a rivet or grommet is passed therethrough. When in this position, the receiving surface and slot at securement leg distal end are aligned beneath the point of the spike, so that engagement therebetween can be manually effected the flexible nature of the first and second legs. The resultant structure is one in which a planar article such as a business or identification card may be secured between the spike and the receiving surface when the base is appropriately secured to clothing of a user. The spike optionally is replaced with pointed teeth for gripping clothing. Opposing and parallel rows of teeth preferably are cut out of outward edges of opposing leg tabs on the second leg distal end or along the downwardly protruding edge of a gripping cup stamped out of the second leg distal end.
A second embodiment replaces the securement leg with a panel member such as a badge or a credit card or a hotel room card and a second fastener in the form of a mounting rivet or grommet passes through and interconnects the base and the panel member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Related prior art includes hair clip patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,169,940 (1939) to Polak; U.S. Pat. No. 2,795,233 (1957) to Zore, entitled Clips; U.S. Pat. No. 3,082,773 (1963) to Renstrom, et al, entitled Hair Clip; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,014 (1975) to Clifton, entitled Hair Clip.
The patent to Polak discloses a hair clip including a male element which may be secured within a female element to accomplish closure of the clip about a tuft of hair.
Zore teaches a hair clip including a fixed proximal end and a free distal end, and various strategies for the securement of the distal ends of the outermost arms to each other. However, Zore requires the use of a tool to effect a joinder of the ends of the outer arms of the structure to each other.
Renstrom reveals the use of a male element within a center arm of a hair clip in which the male element may be snap within a complemental aperture within a border-like portion of the hair clip.
Clifton teaches the use of a male-female connection in a hair clip.
However, use of a hair clip device for securement of planar articles, such as business or identification cards, cannot be achieved by any of the above structures, or otherwise, taught in the prior art.
In prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,103, issued to present applicant Gould on Nov. 22, 2005, a bi-stable hair clip was transformed into a fastening system in which a pin passes through registering apertures in ends of flexible legs to engage an opposing structure to retain a card or engage clothing.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a fastening system using the mechanism of a bi-stable hair clip which includes an engaging spike formed from part of the same sheet metal blank forming the remainder of system, replacing the separate engaging pin, which cannot become dislodged and separated.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastening system for the securement of planar articles such as identification or hotel room cards, articles of clothing, hairpieces or wigs.
It is finally an object of the present invention to provide such a fastening system which is less expensive to manufacture.


A document management apparatus and a document management system that selects the document which are best to digitize from among document being used in an office, and set the priority for digitization of each document are provided. The document management apparatus comprising: an accumulator apparatus that stores, the document ID, used place and used time for a document that is used; a computing part that analyzes information stored in accumulator apparatus, and for each document, computes the usability of the document data to be digitized; a specifying part that specifies document that correspond to document data for which the usability is relatively high by comparing it to the usability already computed for the data for each document; and output part that outputs the specified result to client.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns technology to support the digitization of documents.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to provide a technology that the present place of a publication or a document or the like are identified, by furnishing the publication or document files with an IC card that transmits radio signals. As well, it is known to provide a technology that point cards are furnished with a wireless tag, so that a reading device located inside a store reads information sent from this wireless tag to measure the frequency of store visits by a customer, reads information sent from this wireless tag using a reading device located inside the store, and also and locates the reading apparatus in several places in the store, to sense the movements and the amount of time the customer spends inside the store.
In businesses and in government, reading the contents of documents using image scanners and work to digitize documents is being carried out in order to raise the efficiency of use of documents used in work. Here, in a case where many documents that exist in offices are being gradually digitized over a period of 2 or 3 years, when digitization is carried out only at random, because documents for which the degree of importance of digitizing is not very high will be digitized soon, and because digitization is completed as soon as possible when it seems opportune to do so, such problems arise as deferring the digitization of documents for which one would prefer ongoing improvements in usage.

Document management apparatus and document system


Broadly, the present invention is directed to an edge protector method and system for protecting an outside corner, e.g., of a room, which corner is formed by two walls or faces. The novel tape for protecting such outside corner is formed from polymeric material desirably having a thickness of from about 5 to 20 mils and which is formed from a pair of sides with an interconnecting hinge, said sides formed from a relatively stiff polymeric material compared to said hinge which is formed from a relatively flexible and elastic polymeric material compared to said sides, said hinge preferably being arcuate in shape, said tape having a front surface and a rear surface which is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The novel tape is applied to the corner by its unrolling from the roll with the hinge in axial alignment with the outside corner followed by pressing of the coated rear surface sides on each face extending from the corner to form a corner edge protector for the corner.

The present invention relates to providing protection for corners in rooms and more particularly to a tape protector therefor provided in roll or tape form.
Outside corners between rooms and halls often become nicked due to being bumped and scraped by objects passing by and by being bumped by people passing by. Often these objects are being carried, pushed, or pulled by people as they traverse between rooms. Paint and wallpaper at these outside corners become chipped and torn as a result of being bumped and scraped. This is true whether the outside corners are located in a residence or a commercial establishment.
As a result, resort is made to the use of "corner guards" which are rigid, V-shaped transparent plastic protectors that often come in 4 or 8 foot lengths and can be cut to shorter lengths, for example, with a saw. These rigid corner guards often are attached by nails which can be driven through the rigid plastic into the one or both of the wall sections that form the outside corner for which protection is desired. Alternatively, some rigid corner guards can be secured by a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the back of such rigid corner guards.
Unfortunately, such rigid corner guards often are regarded as unsightly and can be objectionable in a finely-appointed residence. Moreover, nail holes remain in the walls when the corner guards are removed. In fact, removal of such rigid corner guards often results in their being cracked or broken, so that they cannot be reused. Often, these rigid corner guards can become loosened when an object carried past them catches on an edge of the corner guard. More recently, a thin strip of adhesive has been applied to the backs of the rigid corner guards to secure them to the wall corners.
In other contexts, corners of kitchen countertops, for example, need protection from pots and pans being banged thereinto and small children, for example, need protection from bumping their heads into the sharp corners of such countertops.
Consequently, there appears to be a need for an outside corner edge protector that is easy to install, is relatively thin, and has applicability to use in other contexts, say, kitchen countertops and the like.


A head for a scanning probe microscope comprising a tuning fork (130) with an SPM tip (134) attached to one prong of the tuning fork. An AC signal (Vin) generated by oscillation of the tuning fork is supplied by a pair of electrodes on the tuning fork to input terminals (110 and 112) of a source-follower circuit comprising a dual-gate GaAs-MESFET (114), the gates (G1, G2) of which are connected in parallel to one of the pick-up electrodes via one of the input terminals (110), the other of the pick-up electrodes being earthed via the other of the input terminals (112). The signal (Vin) is processed by the circuit and supplied to two output terminals (126 and 128) as an output signal (Vout). The megaohm output impedance of the tuning fork is thus translated into an output impedance of the order of a hundred ohms, thus improving signal transfer efficiency from the head to an external signal amplifier.

The first scanning probe microscope was the Nobel prize winning scanning tunneling microscope (STM) of Binnig and Rohrer described for instance in U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,993. Since this original design, a whole family of scanning probe microscopes has grown up. Notable members are the AFM in which the atomic force between tip and sample is measured as opposed to the tunneling current in the STM; the NSOM, described for instance in EP-A-0112401, in which a waveguide tip, usually the tip of an optical fiber, measures optical coupling between tip and sample; and the IFM in which a force arising from coupling between tip and sample due to the presence of a liquid or gaseous viscous medium such as water or air respectively.
The present invention relates to scanning probe microscopes of the type in which the tip is vibratable relative to the sample. Typically, the tip or sample is set into periodic motion by a driver means, often referred to in the art as a dither and sometimes as a wobbler. The tip-sample coupling is measured by its effect on one or more of the vibrational properties of the tip. Known methods of measuring the tip-sample interaction are through changes in the frequency of vibration of the tip, changes in the amplitude of vibration of the tip, and changes in the phase of vibration of the tip.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,671 the frequency of the vibration of the tip is measured by electrical means. The tip is secured to a piezoelectrical crystal which is driven at one of its natural resonance frequencies, thus setting the tip into oscillatory motion normal to the surface of the sample by excitation of a shear mode of the piezoelectric crystal. Tip-sample interaction changes the frequency of vibration of the tip and results in feedback into the driver circuit. This frequency change of the driver circuit is then measured with standard electronic counting means.
Toledo-Crow et al disclose a scanning probe microscope in Applied Physics Letters, volume 60, pages 2957 to 2959 (1992) which measures changes in the amplitude of the tip vibration. This has the advantage of offering an intrinsically more rapid measurement than measurement of the frequency since alterations in the damping, i.e. the magnitude of the vibration can, in principle, be measured instantaneously. Toledo-Crow et al use optical means to measure the vibrational amplitude. This optical means comprises a laser source, a Wollaston prism, a beam splitter, an objective lens, a polarisation analyzer and a light detector. An apparatus following the design of Toledo-Crow et al is accurate, rapid and quite sensitive.
However, despite these advantages, it is quite complicated to build, it is costly, it takes up a considerable amount of space and also requires alignment of the optical components. Additionally this alignment can be disturbed by mechanical shocks. Due to the alignment required, it is difficult to operate such an apparatus in a completely automated manner as required for instance in a satellite, in a hazardous environment such as a nuclear reactor, in a vacuum chamber, or in a cryostat and as desired in a commercial turnkey system. The spatial requirements of the apparatus can also be a problem in some applications, for instance it would not be easy to design an apparatus of this kind for use in the limited sample space of a magnet cryostat. A further consequence of the size and alignment requirements, is that, in order to build up an image, it is the sample which must be rastered since rastering the tip would necessitate rastering the whole optical set-up which would be impractical. This is not important for some samples, but can be a problem for large or heavy samples, such as mechanical work pieces, or samples which cannot be kept still, such as living organisms or plant matter.
Another apparatus which uses optical means to measure the vibration of the tip is described by Betzig et al in Applied Physics Letters, volume 60, pages 2484 to 2486 (1992). Embodiments are disclosed which not only measure the amplitude and/or phase of the vibration. The apparatus of Betzig et al has similar advantages and disadvantages to that of Toledo-Crow et al.
It has thus been recognized in the art that the optical external deflection sensors which are particularly prevalent in cantilever AFM designs (see for instance EP-A-0 422 548 and EP-A-0 394 962) work very well but, when used, make up a large part of the complexity, size and cost of the instrument. There is therefore a recognised want for simpler, less costly sensing means with at least comparable sensitivity. In particular, the piezoelectric effect has been used, not only in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,671 but also by Tortonese et al in Applied Physics Letters, volume 62, pages 834 to 836 (1993) and by Tansock and Williams in Ultramicroscopy, volume 42 to 44, pages 1464 to 1469 (1992).
Tortonese et al use a piezoresistive effect whereby the cantilever arm of an AFM is made of piezoelectric material and bending of the cantilever arm by the tip-sample interaction changes the resistance of the cantilever arm. This approach has proved to work well but the sensor is restricted to DC operation since there is no inverse piezoresistive effect, i.e. one cannot apply a resistance to strain the cantilever arm.
Tansock and Williams describe a cantilever suitable for an AFM in which the cantilever is also made of piezoelectric material but in the form of a bimorph. This cantilever is therefore vibratable and hence suitable for use in a scanning probe microscope of the initially named kind by applying an AC voltage across either half of the bimorph. However, the Q-factor of a simple cantilever, i.e. of a single beam, is typically poor, having for example a value of only Q=7 in the above publication.
Dransfeld et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,987 disclose an acoustic scanning microscope using a piezoelectric tuning fork. The tuning fork is driven so that the oscillation of its prongs generate acoustic waves. The tuning fork needs to be aligned relative to the sample to be measured such that the direction of oscillation of the prongs is inclined either perpendicular to or with a significant component perpendicular to the sample surface. Acoustic waves then pass through the air, or another fluid medium which can support acoustic waves, and reflect from the sample surface and then return to the tuning fork and cause feedback. In this way the oscillations of the tuning fork are sensitive to the topography and acoustic properties of the sample surface and an image can be built up.
The acoustic scanning microscope also has the restriction that the signal is highly dependent on the acoustic medium, there being for example a strong pressure dependency of the characteristic. In vacuum the method cannot work at all as no acoustic waves are supported. In liquid mediums such as liquid helium it is not clear whether such a technique would be practical and what effects, for instance, the superfluid phase transitions would have. Moreover, due to the wavelength of acoustic waves, the technique is limited to a best resolution across the sample surface of approximately 50 nanometers.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a scanning probe microscope, wherein changes in the vibration of the tip are measurable by means which do not require optical or mechanical alignment, wherein changes in the vibrational state of the tip can be made rapidly, accurately and to a high degree of sensitivity, wherein the head is compact and light, wherein the head is rugged. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a head for a scanning probe microscope that is operable in hostile and confined environments, such as in cryostats or in a vacuum chamber, the head being positionable remote, e.g. several meters or more, from a signal amplifier without degradation in performance.

Scanning probe microscope head with signal processing circuit

Dr. Khaled und Dr. Miles Haines Gesellschaft Burgerlichen Rechts


This invention relates to novel compounds having formula: (I) or (II) and to their pharmaceutical compositions and to their methods of use. These novel compounds provide a treatment or prophylaxis of H. pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a highly motile, S-shaped, microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium that colonizes in the stomach. H. pylori infection is widespread with seroprevalence in the developed world between 30-60%. Infection with the bacterium is usually contracted during childhood and patients remain infected for life unless treated. H. pylori infection has been shown to result in the development of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and has been linked to gastric adenocarcinoma (Go, M. F. and D. T. Smoot, Helicobacter pylori, gastric MALT lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma of the stomach Seminars in Gastrointestinal Disease, 2000, 11(3): p. 134-141). Eradication of H. pylori infection is currently achieved using combination therapy of antimicrobial and antisecretory agents (Malfertheiner, P., A. Leodolter, and U. Peitz, Cure of Helicobacter pylori-associated ulcer disease through eradication Bailliere's Best Practice and Research in Clinical Gastroenterology, 2000, 14(1): p. 119-132). However, compliance to these therapies is compromised due to adverse side effects and cumbersome dosing regimens. In addition, increasing prevalence of H. pylori strains resistant to existing antimicrobial therapies threatens to limit the use of these treatments (Qureshi, W. A. and D. Y. Graham, Antibiotic-resistant H. pylori infection and its treatment. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2000, 6(15): p. 1537-1544). Given these considerations, a therapy for H. pylori infection would be a novel antimicrobial monotherapy that is selective for H. pylori eradication. The selectivity attribute is expected to aid in minimizing side effects on gut flora.
H. pylori, like all Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, utilize a cell wall comprised of crosslinked peptidoglycan units to maintain shape and resist high osmotic pressure potentials. Bacterial cell wall biosynthesis is a validated target for antimicrobial activity; cephalosphorins, penicillins and glycopeptides are antimicrobial agents, which block cell wall biosynthesis (Walsh, C., Molecular mechanisms that confer antibacterial resistance. Nature, 2000, 406: p. 775-781). Cell wall biosynthesis requires the enzyme MurI, a glutamate racemase, and therefore this enzyme is essential for bacterial viability (Doublet, P., et al., The murI gene of Escherichia coli is an essential gene that encodes a glutamate racemase activity. Journal of Bacteriology, 1993, 175(10): p. 2970-9).
The present invention describes compounds, which specifically inhibit H. pylori MurI, compositions of such compounds and methods of use. The compounds disclosed herein represent a valuable contribution to the development of selective therapies directed to diseases resulting from H. pylori infection.

Fused heterocycles as inhibitors of glutamate racemase(MURI)


An expansion dowel assembly for use in undercut bores in a receiving material includes an axially extending anchor bolt with a load application section at a trailing end region of the bolt and an expansion cone at a leading end region thereof. An expansion sleeve followed by a guide sleeve are arranged between the leading end region and the trailing end region of the anchor bolt. A component to be secured for a surface of the receiving material is centered by the guide sleeve and any lateral loads generated by the component are absorbed by the guide sleeve. The guide sleeve fits around a trailing end region of the anchor bolt and has an annular flange at its trailing end extending laterally outwardly from the guide sleeve and arranged to bear against a surface of the component.

The present invention is directed to an expansion dowel assembly for use in undercut bores in a receiving material for securing a structural component by means of an anchor bolt to the receiving material. The anchor bolt has an axially extending load application section extending from one end and an expansion cone fitted to the other end. An expansion sleeve to be placed in the undercut bore is at least partially slotted from a leading end. A guide sleeve having an outside diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the expansion sleeve encircles the anchor bolt at its end with the load application section. The expansion cone on the anchor bolt can be pulled into the expansion sleeve for expanding it into the undercut bore.
An expansion dowel, disclosed in EP-Al-0226 524 includes an anchor bolt having an expansion cone on one end and a load engagement section in the form of an external thread at the other end. The external thread is arranged to receive a nut. Two tubular-shaped sleeves are arranged between the expansion cone and the nut with the sleeves having an outside diameter corresponding to the diameter of the bore in a receiving material into which the expansion dowel is to be anchored. The smallest inside diameter of the sleeve is slightly larger than the shank diameter of the anchor bolt.
The sleeve closer to the expansion cone called the expansion sleeve in the following description, has axially extending slots running opposite to the setting direction from an end face of the sleeve directed toward the expansion cone. The axially extending slots form individual expansion sections to be radially widened by the expansion cone.
The sleeve located rearwardly of the expansion sleeve is called a guide sleeve in the following description and serves for radial guidance of the anchor bolt into the bore.
During the expansion process, a structural component to be fastened to a surface of the receiving material can be placed against the receiving material. A through opening in the component has the same or slightly larger diameter than the bore in the receiving material.
The expansion sections of the expansion sleeve are radially widened into the undercut portion of the bore by a suitable setting tool and by the expansion cone positioned on the anchor bolt. After the expansion sections are expanded, the setting tool is removed and the guide sleeve is slid into the bore over the anchor bolt.
The trailing end face of the guide sleeve can enter into the bore to such an extent that the transverse forces generated by the component bearing against the receiving material cannot be carried by the guide sleeve. Such a guide sleeve does not assure either a reliable centering of the component on the receiving material or a reliable support of a laterally directed load generated by the component. As a result, the effectiveness of the attachment is questionable, since an alignment of equal area of the trailing end face of the guide sleeves and the surface of the component located opposite the receiving material is not assured.
If the guide sleeve does not project into the range of the component in contact with the receiving material, the component can displace itself in the load application direction if a higher lateral load occurs, until the wall of the through opening of the component bears against the anchor bolt, whereby the anchor bolt is obliged to carry the entire lateral load. In superposition or overlap of the constant axial force generated during attachment of the component to the receiving material, an additional shear force acting perpendicularly thereto can result in an overload and may lead to a fracture of the anchor bolt.


An electronic lock includes a rotatable core movable within an outer body. The rotatable core includes a piezo-electric actuator configured to move a tumbler blocking member into or out of interfering engagement with one or more tumblers. Tamper circuitry coupled with the piezo-electric actuator is configured to resist an externally induced acceleration of the electronic lock by shunting electrical power produced by an externally induced motion of the piezo-electric actuator back to the piezo-electric actuator.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to electronic locks generally, and more particularly to certain new and useful advances yielding improved actuation and tamper-resistance of an electronic lock, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the same.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Conventional mechanical locks include the basic components of a body, a rotatable cylinder positioned within the body and a series of tumblers. When locked, the tumblers extend from the rotatable cylinder into the body to prevent rotation of the cylinder relative to the body. A specifically shaped key inserted in a keyhole within the cylinder engages the tumblers and moves them such that the cylinder is free to rotate relative to the body, thus unlocking the lock.
Electronic locks provide additional security features, but their relatively small size limits the size and number of internal components that can be housed therein. Although a solenoid is incorporated within a rotatable cylinder of an electronic lock, the solenoid's power source is typically incorporated within a key of the electronic lock. The power source delivers electrical power to the solenoid when the key engages the rotatable cylinder and microprocessor in the rotatable cylinder determines that a code stored in a memory of the key authorizes access.
To resist tampering by sharp blows, some electronic locks incorporate a spring-biased tamper element into the rotatable cylinder. When a sharp blow to the face of the electronic lock moves the solenoid plunger from its locking position, the sharp blow simultaneously moves the spring-based tamper element to interferingly engage the one or more tumblers.
To resist tampering by an external magnetic field, some electronic locks at least partially enclose the solenoid plunger with a ferromagnetic material. When a strong external magnetic field is applied to the electronic lock, the ferromagnetic enclosure causes the solenoid plunger to move out of the ferromagnetic enclosure and block the movement of one or more tumblers, which movement would otherwise unlock the electronic lock.
Notwithstanding the features of electronic locks referenced above, it would be advantageous to develop an electronic lock that has at least one of improved power consumption, improved attack resistance, and improved environmental robustness.

Lock portion with piezo-electric actuator and anti-tamper circuit

UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.


A modular control block for applications in the field of analytical procedures has a plurality of individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20), each having at least one channel for the inflow and for the outflow of fluids, which can be connected to each other by means of suitable connection points. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs of the control block, all individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20) are embodied with the same outer contour and may be arranged in-line or staggered, with different function modes of the control block being achieved by either an in-line or a staggered arrangement of the individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20), or by any desired combination of individual elements (2, 5, 15, 19, 20) arranged in-line and/or staggered.

The invention relates to a modular control block for use in the field of analytical procedures. The invention is concerned in particular with the constructional design of a control block which may assume a plurality of different control functions, such as for example dosing, distribution, mixing or flushing, or a combination of these control functions, simply by a change in the line-up of the individual modules.
Such control blocks in modular designxe2x80x94in each case equipped with valvesxe2x80x94are already successfully in use in other areas of control engineering, such as in pneumatic applications. Assembled as a combination of modular units, they provide very great flexibility and, the parts also being standardised, cost-effective production and warehousing is achieved.
So far there was no standardisation in the field of analytical procedures, as regards the interconnection of the valves and the components used, on account of the great variety of applications and of the complex ways of combination, as well as the high requirements exacted with respect to chemical resistance, reduced lost space, reduced gaps and internal volume.
Control blocks for applications in the field of analytical procedures are conventionally produced in such a way that a number of valves are so interconnected as to obtain the desired functions. To this purpose, mechanically machined control blocks, tailor-made to suit specific requirements, are produced, to which the valves are connected by means of flanges, to give an example. This method gives rise to rigid and cost-intensive control blocks which have to be designed and produced for each and every application requirement.
At a later time, furthermore, it is possible only at high expense in terms of cost and modification time to integrate sensors for the control of the medium, such as for flow measurements, into control blocks produced according to conventional methods. In most cases, sensors are then arranged before or after the control block; this gives rise to an increase of the internal volume and the lost volume.
It has been found to be a disadvantage in conventional control blocks for applications in the field of analytical procedures that for conventional unions between the individual elements of a valve block O-rings are used in preference, where lost space and gaps are not completely avoidable at the joining points.
A better solution is provided by the use of profiled O-rings or special form seals, but these are very expensive.
It is therefore the object of the invention to improve the control blocks for use in the field of analytical procedures in a way that both specific customer requirements may be complied with and that a standardisation of the blocks is realised, which will result in lower production costs because the units can be made in large production batches. Furthermore, and in accordance with the invention, the elements may be modified in such a way that sensors may be installed without lost space or gaps, if required. These sensors may serve, for example, the purpose of determining whether a flow exists in specific channels and of transferring the result to an electronic evaluation processor.
According to the invention, a modular control block for analytical procedures comprising a plurality of individual elements is provided for this purpose, the individual elements each containing at least one channel for the inflow and for the outflow of fluids, and being adapted to be connected to one another at appropriate points of connection, where all the individual elements have the same outer contour and may be arranged in-line or staggered, wherein different functional modes of the control block may be achieved by arranging the individual elements in line, staggered, or in a combined configuration of in-line or staggered individual elements.
The individual components of the modular control block according to the invention have the advantage that the outer shape and the position of the main channels is identical in all elements. In the case of the present invention, individual elements are used which may be combined in a number of different ways. The dimensional pattern of the connecting valves and sensor outputs is designed in such a way that both inflow and outflow ports may be controlled by means of electric bus lines which are normal in pneumatic systems. In a preferred embodiment, the control block is controlled via a multi-pole plug or a field bus.
The arrangement of the elements may be configured in different ways, depending on the application intended. If, for example, the elements are arranged in line without mutual shift, the functions realised mean that the fluids concerned flow within a common channel or are taken from a common channel. In the case of a staggered line-up, however, functions are created where the fluid flows through the elements one after the other. Even a combination of in-line arranged elements with mutually shifted elements is possible. The staggered arrangement is made possible by the fact that the connection bores in the individual elements are at the same height. In the case of the present invention, a plurality of multi-arrangements for the realisation of complex control functions is created by any desired combination of elements arranged in-line and/or staggered.
In a further development of the invention, the at least one channel is formed by a control bore, and the depth of the control bores differs for different individual elements. The position of the control bores, that is of the main channels, is identical for all elements, only the depth of the control bores differs, depending on the function of the element. By taking this measure it becomes possible to produce the individual elements as low-cost injection moulded parts only one die mould has to be produced for all the different embodiments. Modifications are created, for example, by the simple replacement of interchangeable shutters in the die mould.
It is furthermore of advantage that a sensor, for example for flow or temperature measurements, can be incorporated in each individual element produced in accordance with the invention. In order to insert the sensor free of lost space and gaps, each element is provided with one or more conical blind-end bores which become gradually narrower towards the main channel, and which are separated from it by a thin material layer. This thin layer will only be pierced when a sensor is installed.
In the case of the present invention, the sensor is inserted into a sleeve of an elastomer material and, together with it, is pushed into the ruptured conical bore. According to the invention, the conical bore serves the purpose of holding the unit, consisting of sleeve and sensor, in such a way that it is retained self-locking in the housing. The contact pressure of the sleeve is greatest in its frontal area, where the sensor protrudes from the sleeve into the channel, and therefore a jointing seal free of lost space and gaps is achieved for the sensor element. The fluid flows around the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the area around the connecting electrical leads is filled with casting resin in the interest of electrical safety. In the case of a further embodiment, this area is made safe by means of a clamping element. This prevents the installed sensor from changing position.
In order to enable the modular valve block to be re-equipped with sensors in a simple way at a later date, for example with pressure sensors, the invention provides a special element for sensors which may be re-equipped without any need for modification of the modular control block. Such an element is simply connected to an existing individual element by means of a flange, instead of the connecting nipple. On the basis of the proposed arrangement, even in this case the design and assembly of both the housing and the sensor are such that no lost spaces or gaps are produced, which otherwise may lead to deposits as the area is washed by the fluids.
According to the present invention, transition points without lost space are achieved by the provision of recesses with a tapered bottom to accommodate the sealing elements. This ensures that the sealing elementxe2x80x94preferably a rectangular sealxe2x80x94is subjected to a greater pressure towards the fluid carrying channel than on the side opposed to the fluid flow. In this way a jointing point is created which is hermetically sealed and free of lost space and gaps. There is then no need for expensive form seals; rectangular seals may be made at low cost of almost any sealing material.


The invention relates to a process for removing hydrogen sulfide and recovering sulfur from a gas stream, comprising the steps of: contacting said gas stream with an aqueous catalyst solution of a polyvalent metal redox catalyst in a contacting zone to absorb said hydrogen sulfide and form a reduced catalyst solution comprising reduced polyvalent metal redox catalyst and sulfur particles; oxidizing said reduced catalyst solution while removing sulfur particles to form said oxidized aqueous catalyst solution comprising polyvalent metal redox catalyst in an oxidized state with sulfur particles removed; and recovering sulfur by transferring at least one of said sulfur particles and foam to a separation zone; wherein a coagulating reagent is added to a feed of said separation zone prior to entering said separation zone to promote settlement of sulfur particles.

The presence of hydrogen sulfide in gas streams causes different problems in oil, gas and petrochemical industries and even wood and drink industries. Removing H2S from gas streams has, hence, changed to a necessary process. Furthermore, the regulations of environment conservation organizations, on the permitted amounts of H2S are getting more and more strict every day. This is mainly because of the poisonous and corrosive effects of H2S.
Application of an aqueous solution of a polyvalent metal chelate catalyst for the oxidative removing of H2S, from gas streams and its conversion to elemental sulfur has been well known. In these processes, H2S-containing gas is contacted with, an aqueous solution of a polyvalent metal chelate in a contact zone. The contactor can be any suitable device for gas—liquid contact, such as an absorber, a static mixer, a Venturi scrubber, or even a combination of all. The aqueous catalyst solution absorbs H2S and converts it to elemental sulfur rapidly. As a result of this the higher oxidation state of the ion is reduced to its lower state. The lower oxidation state of the ion metal is then oxidized, as a result of contact with an oxygen containing gas to its higher oxidation state and is returned to the contact zone. Such reactions are called liquid Redox reactions. The separation of the solid particles can take place either before or after regenerating of the polyvalent metal chelate.
Due to settling or sedimentation of sulfur particles, however, the contactor can become plugged. If the settling happens to a great extent and the tower is plugged, this will perturb the contactor, in particular an absorber, and it will ultimately flood. In the case of the application of an absorber, filled with a packing, the choice of the packing material is also important. Usually a suitable packing has to be selected, which results in the least setting of solid sulfur particles. Often, such a packing does not exhibit optimum reaction rates.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,754 discloses a process for removing sulfur particles from an aqueous polyvalent metal ion or polyvalent metal chelate solution by a method of sinking the sulfur particles (gravity sedimentation) in a zone. In order to reduce foam and/or froth floating on a surface of the zone, sulfur particles suspended as a froth or foam are agitated and removed in a plurality of streams including at least one stream at a short distance from the top of the solution in the zone and at least one stream from the bottom of the solution in the zone. Subsequently, the streams are recombined for further processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,238 discloses another process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a sour gaseous stream, wherein an aqueous alkaline solution is contacted with a polyvalent metal chelate in a higher valence state in order to oxidize the hydrogen sulfide or sulfide present to sulfur. Particular measures for preventing clogging of sulfur particles in the oxidizer are not disclosed.
EP 0 582 337 A1 discloses another process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,351 discloses another process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a process gas, wherein a closed loop evaporator/condenser process is interposed in the sulfur washing/filtering/recovery process in order to recover and re-use a catalytic polyvalent metal redox solution. Wash water used to purify the sulfur and any polyvalent metal redox solution recovered from a sulfur melter are fed to an evaporator to concentrate the redox solution to a concentration capable of effective absorption of hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, the water evaporated in the evaporator is condensed as pure water for use in washing and/or filtering the recovered sulfur. Particular measures for preventing clogging of sulfur particles in the oxidizer are not disclosed.
EP 0 186 235 A1 discloses a process for removal of acid gases from a sour gaseous stream. In the process a sour gaseous stream comprising H2S is contacted in a column with an aqueous reactant solution comprising an effective amount of Fe(III) chelate of an organic acid to obtain a sweet gaseous stream and a mixture including solid sulfur and Fe(II) chelate of the acid. Degradation of the iron chelate in the reactant solution employed in the cyclic process is inhibited by maintaining a relatively high Fe(II) chelate concentration by carrying out the regeneration step in the column as a plug flow contracting procedure. The problem of foaming and flooding of the oxidizer is not discussed specifically. The flow state in the oxidizer zone is not addressed specifically. Separation of the sulfur particles takes place in a separate vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,253 B1 discloses a process for desulfurization of a gaseous feed containing hydrogen sulfide. The sulfur particles and the reduced catalyst solution are separated in a preliminary step and the stream of reduced catalyst solution is sent to a downstream oxidizer.
General principles for use of ferric chelates for the oxidization of hydrogen sulfide are disclosed in Iliuta I., et al., 'Concept of bifunctional Redox iron-chelate process for H2S removal in pulp and paper atmospheric emissions', Chemical Engineering Science, Oxford, GB, volume 58, no. 34-24, December 2003, pages 5305-5314.

Process for removing sulfur particles from an aqueous catalyst solution and for removing hydrogen sulfide and recovering sulfur from a gas stream

Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI)


A "wireless" door answering intercom system (meaning no special wiring between the inside and outside stations) that allows a visitor to carry on a two-way conversation with a person inside the building without requiring the visitor to manipulate a "push-to-talk" button. The transmitter and receiver at the outside door are on all the time, powered by connections to the existing A.C. power system in the building. The outside transmitter and receiver operate on separate carrier frequencies or frequency bands, the receiver on Channel 1 and the transmitter on Channel 2. The inside answering station includes a transmitter on Channel 1 and a receiver on Channel 2. The inside station has a spring loaded "push-to-talk" switch. This switch is normally biased to connect the inside answering station speaker/microphone to the output of the Channel 2 receiver, so that anything said at the outside door station can be heard at the inside answering station. When the "push-to-talk" switch is pushed, it connects the inside loudspeaker to the Channel 1 transmitter, and the speaker functions as a microphone, so that whatever is said at the inside answering station is heard at the outside door station.

In contrast to the "wireless" intercom system of the present invention, door answering intercom systems currently in use that do not require the visitor to manipulate a push-to-talk button at the outside door station are all of the "wired" type. In other words, special wires must be run between each inside answering station and the outside door station to carry the necessary audio electrical signals back and forth between the outside and the inside stations.
Such a system, with its special wiring, can be easily installed in a building that is under construction. However, it is much more difficult to install the necessary wiring of this type running from the outside door calling station to the inside door answering station (or stations) in existing buildings. This wiring problem is especially troublesome for the "do-it-yourselfer."
"Wireless" intercommunication systems that utilize the basic electrical wiring of a building to transmit a radio frequency signal within the building--producing what is called "carrier current transmission" --are very well known. Wireless intercom systems of the AM or amplitude modulation type have been available for a great many years. See, for example, the U.S. Pat. Nos. to Benson 1,840,013 issued in 1932, Parker 2,221,994 issued in 1940, Roy 2,883,459 issued in 1959 and Liberman 2,887,533 also issued in 1959. Wireless intercom systems of the FM or frequency modulation type have also been known for a number of years. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,945 issued to Pedigo in 1987 on an application filed in 1984.
However, all wireless intercom models presently known are either (1) of the "VOX" (voice activated switching) type or (2) of the type that requires the person at each station to push the "talk" button to talk, then release it to listen. With the first type, the user's voice puts the radio unit in its transmitting condition. With the second type, pushing the "talk" button switches the radio unit from its receiving to its transmitting condition, and releasing the button does the reverse.
The "VOX" systems are not suitable for door answering intercoms since other sounds beside voice, such as street traffic noises, will switch the "VOX" units to "send." Furthermore, if both parties speak at once both stations will switch to the "send" or "transmit" mode, and then neither party will hear the other.
The pushing of buttons is acceptable for office intercoms or even for room-to-room household intercoms, where all users can be made to know and understand the "push-to-talk/release-to-listen" system. However, it is not practical for door answering systems, since a visitor to a home or other building who is standing at the outside door does not know that he must push the "push-to-talk" button after he rings the door bell. Signs and plaques at the door with instructions, or verbal instructions over the intercom, are cumbersome, and make known types of wireless intercom systems unsalable for door answering use.


A hosted web-accessible system, computer program and methods are provided for generating comprehensive vehicle trim and detailed equipment information for clients, including providing comparative estimation based on underlying information regarding a particular vehicle. Comprehensive original vehicle data is obtained from vehicle manufacturers via a vehicle source interface, the data including a unique vehicle identifier for each of one or more vehicles associated with the respective source. A vehicle information request with a vehicle identifier is received from a client, and comprehensive original vehicle data is identified based on the unique identifier and the identifier from the client request. A client response interface displays vehicle data from the identified set of comprehensive original vehicle data. Vehicle valuation may be obtained from third party evaluators according to the vehicle request and based on the original vehicle data.

The present disclosure relates generally to web-based systems and methods for providing and verifying vehicle information which is otherwise difficult to access or even unavailable, including providing comparative estimation based on underlying information regarding a particular vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a host system and associated methods for producing and generating detailed information about the trim and optional equipment of a vehicle based on data provided from the vehicle manufacturer and a vehicle identifier provided from a third party entity such as a lender, dealer, auction or other consumer.
Currently, a vehicle has a vehicle identification number (VIN) that may provide basic information about the vehicle that has been coded into the VIN by a corresponding manufacturer. The information provided may include for example the country of origin, manufacturer, year of manufacture, manufacturing assembly plant, make and model, etc., but often is silent regarding the trim details and any upgrades related to the vehicle. This leaves the dealer, bank, customer, auction, and other entities having to visually verify items such as trim levels, transmission, optional packages, and/or other equipment for the vehicle, which may be quite difficult or even impossible to do in some cases where the vehicle is in another location and/or without knowing exactly what to look for and being willing to spend the time to look in the appropriate places. Often manufacturers have packages such as "sport" or "convenience" and trim levels such as "touring" or "grand touring" that can equate to hundreds or thousands of dollars in added value. Often they are not designated on the vehicle and are not coded in the VIN, leaving only a select number of individuals with detailed factory knowledge able to accurately identify or verify these vehicles, resulting often in misrepresentation or errors in determining value. Such errors and/or misrepresentations can lead to added exposure, risk, liability, and lost revenue to parties involved such as lenders, dealers and auctions.
As loan approvals, loan terms, pricing and buying decisions are determined from a value of the vehicle which relies to some extent on this information, it is crucial to accurately determine a vehicle's build information, trim details and optional equipment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for providing comprehensive vehicle build information


A double worm extruder for kneading units along the worms which are rotatable in the same sense. Each kneading unit has three or more circumferentially offset polygonal disks which have sealing surfaces at diametrically opposite locations closely juxtaposed with the inner wall of the housing. These sealing disks are flanked by edges which are inclined to the axes of the worms so as to insure greater flow cross sections past the disks and thereby avoid shear peaks in the extruded material and thermal decomposition thereof.

From German Patent 813,154, for example, it is known to provide a double worm extruder having two worms rotatable in the same sense of rotation and with which a plastifiable material is subjected to mixing, shear and pressure plastification purposes. The material may be a thermoplastic material which is to be extruded through an extruder head at one end of the extruder to be delivered to an injector at that end for injection molding of the material, or can force the material through a die to form a shaped strand thereof.
In the double worm extruder of this patent, along the worms and at the same axial locations therealong, kneading units are provided, each of which can consist of three or more angularly or circumferentially offset polygonyl disks which at two diametrically opposite locations have diameters which correspond to the diameters of the worm housing so that the disks effectively form a seal with the housing or are closely juxtaposed therewith.
Double worm extruders or compounding machines of this type are used to knead and mix synthetic resin material primarily and the worm constructions are generally matched to the type of materials which are to be subjected to mixing, plastification and shear. The material can be more or less viscous, plastic, pulverulent or granular and the worms can be dimensioned accordingly.
For adjacent operation of the double worm extruder and for high quality extruded products, it is important that the worms insure good and thorough mixing with a minimum of thermal decomposition of the material during its advance through the worm housing.
The worms of the double worm extruder described in German Patent 813,154 have, as noted, kneading units along their length which are intended to improve the mixing material in the worm housing.
Each of these kneading units comprises a multiplicity of axially adjacent but circumferentially and angularly offset polygonyl disks, i.e. disks having a plurality of sides, all of which may be arcuate, analogous to the configuration of a cam.
These disks operate on the material by forming constrictions between themselves and with the cylindrical wall of the worm housing, through which the material can be forced.
The polygonal disks have diametrically opposite sealing surfaces which are provided at the largest transverse dimensions of these disks and are so closely juxtaposed with the wall of the cylinder that they form sealing surfaces with the inner wall of the worm housing. In these regions, therefore, the material cannot be forced past the disk and thus the material must flow around these areas over nonsealing surfaces of the polygon disks.
Since the kneading units are provided adjacent one another at the same axial locations along the worms, the sealing surfaces of the polygon disks of the two kneading units can practically meet between the worms so that here as well the material cannot be forced past the sealing surfaces but must flow around the disks.
The kneading units of the two worms have comparatively small free flow cross sections through which the material can pass. As a consequence, shear spikes can develop, i.e. regions of extremely high shear, with concomitant peaks in heating and the heating can be in excess of that which is desirable for heat sensitive materials so that thermal decomposition can occur at least to a limited extent.

Double-worm extruder with polygonal-disk kneader


A bipolar fabrication process, illustratively suited for integration into a conventional CMOS process to thereby form a BiCMOS integrated circuits is disclosed. The collector and base are formed through multiple implants and a single masking step to thereby provide a continuous low resistance collector region.

There is an increasing interest in BiCMOS integrated circuit technologies (Bipolar+CMOS) for the performance of mixed function (i.e. analog and digital) functions within a single chip. Particular applications are frequently envisioned in the wireless marketplace. With the tremendous demand for f.sub.T improvement from the circuit design community, BiCMOS technologists still continue to scale down base width to increase NPN device performance. Unfortunately, scaling base width also lowers BV.sub.ceo, thus giving the device intolerable characteristics for 3.3 volt applications as well as manufacturing difficulties in the production line. Those concerned with the development of bipolar technology, in general and BiCMOS technology in particular have continuously sought improved in f.sub.T values as well as optimized base widths to yield desirable F.sub.t BV.sub.ceo products. Furthermore, it is desired to have a BiCMOS process with bipolar process modules which can be easily integrated into standard CMOS process modules.
FIG. 1 shows, by way of illustration, a typical conventional cross section of a BiCMOS integrated circuit 11. NPN transistor 19 is formed adjacent CMOS devices 13. Reference numeral 15 denotes a NMOS transistor, while reference numeral 17 denotes a PMOS transistor. Isolation oxides 31 serve to separate individual devices and tubs. For example, the p-tub is denoted by reference numeral 21, while the n-tub is denoted by reference numeral 23. NMOS device 15 is made within p-tub 21 and contains gate structure 27 with source and drain 53. PMOS device 17 is formed in n-tub 23 and contains gate 29 and source and drain 55 and 57. Buried layer 25 is formed beneath n+ tub 23. NPN transistor 19 is formed on top of buried n-tub layer 39. Transistor 19 includes an n+ sinker implant 41, polysilicon emitter structure 33, buried collector 39, emitter 61 and base 35. Region 37 is often termed the "selectively implanted collector." Typically, the fabrication process for the BiCMOS structure 11 begins with formation of a continuous buried layer including regions 25 and 39. Then, an epitaxial layer is formed on top of the buried layer and the appropriate dopings and tub definitions are performed.
Turning again to NPN transistor 19, it will be noted that the principal collector current conduction path is through selectively implanted collector 37, buried layer 39, and sinker 41. There is substantially less collector conduction through n-regions 63 and 67 because of their higher resistivity. (An appropriate collector contact is formed upon surface 43 although not shown.) Bipolar device 19 provides low collector resistance (Rc) and base-collector junction capacitance. However, the process utilized to form the device 11 of FIG. 1 is expensive and complex. It is difficult to integrate the formation of bipolar device 19 into the existing CMOS process modules which form CMOS pair 13 without changing the CMOS device characteristics.
Thus, those concerned with the development of bipolar technology in general, and BiCMOS technology in particular, have continuously sought bipolar devices with superior operating characteristics and have also sought bipolar devices which may be fabricated in the context of a CMOS process without undesirable side effects.

Process for making bipolar having graded or modulated collector