A novel class or family of TGF-xcex2 binding proteins is disclosed. Also disclosed are assays for selecting molecules for increasing bone mineralization and methods for utilizing such molecules.

The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical products and methods and, more specifically, to methods and compositions suitable for increasing the mineral content of bone. Such compositions and methods may be utilized to treat a wide variety of conditions, including for example, osteopenia, osteoporosis, fractures and other disorders in which low bone mineral density are a hallmark of the disease.
Two or three distinct phases of changes to bone mass occur over the life of an individual (see Riggs, West J. Med. 154:63-77, 1991). The first phase occurs in both men and women, and proceeds to attainment of a peak bone mass. This first phase is achieved through linear growth of the endochondral growth plates, and radial growth due to a rate of periosteal apposition. The second phase begins around age 30 for trabecular bone (flat bones such as the vertebrae and pelvis) and about age 40 for cortical bone (e.g., long bones found in the limbs) and continues to old age. This phase is characterized by slow bone loss, and occurs in both men and women. In women, a third phase of bone loss also occurs, most likely due to postmenopausal estrogen deficiencies. During this phase alone, women may lose an additional 10% of bone mass from the cortical bone and 25% from the trabecular compartment (see Riggs, supra). Loss of bone mineral content can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, and may result in significant medical problems. For example, osteoporosis is a debilitating disease in humans characterized by marked decreases in skeletal bone mass and mineral density, structural deterioration of bone including degradation of bone microarchitecture and corresponding increases in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture in afflicted individuals. Osteoporosis in humans is preceded by clinical osteopenia (bone mineral density that is greater than one standard deviation but less than 2.5 standard deviations below the mean value for young adult bone), a condition found in approximately 25 million people in the United States. Another 7-8 million patients in the United States have been diagnosed with clinical osteoporosis (defined as bone mineral content greater than 2.5 standard deviations below that of mature young adult bone). Osteoporosis is one of the most expensive diseases for the health care. system, costing tens of billions of dollars annually in the United States. In addition to health care-related costs, long-term residential care and lost working days add to the financial and social costs of this disease. Worldwide approximately 75 million people are at risk for osteoporosis.
The frequency of osteoporosis in the human population increases with age, and among Caucasians is predominant in women (who comprise 80% of the osteoporosis patient pool in the United States). The increased fragility and susceptibility to fracture of skeletal bone in the aged is aggravated by the greater risk of accidental falls in this population. More than 1.5 million osteoporosis-related bone fractures are reported in the United States each year. Fractured hips, wrists, and vertebrae are among the most common injuries associated with osteoporosis. Hip fractures in particular are extremely uncomfortable and expensive for the patient, and for women correlate with high rates of mortality and morbidity.
Although osteoporosis has been defined as an increase in the risk of fracture due to decreased bone mass, none of the presently available treatments for skeletal disorders can substantially increase the bone density of adults. There is a strong perception among all physicians that drugs are needed which could increase bone density in adults, particularly in the bones of the wrist, spinal column and hip that are at risk in osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Current strategies for the prevention of osteoporosis may offer some benefit to individuals but cannot ensure resolution of the disease. These strategies include moderating physical activity (particularly in weight-bearing activities) with the onset of advanced age, including adequate calcium in the diet, and avoiding consumption of products containing alcohol or tobacco. For patients presenting with clinical osteopenia or osteoporosis, all current therapeutic drugs and strategies are directed to reducing further loss of bone mass by inhibiting the process of bone absorption, a natural component of the bone remodeling process that occurs constitutively.
For example, estrogen is now being prescribed to retard bone loss. There is, however, some controversy over whether there is any long term benefit to patients and whether there is any effect at all on patients over 75 years old. Moreover, use of estrogen is believed to increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
High doses of dietary calcium with or without vitamin D has also been suggested for postmenopausal women. However, high doses of calcium can often have unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, and serum and urinary calcium levels must be continuously monitored (see Khosla and Rigss, Mayo Clin. Proc. 70:978-982, 1995).
Other therapeutics which have been suggested include calcitonin, bisphosphonates, anabolic steroids and sodium fluoride. Such therapeutics however, have undesirable side effects (e.g., calcitonin and steroids may cause nausea and provoke an immune reaction, bisphosphonates and sodium fluoride may inhibit repair of fractures, even though bone density increases modestly) that may prevent their usage (see Khosla and Rigss, supra).
No currently practiced therapeutic strategy involves a drug that stimulates or enhances the growth of new bone mass. The present invention provides compositions and methods which can be utilized to increase bone mineralization, and thus may be utilized to treat a wide variety of conditions where it is desired to increase bone mass. Further, the present invention provides other, related advantages.
As noted above, the present invention provides a novel class or family of TGF-beta binding-proteins, as well as assays for selecting compounds which increase bone mineral content and bone mineral density, compounds which increase bone mineral content and bone mineral density and methods for utilizing such compounds in the treatment or prevention of a wide variety of conditions.
Within one aspect of the present invention, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided, wherein said nucleic acid molecules are selected from the group consisting of: (a) an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising sequence ID Nos. 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, or, 15, or complementary sequence thereof; (b) an isolated nucleic acid molecule that specifically hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule of (a) under conditions of high stringency; and (c) an isolated nucleic acid that encodes a TGF-beta binding-protein according to (a) or (b). Within related aspects of the present invention, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided based upon hybridization to only a portion of one of the above-identified sequences (e.g., for (a) hybridization may be to a probe of at least 20, 25, 50, or 100 nucleotides selected from nucleotides 156 to 539 or 555 to 687 of Sequence ID No. 1). As should be readily evident, the necessary stringency to be utilized for hybridization may vary based upon the size of the probe. For example, for a 25-mer probe high stringency conditions could include: 60 mM Tris pH 8.0, 2 mM EDTA, 5xc3x97Denhardt""s, 6xc3x97SSC. 0.1% (w/v) N-laurylsarcosine, 0.5% (w/v) NP-40 (nonidet P-40) overnight at 45 degrees C., followed by two washes with with 0.2xc3x97SSC/0.1% SDS at 45-50 degrees. For a 100-mer probe under low stringency conditions, suitable conditions might include the following: 5xc3x97SSPE, 5xc3x97Denhardt""s, and 0.5% SDS overnight at 42-50 degrees, followed by two washes with 2xc3x97SSPE (or 2xc3x97SSC)/0.1% SDS at 42-50 degrees.
Within related aspects of the present invention, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which have homology to Sequence ID Nos. 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, or 15, at a 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 98% level of homology utilizing a Wilbur-Lipman algorithm. Representative examples of such isolated molecules include, for example, nucleic acid molecules which encode a protein comprising Sequence ID NOs. 2, 6, 10, 12, 14, or 16, or have homology to these sequences at a level of 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 98% level of homology utilizing a Lipman-Pearson algorithm.
Isolated nucleic acid molecules are typically less than 100 kb in size, and. within certain embodiments, less than 50 kb, 25 kb, 10 kb, or even 5 kb in size. Further, isolated nucleic acid molecules, within other embodiments, do not exist in a xe2x80x9clibraryxe2x80x9d of other unrelated nucleic acid molecules (e.g., a subclone BAC such as described in GenBank Accession No. AC003098 and EMB No. AQ171546). However, isolated nucleic acid molecules can be found in libraries of related molecules (e.g., for shuffling, such as is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,458; 5,830,721; and 5,811,238). Finally, isolated nucleic acid molecules as described herein do not include nucleic acid molecules which encode Dan, Cerberus, Gremlin, or SCGF (U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,263).
Also provided by the present invention are cloning vectors which contain the above-noted nucleic acid molecules, and expression vectors which comprise a promoter (e.g., a regulatory sequence) operably linked to one of the above-noted nucleic acid molecules. Representative examples of suitable promoters include tissue-specific promoters, and viralxe2x80x94based promoters (e.g., CMV-based promoters such as CMV I-E, SV40 early promoter, and MuLV LTR). Expression vectors may also be based upon, or derived from viruses (e.g., a xe2x80x9cviral vectorxe2x80x9d). Representative examples of viral vectors include herpes simplex viral vectors, adenoviral vectors, adenovirus-associated viral vectors and retroviral vectors. Also provided are host cells containing or comprising any of above-noted vectors (including for example, host cells of human, monkey, dog, rat, or mouse origin).
Within other aspects of the present invention, methods of producing TGF-beta binding-proteins are provided, comprising the step of culturing the aforementioned host cell containing vector under conditions and for a time sufficient to produce the TGF-beta binding protein. Within further embodiments, the protein produced by this method may be further purified (eg., by column chromatography, affinity purification, and the like). Hence, isolated proteins which are encoded by the above-noted nucleic acid molecules (e.g., Sequence ID NOs. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16) may be readily produced given the disclosure of the subject application.
It should also be noted that the aforementioned proteins, or fragments thereof, may be produced as fusion proteins. For example, within one aspect fusion proteins are provided comprising a first polypeptide segment comprising a TGF-beta binding-protein encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as described above, or a portion thereofofat least 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 amino acids in length, and a second polypeptide segment comprising a non-TGF-beta binding-protein. Within certain embodiments, the second polypeptide may be a tag suitable for purification or recognition (e.g., a polypeptide comprising multiple anionic amino acid residuesxe2x80x94see U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,341), a marker (e.g., green fluorescent protein, or alkaline phosphatase), or a toxic. molecule (e.g., ricin).
Within another aspect of the present invention, antibodies are provided which are capable of specifically binding the above-described class of TGF-beta binding proteins (e.g., human BEER). Within various embodiments, the antibody may be a polyclonal antibody, or a monoclonal antibody (e.g., of human or murine origin). Within further embodiments, the antibody is a fragment of an antibody which retains the binding characteristics of a whole antibody (e.g., an F(abxe2x80x2)2, F(ab)2, Fabxe2x80x2, Fab, or Fv fragment, or even a CDR). Also provided are hybridomas and other cells which are capable of producing or expressing the aforementioned antibodies.
Within related aspects of the invention, methods are provided detecting a TGF-beta binding protein, comprising the steps of incubating an antibody as described above under conditions and for a time sufficient to permit said antibody to bind to a TGF-beta binding protein, and detecting the binding. Within various embodiments the antibody may be bound to a solid support to facilitate washing or separation, and/or labeled. (e.g., with a marker selected from the group consisting of enzymes, fluorescent proteins, and radioisotopes).
Within other aspects of the present invention, isolated oligonucleotides are provided which hybridize to a nucleic acid molecule according to Sequence ID NOs. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, or 18 or the complement thereto, under conditions of high stringency. Within further embodiments, the oligonucleotide may be found in the sequence which encodes Sequence ID Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16. Within certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide is at least 15, 20, 30, 50, or 100 nucleotides in length. Within further embodiments, the oligonucleotide is labeled with another molecule (e.g. an enzyme, fluorescent molecule, or radioisotope). Also provided are primers which are capable of specifically amplifying all or a portion of the above-mentioned nucleic acid molecules which encode TGF-beta binding-proteins. As utilized herein, the term xe2x80x9cspecifically amplifyingxe2x80x9d should be understood to refer to primers which amplify the aforementioned TGF-beta binding-proteins, and not other TGF-beta binding proteins such as Dan, Cerberus, Gremlin, or SCGF (U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,263).
Within related aspects of the present invention, methods are provided for detecting a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a TGF-beta binding protein, comprising the steps of incubating an oligonucleotide as described above under conditions of high stringency, and detecting hybridization of said oligonucleotide. Within certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide may be labeled and/or bound to a solid support.
Within other aspects of the present invention, ribozymes are provided which are capable of cleaving RNA which encodes one of the above-mentioned TGF-beta binding-proteins (e.g., Sequence ID NOs. 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16). Such ribozymes may be composed of DNA, RNA (including 2xe2x80x2-O-methyl ribonucleic acids), nucleic acid analogs (e.g., nucleic acids having phosphorothioate linkages) or mixtures thereof. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules (e.g., DNA or cDNA) which encode these ribozymes, and vectors which are capable of expressing or producing the ribozymes. Representative examples of vectors include plasmids, retrotransposons. cosmids, and viral-based vectors (e.g., viral vectors generated at least in part from a retrovirus, adenovirus, or, adeno-associated virus). Also provided are host cells (e.g., human, dog, rat, or mouse cells) which contain these vectors. In certain embodiments, the host cell may be stably transformed with the vector.
Within further aspects of the invention, methods are provided for producing ribozymes either synthetically, or by in vitro or in vivo transcription. Within further embodiments, the ribozymes so produced may be further purified and/or formulated into pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., the ribozyme or nucleic acid molecule encoding the ribozyme along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent). Similarly, the antisense oligonucleotides and antibodies or other selected molecules described herein may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions.
Within other aspects of the present invention, antisense oligonucleotides are provided comprising a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule according to Sequence ID NOs. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, or 15, or the complement thereto, and wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of TGF-beta binding protein as described herein (e.g., human BEER). Within various embodiments, the oligonucleotide is 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 50 nucleotides in length. Preferably, the oligonucleotide is less than 100, 75, or 60 nucleotides in length. As should be readily evident, the oligonucleotide may be comprised of one or more nucleic acid analogs, ribonucleic acids, or deoxyribonucleic acids. Further, the oligonucleotide may be modified by one or more, linkages, including for example, covalent linkage such as a phosphorothioate linkage, a phosphotriester linkage, a methyl phosphonate linkage, a methylene(methylimino) linkage, a morpholino linkage, an amide linkage, a polyamide linkage, a short chain alkyl intersugar linkage, a cycloalkyl intersugar linkage, a short chain heteroatomic intersugar linkage and a heterocyclic intersugar linkage. One representative example of a chimeric oligonucleotide is provied in U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,912.
Within yet another aspect of the present invention, methods are provided for increasing bone mineralization, comprising introducing into a warm-blooded animal an effective amount of the ribozyme as described above. Within related aspects, such methods comprise the step of introducing into a patient an effective amount of the nucleic acid molecule or vector as described herein which is capable of producing the desired ribozyme, under conditions favoring transcription of the nucleic acid molecule to produce the ribozyme.
Within other aspects of the invention transgenic, non-human animals are provided. Within one embodiment a transgenic animal is provided whose germ cells and somatic cells contain a nucleic acid molecule encoding a TGF-beta binding-protein as described above which is operably linked to a promoter effective for the expression of the gene, the gene being introduced into the animal, or an ancestor of the animal, at an embryonic stage, with the proviso that said animal is not a human. Within other embodiments, transgenic knockout animals are provided, comprising an animal whose germ cells and somatic cells comprise a disruption of at least one allele of an endogenous nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a TGF-binding protein as described herein, wherein the disruption prevents transcription of messenger RNA from said allele as compared to an animal without the disruption, with the proviso that the animal is not a human. Within various embodiments, the disruption is a nucleic acid deletion, substitution, or, insertion. Within other embodiments the transgenic animal is-a mouse, rat, sheep, pig, or dog.
Within further aspects of the invention, kits are provided for the detection of TGF-beta binding-protein gene expression, comprising a container that comprises a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is selected from the group consisting of (a) a nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, or 15; (b) a nucleic acid molecule comprising the complement of the nucleotide sequence of (a), (c) a nucleic acid molecule that is a fragment of (a) or (b) of at least 15, 20 30, 50, 75, or, 100 nucleotides in length. Also provided are kits for the detection of a TGF-beta binding-protein which comprise a container that comprise one of the TGF-beta binding protein antibodies described herein.
For example, within one aspect of the present invention methods are provided for determining whether a selected molecule is capable of increasing bone mineral content, comprising the steps of (a) mixing one or more candidate molecules with TGF-beta-binding-protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule according to claim 1 and a selected member of the TGF-beta family of proteins (e.g., BMP 5 or 6), (b) determining whether the candidate molecule alters the signaling of the TGF-beta family member, or alters the binding of the TGF-beta binding-protein to the TGF-beta family member. Within certain embodiments, the molecule alters the ability of TGF-beta to function as a positive regulator of mesenchymal cell differentiation. Within this aspect of the present invention, the candidate molecule(s) may alter signaling or binding by, for example, either decreasing (e.g., inhibiting), or increasing (e.g., enhancing) signaling or binding.
Within yet another aspect, methods are provided for determining whether a selected molecule is capable of increasing bone mineral content, comprising the step of determining whether a selected molecule inhibits the binding of TGF-beta binding-protein to bone, or an analogue thereof. Representative examples of bone or analogues thereof include hydroxyapatite and primary human bone samples obtained via biopsy.
Within certain embodiments of the above-recited methods, the selected molecule is contained within a mixture of molecules and the methods may further comprise the step of isolating one or more molecules which are functional within the assay. Within yet other embodiments, TGF-beta family of proteins is bound to a solid support and the binding of TGF-beta binding-protein is measured or TGF-beta binding-protein are bound to a solid support and the binding of TGF-beta proteins are measured.
Utilizing methods such as those described above, a wide variety of molecules may be assayed for their ability to increase bone mineral content by inhibiting the binding of the TGF-beta binding-protein to the TGF-beta family of proteins. Representative examples of such molecules include proteins or peptides organic molecules, and nucleic acid molecules.
Within other related aspects of the invention, methods are provided for increasing bone mineral content in a warm-blooded animal, comprising the step of administering to a warm-blooded animal a therapeutically effective amount of a molecule identified from the assays recited herein. Within another aspect, methods are provided for increasing bone mineral content in a warm-blooded animal, comprising the step of administering to a warm-blooded animal a therapeutically effective amount of a molecule which inhibits the binding of the TGF-beta binding-protein to the TGF-beta super-family of proteins, including bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Representative examples of suitable molecules include antisense molecules, ribozymes, ribozyme genes, and antibodies (e.g., a humanized antibody) which specifically recognize and alter the activity of the TGF-beta binding-protein.
Within another aspect of the present invention, methods are provided for increasing bone mineral content in a warm-blooded animal, comprising the steps of (a) introducing into cells which home to the bone a vector which directs the expression of a molecule which inhibits the binding of the TGF-beta binding-protein to the TGF-beta family of proteins and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), and (b) administering the vector-containing cells to a warm-blooded animal. As utilized herein, it should be understood that cells xe2x80x9chome to bonexe2x80x9d if they localize within the bone matrix after peripheral administration. Within one embodiment, such methods further comprise, prior to the step of introducing, isolating cells from the marrow of bone which home to the bone. Within a further embodiment, the cells which home to bone are selected from the group consisting of CD34+ cells and osteoblasts.
Within other aspects of the present invention, molecules are provided (preferably isolated) which inhibit the binding of the TGF-beta binding-protein to the TGF-beta super-family of proteins.
Within further embodiments, the molecules may be provided as a composition, and can further comprise an inhibitor of bone resorption. Representative examples of such inhibitors include calcitonin, estrogen, a bisphosphonate, a growth factor having anti-resorptive activity and tamoxifen.
Representative examples of molecules which may be utilized in the afore-mentioned therapeutic contexts include, e.g., ribozymes, ribozyme genes. antisense molecules, and/or antibodies (e.g., humanized antibodies). Such molecules may depending upon their selection, used to alter, antagonize, or agonize the signalling or binding of a TGF-beta binding-protein family member as described herein.
Within various embodiments of the invention, the above-described molecules and methods of treatment or prevention may be utilized on conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalasia, periodontal disease, scurvy, Cushing""s Disease. bone fracture and conditions due to limb immobilization and steroid usage.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become evident upon reference to the following detailed description and attached drawings. In addition, various references are set forth herein which describe in more detail certain procedures or compositions (e.g., plasmids, etc.), and are therefore incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Compositions and methods for increasing bone mineralization


A capture device can detect gestures made by a user. The gestures can be used to control a gesture unaware program.

Computing applications such as computer games, multimedia applications, or the like typically use user input in the form of keyboard and mouse input. Gesture recognition systems are being developed to allow for new ways to control programs. While new applications may take advantage of gestures, users and program developers may also want to use gestures to control legacy programs, e.g., programs that were not coded to handle gesture user input. Accordingly, techniques for controlling legacy programs are desirable.

Techniques for using human gestures to control gesture unaware programs


A rotor blade has a local geometric twist angle xcex8=ƒ(r/R), with R being the blade span and r being the distance along the blade span from the axis of rotation. The blade has an inner region between an (r/R)inner=0.20xc2x10.04 and a transition point at (r/R)trams=0.75xc2x10.04, wherein xcex8inner at (r/R)inner has a positive value and is greater than or equal to xcex8trans at (r/R)trans. A blade tip region includes a first portion between (r/R)trans and (r/R)min greater than (r/R)trans, wherein xcex8 continuously decreases from xcex8trans to xcex8min at (r/R)min, and xcex94xcex8tip1=|xcex8minxe2x88x92xcex8trans| greater than 3xc2x0, and a second portion between (r/R)min and the blade tip, wherein xcex8 continuously increases from xcex8min to xcex8tip at the tip, and xcex94xcex8tip2=|xcex8tipxe2x88x92xcex8min| is at least about 3xc2x0 and no greater than about 20xc2x0. This geometry pushes the vortex trailed by the blade tip away from the blade and thus increases blade performance. In a preferred tiltrotor blade embodiment, xcex94xcex8inner=|xcex8innerxe2x88x92xcex8trans|=32.5xc2x0xc2x17.5xc2x0, xcex8 continuously decreases from (r/R)inner to (r/R)trans, (r/R)min=0.91xc2x10.04, xcex94xcex8tip1=7.5xc2x0xc2x12.5xc2x0, and xcex94xcex8tip2=10xc2x0xc2x16xc2x0. In a preferred helicopter blade embodiment, xcex94xcex8inner=|xcex8innerxe2x88x92xcex8trans|=20xc2x0xc2x15xc2x0, xcex8 continuously decreases from (r/R)inner to (r/R)trans, (r/R)min=0.94xc2x10.04, xcex94xcex8tip1=5xc2x0xc2x12xc2x0, and xcex94xcex8tip2 is from about 3xc2x0 to about 10xc2x0. Another embodiment of the invention uses adjustable flaps to control xcex8=ƒ(r/R) in an inboard region of a helicopter blade to optimize performance in hover and forward flight regimes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotor blade for a rotary-wing aircraft, and more particularly, to such a blade with an increased hover figure of merit as compared to known blades.
2. Description of Related Art
Hover efficiency is a crucial determining factor in rotor blade performance, strongly influencing both range and payload of a rotary wing aircraft such as a helicopter or tiltrotor aircraft.
Although rotor performance in hover is greatly influenced by the very complex and unsteady vortical wake generated beneath the rotor, much of the current methodology for rotor blade aerodynamic design is based on momentum and blade element theories that do not account for the effect of this vortical wake. Classical vortex theory has also been applied to this problem, but by necessity it requires the use of simplifying assumptions such as prescribing the position of the vortex wake, which limits the extent to which it improves over momentum theory for design applications.
Classical methods are reasonably accurate in predicting rotor hover performance. However, even a very small increase in hover efficiency can provide important improvements in rotary wing aircraft payload and range. Classical methods are not capable of calculating performance to the required level of accuracy to predict these small increases in hover efficiency.
A typical rotary wing helicopter H is depicted in FIG. 1. It includes a fuselage FH to which is mounted landing gear LH, a main rotor RH and a tail rotor TH. The helicopter H has one or more powerplants PH to provide motive force to the main rotor RH and the tail rotor TH. The main rotor RH includes a plurality of rotor blades BH, with which the present invention is concerned, mounted to a rotor hub HH. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the helicopter can have a different number of blades depending on the performance parameters it must satisfy.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,105, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,577 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,911 are examples of prior art attempts to provide optimized rotor blades for such a helicopter. These patents focus on numerous geometrical properties of the blade, including twist. Blade geometric twist xcex8 determines a blade""s geometric angle of attack at each spanwise location relative to the airflow approaching the blade, and thus the lift generated by the blade as it rotates. (By convention, positive values of xcex8 signify upward twist of the blade leading edge.) These patents state that increasing overall blade twist beyond that of previous configurations reduces the geometric angle of attack and the local lift near the blade tip in hover. This is said to diminish the strength of the vortex trailed from the tip of the blade as it rotates and thereby reduce vortex interference and induced power losses and increase aerodynamic efficiency.
Those skilled in the art understand that a given blade""s figure of merit FM is a generally accepted indication of a rotor""s hover efficiency. Figure of merit is defined as the ratio of minimum possible power required to hover, to the actual power required to hover. Thus, figure of merit compares the actual rotor performance with the performance of an ideal rotor. Johnson, W., Helicopter Theory, Princeton Univ. Press (1980), pages 34-35 (hereinafter xe2x80x9cJohnsonxe2x80x9d).
Mathematically, figure of merit can be expressed as follows:       F    M    =      0.7071              xe2x80x83                          C        T        1.5                    C        Q
where       Rotor              xe2x80x83            torque              xe2x80x83            coefficient              xe2x80x83                  C      Q        =            Q              ρ                          xe2x80x83                        π                          xe2x80x83                                  R          3                                        (                  Ω                                xe2x80x83                              R                )            2            Rotor              xe2x80x83            thrust              xe2x80x83            coefficient              xe2x80x83                  C      T        =            T              ρ                          xe2x80x83                        π                          xe2x80x83                                  R          2                                        (                  Ω                                xe2x80x83                              R                )            2
In the above equations:
Q=torque in pounds-feet,
T=thrust in pounds,
R=rotor radius in feet measured from the axis of rotation,
xcexa9=rotor angular velocity in radians per second, and
xcfx81=density of air in slugs per cubic feet.
It will be appreciated that FM for a particular rotor is an indication of the ratio of the induced power required to produce a given amount of thrust if the air were uniformly accelerated through the rotor disc around the azimuth, to the actual total power (induced plus profile) required to produce the same amount of thrust with the actual rotor. Induced power is a consequence of the fact that the lifting force induced by the rotating blades is not directly vertical, and therefore has a component producing what is known to those skilled in the art as induced drag. Profile power is a consequence of the profile drag on the rotating blades.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,105 proposes changing the geometric twist of a conventional rotor blade near the tip. Geometric twist is the angle of a blade chord relative to a reference plane. The patent superimposes a span-wise twist distribution on an otherwise conventional rotor blade in a tip region of the blade (in the patent, outward to the blade tip from 71% to 88% of the blade span, depending on the number of blades in the rotor). The nomimal twist distribution disclosed in the patent provides a tip region with an ever-decreasing amount of incremental twist relative to the twist of the conventional blade, as shown in FIG. 2 of the patent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,105 also suggests that the blade at an even smaller region closer to the tip (outward to the tip from 80% to 96% of the blade span, again depending on the number of blades in the rotor) can be twisted in the opposite direction to increase blade twist. The patent specifically states that this relatively upward twist close to the tip is no greater than a maximum of 3.5xc2x0, and should never exceed an amount that maximizes lift-to-drag ratio in this region.
The only helicopter known actually to use a blade with upward twist in a tip region is Sikorsky""s UH-60. The UH-60 blade has a tip region in which the twist angle decreases incrementally beginning at about 85% of the blade span. The region from about 93% to the tip has an increasing twist angle (that is, the blade twists back upward) about 2xc2x0 or so. The UH-60 blade is discussed in Johnson, W. R., xe2x80x9cWake Model for Helicopter Rotors in High Speed Flight,xe2x80x9d NASA CR 177507, November 1988, p. 260. It appears that the UH-60 blade""s twist distribution is intended to follow the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,105.
There is also prior art that suggests that sweeping the blade tip backward and drooping the blade tip downward (providing an anhedral angle) will further improve hover efficiency.
Classic momentum theory suggests that in hover mode the optimum twist angle distribution along the blade span is proportional to 1/r, where r is the location along the blade measured from the axis of rotation. However, using such a twist distribution in the inboard regions of the blade (that is, from approximately r/R=0.20 to r/R=0.75), increases vibration in forward flight. Accordingly, twist in that region of helicopter rotor blades is usually reduced to below that which is called for by classical momentum theory, resulting in a concomitant performance penalty.
In summary, even though helicopter blade performance has been improved over the years by approaches such as that disclosed in the above-mentioned patents and other prior art, rotor blade designers continue to seek further performance enhancements for the hover, forward flight and landing regimes of helicopters.
Those efforts are hampered by the complexity of the flow created by helicopter rotors and the difficulty in analyzing those flows. But as difficult as it is to optimize a particular helicopter rotor blade configuration, tiltrotor aircraft provide an even greater challenge to the blade designer.
This type of aircraft has rotary blades that enable it to take-off as a helicopter, and are then tilted to provide forward propulsive thrust in a mode of flight in which the aircraft operates as a propeller-driven airplane. An example of such an aircraft extant today is the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey.
FIG. 2 depicts a typical tiltrotor aircraft T. It has a fuselage FT with a fixed wing W and an empennage assembly E. At each end of the wing W there is mounted a powerplant PT, and each powerplant has associated with it a rotor RT. The rotors each include a number of blades BT, typically three in tiltrotor aircraft now being designed, mounted to a rotor hub HT. When taking off and landing the powerplant-rotor assemblies are in the position shown in FIG. 2. Sufficient thrust is created by the rotor blades to support the aircraft, which thus takes off and lands as would a helicopter. It then transitions to forward flight by gaining sufficient speed to cause the wing W to create enough thrust to support the aircraft, while rotating the powerplant-rotor assemblies by roughly 90xc2x0. At that point, the rotor blades function as propeller blades and provide sufficient thrust to propel the tiltrotor forward in the same manner as a conventional fixed-wing aircraft.
The dual use of the same rotor blades for both lifting the tiltrotor aircraft as a helicopter and for propelling it forward as a fixed-wing aircraft necessitates a compromise in blade configuration between one that is optimal for hover (helicopter mode) and one that is optimal for cruise (airplane mode).
Tiltrotor blade performance is quantified by the blade""s figure of merit FM in the hover mode (as discussed above) and its propulsive efficiency q in cruise mode (where xcex7=1.0 represents an ideal maximum). Optimum performance is obtained by increasing these parameters as much as possible. Figure of merit determines the rotorcraft payload capacity. Roughly speaking, an increase in figure of merit of 0.01 could result in more than a 5% increase in payload. Increasing either figure of merit or propulsive efficiency would increase the aircraft""s range. An increase of 0.01 in figure of merit could result in a 4% increase in range. One reason for this is that an increased figure of merit enables the aircraft to take off with more fuel. An increase of 0.01 in propulsive efficiency could result in a 1% increase in range. These rough numbers illustrate that figure of merit is the strongest consideration in maximizing tiltrotor aircraft performance.
In an attempt to optimize these parameters, the current V-22 blade incorporates a twist angle function such that the change in geometric twist (xcex94xcex8) decreases linearly about 20xc2x0 from the blade root (r/R=0) up to an r/R of about 0.45, and then decreases linearly by about 15xc2x0 from there to the blade tip. Providing a steeper twist angle gradient in the inner region is thought to optimize propulsive efficiency, while a shallower slope in the outer region is intended to optimize the figure of merit in hover mode.
It would be desirable particularly to increase the blade""s figure of merit considering the benefits to be gained in overall aircraft performance by doing so.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotor blade that results in improved performance as compared to prior art blades.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a rotor blade includes a blade root for attachment to a rotor hub for rotating the blade about an axis of rotation transverse to a blade span R between the axis of rotation and a distal end of the blade defining a blade tip, wherein the blade has a chord extending between a blade leading edge and a blade trailing edge transverse to the blade span and the chord has a local geometric twist angle xcex8=ƒ(r/R), with r being the distance along the blade span from the axis of rotation, the blade comprising:
an inner region between an inner boundary at (r/R)inner=0.20xc2x10.04 and a transition point at (r/R)trans=0.75xc2x10.04, wherein xcex8inner at (r/R)inner has a positive value and xcex8inner is greater than or equal to xcex8trans at (r/R)trans; and
a tip region between the transition point and the blade tip, the tip region including:
a first portion between (r/R)trans and (r/R)min greater than (r/R)trans, wherein xcex8 continuously decreases from xcex8trans to xcex8min at (r/R)min, and xcex94xcex8tip1=|xcex8minxe2x88x92xcex8trans| greater than 3xc2x0, and
a second portion between (r/R)min and the blade tip, wherein xcex8 continuously increases from xcex8min to xcex8tip at the blade tip, and xcex94xcex8tip2=|xcex8tipxe2x88x92xcex8min| is at least about 3xc2x0 and no greater than about 20xc2x0.
The amount of uptwist at the tip (xcex94xcex8tip2) is generally chosen to be as large as possible considering the structural properties of the particular blade under consideration. It is not chosen to maximize lift-to-drag ratio in this region of the blade.
An important embodiment of this aspect of the invention is a rotor blade for a tiltrotor aircraft, in which (r/R)min=0.91xc2x10.04, xcex94xcex8tip1=7.50xc2x12.5xc2x0, and xcex94xcex8tip2=10xc2x0xc2x16xc2x0. Preferably, in such a rotor blade xcex94xcex8inner=|xcex8innerxe2x88x92xcex8trans|=32.5xc2x0xc2x17.5xc2x0 and xcex8 continuously decreases from (r/R)inner to (r/R)trans.
Another specific embodiment of the invention is a rotor blade for a helicopter in which (r/R)min=0.94xc2x10.04, xcex94xcex8tip1=5xc2x0xc2x12xc2x0, and xcex94xcex8tip2 is from about 3xc2x0 to about 10xc2x0. Preferably in such a rotor, xcex94xcex8inner=xcex8innerxe2x88x92xcex8trans|=20xc2x0xc2x15xc2x0 and xcex8 continuously decreases from (r/R)inner to (r/R)trans.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rotor blade for a helicopter capable of hover and forward flight includes a blade root for attachment to a rotor hub for rotating the blade about an axis of rotation transverse to a blade span R between the axis of rotation and a distal end of the blade defining a blade tip, wherein the blade has a chord extending between a blade leading edge and a blade trailing edge transverse to the blade span and the chord has a local geometric twist angle xcex8=ƒ(r/R), with r being the distance along the blade span from the axis of rotation, the blade comprising:
an inner region between an inner boundary at (r/R)inner=0.20xc2x10.04 and a transition point at (r/R)trans=0.75xc2x10.04, wherein xcex8inner at (r/R)inner has a positive value and xcex8inner is greater than or equal to xcex8trans at (r/R)trans;
a mechanism for selectively providing along the blade span within the inner region at least two twist angle distributions while the helicopter is in flight, a first twist angle distribution for hover and a second twist angle distribution for forward flight, wherein xcex94xcex8inner=|xcex8innerxe2x88x92xcex8trans| for the first twist angle distribution is greater than xcex94xcex8inner2=|xcex8innerxe2x88x92xcex8trans| for the second twist angle distribution; and
a tip region extending from the transition point to the blade tip, the tip region including:
a first portion between (r/R)trans and (r/R)min greater than (r/R)trans, wherein xcex8 continuously decreases from xcex8trans to xcex8min at (r/R)min, and xcex94xcex8tip1=|xcex8minxe2x88x92trans| greater than 3xc2x0, and
a second portion between (r/R)min and the blade tip, wherein xcex8 continuously increases from xcex8min to xcex8tip at the blade tip, and xcex94xcex8tip2=|xcex8tipxe2x88x92xcex8min| is at least about 3xc2x0 and no greater than about 20xc2x0.
In a more specific embodiment of this aspect of the invention, xcex94xcex8inner1=20xc2x0xc2x15xc2x0, xcex94xcex8inner2=5xc2x0xc2x12xc2x0, (r/R)min=0.94xc2x10.04, and xcex94xcex8tip2 is from about 3xc2x0 to about 10xc2x0. In addition, the mechanism can comprise a plurality of selectively actuatable trailing edge flaps disposed along the blade.

Rotor blade with optimized twist distribution


The present invention provides a composition and a recording material made from the composition having an excellent dynamic sensitivity in recording as well as an excellent image stability and, particularly, having excellent resistance for heat and humidity, heat, light, plasticizer and water. The composition and the recording material include the following compounds (1), (2), and (3):

A recording material making use of color development based on a chemical reaction between a color forming dye and a developer is capable of carrying out a recording process in a relatively simple apparatus and within a short period of time without performing complicated processing such as development fixing. Thus, such recording material is used in a wide range of applications including pressuresensitive copying materials or thermal recording materials of output-recording units employed in facsimile machines or printers.
The capability to develop colors quickly and maintain the whiteness of the portion with no developed colors is demanded of these recording materials. The portion with no developed colors is hereafter referred to as the background. In addition, high durability of background and image is demanded of these recording materials. In recent years, particularly, a large amount of recording material is being used in a field where the reliability of a recorded image is considered to be of high importance. As a result, there is an increase in the demand for a recording material having an excellent image stability such as heat and humidity, heat, light, water and plasticizer (included in a macromolecular material) resistance.
With one kind of developer, however, it is difficult to provide a recording material satisfying all the demands described above. In addition, while attempts have been made to use a mixture consisting of a developer exhibiting a good heat and humidity resistance and a developer having a good light resistance, a recording material that sufficiently satisfies all the requirements has not yet been invented. As described earlier, the requirements include an excellent sensitivity in recording, heat and humidity, heat, light, plasticizer and water resistance. When a recording material does not satisfy all the requirements, a phenomenon called background fogging typically occurs after the creation of a piece of thermal recording paper. A background fogging is a phenomenon in which color is generated on the thermal recording paper.

Abstract: wherein R1, R2, R6, R7, R11, and R12 each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group; a1 to a3 each represents an integer of 1-6; n1 to n3 each represents 0, 1 or 2; m1, m4 and m7 each represents 0, 1, 2 or 3; R3, R4, R8, R9, R13 and R14 each represents an alkyl group; m2, m3, m5, m6, m8 and m9 each represents 0, 1 or 2; and Y1 to Y3 each represents CO or NRCO (R represents hydrogen, etc.).


The present invention relates to a method for treating hypertension or glaucoma in the eye comprising contacting the surface of the eye with a therapeutic amount of a 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivative of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which ##STR2## is a 5 membered ring which is selected from a group consisting of ##STR3## R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sup.2 is C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkenyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkadienyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to a kit for delivery of a topical solution for treatment of glaucoma which comprises (a) container having a solution including a compound of the formula (I), and (b) means for topical delivery of said solution to the eye in a controlled dosage.

Prostaglandins are a class of physiologically active substances which are derived from eicosapolyenoic acid such as arachidonic acid through biosynthetic pathway in animal tissues and have, as a fundamental chemical structure, prostanoic acid of the formula: ##STR4##
Prostaglandins are produced through biosynthesis in various tissues, and classified into several families Thus, prostaglandins are categorized into A-J groups depending on the position of oxgen atom attached to the 5 membered ring moiety and the position of a double bond in the ring moiety. Alternatively, prostaglandins can be categorized into 3 groups depending on the number of double bonds in the side chains. As a result, prostaglandins are designated as PGA.sub.2, PGE.sub.1, PGF.sub.2.alpha., according to both categorizations.
Prostaglandins possess as a whole diverse bioactivities, which include, for example, vasodilator activity, platlet aggregation-inhibiting activity, uterotonic activity, gastrointestinal motility-promoting activity, etc.
Further, some prostaglandins have intraocular pressure-reducing activity. For example, Japanese Patent Publication (kokai) No. 1418/1984 describes that PGF2.alpha. has a high intraocular pressure-reducing activity and that 15-keto-PGF.sub.2.alpha. has the same activity although it is less potent. However, these natural prostaglandins are chemically and biologically labile, and are easily subject to metabolic degradation because they contain in the chemical structure a labile allyl alcohol moiety comprising a double bond between 13 and 14 positions and a hydroxy group at 15 position in the .omega. chain.
13,14-Dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin which is a metabolic product of prostaglandins has been known as a compound which does not contain the labile moiety and has been known to be a useful compound having the intraocular pressure-reducing activity.
The inventors of the invention have found new useful compounds by screening a large amount of prostaglandin derivatives which are stable and capable of being chemically synthesized. Also, the inventors of the invention found that derivatives of conventional prostaglandins which are derived from said conventional prostaglandins by deleting the hydroxy group at 15-position are more stable, particularly in liquid phase, than the conventional prostaglandins, and that they show the intraocular pressure-reducing activity. Thus, the invention provides a new use of these derivatives. In particular, the compounds as described below have a significant intraocular pressure-reducing activity, while they do not produce any side effects such as hyperemia of conjunctiva, and initial increase in intraocular pressure which are often observed in known prostaglandins. Accordingly, the 15-deoxyprostaglandins may be a therapeutical agent useful for treating an ocular disease, in particular glaucoma, which is assumed to be caused by increased intaocular pressure.
As one embodimet, the present invention provides a method for treating hypertension or glaucoma in the eye comprising contacting the surface of the eye with a therapeutic amount of a 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivative of the formula (I): ##STR5## in which ##STR6## is a 5 membered ring which is selected from a group consisting of ##STR7## R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sup.2 is C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkenyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkadienyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The term "C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alkyl" in the definition of R.sup.2 refers to hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl. R.sup.2 may be an unsaturated haydrocarbon chain containing one or more double bonds, with C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 alkenyl or C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 alkadienyl being preferred. Specific examples of the unsaturated hydrocarbon chain are 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 1,3-hexadienyl, 1-heptenyl, 2-heptenyl, 1,3-heptadienyl, 1-octenyl, 2-octenyl, 1,3-octadienyl, 1-nonenyl, 2-nonenyl, 1,3-nonadienyl, 1-decenyl, 2-decenyl, 1,3-decadienyl, 1-undecenyl, 2-undecenyl, 1,3-undecadienyl, 1-dodecenyl, 2-dodecenyl, and 1,3-dodecadienyl.
15-Deoxyprostaglandin derivatives of the formula (I) include all of the stereoisomers and mixture thereof.
Preferably, 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivatives of the above formula in which ##STR8## are used in the method of the present invention. More preferably, (5Z,13E,9S,11R)-9,11-dihydroxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid of the formula: ##STR9## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or lower alkyl esters is used. Among the above derivatives, a sodium salt of (5Z,13E,9S,11R)-9,11-dihydroxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid is especially preferred in the light of solubility in water.
It should be noted that (5Z,13E,9S,11R)-9,11-dihydroxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid of the formula: ##STR10## and methyl ester thereof have been described in Gorman, Proc., Natl., Acad., Sci., U.S.A. 74 vol ,9,4007-4011. However, Gorman neither describes nor suggests the use of the compounds as an intraocular pressure-reducing agent.
The carboxy moiety in the above-noted compounds may be either a free carboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. The salt may be, for example, an alkali metal salt such as a lithium salt, a sodium salt, or a potassium salt; an alkaline earth metal salt such as a calcium salt; an ammonium salt; an organic base salt such as triethylamine, 2-aminobutane, tertbutylamine, diisopropylethylamine, n-butylmethylamine, n-butyldimethylamine, tri-n-butylamine, dicyclohexylamine, N-isopropylcyclohexylamine, tromethamine, furfurylamine, benzylamine, methylbenzylamine, dibenzylamine, N,N,-dimethylbenzylamine, 2-chlorobenzylamine, 4-methoxybenzylamine, 1-naphthylmethylamine, diphenylbenzylamine, triphenylamine, 1-naphtylamine, 1-aminoanthracene, 2-aminoanthracene, dehydroabietylamine, N-methylmorpholine or pyridine; an amino acid salt such as a lysine or arginine salt. Examples of the ester are a lower alkyl ester, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl or pentyl ester. The lower alkyl ester moiety may be substituted with an optional group.
In the method of the present invention, the dose of the compounds of the formula (I) varys depending on purpose of the treatment and effect, method for administration, a particular compound used in the treatment, or age and body weight of a particular patient. Typically, in the case of oral administration, the dose is about 200 .mu.g/kg/day-about 20 mg/kg/day, preferablly about 1 mg/kg/day-about 10 mg/kg/day, but not limited to them. In the case of ophthalmic application for treating hypertension and glaucoma in the eyes, the dose is about 0.01 .mu.g/eye/day-about 1000 .mu.g/eye/day, preferablly about 0.1 .mu.g/eye/day-about 200 .mu.g/eye/day. When the compoumd of (5Z,13E,9S,11R)-9,11-dihydroxy-5,13- prostadienoic acid of the formula: ##STR11## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or lower alkyl esters is used in the method, the preferred dose of the compound is 1 .mu.g/eye/day-about 1000 .mu.g/eye/day, and the more preferred dose is about 5 .mu.g/eye/day-about 500 .mu.g/eye/day.
The above dose which can be used in the method of the present invention may be divided into 1-5 portions in application. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to the method for treating hypertension or glaucoma in the eye comprising periodically, contacting the compounds of the formula (I) with the surface of the eye.
As another embodiment, the invention provides a kit for delivery of a solution for topical treatment of glaucoma which comprises:
(a) container having a solution including a compound of the formula (I), and PA1 (b) means for topical delivery of said solution to the eye in a controlled dosage.
Preferred kit is of the compound which is (5Z,13E,9S,11R)-9,11-dihydroxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid of the formula: ##STR12## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or lower alkyl esters.
The compounds used in the method of the invention can be prepared by the following process:
A lactone of the formula (IV): ##STR13## in which R is hydroxy-protecting group, R.sup.2 is the same meaning as defined above is reduced with a metal hydride to form a lactol of the formula (III): ##STR14## in which R and R.sup.2 are the same meaning as above.
The resultant lactol (III) is then reacted with an ylide in the condition of Wittig reaction to yield the compound of the formula (II): ##STR15## in which R and R.sup.2 are the same meaning as above.
Following deprotection and optional esterification or salification of the compound, 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivatives of the type of PGF.sub.2.alpha. can be obtained. The hydroxy-protecting group may be selected from various protecting groups which are described in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, T. W. Greene, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, p. 10, 1981. Examples of the protecting group are those forming an alkyl ether, such as methyl, methoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, 2-methoxyethoxyethyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 1-ethoxyethyl, benzyl, and p-methoxybenzyl; those forming a silyl ether, such as triethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, and t-butyldiphenylsilyl; those forming an ester, such as acetyl, benzoyl, p-methylbenzoyl, and o-methoxybenzoyl.
The lactone (IV) as a starting material, is prepared from the aldehyde analogue which is obtained by oxidizing commercially available Corey lactone, using the process described below:
(i) Synthesis of compounds (IV) wherein R.sup.2 is 1-alkenyl
The compounds (IV) can be prepared by reacting the above-noted aldehyde and an ylide prepared from an alkyltriphenylphosphonium halide in the condition of Wittig reaction. If desired, cis-trans isomerization reaction may be conducted on the resultant compounds.
(ii) Synthesis of compounds (IV) wherein R.sup.2 is alkyl
The compounds (IV) can be prepared by catalytic reduction of the lactone (IV) obtained in the above process (i).
(iii) Synthesis of compounds (IV) wherein R.sup.2 is unsaturated alkyl other than 1-alkenyl.
The above aldehyde is reacted with a formylalkylenetriphenylphosphorane or an ylide obtainable from an alkyltriphenylphosphonium halide having a protected hydroxy in the condition of Wittig reaction If desired, catalytic reduction or cis-trans isomerization reaction can be conducted.
In the case that the ylide having a protected hydroxy is used, deprotection and oxidation are carried out to form formyl compounds. A desired compound (IV) can be prepared by treating the resultant aldehyde thus obtained according to the process (i).
15-Deoxyprostaglandin derivatives of the type of PGD.sub.2, PGE.sub.2, PGJ.sub.2 or PGA.sub.2 can be prepared by using the derivatives of the type of PGF.sub.2.alpha. as a starting material. The outline of the process is shown in the scheme shown below. The details are illustrated in the working examples hereinafter described. ##STR16##
The 15-deoxyprostaglandin derivatives of the invention can be administered topically or systemically using known procedures for administration. The derivatives of the invention can be formulated into a dosage form which is suitable for oral, intraarterial, intravenous, intracutaneous, intramuscular, intrarectal, or ophthalmic administration.
Recently, the inventors have found that the compounds in which the carboxy moiety is a lower alkyl ester are preferred in terms of pharmacological activity. However, esterification of the carboxylic acid results in decrease of water-solubility. Accordingly, in preparing a formulation for use as an eye drop, the compound in the form of an ester is preferably formulated into an oily formulation, or the solubility of the compound may be improved either by addition of any surfactant to the formulation or introduction of any hydrophilic group (for example hydroxy or lower alkoxy such as methoxy) into the ester moiety of the compound.
The dose of the compounds of the invention varys depending on purpose of the treatment and effect, method for administration, or age and body weight of a particular patient. Typically, in the case of oral administration, the dose is about 200 .mu.g/kg/day-about 20 mg/kg/day, preferablly about 1 mg/kg/day-about 10 mg/kg/day, but not limited to them. In the case of ophthalmic application for treating glaucoma, the dose is about 0.01 .mu.g-about 1000 .mu.g/eye/day, preferablly about 0.1 .mu.g-about 200 .mu.g/eye/day, and this dose may be divided into 1-5 portions in application.

Treatment for hypertension or glaucoma in eyes


A method and an apparatus input test in a touch screen terminal. The method comprises designating a certain region on a keyboard interface picture, not permitting text input through a keyboard when touch drag started from the designated region is sensed and acquiring a path of the touch drag, acquiring a path of following touch drag when at least the one or more following touch drag are sensed, and reading out at least the acquired one or more paths by cursive character recognition, deducing a character, determining the deduced character as an input target, and permitting the text input through the keyboard.

Portable terminals such as mobile terminals (cellular phones), electronic schedulers, and personal complex terminals have become necessities of current society based on development of electronic communication industries. The portable terminals have developed into important means of information transmission, which are quickly changed.
As everyone knows, recently, because utilization of a touch screen portable terminal is enhanced, the trend in a text input type is toward a text input method through a touch screen.
FIG. 1 illustrates interface pictures for text input in a conventional touch screen portable terminal.
Referring to FIG. 1, the touch screen portable terminal provides a keyboard interface picture and a cursive character recognition interface picture. The keyboard interface picture includes a keyboard 11 and an input window 13 for displaying characters received through the keyboard 11. Also, the cursive character recognition interface picture includes a cursive character recognizer 14 for receiving touch drag and an input window 15 for reading out the touch drag and displaying a deduced character.
In general, a user must convert and use the keyboard interface picture and the cursive character recognition interface picture. Therefore, this results in an inconvenience to the user.

Text input method in touch screen terminal and apparatus therefor


A system includes a plurality of sensors; a dynamically updateable rules engine coupled to the plurality of sensors; a data collection management module coupled to the dynamically updateable rules engine and the plurality of sensors; and a data storage and analysis inference module coupled to the data collection management module, the dynamically updateable rules engine and the plurality of sensors. Data from the plurality of sensors that is received by the dynamically updateable rules engine is transformed by the dynamically updateable rules engine by selectively executing rules based on conditions or events. The dynamically updateable rules engine is updated by the data storage and analysis inference module.

As the processing power of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has grown, so has the number of applications. An important and growing area of use for these devices is as sensor controllers. The sensors are instruments or virtual instruments (such as cell phones) which are able to detect events and conditions around the sensor. IoT devices (also referred to as Edge Computing Devices) may be used to control and manage sensors, capturing information sent by sensors and directing responses/actions, possibly in real-time, to the sensors or other external machines. By being able to intelligently monitor and react to detailed status (e.g., rotation speed of a lathe), operating conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, precipitation, etc.) and external events, (e.g., roadway accidents, etc.), IoT devices enable complex processes to be managed more effectively and efficiently in areas as diverse as manufacturing, inventory control, transportation, entertainment, etc.
In many cases, an abundance of data is captured in real time by the sensors. This may require substantial processing by an Edge Computing Device in order to effectively react to the current state of that which is being monitored. Under these circumstances, it is possible that the Edge Computing Devices, being burdened by the complexity of determining the state and appropriate response, may be limited in the rate at which sensor data may be processed.
Moreover, for deployment, environmental and safety reasons, the Edge Computing Devices may not be co-located with the actual sensors. In this case, the sensors deliver their data to the Edge Computing Device via a communication protocol and network. Furthermore, in depth analysis of the data could offer insights (which could be more efficiently processed using computational resources apart from the Edge Computing Devices) that may be useful for more effective management of that which is being monitored. Those resources may reside in or near the Edge Computing Devices and/or externally available over a communication protocol and a public and/or private network.


An energy expenditure garment is in the form of a one piece suit having a neck opening at its top and leg openings at the bottom of its torso section. Size adjusting structure is provided at the neck opening to permit the neck opening to be enlarged from its first wearing size to an enlarged passage size sufficiently large so that the garment may be placed on the user by the user inserting the user's legs, hips and body through the enlarged neck opening.

Various garments have been suggested which involve elastic elements to provide a resistance to an activity which would require the swinging or bending of the arms and/or legs and/or body. Generally, such elastic elements are elastic cords or bands which are separate from the remainder of the garment, but are otherwise attached to the garment or the elastic elements are in the form of elastic panels which are integral with the remainder of the garment. Examples of such garments described in patents are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,109,546, 5,176,600, 5,186,701, 5,201,074, 5,306,222 and 5,570,472. Additional disclosures of such garments are found in various U.S. patent applications, namely, Ser. No. 627,426, filed Apr. 4, 1996, Ser. No. 660,098, filed Jun. 6, 1996, Ser. No. 734,736, filed Oct. 21, 1996, Ser. No. 761,290, filed Dec. 6, 1996, Ser. No. 777,453, filed Dec. 3, 1996, Ser. No. 802,972, filed Feb. 20, 1997, Ser. No. 802,973, filed Feb. 20, 1997, Ser. No. 834,887, filed Apr. 7, 1997, Ser. No. 840,917, filed Apr. 25, 1997, Ser. No. 880,715, filed Jun. 23, 1997, and Ser. No. 892,669, filed Jul. 14, 1997.


The invention provides a signal processing device including sampling means (31, 41, 32) for sampling an input signal in the form of charge carrier packages and a shift register (4) having an input region (41) to which a signal sample is offered during operation, and provided with transport means (2) for transporting the signal sample to an output region (42) of the shift register. The device according to the invention is capable of adapting itself to the frequency with which the input signal is sampled in such a way that the storage of the increase in signal samples which accompanies an increase in the sampling frequency does not require additional space. For this purpose, according to the invention, the shift register comprises a transport channel (4) in which an electron-hole liquid can exist. The sampling means (31, 41, 32) are capable of sampling the input signal in the form of electron-hole droplets (71 . . . 74) which are transported through the shift register by means of an acoustic wave generated by the transport means.

The invention relates to a signal processing device comprising sampling means for sampling an input signal in the form of charge carrier packages and a shift register provided with an input region to which a signal sample is offered during operation, and with transport means for transporting the signal sample to an output region of the shift register.
Such a device is described in "PT Elektronica-Elektrotechniek" no. 4, April 1990, pp. 38-39, where the device is used in a memory oscilloscope for high-frequency input signals. In the known device, the shift register is formed by a charge-coupled device (CCD) comprising a series of gate electrodes situated one after the other and separated from a subjacent p-type semiconductor region by an insulating layer. The gate electrodes are connected to clocking means which during operation generate clock voltages by which local potential minima are generated in the semiconductor region. Such a potential minimum is formed by means of four gate electrodes situated next to one another and forms a cell in which a signal sample can be stored. The signal sample can then be shifted from cell to cell by the CCD under the influence of the clock voltages. The signal samples are shifted further by the CCD until the oscilloscope is triggered, which freezes the condition of the CCD. Subsequently, the discrete samples are read out from the shift register at a sufficiently low speed for reconstructing and displaying the input signal.
A signal which does not contain significant frequency components above f Hz can in principle be reconstructed from a series of samples thereof if the time interval between consecutive signal samples is smaller than 1/2.f second. This means that in proportion as the frequency of the input signal is higher, more signal samples are to be taken per unit time in order to enable a faithful reconstruction of the signal.
The known device in which each signal sample lies in storage below four gate electrodes of the CCD has the disadvantage that the size of the shift register will have to increase considerably in proportion as a greater frequency range of the is required. In addition, the upper limit of the frequency range is a fixed quantity for a device of the known type having a given number of gate electrodes.

Signal processing device having frequency-adaptive sampling


The present invention relates to a substrate for a thin film photovoltaic module, characterized in that it is a cementitious product with average surface roughness Ra not higher than 500 nm. The invention also relates to the cementitious product as such, the thin film photovoltaic module comprising it, and a method of molding both of them.

A thin film photovoltaic module, applied to a supporting substrate, converts solar energy to electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect. In particular and for example, CIGS is a thin photovoltaic film technology that uses diselenides of copper, indium, and gallium, and is regarded as very promising from the standpoint of performance.
With a view to application of a photovoltaic film of the CIGS type, the substrates, generally made of a plastic or vitreous material, must have suitable properties especially if employing a method of application of the film under vacuum and at high temperature. The essential conditions for a good result are deposition of a continuous, homogeneous film that is as thin as possible, also with a view to economy of material with photovoltaic properties, considering the very high costs.

Cementitious product suitable in particular as substrate for a thin film photovoltaic module, and method of production thereof


A sliding bearing includes a bearing surface which comprises a material in which an alloy material based on CuSnX (0.01<X<9), CuNi2Si, or CuFe2P is used. A method for producing such a sliding bearing and a use for CuNi2Si, CuFe2P, and CuSnX in a sliding bearing is also provided.

With regard to sliding bearings, it is important that they can be produced cost-efficiently while having a long service life and a low level of wear during use. Furthermore, sliding bearings should have low friction vis-à-vis the component supported by the bearing.
There have been several attempts to produce such sliding bearings. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,127 B1 discloses a sliding bearing material where a porous copper-tin alloy is applied onto a steel back with copper plating and this material is covered with a synthetic resin layer. As the copper-tin alloy used here, a copper alloy is used which contains 10% by weight tin and 0.2% by weight phosphorus.
Another sliding bearing material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,263. Here, a metallic matrix of an aluminum alloy is applied onto a back, in which 20% by weight tin and between 0 and 3% by weight copper are used, with Al2O3 particles being present in the alloy in a finely distributed manner.
Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,887 describes a multilayer sliding bearing in which a bronze material is used for the bearing surface.
Finally, a sliding bearing material is described in EP 2 341 258 A1, in which a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is applied onto a 0.3 mm thick phosphorus-bronze layer which has been sintered.
Moreover, the so-called "GLYCODUR" material CuSn10 is known as a lead-free material for sliding bearings, with "Glycodur" being a protected trademark. Such a material is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,176.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,127 B1, DE 10 2009 017 362 A1 and EP 2 341 258 A1 constitute relevant state of the art.

Method for producing a sliding bearing comprising a CuNi2Si, CuFe2P or CuSnX compound


A new and distinct Vriesea plant named ‘Magic’ characterized as a funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 45 cm to 55 cm in height (when flowering) and 35 cm to 45 cm in diameter; producing compound, red-purple in color (RHS 59C), bipinate spike inflorescence, measuring about 35 cm in height and about 18 cm in diameter; about 6 to 9 branches; and yellow-green foliage, measuring about 30 cm in length and about 5.0 cm to 5.5 cm in width.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Vriesea plant, botanically known as Vriesea sp., hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Magic'. The genus of Vriesea belongs to the Bromeliaceae family.
The new Vriesea cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventors, Elly Bak and Nico D. M. Steur, in Assendelft, The Netherlands. The objective of the breeding program is to develop a new Vriesea variety good growing habit and attractive inflorescence.
The new Vriesea cultivar 'Magic' originated from a cross-made in a controlled breeding program by the Inventors in 1989 in Assendelft, The Netherlands. The female or seed parent is the Vriesea sp cultivar designated '8945216' (unpatented). The male or pollen parent is the Vriesea sp. cultivar designated '84100' (unpatented). 'Magic' was discovered and selected by the inventors in May of 1993, as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in Assendelft, The Netherlands.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar 'Magic' performed by vegetative means by tissue culture was first performed in 1997, in Assendelft, The Netherlands. The first 'Magic' plants propagated through the use of tissue culture flowered in 2002, in Assendelft, The Netherlands, and have demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true-to-type.


A method of verifying the power off effect of a design entity of a digital system includes a device model, a test input signal model, and a test output signal model specified in a hardware design language, at a register transfer level (RTL). The device model describes function blocks for performing predetermined functions using a plurality of power sources. The device model includes a model for a case where all of the power sources are supplied and a model for a case where one or more of the power sources are blocked. The test input signal model describes a test input signal to be input to the device model to verify the case where all of the power sources are supplied and the case where one or more of the power sources are blocked. The test output signal model describes a test output signal to be output from the device model in response to the test input signal.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to the verification of a device using a plurality of power sources having different voltage levels and, more particularly, to a method of verifying operational characteristics of a device depending on supply or block of a plurality of power sources at a register transfer level (RTL) and a method of modeling the power off effect at the RTL.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In apparatuses that are powered by built-in batteries, the power consumption should be minimized to effectively use the limited battery power over a period of time. Many apparatuses can be switched to a standby state when not in use. The amount of time that an apparatus is in a standby state can be longer than the time the apparatus is active. Only minimal power is consumed during standby mode, and the remaining power supply is blocked, so that the power consumed by the moving apparatus can be minimized. Instead of the voltage levels of power supplied to a plurality of devices comprising a mobile apparatus being identical with each other, different amounts of power can be supplied to devices capable of operating at low operating voltages and devices capable of operating only at high operating voltages, and the power consumption can be reduced.
The power supplied when a mobile apparatus operates normally and when the mobile apparatus is in a standby state can be distinguished from the power supplied when the mobile apparatus operates normally but may not be supplied when the mobile apparatus is in a standby state.
The input and output states of the devices not supplied with power in a standby state may affect a normal operation to which the standby state is later switched. To consume a minimal amount of power, mobile apparatuses should be designed in consideration of not only a distinction between various types of power and but also the case where power is supplied, the case where power is blocked, and the case where power is re-supplied after being blocked.
A Hardware Description Language (HDL) is a language used to describe the functions of a digital system for documentation, simulation or logic synthesis. In general, HDL languages can be used to design a digital system at behavior level, register transfer level (RTL), and at gate level. The behavior level describes a system by the functional characteristics of a device. A gate level model describes the function, timing, and structure of a component in terms of the structural interconnection of Boolean logic blocks. An RTL model is a model describing a system in terms of registers, combinational circuitry, low-level buses, and control circuits. Designs using the RTL specify the characteristics of a circuit by operations and the transfer of data between registers.
In a typical digital design process, verifying the logical correctness of a digital design and debugging the design are steps of the design process. For example, in the design of a digital system, operations of a device when the power sources are all supplied and when one or more of the power sources are not supplied can be verified through five steps as follows. First, a device model is defined at the register transfer level (RTL). Second, the operational characteristics of the device model are verified using a logic simulation program. Third, the device model confirmed through the verification is input to a logic synthesizer to produce a gate-level model of the device. Fourth, the operational characteristics of the gate-level model are verified using a logic simulation program. Fifth, the operational characteristics of the device model when the power sources are applied to the RTL device model and when the supply of the power sources are blocked are verified using a logic simulation program, which exercises the device model to detect logical errors in the digital design.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional verification environment for verifying a device model described at the RTL (hereinafter, referred to as "RTL device model 110") using a logic simulation program. Referring to FIG. 1, the verification environment includes the RTL device model 110, a model 120 for producing an input signal of the RTL device model 110, and a model 130 for verifying an output signal of the RTL device model 110.
The RTL device model 110 is a model which describes, at the register transfer level, a device which performs a predetermined function. The model 120 produces a test pattern for testing the RTL device model 110. The model 130 produces an ideal response pattern, which is the desired output of the RTL device model 110, in response to the test pattern. The response pattern is compared with an actual output pattern that is output by the RTL device model 110. Thus, the response pattern is used in verifying the validity of the RTL device model 110.
A long period of time is required to produce a gate-level model of the device using a logic synthesizer. A long time is also required to verify the operation of the gate-level model using the logic simulation program. In particular, in step five of verifying the logical correctness of the digital design, it takes a long time to verify operations of the gate-level model of the device upon supply and non-supply of various types of power.
If it is determined in the fifth step, that a problem is generated when the device model is not supplied with power, the first step may be resumed, and the design period may be increased.

Method of verifying the power off effect of a design entity at register transfer level and method of modeling the power off effect


A luminaire configured to emit light in different directions. The luminaire may include a frame and optical waveguides disposed in the frame and positioned at different angles relative to one another to direct light outward in multiple different directions. At least one LED may be associated with each optical waveguide. A shield may be associated with the frame and configured to reduce the light from being directed in one or more of the different directions.

Large areas of open space, such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage, require sufficient lighting to allow for safe travel of vehicles and persons through the space at various times including periods of reduced natural lighting such as nighttime, rainy, or foggy weather conditions. A luminaire for an outdoor parking lot or covered parking deck should illuminate a large area of space in the vicinity of the luminaire while controlling glare so as not to distract drivers. Still further, such a luminaire should be universal in the sense that the luminaire can be mounted in various enclosed and non-enclosed locations, on poles or on a surface (such as a garage ceiling), and preferably present a uniform appearance.
Furthermore, the luminaire used to illuminate a parking lot or structure should be of sturdy construction to withstand wind and other forces and to resist weathering yet be light enough to allow for ease of installation. Additionally, such a luminaire should be aesthetically pleasing.
Advances in light emitting diode (LED) technology have resulted in wide adoption of luminaires that incorporate such devices. While LEDs can be used alone to produce light without the need for supplementary optical devices, it has been found that optical modifiers, such as lenses, reflectors, optical waveguides, and combinations thereof, can significantly improve illumination distribution for particular applications.
Despite these advances, there may be particular applications in which it is not desirable for a lighting solution to emit light in one or more directions. For example, lighting used to illuminate an outside parking lot should not shine into the nearby houses or apartments.

Waveguide luminaire with side glare shield


A liquid quantity sensing device which can easily and accurately measure liquid quantity stored in a container is disclosed. It utilizes an infrared ray or a supersonic sensing element associated with a float placed in the measuring tube and an electrical circuit board to indicate the measured result on a gage. The information about position of the float detected by the sensing element is inputted into an electrical circuit board as a return signal where it is analyzed and decipherd and then transformed into a value of the liquid quantity to be indicated by a gage. The device is applicable to various sized container by merely adjusting the tube length. An upper and a lower limits of liquid level may be prescribed, a warning signal can be obtained if the liquid level exceeds either limit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid quantity sensing device, and more particularly, to a contactorless and frictionless liquid quantity sensing device which has the merits of excellent durability, high precision, simple structure and low production cost.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a liquid quantity sensing device which was disclosed by the inventor of the present invention patented in Sep. 18, 2001 in U.S. (Pat. No. 6,289,731). This sensing device for liquid quantity includes an inner tube 11, a coil 12, an outer tube 13, a magnetized float 14, a base 15, and a cap 16. The coil 12 is wound around the inner tube 11, and the magnetized float 14 is contained in the inner tube 11. the outer tube 13 is sleeved on the inner tube 11. the cap 16 is screwed on the inner tube 11 while the base 15 is attached to the bottom of the inner tube 11. Several seepage pores 151 are provided on the base 15 so as to allow liquid to seep in the inner tube 11. The top and bottom ends of the outer tube 13 are sealed with binder so as to protect the coil 12 wound around the inner tube 11. With this construction the liquid quantity can be measured by change of inductance in the coil 12 with respect to the position of the float 14 in the inner tube 11 corresponding to change of liquid level, and the amount of change of inductance is transformed by an electrical circuit into corresponding liquid quantity which is indicated on a page 17 connected outside of the sensing device. Soon the inventor has found out that his previous invention has following shortcomings:
1. The sensing device is composed of too many essential components which result in a complicated overall structure and an increased production cost.
2. It requires a tedious procedure to wind the coil around the inner tube, especially for a longer inner tube.
3. It is difficult to keep a precise clearance between the magnetized float and the inner tube to obtain an accurate measurement result.
For these defects noticeable on the inventor's prior invention, an improvement is seriously required.
The inventor has once more dedicated great efforts for years to studying and improving these defects and come up with an improved liquid quantity sensing device as provided in this invention to eliminate the defects mentioned above.


A coupling assembly has a friction coupling with friction plates alternately connected to respective ones of first and second coaxial parts which are rotatable relative to one another. A hydraulic actuating device for actuating the friction coupling has an annular chamber formed in one of the first and second parts. The annular chamber is defined by an axially movable piston which acts on the friction plates and containing a conveyor member for effecting fluid shear. The conveying member is connected to the other of the first and second parts. The annular chamber receives a highly viscous fluid, such that a pressure build up is generated to increase torque transmission between the first and second parts. The annular chamber is connected to a compensating chamber with a variable volume force for the highly viscous fluid. The compensating chamber is formed by an axially open annular groove and an axially movable annular element sealing said annular groove. The annular element includes a plate-spring-like conical end wall and annular sealing elements adjoining the plate-spring-like conical end wall.

The invention relates to a coupling assembly with two coaxial parts which are rotatable relative to one another, with one of the parts being provided with an annular chamber which contains a highly viscous fluid in which, upon relative rotation of the parts relative to one another, fluid shear is effected by means of a conveying member connected to the other one of the parts, as a result of which a pressure build-up is generated in the annular chamber for the purpose of increasing a transmission of torque between the parts, with the annular chamber being hydraulically connected to a compensating chamber with a variable volume for the highly viscous fluid, which compensating chamber is formed by an axially open annular groove and an axially movable annular element sealing the annular groove.
Coupling assemblies of this type are known from DE 43 43 307 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,808 (FIG. 23) wherein the annular chamber is delimited by an axially movable piston loading a friction coupling assembly whose plates are alternately connected to one each of the parts rotatable to one another. In order to ensure that, when moving the piston, the annular chamber remains completely filled and for compensating for any thermal changes in volume in the friction coupling assembly, there is provided a reservoir which is formed of an axially open annular groove and an annular piston which is movable therein and loaded by plate springs.
Coupling assemblies in the sense of the invention are primarily all assemblies wherein a conveying member connected to one of the rotatable parts rotates in an annular chamber, with the annular chamber being sealed by an axially movable piston, so that a displacement of the piston requires a change in volume.
Coupling assemblies of this type, in the sense of the invention, are also conventional viscous couplings wherein the annular chamber contains a larger number of plates which are alternately connected to the two parts rotatable relative to one another. In such assemblies, a change in temperature in the enclosed viscous fluid is connected with a change in volume which may necessitate volume compensating measures.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a simple, easily sealable design for said reservoir.

Coupling assembly with reservoir for highly viscous fluid


A compression connector (1) comprises a base (2), a cover (3) assembled on the base, a PCB (9) and a plurality of terminals (5). The base comprises a plurality of walls (271) with a plurality of grooves (272) therebetween. A plurality of pairs of slots (273) is located on opposite sides of and in communication with the grooves. Each terminal comprises a contacting portion (54) contacting an FPC, a mounting portion (521) received in the groove, and a tail portion (51) contacting the PCB. The mounting portion comprises two pairs of barbs (521) engaging with a corresponding pair of slots.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a compression connector of a computer printer for controlling ink ejection operation of an ink cartridge, and particularly to a compression connector which securely retains terminals therein.
2. Description of Related Art
Computer printers are classified into dot matrix printers, laser printers and ink-jet printers. An ink-jet printer comprises an ink cartridge, usually disposable, for preservation of ink, and an ink jetting head for depositing ink on a medium to be printed. A control circuit connected to the ink cartridge and the ink jetting head controls the printing operation. The connection between parts of the ink-jet printer may be provided by a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board, or a wire harness assembly. Thus, a connector is required to connect the FPC or wires to the ink cartridge or other related components. As is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,356, a conventional ink cartridge connector, known as a compression connector, comprises a base, a cover assembled upon the cover, and a plurality of terminals retained in the base. However, the terminals are not securely retained in the base in a front-to-back direction.
Hence, an improved compression connector is required to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional compression connector.
Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a compression connector which securely retains terminals therein.
In order to achieve the object set forth, a compression connector for mating with an FPC in accordance with the present invention comprises a bottom base, a top cover assembled upon the bottom base, a built-in PCB, and a plurality of terminals. The bottom base comprises a terminal-receiving portion comprising a plurality of block walls. Every two block walls define a receiving groove therebetween. A pair of opposite mounting slots is provided on opposite sides of and in communication with each receiving groove. The top cover comprises a receiving concavity for receiving an upper edge of the PCB. Each terminal comprises a contacting portion for contacting the FPC, a mounting portion substantially received in the receiving groove, a tail portion connected with the PCB, and a preloading portion extending horizontally from an end of the contacting portion. The mounting portion comprises two pairs of barbs interferentially engaged with the mounting slots to securely retain the terminal in the receiving groove.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A radio frequency identification device includes an attachment means which is maintained in operative relationship with an object or individual by securement means. The attachment means is disposable and the securement means is easily separable therefrom for reuse, the securement means including a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit which can be reused after the attachment means has been disposed of. One form of the radio frequency identification device is an identification wristband which incorporates attachment means and securement means for said attachment means, the securement means incorporating an RFID such as a chip which is removed from operative relationship with the attachment means when the securement means is removed to permit reuse of the securement means and chip.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/040,962, filed Mar. 12, 1997. In addition, this application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Ser. No. 09/033,832, filed Mar. 3, 1998.
This invention relates to radio frequency (RF) identification devices and, more particularly, to RF identification devices designed to permit the transmission of information about a person or thing to whom or which the RF identification devices are secured. The RF identification devices of the invention have particular application in the identification of individuals and the transmission of relevant information about said individuals to a master receiving and transmitting station whereby, when said master station addresses the RF identification devices on particular individuals, it will be able to ascertain various aspects of relevant data pertinent to the condition, situation, or other pertinent information about the individual.
Of course, a hand-held reader capable of receiving information from the identification device and, in certain instances, of transmitting information to the memory of the identification device for storage therein, can be used in substitution for the master station referred to hereinabove.
At the present time, identification devices such as wristbands or the like are widely used in hospitals to identify patients and to provide information regarding the patients. Such wristbands are also utilized in various other applications, including prisoner identification and crowd control. Initially such wristbands were confined to providing the bare minimum of the person or wearer's name and, possibly, in a medical application, the nature of the wearer's illness. Recently, such wristbands have been provided with encoded information in the form of bar codes or the like whereby considerable additional information about the wearer can be ascertained, including such relevant data as medication, patient condition, or the like when used in a medical application, or other types of information related to the wearer when the wristband is used in other applications.
In utilizing such wristbands, bar code readers are provided to appropriate authorized personnel, such as nursing or other staff members in a medical environment, to permit personnel to read the bar code information and provide an appropriate response, such as administering medication or performing various therapeutic measures when the wristband is used in a medical application.
While the use of bar codes or other encoded materials has constituted a considerable advance, once the bar code has been applied to the identification wristband, the alteration of the information on the wristband entails the substitution of a new wristband. In addition, because of physical space limitations, the information imparted by bar codes or the like is necessarily limited.
A possible solution which would overcome the limitations of identification wristband which are bar-coded or the like would be to provide an RF circuit in the wristband which would incorporate a semi-conductor circuit with logic memory, and wherein the RF circuit is connected to an antenna capable of receiving and transmitting information, so that authorized personnel having or carrying a transponder could query the RF circuit of the wristband to elicit a wide spectrum of information not presently available in conventional wristbands.
Unfortunately, available RF circuits are relatively expensive and, since conventional wristbands are disposable after use, such circuits would have to be discarded if they were integral components of the wristband.

Identification device having reusable transponder