Methods and compositions including a compound represented by formula (I):

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a compound capable of improving, in particular, a surface activating property in alkylbenzenesulfonic; acids used as surfactants and Bronsted acids, and giving high reactivity as an acid catalyst even with a small amount at a low temperature.
The invention also relates to a manufacturing method of a condensation compound and a manufacturing method of a binder resin that are preferably used in development with a developer an electrostatic latent image formed by an electrophotography or an electrostatic recording method. The invention further relates to a dispersion liquid of condensation compound particles manufactured with the condensation compound and a dispersion liquid of resin particles manufactured with the binder resin, and an electrostatic image developing toner manufactured using these dispersion liquids. The invention still further relates to an electrostatic image developer with the electrostatic image developing toner, and an image-forming method.
2. Related Art
In recent years, with the rapid spread of digitized techniques, improvement of image quality is required in the output of printing and copying by users in general homes, offices and publishing fields. On the other hand, the requirements for lowering and saving energies are increasing for the activities of enterprises and the products resulted from the activities towards the realization of durable society. Accordingly, it becomes necessary to effectuate energy saving also in the fixing processes in the image-forming methods by electrophotography and electrostatic recording that consume great energies, and activities to lower the environmental load in the processes of manufacture of products with the materials. As the countermeasure to the former, a measure of lowering the fixing temperature of toners can be exemplified. By lowering the fixing temperature of toners, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the fixable temperature of the surface of a fixing member at the input time of electric source, warming up time, in addition to energy saving, and lengthen the lifetime of fixing members.
As the binder resins of toners, vinyl polymers have been widely used so far, but vinyl polymers having a high molecular weight have a high softening point, so that it is necessary to set the temperature of a heat roller high to obtain fixed images having high glossiness, which is contradictory to the conservation of energy.
On the other hand, polyester resins are flexible as compared with vinyl polymers due to their stiff aromatic rings in the chains, and the molecular weight thereof can be set low when the mechanical strength is made equivalent. Further, since polyester resins have an advantage that they are easy in designing as resins for low temperature fixing in points of the entanglement of molecular chains and limiting molecular weight as compared with vinyl-based binder resins, polyesters are widely used as the binder resins for energy saving toners.
Polycondensation of polyester generally necessitates reaction of more than 10 hours under highly reduced pressure with stirring at high temperature exceeding 200° C. by huge power, so that accompanied by the consumption of large quantity of energy. Therefore, vast plant and equipment investments are required in many cases to obtain durability of reaction equipment.

Bronsted acid compound, manufacturing method of condensation compound, dispersion liquid of condensation compound particles, manufacturing method of electrostatic image developing toner, manufacturing method of binder resin, binder resin, dispersion liquid of resin particles, electrostatic image developing toner, electrostatic image developer, and image-forming method

Abstract: wherein n represents an integer of from 1 to 4, RHL('s) each independently represents Cl or F, and R1 represents an alkyl group having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.


A sugar-coated article having palatinose used as a coating material for a sugar-coating layer of the sugar-coated article, whereby the article having an extremely soft initial biting mouth-feel is formed. A content of palatinose in the coating material in the sugar-coating layer is 25 to 100%.

Sugar-coated articles are generally produced such that with respect to materials subjected to sugar-coating (center materials) such as chewing gum, gum jelly, chocolate, candy, fruits, tablet confectionery, nuts, biscuit and the like, an about 50% aqueous solution syrup comprising sugar, binding agents such as gelatin or the like and optionally a coloring agent is used, and the material subjected to sugar-coating placed in a rotary pan is supplied with the aqueous solution syrup, so as to form a sugar-coating with sending air and drying. The sugar-coating formation step usually comprises a plurality of steps, in which the content of stabilizer is occasionally reduced stepwise to use an aqueous solution comprising only sugar for the outermost layer so as to form a sugar-coating having a fine texture. Each of the steps is called lower-coating, intermediate-coating and upper-coating. In addition, when the attention is essentially given to the hardness or softness of the sugar coating, there is the classification into two types of soft application and hard application.
Conventionally, for sugar-coating layers of ordinary sugar-coated article, a sweetener such as sorbitol or the like was used, however, such a sugar-coated article has a bad initial biting mouth-feel and had a strong gritty nature.


The present disclosure relates to treatment and management of Cushing's syndrome, Headache disorders and Neuropathic using a composition comprising asiaticoside and madecasosside optionally along with at least one excipient. The treatment can be extended to Myalgia and other related disease conditions.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in multiple brain functions. The receptors of serotonin commonly known as 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) receptors are extensively expressed in various sites in the body such as brain, blood vessels, heart valves, gastrointestinal tract, platelets, etc. Binding of serotonin to 5-HT receptors can induce both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. There are fourteen 5-HT receptors identified. Serotonin is capable of exerting complex cardiovascular effects, including hypotension or hypertension, vasodilation or vasoconstriction, bradycardia or tachycardia etc. The action exerted by serotonin depends on the nature of the 5-HT receptor it binds along with the receptor density and sensitivity. Serotonin receptors 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D are expressed in blood vessels and central nervous system. Binding of serotonin to these receptors causes vasoconstriction in blood vessels. Drugs binding to 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors are used in treatment of Migraine. However, since 5-HT1B receptors are also expressed in heart valves, long term administration of these drugs can cause cardiovalvular diseases. Similarly apart from vasoconstriction, 5-HT1A receptors are also involved in nonciceptive signal transduction. Agonist of 5-HT1A receptor can reduce pain perception to a significant level of almost 80% as compared to standard opioid drugs. Hence it is apparent that the downstream effect of serotonin varies depending on the type of 5-HT receptor it binds.
The international classification of headache disorders (2nd edition) describes Migraine as a neurovascular disorder characterized by severe and throbbing unilateral headache associated with anorexia, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and/or phonophobia. The most common types of Migraine are (i) Migraine with aura starting with visceral, sensory or motor symptoms followed by headache; and (ii) Migraine without aura—the headache is similar to (i) but not preceeded by aura.
Many theories exist to describe the etiology of migraine. The vascular theory states that migraine headaches result from dilatation of blood vessles which is caused by release of vasodilatatory substances like neuropeptides, neurokinins etc. It is generally accepted that this neurovascular syndrome is mainly caused by activation of trigeminovascular system. Certain brain structures that are possibly involved in Migraine have been identified as follows: the meningeal artery surrounded by mast cells in the meninges; large cerebral arteries; trigeminal nerve from meningeal arteries and cerebral arteries; and trigeminal nerve connecting the trigeminal ganglia to the trigemineal nucleus caudalis (TNC). TNC conveys the nociceptive signals to higher pain centers in the thalamus and cortex. Activation of trigemineal nerves can also cause the release of various neuropeptides including calcitonin gene related peptide at the sensory nerve endings. This causes vascular pathophysiology leading to neuro inflammation.
The serotonin theory is actually a broad statement that supports the role of increase in serotonin and 5-HIAA during the migraine attack. It has been reported that Migraine patients display an increased synthesis of serotonin in the brain as compared to normal subjects. This may lead to cortical hyperexcitability. Interestingly, it is also reported that Migraine is a low serotonin syndrome. Therefore, the involvement of serotonin in Migraine is not conclusive. Other hypotheses support the role that hormones and changes in anatomy play a role in migraine development. Hence the pathophysiology of Migraine is very complex and is not understood very clearly.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of compounds typically used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. They increase the extracellular concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake into presynaptic neurons and increasing the serotonin available in the synaptic cleft to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. There is a misconceived notion that all SSRIs are useful drugs for Migraine. This is not true as increased levels of serotonin can bind to all 14 5-HT receptors with equal affinity and many of these are contraindicated for Migraine. Moreover, there are uncertainties about the expression of many of the 5-HT receptor proteins which are linked to other CNS conditions. For example, it is reported that 5-HT1A receptors are not synthesized in the CNS in case of high neurosteroid levels.
Lampl et al. (2010), in his article on Antidepressants for Migraine Prophylaxis published in European Neurological Journal has critically analyzed published data on efficacy of SSRIs for Migraine and concluded that the beneficial effects of SSRIs were equivalent to that seen in the placebo group following chronic therapy. This shows that SSRIs in general need not be useful for Migraine. Understanding the selectivity of a molecule to 5-HT receptor subtypes is crucial for determining its involvement in Migraine treatment.
Based on the definition of Migraine and its known pathophysiology, it is apparent that an ideal anti-Migraine drug should inhibit vasodilation (or cause vasoconstriction) and reduce pain perception or nociception. These two direct actions of a drug will offer potential relief from Migraine related symptoms. 5-HT1A receptors emerge as an ideal target for achieving these dual actions. Selective 5-HT1A receptor agonists have potential in offering a better anti-Migraine therapy than current standard of care for Migraine namely triptan class of drugs.
Neuropathic pain is yet another pathological pain condition characterized by persistent neuralgic pain independent of sensory stimulation along with hypersensitivity at the site of pain. It is associated with many diseases like diabetes, alcoholism, vasculitis, idiopathic polyneuropathy, spinal cord injury, cancer, stroke, HIV, degenerative neurological diseases, Guillain Barré syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia. Neuropathic pain is caused by lesion or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system which gives raise to symptoms of loss of sensation, paraesthesia and pain.
Neuropathic pain is not a unitary syndrome. It is a manifestation of a variety of underlying mechanisms including ectopic impulses of neuroma, changes of sodium and calcium channels in injured nerves, sympathetic activation, and deficient central inhibitory pathway are some of the pathological mechanisms.
Currently, there is no treatment which can prevent the development of Neuropathic Pain. Patients suffering from neuropathic pain do not respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Antidepressants and anticonvulsants are the standard of care prescribed for pain relief. However these drugs have incomplete efficacy and severe side-effects. The mechanism of action of antidepressants in treatment of Neuropathic Pain is not entirely understood. Saarto et al. (2010), in his review on antidepressants for Neuropathic Pain published in The Cochrane Library showed that only about one-third of patients using antidepressants have relief from Neuropathic pain and about one-fifth of the patients discontinue treatment due to severe side-effects. Based on the existing evidence of published clinical trials, SSRI drugs are not effective in treatment of Neuropathic Pain while tricyclic antidepressants are more effective in providing clinically meaningful pain relief. The activity of 5-HT1A receptor agonists in reducing pain perception may have potential in treatment of neuropathic pain.
Meijer et al. (1994, Eur J Pharmacol., Vol. 266, No. 3, pp. 255-61), demonstrated that prolonged exposure of rat hippocampal cells to neurosteroids like corticosterone inhibited expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA. Under conditions of stress in humans, excess of neurosteroid secretion can down-regulate 5-HT1A receptor expression which in turn increases the pain sensitivity. This explains Myalgia or chronic pain experienced by patients suffering from depressive disorders. Prolonged exposure of body's tissues to high levels of cortisol neurosteroid results in a disorder known as Cushing's syndrome or hypercortisolism. Cushing's syndrome can be induced by long term exogenous administration of steroid hormones like glucocortocoids, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), contraceptive pills containing estrogen hormone and other endogenous abnormalities in the body. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome includes one or more of the following: diabetes, high blood pressure, upper body obesity, increased fat deposition around the neck, rounded face, thinning of arms and legs, severe fatigue, weak muscles etc. Irritability, anxiety, cognitive disturbances and depression are common behavioural symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome. Treatment of Cushing's syndrome includes administration of cortisol inhibiting drugs like ketoconazole and metyrapone along with drugs for symptomatic treatment.
The present disclosure is related to treatment and management of Cushing's syndrome, Migraine, Neuropathic pain, Myalgia and related pains. These are neurological disorders that require long term management therapy. The present disclosure aims at using a botanically derived composition comprising 15-50% asiaticoside and 20-50% madecassoside optionally along with excipients, as a safe and effective treatment option for chronic administration in patients suffering from these diseases.
Bhaskaran et al. (US20080194499) discloses a composition for serotonin reuptake inhibition comprising 15-50% asiaticoside and 20-50% madecassoside. This document shows that the composition is helpful in treatment of diseases which are mediated by reduction in serotonin levels namely depression, mood elevation, gastric emptying etc., by increasing the levels for serotonin neurotransmitter. This document teaches that the composition potentiates serotonin effects by blocking reuptake of serotonin. However, there is no suggestion or clarity in the application of this composition in addressing the effects of nociceptive and neuropathic pain perception, the attenuation of vasodilation and modulating hypersecretion of neurosteroids. This application also does not teach anything about the reduction of symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolemia). This application talks about increasing the concentration of serotonin by reducing reuptake in presynaptic receptors.

Method of managing hypercortisolemia, headache disorders, neuropathic pain and related disorders


In a turbofan jet engine installation including a low pressure area (48) located between a primary exhaust nozzle (20) and strut fairings (30), an improvement including a fencing assembly (66) for reducing interaction of fan air (52) with air in the low pressure area. The fencing assembly (66) includes two pairs (70), (72) of opposed flow control fences (68) connected to the primary exhaust nozzle (20) at locations laterally outboard of the strut fairings (30). A first pair (70) includes fences formed of a single piece connected directly to the primary nozzle (20). A second pair (72) includes fences formed of a number of longitudinally spaced-apart segments (82). The segments (82) are connected to one face of an elongated attachment strap (84) with the opposite strap face being connected to the nozzle. Each fence includes a foot portion (78) and an upright portion (80) extending outwardly from the foot portion.

In order to understand the nature of the present invention, it is helpful to first review various aspects of a turbofan jet engine. Below is a brief description of the exhaust components and fire safety elements of a turbofan jet engine, followed by description of the airflow dynamics associated with these elements during use.
With regard to engine exhaust components, FIG. 1 is a forward-looking perspective rear view of a primary exhaust nozzle 20 and a primary nozzle plug 22 of a turbofan jet engine. The primary exhaust nozzle is generally positioned at the aft end of a gas generator (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the primary exhaust nozzle includes a nozzle fairing 26 concentrically attached to a nozzle body 24. The forward end of the nozzle inner sleeve is connected to the gas generator or to adjoining generator structure such as an engine turbine rear frame. An aft engine mount (not shown) is used to connect the engine to a support structure (see FIG. 1), e.g., a wing strut or pylon. The downstream primary nozzle components are not attached to the support structure so that during use the nozzle can accommodate aftward thermal expansion without contacting the support structure.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the support structure is a wing pylon covered by various fairings and heat shields. Referred to herein generically as "strut fairings" 30 are a first aft pylon fairing 32, an aft pylon fairing heat shield 34, a second aft pylon fairing 36, and various heat shield castings 38. Also shown is a thrust reverser inner wall 35, a thrust reverser outer wall 37, a thrust reverser aft cowl 39, and a lower bifurcation panel 40. An annular core compartment vent exit 42 is formed by the space between the nozzle fairing 26 and the thrust reverser aft cowl 39 to vent small amounts of bypass as well as gas generator cooling air. In addition, there may be other outer structure, such as nacelle or thrust reverser components, positioned near the primary nozzle. FIGS. 1-5 omit various of these other structures in order to show aspects and features of the present invention more clearly.
With regard to fire safety elements, a number of fire zones exist within the engine installation that are designed in a manner that prohibits an engine fire from spreading. Of particular interest to the present invention is an upper quadrant fire zone located just behind the aft engine mount, between the primary nozzle and the strut fairings. In FIG. 3, the aft mount fire zone is located generally along the nozzle at the location labeled 44. Commercial aircraft propulsion systems require each fire zone to be bounded by a fire seal that is capable of containing and isolating a fire, not only from other propulsion installation components (e.g., nacelles and engine fairings), but also from areas surrounding the propulsion installation (e.g., wings, fairings, and fuselage).
In the case of the aft mount fire zone 44, a fire seal (not shown) is located along an upper arcuate region of the nozzle and oriented to prohibit flame from spreading aft of the gas generator or outward to the surrounding structures. Known fire seals, e.g., turkey feather seals, provide a solid barrier between the upper area of the primary nozzle and the strut fairings so that flame cannot pass to downstream locations. This fire seal thus protects the nozzle, the support structure, the wing structures, the various fairings and shields, and the aircraft fuselage from fire emanating rearward from the gas generator.
As shown best in FIG. 1, a region exists between the primary nozzle fairing 26 and the strut fairings at a location directly behind the aft mount fire seal. This region is termed herein a "bounded low pressure region" 48. The forward end of the bounded low pressure region 48 is defined generally by the aft mount fire seal. The bounded low pressure region aft end is defined by the primary nozzle aft end.
With regard to airflow dynamics during engine operation, fan air 52 flows along either side of the strut fairings 30. The lower surface of the aft pylon fairing heat shield 34 and the nozzle are separated by approximately the height of the core compartment vent exit 42. A low velocity cooling flow issues from the core compartment vent exit. When the core vent flow encounters the aft mount fire seal, it separates and later converges downstream of the bounded low pressure region 48.
Because of the geometry of engine components and the dynamics of airflow, there exists regions of differing velocity and/or pressure in the areas of the primary nozzle. In particular, the fan airflow is a higher velocity on either side of the bounded low pressure region, while the velocity within the region itself is low since it is a base region that is somewhat protected from the fan air 52. This pressure/velocity difference results in side-to-side air fluctuations that superimpose on the rearward-directed fan flow. The fluctuations can eventually cause nozzle vibration which is amplified when the natural frequencies of the flow fluctuations and the nozzle vibration coincide.
In general, it is desirable to eliminate flow fluctuations and structural vibrations. Thus a need exists for an engine device that accomplishes these tasks. The present invention is directed to fulfilling this need.


A method for use in forming an image of an object comprises setting a value of an attribute of an image of an object according to a measured reflectance of the object. The image of the object thus formed may be realistic and may closely resemble the actual real-world appearance of the object. Such a method may, in particular, though not exclusively, be useful for providing a realistic image of a road surface and any road markings thereon to assist with navigation. Setting a value of an attribute of the image of the object may comprise generating an initial image of the object and adjusting a value of an attribute of the initial image of the object according to the measured reflectance of the object to form an enhanced image of the object. A method for use in navigation comprises providing a navigation system with data associated with an image formed using such a method. An image formed using such a method and a map database containing such an image are also disclosed.

Known satellite navigation devices may display an image to a user according to a position of the user as determined by at least one of a satellite navigation system receiver such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a Galileo receiver, a Distance Measurement Instrument (DMI) and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The image displayed to the user is generally selected from a map database according to the determined position of the user. The map database is generally stored locally within the satellite navigation device but may be stored remotely from the satellite navigation device.
The image displayed to the user may be artificially generated and may have an appearance which does not closely resemble the environment around the satellite navigation device which it represents. In particular, in the context of vehicle navigation systems, the image displayed to the user may not show road markings. A known solution to this problem is to capture images of the environment and store the captured images in a map database. The images of the environment around the satellite navigation device are selected from the map database according to the determined position of the user and are displayed to the user. One problem with such known methods is that capturing images of the environment is time consuming and costly. Furthermore, storing the captured images may require the storage of large quantities of data. In addition, the captured images often have noise and/or unwanted obstructions such as vehicles, pedestrians and the like which may be distracting when displayed to the user of the satellite navigation device.

Method and apparatus for use in forming an image


A retaining device (200) for fixing a connector (10) on a printed circuit board includes a main body (210) including a first edge (212) and a second edge (214) substantially perpendicular to the first edge (212). A first engaging portion (220) is projected from the first edge (212) of the main body (210) and firmly fixed in the connector (10) via barbs (2202). A guiding and positioning portion (230) is projected from the main body (210) for guiding and positioning the main body (210) in the connector (10). A second engaging portion (240) is extended from the second edge (214) of the main body (10) and it is engaged to the printed circuit board.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a retaining apparatus for a connector, particularly to a retainer which is easily configured and quickly positioned for fixing a connector on a printed circuit board of a personal computer.
2. The Prior Art
A conventional retaining device of a connector comprises at least a connector engaging portion which includes a barb for fixing itself to the connector and a board engaging portion which includes a hook or the like for fixing itself to a printed circuit board, thereby retaining the connector on the printed circuit board. However, most of the retaining devices of the connectors have the following drawbacks:
1. The retaining device of the conventional connectors usually have very complicated structures thus inducing difficulties in manufacturing and assembling.
2. The relatively engaging direction between the retaining device and the connector is the same as that of the insertion (or withdrawal) direction of the connector into (or from) the printed circuit board. With this structural relationship between the conventional retaining device and the connector, the related engaging portions of each of the retaining device and the connector is apt to be worn out or broken due to long time of insertion or withdrawal of the connector into or from the circuit board.
There are some advanced retaining devices of the connectors are configured in such a way that the relatively engaging direction between the retaining device and the connector is different from that of the insertion (or withdrawal) direction of the connector into (from) the printed circuit board. However, these kind of advanced retaining devices cost high due to the generated machining waste during manufacturing. Actually, the function of these kind of retaining devices does not totally satisfy the users. For example, a user feels cumbersome due to alignment difficulty when more than one these advanced retaining devices are required to be concurrently connected to a same connector. Moreover, most of the printed circuit boards have specific through-holes or soldering pads with corresponding positions and sizes thereof for mating the board engaging portion of the retaining device (for example one or several hooks or soldering mounting ears), and sometimes the hook of one of the retaining devices will have to be enforceably declined (offset) so as to fit in the through-hole due to the inconsistency of the retaining devices connected to the connector. The conventional retaining devices may be referred to Taiwan Patents with the application numbers of 80202099, 81207106, 82204413, 82206344, 82216079, 83207936, and 84101384.
Therefore, the present invention especially focuses on providing a new structure of the connector engaging portion to prevent the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional retaining devices.


The present invention is directed to a rigid, molded foam produced by reacting: a) one or more organic polyisocyanates, with b) a polyol blend comprising i) 100 parts by weight of a mixture comprising: 1) from 30 to 80 parts by weight of one or more polyethers having hydroxy functionalities of 2 or 3 and molecular weights of from about 1,000 to about 8,000, the polyethers further being characterized as containing no nitrogen atoms and not being filled polyethers, 2) from 10 to 50 parts by weight of one or more adducts of toluene diamine and an alkylene oxide, the adduct having a molecular weight of from about 350 to about 700, 3) from 0 to 15 parts by weight of one or more di- or trialkanol amines, with the amounts of components 1), 2) and 3) totaling 100 parts, and c) from about 0.1 to about 4 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component b) of a silicone cell-opening surfactant and d) from 1 to 7 parts by weight of water, and e) from 0.1 to 2 parts by weight of at least one tertiary amine catalyst; wherein the reaction mixture contains no auxiliary blowing agents and wherein the amount of polyisocyanate is such that the isocyanate index is from 95 to 120.

Energy absorbing foams based upon urethane chemistry are known in the art. The early literature generally utilized halocarbon blowing agents (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,866). A significant number of patents have issued relating to water blown energy absorbing foams based upon polyols ("filled polyols") prepared by polymerizing styrene/acrylonitrile monomer mixtures in polyethers (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,116,893, 4,190,712, 4,212,954, 4,866,102, 5,216,041 and 5,232,957). Other patented technology describes the use of relatively low molecular weight crosslinkers (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,282,330, 5,143,941, and 5,167,884) or the use of various polyols, such as ethylene oxide adducts of Mannich condensates (U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,629), alkoxylated toluene diamine (U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,754), or polyols derived from propylene glycol or ethylene diamine (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,204). Other patented technology describes the water blown energy absorbing foams as a flexible foam (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,880 and 5,489,618).
While systems based upon some of the patents noted above have been used commercially, the search continues for systems which will produce energy absorbing foams having a reduced cost, which will meet a variety of specifications such as meeting commercial production processing requirements of at most, a five (5) minute demold time. "Demold time" is defined as the time from the start of the introduction of the foamable reactants into the mold until the finished part is removed from the mold.

Rigid polyurethane foam based on polyethers of TDA


A flexible wrapping of an airbag (16) of a vehicle occupant restraint system (10) comprises a holding compartment for a folded airbag package (14) formed by a holding bag (104) and an airbag package fixation (124), an inflator fixation (114) formed by projecting retaining tabs (112) as well as at least one fixing portion (130) for fixing an airbag module (12) to a vehicle. For inserting the airbag package (14) into the wrapping (20) an intermediate cover made of a coherent piece of fabric is used into which the airbag package (14) is wrapped along with the inflator (18). The subassembly consisting of the intermediate cover, the airbag package (14) and the inflator (18) is inserted into the wrapping (20). Subsequently, the intermediate cover is removed from between the wrapping (20) and the airbag package (14) again.

The invention relates to a wrapping of an airbag of a vehicle occupant restraint system and a method of packing an airbag in a wrapping.
For protecting the vehicle occupants, with great success airbags have been employed. Prior to deployment within the vehicle interior, said airbags have to remain protected against environmental influences. In order to save weight and construction volume, endeavors have been made to replace rigid modular casings by wrappings made from airbag fabric or film.

Cover of an airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system, and method for packing an airbag in a cover


An elevator cage made up of a car, a support member connected to the car, and a pulley box housing a pair of pulleys mounted to the pulley box by pulley axles. The pulley box is mounted to the support member through one or more points located below a first line P bisecting the pulley axles and above a second line Q defining a lowest common tangent between the pulleys.

The invention relates to elevators and, in particular, to elevators wherein the elevator cage is mounted on one or more ropes or belts by means of a pulley arrangement.
Pulley arrangements are commonly used in the elevator industry to mount and drive an elevator cage along ropes arranged within a hoistway in a building. In such an arrangement a pulley box containing two pulleys is mounted on the cage so that as the rope is driven, whether by hydraulic ram or traction sheave, it travels down along one side of the hoistway, engages with one of the pulleys deflecting it through 90°, traverses across the car, engages with the other pulley which deflects it back into the vertical plane, and travels upwards along the opposite side of the hoistway. The pulley box can be mounted to the cage at a point above the passenger car or it can be mounted below the passenger car in which case it is called and underslung arrangement. Such an arrangement is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,266.
According to ASME Code A17.1-2000, the ratio of the diameter of the pulleys to the nominal diameter of the suspension ropes should be at least 40. Hence, the diameter of each pulley is significantly larger than its width and consequently the height of the pulley box is greater that its width.
In the prior art as exemplified in FIG. 1, an upper surface 18 of the pulley box 8 is mounted to the cage either directly to a base of the passenger car or, if the car is contained within a frame, to a lower yoke of the car frame. However, in use, the majority of the vertical forces F are transferred through the lowermost portions A of the pulleys 9. Accordingly, if the pulley box 8 tilts by an angle α, a relatively large bending moment is exerted about the mounting point of the pulley box. The magnitude of the bending moment is defined by the equation M=Fx, where F is the vertical force and x is the horizontal distance between the mounting point on the upper surface 18 of the pulley box 8 and the point of application of the vertical force. F. Furthermore, the value x can be expressed as x=L cos α where L is the distance between the mounting point on the upper surface 18 and the lowermost portions A of the pulleys 9. Accordingly, for a given vertical force F and a given tilt angle α, the bending moment M is directly proportional to the value L. However, since the dimension L is principally dependent on the diameter of the pulley 9 which in turn is determined by regulatory bodies as discussed in the preceding paragraph, there is very little scope for reducing the bending moment M.
Hence, both the pulley box 8 itself and the conventional means for mounting the pulley box 8 to the cage must be capable of withstanding substantial bending moments, otherwise as the cage and the pulley box tilt, the unrestrained bending moment and the tilt angle of the pulley box would progressively increase until eventually the pulley box is permanently deformed or torn from its mounting.
This phenomenon is further exaggerated when the suspension rope is replaced by a belt as any torsion in the belt may be transferred to the pulley box to establish a bending moment about the mounting point even without any tipping of the pulley box.


The present invention provides a novel poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate), which is prepared from reacting terephthalic acid and 1,3-propanediol in the presence of an effective catalytic amount of ethylene glycol titanate to undergo esterification to form a monomer; and polymerizing the monomer in the presence of an effective catalytic amount of antimony acetate to obtain poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate). The obtained poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate) (PPT) has an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.65-0.91 dl/g, acid number (--COOH amount) of less than 40 meq/kg, and L*>60. Without adding a pigment, the yellowness b* of PPT is below 9, even below 5. The yellowness b* of PPT even reaches below 3 when a pigment is incorporated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate), and more particularly relates to a novel process for preparing the poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate) by reacting terephthalic acid and 1,3-propanediol in the presence of ethylene glycol titanate as an esterification catalyst and antimony acetate as a polymerization catalyst.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Early in 1941, poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate) (PPT) has been synthesized by Whinfield and Dickson, and it is known that the physical properties of PPT is superior than those of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). At that time, ethylene glycol, which is the starting material of PET, can be commercially prepared, while 1,3-propandiol, which is the starting material of PPT, still can not be commercially prepared. Therefore, PET has first been mass-produced in industry, while PPT has been not. Also, the progress in the techniques for synthesize PPT is limited, and the obtained PPT has an inadequate molecular weight and unacceptable physical properties.
Recently, novel processes for synthesize PPT have been disclosed in Japanese Kokai 51-140298 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,909, which focus on improving thermal stability and yellowness, and increasing intrinsic viscosity (IV). However, one is because the monomer used is limited to dimethylene terephthalate (DMT), and the other is because the lowest yellowness b* of the product can only be 9 to 7.5, which reaches below 4 only by the incorporation of pigments; therefore, the results are not satisfactory.
Recently, the techniques for determining structures and physical properties of polymers have progressed greatly, such that we can know the structures and physical properties of PPT for a further extent. Theoretically, since PPT has a larger crystalline structure unit and gauche-gauche molecular conformation than PET, therefore PPT has better bending recovery and the dye molecular will have greater chance to deposit on the PPT crystal. Practically, indeed, experimental results show that the PPT fiber has close bending recovery to nylon 66, and PPT can be dyed at atmospheric pressure without using any dyeing carrier agent. Therefore, if the techniques for synthesizing PPT can be improved and the problems in the conventional process for preparing PPT can be solved, PPT will become a potential commercial polymer for the new century.

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A relay apparatus includes a plurality of connecting terminals, such as a modem connecting terminal, a power line connecting terminal, an electric appliance connecting terminal and an antenna line connecting terminal; a selector that selects at least one connecting terminal from among the plurality of connecting terminals to transmit and receive a communication signal; and a control circuit that controls the selector. The relay apparatus further includes a first communication filter that passes signals in a frequency band used for communication by a power line communication modem and that blocks signals in other frequency bands, and a second communication filter that passes signals in a frequency band used for communication by another electric appliance and that blocks signals in other frequency bands.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a relay apparatus that is connected to a wire transmission line and a communication apparatus so as to relay communication signals, in a system that performs wire communications, including power line communications using, for example, a home-use power line as a transmission line.
2. Description of Related Art
When using a terminal such as a computer for wire data communications at homes, offices, factories and the like, it is usually necessary to install wires such as cables and terminals to be used as transmission lines at such locations where they are needed. This requires a large scale of installation work before the communication system goes into operation.
However, at homes, offices and factories, commercial power supply, for example, 100V AC-50/60 Hz in Japan, 120V AC-60 Hz in the United States of America is generally used. Therefore, power lines (electric lamp lines) for supplying such power are already installed everywhere within homes, offices and factories. Utilizing these power lines for data communications thus eliminates the need to newly install exclusive wires for communications. More specifically, by simply plugging a communication apparatus into a power outlet, a communication line can be secured.
PLC (Power Line Communication) technology using such power lines for communications is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Laid Open Publication 2000-165304. Currently, various domestic and foreign manufactures are pursuing research and development projects focused on predetermined frequency bands (e.g., 2 MHz-30 MHz in Japan, 1.705-30 MHz in the United States of America). More specifically, cases are envisioned wherein a method such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is used to generate a multicarrier signal using a plurality of subcarriers in order to transmit the multicarrier signal via a power line.
However, indoor power line wiring is very complicated and each building has significantly different conditions. Moreover, since wide-ranging types of electric appliances are connected to such power lines, various noises can occur and induce impedance fluctuations. Therefore, compared to when performing communications via an exclusive wire transmission line, when performing communications via a power line, there is a higher possibility that communication speed slows down considerably or communication quality deteriorates due to decrease in a S/N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio).
In other words, while power line communications are very convenient in that their transmission lines can be easily secured, there are cases in which sufficient communication speed or desirable communication quality cannot be achieved in an environment where various users perform power line communications.
For instance, when an exclusive transmission line is available for supplementary use to substitute a power line, it becomes possible to meet the needs of users who cannot obtain desirable communication speed and quality in power line communications. However, when newly preparing an exclusive wire transmission line, users face situations where wire installation work becomes necessary or where newly installed wires are left exposed in the room. This ruins the benefit of convenience afforded by power line communications.
Mostly, wiring of, such as, for example, a coaxial line that connects a TV antenna and a TV receiver and a telephone line that connects a telephone is normally installed in a standard home. Since exclusive outlets are installed for such wiring, connecting and disconnecting apparatuses is very easy. Therefore, for those who cannot enjoy desirable communication speed and quality in power line communications, existing wiring other than power lines, i.e., coaxial lines for TV antennas and telephone lines, may be utilized as transmission lines.
However, when connecting different electric appliances to the same wiring, an impedance mismatching inevitably occurs and causes problems, since such connection configuration is not standardized. For instance, when connecting a PLC modem to a coaxial line that connects a TV antenna and a TV receiver, the impedance of the modem causes an impedance mismatching on a line between the TV antenna and the TV receiver. As a result, reflections generated in reception signals and other factors deteriorate a S/N ratio for reception signals to be input into the TV receiver. At the same time, due to the influence of the impedance of the TV receiver or the like, an impedance mismatching occurs on the lines between a plurality of modems connected to the coaxial line. As a result, reflections generated in reception signals and other factors deteriorate a S/N ratio, resulting in low communication quality. In addition, signals different from those transmitted by respective electric appliances are received merely as noise. Therefore, when a plurality of different electric appliances shares the same transmission line, the S/N ratio of communication signals deteriorates due to the influence of signals transmitted from other electric appliances or modems. The same results obtain when a telephone line is used as the common transmission line.
As described above, when performing power line communications by connecting a PLC apparatus to existing wire transmission lines other than a power line, such as an antenna line and a telephone line, to utilize these wire transmission lines, there are cases where an impedance mismatching occurs, thereby causing problems, in communications to be performed via these wire transmission lines as well as communications through power line communications, such as lower communication quality. For instance, while a TV receiver connected to an antenna line is receiving a broadcast, TV reception quality may deteriorate due to signal reflections and the like. TV reception signals can also become noise at a PLC apparatus, resulting in lower communication quality.


A can type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, a can for receiving the electrode assembly therein, and a cap assembly coupled to an opening section of the can. A cap plate is formed with an electrolyte injection hole and a soft aluminum plug welded to the electrolyte injection hole so as to seal the electrolyte injection hole.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a can type secondary battery, and more particularly to a sealing structure for an electrolyte injection hole of a can type secondary battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
Secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries which can be fabricated in a compact size with large capacity. Among various secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride (Ni—MH) batteries and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been developed and used as can type secondary batteries. Secondary batteries may be classified into various types, depending on an electrolyte used. Such electrolytes may be, for example, a liquid electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte or a gel-phase electrolyte.
In the case of a lithium secondary battery using a liquid electrolyte, a non-aqueous type liquid electrolyte must be used due to a reaction between lithium and water (H2O). Since the lithium secondary battery uses the non-aqueous type liquid electrolyte, the lithium secondary battery is not subject to decomposition voltage of water during a charging operation thereof, so that the lithium secondary battery has relatively high battery voltage.
Liquid electrolytes are composed of lithium salts dissociated in an organic solvent. The organic solvent may include ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, carbonate containing an alkyl group, or organic compounds similar to the above components.
A lithium secondary battery using a solid electrolyte may not create leakage of the solid electrolyte. However, similarly to a general chemical battery, it is desirable for a can type lithium ion secondary battery using the liquid electrolyte to prevent the liquid electrolyte from being leaked. In particular, since the lithium ion secondary battery may be used as a power source for a portable telephone, a computer, a PDA, and a camcorder, which are expensive electronic appliances, the leakage of the liquid electrolyte is a problem to be solved.
Typically, leakage of the liquid electrolyte is created in a welding section between a can and a cap assembly and an electrolyte injection hole of the cap assembly in the can type secondary battery.
FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing an upper portion of a can type secondary battery including an electrolyte injection hole 112 of a cap plate 110 and a plug.
Referring to FIG. 1, after the electrode assembly 12 has been inserted into a can 11, an opening of the can 11 is sealed by means of a cap assembly 100. The cap assembly 100 is bonded to the can 11 by welding such that the opening of the can 11 is covered with the cap assembly. The electrolyte injection hole 112 is formed in the cap plate 110 of the cap assembly 100. After the cap assembly 100 is welded to the can 11, an electrolyte is injected into the can 11 through the electrolyte injection hole 112. Then, a plug 160 in the form of a ball is press-fitted into the electrolyte injection hole 112 so as to seal the electrolyte injection hole 112. The plug 160 is press-fitted into the electrolyte injection hole 112 formed at one side of the cap plate 110 and is welded to the cap plate 110. Welding the plug 160 to the cap plate 110 is necessary because otherwise the electrolyte may leak through a fine gap formed between the plug 160 and the cap plate 110 even if the plug 160 is mechanically press-fitted into the electrolyte injection hole 112.
The cap plate 110 and the ball forming the plug 160 are typically made from aluminum. Since aluminum has superior electrical and thermal conductive properties, laser welding is typically used for welding the plug 160 to the cap plate 110. When a laser beam is irradiated onto a welding section formed at an edge of the plug 160, the plug 160 and an inner portion of the electrolyte injection hole 112 formed in the cap plate 110 are partially welded, so that the plug 160 is welded to the cap plate 110.
Recently, a can has been made having a reduced size for a lighter weight and higher battery capacity. Accordingly, a cap plate having a thickness less than 1 mm has been recently fabricated. If the thickness of the cap plate is reduced, mechanical strength of the cap plate is lowered and the possibility of deformation of the cap plate caused by external force is increased. In particular, in the case of a can type secondary battery in which a safety vent is formed in the cap plate rather than in a lower portion of the can, if the safety vent is positioned adjacent to a processing area of the cap plate, the cap plate may be extremely deformed by external forces from processing the cap plate.
If the cap plate is easily deformed by external forces applied to it during a manufacturing process, a crack may form in the welding section and certain processing steps, such as welding, may not be easily carried out. Thus, the electrolyte may leak as a result of welding failure.
FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing the problem created in the vicinity of an electrolyte injection hole when the can is sealed by means of an aluminum ball press-fitted into the electrolyte injection hole. FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing a problem when welding work is carried out with respect to a sealed section as shown in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a predetermined portion of the cap plate 110 adjacent to the electrolyte injection hole is depressed as the aluminum ball is press-fitted into the electrolyte injection hole. In addition, the aluminum ball forming a plug 160′ is not sufficiently inserted into the electrolyte injection hole, and an upper portion of the aluminum ball is upwardly protruded from an upper surface of the cap plate 110. In addition, a lower portion of the electrolyte injection hole formed in the cap plate 110 becomes wider so that a predetermined portion of the aluminum ball inserted into the electrolyte injection hole. In other words, an outer surface of the plug 160′ does not make close contact with an inner wall of the electrolyte injection hole, but rather, only makes contact with an inlet portion of the electrolyte injection hole. Accordingly, the sealing function of the plug 160′ for the electrolyte injection hole may deteriorate. As a result, the electrolyte contained in the can may flow up to the inlet portion of the electrolyte injection hole and a gap may be formed between the plug 160′ and the electrolyte injection hole at the inlet portion of the electrolyte injection hole. In particular, if pressing force applied to the aluminum ball causes the deformation of the battery, leakage of the electrolyte may occur.
In addition, although the electrolyte will not leak to an upper surface of the cap plate 110, the gap formed between the plug 160′ and the electrolyte injection hole may fill up with the electrolyte. If welding work is then carried out with respect to the welding section formed between the plug 160′ and the cap plate 110 forming the inner wall of the electrolyte injection hole, the weld may be less reliable if the electrolyte contaminates the welding section formed between the plug 160′ and the electrolyte injection hole. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, an impurity area 162 called "spatter" is formed in the contaminated welding section which may allow electrolyte to be leaked through the impurity area or a pinhole formed in the welding section after the impurity area is removed from the welding section. Otherwise, external humidity or oxygen may penetrate into the can through the pinhole, thereby causing swelling. Therefore a need exists for a can type secondary battery capable of reliably sealing an electrolyte injection hole.


The present invention provides inhibitors of IκB kinase of general formula (I).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention relates to the use of inhibitors IκB kinase to inhibit the growth of a cancer cell and for the treatment of cancer, including multiple myeloma.
2. Background of the Invention
The transcription factor NF-κB is a member of the Rel protein family, and is typically a heterodimer composed of p50 and p65 subunits. NF-κB is constitutively present in the cytosol, and is inactivated by its association with one of the IκB family of inhibitors. Palombella et al., WO 95/25533, teaches that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays an essential role in the regulation of NF-κB activity, being responsible both for processing of p105 to p50 and for the degradation of the inhibitor protein IκBα. Chen et al., Cell 84:853 (1996), teaches that prior to degradation, IκBα undergoes selective phosphorylation at serine residues 32 and 36 by the multisubunit IκB kinase complex (IKK). Once phosphorylated, IκB is targeted for ubiquitination and degradation by the 26S proteasome, allowing translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus, where it binds to specific DNA sequences in the promoters of target genes and stimulates their transcription.
Ritzeler et al., WO 01/68648, discloses a series of beta-carboline compounds with IκB kinase inhibitory activity. Rinehart et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,149, discloses beta-carboline compounds useful as antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor agents.
The protein products of genes under the regulatory control of NF-κB include cytokines, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, and proteins mediating cellular growth and control. Importantly, many of these proinflammatory proteins also are able to act, either in an autocrine or paracrine fashion, to further stimulate NF-κB activation. In addition, NF-κB plays an important role in the growth of normal and malignant cells. Baldwin, J. Clin. Invest., 107:241 (2001), teaches that NF-κB promotes cell growth by upregulating cyclin D transcription, with associated hyperphosphorylation of Rb, G1 to S-phase transition, and inhibition of apoptosis. Bargou et al., J. Clin. Invest., 100:2961 (1997), teaches that NF-κB is constitutively activated in Hodgkin's disease, and inhibition of NF-κB blocks growth of these lymphoma cells. Furthermore, Mayo et al., Science 178:1812 (1997), teaches that inhibition of NF-κB via expression of the super-repressor of IκBα induces apoptosis in cells expressing the oncogenic allele of H-Ras.
Read et al., Immunity 2:493-506 (1995), teaches that proteasome-mediated activation of NF-κB is required for expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Zetter, Seminars in Cancer Biology 4:219-229 (1993), teaches that cell adhesion molecules are involved in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo, by directing the adhesion and extravastation of tumor cells to and from the vasculature to distant tissue sites within the body. Moreover, Beg and Baltimore, Science 274:782 (1996), teaches that NF-κB is an anti-apoptotic controlling factor, and that inhibition of NP-κB activation makes cells more sensitive to environmental stress and cytotoxic agents.
Multiple myeloma is a B-cell malignancy of the plasma cells. It represents the second most common hematological malignancy, with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma being the most common. The annual incidence in the United States (US) is about four per 100,000, and rates in northern Europe are similar to the US. Greenlee et al., CA Cancer J Clin 50:7-33 (2000) discloses that approximately 13,600 cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed each year with ˜11,200 deaths per year due to the disease, representing ˜2% of all cancer deaths. Multiple myeloma is one of only three cancer types to show increased mortality rates for both men and women (increases of 5.6 and 3.8%, respectively) during the period 1991-1995.
Multiple myeloma results from the clonal proliferation of plasma cells arising in the lymph nodes and "homing" to the bone marrow where these cells localize and proliferate. The disease is characterized by marrow plasma cell tumors and overproduction of a patient-specific intact monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy and/or light chain (paraprotein or M-protein). Plasma cell tumors produce immunoglobulin G (IgG) in about 53% of myeloma patients and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in about 25%; 40% of these IgG and IgA patients also have Bence Jones proteinuria. Light chain myeloma is found in 15 to 20% of patients; their plasma cells secrete only free monoclonal light chains (κ or λ Bence Jones protein), and serum M-components are usually absent on electrophoresis. Immunoglobulin D (IgD) myeloma accounts for about 1% of cases. Only a few cases of immunoglobulin E (IgE) myeloma have been reported. The production of an easily detectable paraprotein in the blood and/or urine is a convenient marker for the tumor burden in most of these patients.
Multiple myeloma, unless successfully treated, leads to progressive morbidity and eventual mortality by lowering resistance to infection and causing significant skeletal destruction (with bone pain, pathological fractures, and hypercalcemia), anemia, renal failure, and, less commonly, neurological complications and hyperviscosity. Anderson et al., Semin. Hematol. 36:3 (1999), teaches that patients may initially respond to cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or steroids, but they ultimately suffer from resistant disease. This cancer remains incurable. Raje and Anderson, New Eng J Med 341:1606-1609 (1999) states that the five-year survival rate for patients with multiple myeloma has remained at 29% "for more than four decades".
Vidriales M B and Anderson K C, Molec. Med. Today 2(1):425-431 (1996), suggests that there are complex controls on the growth of the myeloma tumor cell mass in the bone marrow, with influences from the microenvironment of the bone marrow and the production of cytokines by the malignant cell and bone marrow stromal cells. IL-6 is a critical growth factor for the myeloma cell and also inhibits apoptosis in myeloma cells. Chauhan et al., Blood, 87:1104 (1996), teaches that adhesion of myeloma cells to the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) induces NF-κB dependent upregulation of IL-6 transcription and perpetuates further myeloma cell proliferation. Furthermore, Hideshima et al., Oncogene 20:4519 (2001), teaches that multiple myeloma cells secrete TNFα, which induces activation of NF-κB in BMSCs, and thereby directly upregulates IL-6 transcription and secretion in BMSCs. The reference also teaches that TNFα-induced NF-κB activation results in upregulation of ICAM-1 (CD54) and VCAM-1 (CD106) expression on both MM cells and BMSCs, resulting in an increase in MM-BMSC binding. Consistent with the role for NF-κB in multiple myeloma suggested by these references, Feinman R et al., Blood 93:3044 (1999) teaches that elevated levels of NF-κB activity are found in relapsing multiple myeloma.
Thus, there remains a need to identify inhibitors of NF-κB that are effective for the treatment of cancer, including multiple myeloma.

Use of inhibitors of IκB kinase for the treatment of cancer

Abstract: or a stereoisomer or physiologically tolerable salt thereof, for use in the inhibition of the growth of a multiple myeloma cell and for use in the treatment of multiple myeloma, wherein R1-R8 and B6-B9 are described in the specification.


A capacitor charging circuit comprises, power transfer circuitry, power switching control circuitry and voltage measurement circuitry. The power transfer circuitry transfers power from a power source to a capacitor. The power switching control circuitry controls the switching that causes power to be delivered to the power transfer circuitry. The voltage measurement circuitry indirectly measures the output voltage to determine when to stop charging the capacitor.

Capacitor charging circuitry is used to charge capacitive loads, for example, in conventional photoflash systems. In conventional capacitor charging circuitry, a power switch is turned on and off to control the delivery of power from a power source to the capacitive load. Under varying load conditions or output voltage requirements, the output voltage is monitored and switching is adjusted to meet the output voltage and load requirements.
One example of conventional capacitor charging circuitry 10 is shown in FIG. 1. In this circuitry 10, power is delivered to capacitor (Cout) 12 via transformer 14. When a power switch 16 is activated, current flows into a primary coil of the transformer 14. When the power switch 16 is de-activated, the energy stored in the transformer 14 is transferred to the capacitor 12. The output voltage Vout is monitored through the secondary coil of the transformer 14 via resistive divider 20 (R1 and R2). One disadvantage of this method of monitoring Vout is the loss of capacitor energy due to the leakage current flowing through the resistors R1 and R2.
The power switch 16 is activated and deactivated by a latch 18 coupled to the output of comparators 24, 26, which controls the activation of the power switch 16 in response to the primary coil current Ipri and secondary coil current Isec. Once the primary coil current Ipri exceeds a limit, the switch 16 is deactivated and the energy of the transformer 14 is transferred into capacitor 12. This method of limiting the primary coil current Ipri for current protection and charging control uses a sense resistor 30 at the primary side of the transformer 14. One disadvantage of this method of current protection and charge control is the power dissipation due to the resistance Rpri. A sense resistor 32 is also used on the secondary side of the transformer 14, and once the secondary coil current Isec drops below a limit, the switch 16 is activated to start a new charging cycle.
Accordingly, there is a need for capacitor charging circuitry and a charging control method that minimizes current leakage and power dissipation.
Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the subject matter be viewed broadly, and be defined only as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Circuitry and control method for charging capacitive loads


A composition comprising a blend of first and second esters: the first ester comprising a reaction product of first reactants comprising trimer acid, first polyhydric alcohol and first monohydric alcohol; the first monohydric alcohol selected from the group of C8-18 monohydric alcohols; the second ester comprising a reaction product of second reactants comprising trimer acid, second polyhydric alcohol and second monohydric alcohol; the second monohydric alcohol selected from the group of C6-10 monohydric alcohols; the first and second monohydric alcohols being non-identical. This blend of esters, in combination with silica, is useful as a sealant composition, e.g., as a cable-protectant composition.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to protecting moisture-sensitive substrates from moisture; to articles such as a fiber optic cable that contain both a moisture sensitive component and a protectant composition; and to compositions that may be used to protect substrates from moisture and/or corrosion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Transmission cables (e.g., service or power wires/cables) as well as telecommunication devices (e.g., fiber optic cables, telephone cables, terminal blocks, junctions and connections) are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Yet, both transmission cables and telecommunication devices are required to maintain uninterrupted mechanical and electrical characteristics despite the surrounding environmental conditions. Historically, transmission cables have been strung above ground between poles. Increasingly, these cables are being buried beneath the ground for aesthetic reasons and to protect them from extremes of temperature, rain, snow, ice, high winds, falling tree limbs and the like. However, even when placed underground, these cables are subject to many environmental stresses including mechanical shock during back filling, moisture, the possibility of water immersion, attack from rodents and exposure to salt and other corrosive materials.
Transmission cables typically contain either a bundle of individually insulated copper wires, or a bundle of fiber optic cables. The copper wires, in particular, are often protected by an inner metal shield, which covers the bundle of wires, and an outer sheath made from plastic or other insulating material. Likewise, a communication cable is generally constructed of an outer plastic jacket and an inner metal core wrap with an annular space there between. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,321 to Eager, Jr. et al. The core wrap enwraps a plurality of twisted insulated conductors with a filler material, such as petroleum, wax, or other hydrocarbons, located between the conductors. The filler material typically functions as an insulator.
Even though wires and cables are normally well protected, if the protective outer sheath is cut or otherwise broken, water can seep into the wire or cable. Whenever moisture is present in the interior of a cable or wire, it tends, over a period of time, to migrate or flow longitudinally into connections at the splice closures, terminals, or the like. In the special case of optical fibers, passage of the water to connection points or terminals and associated equipment will typically result in damage to such equipment, especially to any metal parts thereof, and can also cause problems at low temperature or freezing environments due to fiber microbending. This is particularly true when an immersed wire is cut.
In an inadequately protected device, corrosion of the contacts or short circuits caused by moisture or other outside elements will eventually interrupt service. Replacement or repair of the cables, whether strung above the ground or buried, can be difficult and/or expensive, and the interruption of service may be particularly irritating to the customer. Because of this, much attention has focused on the protection of these cables from both physical damage and from chemical attack. As a result, various techniques have been disclosed to prevent or restrict migration of moisture along the internal passages of a cable.
In one such technique, cable passages may be filled by a pressurized gas. Upon escape of gas through a ruptured cable jacket, an alarm provides notice of cable damage. However, the gas does not prevent the flow of water into and along the cable internal passages before the repair is effected.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,867,526; 5,082,719; and 5,163,115 disclose a super-absorbent polymer or tape which is impregnated with a superabsorbent material for preventing water migration through cables. It has been found that, for a number of reasons, the production and/or installation of these materials is often impractical and/or uneconomical.
Silicone grease lubricant, elastomeric seals, and/or mastic sealing strips have been used in an attempt to seal out moisture. While these sealants offer some protection, moisture can often seep into the enclosure and cause a short circuit, which will interrupt telecommunications service, particularly when the terminal block is buried underground.
It is also known that insulating materials, such as mineral oil, protect the conductor from moisture and corrosive materials. However, these such insulating materials drip when the cable is being serviced (i.e., cut). To overcome this "dripping" problem, various gelling agents are known to be added to the insulator, to thereby provide a gelled, non-dripping protectant composition. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,169,160; 6,160,939; and 6,085,009.
Zeolites have recently been suggested as a suitable material to impart moisture-resistance to a cable. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,276 B1.
Hydrophobic fumed silica has been used as a gelling agent, particularly for fiber optic cables. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,905,833; 5,902,849; 5,737,469; 5,285,513; 5,276,757; and 5,187,763; and European Patent EP 0 206 234 B1. The fumed silica, in combination with a suitable fluid, will cause the fluid to become gelled and/or demonstrate thixotropic properties, which is advantageous for a cable protectant composition. Fumed silica is rather expensive, and so suitable fluids that are relatively less expensive have a commercial advantage.
Due to the relatively long lengths of cable that are typically installed, certain cable components are made from plastic components such as polypropylene in an attempt to both reduce the cost of the cable as well as obtain multiple supply sources for such components. This presents a problem to the supplier of protectant compositions in that many known protectant compositions are not compatible with plastics such as polypropylene and can cause deterioration of those materials. Furthermore, although only a fairly small amount of protectant composition is present in a cross-section of cable, because the cables are extremely long, even a small difference in the per pound cost of the protectant composition can have a large commercial advantage in the marketplace, assuming all other performance properties are met.
A need therefore exists for suitable and cost-effective protectant compositions to be used in transmission cables and telecommunication devices. The present invention fulfills these needs and further provides related advantages.

Polybasic acid esters and their use in fibre optic cables


A query pipeline for an enterprise search system is configurable by a user of the system. A user may create rules for custom query transformation and parallel query generation, federation of queries, mixing of results and application of display layouts to the received search results. A user interface (UI) assists a user in configuring the search pipeline. For example, a user may enter condition action rules for queries that affect how a query is transformed, how parallel queries are generated, how queries are federated, how search results are ranked and displayed, how rules are ordered and the like.

Many search applications execute queries in a pre-set pipeline. During the flow through the pipeline a fixed set of actions are applied to the query. Making any change to the pipeline can be a very difficult process. For example, a developer and/or a sophisticated administrator may have to spend considerable time to customize the pipeline.

User pipeline configuration for rule-based query transformation, generation and result display


The current invention includes a device and method for the promotion and stimulation of hair growth using one or more light sources such as a diode laser, each light source operating in the infrared range at wavelengths in a range from about 2500 nm to about 10,000 nm and at a low wattage, collectively less than about 1000 mw, with the power level typically being in the region of 500 mw. A diode laser operating in this range will have a greater dispersion rate than heretofore, thus requiring fewer diodes to cover the same area of scalp with less power required per diode laser.

This invention generally relates to human hair growth and, more particularly, to methods and devices for stimulating hair growth through stimulation of the hair follicles by means of a laser.
Alopecia (hair loss) is a major concern for the adult population. Expenditures for hair restoration products and treatments for hair loss represent a major component of the multibillion-dollar cosmetic industry in the United States. Examples of techniques for hair retention and regeneration include the use of hair weaving, the use of hairpieces, the application of hair thickening sprays and shampoos, hair transplantation, and the fashioning of coiffures which distribute hair to cover balding regions of the scalp. In addition, topical drug therapies, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine®) or oral drug therapies such as Finasteride (Propecia®), are in current use to stimulate hair growth in men suffering from male pattern baldness, i.e. baldness occurring at the crown and temples. However, this chemical cannot be used by women, can cause a negative skin reaction on the scalp, and is, therefore, not suitable for everyone, and efficacy is limited and not universal.
Diode laser systems have been developed for various medical treatments of the human body. See for example, Applicant's prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,755,752 and 6,033,431, which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Depending on the type of treatment desired, lasers of various wave lengths, periods of exposure and other such influencing factors have been developed.
Lasers are the newest surgical tool for the medical profession because laser light, as a result of its monochromatic and coherent nature, can be selectively absorbed by living tissue. The absorption of the optical energy from laser light depends upon certain characteristics of the wavelength of the light and properties of the irradiated tissue, including reflectivity, absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusion constant. The reflectivity, absorption coefficient, and scattering coefficient are dependent upon the wavelength of the optical radiation. The absorption coefficient is known to depend upon such factors as interband transition, free electron absorption, grid absorption (photon absorption), and impurity absorption, which are also dependent upon the wavelength of the optical radiation.
In living tissue, the predominant water component has an absorption band determined by the vibration of water molecules. In the visible portion of the spectrum, there exists absorption due to the presence of hemoglobin. Further, the scattering coefficient in living tissue is a dominant factor.
Thus, for a given tissue type, the laser light may propagate substantially unattenuated through the tissue, or may be almost entirely absorbed. The extent to which the tissue is heated and ultimately destroyed depends on the extent to which it absorbs the optical energy and the power associated with the energy. It is generally preferred that the laser light be essentially transmissive through tissues which are not to be affected, and absorbed by tissues which are to be affected. For example, when applying laser radiation to a region of tissue permeated with water or blood, it is desired that the optical energy not be absorbed by the water or blood, thereby permitting the laser energy to be directed specifically to the tissue to be treated. Another advantage of laser treatment is that the optical energy can be delivered to the treatment tissues in a precise, well defined location and at predetermined, limited energy levels.
Ruby and argon lasers are known to emit optical energy in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and have been used successfully in the field of opthalmology to reattach retinas to the underlying choroidea and to treat glaucoma by perforating anterior portions of the eye to relieve interoccular pressure. The ruby laser energy has a wavelength of 694 nanometers (nm) and is in the red portion of the visible spectrum. The argon laser emits energy at 488 nm and 515 nm and thus appears in the blue-green portion of the visible spectrum. The ruby and argon laser beams are minimally absorbed by water, but are intensely absorbed by blood chromogen hemoglobin. Thus, the ruby and argon laser energy is poorly absorbed by non-pigmented tissue such as the cornea, lens and vitreous humor of the eye, but is absorbed very well by the pigmented retina where it can then exert a thermal effect.
Another type of laser which has been adapted for surgical use is the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas laser which emits an optical beam that is well absorbed by water. The wavelength of the CO2 laser is 10,600 nm and therefore lies in the invisible, far infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is absorbed independently of tissue color by all soft tissues having a high water content. Since it is completely absorbed, the CO2 laser makes an excellent surgical scalpel and vaporizer since its depth of penetration is shallow and can be precisely controlled with respect to the surface of the tissue being treated.
Another laser in widespread use is the neodymium doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. The Nd:YAG laser has a predominant mode of operation at a wavelength of 1064 nm in the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Nd:YAG optical emission is absorbed to a greater extent by blood than by water making it useful for coagulating large, bleeding vessels. The Nd:YAG laser has been transmitted through endoscopes for treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal bleeding lesions, such as esophageal varices, peptic ulcers, and arteriovenous anomalies.
The foregoing applications of laser energy are thus well-suited for use as a surgical scalpel and in situations where high energy thermal effects are desired, such as tissue vaporization, tissue cauterization, and coagulation.
Although the foregoing laser systems perform well, they commonly generate large quantities of heat and require a number of lenses and mirrors to properly direct the laser light and, accordingly, are relatively large, unwieldy, and expensive. As such, they are unsuitable for use in stimulating hair growth.
Lasers are in increasing use to effect hair removal. This is done by overheating the hair follicles to destroy them. Recently, laser treatment has now been developed specifically for use as a positive stimulating agent for hair growth. The alleged key is to use low power lasers, so as not to destroy, but stimulate the follicles. Several patents have addressed this solution in different way. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,497,719, 6,666,878, and 6,802,853. A commercial system similar to that disclosed in the '878 patent uses an array of circumferentially-spaced parallel rows of laser diodes in a hair-dryer type apparatus which rotates. These diodes are carefully arrayed in adjacent rows of staggered diodes to assure overlapping of the light fields of adjacent diodes. The prescribed diodes have a wave length of 400 to 1300 nm (670 nm preferred) and a power sufficient to generate a power density of 7-8 joules/cm2. The various embodiments require dozens or even hundreds of diodes. These commercial units are quite expensive and retail for $25,000-$30,000, which severely limits its market and consequent availability to the public for hair growth treatment.
As can be seen, there is a need for a simpler and lower cost system and method for stimulating hair growth with laser energy without damaging the tissue from the thermal effects of the laser energy.

Device and method for stimulating hair growth


A system for the transmission of signals to or between underwater installations, uses optical fibres for the transmission of optical signals to/from a control unit or between the installations. The system includes a conversion unit coupled to one of the ends of the optical fibre for conversion of the optical signals to high frequency radio signals and/or conversion of high frequency radio signals to optical signals, a conversion unit having a coupling to an electrical power supply cable for the transmission of power to the underwater installation, where the coupling unit is coupled to the conversion unit to transfer the high frequency radio signal along the power supply cable to and/or from the underwater installation, and at least one transducer unit in the underwater installation for receiving and/or emission of the high frequency radio signal.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for transmission of signals to or between underwater installations, comprising optical fibres for the transmission of signals to/from a control unit or between the installations.
2. Description of the Related Art
In modern offshore oil installations several underwater installations are presently often used as processing plants and wells. In addition to be supplied with power these installations will also have to be supplied with control signals.
In signal transmission over longer distances optical fibres have proved to be a favourable solution. However, in transmission and distribution of signals between installations within a limited area optical transmission represents a very expensive solution, as there are stringent requirements on accuracy as well as water resistance of the optical fibres and because the coupling processes performed under water can be very complicated. Locally there will be an advantage to have other coupling types and solutions.
A number of proposals exist for solving the problems of underwater fibre optic coupling. One example is given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,697 concerning an inductive coupler where the optical signal is converted to an electrical signal in the first coupling part and is transferred via induction to the other coupling part before the signal is converted back to an optical signal. This solution represents one example of the complex and expensive solutions of the prior art, and comprises, in addition to the coupling part itself, inductive coupling arrangements for taking power from existing power lines.
A system for transmission of signals in a combined RF and optical network is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,773. In this case optical fibre is coupled to a conversion unit which is also coupled to one or more cables. The conversion unit converts optical signals to electrical signals in the radiofrequency range which is further distributed in the network using among other things control of the frequency ranges of the electrical signals. This system may in principle be used in underwater applications as there is a prerequisite for only a single fibre optic coupling, however, this requires dedicated cables for the further transmission of the signal. These cables either have to transmit the signals on to every single installation directly or have to be branched out using additional coupling points. In addition a power supply and corresponding equipment for operating the conversion unit are required, and the solution maintains the need for a dedicated network for the signal transmission, which increases the complexity of the underwater installation. This solution is for this reason not very attractive for underwater installations either.

System for the transmission of signals to or between underwater installations


An exposure method for an LCD is provided. In the method, a sub-pixel region of an array substrate is divided into a first exposure region and a second exposure region, and the first exposure region and the second exposure region are sequentially exposed.

Due to dramatic advances in semiconductor industry technology, it is possible to manufacture liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) that are high-performance as well as compact and lightweight. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) have been widely used as information display devices. However, CRTs have a number of drawbacks in terms of miniaturization and portability, despite their advantages of low cost and high performance.
LCDs have entered the spotlight as an alternative display device that overcomes the disadvantages of the CRT. Among the advantages of the LCD are its small size, low weight, and low power consumption. Today, the LCD is provided with almost all information processing equipment that requires a display device.
The LCD displays images using modulation of light generated by a liquid crystal cell. That is, a predetermined molecular arrangement of liquid crystals is converted to another molecular arrangement by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal cell. Light is emitted from the liquid crystal cell by the converted molecule arrangement. The LCD displays images by converting optical characteristics of the liquid crystal cell such as double refractivity, optimal rotary power, dichroism and light scattering characteristics into visual variations.
An LCD is manufactured by forming a gate line, a data line and a TFT on an array plate, forming R, G, B color filter layers on a color filter plate, aligning the color filter plate on a glass plate to be placed in opposition to the array plate, cohering the array plate and the glass plate, and injecting liquid crystals between the plates.
The array plate and the color filter plate in particular are formed by sequentially performing a plurality of mask processes.
In a mask process, an insulating layer or a metal layer is deposited on the entire surface of the glass plate using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or a sputter deposition method.
After deposition of the layer onto the plate, the surface of the deposited layer is cleaned and a photoresist layer is coated onto the surface. After coating, the photoresist layer is patterned by an exposure and development process using a mask.
The deposited layer is selectively etched using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask, and then the patterned photoresist layer is eliminated. By eliminating the patterned photoresist layer, a single mask step is completed.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exposure method used in a manufacturing method of an LCD according to a related art.
As shown in FIG. 1, four active array plates are formed on single glass plate in (a).
That is, four active regions corresponding to four liquid crystal panels are formed simultaneously on the glass plate. After forming the four active regions, a cell process is carried out for dividing the glass plate into single active region units.
The process of forming the four active regions on the glass plate includes, for each of the four active regions, a first mask step of forming a gate line and a gate electrode, a second mask step of forming a channel layer, a third mask step of forming source/drain electrodes, a fourth mask step of forming a contact hole in a passivation layer, and a fifth mask step of forming a pixel electrode.
An exposure process is performed for the four active regions in each of the mask steps.
When the first mask step is carried out, a metal layer is deposited on the glass plate and a photoresist layer is coated on the metal layer. After coating, an exposure process is carried out using a mask pattern. The exposure process is performed four times on each active region sequentially.
In the exposure process, a single active region can be completely exposed by a one-time exposure process.
As shown in (b) of FIG. 1, one active region is formed on a glass plate in the case of a large LCD. In this case, a mask process cannot be completed with a single exposure process.
Since manufacturing costs increase in proportion to the size of the requisite exposure lens, a partitioned exposure process may be performed to reduce the manufacturing costs.
As described above, the partitioned exposure process completes a single mask process by performing a plurality of partitioned exposures on single active region. In contrast, the concentrated exposure process completes a single mask process by exposing an entire active region with a one-time exposure. One or the other of the partitioned exposure process and the concentrated exposure process is selectively used in manufacturing LCDs.
FIG. 2 illustrates overlapped exposure regions when a partitioned exposure process is performed.
Referring to FIG. 2, when a plurality of partitioned exposure processes are performed on one active region as shown in (b) of FIG. 1, an overlapped exposure region may occur at a boundary portion between the partitioned exposure regions due to, for example, a defective alignment between the mask and the glass substrate, a tilted exposure device, or the like.
As shown in FIG. 2, the partitioned exposure process includes a first exposure that exposes an active region within a predetermined width from a left edge of an active region formed on a glass plate. By the first exposure, a first exposure region is formed on the active region. After performing the first exposure, a second exposure is carried out on an adjacent active region to form a second exposure region. When the second exposure is carried out, an overlapped exposure portion is formed at a boundary region between the first exposure region and the second exposure region.
FIG. 3 illustrates a line failure generated when a partitioned exposure process is performed.
Referring to FIG. 3, when an overlapped exposure region occurs as shown in FIG. 2, a line width at the first and second exposure regions is formed to be larger than that at the overlapped exposure region.
In this case, the line resistance is undesirably increased.
Also, when the line is a pixel electrode or a common electrode, the storage capacitance determined by the gap between electrodes is undesirably changed, thereby degrading image quality.
Moreover, a line pattern failure due to the overlapped exposure causes stitches in the active region or a short circuit due to a reduced process margin.

Exposure mask pattern for LCD and exposure method using the same


A keyless adjusting mechanism for a chain saw is disclosed herein, which comprises a protection cover, an adjusting bolt, an adjusting stud, and an adjusting ring with a driver gear, wherein the adjusting bolt is coupled with a driven gear for engaging with the driver gear of the adjusting ring, the adjusting stud is coupled with a chain board and has a threaded hole for engaging with the corresponding adjusting bolt. Accordingly, when the adjusting ring is rotated, the driver gear can bring the driven gear to let the adjusting stud move axially along the adjusting bolt such that the chain could be adjusted to tighten or loosen. In addition, a knob with a handle is coupled to the adjusting ring. The handle can be withdrawn in the knob or extended out of the knob for convenient twist.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an adjusting mechanism for a chain saw that can adjust a tension of a chain without using auxiliary tools.
2. The Prior Arts
Taiwan application Nos. 90,213,097 and 94,211,435 both disclose an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a tension of a chain without using auxiliary tools. The conventional adjusting mechanism has a complicated structure, and has a knob that is inconvenient to twist.

Keyless adjusting mechanism for chain saw