The telephone (1) comprises a base (2) adapted to be connected to a telephone line, a first handset (4) connected to the base (2) by a flexible cord (5) and a second handset (6) connected to the base (2) by a radio link. To reduce the size of the base (2), the latter is formed with a cavity (11) in which the second handset (6) can be fully inserted, or at least substantially so. This cavity (11) communicates with the exterior of the base through an opening (11b) formed in one of the walls (2c) of the base's casing, such that the microphone and the earpiece of the second handset (6) are acoustically linked with the exterior of the base (2) and hence enable the second handset (6) to be used even when it is lodged in its cavity (11).

This invention relates to a telephone adapted to be connected to a telephone line and which comprises:
a first handset including firstly a first casing and secondly a first earpiece and a first microphone that are so arranged in said first casing as to be acoustically linked with the outside of said first casing;
a second handset including firstly a second casing, and secondly a second earpiece and a second microphone that are so arranged in said second casing as to be acoustically linked with the outside of said second casing, said second handset further including a first antenna and first circuits for connecting said second earpiece and said second microphone to said first antenna;
a base including a third casing having a first cavity for receiving said first casing and a second cavity for receiving said second casing, said base further including a second antenna and second circuits for connecting said telephone line to said second antenna; and
means for galvanically connecting said first earpiece and said first microphone to said telephone line; said first and second antennas and said first and second circuits being so adapted to one another as to enable said second earpiece and said second microphone to be linked to said telephone line. circuits being so adapted to one another as to enable said second earpiece and said second microphone to be connected to said telephone line.
As above, and to avoid unnecessary repetitions, use will be made throughout the following description of the term "first handset" for the handset that is galvanically connected to the base of the telephone by means including in particular a flex having at least two conductors and which is comparable to the handset of a conventional telephone, and the term "second handset" for the handset that is connected to the base by a radio link provided in particular by transmitter and receiver circuits and by antennas included in said base and said second handset.
Telephones of the kind defined above enable a user to have conversations with a correspondent with either the first handset in the usual way, in which case the user must obviously remain close to the telephone's base, or the second handset, in which case the user may move about freely up to a certain distance from the base, such distance depending obviously on the power of the transmitters and on the sensitivity of the receivers that provide the radio link between the base and the second handset.
Telephones of this kind moreover enable two persons each using one of the handsets to have a telephone conversation with one another or to have, together, a telephone conversation with a third person.
Such telephones are for instance described in German Patent specification 3434686.
In the telephone described in this patent application, the top surface of the base is shaped to define two cavities that are separated from one another by a number-selecting keyboard and which are each meant to receive one of the two handsets. This telephone is therefore quite bulky.


An angle measurement tool in which the assembled components result in only two moving parts that are pivoted relative to each other and wherein the pivot axis is the geographic center of the angle measurement component and wherein a miter joint angle, the correspondent actual angle, the complementary angle of the actual angle and the supplementary angle of the actual angle can be read simultaneously.

This invention is an improvement of the measuring tool described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,238 issued May 29, 2001 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,895 issued Oct. 19, 2004. This invention is for use in the construction profession with particular applicability to finish carpentry, framing carpentry, wall layout, drywall installation, fitting countertops, piping layouts, floor and ceiling installations and cabinetry. It also has direct applications in the graphic arts field, the engineering and drafting fields and other manufacturing situations where angle measurements are performed. This invention has direct applications in virtually every situation requiring an angle measurement, and it has a multitude of professional and household applications, providing precise angle readings for any carpentry project and any other project that requires angle measurement, angle copying, angle transferring, and/or angle projection with a laser.
This invention is used in the fitting of trim and decorative pieces, or any material, to the surface of wall surfaces, or any surfaces, which meet at an angular junction. This angular junction is commonly referred to as a miter joint. A miter saw/miter box is used to cut the trim and decorative pieces, or any material, in a precise manner so that a clean and accurate miter joint is established.
The invention is also used for fitting single pieces of trim, or any material, into any angle that is encountered. A miter saw/miter box is used to cut the material in a precise manner so that a clean and accurate fit is established between the freshly cut piece and the work surface(s).
In addition to the above-mentioned functions, which are specific to the angle scale that is virtually universal to the miter saw/miter box, this invention also has scales for determining the actual angle, or any interpretation of the actual angle, throughout an entire revolution (zero degrees through 360 degrees).
This invention has additional scales for determining, transferring and laying out the angles for common roof pitches. In the preferred embodiment, these scales are laid out in the standard "inches of rise per lineal foot." The indicated roof pitch is simultaneously converted to a miter saw/miter box setting.
While a miter saw/miter box is the preferred and generally most accurate way to achieve the angled cuts determined by the invention, other means such as a hand saw, hand-held circular saw, radial arm saw, table saw, jig saw and any other means for achieving the determined cuts are contemplated by the inventor.
This invention has a laser accessory and provision is made for said laser accessory to be attached to the invention. The union of this invention with the laser accessory provides a means for projecting any angle setting from a chosen point of origin along the angle chosen and out to a distance limited only by the power of the laser. Such a laser projection is useful in the layout of walls and construction angles, regardless of what plane they are in. Such a laser projection is also useful in the electrical, plumbing, drywall and landscaping fields, as well as any trade or endeavor that requires the accurate determination, and/or projection, of any angle. It should be understood that a laser, or lasers, might also be incorporated in the body of the tool as a permanent fixture(s). All such alternative means for employing a laser(s) on the measuring tool are contemplated by the inventor.


A rotary internal combustion engine with a housing having a fluid passage defined therethrough opening into a portion of its inner surface engaging each peripheral or apex seal of the rotor. An injector has an inlet for fluid communication with a pressurized lubricant source and a selectively openable and closable outlet in fluid communication with the fluid passage for delivering the pressurized lubricant to each seal through the fluid passage. A housing for a Wankel engine and a method of lubricating peripheral seals of a rotor in an internal combustion engine are also discussed.

Rotary internal combustion engines having peripheral seals, such as apex seals in Wankel engines, usually require oil injection to these seals to prevent excessive wear and loss of performance. Typically, such engines use a mechanical oil pump which driven by the rotatable shaft of the engine to deliver the oil to the seals through suitable fluid conduits communicating with the pump and with the environment of the seals; this pump is provided in addition to the main oil pump providing the oil circulation to other systems of the engine (e.g. bearing lubrication, rotor cooling). However, engine driven mechanical pumps have limited flexibility as to the frequency of injection, which is usually fixed for a given engine speed. Accordingly, the frequency of oil delivery to the seals may be difficult or impossible to adjust and tailor to specific operating conditions, particularly without a change in the quantity of oil being injected.

Method of apex seal lubrication for a rotary internal combustion engine


This invention provides a means of awakening the sleeping or unconscious operator of the vehicle by sounding a loud alarm with a recorded message within the cabin as well as alerting nearby and opposing drivers of other vehicles in motion that the involved vehicle is out of control. The invention involves securing to a shoulder belt a capacitance element including circuits to bring about a change in capacitance in the event of nodding of the operator's head.

Despite the fact that numerous highway accidents result in situations in which a sleeping driver is out of control of his vehicle, no device which awakens a sleeping driver of a vehicle in motion is available today. Various devices for awakening sleeping drivers in such situations have been described in patent literature. Such devices are impractical, cumbersome to wear and hence may not be worn, or mechanically unreliable. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,075 (Messina) employs a spring attached to the seat belt. When the driver slumps forward, the tension on the seat belt is sufficient to increase the tension on the spring which is in turn controls various components of the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,693 (Kithil). This invention employs at least three capacitive sensors, placed in the headliner of the vehicle and above the operator's head which senses changes in position and motion. The output of the sensors are analyzed by a micro processor which in turn activates various warning devices to alert the operator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,241 (Clarke, Sr. et al.) This invention consists of a unit placed around the rearview mirror or the dashboard and contains an infrared auto focusing device to sense changes in position of the head. In addition, the unit contains a heat sensor which evaluates the temperature around the face area. This assumes a decrease in temperature about the face resulting from a decrease in respiration which occurs during sleep.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,144 (Mannik) This device attaches to the driver's eyeglasses. A beam of narrow band infrared or ultrasound senses whether the driver's eyelids are in a closed or open position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,111 issued on 1990 (Yamamoto and Tanaka). This device detects the blink rate of the driver's eyes regardless of the position of the iris and uses at least two reflection type sensors. The duration of the blink is then used to determine whether the user is beginning to doze. An alarm is then produced to awaken the driver.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,143 November 1995 (Cooper). This device consists of eye glasses which contain a sensing lever in contact with one of the driver's upper eyelids. Downward motion of the eyelid moves the sensing lever downward which in turn activates a micro switch coupled to the sensing lever. The micro switch activates circuitry in the control unit to turn on a light each time the eyelid closes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,461 November 1997 (Jones). This consists of a U-shaped headset which includes a mercury switch assembly. The mercury switch is closed with a forward tilting of the head. The unit, however, does require a headset.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,092 June 1996 (Streb, et. al.) This consists of a head cap operating a number of micro switches which detect forward and backward motion of the head. With tilting of the head switches then activate an alarm.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,013 October 1994 (Estrada). This device consists of a headset with a reflector mounted on the top. An incident optical beam is directed from a forward positioned light source. The optical emitter and receiver system is arranged so that the head position is sensed by displacement of the beam which in turn activates the alarm system to emit a loud alarm. This also requires a headset.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,606 March 1993 (Martyniuk). This is a switch activated by a piston cylinder which in turn activates the brake pedal or vacuum operated brake system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,090 May 1990 (Yoshimi, et. al.) This device measures the skin potential for determining arousal level. It does so by a complex measurement of skin potential level which varies with sleep.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,375 November 1984 (Hershberger) This consists of a push button alarm switch mounted on the steering wheel whereby the driver's hand concurrently grips the steering wheel and switch. The alarm switch is activated when the driver's grip on the steering wheel is relaxed or in sleep.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,665 March 1981 (Manning). The device measures the electrical conduction between the driver's hand and the steering wheel. With relaxation of grip, the hand falls from the steering wheel and the safety system is activated.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,045 June 1976 (Conley). This invention requires the driver to wear a glove which is in turn connected to a switch. With sleep and relaxation the gloved hand falls from the steering wheel increasing tension on the cord which is connected to the switch. At this point the alarm is activated.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,495 September 1995 (Cochran). A sleep preventing alarm including timer circuitry for selectively transmitting a periodic indicator signal upon completion of a characteristic time interval in one of a number of modes of operation.

Sleep warning device for mobile vehicles


A one-dimensional data stream is encoded into a two-dimensional data array with reduced high frequency components, for recording on a two-dimensional recording device, such as a holographic storage device. A two-dimensional data array read from the two-dimensional recording device is decoded into the original one-dimensional data stream. To encode, a one-dimensional data stream is partitioned into a plurality of chunks of data. Each chunk of data is partitioned into a plurality of groups of bits. Each group of bits is encoded into a two dimensional data array according to a predefined constraint. A plurality of two-dimensional data arrays are concatenated into a data strip. A plurality of data strips are then assembled into a complete two-dimensional data block. To decode, a two-dimensional data stream is partitioned into multiple small two-dimensional arrays. Each array is decoded into a multi-bit group. In one embodiment, this decoding is a function of other nearby groups. Multi-bit groups are assembled to form a long chunk. Long chunks are assembled to form a one-dimensional data stream.

Mass data storage devices have always been essential to computer technology. The disk drive is one familiar mass storage device. Although the surface of the disk is two-dimensional, the data is stored in one-dimensional tracks on the disk. This results in a one-dimensional data stream, or bit stream, as shown in FIG. 1a. Data bits, indexed as n-2, n-1, n, n+1, n+2, etc., are arranged in successive positions on the track. This is a one-dimensional array, which may either be represented linearly, as shown in FIG. 1a (rectangular coordinates), or may be understood as being arranged around the perimeter of a circular track (polar coordinates). In either case, the bits are arranged one-dimensionally. (Note that that the legend "n Dimension" in FIG. 1a refers not to n distinct dimensions, but rather to the single dimension, along whose length the bits, indexed as stated, are deployed.)
Each bit in the data stream is adjacent to only two bits, its immediate neighbors in the positive and negative directions in one dimension. As recording density increases, high frequency components in the recorded signal increase. Due to bandwidth limitations, those increased high frequency components may not be faithfully reproduced. This causes "smearing" of the data bits. This smearing manifests itself as interaction and distortion between adjacent bits in the data stream. In a one-dimensional data stream, such interaction and distortion can only occur in one dimension.
There are also mass storage devices which utilize two-dimensional recording technology, such as holographic storage. The data in such a device is not stored in one-dimensional tracks, but rather is stored in the form of two dimensional arrays, as shown in FIG. 1b. Each bit is adjacent to as many as eight other bits, its immediate neighbors in the eight combinations of the positive and negative directions in two dimensions x and y, including diagonally adjacent bits. Interaction and distortion may occur between all adjacent bits in both dimensions.
One approach to dealing with data interaction and distortion is to encode the recorded data so as to reduce the high frequency components which must be reproduced. In essence, encoding the data low-pass filters the data before it is recorded. Although low-pass filtering encoding schemes have been developed for one-dimensional data streams, these schemes are not generally applicable to two-dimensional recording. In two-dimensional recording, the high frequency components must be reduced in both dimensions.

Two-dimensional low-pass filtering code apparatus and method

International Business Machines Corporation


An all-silica zeolite having the IFR framework topology can be directly synthesized by preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) an active source of silicon oxide, (2) a structure directing agent comprising a N-benzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octane cation, (3) an active source of hydroxide and (4) water and maintaining the reaction mixture under conditions sufficient to form crystals of the zeolite.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for preparing all-silica crystalline zeolites having the IFR structure ("IFR zeolite").
2. State of the Art
Zeolites are an important class of microporous, crystalline solids which are used industrially in heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption, separation and ion-exchange. The properties of zeolites for these applications are strongly affected by the structural features such as the framework composition and topology. Benefiting from the hydrophobic properties of their electroneutral framework, pure-silica zeolites provide tremendous opportunities of separating nonpolar from polar molecules. As discussed below, it is often a challenge to synthesize such pure-silica zeolites. Therefore, it is desirable to find an economic and efficient way to reach this goal.
The direct synthesis is the primary route of the synthesis of zeolites. The major variables that have a predominant influence on the zeolite structure crystallized include the composition of synthesis mixture, temperature and time. Depending on the nature of the zeolites involved and the chemistry of their formation, some zeolite structures can be synthesized in a broad spectrum of framework compositions, as exemplified by ZSM-5 containing no heteroatoms (Si-ZSM-5, i.e., pure-silica ZSM-5), as well as ZSM-5 containing heteroatoms in its crystal framework (for example boron (B-ZSM-5, i.e., borosilicate ZSM-5), gallium (Ga-ZSM-5, i.e., gallosilicate ZSM-5) or aluminum (Al-ZSM-5, i.e., aluminosilicate ZSM-5)). By contrast, the synthesis of some other structures succeeds only if certain heteroatom X (X=B, Ga or Al, for example) is present in the synthesis mixture and, in turn, incorporated into the framework. In many cases, certain zeolite structures can be synthesized only with certain specific heteroatoms within a limited range of Si/X ratio or in the presence of certain specific structure directing agents (SDAs). These complicated relationships between zeolite structures, framework compositions and SDAs have been discussed in many publications and patents (see S. I. Zones et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 263–273; U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,337, issued Oct. 16, 1990 to Zones et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,006, issued Mar. 20, 1990 to Zones et al.; and R. F. Lobo, M. Pan, I. Y. Chan, R. C. Medrud, S. I. Zones, P. A. Crozier and M. E. Davis, J. Phys. Chem. 1994, 98, 12040–12052.)
In addition to the direct synthesis method, post-synthetic treatments often provide an alternative route to modify the zeolites to acquire desirable framework compositions. The post-synthetic treatment techniques all operate on the same principle: the desirable atoms such as Al and Si are inserted into lattice sites previously occupied by other T-atoms such as B. For example, Jones et al. developed a method of making pure-silica zeolites post-synthetically via treatment of borosilicate zeolites with, for example, acetic acid to expel boron from zeolites and subsequently heal the defects created by deboronation with silicon dissolved from other parts of the crystal (see C. W. Jones, S. J. Hwang, T. Okubo, M. E. Davis Chem. Mater. 2001, 13, 1041–1050). Although some pure-silica zeolites can be prepared via such post-synthetic techniques, it is always desirable to have a more economic and efficient way to reach the goal via direct hydrothermal synthesis.
There are two hydrothermal routes for the synthesis of pure-silica zeolites: (1) using OH anion as a mineralizer at high pH, and (2) using F− anion as a mineralizer at near neutral pH. Synthesis of many pure-silica zeolites has succeeded so far only using the fluoride method. The drawbacks of the fluoride route are that fluoride ions (from HF or NH4F, for example) are involved in the synthesis and the crystallization usually takes a longer time than via the OH− route.
Zeolite SSZ-42, a known zeolite, is characterized by an undulating, one-dimensional 12-membered ring channel system (see C. Y. Chen, L. W. Finger, R. C. Medrud, P. A. Crozier, I. Y. Chan, T. V. Harris, S. I. Zones, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Comm., 1997, 1775–1776; C. Y. Chen, L. W. Finger, R. C. Medrud, C. L. Kibby, P. A. Crozier, I. Y. Chan, T. V. Harris, L. W. Beck, S. I. Zones, Chemistry—A European. J. 1998, 4, 1312–1323; P. A. Barrett, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, R. H. Jones, L. A. Villaescusa, Chem. Mater. 1997, 9, 1713–1715; and P. A. Barrett, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, R. H. Jones, L. A. Villaescusa, J. Phys. Chem. B 1997, 102, 4147–4155.). According to the International Zeolite Association (IZA), the zeolites designated SSZ-42, MCM-58 and ITQ-4 have the same framework topology which the IZA has assigned the code "IFR" (see Ch. Baerlocher, W. M. Meier and D. H. Olson and, Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types 2001, Elsevier, p. 302).
Zeolites having the IFR framework topology can be synthesized in both borosilicate (B-IFR) and aluminosilicate (Al-IFR) form by using a variety of benzyl derivatives such as N-benzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane, N-benzylquinuclidinium, N-benzylquinuclidinol or benzyltropanium cations as structure directing agents ("SDA"s) (see C. Y. Chen, L. W. Finger, R. C. Medrud, P. A. Crozier, I. Y. Chan, T. V. Harris, S. I. Zones, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Comm., 1997, 1775–1776; COY. Chen, L. W. Finger, R. C. Medrud, C. L. Kibby, P. A. Crozier, I. Y. Chan, T. V. Harris, L. W. Beck, S. I. Zones Chemistry—A European. J. 1998, 4, 1312–1323; U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,956, issued Aug. 5, 1997 to Zones et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,721, issued Aug. 15, 1995 to Valyocsik; U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,855, issued Aug. 1, 1995 to Valyocsik; and C. Y. Chen, S. I. Zones, L. T. Yuen, T. V. Harris and S. A. Elomari, Proc. 12th Int. Zeolite Conf. 1998, 1945–1952.).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,956, issued Aug. 5, 1997 to Zones, discloses zeolite SSZ-42 (a zeolite having the IFR framework topology), methods of preparing it and its use in, e.g., catalysts for hydrocarbon conversion reactions. The SSZ-42 is prepared using a N-benzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane cation or N-benzyl-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane cation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,956 does not, however, disclose all-silica SSZ-42 or the method for its preparation. For example, the SSZ-42 zeolite is said to have a mole ratio of an oxide selected from silicon oxide, germanium oxide and mixtures thereof to an oxide selected from aluminum oxide, gallium oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, boron oxide and mixtures thereof greater than 10 (see col. 2, 1. 54–61). Likewise, as-synthesized SSZ-42 is described as having a YO2/W2O3 mole ratio of greater than or equal to 15, where Y is selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium and mixtures thereof and W is selected from boron, aluminum, gallium, iron, titanium and mixtures thereof wherein at least 50% of W is boron (see col. 3, 1, 1–15). Thus, it appears that at least one oxide other than silicon oxide is present in the as-synthesized SSZ-42. This is confirmed in Examples 4 and 16 (the examples in which SSZ-42 is synthesized directly) where the product contains silicon along with boron or a mixture of boron and aluminum.
It is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,956 that some or all of the boron in SSZ-42 may be replaced with at least one other element (see col. 8, 1.11–21 and Examples 14–16). However, there is no suggestion as to how an all-silica SSZ-42 can be made, and, in any case, the boron replacement is a post-synthesis step and not part of the direct synthesis of SSZ-42.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,855, issued Aug. 1, 1995 to Valyocsik, discloses zeolite MCM-58 (which, according to the IZA has the IFR framework topology), a method for its preparation and its use in the catalytic conversion of organic compounds. It is disclosed that the MCM-58 is prepared using a benzylquinuclidinium cation SDA. The MCM-58 has a composition containing an oxide of a tetravalent element (such as silicon, tin and/or germanium) and an oxide of a trivalent element (such as aluminum, boron, iron, indium and/or gallium). See col. 2, 1. 38–60, col. 4, 1. 40–55 and Examples 1–11. U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,855 does not, however, disclose all-silica MCM-58 (or any other all-silica zeolite having the IFR framework topology) or a method of making all-silica MCM-58.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,721, issued Aug. 15, 1995 to Valyocsik, also discloses zeolite MCM-58 (which, according to the IZA has the IFR framework topology), a method for its preparation and its use in the catalytic conversion of organic compounds. In this case, however, it is disclosed that the MCM-58 is prepared using a benzyltropanium cation SDA.
Like U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,855, the MCM-58 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,721 has a composition containing an oxide of a tetravalent element (such as silicon, tin and/or germanium) and an oxide of a trivalent element (such as aluminum, boron, iron, indium and/or gallium). See col. 2, 1. 33–56, col. 4, 1. 34–55 and Examples 1–6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,721 does not, however, disclose all-silica MCM-58 (or any other all-silica zeolite having the IFR framework topology) or a method of making all-silica MCM-58.
ITQ-4, which is a pure-silica zeolite having the IFR framework topology (see P. A. Barrett, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, R. H. Jones, L. A. Villaescusa, Chem. Mater. 1997, 9, 1713–1715; P. A. Barrett, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, R. H. Jones, L. A. Villaescusa, J. Phys. Chem. B 1997, 102, 4147–4155; M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, L. A. Villaescusa, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1997, 749–750; and P. A. Barrett, E. T. Boix, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, M. J. Diaz-Cabañas, S. Valencia, L. A. Villaescusa, Proc. 12th Intern. Zeolite Conf. 1998, 1495–1502 and WO9829332, published Jul. 9, 1998.) is one of the examples among pure-silica zeolites synthesized by Camblor et al. via the fluoride route. Camblor et al. found that fluoride ions reside within the small [43526] cage located around the periphery of the central pore space of ITQ-4, showing some "templating" role for the formation of this structure (see P. A. Barrett, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, R. H. Jones, L. A. Villaescusa, J. Phys. Chem. B 1997, 102, 4147–4155.). Camblor et al. pointed out that "the key parameter for the synthesis of ITQ-4 is the presence of F− anions, with a wide tolerance existing toward changes in pH." (see P. A. Barrett, M. A. Camblor, A. Corma, R. H. Jones, L. A. Villaescusa, Chem. Mater. 1997, 9, 1713–1715.).
The present invention provides, in contrast to the synthesis method of Camblor et al., a new method for the direct synthesis of all-silica zeolites having the IFR framework topology via the OH− route without using F− anions. These results are important since the synthesis medium consists only of a silicon source, SDA solution and, an active source of hydroxide (such as alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide and/or the SDA in its hydroxide form). This result is also important because, aside from corrosion issues of the Camblor et al. F− synthesis, the method provides about double the yield of product per mole of silica compared to the F− method.

Method of making all-silica zeolite with IFR structure


Fibrous structures, especially fibrous structures incorporated into facial tissue, toilet tissue and paper towel and napkin products, that comprise a fiber having a length of from about 0.4 mm to about 1.2 mm and a coarseness of from about 3.0 mg/100 m to about 7.5 mg/100 m, wherein the fibrous structures exhibit a lint value of greater than about 3.5 to about 15, and processes for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Typically, fibrous structures used for sanitary tissue products contain two or more fiber furnishes. Such fibrous structures typically contain one furnish comprised of relatively long fibers, i.e. fibers with length-weighted average fiber length exceeding about 2 mm. This furnish is intended as reinforcement or strength generation. Then the fibrous structures further comprise at least one relatively short fibered furnish, i.e. having a fiber length less than about 1 mm. The short fibers improve the softness since they are relatively unbonded. The unbonded fibers allow free ends which impart a velvety smoothness to the structure. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,981 to Carstens incorporated herein by reference for a disclosure of such velvety structures.
It is well known to those skilled in the art that the use of the short fibers is limited both in the minimum average fiber length which is permissible as well as the fraction of the total furnishes which can be the short-fibered furnish. This is due to the well known fact that use of shorter and shorter fibers normally causes an increase in the propensity of a tissue paper structure to release lint. While a certain amount of lint level is acceptable, excessive lint can be a major problem in production (dust generation). The users of product can also negatively relate to lint as it causes dust accumulation around the home of leaves pieces of the tissue clinging to the body after use.
This problem with lint is heightened when the tissue paper product is made by the so-called through-air dried ("TAD") papermaking process. This is because the process of tieing-down loose lint is improved when the tissue paper web is pressed against the surface of a Yankee dryer. In some TAD processes, this pressing is changed from pressing over 100% of the area, typical in non-TAD conventional processes, to less than 50%, more preferably even less than 40% of the surface. While the lint reduction accompanying such limited pressing is surprisingly good, it necessarily suffers relative to conventional web making. Furthermore in some TAD processes, the Yankee dryer has been eliminated completely which obviously totally eliminates this means of strength generation.
Today's art limits the short-fibered furnish used in papermaking processes to greater than about 0.75 mm.
Inventors have now found that, in fibrous tissue structures having lint values greater than about 3.5, surprisingly short fiber length, i.e. from about 0.4 mm to about 1.2 mm fibers, can be used in the production and use of such tissue paper structures offering a softness benefit without a substantial increase in lint values.
No prior art teaches a fibrous structure comprising a short fiber having a length of from about 0.4 mm to about 1.2 mm and a coarseness of from about 3.0 mg/100 m to about 7.5 mg/100 m, wherein the fibrous structure has a lint value of greater than about 3.5.

Fibrous structure and process for making same


A system, a method and computer-readable media for presenting video content within a web page. A client computer receives a web page over a network. The web page includes an item of script for use in presenting requested video content within the web page. Executing this item of script establishes a connection with a video player provider. Using this connection, video player code is loaded from the video player provider. This code is utilized to present the video player within the web page. The video player may present the requested video to the user.

The Internet has been popularized by the overwhelming and rapid success of the World Wide Web (WWW or Web). The Web facilitates interaction between users and the Internet through its billions of web pages. Web pages are documents that are accessible via the Internet and that provide content to users. These pages are typically written in code, such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), or the like. The Web links together the multitude of web pages in a complex, non-sequential web of associations that permit a user to browse from one topic to another, regardless of the presented order of topics. A "web browser" (also known as an "Internet browser") is an application that executes on the user's computer to navigate the Web. The web browser allows a user to retrieve and render hypermedia content from the WWW, including text, sound, images, video and other data.
As the Internet has because more and more popular, so has the number of web pages. Indeed, even those with limited computer-expertise often create web pages. As creating a web page typically involves the generation of HTML code, novice users may find it difficult to integrate multi-media content into their pages. For example, today only the most technically savvy web page designer is able to integrate video content into a web page. This is because the ability to write the HTML code necessary for such an integrated presentation is beyond the capability and resources of inexperienced designers. Accordingly, only a limited number of web pages today provide a contextual presentation of video content.
The difficulties associated with providing multi-media content in web pages may also be observed when considering web pages that present blog content. A blog is a personal chronological log of a user's thoughts published on a web page. When a blog user (a "blogger") desires to comment on an item of video content, they may wish to provide information about the video in their blog. This information may include a thumbnail image from the video, a video caption and/or a link to the video. Today, incorporating such information into a blog may involve editing the blog site's HTML code, and, thus, such incorporation may be a tedious endeavor. Because bloggers often have limited experience in writing HTML code, they may find it difficult to incorporate content related to a video into their blog.

Presenting video content within a web page


A stimulation device for screening therapeutic effects from electrical stimulation of electrically excitable tissue. The stimulation device includes inputs such that the user can easily select the polarity, amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate of the respective stimulation signal applied on each of the implanted electrodes. Alternatively, the stimulation device automatically sets those parameters of the stimulation signal with parameters that have historically produced high ratings of therapeutic effect. The user then enters a rating of the therapeutic effect that results from the application of those stimulation signals on the implanted electrodes. The stimulation device is designed to also include a casing such that the stimulation device is adapted to be portable. Because the stimulation device of the present invention is also inexpensive, the user can carry this device around during normal daily activities of the user during the screening process. Consequently, parameters of the stimulation device that would result in optimum therapeutic effect for normal daily activities of the user can be determined more easily and more accurately.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for screening therapeutic effects from electrical stimulation of electrically excitable tissue, and more particularly to a portable stimulation device that allows the user to configure the parameters of a respective stimulation signal applied on each of at least one implanted stimulation electrode and that stores ratings of the therapeutic effects along with the corresponding stimulation signal parameters.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of medical devices for electrical stimulation of electrically excitable tissue is well known in the medical arts. Electrical stimulation of brain tissue has been used for tremor suppression, and electrical stimulation of peripheral nerve tissue has been used to promote blood circulation in patients having peripheral vascular disease. In addition, electrical stimulation of the brain and nerve tissue of the spinal cord has been used for pain management. Electrodes have been implanted near the spinal column of the human body to provide pain relief. The nerve tissue within the spinal column is stimulated electrically to reduce pain sensations at another part of the body.
Depending on the particularities of each different human body, the parameters of the stimulation signals applied near electrically excitable tissue are adjusted to optimize the therapeutic effect from the electrical stimulation. For example for pain management, the area of excitation within the spinal column and the intensity of excitation can be varied by corresponding adjustment of the parameters of the stimulation signals.
In order to vary the area of excitation, an array of electrodes may be implanted near the nerve tissue within the spinal column. Then, each of those electrodes can be configured to have a respective one of a positive or negative polarity or to be in the off-state such that the desired area of the nerve tissue within the spinal column is electrically stimulated. In addition, the amplitude, the pulse width, and the pulse rate of the respective stimulation signal applied on each of those implanted electrodes can be varied for a corresponding variation in area of excitation within the spinal column and in the intensity of excitation.
Deciding how to optimally provide electrical stimulation therapy to any particular individual involves three steps of screening. The first step of screening involves determining whether electrical stimulation of electrically excitable tissue can provide sufficient enough therapeutic effect to be worth implanting the electrodes near the electrically excitable tissue of the patient. The second step of screening involves adjusting the parameters of the respective stimulation signal applied on each of the implanted electrodes to optimize therapeutic effect before those electrodes are implanted for the long-term. The third step of screening involves readjusting the stimulation signal parameters for each of the stimulation electrodes that have been implanted for the long-term to continually optimize therapeutic effect.
In the prior art screening system and method, an array of electrodes is implanted temporarily near the electrically excitable tissue of a patient. Then, a clinician who is knowledgeable of the effects of electrical stimulation would vary the parameters of the respective stimulation signal applied on each of the implanted electrodes. The patient may rate the effectiveness in therapeutic effect for each variation in the parameters of the stimulation signals. If electrical stimulation of electrically excitable tissue does result in a sufficient enough therapeutic effect for the patient, then the electrodes are implanted for the long term with stimulation signals having parameters that lead to optimized therapeutic effect for the particular patient. In addition, by using radio-frequency telemetry with the implantable pulse generator, parameters of the stimulation signals can be adjusted to continually optimize therapeutic effect after the stimulation electrodes have been implanted permanently.
In the prior art screening system and method, the knowledgeable clinician with nonportable equipment performs the screening procedure. As stimulation signals with various parameter settings are applied on the electrodes, the clinician or patient records a rating of therapeutic effect. This procedure can be time-consuming and laborious because of the many possible combinations of parameter settings. U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,672 to Fowler et al. discloses a computer-controlled neurological stimulation system for automating the screening procedure to reduce the time and labor required during screening. However that system, which uses a computer terminal and a graphics drawing tablet, is non-portable and can be expensive.
Because of the non-portability of the prior art screening systems, the clinician and patient spend many hours in a clinical setting. Moreover, because of the non-portability of the prior art screening system, the rating of therapeutic effect under normal daily activities of the user are not available. Thus, a screening system, that is inexpensive and that is adapted to be portable, is desired.

Portable stimulation screening device for screening therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation on a patient user during normal activities of the patient user


The connector includes a connector housing having two terminal fittings and terminal receiving chambers for receiving the terminal fittings, and a spacer 4 to be inserted into the connector housing through an opening. A receptacle for inserting an unlocking jig is formed on the spacer. The receptacle is opened at an outer wall of the spacer and a boundary wall to the connector housing 3. The receptacle is disposed in a manner not to spread across two terminal-receiving chambers. The receptacle communicates with one of the terminal-receiving chambers. A block of a main body of the spacer blocks a path between the receptacle and the other terminal-receiving chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector having a spacer for preventing terminal fittings received in a connector housing from falling out of the connector housing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various electronic devices are mounted on a vehicle. A wiring harness is arranged in the vehicle for supplying electric power, control signals, and the like to the electronic devices. The wiring harness includes a plurality of electric wires and a connector. The electric wire is a so-called coated wire having a conductive core wire and an insulating cover.
The connector includes a conductive terminal fitting and an insulating connector housing. The terminal fitting is formed by bending a metal plate. The connector housing is made in a box shape and receives the terminal fitting. The connector is connected to the connector of the electronic devices. The wiring harness supplies the electric power and the control signals owing to the connector connected to the connector of the electronic devices.
Japanese published patent application No. H3-29276 discloses a connector having a spacer for preventing the terminal fitting from falling out of the connector housing.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in such a connector 101, an opening 105 into which a spacer 104 is inserted into is formed on an outer wall of a connector housing 103 receiving a plurality of terminal fittings 102. Because the spacer 104 inserted into the opening 105 presses the terminal fittings 102 received in the connector housing 103, the terminal fittings 102 are prevented from falling out of the connector housing 103.
In the connector 101, when the spacer 104 is inserted into the connector housing 103, a locking part 106 formed on the spacer 104 is pressed into a mating part 107 formed inside the connector housing 103, so that the spacer 104 is fixed to the connector housing 103. For taking out the spacer 104 from the connector housing 103, a jig 200 is inserted into a receptacle 108 mounted on an edge of the spacer 104, opened toward the opening 105, and twisted.
However, such a connector 101 is often used in lubricating oil of an automatic transmission. In the lubricating oil of the automatic transmission, foreign particles such as metallic powder generated by a gear abrasion float. The foreign particles easily enter an inside of the connector housing 103 from the receptacle 108. Further, because the receptacle 108 communicates with the terminal fittings 102, there is a fear that the terminal fittings 102 may be short-circuited by the foreign particles entering the connector housing 103 from the receptacle 108 in a direction of an arrow E in FIG. 11 and adhered to the terminal fittings 102. For preventing an invasion of the foreign particles, a waterproofing connector of which inside and outside thereof are sealed may be used. However, such a waterproofing connector cannot be downsized.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that prevents terminals from being short-circuited caused by an invasion of foreign particles into a connector housing.

Connector having a spacer for preventing an entrance of foreign particles


A method of filling and emptying storage tanks containing aqueous dispersions, where the storage tank is emptied via a line whose opening is located in the lower section of the storage tank entails filling the storage tank with a line whose outlet follows the changes in the level of the liquid surface in the course of filling and removal procedures, the level of the outlet being adjusted such that the opening is located approximately at the height of the level of the liquid.

Aqueous polymer dispersions as used for a host of applications, for example in the coatings and adhesive industries, etc., are required to be of high quality. One parameter of this quality is their keeping properties.
The keeping properties of dispersions are enhanced by the addition of preservatives and, in particular, by means of hygiene measures.
In storage it must be ensured in particular that the dispersion is not over-stored. Here, one of the critical factors is the way in which the storage tanks are filled and emptied.
Procedures to date have used the same line to fill and empty the storage tanks. If this line is attached in the base of the storage tank, the top layer of the dispersion wanders up and down in the course of the filling and removal operations, and becomes older and older, with all of the consequences of possible infestation by microorganisms as a result of excessive aging.
Another procedure uses a filling line which enters at the top of the storage tank and whose outlet is generally positioned toward the wall. The emptying line is judiciously located on the base of the storage tank. Although this procedure does some justice to the FIFO ("first in--first out") principle, filling from the top may lead to the formation of deposits on the walls and to unwanted foaming. Wall deposits are similarly undesirable because the deposit grows and can become the focus of nucleation. Foaming is undesirable because the foam readily dries and leads to the formation of gel specks (nonredispersible coagulum) in the product.
The problem of the filling and emptying of storage tanks and the storage of products which may be damaged by infestation with microorganisms is addressed in an article in the journal Farbe & Lack, Vol. 99, No. 1, 1993, pages 37-39 ff. The unwanted microbial growth is brought about in particular by the constituents of the dispersion and the water component, and the addition of preservatives--referred to as biocides--is recommended for reducing this growth.
In order to be able to store high-quality products reliably it is necessary to adopt the FIFO principle. This means that the parts of product first introduced into the storage tank are, in the course of subsequent removal, the first to be withdrawn, in order to avoid excessive aging of parts of the product.
In order to minimize these problems, stirred storage tanks have been proposed. Stirred storage tanks, however, are expensive and maintenance-intensive. Relatively large storage tanks whose contents are to be mixed by stirring must be provided with special reinforcement. Here too there may be instances of drying on the stirrer shaft or stirrer blades. Stirring may also introduce air into the dispersion, which is undesirable.

Filling and emptying of storage tanks containing aqueous dispersions


Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electromagnetic devices and, more particularly, to the compression of stator core laminations using wire rope members and to stator cores and electromagnetic devices employing such wire rope members. In one embodiment, the invention includes: affixing a first end of a wire rope member to a first flange plate disposed adjacent a first end of a plurality of stator laminations; affixing a second end of the wire rope member to a second flange plate disposed adjacent a second end of the plurality of stator laminations; tensioning at least one of the first end or the second end of the wire rope member against at least one of the first flange plate and the second flange plate to exert a compressive force against the first flange plate, the second flange plate, and the plurality of stator laminations.

Stator cores of electromagnetic machines are made up of many thin steel laminations stacked together to form a large cylindrical body. Each lamination comprises a segment of a circular cross-section making up the cylindrical body. Maintaining the integrity of these thin laminations as a stator core requires inward compression exerted from either end of the stacked laminations.
In known machines, this compressive force is imparted by a plurality of rigid key bars extending from one end of the stator to the other. Typically, the laminations include dovetail slots or similar features that correspond to a compatible dovetail or similar feature on the key bars. Individual components of the stator core are stacked at either end of the stator and compressive force applied to the stator core by torquing a nut at either or both end of each of the key bars. Typically, each lamination is placed onto an assembly frame or system of rails and a compressive force applied following the installation of each lamination or after a few laminations have been installed.


A dust collector efficiently collects dust, especially fine dust (submicron particles). The dust collector, which removes dust and/or mist contained in a gas, includes a charger for charging the dust and/or mist contained in a gas, a sprayer for spraying the charged dust or charged mist or spraying a dielectric material to the charged dust or mist, an electric field former for forming an electric field for subjecting the dielectric material to dielectric polarization, and a collector for collecting the dielectric material which has arrested the charged dust and/or the charged mist.

Conventionally, an industrial electric dust collector is constructed so that dust in a gas is charged by ions formed in corona discharge and is collected on a collecting electrode by the Coulomb force. The collector is mainly composed of a d.c. high-voltage power source, discharge electrode, and collecting electrode, and corona discharge is effected by applying a high voltage of about several tens of kilovolts to the discharge electrode. Before dust is collected, the dust must be moved over the distance to the collecting electrode.
For the electric dust collector, dust is collected by moving dust carrying an electric charge by receiving the Coulomb force in an electric field. The travel velocity is determined by the amount of charge on the dust, electric field strength, air resistance, etc., and in consequence, the particle travel velocity is lowest for fine dust, especially for submicron dust.
The dust collecting efficiency .eta. in the electric dust collector is approximately expressed by .eta.=1-e.sup.-WA/Q (where, W is dust travel velocity, A is area of collecting electrode, and Q is the amound of gas). Therefore, the only means for collecting submicron particles with a low travel velocity with high efficiency is to increase the area of the collecting electrode, which requires a large apparatus, resulting in high cost.
The problem is that dust with a low travel velocity must be moved over a long distance which corresponds to the space between the electrodes and which is several centimeters on average. On the other hand, if dust can be somehow collected with high efficiency even in the case of short travel distances, the efficient collection of submicron particles becomes possible with a small-sized apparatus.
A possible solution to the above problem is a reduction of the space between the discharge and collecting electrodes or narrow spacing. In this case, however, because the contamination of electrodes greatly affect the charging characteristics the performance may even deteriorate, or because the number of electrodes has to be increased, it does not lead to cost reductions.


An optical position detection device is formed by an optical sending and receiving unit, which has a sender with associated transmission optics and a receiver arranged at a given distance or position from the sender with associated reception optics, and an optical lightguide unit. The two units can move relative to each other and are configured so that, when they are at the given distance or position relative to each other, a light beam emitted from the sender of the transmission optics is directed to the reception optics.

The invention concerns devices for optically determining the position of objects.
Such devices are known from DE 200 00 868 U1 and used, for example, to detect whether a protective or safety door, provided, for example, to safeguard a hazardous machine or plant, is open or closed. The position detection device is part of a safety mechanism of the type which includes an electrical interlock with the controls for a machine, so that, for example, when the safety door is open, a dangerous condition at the machine can be eliminated or prevented by an appropriate shut-off procedure. The areas of application of the position detection device are described at length in DE 200 00 868 U1, and express reference is made here to the disclosure of DE 200 00 868 U1.
The known position detection device has the drawback that it employs an optical system that is based on the triangulation principle. It requires close tolerances, which increases installation and adjustment costs and may also lead to malfunctions, such as an early shut-off, or a failure to turn off the machine. It would therefore be desirable to have the ability to readily select the tolerances so that they suit the encountered application and safety requirements.


A multi-rod mechanism includes at least one ternary link and a plurality of binary links. The ternary link and the binary links are connected between a first fixing pivot point and a second fixing pivot point to form a combination of the ternary link and the binary links. The combination of the ternary link and the binary links is designed to provide a first movable pivot point and a second movable pivot point between the first fixing pivot point and the second fixing pivot point. In operation, the ternary link and the binary links are rotated to move the first movable pivot point and the second movable pivot point toward or away from each other in opposite directions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-rod mechanism for linearly actuating for opening and closing a mold device. More particularly, the present invention relates to the multi-rod mechanism utilizing at least one ternary link and a plurality of binary links to synchronously actuate a plurality of mold members for generating linear movements for opening and closing the mold device in opposite directions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Taiwanese Patent Pub. No. 355441 discloses a conventional mold clamping device including a crank mechanism, a front plate, a rear plate and a movable plate. The crank mechanism includes a crank axle and a crank arm, and the front plate, the rear plate and the movable plate are arranged on two pull rods. The front plate and the rear plate are connected the crank arm with two connecting rods so as to actuate the front plate and the movable plate for generating a movement for opening and closing the mold device. With regard to the problematic aspects naturally occurring during use of the mold clamping device, the crank mechanism is susceptible to inefficiency due to the fact that the crank mechanism must bear the weight of the rear plate and the pull rods.
Taiwanese Patent Pub. No. 381539 discloses another conventional mold opening/closing device including two fixed mold seats and two slidable molds. The slidable mold is slidably mounted on a plurality of guiding rods. Each set of the fixed mold seat and the slidable mold is formed with a lock device which includes a toggle mechanism and a drive unit. The drive unit is formed with a set of pneumatic cylinders or hydraulic cylinders and is used to drive the toggle mechanism for actuating the slidable molds for opening and closing the mold device. However, the primary problem with such a mold opening/closing device is the need of a sophisticated process for adjusting the pneumatic cylinders or hydraulic cylinders.
Taiwanese Patent Pub. No. 580423 discloses another conventional mold opening/closing device for a resin sealing mechanism including an upper metal plate, a first lower metal plate, a second first lower metal plate, a drive unit (including a hydraulic cylinder) and a connection rod mechanism. The drive unit is used to actuate an upward movement and a downward movement of the first lower metal plate. The connection rod mechanism connects the first lower metal plate with the second first lower metal plate such that the motive power of the first lower metal plate is transmitted to the second first lower metal plate. With regard to the problematic aspects naturally occurring during use of such a mold opening/closing device, the drive unit is susceptible to inefficiency due to the fact that the drive unit must be used to drive the first lower metal plate and the second first lower metal plate. Hence, there is a need of improving the mold opening/closing device described in Taiwanese Patent Pub. Nos. 355441, 381539 and 580423.
The mold opening/closing device has been described in several issued patents, for example, including Taiwanese patent issued Pub. Nos. 459648, 334925, 313955, 137366 and 130647, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,283,218 and 4,092,883. Each of the above-mentioned is incorporated herein by reference for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art.
As is described in greater detail below, the present invention provides a multi-rod mechanism for linearly actuating for opening and closing a mold device. At least one ternary link and a plurality of binary links are utilized to synchronously actuate a plurality of mold members for generating linear movements for opening and closing the mold device in opposite directions in such a way as to mitigate and overcome the above problem.

Multi-rod mechanism for linearly actuating for opening and closing a mold device

National Sun Yat-Sen University of Kaohsiung


Oxidation dyeing compositions for keratinous fibers which contain an oxidation enzyme derived from a strain of the genus Pyricularia, one or more dye precursors, and optionally, one or more modifiers, and methods for dyeing hair with such compositions.

It has been used for many years to dye the hair of humans to cover appearing grey hair. The need to do so arises from the fact that grey hair is the first sign of having past adolescence, which can be hard to accept for many people.
Further, during the last few decades hair dyeing has become more and more popular in the western world. At first Punk Rockers and other society critical groups dyed their hair in extreme colors as a part of their protest against the established society, but today especially many young people also use hair dyes (in more soft tints than the Punk Rockers) as a sort of "cosmetic" to change or freshen up their "looks".
Hair Dyes
In general hair dyeing compositions on the market today can be divided into three main groups:
temporary hair dyes, PA1 semi-permanent hair dyes, and PA1 permanent oxidative hair dyes. PA1 1) one or more oxidation enzymes derived from a strain of the genus Pyricularia, PA1 2) one or more dye precursors, and optionally PA1 3) one or more modifiers.
The temporary hair dyes are only intended to change the natural hair color for a short period of time and usually function by depositing dyes on the surface of the hair. Such hair dyes are easy to remove with normal shampooing.
When using semi-permanent hair dyes the color of the dyed hair can survive for five or more shampooings. This is achieved by using dyes which have a high affinity for hair keratin and which are capable of penetrating into the interior of the hair shaft.
Permanent hair dyes are very durable to sunlight, shampooing and other hair treatments and need only to be refreshed once a month as new hair grows out. With such dyeing systems the dyes are created directly in and on the hair. Small aromatic colourless dye precursors (e.g. p-phenylenediamine and o-aminophenol) penetrate deep into the hair, where said dye precursors are oxidized by an oxidizing agent into coloured polymeric compounds. These coloured compounds are larger than the dye precursors and cannot be washed out of the hair.
By including compounds referred to as modifiers (or couplers) in the hair dyeing composition a number of hair color tints can be obtained. Cathecol and Resorcinol are examples of such modifiers.
Traditionally H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is used as the oxidizing agent (color builder) . As H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is also a bleaching agent dyeing compositions comprising H.sub.2 O.sub.2 are often referred to as "lightening dyes".
The use of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in dye compositions has some disadvantages, as H.sub.2 O.sub.2 damages the hair. Further, oxidative dyeing usually demands high pH (normally around pH 9-10), which inflicts damage on the hair and irritate the scalp. Consequently, when using dye compositions comprising H.sub.2 O.sub.2, it is recommendable not to dye the hair often.
To overcome the disadvantages of using H.sub.2 O.sub.2 it has been suggested to use oxidation enzymes to replace H.sub.2 O.sub.2.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,251,742 (Revlon) describes a method for dyeing human hair by dye formation in situ (i.e. on the hair). An oxidative enzyme is used to the color formation reactions at a substantially neutral pH (pH 7-8.5). Laccases, tyrosinases, polyphenolases and catacolases are mentioned as the suitable oxidation enzymes.
EP patent no. 504.005 (Perma S.A.) concerns a composition for dyeing hair which do not require the presence of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 (hydrogen peroxide). Said composition comprises an enzyme capable of catalyzing the formation of polymeric dyes, and also dye precursors, such as bases and couplers, in a buffer solution. The pH in said composition lies between 6.5 and 8 and said enzyme has an optimal activity in the pH range between 6.5 and 8.
Rhizoctonia praticola laccase and Rhus vernicifera laccase have a pH-optimum between 6.5 and 8 and can be used to form the polymeric dyes according to this patent.
WO 95/33836 (Novo Nordisk A/S) describes the use of a laccase derived from Myceliopthora thermophila which may be used for dyeing of hair.
WO 96/00290 (Novo Nordisk A/S) discloses the use of a laccase derived from Polyporus pinsitus for oxidative dyeing of hair.
It is known that Pyricularia oryzae laccase may be used oxidation of phenolic azo dyes (see Muralikrishna et al., (1995), Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 61, (12), pp. 4374-4377).
The use of Pyricularia laccase for dyeing keratinous materials such as hair is not mentioned and anticipated by said document.

Oxidation enzyme derived from a strain of the genus Pyricularia for the oxidative dyeing of keratinous fibers


The invention relates to hydroxybenzophenone-based compounds of formula (I) that are used to improve UV, thermal, and thermo-oxidative stability of high performance aromatic polymers in a blend or as end-cappers of the same polymers.

High performance aromatic polymers feature, because of their very high glass transition temperatures and/or melting temperatures, excellent properties including an outstanding heat resistance. Aromatic polysulfones and polyetherketones are, for example, widely used in applications where their strength, resistance to harsh chemicals and to high temperatures is necessary.
Unfortunately, many natural and synthetic polymers such as the above mentioned high performance aromatic polymers are prone to light absorption and are attacked by UV radiation. As a result, they undergo oxidation, chain scission, uncontrolled radical recombination and cross-linking reactions. This phenomenon, known as UV degradation, is usually catalyzed in high heat environments in the presence of oxygen. The UV degradation of polymers can affect a materials mechanical properties, produce discoloration and fading, roughen the surface, decrease tensile strength, and reduce their overall life time performance.
A wide range of light and heal stabilizers for polymers are known and have been used alone or in various combinations to prevent or retard the kinetics of polymer degradation that is initiated by exposure to light and heat. The effectiveness of stabilizers to defend a material against UV radiation and heat depends on several factors including: the intrinsic efficacy of the stabilizer, its concentration, and its solubility in a particular polymer matrix, as well as how well it is distributed in the matrix. Intrinsic volatility of the stabilizer is also an important factor to consider when working with materials which are processed at high temperatures as it may lower the concentration of the stabilizer in a particular polymer matrix as a result of evaporation during processing and subsequent use.
Over the past century, a number of light stabilizer compounds have also been developed and commercialized as additives tailored to retard or eliminate photo-initiated oxidative processes. These additives are generally categorized into one of 4 classes: UV absorbers, excited state quenchers, radical scavengers, and peroxide decent posers. Certain derivatives of 2-hydroxybenzophenone have been known for a long time to improve the light stability of polymeric compositions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,179 discloses their use in low melting temperature polymeric materials such as certain polyester-styrene resins and polyvinyl chloride resin.
Nearly all commercially available heat and light stabilizers are indeed well suited for blending with low melting temperature commodity polymers requiring low process temperatures (i.e. below 25° C.).
However, such commercial heat and light stabilizers are prone to thermo-oxidative decomposition or volatilization upon exposure to high temperatures (i.e. above 250° C.). Therefore, they are generally poorly suited for high performance aromatic polymers where process temperatures are substantially more intense compared to low melting temperature commodity polymers.
There exists a need, therefore, to identify and develop stabilizer compounds that are well suited for high performance aromatic polymers in that the polymer compositions made therefrom possess high temperature mechanical performance, good thermal-oxidative stability and good light stability.
The present invention provides such stabilizer compounds (SC), end-capped stabilized polymers (ESP), and methods for their preparation and use.

Hydroxybenzophenone-based stabilizers and polymers end-capped with the same


A high-frequency amplifier circuit includes a balanced-unbalanced converter converting a single-ended signal into differential signals. The output of a first amplifier amplifying the single-ended signal is connected to the signal terminal on the unbalanced side of the balanced-unbalanced converter. The input of a second amplifier amplifying one of the differential signals is connected to one signal terminal on the balanced side of the balanced-unbalanced converter. The input of a third amplifier amplifying another of the differential signals is connected to another signal terminal on the balanced side of the balanced-unbalanced converter. An impedance element is inserted between an element on the balanced side of the balanced-unbalanced converter and a ground.

The present invention relates to a high-frequency amplifier circuit that outputs differential signals, a semiconductor device, and a magnetic recording and reproducing device.
High-frequency amplifier circuits used in radio communication and the like widely employ a multistage configuration using a plurality of amplifiers so as to attain desired power for a load. Furthermore, differential signals are used for various purposes, such as improving noise immunity and reducing power consumption, and in cases where it is difficult to place a ground electrode. However, in the case where a high-frequency amplifier circuit having a multistage configuration outputs differential signals, for example, when a common-mode component is generated in the circuit, abnormal oscillation may occur in the amplifier via a feedback path, such as a power line or a signal line, which has been a problem. Note that in order to output differential signals at the last stage in a high-frequency amplifier circuit, one differential amplifier including two amplifiers having the same properties or a dual configuration including two amplifiers having the same properties placed in parallel may be used.

High-frequency amplifier circuit, semiconductor device, and magnetic recording and reproducing device


A returning system for rail-borne transporting carts without self-driving means is provided with an auxiliary drive system which has an auxiliary drive wheel in the form of a friction wheel. The friction wheel clamps, for transporting a cart and cooperating with a contact pressure part with suitable parts of the transporting cart and transfers the latter from a transporting track to a return track located under the transporting track.

The invention relates to a returning system for transporting carts borne on running rails without self-driving means.
A returning system of this type is known from DE 38 04 593 C1. In this returning system, the transfer from one transporting track to another transporting track located under it is carried out positively. For this, the auxiliary drive wheel of the auxiliary drive system has a peripheral contour which, in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 of DE 38 04 593 C1 (see corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,172), has cutouts in which the running wheels of the transporting cart to be transferred engage.

Returning system for rail-borne transporting carts without self-driving means


The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for drilling holes in lenses for making “rimless and pierced-lens” spectacles. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises: a bed (11) carrying a numerically-controlled drill (12) whose drill tool (15) is set on a vertical axis; a reference pointer (30, 33) mounted on the bed (11) to be movable between an active position in which it bears against a lens and a retracted position in which it leaves the lens clear; and a lens support (50) arranged to hold the lens (V) in a substantially horizontal plane, said support resting on a surface (20) that is secured to or integral with the above-mentioned bed (11) while the position of said support can be held stationary relative to said surface. The lens support (50) is moved to bring a reference point that is pre-marked on the lens (V) in abutment against the reference pointer, whereupon the lens is held stationary in that position and the reference pointer is retracted to enable the drill tool to perform a pre-programmed machining sequence.

Wire frame structures for spectacles have been in existence for a long time. Spectacle lenses are fastened to such wire frame structures by bolting systems or the like, the lenses then not being surrounded by the frame, i.e. being rimless. Each spectacle lens is then provided with one or more through holes and/or a through notch in the nose zone and in the temple zone of said lens. In order to secure each lens pierced in this way to a wire frame portion having a hinged arm, various mechanical fastening means have been proposed, the most common of which is constituted by bolting.
The problem then arises of how to perform the various machining in the nose zones and in the temple zones of the spectacle lenses as simply and as precisely as possible.
Document JP-A-8 155 945 describes a lens-drilling unit making it possible to form two through holes in the vicinities of respective ones of two opposite edges of each lens. That document describes a machining assembly having a structure that is very complex and expensive. Document JP-A-8 155 806 also describes a drill assembly having oscillating lens supports. For the purpose of drilling particular holes in lenses, reference can also be made to Document WO-A-00/68 729 describing a drill assembly serving to form oblong through holes, and to Document WO-A-99/37 449 describing a drill assembly adapted to machining blind holes in the thickness of the lens.
Unfortunately, the drill assemblies described in the above-mentioned documents are of complex structure and of high-cost.
Reference can also be made to Document FR-A-2 800 172 describing a method of drilling holes in lenses that is computer-aided so as to associate drilling plans with a given virtual lens template.
Document EP-A-0 739 683 describes an assembly for drilling holes in spectacles. That assembly is designed to form holes and notches in lenses. It provides a two-dimensional X,Y slide positionable on an angularly positionable guide mounted on a bed. While the lenses are being machined, the lens supports are moved relative to the drill tool in a horizontal plane, without rotation.
Document WO 00/67 974 describes apparatus for drilling holes in lenses with a complete system for supporting two drills. Each support is mounted to slide in horizontal translation, thereby making it possible to form a hole and a notch or two holes by two successive machining operations along a rectilinear path.
In general, if a numerically-controlled drill is used, the points to be machined are always identified on the basis of indexing from the center of the lens, said center being considered to be a reference zero point forming the origin of two coordinate axes in a horizontal plane. When the vertical axis of the drill tool is brought vertically over the center of the lens, the machine is calibrated, so that any subsequent X,Y movement makes it possible to position the tool exactly for the purpose of drilling the lens at a given point thereof. However, in order to perform such drilling, it is necessary for the numerically-controlled drill to store in a memory all of the shapes of lenses that are to be used, because each lens must be provided with holes and/or notches in the vicinities of its nose zone and of its temple zone at precise distances from the free edges of the lens. As a result, that technique is, de facto, limited to very conventional lens shapes, in particular circular, oval, square, or rectangular shapes, of outline pre-stored in a memory. The operator must then, on each occasion, search the memory for the corresponding lens outline, and then also search the memory for the desired machining pattern for the chosen lens. Such search requirements represent major constraints for operators, not to mention the risks of errors in the event that an outline is incorrectly stored in the memory. As a result, numerically-controlled drills used for drilling holes in lenses remain expensive and voluminous machines, which are reserved for large assembly workshops.
A need therefore exists for a mechanical drill that is more compact and easier to handle, and that opticians can use in their stores or in their assembly workshops.
Recently, a numerically-controlled mechanical drill has been proposed that was specially developed to form through notches in lenses, and optionally also holes. To this end, reference can be made to Document FR-A-2 826 599. That document describes a drill whose drill tool is movable manually in a vertical direction. In the associated method of implementation, provision is made to position the lens in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drill tool, so that the corresponding edge of the lens finds itself in abutment against the drill tool, which is then stationary, at a point of contact that is pre-marked on the lens, and the lens is held stationary in that position. It is only then that the drill tool is caused to rotate, and the lens is turned (moved in rotation) relative to the drill tool in a horizontal plane about a fixed point distinct from the axis of the drill tool, the amplitude of the turning movement corresponding to the length of the through notch that is to be machined. Then, the drill tool is moved away from the lens by manually raising said tool along its axis.
Such a mechanical drill constitutes an advantageous tool, but the approach used cannot be transposed to numerically-controlled drills.

Method of drilling holes in lenses by means of a numerically-controlled drill and apparatus for implementing said method


A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.

There are a variety of different types of systems currently available for distributing water for the irrigation of cultivated plants. Likewise, plastic mulch of various types and materials are currently being produced for the landscaping, turf, horticulture, and food production markets.
Drip Irrigation
Of the various forms of irrigation systems, drip or microdrip irrigation is considered to be the most desirable because they have been shown to save water, reduce the use of horticultural chemicals, are relatively insensitive to environmental effects, reduce labor, and promote superior plant growth as compared to other technologies.
All drip irrigation systems share several things in common. They all generally consist of a central water supply transport means, usually a hose or pipe, and numerous water emission device(s). These emission devices are typically called emitters and are designed to dissipate the irrigation water as evenly as possible at low flow rates, i.e. drips. In addition, drip systems all require relatively fine mesh filtration to avoid clogging of the emitters. Finally, some level of pressure regulation is required as most drip irrigation systems operate at pressures between 8 psi and 15 psi. Drip irrigation systems can be categorized as either line source or point source dissipation systems.
Line source dissipation systems emit the water uniformly along the full length of the main supply hose. A series of small holes or similar means are positioned along the length and serve to dissipate the pressure and thus the water flow down to a drip. Line source systems are often referred to as soaker hose or drip tape.
In the past, various U.S. patents have issued in the field of line source systems. U.S. Pat. No. 3,205,619, issued on Sep. 14, 1965 to J. W. Henry, discloses an irrigation mulching sheet consisting of an integral irrigating means permitting more economical use of available water while improving ease of installation and stability of the structure. Water is continuously provided along the linear tubing of the sheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,850, issued on Nov. 27, 1973 to David G. Zeman, discloses a polymeric, preferably biodegradable tube for agricultural use for distributing water to plants located along the length of the tube. The tube includes a plurality of outlet openings so as to restrict the flow of water to each of the outlets. The tube may also have mulch sections along the length of the tube. Preferably the walls of the tube are thin enough to be broken up by normal agricultural instruments such as plows. The tube has limited durability.
Soaker hose devices are another line source irrigation system, often made of particulate matter, such as ground-up vehicle tires, that have been compressed with binder into a semi-solid hose-type material. Alternatively, the soaker hose consists of a flat hose which has been punched with holes after manufacture. Both of these types of soaker hose are relatively expensive and some have been known to disintegrate over a short period of time, thus reception by professional and agricultural consumers has not been good.
Drip tape devices, as disclosed in the prior art, are fabricated from thin plastic material and incorporates a series of tortuous paths to accomplish the desired pressure drop and flow reduction. The pre-installed or pre-molded dissemination devices (emitters or emitter discharge points) are spaced along the length of the device at fixed distances ranging from six inches to 48 inches.
Prior art drip tape is generally inexpensive to manufacture due to the relatively small amount of plastic material being used. Due to the use of low cost materials and thin wall thickness, drip tape is typically designed to last only one or two growing seasons prior to being removed and replaced.
Drip tape lines are often buried a few inches below the surface of the ground to be planted in order to minimize the evaporation of the water from the surface. However, if installed below the surface, these products depend on the capillary action of the soil to override the force of gravity. Therefore, the entire planting bed typically needs to be wetted to fully irrigate the root zones of the plants. As discussed later, plastic agricultural mulch is normally installed over the top of the drip tape to further minimize evaporation and to control weeds.
When drip tape systems have been used for the irrigation of uniformly and closely spaced plants (commercial applications) they have had good reception. They have been quite effective as an irrigation technique and as a water conservation vehicle when compared to overhead spray and furrow systems. Because drip tape distributes water evenly over the entire length of a planting bed, some water is wasted or used by weeds between the plants. Thus there is a need to distribute water precisely to the plants being watered and not the space between while being easy to install.
In applications where plants, in any given plot, can vary in size, spacing, and species, a system having fixed spacing between disseminators such as drip tape may not be preferred due to wasted water. Point Source systems are designed for these "random planting" applications.
The most popular point source drip irrigation systems employ emitters installed in the water transport lines as needed, such that the water is disseminated at specific points where the emitters are placed. An advantage of a point source dissemination system is that the irrigation can be "customized" for any plant spacing or size. That is, plants of different sizes and water requirements can be accommodated in the same watering zone by varying the number of emitters and/or their flow rates.
When plants are spaced 2.5 feet apart or greater, experience has shown that point source drip irrigation is the most effective system for saving water. In fact, the further the plants are spaced apart, the more cost-effective point source drip irrigation becomes, on a relative basis, when compared with overhead spray or furrow irrigation systems. When used in landscaping applications, the main tube and emitter lines can be covered with mulch or bark chips and look quite attractive. Of course, after the plant material has matured, these installations look even more attractive.
Another advantage of a point source drip irrigation system is that it can be installed after the plants are in place. Installation is usually quite easy but extremely time consuming. Thus the major disadvantage of these systems is the labor and material expenses associated with the custom installation. The emitters are also prone to clogging with contaminants in the water due to their small passages so expensive filters and/or constant maintenance is required.
Attempts are being made to modify drip irrigation systems to deliver less water per emitter so that the irrigated plants receive the optimum amount of water over a longer period of the day. These "Ultra Low Drip Irrigation" systems are very complex to operate and clogging represents the major obstacle to achieving the objective of optimum plant growing conditions.
Prior art point source irrigations systems include U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,998, issued on Nov. 28, 1978 to Gideon Gilead, which teaches an irrigation apparatus comprising first and second layers of sheet material. The layers are bonded together at surfaces to define a liquid conduit, having at least one pressure reducing path associated therewith and an exit port from each of the at least one pressure reducing paths. The apparatus is linear and is installed underground.
Thus there is a need for an inexpensive drip irrigation system which does not waste irrigation water between plant sites. There is also a need for a drip irrigation system which is easy to install and remove when no longer needed. Furthermore, there is a need for a drip irrigation system that is able to deliver very small amounts of water at specific plant sites without being prone to clogging.
Mulch
There are various forms of mulch used in the home landscaping industry with additional types produced for commercial agriculture applications. The benefits of mulching include; less water evaporation, less weeds, soil warming and heat retention leading to earlier and higher yields, erosion control, and a more uniform appearance. Types of mulch include organic, plastic film, and irrigating mats.
Organic mulch, such as hardwood bark and pine needles, tend to be the most aesthetically pleasing but quickly degrade in the environment or wash away with heavy rains.
Plastic Film mulch (agricultural film or geotextiles) are effective weed barriers and are preferred in most commercial applications where they can be placed prior to planting. They are very effective at soil erosion abatement and weed control while minimizing surface water evaporation. The perforated or woven versions which are air and water permeable are most desirable but also the most expensive.
Artificial mulch has been disclosed in prior patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,822, issued on May 30, 1989 to Paul DiGrassi, describing a mulch strip of an elongated base sheet formed from a flexible plastic material having a pair of parallel fluid reservoir tubes extending along the length of each base strip, down the opposite side edges of the strip. Each of the fluid reservoir tubes is provided with a hose fitting for connection with a conventional garden hose for filling the reservoir tubes with water. In use, the water filled tubes serve to hold the mulch strip in place and form a channel for retaining rain water on the surface of the strip. The fluid reservoir tubes also collect heat and serve to keep the ground beneath the strip warm after sunset. A plurality of concentric perforations are spaced along the length of the base sheet for the insertion of plants into the ground through the base sheet.
In commercial farming, thin agricultural film is typically placed over planting beds after drip tape has been installed. This combination has proven to be very effective at producing high yields of quality product with relatively low water use.
Irrigating mats are a recent development in the field of artificial mulch, which employ a layer of water distributing material bonded to the underside of a plastic sheet in order to distribute water over the entire area covered by the mat. The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,633, issued on Apr. 12, 1994 to Thomas G. Lloyd, that teaches a flat and thin bladder device used to cause earthworms to migrate to the earth's surface for easy collection. The bladder is laid flat on the earth's surface and soaks the ground underneath the bladder perforations. Soaking the earth under the bladder causes earthworms to migrate to the surface and they are then easily collected as the bladder is lifted to expose them.
The failings of prior art irrigation mats include wasting irrigation water between plant sites because the ground becomes soaked without consideration of the location of the plant or root zone of the plant. There is also a need for an irrigation mat which is easy to install and remove when no longer needed. Furthermore, there is a need for an irrigation mat that is able to deliver very small amounts of water at specific plant sites without being prone to clogging. The prior art irrigation mats use materials that are expensive and serve only to redistribute water that is already in the soil rather than actually providing irrigation to the specific plant sites.
Thus, there is a need to combine the water saving benefits of Ultra Low drip Irrigation systems with the many benefits of plastic mulch into an inexpensive, durable, and easy to install product.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants