The present invention applies dry lubricant to appropriate components of a forming die of a stamping press to minimize frictional force against such components during operation of the forming die or to appropriate components of a forging die of a forging press to minimize shear force against such components during operation of the forging die. A layer of dry lubricant is applied to any one or more of the die, the punch, or the binder of a forming die of a stamping press, and a layer of hard chrome may also be plated thereon before the layer of dry lubricant is applied. A layer of dry lubricant is applied on the inner surface of a cavity within a forging die of a forging press of the present invention. A dry lubricant may also be applied on the outer surface of the punch of the forging press.

The use of dry lubricants for certain applications is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,632,368 to Meyer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,490 to Sargent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,132 to Sargent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,417 to Badger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,128 to Uematsu et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,521 to Fujii et al. disclose the application of lubricants including a dry lubricant to the work piece or the blank before a part is formed. The dry lubricant may include molybdenum disulfide (MoS.sub.2) or tungsten disulfide (WS.sub.2). A disadvantage with application of the dry lubricant to the work piece is that added cost and labor is required in applying the dry lubricant to each work piece and in removing the applied lubricant from the part after the part is formed from the work piece. In addition, such removal of the lubricant from the part may require additional chemicals and may create environmentally hazardous waste.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,632,368 to Nelson discloses application of a dry lubricant on bearings. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,094 to Spears discloses application of a dry lubricant on die cast molds for dealing with problems in releasing the part from the mold, on cutting tools for dealing with problems in preserving the sharpness of a cutting edge, and on sliding bearing surfaces to minimize friction between the bearings. Furthermore, the manuscript with title Investigation of Tribological Properties of Hard Coatings for Cutting Tools by Bandyopadhyay et al. presented at the Japan International Tribology Conference in Nagoya, Japan, 1990 discloses application of a dry lubricant on cutting tools.
However, the prior art does not show the application of a dry lubricant on the forming die of a stamping press or on the forging die of a forging press which use high force for forming a part with flow of material within the forming die or the forging die. Experiments by applicants indicate that application of a dry lubricant to the appropriate portions of the forming die of a stamping press results in a significant reduction in scrap. Furthermore, experiments by applicants indicate that application of a dry lubricant to the appropriate portions of the forging die of a forging press results in consistent prolonged usable life of the forging die.

Application of dry lubricant to forming dies and forging dies that operate with high force


The invention relates to a method of wrapping pipe with a cementatious material such as concrete. The material is conveyed to the pipe as a continuous strip provided with notches along one edge and complementary notches are formed at the other edge of the strip as the strip is wrapped spirally onto the pipe. The continuous strip is formed in a hopper having a number of sections of successively reduced widths and containing rollers by which successive superimposed layer portions of the strip are formed with reinforcing mesh embedded between successive layer portions.

This invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of wrapping a pipe with cementatious material, such as concrete, the pipe being rotated and advanced in relation to its longitudinal axis while a strip of wrapping material is delivered to the pipe at an angle to the longitudinal axis. Such apparatus is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,544,426 (Stockman), 3,740,291 (Mallard), 4,006,049 (Gardner) and 4,333,783 (Gardner).
The strip of wrapping material generally comprises a carrier tape which carries a layer of the cementatious material, the layer being formed with notches along its edges which interlock along the wrapping seam as the material is wrapped onto the pipe so as to form an even coating. The layer of cementatious material may incorporate one or more layers of reinforcing mesh which protrude from one edge so as to overlap the wrapping seam.
In the known methods the wrapping strip is formed to the required configuration in the hopper at which the cementatious material is deposited onto the carrier tape as the carrier tape passes through the hopper. As the material leaves the hopper via a gate, it is moulded to the required thickness and configuration by a roller which carries one or more disks at one end, the disks being of larger diameter than the roller to form the notches along one edge. The notches at the other edge are typically formed by notching belts as described by Stockman.
It is important that the coating applied to the pipe be continuous and of an even thickness so that the desired weighting of the pipe is obtained and so that the coating once applied will be resistant to deterioration. Furthermore, if the material incorporates a reinforcing mesh, as it usually does, it is important that the mesh be accurately positioned in the layer and remain in position throughout the process. These things were recognized by Stockman, of course, who took important steps to mitigate the problems encountered in producing a satisfactory product. Nevertheless, in the current practice some of the problems remain. It has not been possible hitherto to achieve a consistent flow of material from the hopper to the pipe, or to obtain a layer of the cementatious material of uniform density throughout its cross section. The problem of obtaining a satisfactory wrapping strip becomes more acute when the strip incorporates multiple reinforcing meshes.
One reason for this is that the cementatious material in the hopper must work its way down through the reinforcing mesh to be embedded in it, thus weighing down on the mesh and displacing it from the selected level. Attempts to combat the problem by providing extended guides for the mesh and/or by applying more tension to it have failed to solve the problem of mesh displacement and/or distortion. Another reason is that when the notched strip of cementatious material is moulded by the roller and notching disk combination, the different peripheral speeds of the roller and the disk, acting on different parts of the strip, result in different compressive forces and nonuniformity of the material. This also results in forcing the reinforcing mesh out of position.


Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for monitoring the flow of particulate matter within an exhaust gas stream. In one exemplary embodiment, a particulate matter sensor for an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The particulate matter sensor includes a casing having an attachment feature for mounting the particulate matter sensor to the exhaust system. The particulate matter sensor also includes an insulator disposed within the casing. The particulate matter sensor further includes a sensing rod having a hollow portion extending between a first end and a second end of the sensing rod. The first end of the sensing rod is supported by the insulator and the second end of the sensing rod extending away from the insulator. The particulate matter sensor still further includes an electrical connector assembly engaging the first end of the sensing rod. The electrical connector assembly is configured to transmit a signal generated by the sensing rod.

Engine emissions have been regulated causing industries, particularly the automotive industry, to utilize particulate matter removal devices, such as filters, for reducing the amount of particulate matter expelled into the environment. Such filters are configured to remove particulate matter from the exhaust gas flow before discharge from the vehicle. In order to determine the remaining capacity of the filter, the flow rate of particulate matter through the exhaust gas stream is monitor. This monitoring is often achieved through a particulate matter sensor placed within the exhaust gas stream, wherein a signal is generated based upon an amount of particulate matter flowing across or past the sensor. However, many of these sensors fail to provide accurate readings of particulate matter flowing within an exhaust gas stream. For example, many of these sensors are not sufficiently robust to withstand forces or temperatures encountered by such sensors. Other problems with these sensors are in their inability to accurately indicate the presence of particulate matter within an exhaust gas flow due to poor signal noise ratio and other deficiencies. Other problems exist as well. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and devices for monitoring the flow of particulate matter within an exhaust gas stream.


A leading wave position detecting unit and method etc. is provided for detecting the position of the leading wave in a delay profile. Time spaces between sampled values (τ1–τ13) in the delay profile are measured. Among the measured time spaces, a maximum time space (τ8) is determined, and the position of its immediately following sampled value (sampled value (h)) is detected as a leading position. The initial peak of the sampled values after the leading position detected (position of sampled value (j)) is determined as a leading wave position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a leading wave position detecting unit, method and the like for detecting the position of the leading wave in a delay profile.
2. Description of Related Art
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a case where a mobile station receives a radio wave from a base station antenna along with radio waves that are reflected or diffracted from buildings and the like and arrive at the mobile station, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a (propagation) delay profile. The radio waves (1), (2) and (3) in the delay profile are called an elementary wave (path).
In the delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the axis of abscissas represents the propagation delay time (called "delay time" from now on) of incoming radio waves to the mobile station, and the axis of ordinates represents the received power. The axis of ordinates can represent a propagation loss. The received power or the propagation loss can be represented in terms of an absolute value or a relative value.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional receiver. The receiver as shown in FIG. 2 comprises an antenna 120, despreading code generators 122 and 136, multipliers 124 and 138, a delay profile measuring section 126, an averaging section 127, a noise level detector 128, an eliminator 130, a path selector 132, a detection timing setting section 134, and a RAKE combiner 140.
Receiving a signal via an antenna 120, the multiplier 124 multiplies it by a despreading code generated by the despreading code generator 122 so that the received signal is despread and the paths are divided. The delay profile measuring section 126 measures the received powers of the divided paths, thereby measuring (producing) the delay profile.
Since the measured delay profile includes noise, it is suppressed by the averaging section 127, noise level detector 128, and eliminator 130.
The path selector 132 selects the paths (paths with large received power, for example) appropriate for the RAKE combining from the noise-suppressed delay profile. The detection timing setting section 134 sets detection timing in consideration of the paths selected by the path selector 132. The despreading code generator 136 generates a despreading code in response to the detection timing determined by the detection timing setting section 134. The multiplier 138 despreads the signal received via the antenna 120, and the path selector 132 selects the paths to be supplied to the RAKE combiner 140 from the received signal. The RAKE combiner 140 carries out the RAKE combining of the input paths. The RAKE combined signal undergoes deinterleaving and the like thereafter. Thus, the finally demodulated data is obtained.
Assume that a communication unit A transmits a signal to a communication unit B, and the communication unit B measures the delay profile of the received signal. If the position of the leading wave can be detected in the measured delay profile, the distance between the communication unit A (transmitting site) and the communication unit B (receiving site) can be obtained.
In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the leading wave is 20 the path (1).
The delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 1B, however, is an ideal delay profile, and when an actual delay profile is measured, the path position remains undeterminable because of reception (detection) timing.
This will be described taking an example of CDMA. The received signal is received in the form of a signal (c) of FIG. 3 consisting of a superposition of a signal (a) of FIG. 3 and a spreading code (b) of FIG. 3. The spreading code (short code) remains invariant for each symbol so that the delay profile is observed for each symbol. The observational length for each symbol is commonly called window width.
To obtain the delay profile by despreading the received signal (transmitted signal), waveforms (correlation outputs) as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are lo obtained in which the paths (A), (B) and (C) are repeated.
Thus, the path position remains undeterminable because of the reception (detection) timing.
For example, actual measurement of the delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 1B can provide path position relationships as shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B or FIG. 1B, which means that the path alignment is uncertain. Therefore, it is desired to establish a method of detecting the path associated with the leading wave. Here, the order of path (1)→path (2)→path (3)→path (1) is fixed.
Although one symbol length is commonly much longer than a maximum delay time, if it is not much longer than the maximum delay time, the window width can be equivalently widened by combining the short code with a long code.
In addition, in the actual measurement of the delay profile, the waveforms blunt because of a frequency bandwidth limit. The delay profiles as illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 5A and 5B are an ideal delay profile when the frequency bandwidth is infinite.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example where the delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 1B is actually measured. The delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 6 (on which a frequency bandwidth limit is imposed) corresponds to the delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 5A (on which no frequency bandwidth limit is imposed). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the waveforms of the delay profile blunt. Accordingly, even if it is found that the mountain-like portion including the path (1) is the region (1′) that includes the leading wave, the position of the leading wave (1) cannot be identified.
Incidentally, the delay profile is commonly measured by sampling, and the delay profile as illustrated in FIG. 6 is a delay profile measured by sampling.
As a conventional leading wave position detecting method, there is a method of detecting the position of the leading wave in terms of the position at which the sampled value (received power or the like) is maximum. The method, however, causes many erroneous detection. For example, applying the method to the case of FIG. 6, it detects the position of the path (2) as the position of the leading wave.

Leading wave position detecting unit, receiver, leading position detecting unit, leading wave position detecting method and leading position detecting method


A system, device and method of video frame interpolation. In one aspect, a frame interpolation system receive candidate interpolated frame and difference data based on a first frame and second frame. It identifies a high-error region and one or more increasingly lower-error regions of the candidate interpolated frame based on the difference data and applies multiple successive stages of a refinement neural network to the regions of the candidate interpolated frame, from highest- to lowest-error. At each stage, the results of the previous stage are combined with the next lower-error region before being refined by the current stage. In some aspects, the system also generates the candidate interpolated frame and the difference data using a flow estimation neural network.

Video frame interpolation aims to synthesize a frame of a video as it would appear at a time step between two existing consecutive frames of the video. Given two consecutive frames of a video (a starting frame and ending frame), a video frame interpolation system attempts to synthesize one or more intermediate frames that appear to fill in the transition between the starting and ending frames. FIG. 1A illustrates a video including a starting frame (first frame 102), an ending frame (second frame 104), and an interpolated intermediate frame 106 synthesized by a video frame interpolation system. More generally, video frame interpolation attempts to synthesize an interpolated intermediate frame 106 that includes an image that represents a transition between two consecutive frames in a video.
Recent approaches to video interpolation use machine learning models to synthesize intermediate frames based on inputs of a first frame and second frame. A machine learning model may be trained by feeding inputs with known desired outputs—for example, frames and 3 of an existing video may be used as inputs, with the output of the machine learning model compared to frame 2. This comparison generates an error function indicating the degree to which the model's output diverges from the desired output. The results of this comparison are fed into the model and used to adjust parameters within the model. After training the model on a sufficiently large data set, the parameters of an effectively designed model are tuned to generate output that closely matches the desired output, i.e. when fed frames 1 and 3 the model will interpolate an intermediate frame that closely matches frame 2.
Recent approaches to video frame interpolation are typically either vector-based or kernel-based. Vector-based approaches rely on the estimation of the bidirectional dense optical flow from a pair of consecutive frames. Then, using the estimated optical flow between the pair of consecutive frames of a video, pixel remapping is performed to synthesize new interpolated intermediate frames. An interpolated intermediate frame is typically generated based on the following formula:It(x y)=m·I1(x−u,y−v)+(1−m)·I2(x,y)Where I1 and I2 are the starting and ending frames, It is the interpolated intermediate frame, x and y are pixel coordinates, in is the blending mask, and u and v are the optical flow vector.
As an alternative to vector-based approaches, kernel-based approaches synthesize the pixels of the interpolated intermediate frame by convolving any input patches from the pair of consecutive frames of a video with predicted spatially adaptive kernels. Specifically, for each pixel in the target interpolated intermediate frame, the kernel-based approach generates a kernel, for example a rectangular 41×41 matrix. Finally, the pixel value in the output interpolated intermediate frame 106 is calculated by applying the kernel on the neighborhood of the starting and ending frame pixel using the dot product.
The basic operation of kernel-based and vector-based approaches are illustrated in FIG. 1B. A vector-based video frame interpolation approach 120 generates a pixel (x,y) 126 of the interpolated intermediate frame It+1 106 by applying optical flow vector (u,v) 122 to derive an interpolated pixel value based on a corresponding pixel value at (x+u,y+v) 124 of the starting frame It 102. Thus, It+1(x,y)=f(It(x+u,y+v)).
The kernel-based video frame interpolation approach 130 instead generates a pixel (x,y) 136 of the interpolated intermediate frame It+1 106 by applying the kernel K(x,y) 132 by dot product to the neighborhood P(x,y) 138 of the pixel (x,y) 134 of the starting frame It 102. Thus, It+1(x,y)=K(x,y)·P(x,y).
These existing approaches to video frame interpolation exhibit a number of shortcomings. Vector-based approaches heavily rely on the accuracy of the estimated optical flow, but the estimation of optical flow is necessarily imperfect, especially when dealing with disocclusions, large motions, and repetitive patterns. Recent work on vector-based approaches focuses on improving optical flow generated by machine learning based models that use side information such as edge, depth, and contexture information. Those types of information can help to improve the quality of the interpolated intermediate frame 106 generated by such machine learning based models, but such models normally require high computational cost and include a very large number of parameters that are required to be learned. Sometimes the tradeoff between cost and gain is imbalanced: using a machine learning based model with a large number of learned parameters can only improve the quality of the interpolated intermediate frame 106 by a small margin. Thus, heavy models (i.e. those with a large number of parameters) may in some applications be inferior to light models (i.e. models with few parameters, also called "lite-weighted" models) because of the diminishing returns on resources used to train and run the model.
Recent kernel-based approaches generally generate one kernel for each pixel in the target interpolated intermediate frame, and consequently require a large memory. For example, to generate the kernels for all pixels in a frame of a 1080p video (e.g. a frame that includes 1920×1080 pixels), a kernel-based approach requires 26 GB of memory for data generated by the kernel-based approach. Moreover, the size of the kernel limits the capability of capturing large motions.
Furthermore, existing vector-based approaches use optical flow only to generate initial warped intermediate interpolated frames, while the underlying optical flow information is not fully exploited. Optical flow provides a strong prior knowledge regarding motion complexity which is directly related to the performance of interpolation processes. Given a video, the variant motion complexities across the frames of the video yield non-uniform distributions of error for frame interpolation.
In view of the foregoing, improvements to video frame interpolation methods are desirable.

System, device and method for video frame interpolation using a structured neural network


The reheat tub in a double-flow steam turbine is provided with additional setback from the rotor buckets by forming a three-part reheat tub construction including first and second discrete diaphragm segments and third inner ring segments. The annular arrays of these segments are dimensioned to enable greater axial spacing between the nozzles and buckets. To refurbish an in-service double-flow turbine, the damaged reheat tub is removed and cut along axial and radial part lines to form discrete first and second diaphragm segments. The diaphragm segment nozzles are then refurbished by adding weld material and machined to the appropriate configuration. Material is added to the downstream and removed from the upstream faces of each diaphragm so that it may be located in the turbine shell similarly as the removed tub, but with the nozzles spaced further axially upstream of the buckets.

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for minimizing or eliminating solid particle erosion damage in double-flow steam turbines and particularly relates to apparatus and methods for eliminating or minimizing such damage in the reheat tubs of double-flow steam turbines by providing additional axial setback of the first-stage nozzles from the first-stage rotor buckets.
In steam turbines, solid particle erosion damage to both stationary and rotating components in the steam path has become a very significant problem. The problem is exacerbated as the average in-service age of the steam turbines increases. It is known that a principal source of such erosion damage is the existence of iron oxide particles in the steam resultant from the exfoliation of oxides formed on the inner surfaces of the steam boiler tubes and steam piping at elevated temperatures and which particles impact on the nozzles and buckets along the steam paths. This solid particle erosion damage in steam turbines is a major contributor to problems associated with the operation and maintenance of steam turbines, for example, those used by utilities to generate electrical power. These problems include loss of sustained efficiency, forced outages, extended maintenance outages, cost of maintenance, cost of replacement parts and shortened inspection intervals. In fact, solid particle erosion damage has become such a contributing factor in the utilization of steam turbines for the generation of electrical power that a dollar cost per kilowatt hour per year is frequently assigned to this phenomena.
Efforts, of course, have been made to minimize or eliminate this problem. One approach has been to eliminate the source of the solid particles themselves, for example, by providing a chromium diffused layer on the internal surfaces of boiler tubes to inhibit formation of the oxides. While this solution may be effective in new Bteam turbines, it is not applicable for practical and cost considerations to units in-service. Other attempted solutions include acid cleaning of superheaters and reheaters to remove scale from the tube surfaces, and chromating boiler tubes. However, such methods to eliminate the problem at its source have proven expensive and are oftentimes not practical.
Another approach to the solid particle erosion problem has been to produce steam path designs which are effective to resist such erosion. Recent studies have shown that the location and intensity of the particles impacting on the nozzles and buckets are the leading causes of erosion. For example, in the reheat section of a turbine steam path, the nozzles erode from the suction surface, particularly along their trailing edges as a result of particle collision with a leading edge of the bucket and rebound into the nozzle trailing edge suction surface. It is also known that the nozzle erosion caused by such particle rebounding phenomena may be significantly reduced or eliminated by increasing the axial clearance between the nozzles and buckets. This increased clearance affords more time for steam to accelerate the particles as they proceed from the nozzles to the buckets and for the steam to redirect the particles back toward the buckets after collision with the bucket leading edges. Thus steam turbines have previously been designed with increased setback of the nozzles relative to the buckets. That is, the diaphragms of steam turbines where solid particle erosion is or is anticipated to be a problem, have been moved upstream relative to the buckets to increase the axial spacing therebetween and hence minimize or eliminate the problem.
With respect to double-flow reheat turbines, however, the provision of additional setback is replete with difficulties, particularly when modifying or retrofitting an existing reheat tub to provide such additional setback. Practical problems such as imperfections in original welds, the use of filler pieces to limit welding distortion in the original fabrication and a general inability to modify various components of the double-flow tub without causing other problems, for example, relocating external cooling pipes or upsetting rotor balance access ports, presents a formidable task if additional nozzle setback is desired in double-flow reheat tubs.
According to the present invention there is provided novel and improved apparatus and methods for providing additional setback, i.e., increased axial clearance between the diaphragms and rotors of the first stages in a double-flow steam turbine. Particularly, the present invention provides a three-part reheat tub construction for the first stages of a double-flow steam turbine and which construction is useful to provide additional setback in both new double-flow steam turbines as well as double-flow steam turbines in-service which have been damaged by solid particle erosion. According to the present invention, the new and improved reheat tub includes, as two of its three parts, first and second discrete annular diaphragms each comprised of inner and outer rings and a plurality of circumferentially spaced nozzles extending radially between the inner and outer rings. The third part of the new and improved three-part reheat tub according to the present invention includes an inner cylinder which, in assembly, spans axially between the first and second diaphragms. It will be appreciated that each diaphragm is comprised of a plurality of arcuate segments assembled end to end to form the complete annular diaphragm. Thus, each annular diaphragm comprises two or more arcuate diaphragm segments connected to one another. Similarly, the inner cylinder is comprised of two or more arcuate segments connected end to end to one another to form the cylinder. Preferably, however, each segment extends for approximately 180.degree. whereby each diaphragm is formed of two arcuate diaphragm segments and the inner cylinder is formed of two arcuate inner cylinder segments. It will be understood, therefore, that the reheat tub is comprised of a three-part construction, two discrete diaphragms spaced axially one from the other along a third part, i.e., the inner cylinder, notwithstanding each of the parts is formed of two or more segments.
To assemble a three-part reheat tub according to the present invention, each of the diaphragm segments is provided at its opposite ends, with keys, i.e., the keys are located approximately 180.degree. apart adjacent the end faces of the discrete segments. Rabbet fits or keyways are formed in the radially outermost surfaces of the inner cylindrical segments to receive the mating rabbets or keys. By bolting separate locking keys in the keyways, the segments may be assembled. Conventional steam seals are likewise provided at the junctures of the diaphragm segments and the inner cylinder segments.
The three-part reheat tub hereof can be dimensioned, for use in a new turbine to provide a predetermined setback (increased in comparison with conventional setbacks) and can also be used to refurbish in-service turbines damaged by solid particle erosion to provide an additional setback in comparison with the setback originally provided the turbine. Thus, for new turbines, the reheat tub is formed in three discrete parts, i.e., discrete first and second annular diaphragms and a discrete inner cylinder, with the parts being originally dimensioned to provide the necessary additional setback to minimize or eliminate the solid particle erosion problem in the new double-flow steam turbine.
The three-part reheat tub design of the present invention is also particularly useful in refurbishing in-service double-flow steam turbines which have been damaged by solid particle erosion or otherwise. To accomplish this, the reheat tub of the in-service turbine is removed from the turbine. That is, the conventional one piece cast tub, two piece bolted tub, or two piece saddle tub, as applicable, is removed from the damaged turbine. A new reheat tub comprised of entirely new parts formed in the three-part design hereof, may be installed in lieu of the damaged reheat tub. These new parts including the new discrete first and second diaphragms and new inner cylinder may be dimensioned to provide the additional setback and for fit within the existing turbine. While installation of entirely new parts of the three piece design may be used, cost and other considerations indicate that at least some elements of the removed and damaged reheat tub may be refurbished and reused in the refurbished tub construction.
To accomplish this, each arcuate section of the removed and damaged reheat tub is cut generally along radial and axially extending part lines into three pieces, namely, an inner cylindrical portion and two diaphragm segments, each diaphragm segment including inner and outer ring portions and radially extending nozzles between the inner and outer ring portions. The nozzles of the removed diaphragm segments may then be refurbished to repair the damage caused by solid particle erosion. Particularly, each nozzle may be repaired by adding material to it, such as by welding or by the installation of a preformed coupon, and subsequently machining the added material to the appropriate shape such that the original nozzle design may be obtained.
Further, the downstream faces of both the inner and outer ring portions of each diaphragm segment are provided with additional material, for example, added by welding. The added material is later machined to the appropriate shape. In this manner, the axial spacing between the trailing edges of the refurbished nozzles and the downstream faces of the inner and outer ring portions is increased. Conversely, material on the upstream face of the outer ring portions is removed. It will be appreciated that, by adding material to the downstream faces of the inner and outer ring portions and removing the material from the upstream face of the outer ring portions, the net result of the material added and subtracted is to locate the nozzle a greater axial distance from the rotor buckets and without changing the tub mounting locations. Thus, the generally radially outwardly projecting circumferential flanges of the diaphragm segments may be received in the original corresponding grooves of the shell forming part of the steam inlet torus without relocating those grooves.
The inner cylindrical portion of the damaged reheat tub is replaced by a newly fabricated inner cylindrical ring comprised of at least a pair of arcuate inner segments. Each inner segment includes a rabbet fit or keyway opening radially outwardly for receiving mating rabbets or keys projecting radially inwardly from the inner ring portions of the diaphragm segments. To form the rabbets or keys, the inner ring portions of the removed reheat tub are further machined along their inside surfaces to remove material. Consequently, when the refurbished diaphragms and the new inner cylinder are applied to the turbine in-service, the flanges of the outer ring portions of the diaphragm segments are located in the grooves of the shell and thereby locate the nozzles of the diaphragms predetermined, increased axial distances from the bucket of the first-stage rotors. By then applying the inner ring segments with the interfitting keys and keyways, a newly refurbished reheat tub is provided. It will be appreciated that other necessary elements of the new inner segments may likewise be provided, for example, radially inwardly projecting dovetails for receiving the mating parts for the seal packings of the turbine rotor.
By using a three-part construction, the additional setbacks for the first-stage diaphragms of double-flow steam turbines may be provided for new turbines as well as in-service turbines damaged by solid particle erosion or otherwise. This three-part construction affords numerous advantages. It permits setback of both diaphragms in a double-flow turbine which previously was difficult if not impossible to accomplish without causing distortion. Further, the three-part construction is less costly to fabricate when new turbines with additional setback in their reheat tubs are manufactured. Importantly, existing double-flow steam turbines can be readily, easily, and relatively inexpensively retrofitted with reheat tubs with additional setback without problems associated with thermal distortion from use. Such problems include thermal expansion of the various elements of the tub at different rates, problems associated with residual structural stresses and oxide build-up and thermal warpage. From a time standpoint, the diaphragm segments may be refurbished substantially simultaneously thus reducing the turbine downtime.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in a double-flow steam turbine having an axis and a reheat tub, discrete first and second arcuate diaphragm segments axially spaced one from the other and disposed about the turbine axis. Each diaphragm segment has an outer ring portion, an inner ring portion and a plurality of nozzles circumferentially spaced one from the other about the axis and between the ring portions whereby the nozzles of the axially-spaced segments define steam paths in generally axially opposite directions relative to one another. A discrete arcuate inner segment is disposed about said axis and extends axially between the inner ring portions of the axially spaced diaphragm segments. Means are provided cooperable between each of the diaphragm segments and the inner segment for securing the diaphragm segments and the inner segment one to the other whereby said diaphragm segments and the inner segment may be secured to one another within the turbine.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in a double-flow steam turbine having two first-stage oppositely facing bucket rows and a damaged double-flow reheat tub including a plurality of axially spaced diaphragm portions and an inner cylindrical portion spanning between the diaphragm portions, a method of retrofitting a reheat tub with increased setback of the diaphragms relative to the two first-stage bucket rows on the rotor comprising the steps of removing the damaged reheat tub from the turbine, providing a reheat tub with increased setback having at least three discrete parts including (i) first and second arcuate diaphragm segments each having inner and outer ring portions and a plurality of circumferentially spaced nozzles therebetween and (ii) an inner segment, and assembling the reheat tub with increased setback in the turbine by securing the diaphragm segments and the inner segment one to the other with the diaphragm segments spaced axially one from the other along the inner segment thereby affording increased setback relative to the respective axially adjacent first-stage rotors.
In a further aspect of the present invention when refurbishing an in-service steam turbine, the above method may include the further steps of forming the discrete first and second arcuate diaphragm segments by separating the diaphragm portions of the removed and damaged reheat tub from the inner cylindrical portion thereof, and refurbishing the separated diaphragm portion is to form the first and second diaphragm segments whereby the assembled reheat tub with increased setback includes diaphragm segments formed from the diaphragm portions of the removed and damaged reheat tub. The refurbishing preferably includes the addition and subtraction of material from the diaphragm segments.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide novel and improved apparatus and methods for providing, in double-flow steam turbines, a reheat tub which affords additional setback from the first-stage rotors for minimizing or eliminating solid particle erosion in the first stages.
These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification, appended claims and drawings.

Method for minimizing or eliminating solid particle erosion in double-flow steam turbines


Novel crystal forms of the fluoroquinolone, [S-(R*,S*)]-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-8-methoxy-7-[3-[1-(methylam ino)ethyl]-1-pyrrolidinyl]-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid are disclosed. The forms are characterized by one methanol solvate form, and three anhydrous polymorphic forms, of which, Form III exhibits greatest stability and decreased hygroscopicity.

Quinolone type structures are known for their antibacterial properties, and several quinolone antibiotics (e.g. norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin) are on the market. The physical properties of a marketed quinolone are very important. A quinolone with excellent antibiotic properties but which has a shelf life of only a day would be useless. A quinolone with excellent antibiotic properties but which does not dissolve into a useful solvent would be equally useless. Quinolones, when purified, may form crystals or crystal like forms, that can have different shapes and physical properties.
Solids, including pharmaceuticals, often have more than one crystal form and this is known as polymorphism. Polymorphism occurs when a compound crystallizes in a multiplicity of solid phases that differ in crystal packing. Numerous examples are cited in the standard references of solid state properties of pharmaceuticals, Byrn, S. R., Solid-State Chemistry of Drugs, New York, Academic Press (1982); Kuhnert-Brandstatter, M., Thermomiscroscopy In The Analysis of Pharmaceuticals, New York, Pergamon Press (1971) and J. Pharm. Sci., 58, 911 (1969). Byrn states that, in general, polymorphs exhibit different physical characteristics including solubility and physical and chemical stability.
Because of differences in molecular packing, polymorphs may differ in ways that influence drug release, solid-state stability, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The relative stability and the interconversions of polymorphs are particularly important to the selection of a marketed drug. A suitable polymorph may hinge upon the issue of physical stability. For example, the selection of a marketed drug may depend upon the availability and selection or a suitable polymorph having desirable characteristics, such as excellent physical stability. The performance of the solid dosage form should not be limited by polymorphic transformations during the shelf life of the product. It is important to note that there is no reliable method to predict the observable crystal structures of a given drug or to predict the existence of polymorphs with desirable physical properties.
This invention describes a new form of a quinolone that has physical properties highly desirable for pharmaceutical development.

Physically stable solid form of a fluoroquinolone


This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding an oxidosqualene cyclase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the isolated polynucleotides of the invention, in sense or antisense orientation, operably linked to a suitable regulatory sequence.

The terpenoids, also called isoprenoids, constitute the largest family of natural products with over 22,000 individual compounds of this class having been described. The triterpenes or terpenoids (hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyprenols, and the like) play diverse functional roles in plants as hormones, photosynthetic pigments, electron carriers, mediators of polysaccharide assembly, and structural components of membranes. The majority of plant terpenoids are found in resins, latex, waxes, and oils.
Two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate are joined head-to-head to form squalene, a triterpene, in the first dedicated step towards sterol biosynthesis. Squalene is then converted to 2,3-oxidosqualene which, in photosynthetic organisms, may be converted to the 30 carbon, 4 ring structure, cycloartenol or to the 5 ring homolog, β-amyrin, a sapinogenin precursor. This conversion step is catalyzed by one of at least two oxidosqualene cyclases: cycloartenol synthase or β-amyrin synthase.
Cycloartenol is formed by the enzyme cycloartenol synthase (EC 126.96.36.199), also called 2,3-epoxysqualene-cycloartenol cyclase. The basic nucleus of cycloartenol can be further modified by reactions such as desaturation or demethylation to form the common sterol backbones such as stigmasterol and sitosterol, which can be modified further.
The β-amyrin cyclization activity is distinct from cycloartenol synthase (Kushiro, T., et al. (1998) Eur. J. Biochem. 256:238–244). β-amyrin synthase catalyzes the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to β-amyrin. Yet, the basic β-amyrin ring structure may be modified in much the same manner as is the cycloartenol structure to give classes of sapogenins. Saponins are glycosylated sapogenins and may play a pathogen defense role in plant tissues.
Soybean seeds, for example, contain several classes of saponins, all of which are formed from one sapogenin ring structure that is modified by hydroxylation and by different carbohydrate moieties. Total saponin content varies somewhat by soybean cultivar but is in the range of 0.25% of the seed dry weight (Shiraiwa, M., et al. (1991) Agric. Biol. Chem. 55:323–331).
The name saponin was derived from their strong foaming power. The physiological function of saponins in soybean seeds is not clear, but they do contribute to the bitter or astringent flavor of soybean seeds (Okubo, K., et al. (1992) Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 56:99–103). Saponins are thought to have cholesterol-lowering effects and reduction in colon cancer risk. Besides imparting undesirable flavors to feed and foods, saponins have been shown to have hemolytic action against red blood cells. Soybeans are also involved in the reduction of hot flashes in postmenopausal women, lowering the risk of hormone-related cancer, slowdown of bone loss in osteoporosis and improvement in vascular health. Saponins are believed to be involved in these beneficial soybean effects.
A variety of processed vegetable protein products are produced from soybean. These range from minimally processed, soy beans and soy nuts such as toasted soy nuts and defatted items such as soybean meal, grits, and flours to more highly processed items such as soy protein concentrates and soy protein isolates. In other soy protein products, such as full-fat soy flour, the oil is not extracted. In addition to these processed products, there are also a number of specialty products based on traditional Oriental processes, which utilize the entire bean as the starting material. Examples include soy milk, soy sauce, tofu, natto, miso, tempeh, and yuba.
Examples of use of soy protein products in human foods include applying soy protein concentrates and soy protein isolates in nutritional beverage, emulsified meat and whole muscle meat applications; textured soy protein in meat analogues; soy protein isolates in infant formula. Facilities and methods to produce protein concentrates and isolates from soybeans are available across the world. To the extent that they are retained in these processed soy fractions and the foods prepared from them, the saponin content of the starting beans influences the flavor of the food.
Sequences of two different β-amyrin synthase isoforms has been described for Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng; NCBI General Identifier Nos. 3721856 and 3688600). A soybean EST having NCBI General Identification No. 5606831 has been identified with and is "similar to the ginseng sequence," according to the NCBI entrez.
Identification of the genes encoding oxidosqualene cyclases in a variety of crops will allow the manipulation of the same. Interference with triterpenoid ring synthesis during plant development may be expected to decrease the total content of saponins in plant parts resulting in foods with increased nutritional value, and better flavor.

Enzymes involved in triterpene synthesis


Disclosed herein is a method comprising heating helium in a core of a nuclear reactor; extracting heat from the helium; superheating water to steam using the heat extracted from the helium, expanding the helium in a turbine; wherein the turbine is in operative communication with an electrical generator; and generating electricity in the electrical generator.

This disclosure relates to the generation of electricity and steam. In particular, this disclosure relates to the generation of electricity and steam from a helium-cooled high temperature nuclear reactor by means of a closed helium Brayton cycle and a heat recovery steam generator.
Fossil fuel combustion has been identified as a significant contributor to numerous adverse environmental effects. For example, poor local air quality, regional acidification of rainfall that extends into lakes and rivers, and a global increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG), have all been associated with the combustion of fossil fuels. In particular, increased concentrations of GHG's are a significant concern since the increased concentrations may cause a change in global temperature, thereby potentially contributing to global climatic disruption. Further, GHG's may remain in the earth's atmosphere for up to several hundred years.
One problem associated with the use of fossil fuel is that the consumption of fossil fuel correlates closely with economic and population growth. Therefore, as economies and populations continue to increase worldwide, substantial increases in the concentration of GHG's in the atmosphere are expected. A further problem associated with the use of fossil fuels is related to the inequitable geographical distribution of global petroleum resources. In particular, many industrialized economies are deficient in domestic supplies of petroleum, which forces these economies to import steadily increasing quantities of crude oil in order to meet the domestic demand for petroleum derived fuels.
Nuclear reactors do not emit appreciable pollutants or GHG's into the atmosphere and can provide energy independence to economies that are deficient in fossil fuels. The majority of today's nuclear reactors are water-cooled and generate electricity through steam generation and subsequent expansion through a steam turbine. Because of the relatively low temperature steam produced by these reactors (generally below 300° C.), the net thermal efficiency for electrical generation is relatively low (generally below 35%). An additional shortcoming of these reactors is that the steam produced is too cold for many potential industrial applications, such as hydrogen production by steam methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas or hydrogen production by solid oxide electrolysis of steam. Intermediate temperature solid oxide electrolyzer systems generally operate at temperatures of about 700 to about 900° C. Steam undergoes electrolysis in the cathode side of a solid oxide electrolyzer cell to generate hydrogen. Electrical energy is required to electrolyze the steam, so it is desirable to have a nuclear reactor system that can produce high-temperature steam as well as electrical energy.
Graphite-moderated nuclear reactors that are cooled with helium gas can achieve very high helium exit temperatures, from 700° C. to potentially 1,000° C. Many systems have been proposed for the production of electrical energy and high-temperature steam using helium-cooled reactors.
Systems have been proposed that indirectly couple a steam Rankine cycle to the primary helium coolant loop. High pressure steam is generated in a boiler heated by the helium used to cool the primary loop. The high pressure steam is partially expanded through a steam turbine to produce electrical energy. A portion of the partially expanded steam is then reheated through a second heat exchanger heated by primary loop helium. This intermediate pressure reheated steam can then be used for applications such as solid oxide electrolysis. This type of system has a risk of steam ingress into the nuclear core due to the high-pressure steam generators, where the steam can be at a higher pressure than the primary helium coolant. Steam ingress into the core is undesirable because it can corrode the graphite moderator and graphite-coated fuel, and can also cause a reactivity insertion due to the moderating effect of steam.
Other systems have been proposed that indirectly couple a Brayton topping cycle to the primary helium coolant loop and further indirectly couple a steam Rankine bottoming cycle to the Brayton cycle, in a concept known generally as an indirect combined cycle. Heat is transferred through an intermediate heat exchanger to a Brayton cycle employing a compressed gaseous working fluid, such as air or helium. This heated gas is expanded through a turbine to produce electricity. Expanded gas then passes through a heat recovery steam generator to produce steam, which can be expanded through a steam turbine for additional electrical production or alternatively can be used for industrial applications. This system does not produce steam with the required high temperature for solid oxide electrolysis, however. Furthermore, this system requires the use of a very large and expensive gas-to-gas intermediate heat exchanger.
Other systems have been proposed that directly expand the helium through a turbine to produce electricity using a direct Brayton cycle. To produce steam in addition to electricity, systems have been proposed that divert a fraction of the helium coolant exiting the nuclear core to a second loop in parallel with the Brayton cycle loop. Helium in this second parallel loop generates steam in a steam generator. Such systems have several undesirable features—they do not efficiently use the high energy available in the high-temperature helium in the second parallel loop and they use a second compressor in the second parallel loop. In addition, they use a large and expensive gas-to-gas recuperator to transfer heat from the turbine exhaust to the reactor inlet for efficient electrical generation.
It is therefore desirable to have a system that produces both electricity and low-pressure steam using a helium-cooled nuclear reactor in an economical and safe manner.

Electricity and steam generation from a helium-cooled nuclear reactor


A glaze composition for refractory materials includes 30 to 80% by weight of at least one lead-free and barium-free borosilicate, borophosphate or phosphate glass frit having a dilatometric softening point of below 600.degree. C.; 2 to 30% by weight of aluminium powder or an aluminium alloy powder; 2 to 30% by weight of silicon powder or silicon alloy powder, up to 10% by weight of an inhibitor; and optionally a refractory filler, a clay or other additives. The glaze composition is of particular use as a glaze for carbon containing refractory materials such as submerged entry nozzles and graphite electrodes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a glaze for refractory materials and, in particular, to a glaze for carbon-containing refractory materials.
2. The Prior Art
Refractories used in the continuous casting of steel often contain a percentage of elemental carbon, normally in the form of flake graphite. The inclusion of elemental carbon serves to protect the refractory from attack and erosion by molten metals and the accompanying slags. It also contributes towards the high thermal shock resistance required in certain applications. However, elemental carbon is itself susceptible to air oxidation at temperatures above 500.degree. C. Therefore, during preheat and casting operations, the refractory must be protected from the atmosphere if extended life of the component is required. An example of a component which requires extended oxidation protection is the submerged entry nozzle (SEN). This must typically survive preheat times of 2-3 hours at temperatures as high as 1400.degree. C. and casting times of up to 5 hours at temperatures approaching the melting point of steel.
EP-A-0252621 discloses a method of protecting an electric arc furnace graphite electrode with particulate matter comprising 35-70% by weight of a refractory filler, 20-40% by weight of a graphite-wetting, fusible material and 10-25% by weight of a metal or metalloid oxidisable to a refractory oxide whilst the electrode is at an elevated temperature such that the metal or metalloid oxidises and forms a coating adhering to the side of the electrode. The preferred metal for use is aluminium, whilst the preferred refractory filler is silicon carbide and the preferred graphite-wetting fusible material is a boron compound or a boron-containing glass. The specification teaches that the particulate matter is sprayed onto the hot graphite electrode, for example using the spraying apparatus as disclosed in EP-A-0070100.
Using dry powder spraying methods, it is difficult to obtain an even coating of the refractory composition onto the graphite electrodes and expensive spraying equipment is required. Furthermore, dry powder spraying methods are not particularly suitable for coating complex geometries, for example the interiors of tubes. The refractory compositions as disclosed in EP-A-0252621 are not designed for use as aqueous suspensions since the boron oxide would be very soluble and the lack of any suspension agent means that it would not form a stable glaze slip.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,662 is directed to a composition for the enamelling of metal parts, such as heat exchangers and exhaust systems. The composition disclosed comprises 30-60% by weight of a specified frit, 5 to 60% by weight of aluminium powder, optionally silicon, chromium trioxide, zirconium silicate, copper oxide and bentonite, and is applied as an aqueous slip. Evolution of hydrogen, by the contact of aluminium with water, is avoided by the particular nature of the frit used which contains very large quantities of boron trioxide.

Cookson Matthey Ceramics & Materials Limited


Fluorination can be used to neutralize transition metal impurities in Si. Fluorine is incorporated into the near-surface region of Si by implantation or annealing in a fluorine containing ambient. Thermal treatments at appropriate temperatures are used to initiate the interdiffusion and reaction between fluorine and metal contaminants. The impurities readily react with fluorine to form a compound or complex, thus significantly reducing the number of mid-gap impurities.

Transition metals are fast diffusing species in Si and readily incorporated during various stages of device processing. The impurities and metal-related defects may act as recombination centers in devices, and thereby cause low yields and poor reliability. Efforts undertaken to reduce the effects of metal contamination have involved two approaches: 1) removal of device degrading impurities from the active device regions by gettering and 2) deep-level passivation by hydrogenation.
Gettering processes are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic gettering is based on the fact that under proper conditions supersaturated oxygen in silicon wafers will precipitate, and the stress resulting from precipitation will induce stacking faults and dislocation loops. These dislocations become sites at which unwanted impurities can be trapped and localized. Extrinsic gettering involves the use of external means to create the damage or stress in a silicon lattice that leads to the creation of the extended defects or chemically reactive sites at which the mobile impurities are captured. Extrinsic gettering has been accomplished by utilizing phosphorus diffusion and backside damage introduced by abrasion or ion implantation. High-temperature anneals in chlorine have also been utilized to enhance minority carrier lifetimes. Possible mechanisms include formation of volatile metal chlorides allowing metal ion removal from wafers.
Considerable recent interest has been shown in the passivation of electrically active defects associated with metal contaminants by reaction with atomic hydrogen. Typically the passivation of impurities is achieved by exposing the Si wafer to a low pressure (0.1-0.5 Torr) RF hydrogen plasma at 100-400.degree. C.
Although gettering and passivation with atomic hydrogen are used to reduce detrimental effects of metal impurities on devices, they have their own limitation. For instance, iron is the most common and detrimental impurity, but the species is only weakly gettered by typical wafer getting and remains almost intact upon hydrogenation.
The gettering by chlorine is generally carried out at a temperature above 800.degree. C. in order to convert a deleterious metal to the metal halide and to volatilize the halide at the exposed surface. The effectiveness of the method is largely dependent on the volatility of the metal chlorides. Moreover since chlorine is immobile, the method is not applicable to a large number of metal species which have low diffusion coefficient at the processing temperature. The corrosive nature of HCl is another drawback and led to consideration of other Cl containing materials as alternative. These gases, however, introduce their own problems. For example, TCE is a known cancer causing agent, while TCA reacts to form phosgene, COC1.sub.2, a deadly gas.
In contrast to chlorine, hydrogen is extremely mobile, and thus hydrogenation can be carried out at relatively low temperatures. However, the passivation process is not stable, as indicated by the observation that subsequent heating a passivated wafer at temperatures above 400.degree. C. causes a reappearance of the defect states because of the unstable nature of the hydrogen-impurity pairing. It has also been reported that hydrogen not only passivates the detrimental impurities, but also deactivates shallow dopants. For instance, the spreading resistance of a boron-doped Si wafer increases dramatically when the wafer is exposed to atomic hydrogen. It is, therefore, not desirable in Si integrated circuits.
From the foregoing discussion it should be apparent that there is a need within the art for improved techniques for passivating metal impurities within semiconductor materials.

Metal impurity neutralization within semiconductors by fluorination


A decorative eyeglass having a pair of temple frames adapted to receive an interchangeable temple insert with a decorative insert attached thereon. A flanged channel disposed in the temple bar of the temple frame is adapted to receive the temple insert through an end opening disposed in the proximal end of the temple frame. The temple insert includes a perimeter ridge rising above a central recessed surface adapted to receive the decorative insert and a flat temple end protecting the edges of the decorative insert from fraying and wear. The perimeter flanges of the temple insert prevent the temple insert from entering or exiting the channel via the side opening. Insertion and removal of the temple insert is accomplished by rotating the temple frame relative to the lens frame so as to expose the end opening. With the desired temple insert fully inserted into the channel, the temple frame may be rotated so as to block the end opening by the lens frame. A coordinated apparel system includes the eyeglass frame with a selected temple insert and decorative insert selected from a plurality of temple inserts each having a decorative insert displaying an ornamental feature wherein the decorative insert is selected such that the ornamental features of the decorative insert are matched and coordinated with the ornamental feature of a item of decorative apparel.

The present invention relates generally to the field of eyeglasses worn for vision correction, for reduction of glare or for recreational activities. More particularly, this invention pertains to foldable eyeglass frames having decorative ornamentation displayed on the side pieces of the frame.
It is known in the prior art to embellish such eyeglass frames by providing decorative elements on the side pieces, such side pieces herein termed temple frames. It is also known in the prior art to select eyeglass frames according to their decorative elements so as to match the decorative elements of other apparel worn by the user.
As examples, U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,093 and PCT Publications WO 98/23994 and WO 97/44699 each describe an eyeglass frame structure comprising a decorative element of a temple frame that is mounted in a manner such that the decorative element can rotate with respect to the fixed parts of the temple frame from one position in which one decorative aspect of the decorative element is visible to a position in which another decorative aspect of the decorative element is visible.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 2,842,028 teaches a plastic eyeglass frame having strengthening or decorative inlays permanently fixed into a rectangular cut channel disposed in a temple frame by adhesive. U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,836 describes an eyeglass frame including a front piece, herein termed a lens frame, having replaceable ornamental lateral extensions to which the temple frame is attached by a hinge means.
One disadvantage of these prior art eyeglass frames is the inability to interchange the decorative designs of the temple frames. Users concerned with using eyeglasses as a fashion accessory consider this a significant shortcoming of the prior art requiring the purchase of additional eyeglass frames in order for the users to effectively coordinate their decorative eyeglasses with their multiple pieces of apparel.
What is needed, then, is an eyeglass frame with rapidly interchangeable decorative inserts that can be easily installed upon and removed from the temple frame without the use of tools other than the user's hands. Such decorative inserts should be as separate, inexpensive and interchangeable parts available in a wide variety of decorative patterns, textures, colors or other variable ornamental features.

Eyeglass frame with integral channel to receive decorative inserts


Disclosed are methods and compositions for siRNA-mediated therapy of mammalian diseases. In particular, compositions and methods are disclosed for treatment of therapy-resistant human breast cancers. In exemplary embodiments, siRNA molecules are presented that effectively knock down gene expression of one or more polynucleotides in breast cancer tumor initiating cells.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the fields of biochemistry and medicine. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of therapy-resistant human breast cancer, and in particular, provides siRNA compositions that inhibit gene expression in tumor initiating cells of human breast cancer.
2. Description of Related Art
There were approximately 180,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2007. About 15% of these, accounting for 25,000 to 30,000 cases each year, are "triple-negative breast cancer" (TNBC) in that the tumors do not express the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or HER-2/neu (DeSantis et al., 2010). Unlike therapies targeted against steroid hormone receptors or HER2, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved targeted drugs for the treatment of TNBC, and hence these cancers are associated with the worst prognosis. The identification of new therapeutic targets against TNBC is crucial to improving the outcome of this subtype. Use of liposome-mediated nanoparticles in order to mediate siRNA/shRNA therapy is a new approach for targeting novel non-druggable targets for which traditional therapies do not exist.
Developing therapies that are capable of attacking and destroying the "lethal seeds" driving these cancers, the "tumor initiating cells" (TICs)", represent a significant advancement over conventional therapies.

siRNA compositions and methods for inhibiting gene expression in tumor initiating cells of breast cancer


A material 1 to be shaped is reduced and formed by bringing dies with convex forming surfaces, when viewed from the side of the transfer line of the material 1, close to the transfer line from above and below the material 1, in synchronism with each other, while giving the dies a swinging motion in such a manner that the portions of the forming surfaces of the dies, in contact with the material 1, are transferred from the upstream to the downstream side in the direction of the transfer line.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plate thickness reduction press apparatus that transfers and reduces a slab, and the methods concerned with its use.
2. Prior art
1. FIG. 1 shows an example of a roughing mill used for hot rolling, and the roughing mill is provided with work rolls 2a, 2b arranged vertically opposite each other on opposite sides of a transfer line S that transfers a slab-like material 1 to be shaped, substantially horizontally, and backup rolls 3a, 3b contacting the work rolls 2a, 2b on the side opposite to the transfer line.
In the above-mentioned roughing mill, the work roll 2a above the transfer line S is rotated counterclockwise, and the work roll 2b underneath the transfer line S is rotated clockwise, so that the material 1 to be shaped is caught between both work rolls 2a, 2b, and by pressing the upper backup roll 3a downwards, the material 1 to be shaped is moved from the upstream A side of the transfer line to the downstream B side of the line, and the material 1 to be shaped is pressed and formed in the direction of the thickness of the slab. However, unless the nip angle θ of the material 1 to be shaped as it enters into the work rolls 2a, 2b is less than about 17°, slipping will occur between the upper and lower surfaces of the material 1 to be shaped and the outer surfaces of both work rolls 2a, 2b, and the work rolls 2a, 2b will no longer be able to grip and reduce the material 1 to be shaped.
More explicitly, when the diameter D of the work rolls 2a, 2b is 1,200 mm, the reduction Δt of a single rolling pass is about 50 mm according to the above-mentioned nip angle θ condition for the work rolls 2a, 2b, so when a material 1 to be shaped with a thickness T0 of 250 mm is rolled, the thickness T1 of the slab after being reduced and formed by a roughing mill becomes about 200 mm.
According to the prior art, therefore, the material 1 to be shaped is rolled in a reversing mill, in which the material is moved backwards and forwards while gradually reducing the thickness of the plate, and when the thickness of the material 1 to be shaped is reduced to about 90 mm, the material 1 is sent to a finishing mill.
Another system for reducing and forming the material 1 to be shaped according to the prior art is shown in FIG. 2; dies 14a, 14b with profiles like the plane shape of dies for a stentering press machine are positioned opposite each other above and below a transfer line S, and both dies 14a, 14b are made to approach each other and separate from each other in the direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the material 1 using reciprocating means such as hydraulic cylinders, in synchronism with the transfer of the material 1, while reducing and forming the material 1 to be shaped in the direction of the thickness of the plate.
The dies 14a, 14b are constructed with flat forming surfaces 19a, 19b gradually sloping from the upstream A side of the transfer line towards the downstream B side of the line, and flat forming surfaces 19c, 19d that continue from the aforementioned forming surfaces 19a, 19b in a direction parallel to and on opposite sides of the transfer line S.
The width of the dies 14a, 14b is set according to the plate width (about 2,000 mm or more) of the material 1 to be shaped.
However, when the material 1 to be shaped is rolled with the reversing method using the roughing mill shown in FIG. 1, space is required at each of the upstream A and downstream B ends of the transfer line S of the roughing mill, for pulling out the material 1 to be shaped as it comes out of the roughing mill, so the equipment must be long and large.
When the material 1 to be shaped is reduced and formed in the direction of its plate thickness using the dies 14a, 14b shown in FIG. 2, the areas of the forming surfaces 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d in contact with the material 1 to be shaped are much longer than those of the dies of a stentering press machine, and the contact areas increase as the dies 14a, 14b approach the transfer line S, so that a large load must be applied to each of the dies 14a, 14b, during reduction.
Furthermore, the power transmission members such as the eccentric shafts and rods for moving the dies 14a, 14b, the housing, etc. must be strong enough to withstand the above reducing loads, so each of these members and the housing must be made large in size.
Moreover, when the material 1 to be shaped is reduced and formed in the direction of its plate thickness using the dies 14a, 14b, some of the material 1 is forced backwards towards the upstream A side on the transfer line depending on the shape and the stroke of the dies 14a, 14b, therefore, it becomes difficult to transfer the material 1 to be shaped to the downstream B side of the transfer line.
When the material 1 to be shaped is reduced and formed in the direction of its plate thickness using the dies 14a, 14b shown in FIG. 2, the height of the lower surface of the material 1 after being reduced by the dies 14a, 14b is higher than the height of the lower surface of the material 1 immediately before being reduced by the dies, by an amount corresponding to the reduction in thickness.
Consequently, the leading end of the material 1 to be shaped tends to droop downwards, therefore the table rollers (not illustrated) installed on the downstream B side of the transfer line, to support the material 1 being shaped, may catch the leading end of the material 1, possibly resulting in damage to both the table rollers and the material 1 being shaped.
Recently, the flying-sizing press machine shown in FIG. 3 has been proposed.
This flying-sizing press machine is provided with a housing 4 erected on a transfer line S so as to allow movement of a material 1 to be shaped, an upper shaft box 6a and a lower shaft box 6b housed in window portions 5 of the housing 4 opposite each other on opposite sides of the transfer line S, upper and lower rotating shafts 7a, 7b extending substantially horizontally in the direction orthogonal to the transfer line S and supported by the upper shaft box 6a or the lower shaft box 6b by bearings (not illustrated) on the non-eccentric portions, rods 9a, 9b located above and below the transfer line S, respectively, connected to eccentric portions of the rotating shafts 7a, 7b through bearings 8a, 8b at the end portions thereof, rod support boxes 11a, 11b connected to intermediate portions of the upper and lower rods 9a, 9b by bearings 10a, 10b with spherical surfaces and housed in the window portions 5 of the housing 4 and free to slide vertically, die holders 13a, 13b connected to the top portions of the rods 9a, 9b through bearings 12a, 12b with spherical surfaces, dies 14a, 14b mounted on the die holders 13a, 13b, and hydraulic cylinders 15a, 15b whose cylinder units are connected to intermediate locations along the length of the rods 9a, 9b by means of bearings and the tips of the piston rods are connected to the die holders 13a, 13b through bearings.
The rotating shafts 7a, 7b are connected to the output shaft (not illustrated) of a motor through a universal coupling and a speed reduction gear, and when the motor is operated, the upper and lower dies 14a, 14b approach towards and move away from the transfer line S in synchronism with the transfer operation.
The dies 14a, 14b are provided with flat forming surfaces 16a, 16b gradually sloping from the upstream A side of the transfer line towards the downstream B side of the transfer line so as to approach the transfer line S, and other flat forming surfaces 17a, 17b continuing from the aforementioned forming surfaces 16a, 16b in a direction parallel to the transfer line S.
The width of the dies 14a, 14b is determined by the plate width (about 2,000 mm or more) of the material 1 to be shaped.
A position adjusting screw 18 is provided at the top of the housing 4, to enable the upper shaft box 6a to be moved towards or away from the transfer line S, and by rotating the position adjusting screw 18 about its axis, the die 14a can be raised and lowered through the rotating shaft 7a, rod 9a, and the die holder 13a.
When the material 1 to be shaped is reduced and formed in the direction of the plate thickness using the flying-sizing press machine shown in FIG. 3, the position adjusting screw 18 is rotated appropriately to adjust the position of the upper shaft box 6a, so that the spacing between the upper and lower dies 14a, 16b is determined according to the plate thickness of the material 1 to be shaped by reducing and forming in the direction of plate thickness.
Next, the motor is operated to rotate the upper and lower rotating shafts 7a, 7b, and the material 1 to be shaped is inserted between the upper and lower dies 14a, 14b, and the material 1 is reduced and formed by means of the upper and lower dies 14a, 14b that move towards and away from each other and with respect to the transfer line S while moving in the direction of the transfer line S as determined by the displacement of the eccentric portions of the rotating shafts 7a, 7b.
At this time, appropriate hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 15a, 15b, and the angles of the die holders 13a, 13b are changed so that the forming surfaces 17a, 17b of the upper and lower dies 14a, 14b, on the downstream B side of the transfer line, are always parallel to the transfer line S.
However, the flying-sizing press machine shown in FIG. 3 has much larger contact areas between the forming surfaces 16a, 16b, 17a and 17b of the dies 14a, 14b and the material 1 to be formed, compared to the dies of a plate reduction press machine, and because the above-mentioned contact areas increase as the dies 14a, 14b approach the transfer line S, a large load must be applied to the dies 14a, 14b during reduction.
In addition, the die holders 13a, 13b, rods 9a, 9b, rotating shafts 7a, 7b, shaft boxes 6a, 6b, housing 4, etc. must be strong enough to withstand the reducing load applied to the dies 14a, 14b, so that these members are made larger in size.
Also, the flying-sizing press machine shown in FIG. 3 may suffer from the problem that the leading and trailing ends of the material 1 being reduced and formed are locally bent to the left or right, or with a camber so that when a long material 1 is being formed it generally warps, unless the centers of the reducing forces from the dies 14a, 14b on the material 1 to be shaped are in close alignment when the material 1 is reduced and formed by the upper and lower dies 14a, 14b.
2. With a conventional rolling mill known in the prior art, in which a material is rolled between two work rolls, there is a reduction ratio limit of normally about 25% due to the nip angle limitation. Therefore, it is not possible to reduce the thickness of a material by a large ratio (for example, reducing a material from about 250 mm thickness to 30 to 60 mm) in a single pass therefore three or four rolling mills are arranged in tandem in a tandem rolling system, or the material to be rolled is rolled backwards and forwards in a reverse rolling system. However, these systems are accompanied with practical problems such as the need for a long rolling line.
On the other hand the planetary mill, Sendzimir mill, cluster mill, etc. have been proposed as means of pressing that allow a large reduction in one pass. However, with these rolling mills, small rolls press the material to be rolled at a high rotational speed, resulting in a great impact, therefore the life of the bearings, etc., is so short that these mills are not suitable for mass production facilities.
On the other hand, various kinds of press apparatus modified from the conventional stentering press machines have been proposed (for example, Japanese patent No. 014139, 1990, unexamined Japanese patent publication Nos. 222651, 1986, 175011, 1990, etc.).
An example of the "Flying-sizing press apparatus" according to the unexamined Japanese patent publication No. 175011, 1990 is shown in FIG. 4; rotating shafts 22 are arranged in the upper and lower sides or the left and right sides of the transfer line Z of a material to be shaped, and the bosses of rods 23 with a required shape are connected to eccentric portions of the rotating shafts 22, and in addition, dies 24 arranged on opposite sides of the transfer line of the material to be shaped are connected to the tips of the rods 23; when the rotating shafts 22 are rotated, the rods 23 coupled to the eccentric portions of the rotating shafts cause the dies 24 to press both the upper and lower surfaces of the material 1 to be shaped, thereby the thickness of the material to be shaped is reduced.
However, the above-mentioned high-reduction means are associated with problems such as (1) a material to be reduced cannot be easily pressed by the flying-sizing apparatus in which the material is reduced as it is being transferred, (2) the means are complicated with many component parts, (3) many parts must slide under heavy loads, (4) the means are not suitable for heavily loaded frequent cycles of operation, etc.
With conventional high-reduction pressing means known in the prior art, the position of the dies is controlled to adjust the thickness of the material to be pressed by means of a screw, wedge, hydraulic cylinder, etc., and, as a result, there are the practical problems that the equipment is large, costly, complicated, and vibrates considerably.
3. Conventionally, a roughing-down mill is used to roll a slab. The slab to be rolled is as short as 5 m to 12 m, and the slab is rolled by a plurality of roughing-down mills or by reversing mills in which the slab is fed forwards and backwards as it is rolled. In addition, a reduction press machine is also used. Recently, because a long slab manufactured by a continuous casting system has been introduced, there is a demand for the continuous transfer of the slab to a subsequent pressing system. When a material is rough rolled using a roughing-down mill, the minimum nip angle (about 17°) must be satisfied, so the reduction limit Δt per pass is about 50 mm. Because the slab is continuous, reverse rolling is not applicable, so that to obtain the desired thickness, a plurality of roughing-down mills must be installed in series, or if a single rolling mill is to be employed, the diameter of the work rolls should be very large.
Consequently, a reduction press machine is used. FIG. 5 shows an example of such a machine in which the dies are pressed by sliders, to provide a flying-press machine that can press a moving slab. Dies 32 provided above and below the slab 1 are mounted on sliders 33, and the sliders 33 are moved up and down by the crank mechanisms 34. The dies 32, sliders 33 and crank mechanisms 34 are reciprocated in the direction of transferring the slab, by the feeding crank mechanisms 35. The slab 1 is conveyed by pinch rolls 36 and transfer tables 37. When the slab is being reduced, the dies 32, sliders 33 and crank mechanisms 34 are moved in the direction of transferring the slab by means of the feeding crank mechanisms 35, and the pinch rolls 36 transfer the slab 1 in synchronism with this transfer speed. A start-stop system can also be used; the slab 1 is stopped when the system is working as a reduction press machine and the slab is reduced, and after completing reduction, the slab is transferred by a length equal to a pressing length, and then pressing is repeated.
There are problems in the design and manufacturing cost of the aforementioned roughing-down mill with large diameter rolls, and the use of rolls with a large diameter results in a shorter life for the rolls because of the low rolling speed and difficulty in cooling the rolls. With the reduction press machine using sliders and feeding crank mechanisms shown in FIG. 5, the cost of the equipment is high because the mechanisms for reciprocating the sliders, etc., in the direction of movement of a slab are complicated and large in scale. In addition, the sliders vibrate significantly in the vertical direction. With a reduction press machine using a start-stop system, the slab must be accelerated and decelerated repeatedly from standstill to transfer speed, and vice versa. The slab is transferred using pinch rolls and transfer tables, and these apparatus become large due to the high acceleration and deceleration.
4. When a material is reduced by a large amount, according to the prior art, long dies were used to reduce the material while it was fed through the dies by the length thereof during one or several pressings. Defining the longitudinal and lateral directions as the direction in which the pressed material is moved and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, respectively, the material to be pressed by a large amount in the longitudinal direction is pressed by dies that are long in the longitudinal direction using single pressing or by means of a plurality of pressing operations while feeding the material to be pressed in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 6 shows an example of the above-mentioned reduction press machine, and FIG. 7 illustrates its operation. The reduction press is equipped with dies 42 above and below a material 1 to be pressed, hydraulic cylinders 43 for pressing down the dies 42, and a frame 44 that supports the hydraulic cylinders 43. A pressing operation is described using the symbols L for the length of the dies 42, T for the original thickness of the material 1 to be pressed, and t for the thickness of the material after pressing. FIG. 7(A) shows the state of the dies 42 set to a location with thickness T on a portion of material to be pressed next, adjacent to a portion with thickness t which has been pressed. (B) shows the state in which the dies have pressed down from the state (A). (C) is the state in which the dies 42 have been separated from the material 1 being pressed, that has then been moved longitudinally by the pressing length L, and completely prepared for the next pressing, which is the same state as (A). Operations (A) to (C) are repeated until all the material is reduced to the required thickness.
The longer the dies, the greater the force that is required for reduction, so the reduction press machine must be large. With a press machine, pressing is usually repeated at high speed. When an apparatus with a large mass is reciprocated at a high speed, a large power is required to accelerate and decelerate the apparatus, therefore the ratio of the power required for acceleration and deceleration to the power needed for reducing the material to be pressed is so large that much power is spent on driving the apparatus. When the material is reduced, the volume corresponding to the thinned portion must be displaced longitudinally or laterally because the volumes of the material before and after reduction are substantially the same. If the dies are long, the material is constrained so that it is displaced longitudinally (this phenomenon is called material flow), so that pressing becomes difficult especially when the reduction is large.
When a material to be rolled is reduced conventionally in a horizontal mill, the gap between the rolls of the horizontal mill is set so that the rolls are capable of gripping the material to be rolled considering the thickness of the material after forming, therefore the reduction in thickness allowed for a single pass is limited so that when a large reduction in the thickness is required, a plurality of horizontal mills have to be installed in series, or the material must be moved backwards and forwards through a horizontal mill while the thickness is gradually reduced, according to the prior art. Another system was also proposed in the unexamined Japanese patent publication No. 175011, 1990; eccentric portions are provided in rotating shafts, the motion of the eccentric portions is changed to an up/down movement using rods, and a material to be pressed is reduced continuously by these up/down movements.
The system with a plurality of horizontal mills arranged in tandem (series) has the problems that the equipment is large and the cost is high. The system of passing a material to be pressed backwards and forwards through a horizontal mill has the problems that the operations are complicated and a long rolling time is required. The system disclosed in the unexamined Japanese patent application No. 175011, 1990 has the difficulty that large equipment must be used, because a fairly large rotating torque must be applied to the rotating shafts to produce the required reducing force as the movement of the eccentric portions of the rotating shafts has to be changed to an up/down motion to produce the necessary reducing force.
5. Conventionally, a roughing-down mill is used to press a slab. The slab to be pressed is as short as 5 to 12 m, and to obtain the specified thickness, a plurality of roughing-down mills are provided, or the slab is moved backwards and forwards as it is pressed in the reversing rolling method. Other systems also used practically include a flying press machine that transfers a slab while it is being pressed, and a start-stop reduction press machine which stops conveying the material as it is being pressed and transfers the material during a time when it is not being pressed.
Since long slabs are produced by continuous casting equipment, there is a practical demand for a slab to be conveyed continuously to a subsequent press apparatus. When a slab is rough rolled in a roughing-down mill, there is a nip angle limitation (about 17°), so the reduction per rolling cannot be made so large. Because the slab is continuous, it cannot be rolled by reverse rolling, therefore to obtain the preferred thickness, a plurality of roughing-down mills must be installed in series, or if a single mill is involved, the diameter of the work rolls must be made very large. There are difficulties, in terms of design and cost, in manufacturing such a roughing-down mill with large-diameter rolls, and large diameter rolls must be operated at a low speed when rolling a slab, so the rolls cannot be easily cooled, and the life of the rolls becomes shorter. Because a flying press can provide a large reduction in thickness and is capable of reducing a material while it is being conveyed, the press can continuously transfer the material being pressed to a downstream rolling mill. However, it has been difficult to adjust the speed of the material to be pressed so that the flying press and the downstream rolling mill can operate simultaneously to reduce and roll the material. In addition, it has not been possible to arrange a start-stop reduction press machine and a rolling mill in tandem to reduce a slab continuously; with the start-stop reduction press, the material being pressed is stopped during pressing, and is transferred when it is not being pressed.
Another system in practical use is the flying system in which the sliders that press down on a slab are moved up and down in synchronism with the transfer speed of the slab.
In the start-stop system, the heavy slab is accelerated and decelerated every cycle from standstill to the maximum speed Vmax, and accordingly the capacity of the transfer facilities such as the pinch rolls and transfer tables must be large. Because of the discontinuous operation, it is difficult to carry out further operations on a downstream press machine. The flying system requires a large capacity apparatus to produce the swinging motion, and to accelerate and decelerate the heavy sliders according to the speed of the slab. Another problem with this system is that this large capacity apparatus for producing the swinging motion causes considerable vibrations in the press machine.
Still another problem with this system is that if the speed of the slab deviates from that of the sliders, flaws may be produced in the slab or the equipment may be damaged.
Recently, a high-reduction press machine that can reduce a thick slab (material to be pressed) to nearly ⅓ of its original thickness in a single reduction operation, has been developed. FIG. 8 shows an example of a reduction press machine used for hot pressing. With this reduction press machine, dies 52a, 52b are disposed opposite each other vertically on opposite sides of the transfer line S, and are simultaneously moved towards and away from a material 1 to be pressed that travels on the transfer line S by the reciprocating apparatus 53a, 53b incorporating eccentric axes, rods, and hydraulic cylinders, so that material of a thickness of, for example, 250 mm can be reduced to 90 mm by a single reducing operation.
However, the reduction of the aforementioned high-reduction press machine can be as large as 160 mm, that is, the reduction on one side is as large as 80 mm. According to the prior art, there is a small difference of thickness before and after pressing, so the transfer levels of the transfer devices of a press machine on the inlet and outlet sides are substantially the same. With the above-mentioned high-reduction press machine, however, there is the problem that the material 1 to be pressed is bent if the transfer levels are identical. Another problem of the machine is that the transfer device is overloaded.

Plate reduction press apparatus and methods

Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.


A ready to assemble, expandable headboard that is capable of fitting different size mattresses and is packaged compactly so that a store and the resulting customer can easily carry the packaged headboard. A ready to assemble headboard and kit where the headboard is expandable yet easily assembled to result in a cushioned, fabric slipcovered headboard with a custom look.

Ready to assemble ("RTA") or "knock down" furniture is furniture that is assembled by the end consumer. RTA furniture is typically more economical than pre-assembled furniture, because it is easier to ship and is less expensive for the manufacturer to create. RTA furniture can be sold in chain department stores, because the unassembled pieces can be shipped in more compact packaging. Some upscale, or "high end" furniture also comes to the store or customer in a ready to assemble form. In high end versions, store personnel assembles the furniture at the customer's home upon delivery.
Headboards are pieces of bedroom furniture that are usually not sold as knock down furniture. Headboards include a rigid frame that is not readily portable. Most headboards are sold with a bedroom set and are required to be delivered to the customer's home fully assembled. This is especially true of upholstered headboards. Some upholstered headboards are even customized to match a homeowner's bedroom décor.
Slipcovers for headboards are known. Most slipcovers are designed for one particular type of cushioned headboard and are not designed to be sold apart from the headboard. Slipcovers allow a user to create different looks by alternating between slipcovers with different designs or patterns while retaining the underlying headboard structure. This allows a user to easily and quickly change the look of a room with relative ease and low cost.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,032 describes a portable, readily assembled, easily upholstered headboard. The headboard has two posts, two inter-fitting rails which are readily assembled and locked to the posts without tools. The headboard includes a muslin covered cushioned panel having a backing rigid sheet with rail-engaging formations.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,349 describes a fabric covered knock-down headboard for beds. The headboard frame includes a pair of side members temporarily held together by separable center sections. The center sections are of varying lengths. A fabric cover is formed from front and rear panels slightly greater in length than the length of the headboard frame. The cover is seamed around the top and side edges. The bottom edges of the panels are initially separated to allow the cover to slide over the frame, but when in place, are secured by hook and loop fastening mechanisms.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,253 describes a modular headboard and method of assembly. The modular headboard includes an upper headboard section and a lower headboard section selectively coupled together for convenient storage and transportation. The upper headboard includes laterally spaced, vertically extending upper post sections and a headboard panel extending there between. The lower headboard section includes corresponding lower post sections, with cross rails extending between the sections. A laterally extending slat overlaps adjacent edges of the upper and lower headboard sections to facilitate alignment of the upper and lower headboard sections, and is secured to the headboard sections to form a stable headboard.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,234 describes a collapsible headboard, ideally for use with an inflatable mattress. The collapsible headboard is intended to prevent pillows from falling off of the mattress. The collapsible headboard includes a frame assembly being selectively actuated between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The frame assembly is actuated to the collapsed position for facilitating storage for the frame assembly when the frame assembly is removed from the mattress. A panel member is designed for being positioned against the mattress whereby the panel member is for inhibiting pillows from sliding off of the mattress when the frame assembly is in the deployed position.
None of the apparatus mentioned above describe a knock down headboard to be constructed by an end user comprising a left side headboard section, a right side headboard section, at least one middle headboard section and support posts attachable to a bed frame wherein the middle headboard section includes an aperture for receiving attachment means to secure the middle headboard section to the left and right side headboard sections.
The apparatuses discussed above also do not describe a ready to assemble headboard kit for an expandable headboard comprising a left side headboard section, a right side headboard section, at least one middle headboard section and support posts attachable to a bed frame wherein the middle headboard section includes an aperture for receiving attachment means to secure the middle headboard section to the left and right side headboard sections. Moreover, none of the known prior art references disclose an expandable headboard that is padded and covered with fabric and also includes a decorative slipcover for a resulting headboard that appears to be tailored or custom made.
None of the prior art methods solve the problem of making a ready to assemble headboard that is capable of fitting different size mattresses, yet being packaged so that a store, and the resulting customer, can easily transport the packaged headboard. The references also do not disclose a ready to assemble headboard and kit where the headboard is expandable yet easily assembled to result in a cushioned, fabric slipcovered headboard with a custom look.