A gas species monitoring system includes a laser system, where the laser system includes a multisection DBR laser, and a plurality of measurement points disposed at different locations within the system. The laser system is configured to selectively deliver a laser beam from the multisection DBR laser to each measurement point within the system to determine a concentration of at least one gas species at each measurement point. A chemical detection grid is aligned with the ITU-GRID to facilitate use of a multisection DRB laser that operates within one or more of the defined bands of the ITU-GRID.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention pertains to monitoring gas species in various gas streams and at varying temperature and other process locations using a multisection laser.
2. Related Art
The use of near-infrared diode lasers for process gas monitoring is highly advantageous due at least in part to a number of chemical species of interest (e.g., CO, CO2, H2O, NO2, etc.) that can be detected with such lasers. In addition, diode laser devices developed for use in telecommunication applications can be readily adaptable for gas detection applications. For example, many of the device requirements for telecommunication applications, such as narrow line width, rapid tuning capability, etc., parallel the requirements for gas detection. Though semiconductor lasers in principle can be manufactured at any wavelength in the NIR region defined by the matrix material, the availability of lasers at specific wavelengths is limited to either custom made lasers or matching telecommunication laser wavelengths with desired absorption features of interest.
The narrow line width and tunability by temperature and current injection are key advantages in using diode laser devices for gas species detection. These features provide the necessary specificity to detect spectral absorption features for a particular chemical species without interferences from surrounding species. However, a main disadvantage associated with applying typical diode lasers for gas monitoring (e.g., a distributed feedback or DFB laser) is the limited tuning range (about 1-3 cm−1) for current injection, which in turn limits the spectral information detectable by a single device. A larger tuning range is possible with temperature control, but this negatively impacts the response time of the measurement. Therefore, in multiple species or multiple absorption line monitoring for control applications, several lasers are typically applied with each laser dedicated to the absorption line or lines accessible by the device.
Species concentration monitoring is performed by propagating a tunable laser beam from a laser through the gas matrix of interest which can be in-situ or provided from an extracted sample. In the case of in-situ monitoring, the process gas temperature must be known to accurately determine the species concentration. The process gas temperature is necessary, because the resultant absorption signal that is recorded is dependent on temperature through the absorption coefficient that appears in the Beer-Lambert law as the product of the line strength and line shape functions. The Beer-Lambert relation describes the resulting absorption of the laser radiation along the measurement path for a single species as follows:Iv=Iv,oe[−S(T)g(v−vo)Nl]  (1)where Iv is the laser intensity at frequency v measured after the beam has propagated across a path l with N absorbing molecules per volume. The incident laser intensity is Iv,o and is referred to as the reference. The amount of laser radiation attenuated is determined by the temperature dependent line strength S(T) and the lineshape function g(v−vo). Inversion of the above equation relates the number density N to the measured laser intensities and known linestrength and pathlength as follows:
                    N        =                              1                                          S                                                  (                  T                  )                                                          l                                ·                      ∫                                          ln                                                  (                                                            I                      vo                                                              I                      v                                                        )                                                                          ⅆ                v                                                                        (        2        )            With the exception of S(T) in the above equation, the parameters are either measured or known. If the process temperature is relatively constant, then S(T) can be considered constant from either calibration measurements or from validated database values, e.g., values obtained from a HITRAN-HITEMP database.
Direct application of the Beer-Lambert law applies for measurements that monitor the direct absorption of the laser radiation passed through the absorbing medium. Other techniques apply wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WM) or Frequency modulation (FM) spectroscopy to reduce the inherent noise of the laser. In using WM or FM spectroscopy, the recorded spectral data can be either modeled or compared with a library of spectra to obtain the best fit for a given concentration and temperature. In either application (i.e., direct absorption or a modulation technique), processes that undergo temperature variations require a mechanism for obtaining the gas temperature to determine the correct value of the linestrength. In slow temperature varying processes, temperature information can be obtained from the refractory wall temperature by either a thermocouple or optical pyrometer measurements in particle free systems. However, in dynamic processes, the response time of wall temperatures is too slow for an accurate determination of S(T). Therefore, an alternative mechanism for obtaining the temperature is needed for real-time process monitoring.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,767, a multiple laser system is described for waste incineration monitoring. In addition, this patent document describes a method of determining the temperature from the Gaussian component of the recorded spectral line based upon an identification of the Doppler contribution, which depends solely on the temperature. This method is limited in use since extremely high quality data is required to obtain accurate results. For applications on industrial processes that experience high particle densities, temperature gradients, mechanical vibration, rapid variations in temperature and gas composition, and high radiation loads from the process, all of these factors can contribute at different degrees to degrade the quality of the spectrum, thus introducing errors in the results.
In addition, the tuning range of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers limits the level of spectral information that can be monitored by a single device. Extension of the tuning range over several nanometers can be obtained by varying the device temperature, but this method sacrifices the speed at which multiple spectral regions can be monitored due to the time required for the laser to become thermally stable. Alternatively, external cavity lasers such as those commercially available from New Focus (a Division of Bookham, Inc., San Jose, Calif.) operate with a broad tuning range (e.g., a tuning range of 1520-1570 nm with tuning speed of 10 nm/s), but with a sacrifice in speed.
While a single DFB laser system can be used to monitor two or more gas species of interest in a composition, such a single laser system will be limited to set temperature conditions. For example, in a CO monitoring system using a DFB laser near 1560 cm−1 for combustion process monitoring, the concentration of H2O within the composition must also be determined due to the interference that occurs between H2O peaks and CO peaks at a particular region along the absorption spectrum, since the concentration of a species is determined by measuring the absorption peaks corresponding with the species along the absorbance spectrum for a particular wavelength scan. The concentration of H2O must be determined to correct for such interference so as to determine an accurate CO concentration. Such correction becomes particularly important for CO concentrations of 1% or less (where the CO peaks are very tiny and possibly masked by H2O interference peaks). In this example, temperature sensitivity and the level of H2O peak interference decreases as temperatures approach 1090 K. However, for temperatures of 1090 K or greater, the temperature sensitivity becomes a major factor, thus limiting the accuracy of a single DFB laser for determination of CO concentrations.
In applications where multiple point monitoring is desired, the above-described limitations of the DFB laser restrict these monitoring applications to the conditions that match the diode laser-tuning window. For example, using a DFB laser for monitoring CO and H2O at a process location with a characteristic temperature of 1500 K and another point with a characteristic temperature of 800 K would not be feasible. To monitor these two locations would require a minimum of two DFB lasers to capture the spectral data at each location with the desired sensitivity. As the number of measurement points or locations or variations in characteristic measurement conditions (e.g., large fluctuations in temperature) increases for a particular application, the number of DFB lasers required also increases.
Therefore, applications requiring multiple species monitoring, as required in high temperature processes where the temperature is unknown or varies, typically require several DFB lasers to maintain a fast-response time and accuracy. An exemplary multiple species monitoring system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,842, which includes a plurality of lasers for monitoring the compositions of CO, O2, H2O and HCl in combustion fumes from incineration plants so as to control the fume acidity. Other examples implementing multiple DFB lasers are described in Ebert et al., "Simultaneous Diode-Laser-Based In situ Detection of Multiple Species and Temperature in Gas-Fried Power Plant" Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Vol. 28, pp. 423-430, 2000 (for monitoring species in a 1 GW gas-fired power plant) and Furlong et al., "Diode-Laser Sensors for Real-Time Control of Temperature and H2O in Pulsed Combustion Systems," 34th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, AIAA-98-3949, 1998 (for monitoring species in a pulsed waste incinerator).
In such multiple laser systems, the integration of multiple lasers into a system adds to the system complexity and cost by requiring additional wavelength discriminating mechanisms for the different laser wavelengths (e.g., additional supporting electronics, such as temperature and current controllers for each DFB laser in a multiple laser system as well as multiplexing equipment).

Chemical species detection including a multisection laser for improved process monitoring


Present invention is a coin operable computer, having compiler memory compiled in both soft and hardware programs, with all supporting elements, an interfaced handshaking memory storage unit and modem card, arranged to run a sequential logic order of operations, in selectively dispensing a variety of products, from a coin operable vending machine after currency protocols have been satisfied, fetch data transactions, store to memory, and when called by a personal computer, transmit the stored data to owners personal computers or other peripheral operated devices, the present computer controlled vending machine provides owners a means of utilizing the art of computer science and modem technology to enhance monetary controls, and enhance profits, while providing consumers a variety of options in purchasing a product utilizing vending machines, as present computerized vending machine incorporates a multiple network of coin accepting units and a plurality of change back return paths, deleting the problem of one coin in and change back unit dictating to the industry, further deletes unnecessary trips to locations, utilizing modem incorporated technology.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a coin operated vending apparatus for the cutting edge of our century in art of Computer Science. The present invention utilizes programmed computer chips, (hereafter CPU), micro processors, micro controllers, memory storage, their supporting components, and a handshaking incorporated modem. The CPU controlling system is structured designed and arranged in both soft and hardware functional operations, whereby it will store and selectively dispense a variety of products after appropriate amount of currency has been deposited in any one of its multi-coin is accepting devices that interfaces the CPU's programs of sequential logic operations, additionally the present invention will record and store all transaction data into its memory chips, for the interfaced, handshaking modem to access, retrieve and transmit, thus allowing present invention to interact with personal computers.
The computer art and modem technology in present inventions structured design adds a phenomenal convenience to owners and operators primarily in the vending industry, more particular to services, in combination with coin operated apparatuses structure, whereas present invention overcomes several disadvantages presently existing in vending machines commonly used in the marketplace today for dispensing food and non-food products. The present invention was originally conceived and designed with bread and bakery products in mind, however, it should be understood that the vending machine structure disclosed herein can be utilized in other allied fields, such as other foods and non-food products and the likes.
Heretofore vending machines used in the field of dispensing food products have been relatively expensive in the areas of manufacturing cost, servicing, and maintenance. Vending machines heretofore utilized for dispensing products have been relatively complicated by their heavy reliance on one coin controlling device and change unit, mechanical structure, and bulky mechanism, making them complex in structure, and causing complications in many areas of the machine, rendering it incapable of delivering a product, and serving its intended purpose, thereby causing aggravation to the user firstly, as a result of not obtaining a product which was desired, secondly there are no options for purchasing a product once the one coin in acceptor, and change unit dictating operations experiences a malfunction, when that one coin in acceptor, or change unit experiences a malfunction, the machine is shut down, the third grievance of prior art is to owners, when quarterly statements print out and his assets become liabilities when this condition occurs. Still another major disadvantage factor of prior art is the servicing and loading trips, the locations have to be physically visited to check out the status of the machine, even the latest technology of the computerized hand held interrogator, demands a service representative be on location to retrieve data from the machine, and transmit or download it at a later time. Owners at present have no way of long distance communications with their equipment, many times trips are made to locations as a routine check, to find that the machine is not in need of products or servicing, these physical trips consume many manpower hours, wear and tear on private and company vehicles, representing additional aggravation in areas of travel expenses and labor costs in manpower hours, for no sales, equals bank empty, however, gas for travel, and the employees have to be paid regardless.

Multi-compartment and acceptors computerized vending machine


A sensor device for measuring the concentration of an analyte in solution is described. The device includes a composite membrane which incorporates a porous membrane containing an immobilized biologically-active protein and at least one other membrane. The other membrane may optionally be a blocking membrane, partly embedded in the porous membrane, which is adapted to exclude low molecular weight interfering species such as ascorbic acid. The other membrane may optionally be a protecting membrane which is useful for preventing high molecular species from fouling the porous membrane. Both a blocking membrane and a protecting membrane may be included in the composite membrane, simultaneously. The composite membrane is attached and reliably sealed to a housing by means of ultrasonic welding.. These features operate synergistically so that the device exhibits relatively fast response and recovery times, is reliably leak-proof, and may be constructed in relatively small sizes. A method of manufacturing the composite membrane is also provided.

Biosensors are electrodes which employ biologically active materials, usually proteins, as highly selective catalysts. Enzymes and antibodies are sub-classes of proteins. Early biosensors contained an enzyme in aqueous solution which was held in proximity to a sensing electrode by a membrane which did not contain a significant amount of the enzyme. The membranes of these biosensors served primarily as a physical barrier which, by virtue of their small pore size, prevented the enzyme from migrating into the bulk solution. The membrane also served to keep large protein molecules from entering the aqueous enzyme solution and interfering with planned reactions. These biosensors were comparatively large and their reaction times were slow by modern standards.
An improved type of biosensor having a laminated membrane was sometimes employed which held an enzyme trapped between two or more individual membranes. The enzyme could be dispersed in an adhesive which held the membranes in place, especially when the enzyme was glucose oxidase and the adhesive was glutaraldehyde. The membranes did not contain a significant amount of enzyme.
A more recently developed type of biosensor contains enzymes immobilized directly within a permeable or semipermeable carrier membrane. The enzyme may be physically encapsulated within the membrane in the form of fine droplets dispersed in a polymer. Alternately, the enzyme may be covalently bonded to functional polar groups which are attached to a synthetic polymer membrane. The immobilized enzyme membranes contain micropores which facilitate diffusion of target reagents and reaction products through the membranes.
Covalent bonds for immobilizing proteins are formed by linking amino or carboxyl groups, which are present in every enzyme, with polar functional groups which may be present on the carrier membrane. The functional groups can be derived from components normally present in the material that forms a carrier substrate or the functional groups can be added to the carrier substrate. Suitable functional groups include carboxyl groups, amino groups, sulfonic acid groups, imino groups, thio groups, hydroxyl groups, pyridyl groups, and phosphoryl groups. The functional groups may be pre-activated by chemical treatment to enhance their ability to join with the amino or carboxyl groups present in the enzyme molecules.
As biosensor technology progressed, laminated membranes were produced which included an enzyme membrane which carried immobilized proteins and other membranes. The other membranes are located on one or both sides of the enzyme membrane and serve to impede the movement of undesirable species. For example, protecting membranes having relatively large pores are included in laminated membranes between an analyte solution and an enzyme membrane. In that position, the protecting membranes prevent high molecular weight species from becoming adsorbed upon and fouling the surface of the enzyme membrane. Similarly, blocking membranes with relatively smaller pores were included between the enzyme membrane and a sensing electrode to prevent low molecular weight species, such as ascorbic acid and paracetamol, from interfering with electrical detection and measurement at the sensing electrode. Some of the laminated membranes are prepared by the technique of spin casting successive layers of polymeric material.
The laminated membranes are not entirely satisfactory, however. They are expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Achieving a uniform distribution of enzyme attachment within the enzyme membrane is problematic. In addition, the laminated membranes frequently leak at their point of attachment to a sensor device and an analyte solution is then able to bypass the enzyme. Laminated membranes can also separate during operation.
Accordingly, improved laminated membranes and improved methods of manufacturing have been sought, as well as substitutes. One substitute is a blocking layer deposited directly upon the sensing electrodes. Such blocking layers are produced by polymerizing compounds directly on the electrodes, such as diaminobenzene and dihydroxybenzene copolymers. Intimate contact is achieved between the sensing electrode and the blocking membrane, but the quality of devices produced by this technique is often inconsistent.
Over the last two decades, evolution in biosensor design has been stimulated by a demand for smaller, faster, and more reliable leak-proof sensors which exhibit high sensitivity. Such sensors are especially useful for constructing arrays which contain many sensors. The demand for small biosensors with faster response and recovery times is at odds with the requirements of leak-proof reliability and high sensitivity. Generally, the route to faster response times is by incorporation of more sophisticated, less diffusion-resistant membranes, and through improved immobilization techniques which uniformly distribute the enzyme in well-defined layers without exposing the enzyme to conditions which might cause it to denature.
In contrast, the use of sophisticated laminated membranes and advanced enzyme mobilization techniques places a premium on the integrity of a seal between the enzyme membrane and the housing. Previously, the seal had been made using clamps, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives, and was a frequent source of leakage. Leakage around the enzyme would reduce the sensitivity of the biosensor device because some reagents had not been converted and, therefore, would not register at the electrode. Of course, the leakage bypass problem is most critical for small biosensor devices where the deleterious effect of any size leak becomes relatively more important. When the seal leaks, the time required to rinse out a sample or calibrant solution is extended. Undesirable species may infiltrate the sensor and interfere with detection. Avoiding leaks is especially important in the case of systems with multiple sensors.


The present disclosure relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (γDPGA), which is present on the surface of Bacillus anthracis. The disclosure also provides chimeric forms of the monoclonal antibodies, humanized forms of the monoclonal antibodies, and fragments thereof, as well as nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and fragments thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies are also disclosed herein. The disclosure further provides prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods of using the disclosed antibodies.

Anthrax is a potentially lethal human infection. The pathogen responsible for anthrax is the Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium, Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis). In many situations, the body protects against pathogenic infections by producing antibodies that bind to antigens on the pathogen to facilitate the removal or "clearance" of the pathogens by a process called phagocytosis, wherein phagocytic cells (for example neutrophils and macrophages) identify, engulf, and subsequently destroy the pathogens. However, some pathogens, such as B. anthracis, avoid phagocytosis by encapsulating themselves with a capsule that is poorly immunogenic and has antiphagocytic properties.
The virulence of B. anthracis is dependent on anthrax toxin (AT) and the poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (γDPGA) capsule. γDPGA is poorly immunogenic and does not induce booster responses. In addition, the γDPGA capsule shields the vegetative form of B. anthracis from agglutination by monoclonal antibodies to its cell wall polysaccharide. Thus, few effective antibody therapies directed against B. anthracis have been developed. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to develop therapeutics to combat anthrax infection.

Monoclonal antibodies that react with the capsule of

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services


A process for preparing an oxytitanium phthalocyanine hydrate crystal which, when dried at 100.degree. C. and 0.1 mmHg for 8 hours and then allowed to stand in air at room temperature for 12 hours, has a structural formula of TiOPc.multidot.(H.sub.2 O).sub.n, wherein Pc represents a phthalocyanine nucleus, and n represents a number of from 0.15 to 1, and elemental analysis values of C: 65.0 to 66.3%, H: 2.5 to 3.1%, and N: 18.5 to 19.3% is disclosed, which process comprises the steps of: mechanically grinding a mixture of oxytitanium phthalocyanine and an inorganic salt to convert the crystal form of the oxytitanium phthalocyanine to a crystal form showing a distinct peak in its X-ray diffraction pattern at a Bragg angle (2.theta..+-.0.2.degree. ) of 27.3.degree. and treating the resulting oxytitanium phthalocyanine crystal with a mixed solvent of water and a water-insoluble organic solvent. The oxytitanium phthalocyanine hydrate crystal obtained has doped therein a specific amount of water of crystallization and is stable in a solvent and also stable when used as an electrophotographic photoreceptor.

Oxytitanium phthalocyanine is known to exhibit several different crystal forms in addition to .alpha.- and .beta.-crystal forms reported in JP-A-63-20365 and JP-A-63-20366 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application"). Of the known crystal forms, those showing the maximum peak in their X-ray diffraction patterns at a Bragg angle (2.theta..+-.0.2.degree.) of 27.3.degree. have been attracting particular attention for use as a charge generating material of electrophotographic photoreceptors because of their high photosensitivity. For example, the oxytitanium phthalocyanine disclosed in JP-A-62-67094, which has the maximum diffraction peak at a Bragg angle (2.theta..+-.0.2.degree.) of 27.3.degree., exhibits very high sensitivity. However, these species proved insufficient in stability on repeated use, stability of the crystal form in a coating composition, and dispersibility in a coating composition.
Processes for obtaining oxytitanium phthalocyanine crystals having the maximum diffraction peak at a Bragg angle (2.theta..+-.0.2.degree. C.) of 27.3.degree. include, in addition to the process disclosed in JP-A-62-67094 supra, a process comprising a general acid paste process followed by a solvent treatment as disclosed in JP-A-63-20365 and JP-A-1-299874, a process comprising heating or milling in an organic solvent in the presence of sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid as disclosed in JP-A-2-215866 and JP-A-2-215867, and a process comprising milling for making oxytitanium phthalocyanine amorphous, followed by a methanol treatment at room temperature or under heating as disclosed in JP-A-3-54264 and JP-A-3-62039. However, any of the crystals obtained is poor in crystal form stability in a solvent and easily converted to a more stable form.
JP-A-64-17066 discloses a process in which oxytitanium phthalocyanine is milled together with sodium chloride and polyethylene glycol. However, the resulting crystal form is easily converted to other crystal forms depending on temperature because of use of a solvent. Moreover, the particle size is difficult to control, resulting in non-uniformity in particle size. JP-A-2-289658 discloses a process comprising mechanically grinding oxytitanium phthalocyanine until it is converted into amorphous or the X-ray diffraction results in substantially no peak or no more than a slight peak at a Bragg angle (2.theta..+-.0.2.degree.) of 27.3.degree., and then treating the powder with a solvent. However, mechanical grinding to make the crystal show a peak at a Bragg angle (2.theta..+-.0.2.degree.) of 27.3.degree. requires a very long time and is not suited for industrial production. In addition, the resulting crystals are non-uniform in particle size, and it is difficult to obtain in a stable manner an oxytitanium phthalocyanine hydrate crystal doped with a specific amount of water of crystallization.

Process for preparing oxytitanium phthalocyanine hydrate crystal


A method of communicating over a network of nodes using a plurality of time slots is disclosed. According to the method, at least one of the plurality of time slots are assigned to a first node. The first node communicates, to neighboring nodes within one hop of the first node, which time slots assigned to the first node are scheduled to be used by the first node. Each neighboring node determines whether it has a need to use more time slots than it has been assigned. Each neighboring node communicates its respective need to the first node. At least one of the neighboring nodes is permitted to use one of the unscheduled time slots.

Wireless communications networks have found great utility in many commercial and military applications. However, some types of wireless networks become less efficient in transmitting information when a large number of nodes are attempting to communicate thereon.
Previous efforts to increase the efficiency of a wireless network have included the following, all of which are assigned to the same entity as the present application and which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,760, entitled "Simultaneous Channel Access Transmission Method and a Multi-Hop Communications Radio Network";
U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,868, titled "Dynamic Distributed, Multi-Channel Time Division Multiple Access Slot Assignment Method for a Network of Nodes";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,186, titled "A Method and Apparatus for Managing Communication Resources Using Bootstrap Slots";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,504,829, titled "A Method and Apparatus for Managing Communication Resources Using Channelized Neighborhoods";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,636, titled "A Method and Apparatus for Managing Communication Resources Using Neighbor Segregation";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,436, titled "A Method and Apparatus for Managing Communication Resources Using an Adaptive Broadcast Cycle (ABC)";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,973, titled "Unifying Slot Assignment Protocol Multiple Access System";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,206, titled "A Method and Apparatus for Managing Communication Resources Using Speculation Slots";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,600,754, titled "A Method and Apparatus for Managing Communication Resources Using Standby Slots";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,199, titled "Unifying Slot Assignment Protocol Logical Neighborhooding"; and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/689,448, filed Oct. 20, 2003, titled "Heuristics for Combining Inter-Channel and Intra-Channel Communications in a Wireless Communications Environment."
One challenge in efficiently managing networks with large numbers of nodes is maximizing the use of all communication slots. Typically each node in a network is assigned specific time slots in which to transmit messages or other information. A time slot may be assigned to a node either on a one-time basis, or the node may be assigned a time slot each time the time slot occurs in a repeating frame or time cycle. In either case, it is possible that a node has no messages or information to transmit during the time slot assigned to it, and the time slot would be wasted if not assigned to another node in the network. In addition, there may be some time slots that are not assigned or allocated to any node in the network.
One possible method of allocating unused time slots is to have slots report unused time slots to a central network controlling authority. However, such a central authority may not be immediately accessible to all nodes in a network, and by the time the central authority is advised of the existence of an unused slot, there may not be enough time to assign the time slot to a node that needs to use the slot.
Another challenge is allocating or re-assigning time slots in a network in which there are inherent constraints in the communication protocol of the network. For example, if the network is using principles of the Unifying Slot Assignment Protocol, certain nodes may not be able to have time slots re-assigned to them. This is because one of the USAP rules is that nodes less than three hops apart are not permitted to simultaneously use a time slot. Allocating or re-assigning a time slot to a node less than three hops from another node already using the time slot would violate this USAP rule and would cause conflicting transmissions to be sent across the network.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of allocating or re-assigning unused time slots.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method of re-assigning unused time slots that is consistent with other communications protocols, such as USAP.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a method of allocating or re-assigning unused time slots that does not depend on a central network authority to decide which nodes are to be awarded the re-assigned slots.
A feature of the invention is the sharing of information between nearby nodes to determine which of the nearby nodes is permitted to use an otherwise unused time slot.
An advantage of the invention is a de-centralized decision structure that efficiently and quickly re-assigns or re-allocates unused or unassigned time slots.


In a method of providing a portfolio by combining a plurality of financial instruments for a prefixed operating period, there are included a setting step of systematically setting up beforehand a plurality of fluctuation scenarios of market prices related to said instruments, a simulation step of making profit and loss simulation in the future for each one of said plurality of fluctuation scenarios, by using first parameters representing said fluctuation scenarios and second parameters representing characteristics of market, an optimizing step of configuring the optimum portfolio out of the set of portfolios which have been reduced in the preceding step, and a step of making a presentation as the optimum portfolio together with the whole or a part of said fluctuation scenarios.

The present invention relates to a method of presenting a portfolio and its apparatus as well as its system, and particularly to a method of optimizing the portfolio.
As a method of optimizing a portfolio, a method utilizing an efficient frontier based on the "portfolio selection" has been known. An efficient frontier is a set of portfolios obtained by providing various levels of expected earnings as given conditions and minimizing the corresponding variance or volatility. For convenience such approach will be called hereunder as "method of minimizing volatility".
In the portfolio selection mentioned above, the volatility is representing the concept of risk. However, from a standpoint of an investor, the fact that return is falling short of a target level is the very risk. A downside risk model, which is based on such a standpoint and is taking up the statistic of the Lower Partial Moment (LPM) or the like as a risk, is known. The method of optimizing the portfolio based on the downside risk model will be called hereunder for convenience as "method of optimizing downside risk".
In the method of volatility minimizing method and the downside risk minimizing method mentioned above, although they differ from each other in how the risk is grasped, they are same in evaluating the portfolio with two parameters of expected return and risk. Whichever approach may be employed, when a portfolio is configured with assets which are subject to price fluctuation in the market being taken in, it will be necessary to make a prediction of future market prices. However, unless the precision in the prediction of market fluctuations is very high, it will be questionable whether the optimum portfolio obtainable meets the expectation of an investor or not.
Therefore, when such a method of optimizing the portfolio is applied particularly to an investment of a short time period such as a few years, after a certain portfolio is selected out of the optimum portfolios obtained by such a method, the selected portfolio is operated principally by applying the buy and hold strategy, and then the asset universe is regulated or replaced in every fixed time period (for example, semiannually or annually). That is, a variance in profit status is covered by taking the change in the market during the operating period into the portfolio in every fixed time period.
The continuous application of the optimization in every fixed time period does not always realizes an optimization throughout the entire investment period, in general. In other words, there could be a discordance between the period of operation and a conventional optimization method, particularly in an operation for a short time period such as a few years.
The inventors of the present invention believe that an introduction of a new optimization method which maximizes the excess return at the time when the investment is completed is necessary, while countering the downside risks.


The compass according to the invention comprises a compass top and two compass legs (1,2) mounted rotatably in the compass top, the compass top comprising two top-halves (3,4). Provided in each compass-top half is a bearing pivot (19) for respectively bearing a compass leg, as well as a counter-core (20) which, in the assembled state, engages in the bearing pivot of the corresponding compass-top half. A permanent and even radial frictional clamping is thus produced. At the same time, the counter-cores bring about a limitation to the opening of the compass due to corresponding in the compass legs.

So-called single-journal compasses are known from DE-C 29 11 015 and GB-C 1,170,243. In these single-journal compasses having a compass top in which the compass legs rotate together about a pivot formed as a screw, the screw causes axial frictional clamping at the apex of the connected compass legs, in that, in interaction with a counter-nut or with a counter-thread, the friction surfaces of the legs are squeezed together.
Both the previously known compasses require the use of relatively expensive metal screws. Additionally, the two previously known compasses do not have straight guiding of the compass top; the compass top thus assumes different angles relative to the drawing plane depending on the angle of opening of the compass legs. This lack of straight guiding makes use of the compass difficult since the compass top constantly has to be positioned during use.
A drawing instrument, in particular a drawing compass or dividers or callipers, is known from DE-C 27 33 978. In this case, an axial frictional clamping is likewise produced by a large-area leg top and by a screw with a counter-nut. Furthermore, an additional punching plate made of steel is provided for the straight guiding of the compass top.
The three parts mentioned, screw, counter-nut and punching plate, make the compass expensive and lead to complicated assembly of the individual parts of the compass. Apart from the three parts mentioned which consist of metal, the compass legs must also be made of metal since the compass legs are of narrow design; the use of plastic material for the compass legs is virtually ruled out since these would bend in a non-permissible manner during use.
A compass is already known from DE-C 25 23 046, in which two tightening screws each form a pivot for each of the two compass arms.
Compasses, whose top and legs are attached using a screw, are known from the following publications: DE-A 1411830, DE-C 243002, DD 280072, DE-A 4201854, DE-U 1863371, U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,32E, DE-A 2922999.
The use of screws for attaching the compass leg and the compass top firstly entails the disadvantage of the relatively high cost of the screws. Moreover, when using screws, the axial frictional clamping they cause can only be adjusted or readjusted with difficulty. Moreover, there is the risk that compasses with self-tapping screws without a counter-nut become overturned, thus losing the requires frictional clamping and becoming unusable.


The present invention relates to the formation of protein conjugates from proteins chemically modified for linkage to (1) anticancer drug pharmacophores, (2) ligands to biomarkers on cancer cell surfaces, (3) and/or another protein molecule. It provides and specifies new compositions, methods and combinations for tumor, and tumor vasculature targeting and cancer treatment.

Heightened interest in apoptosis research and the discovery of the phosphatidylserine binding properties of annexin V have stimulated developments in cell death detection technologies and annexin mediated cellular targeting.
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death, taking nearly 7 million lives each year worldwide. New cancer targeted therapies that make use of therapeutic antibodies or small molecules have made treatment more tumor specific and less toxic. Thus, targeted therapies involving anticancer drugs are vigorously being pursued with the following rationale.
Most small molecule drugs are distributed in large volumes when given intravenously. The result of such treatment is often a narrow therapeutic index due to a high level of toxicity in normal tissues. Increasing doses of chemotherapeutic agents to overcome resistance or increase efficacy most often results in toxic side effects, which generally limits the effectiveness of conventional anti-tumor agents.
Through linkage of the chemotherapeutic drug to a macromolecular carrier, such as an annexin protein, the volume of distribution of the free drug can be significantly reduced and the concentration of free drug can be directed toward and concentrated in the tumor or the tumor endothelium, resulting in a decrease in the amount and types of non-specific toxicities, and an increase in the amount of drug that can be effectively delivered to the tumor per dosed equivalent of the drug entity.

Site-specific labeling and targeted delivery of proteins for the treatment of cancer


The invention provides a coated substrate comprising at least the following: i) a first layer formed from a first composition that has a melting point, Tm1, and comprising at least one ethylene-based interpolymer; ii) a second layer formed from a second composition comprising the following: a) at least one propylene-based polymer, and b) at least one ethylene-based polymer, and iii) a woven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2a and/a or nonwoven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2b; and wherein and Tm1 is less than, or equal to, “Tm2a −20° C.”, and/or less than, or equal to, “Tm2b −20° C.” The invention also provides a coated substrate comprising at least the following: i) a first layer is formed from a first composition that has a melting point, Tm1; and ii) a woven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2a and/or a nonwoven web formed from at least one olefin-based polymer with a melting point of Tm2b; and wherein and the first composition comprises at least one propylene-based polymer with a MFR from 15 to 35 g/10 min, and wherein Tm1 is less than, or equal to, “Tm2a −20° C.”, and/or less than, or equal to, “Tm2b −20° C.”

The total volume of Heavy Duty Shipping Sacks (HDSS) is distributed among the following three materials: paper, polyethylene and polypropylene woven. The main advantage of bags formed from polypropylene is their superior toughness, as compared to polyethylene bags or paper bags. For this reason, the majority of the polypropylene bags are used for the packaging of heavy consumer goods, such as building and construction materials, fertilizers, and pet foods. In the chemical industry, polyethylene bags are mostly used due to their many advantages, such as good barrier to moisture, good seal ability and good printing quality.
The introduction of form fill and seal systems (FFS) has been a key factor in the conversion from paper to polyethylene bags. In the FFS process, the bag is formed (sealed vertically and sealed at bottom of bag) on the bagging machine from a roll of film, and immediately the formed bag is filled and sealed across the top. Thus, the bagging process had been completely integrated into a high speed filling process.
Polypropylene bags are desirable to use in a FFS process for the packaging of heavy powders and fillers, such as fertilizers and pet foods. However, such bags have inferior sealing properties and barrier properties, as compared to polyethylene bags. Conventional solutions to improve impermeability of woven polypropylene bags involve applying a coating onto a polypropylene substrate. But, problems still remain for the use of polypropylene substrates in FFS processes due to poor sealing performance at required sealing temperatures. For this reason, the current woven polypropylene bags remain restricted to pre-made bags which are sealed by stitches or patches.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,958 discloses a circular woven fabric having a woven tubular body with thermoplastic tapes secured thereto, and an extrusion polymeric coating fuse bonded to the tapes and the woven fabric. The extrusion coated circular woven fabric is useful in intermediate bulk containers for carrying particulates. Polypropylenes, polyethylenes, LLDPE, LDPE and blends thereof may be used for the extrusion coating.
U.K. Patent Specification No. 1265755 discloses a laminated web consisting of a woven layer and a continuous thermoplastic coating thereon. The woven layer is made by interweaving tapes, made from a crystalline polyolefin, and the coating contains at least ten percent, by weight, of the same crystalline olefin polymer and at least 40 percent, by weight, of low density polyethylene.
JP2001030446A (abstract) discloses a woven fabric base material consisting of a thermoplastic resin drawn thread that is coat-treated, and laminated with a resin layer comprising a polyethylene resin material, containing an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer that has a density of 0.870-0.920 g/cc, a MFR of 1-100 g/10 min, a maximum peak temperature of a TREF elution curve of 25-85° C., and an amount elution at 90° C. or lower of at least 90 weight percent.
International Publication No. WO 2009/091952 discloses a perforated coated substrate comprising at least the following: i) a first layer, ii) a second layer, and iii) a woven and/or nonwoven web; and wherein the second layer has a lower softening and/or melting temperature, as compared with the respective softening and/or melting temperatures of the first layer, and the respective softening and/or melting temperatures of the web. The layers of the coated substrate have perforations with a common center.
International Publication No. WO 2008/100720 discloses a composition suitable for use in extrusion coating processes to form a heat sealable film. The composition comprises from 50 to 92 percent, by weight, of a propylene based plastomer or elastomer, and from 8 to 50 percent, by weight, of low density polyethylene. The invention also relates to heat sealable seals, and particularly peelable seals made from the compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,491 discloses a flap fusion sheet, formed by fusing a flap, continuous in the longitudinal direction, at least at positions other than end portions in the width direction, at one side of a continuous backing sheet. The backing sheet is formed by laminating layers made of a low melting point polyolefin on both sides of a flat yarn cloth made of high melting point polyolefin.
U.S. Publication No. 2007/0254176 discloses an article comprising at least two layers, a first or low crystallinity layer, comprising a low crystallinity polymer, and a second or high crystallinity layer, comprising a high crystallinity polymer. The high crystallinity polymer has a melting point, as determined by Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC), that is about the same or within less than 25° C. of the melting point of the low crystallinity polymer. The article is elongated at a temperature below the melting point of the low crystallinity polymer, in at least one direction, to an elongation of at least about 50% of its original length or width, to form a pre-stretched article. Preferably, the high crystallinity layer is capable of undergoing plastic deformation upon the elongation.
International Publication No. WO 2009/033196 (abstract) discloses a coated fabric that comprises a fabric from a monoaxially drawn polymer tape, especially polyolefin or polyester tape, preferably polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate tape. The fabric is coated with a sealing layer, produced of a thermoplastic synthetic with a melting point below the crystallite melting point of the fabric tape material. The coated fabric is especially suitable for hot air, ultrasonic, heated tool, infrared, or laser beam welding techniques.
Additional coated substrates, films, and/or bags are described in U.S. Publication Nos. 2006/0172143 and 2006/0204696, International Publication Nos. WO 2007/05059, WO 2007/008753, WO 2010/002837, U.K. Patent Application No. 2039788A, and Japanese Patent Application No. JP59011250A (abstract).
There remains a need for coated substrates with improved seal strengths for use in FFS processes. There is a further need for such bags that have sufficient strength to hold heavy powders and fillers. These needs have been met by the following invention.

Coated substrates and packages prepared therefrom


The present invention is directed to a nozzle capable of producing a high impact waterjet when supplied with a source of ulta-high pressure liquid. The nozzle is constructed and arranged to infuse fluid into a high velocity stream of liquid passing through the nozzle to create a bubble rich waterjet. When the waterjet strikes against a surface the bubbles implode, amplifying the impact of the water against the surface.

It is well known that a waterjet generated by directing pressurized water through a suitable orifice at a work-piece can remove a variety of organic and inorganic surface coatings such as paint or deposits. Modern cleaning systems often use waterjets to remove rust, scale or a variety of coatings. Much research has been conducted regarding the use of high and ultra-high pressure waterjets for cleaning applications. This has led to variations in waterjet technology directed at amplifying the impact of the water against the work-piece to increase material removal rates. A key component for successful waterjet cleaning/removal processes is the type of nozzle selected. Variations that have been investigated include: abrasive carried in a fluid, e.g. abrasive jet; interrupting the flow of exiting fluid, e.g. pulse waterjet; and forming bubbles within the fluid, e.g. cavitation waterjet.
The use of a pressurized fluid to carry abrasives to the work-piece is well known and commonly used. Various types of abrasives such as sand, pumice, walnut shells and glass beads have been added to pressurized fluids to create abrasive jets. Abrasive jets have the capability of eroding most surfaces and are most commonly used in situations where fluid jets without abrasive would not effectively clean the intended surface.
However, it is often undesirable to use an abrasive carried in a fluid. Many suitable abrasives are in the form of fine powders or dry granules that can cake up when wetted by a fluid, thus blocking the nozzle. Additionally, the erosive nature of abrasives cause nozzle wear and may contaminate or damage the surfaces being cleaned. The abrasive also creates additional hazardous waste requiring disposal.
Pulsed waterjets are also well known in the prior art. Pulsed waterjets are typically classified as either natural or forced pulse waterjets. There are several techniques for producing natural and forced pulse waterjets.
Natural pulsed waterjets, e.g. fanjets, are created when a continuous stream of high pressure water is directed though an orifice. Due to friction the emerging stream of water naturally breaks up into droplets at some distance from the nozzle. The droplets are considered to be natural pulsed waterjets. Natural pulsed waterjets are very common, and are suitable for simple cleaning operations.
Forced pulse waterjets are typically created by use of mechanical or electromechanical internally mounted devices used to interrupt the flow of water emerging from the nozzle. Devices such as a rotor modulating a continuous stream at a predetermined frequency, or an ultrasonic transformer or magnetostrictive transducer may be placed within the nozzle for causing pulses within the emerging waterjet. The pulses begin to disintegrate into droplets soon after the waterjet emerges from the nozzle.
Forced pulse waterjets are more effective than natural pulsed waterjets and can be used for removal or erosion of harder coatings. However, these devices require expensive and complex electrical components in order to actually produce an effective amount of pulses. Complex components often reduce reliability and increase the cost of manufacturing and maintaining these devices.
Cavitation waterjets are also well known in the art. The principle of cavitation involves directing water past a body. As the static pressure decreases below the vapor pressure of the water, bubbles of vapor form within the waterjet. Since the region of low pressure is generally small, the bubbles burst soon after they leave that region. When the nozzle is located at an optimum distance from the work-piece the bubbles implode upon themselves as they strike the surface. The imploding bubbles generate high forces and aid in cleaning or eroding surfaces. Cavitation jets are typically effective for cleaning and removing a wide variety of surfaces coatings.
In prior devices cavitation bubbles have been formed by directing high pressure water past a pin member located within the nozzle, by turning vanes to induce vortex cavitation, and by directing high pressure water past sharp corners within a nozzle causing pressure differentials. Unfortunately, for cavitating nozzles to actually produce a substantial amount of bubbles, the prior art requires nozzle members to be accurately machined and positioned. Precision machining and assembly often results in high production costs. Additionally, natural wear and lack of maintenance during use often results in nozzles being less efficient than desired.
Accordingly, a waterjet nozzle capable of producing a high impact waterjet when supplied with a source of ultra-high pressure liquid, e.g. water, would satisfy a long felt need in the art.


In described examples, a measurement circuit includes an isolated power supply that generates an output signal in response to an input signal. A signal processing circuit is coupled to the isolated power supply and generates a first signal in response to a sense signal. A load manipulator circuit is coupled to the signal processing circuit and the isolated power supply. The load manipulator circuit receives the first signal. A detect circuit is coupled to the isolated power supply and generates a second signal in response to the input signal.

An electric motor finds application in multiple industrial devices such as blowers, fans, machine tools, pumps, compressors, ships, power tools and the like. The electric motors are also used in hybrid and electric vehicles. A motor converts an electric energy into mechanical energy. A part of this electric energy is converted to heat energy during the process which tends to increase temperature of the motor windings. Generally, one or more temperature sensors are embedded in stator windings of the motor to detect high motor temperatures and to prevent overheating of the motor windings.
A measurement circuit is used to interface a processor and the temperature sensors in the motor windings. The measurement circuit processes the signals from one or more sensors in the motor windings and provides the processed signals to the processor. The measurement circuit needs to be isolated due to safety reasons as the motor windings operate at a high voltage. An isolated power supply in the measurement circuit is used to provide power to the temperature sensors and to multiple components in the measurement circuit. The currently used measurement circuits are expensive and increase the cost of the system. In addition, the existing measurement circuits are prone to failure which potentially reduces reliability of the system. A failure of the measurement circuit may damage the motor when the windings of the motor get heated to a very high temperature or the temperature of the windings is outside an acceptable range.

Data transfer through an isolated power supply


In a method and system for an improved power adapter providing power to a load, the power adapter is electrically coupled to the load via a multi-conductor connector. A change in a current flowing through a conductor of the connector is sensed in response to the coupling. The power output of the adapter is enabled after establishing initial contact, as sensed by the change in the current. Power supply identifier (PSID) information is enabled for communication through the conductor after enabling the power.

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to power adapters providing power to portable information handling system components such as notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), cellular phones and gaming/entertainment devices.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to acquire, process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system (IHS) generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Many of these IHS's, especially the portable ones, use external power adapters, which convert alternating current (AC) mains voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage that is useable by the IHS. These AC/DC power adapters generally reduce the size, weight, cost and heat generation characteristics of the portable IHS and make them more adaptable for use in different countries of the world having different AC input voltages.
The AC/DC power adapters are typically connected to the portable IHS via a multi-pin, co-axial, plug-in-type connector. One such well-known and widely used connector is a co-axial, plug-in-type 3-pin connector. The center pin is typically used as a data channel, while the two outer pins are used to provide power. Problems arising due to incorrect and/or improper insertion of the power connectors are well known. Even with a proper connection, the IHS or components thereof may be vulnerable to damage caused by significant inrush current due to the use of large capacitance filters in the power adapters and/or by the presence of higher-than-rated voltages on the data channel. For example, if the power adapter is connected to an AC power source (e.g., plugged into an AC wall outlet) before being connected to a DC power input receptacle of the IHS, then a significant inrush current may occur at initial contact, thereby potentially damaging the IHS. In addition, accidental coupling between an outer pin carrying a higher-than-rated voltage and the center pin (e.g., carrying the low voltage data channel) may damage the data channel processing components and/or circuits.
Therefore, a need exists to provide an improved method and system for providing power to portable IHS devices. More specifically, a need exists to provide an improved power adapter, which provides protection against damage caused by high inrush currents and accidental application of higher-than-rated voltages. Additionally, a need exists for the improved power adapter to maintain compatibility by utilizing widely accepted legacy connectors such as the 3-pin connector. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved power adapter operable to provide power to an information handling system, via widely used legacy connectors, absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.

Power adapter having power supply identifier information functionality


Disclosed is an emulsifier-free, skin-conditioning, cosmetic or dermatological preparation. The preparation is obtainable by a process which involves, inter alia, the dispersion of one or more polyacrylic acid polymers in water and the mixing of the resultant dispersion with a molten lipid phase without complete homogenization of the phases.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an emulsifier-free, skin-conditioning cosmetic or dermatological preparation and a method for its preparation. The preparation is obtainable by a specific method, which in turn brings about advantageous skin conditioning properties.
The preparation is suitable for application to wet skin without being completely rinsed off and therefore facilitates rubbing in cream while showering.
Rubbing in cream under wet conditions, skin care under the shower, is summarized as skin conditioning. This means, inter alia:                1. Use of a customary shower product for cleaning the skin, rinsing off        2. Application/spreading of the preparation according to the invention to wet skin        3. Showering off again with warm or cold water        4. Drying the skin.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Cosmetic or dermatological preparations can be divided on the basis of their application time and their intended use. Some products are washed off immediately after use ("rinse-off"), while others are intended to remain for longer on the skin and have an effect there ("leave-on").
Cosmetic preparations for caring for the skin are developed primarily for use on dry skin. These preparations are known as leave-on preparations, such as creams, lotions or body milk. They often are formulated as emulsions, in particular W/O, O/W, O/W/O or W/O/W emulsions.
Emulsions are generally understood as meaning heterogeneous systems which consist of two immiscible liquids or liquids that have only limited miscibility with one another, these usually being referred to as phases. In an emulsion, one of the two liquids (water or oil) is dispersed in the form of very fine droplets in the other liquid. The liquids (pure or as solutions) are present in an emulsion in a more or less fine distribution, which generally has only limited stability.
If the two liquids are water and oil, and oil droplets are present in fine distribution in water, the corresponding system is an oil-in-water emulsion (O/W emulsion, e.g. milk). The basic character, for example electrical conductivity, sensory properties, ability of the continuous phase to be colored, of an O/W emulsion is determined by the water phase. In the case of a water-in-oil emulsion (W/O emulsion, e.g. butter), the principle is reversed, the basic character here being determined by the oil.
Leave-on preparations are unsuitable for use on wet or moist skin. Due to the presence of emulsifiers therein, they can emulsify water and, due to the presence of lipids, sometimes leave behind an oily film.
By contrast, rinse-off preparations are designed for use under the shower or during bathing. By contrast, rinse-off preparations, however, involve to a lesser extent the care aspect as is obtained upon rubbing in cream.
It is desirable to provide a preparation which both takes into consideration the care aspect and can be applied as rinse-off, for example under the shower.
One property of cosmetic products that is very important to the consumer but can only be measured quantitatively with difficulty is their texture and sensory properties. The term "texture" is understood as meaning those properties of a cosmetic which are attributed to the constitution of the preparation, and can be perceived by sense of feel and touch and in some cases expressed in terms of mechanical or rheological flow properties. The texture can in particular be tested by means of sensorics. The texture of cosmetic products, which can optionally be influenced with the help of additives, and their effects which can be ascertained objectively are of virtually identical importance to the consumer.
The term "sensorics" refers to the scientific discipline which deals with the evaluation of cosmetic preparations on the basis of sensory impressions. The sensory assessment of a cosmetic is made on the basis of the visual, olfactory and haptic impressions.                visual impressions: all features that can be perceived by eye (color, shape, structure).        olfactory impressions: all odor impressions that can be perceived upon breathing in air through the nose, which can often be differentiated into initial scent (top note), main scent (medium note, body) and after-scent (base note). The volatile substances only released upon application also contribute to the olfactory impression.        haptic impressions: all sensations of the sense of touch which concern primarily constitution and consistency of the product.
The sensory analysis makes use of the possibility of ascertaining the overall sensory impression of a product integrally. Disadvantages of sensory analysis are the subjectivity of the impression, the ease with which the test subjects can be influenced and the considerable scattering of the results brought about as a consequence. These failings are nowadays countered by using groups of trained test subjects, mutual shielding of the testers, and statistical evaluation of the mostly extensive analytical data.
In view of the foregoing it would also be desirable to be able to provide preparations which, besides the criteria customary for cosmetics such as compatibility, storage stability and the like, also offer the consumer essential, hitherto unknown cosmetic, in particular sensory, benefits. In particular, the sought preparations should be suitable for use in the body care sector, i.e. for use on the entire body, and at the same time be sensorily attractive.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Emulsifier-free, skin-conditioning cosmetic or dermatological preparation


This invention pertains to a multi-function tool that when assembled in different configurations would meet many needs of the home or commercial mechanic. One configuration is height adjustable allowing users to work safely in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a light truck (i.e. half-ton to one-ton vehicle) even if that vehicle is lifted or taller than factory normal. Another configuration is an engine stand to hold a small engine block so the mechanic may repair it. Yet another configuration is a crane or hoist to assist in lifting engines or parts of engines (e.g. heads) out of the engine compartment to prevent injury to the mechanic. This hoist could also aid in lifting the engine or engine parts onto the engine stand or onto another conveyance (i.e. onto a truck).

Creepers help mechanics and others work under, around, or even above vehicles.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,877 (Shockley) is directed to a transformable mechanic's creeper having a base assembly and a seat assembly, in pivotal connection. With the base assembly and the seat assembly positioned in general horizontal alignment, a creeper position is defined. With the base assembly and the seat assembly in general vertical alignment, a seating position is defined.
There have been a number of patents directed to inventions that attempt to solve the problems of reaching elevated or awkwardly situated vehicle components, for example the top or back of an engine of a truck.
U.S. Des. Pat. No. D271,717 (Linn) is directed to an ornamental design for an elevated creeper for automotive mechanics.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,146 (Reese) is directed to a creeper with an elevated platform. A chest board is pivotable with respect to a body board to provide comfort and accessibility to the work area. The creeper of Reese is preferably sold in combination with or as an add-on conversion for an engine hoist commonly know as a "cherry picker".
There are a wide variety of devices, tools, work stands, cranes, hoists, and support structures which may assist a person in accessing, maintaining, or repairing vehicle components. However, due to the practicalities of cost and physical space, not every mechanic or every shop can have every piece of equipment.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide an elevated creeper which also provides a multi-function work stand, crane, or hoist or a combination of these.

Elevated work platform and multi-function tool


A therapeutic compound has a modified phenolic compound of the general formula (I) wherein at least one of R, R1, R2, R3, and R4 is an electrophilic group chosen from halogen, aldehyde, haloalkane, alkene, butyryl, flurophenol, sulfonamide, flurophenol sulfoxide and the remaining R, R1, R2, R3, and R4 is are each independently hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, a rutinosyl group, a carboxyl group, chromone, benzopyran, a rhamnosyl group, a substituted alkoxy group or a substituted acyloxy group wherein the substituent is chosen from hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, phenyl, halogen, and amido group. The compound can be used in a therapeutic treatment of inflammatory related diseases and condition.

Metabolic and enzymatic systems of organisms have evolved to incorporate phenolics, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, readily available in the environment from plant food sources, into the associated biochemical pathways of every major metabolic system. Not only do flavonoids have a physiological impact on a multitude of metabolic systems, but they are inherently part of the normal operation of such systems. As part of natural evolution, a flavonoid binding site has been conserved and distributed universally across these pathways. When a chemical reaction is overloaded with reagents, such as excessive glucose, or if there is an impairment of a metabolic component, such as a deformity of a protein, intermediate metabolites build to a concentration which can lead to the dysfunction of the pathway or associated pathways and the expression of a disease condition. A major role of flavonoids is to down and or up regulate certain enzymes to reduce the accumulation of these intermediates, ameliorating their negative effect on the organism.
Because of the distribution of a flavonoid binding site across several pathways, flavonoids have a regulatory impact on several enzymes in systems associated with disease conditions. Most other therapeutics for a disease condition target one to two target enzymes associated with a disease, while the flavonoid targets several.
Disease Classes
There are sixty-four (64) key enzymes distributed across six (6) disease categories. Most drugs used to treat these diseases either down-regulate or up-regulate a target enzyme associated with these diseases.
A listing of each major disease category and the target enzymes associated with such diseases follows.
Cancer
TARGET ENZYMES: Inositol 1,4,5 Triphosphate Kinase (IP3K), Protein Kinase CK2, DNA Topoisomerase II, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase, CYP 181, Kinase 1 (MEK), MAPK Kinase 4 (MKK4), Glycoxalase, CYP 1A1, Cyclooxygenase, Thioredoxin Reductase, Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-Kappa B), Tyrosine Kinase (MET), Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase (ERK 1-2), HSP 70 ATPase, Xanthine Oxidase, Phostphatidylinositol-3, RAF Kinase, Matrix Metallo Proteinase 1-18, MRP-1, Urokinase, 3-Phosphoglycerate Kinase, Aromatase (CYP-19), X Protein Kinase (XK), Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC), and Inositol Polyphosphate Multi Kinase (IPMK).
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome (Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Gestational Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Glycogen Storage Disorder)
TARGET ENZYMES: Pyruvate Carboxylase, Fatty Acid Synthase, Alpha Amylase, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase, MAP K (4), Cholesterol Acyl Transferase, Liver Xanthine Oxidase, Glucokinase, Extracellular Regulated Enzyme (ERK), Aldose Reductase, Lipase, Acetyl Co A, Kinase (1), Glucosidase, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), 12-Lipo-oxygenase, and HMG-CoA, Kinase (MEK).
Cardiovascular Disease (Hypercholesterolemia, Ischemia, Hypertension, Endocarditis, Myocarditis, Cerebrovascular Disorder, Vascular Permeability, Ischemia)
TARGET ENZYMES: Aceto Acetyl CoA, Squalene Synthase, Oxidosqualene Cyclase, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Acetyl CoA, HMG CoA reductase, HMG CoA, and Cholesterol Transferase.
Inflammation and Pain (Acute Pain Disorder, Migraine, Headache, Arthritis, Psoriasis, Asthma, Alcohol Toxicity, Crohn's Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Irritated Bowel Syndrome, Rosacea)
TARGET ENZYMES: Glyoxalase 1, Glyoxalase 2, Kinase (1), Polymerase (PARP-1), Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAP K), Nuclear Enzyme Polymerase (ADP Ribose), Caspase 8, MAP K (4), MKK4, Elastase, COX 1, and COX 2.
Neurological Diseases (Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Schizophrenia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson's)
TARGET ENZYMES: Tyrosine Kinase, Alpha Secretase, Caspase 3, Protease, Beta Site APP Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE-1), Kinase (PLK2), Tau Protein Kinase, Beta Secretase, Gamma Secretase, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), Glutathione transferase, M(TOR), Dihydrofolate reductase, Serine protease, cysteine protease, Metallo protease, and Aspartic protease.
Virological/Bacteriological Diseases (Human Rhinovirus, Influenza, SARS, MERS, Ebola, Dengue, Malaria, MRSA, Staph, E. coli, HIV)
TARGET ENZYMES: Reverse transcriptase, RNA Polymerase (all), Helicase, Topoisomerase, Integrase, Protease (viral budding), Caspase (especially caspase 8), Allantoinase, Dihydroorotase, Butyryl Cholinesterase, and Acetyl Cholinesterase.
Specific Example of One Disease: Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes) is characterized by an inability of the body to produce or release insulin. Type 2 Diabetes (also known as Adult Onset Diabetes) is characterized by the body's inability to respond to insulin, or being insulin resistant. Both result in hyperglycemia, often followed by complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Type 1 Diabetes requires the administration of exogenous insulin. Type 2 Diabetes can often be initially controlled by diet alone, but usually requires treatment with antihyperglycemic agents. The most widely prescribed drug for the control of Type 2 Diabetes is the hydrochloride salt of metformin, a biguanide. Such compounds work by inhibiting liver glucose output (gluconeogenesis) and increasing the uptake of glucose by peripheral tissue (such as muscle) by stimulating glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). A list of drugs and their mode of action is shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1CLASSMODEAGENTsulfonylureasstimulate insulin release throughtolbutamideactivation of Ca & K channelsacetohexamidetolazamidechlorpropamideglipizideglyburideglimepiridegliclazidemeglitinidesstimulate insulin release throughrepaglinideactivation of Ca & K channelsnateglinidebiguanidesinhibit gluconeogenesis, stimulatemetforminGLUT4phenforminbuforminthiazolidinedionesbind to PPARs, regulating adipocyterosiglitazonedifferentiation, FA & glucose uptake.pioglitazonetroglitazoneα-glucosidaseinhibit conversion of starch tomiglitolinhibitorglucoseacarboseGLP analogues/bind to GLP receptor, causing insulinexenatideagonistsreleaseliraglutidetaspoglutideDPP-4 inhibitorsinhibit degradation of GLP, indirectlyvildagliptincausing insulin releasesitagliptinsaxagliptinamylin analoguesinhibits gluconeogenesis, gastricpramlintideenzymes, & gastric emptying
The leading cause of non-compliance associated with the most widely prescribed antidiabetic drugs is gastro-intestinal discomfort. In particular, α-glucosidase inhibitors and amylin analogues work by slowing or inhibiting the conversion of complex carbohydrates and fats into readily absorbable simpler molecules. This leaves an environment rich in carbohydrates and lipids, readily available to intestinal micro flora. The result is often diarrhea, flatulence, inflammation, and deterioration of the intestinal lining.
Flavonoids have the basic structure:
and are classified according to IUPC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) as flavonoids (examples include quercetin and rutin), isoflavonoids (examples include daidzein and genistein), or neoflavonoids (examples include dalbergin and neoflavan).
Flavonoids are effective enzymatic inhibitors or stimulators according to the 1) number of hydroxyl units borne on their phenolic rings, 2) planarity of the molecule, and 3) position of the units on the rings. Planarity and position dictate docking potential. In general, the more hydroxyl units, the more reactive the compound is. At the same time, an increase in reactivity denotes a decrease in stability. The greater the number of hydroxyl units, the more immediate the effect. Fewer units lead to delayed effects. A formulation of flavonoids each with varying numbers of hydroxyl units may be employed as a method to elicit multiple effects. This would be accomplished by alternating ratios of different flavonoids with different numbers and hydroxyl unit orientations.
Scientific literature is replete with the effect of flavonoids on lowering blood glucose via inhibition of α-glucosidase, inhibition of glucose transporter 2 (glucose transport from the gut to the bloodstream), stimulation of glucose transporter 4 (glucose transport from the bloodstream to muscle tissue), stimulation of insulin release, inhibition of gluconeogenesis, inhibition of adipocyte growth and development, stimulation of lipolysis, inhibition of fatty acid synthesis, and increased insulin sensitivity. Flavonoids have been reported to inhibit the activity of Helicobacter pylori, a major contributor to gastro-intestinal distress, as well as several other flora of the gastro-intestinal tract. In addition, flavonoids show anti-inflammatory activity and support healing of the intestinal lining.

Electrophilically enhanced phenolic compounds for treating inflammatory related diseases and disorders


Compositions and methods for treating and preventing cancer, particularly lung cancer, lymphangioleiomyomatosis and asthma are provided.

Several publications and patent documents are cited throughout the specification in order to describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. Each of these citations is incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full.
Cancer cells and normal cells are metabolically different. Ninety years ago Otto Warburg found that while normal adult cells rely on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to generate energy, cancer cells revert to a more primitive method of metabolizing glucose, aerobic glycolysis, fermenting glucose into lactate even in the presence of enough oxygen to support oxidative phosphorylation. Warburg proposed that this phenomenon (now called the Warburg effect) is an early step on the road to tumorigenesis. The Warburg effect has been demonstrated to occur across a wide spectrum of tumors and is found in about 70% of cases. It is generally accepted as a metabolic hallmark of cancer and is exploited by clinicians for the detection of tumors by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
Lung tumors are already treated locally to achieve local control. 125I seed implantation along the resected margin for patients undergoing limited resection of lung cancer results in a relatively low incidence of local recurrence and may prolong survival (Lee et al. (2003) The Annals of Thoracic Surgery 75:237).
Aerosol formulations of anti-diabetic agents have been proposed to treat diabetes or a diabetes related condition susceptible of treatment by inhalation (U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,468). However, many drugs that are administered orally can be toxic to the lung when inhaled (Wolff et al. (1993) Crit. Rev. Toxicol., 23:343-369).

Compositions and methods of treating and preventing lung cancer and lymphangioleiomyomatosis


The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and provides a display module and a display device. The display module includes a first display sub-panel, where the first display sub-panel includes: a first display sub-panel including a plurality of first pixel units; and a second display sub-panel arranged at a light-entering side of the first display sub-panel and including a plurality of second pixel units. Each second pixel unit corresponds to at least one first pixel unit, an orthogonal projection of each second pixel unit onto the first display sub-panel coincides with the corresponding first pixel unit, and the second display sub-panel is a vertical-electric-field-type liquid crystal display panel.

Color TV industry has been pursuing innovation in energy saving and image quality enhancement. With the popularization of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TVs, a local dimming technology is one of the best technologies for both energy saving and image quality enhancement. A display portion of the LCD TV mainly includes a backlight source and an LCD panel (Open Cell), and most of energy is consumed by the backlight source of the LCD TV. Energy saving and picture quality enhancement may be achieved through adjusting backlight brightness in various ways.
The backlight sources in the related art include an edge-type backlight source and a direct-type backlight source. In the edge-type backlight source, brightness of all LEDs may be adjusted so as to change the brightness as a whole. In the direct-type backlight source, the brightness of the LEDs may be adjusted on a regional basis, so as to adjust the brightness at each region, thereby to provide an LCD screen with high contrast (e.g., 1200:1) and reduce the energy consumption.
In order to further increase the contrast, a dual-panel display module has been proposed, where two display sub-panels are combined to display an image. One of the two display sub-panels is provided with a color filter layer for normal color display, and the other display sub-panel is not provided with any color filter layer, and it is configured to display a grayscale image. After the formation, the two display sub-panels are attached to each other, and an external circuitry is used to control the two display sub-panels to work cooperatively. The display sub-panel with the color filter layer is responsible for normal image display, and the display sub-panel without the color filter layer is responsible for a local dimming function. A pixel size of each display sub-panel is much smaller than that of a common LED, so it is able to control the backlight brightness at a region with smaller granularity through the combination of the two display sub-panels, thereby to provide higher contrast (e.g., greater than 100000:1).
However, the transmittance of the conventional dual-panel display module is relatively low.


A magnetic disk medium is improved in recording density by reducing strain within a protective layer caused by interaction between the magnetic layer and the protective layer. The invention provides a magnetic disk medium for recording information, including a substrate made of a non-magnetic material; a magnetic layer formed on the substrate; a buffer layer formed on the magnetic layer, the buffer being made of at least one of Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Mo, and a protective layer formed on the buffer layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic disk medium, and particularly to a magnetic disk medium of a magnetic disk unit which is an external storage apparatus of a computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional magnetic disk unit, a magnetic disk medium is used as a storage medium. A magnetic head in a stationary state contacts the magnetic disk medium when the disk unit is power-off, slides on the magnetic disk medium as the magnetic disk medium rotates when starting up, and then floats up by an air flow generated between the magnetic head and the magnetic medium and performs a read/write operation in the floating state.
This is called a contact start stop system (CSS system) and is adopted in many kinds of magnetic disk units.
Such a magnetic disk medium comprises an underlayer 2, a magnetic layer 3, a protective layer 4, and a lubricant 5 each made of a thin film provided one after another on a non-magnetic substrate 1, as shown in FIG. 4. The protective layer 4 is formed for the purpose of protecting the magnetic layer 3 from corrosion caused by an external environment and from wear due to sliding contact with a magnetic head in a CSS system, and the like.
Although various kinds of materials such as amorphous carbon, SiO.sub.2, SiC, ZrO.sub.2, and the like have been proposed as a material of the protective layer 4, the most popular material is a material belonging to an amorphous carbon system, which is widely used in a state where it is improved in mechanical strength by adding hydrogen to it.
In order to increase recording density, it is important to reduce a magnetic spacing between a magnetic head and a magnetic disk medium in read and write operations. The magnetic spacing is the distance between a magnetic layer of a magnetic disk medium and a recording/readout element of a magnetic head. Since the magnetic spacing includes also the thickness of the protective layer 4, it is desired to make the protective layer 4 thinner. However, when the protective layer 4 is made thinner, there results degradations of the magnetic layer 3 in corrosion resistance and wear durability.
Therefore, the present inventor reviewed how thin the protective layer can be made, for a protective layer made of conventional hydrogenated carbon. The result of the review was reported in Kuratomi et al., "An influence of making hydrogenated carbon protective layer thinner on CSS durability" Japan Society of Tribologists, the Proceeding of Tribology Conference, Tokyo, May, 1995, pages 85-88.
It was made clear that, when the thickness of protective layer decreased from 10 nm to 5 nm, wear characteristics of the protective layer change substantially and it cannot keep sufficient wear durability against sliding contact with the magnetic head during start-up and stop period in contact start stop systems.
As a result, it was found, wear proceeded rapidly and CSS (Contact Start Stop) durability of a magnetic disk medium degraded rapidly.
It was also demonstrated that substantial degradation of wear durability at 5 nm of protective layer thickness was caused by an internal stress distribution of the protective layer in the direction of layer thickness, and a degradation mechanism by internal stress was proposed.
That is, an internal stress of thin film is generated by internal strain such as a deviation of mutual location of atoms or microscopic clusters.
When amorphous carbon system material is formed on a magnetic layer made of magnetic metal alloy, the protective layer is heavily influenced by interaction with the magnetic layer, such as by the difference of thermal expansion coefficient or the like and the effect of interface mismatching. Therefore, a protective layer directly overlying the magnetic layer yields large strain in the "in-plane" direction perpendicular to layer thickness (hereafter in-plane).
Accordingly, as the protective layer thickness increases and a distance of the read-out head from the interface of magnetic layer becomes larger, the strain is relaxed and the amount of in-plane strain steadily decreases toward a value of about "0" as shown in FIG. 1.
As a result, in-plane internal stress is large in a domain adjacent to magnetic layer due to the in-plane strain, while in-plane internal stress is relieved at a longer distance than a certain layer thickness, because in-plane strain is relaxed. According to the measurement result of stress vs. the layer thickness, in the conventional protective layer, in-plane compression internal stress is large within 5 nm of the interface of the magnetic layer, while in an area at a distance of more than 10 nm from the interface of the magnetic layer, in-plane compression internal stress is almost non-existent compared with the area within 5 nm of the interface of magnetic layer.
A thickness of about 20 nm is adopted as the thickness of the protective layer 4 of a conventional magnetic disk medium, and this thickness is enough to achieve good wear durability; however, since a thickness of the protective layer of 20 nm causes magnetic spacing to be too big, it is needed to make the protective layer thinner in order to increase recording density.
Since a conventional protective layer 4 degrades remarkably in its own wear durability, when the layer thickness is reduced to 10 nm or less, it cannot keep a sufficient wear durability against a magnetic head when starting and stopping a disk unit of CSS system and is liable to damage the magnetic layer 3.


Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device that may include a gate stack formed on an upper portion of an active region in a semiconductor substrate, the gate stack including a gate insulating layer and a gate, a first shallow impurity region formed on both sides of the gate in the semiconductor substrate, a gate spacer layer formed on one side of the gate stack, and a second deep impurity region formed in the semiconductor substrate by using the gate spacer layer as a mask, in which the gate is formed by implanting p-type ions.

In a typical manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a polysilicon layer may be used as an electrode that maybe fabricated through deposition and ion implantation processes. The ion implantation process may form doped polysilicon by implanting ions into deposited undoped polysilicon.
After the ion implantation process, a subsequent heat treatment process may be necessary, and may maximize a size of a grain and reduce sheet resistance. However, in a P+ polysilicon gate forming process, a subsequent heat treatment process may be performed, which may cause boron ions to spread to a gate electrode.
Referring to FIG. 1, according to the related art, a polysilicon layer in the vicinity of a gate oxide layer interface may maintain constant boron concentration. However, since boron in the vicinity of the gate oxide layer interface in the polysilicon layer may have a depth profile distribution of less than a prescribed concentration, and electrical property of a device may deteriorate due to poly depletion.
However, according to the related art as shown in FIG. 1, since a gate depth is narrow for a region "b" in which boron of more than certain concentration exists in the vicinity of the gate oxide layer interface, gate depletion may occur.
Further, according to the related art, since the boron ions may be introduced to the gate oxide layer through the subsequent heat treatment process, certain electrical characteristics may deteriorate.
Furthermore, according to the related art, when a gate structure is formed using the polysilicon, a performance of a transistor may be limited due to the gate depletion. For example, the performance of a PMOSFET transistor may be inferior to a NMOSFET transistor.

Implantation method for doping semiconductor substrate


A film scanner is configured with a broadband irradiation source and a film carrier. The film carrier has at least one light passage for a visible spectral channel, and the light passage is oriented to at least one photosensitive photodetector. The photosensitive photodetector is arranged in a housing, and the film carrier is connected to the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to a film scanner configured with a film carrier and a housing coupled to one another so that at least one light passage, which is formed in the film carrier and traversed by a beam of light from a light source, at least one photosensitive photodetector and an objective, which images the at least one light passage on the photodetector, are fixed in alignment with each other
2. Description of the Related Art
A film scanner is used for converting cinematographic film material into digital data.
GB 2 327 825 A discloses a film scanner comprising a broadband irradiation source which shines through the film material that is transported along a filmstrip holder or film carrier. Optoelectronic detectors are arranged on the side of the film carrier remote of the irradiation source for detecting an RGB image. Further, another, separate IR light source constructed, for example, as an IR LED is arranged on the side of the irradiation source. An optical detector is also associated with the IR light source on the other side of the film carrier. The IR light source with its associated detector serves to detect perforations on the basis of which picture steadiness errors can be corrected. An infrared blocking filter is associated with the optical detectors for the RGB image in order to protect them from the IR radiation.

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrte e.V.


Swing bar hardware for caskets comprises an arm having a top and bottom for receiving a bar at its bottom. A clevis pivotally connected to the arm at its top with a bolt extending laterally from the clevis. A decorative lug having an opening which receives, an insert which engages surrounding surfaces of the lug opening. The base of the insert is adopted to connect with a side wall of a casket; and the clevis engages surfaces of the insert. When the bolt is tightened to the side wall of the casket, the lug will be held on to the side wall and the insert will be connected to the side wall. The lug is non-load bearing and the arm, clevis, insert and bolt is load bearing when the casket is lifted by the bar.

The bars or handles on a burial casket in addition to serving a decorative purpose, are utilized during a burial service by pall bearers to lift the casket and transport it to the desired location either during the pre-burial service or to the place of burial. In this regard, the casket, with the body of the deceased, may weigh several hundred pounds, so that the bars may prove necessary to assist the pall bearers in moving the casket. These bars normally are held by a series of arms or brackets connected to the sidewalls of the casket. Burial casket bars of this type are generally a straight tubular member which extends from near one end to near the other end of each side of the burial casket. The arms which constitute the hardware for the bar could either be stationery or swing bar hardware. Typical prior art swing bar hardware is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,204,286 and 4,615,085.
The disadvantage with swing bar hardware systems currently being utilized as is typified in the above decorative lugs for each style of hardware which support and bear the load of the casket when lifted by the swing bar. This prior art requires expensive molds for each style lug which may be machine cast, slush cast or die cast eventually resulting in a lug which is expensive itself. In this regard heavy zinc members are generally used for swing bar hardware.
Another current system that possesses similar drawbacks is a steel stamped arm that is formed to shape with two tabs on each side. These tabs are inserted into slots and a semi-circular cut out in the lug. The tabs are clinched over the small bar between the slots and the semi-circular cut out. The hardware is attached to the casket with sheet metal screws.