An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as the electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning. The electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner has insulated parts which protect against high voltage arcing and conductive deposits relative to the electrodes.

The use of an electric motor to rotate a fan blade to create an air flow has long been known in the art. Unfortunately, such fans produce substantial noise, and can present a hazard to children who can be tempted to poke a finger or a pencil into the moving fan blade. Although such fans can produce substantial air flow, e.g., 1,000 ft3/minute or more, substantial electrical power is required to operate the motor, and essentially no conditioning of the flowing air occurs.
It is known to provide such fans with a HEPA-compliant filter element to remove particulate matter larger than perhaps 0.3 μm. Unfortunately, the resistance to air flow presented by the filter element can require doubling the electric motor size to maintain a desired level of airflow. Further, HEPA-compliant filter elements are expensive, and can represent a substantial portion of the sale price of a HEPA-compliant filter-fan unit. While such filter-fan units can condition the air by removing large particles, particulate matter small enough to pass through the filter element is not removed, including bacteria, for example.
It is also known in the art to produce an air flow using electro-kinetic techniques, by which electrical power is directly converted into a flow of air without mechanically moving components. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 to Lee (1988), depicted herein in simplified form as FIGS. 1A and 1B. Lee's system 10 includes an array of small area ("minisectional") electrodes 20 that are spaced-apart symmetrically from an array of larger area ("maxisectional") electrodes 30. The positive terminal of a pulse generator 40 that outputs a train of high voltage pulses (e.g., 0 to perhaps +5 KV) is coupled to the minisectional array, and the negative pulse generator terminal is coupled to the maxisectional array.
The high voltage pulses ionize the air between the arrays, and an air flow 50 from the minisectional array toward the maxisectional array results, without requiring any moving parts. Particulate matter 60 in the air is entrained within the airflow 50 and also moves towards the maxisectional electrodes 30. Much of the particulate matter is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the maxisectional electrode array, where it remains, thus conditioning the flow of air exiting system 10. Further, the high voltage field present between the electrode arrays can release ozone into the ambient environment, which appears to destroy or at least alter whatever is entrained in the airflow, including for example, bacteria.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, minisectional electrodes 20 are circular in cross-section, having a diameter of about 0.003″ (0.08 mm), whereas the maxisectional electrodes 30 are substantially larger in area and define a "teardrop" shape in cross-section. The ratio of cross-sectional radii of curvature between the maxisectional and minisectional electrodes, from Lee's figures, appears to exceed 10:1. As shown in FIG. 1A herein, the bulbous front surfaces of the maxisectional electrodes face the minisectional electrodes, and the somewhat sharp trailing edges face the exit direction of the air flow. The "sharpened" trailing edges on the maxisectional electrodes apparently promote good electrostatic attachment of particular matter entrained in the airflow. Lee does not disclose how the teardrop shaped maxisectional electrodes are fabricated, but presumably it is produced using a relatively expensive mold-casting or an extrusion process.
In another embodiment shown herein as FIG. 1B, Lee's maxisectional sectional electrodes 30 are symmetrical and elongated in cross-section. The elongated trailing edges on the maxisectional electrodes provide increased area upon which particulate matter entrained in the airflow can attach. Lee states that precipitation efficiency and desired reduction of anion release into the environment can result from including a passive third array of electrodes 70. Understandably, increasing efficiency by adding a third array of electrodes will contribute to the cost of manufacturing and maintaining the resultant system.
While the electrostatic techniques disclosed by Lee are advantageous over conventional electric fan-filter units, Lee's maxisectional electrodes are relatively expensive to fabricate. Further, increased filter efficiency beyond what Lee's embodiments can produce would be advantageous, especially without including a third array of electrodes.
The invention in applicants' parent application provided a first and second electrode array configuration electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner having improved efficiency over Lee-type systems, without requiring expensive production techniques to fabricate the electrodes. The condition also permitted user-selection of acceptable amounts of ozone to be generated.
The second array electrodes were intended to collect particulate matter and to be user-removable from the transporter-conditioner for regular cleaning to remove such matter from the electrode surfaces. However, in this configuration, the user must take care to ensure that if the second array electrodes are cleaned with water, that the electrodes are thoroughly dried before reinsertion into the transporter-conditioner unit. If the unit were turned on while moisture from newly cleaned electrodes was allowed to pool within the unit, and moisture wicking could result in high voltage arcing from the first to the second electrode arrays, with possible damage to the unit.
The wire or wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array are less robust than the second array electrodes. (The terms "wire" and "wire-like" shall be used interchangeably herein to mean an electrode either made from a wire or, if thicker or stiffer than a wire, having the appearance of a wire.) In embodiments in which the first array electrodes were user-removable from the transporter-conditioner unit, care was required during cleaning to prevent excessive force from simply snapping the wire electrodes. But eventually the first array electrodes can accumulate a deposited layer or coating of fine ash-like material.
If this deposit is allowed to accumulate, eventually efficiency of the conditioner-transporter will be degraded. Further, for reasons not entirely understood, such deposits can produce an audible oscillation that can be annoying to persons near the conditioner-transporter.
Further, there is a need for a mechanism by which the wire electrodes in the first electrode array of a conditioner-transporter can be periodically cleaned. Preferably such cleaning mechanism should be straightforward to implement, should not require removal of the first array electrodes from the conditioner-transporter, and should be operable by a user on a periodic basis.

Electrode self-cleaning mechanisms with anti-arc guard for electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner devices


A method in an electronic device provides local content to a user device in a communication network. The communication network includes an access network and a core network. In the access network, a content request is intercepted from the user device, which may be formatted according to a network interface. The content request may include a request for data content. Protocol layers associated with an active data session may be terminated so that an edge gateway device may extract and inject packets into the data stream without involving the core network. A cache may be maintained in the access network.

A communication network typically includes a core network and at least one access network. The core network is the central part of the communication network and serves as the backbone of the communication network. The core network typically includes high capacity switches and transmission equipment. Each access network serves as a point of contact with the communication network for users. Access networks connect subscribers with their service providers. A communication network may have multiple access networks, serving different sets of users, in communication with a single core network.
A communication network may deliver content to a user. Typically, a user device in an access network will create a request for a certain piece of content, and forward that request through the access network to the core network. A core services platform may be located within the core network. A core services platform is a device that performs a variety of services. For example, the core services platform may identify a location where the requested content is stored. Typically, this location is a content storage repository. The content storage repository may be located in the same access network as the user, in a different access network, or in the core network. The core services platform then may coordinate the retrieval of the requested content from the content storage repository, and may coordinate the delivery of the requested content back to the user device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Distributed content caching solution for a mobile wireless network


A new Hypericum plant particularly distinguished by light-yellow berries and an upright, dense, and bushy plant habit, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of Hypericum, botanically known as Hypericum×Inodorum, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name 'RUIHYH002A'. 'RUIHYH002A' originated from a cross conducted in June 2007 in Hazerswoude, The Netherlands between the proprietary female Hypericum variety 'Ruihyc003a' (unpatented), and pollen from a mixture of un-named male Hypericum varieties.
The seeds from the cross were sown and plants were grown outdoors for evaluation. An individual plant designated 'RUIHYH002A' was selected in October 2010. 'RUIHYH002A' was first vegetatively propagated in May 2010 in Hazerswoude, The Netherlands by softwood cuttings. 'RUIHYH002A' was found to reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via softwood cuttings.
'RUIHYH002A' has not been made publicly available or sold more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.


A system includes one or more privacy vaults. At least one of the one or more privacy vaults is associated with at least one individual user, stores contents associated with the associated at least one individual user, and stores specific identification of a plurality of third-party entities, authorized to access at least a portion of the contents stored by the one or more privacy vaults, along with access permissions, one or more of the access permissions defined for each of the plurality of third-party entities. At least one of the access permissions defines accessibility of the contents for at least one of the plurality of third-party entities for which the at least one access permission is defined.

Digital user privacy, consumer data collection and data monetization are becoming ever-more prevalent issues in modern society. Computing devices, software, hardware, and websites continually gather data on users to build profiles, offer advertisements, and plan strategies. Many times, users are not even aware of what data is being gathered and how that data is being used, and software or websites may frequently offer services in exchange for data, such as a "free" search engine or social media site that exchanges services for gathering of user data.
For a long time, users were willing to accept these services in exchange for the data, believing the data to be limited in scope, the use and business-to-business sharing of the data to be limited in scope, or being unaware of the true value of their personal data in the aggregate. The financial success of these services, predicated largely on data, has revealed some of the true value of user data. At the same time, data gathering and processing has grown much more sophisticated, allowing for the unlocking of significant value in large data sets about individual users and groups of users.
Problematically, users have already often agreed to have this data gathered and enjoy using the free services. Moreover, users still frequently have no idea as to what data is or was gathered about them. Far more than a simple location or demographic, these data sets can range far and wide, and user behavior itself is often monitored and compiled into complex evaluations of what that user represents in terms of merchant or advertiser opportunity. At the same time, there are limited opportunities to determine what data has been gathered and how the data is being used, and most frequently the impact and scope is observed anecdotally, where a user continually sees advertisements, for example, that appear to be highly targeted. The scope of data is also hinted at when software provides recommendations and seems almost prescient in its understanding of what the user would like.
While many users may not object to the targeted and precise nature of at least some of these incidents, and may even welcome them in some cases, such as a requested and subsequently on-point recommendation, many users may ultimately be somewhat disturbed at the scope and scale of their own personal information stored and used to assemble these offerings. But, since users can never see the backend data store, and since they typically lack granular control over data, and/or notification when and what data is specifically gathered, people tend to remain somewhat blissfully ignorant, even if they would be distressed if they saw the volume of personal information being gathered, understood the value of what they were exchanging, and understood the full scope of the conclusions that were being drawn about them. Because it may be rare that the user's data is used exclusively to provide a requested and subsequently on-point recommendation, consumers may ultimately prefer a solution that provides better optics into usage, consumer-centric control and permissioning of such usage and value-sharing opportunities related to a consumer's personal information.


A process for forming a reinforced sandwich structure which includes, stacked in height direction thereof, at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer including a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom layer sandwich between them at least one core of a foamed material, the sandwich structure being impregnated with a resin material.

The present invention relates to a reinforced sandwich structure comprising stacked in height direction thereof at least one top sheet and at least one bottom sheet comprising a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom sheet sandwich between them at least one core of a foamed material, which sandwich structure is impregnated with a resin material to connect the top sheet to a top face of the core and the bottom sheet to a bottom face of the core, as disclosed in the preamble of the first claim.
DE1704872 discloses a method for producing a sandwich panel comprising a core of a foamed plastic material sandwiched between a top and a bottom sheet of a fibrous reinforced polyester resin. The sandwich panel is produced by aligning a plurality of cores of a foamed plastic material in such a way that the longitudinal axes of adjacent blocks run parallel to each other. Between adjacent blocks, a cross plate is applied and the edges of the core running along the cross plates are chamfered. In the tope and bottom face of each block a plurality of a parallel grooves is applied. A layer of an adhesive is applied to the face of the blocks facing the bottom sheet and the facing side faces of adjacent blocks. Thereafter a layer of an adhesive is applied to the top face of the blocks facing the top sheet. It is alleged that the adhesive fills the grooves and the space between adjacent blocks.
The sandwich panel disclosed in DE1704872 however presents the disadvantage that the production of the sandwich panel is too time consuming and laborious. Moreover, since the top and bottom cover sheets are connected to the core by means of an adhesive layer only, the sandwich panel is susceptible to de-lamination.
WO95/20486 discloses a structural honeycomb sandwich construction comprising outer layers of plywood, metal, plastic, various composition boards, cements and laminations of any combination of these. The outer layers sandwich between them core elements which assume an overall openwork patter formed from natural wood veneer, veneer formed from wood fibers or shavings combined with synthetic resins, wood shavings into selected geometric shapes or formed from bamboo into rings. The core elements may be secured to each other and to the outer facings by means of a resin and may be reinforced by a fibrous reinforced resin.
However, the above disclosed prior art processes are non-continuous, laborious and time consuming. There is thus a need to a process for producing sandwich structures, which is economically feasible and permits mass production of sandwich structures in a substantially continuous process.
From PCT/BE03/00092 a sandwich panel is known which comprises a top and a bottom layer enclosing a core. The top and bottom layer each comprise a fibrous reinforcing material and are connected to each other and to the core by means of tufting using a tow or yarn of fibrous reinforcing material, after which the sandwich panel is impregnated with a thermosetting resin using pulltrusion and cured.
However, the stiffness of the known sandwich panels is determined by the stiffness provided by its components, in particular the core, the fibrous reinforcing material of the top and bottom layer, and the fibrous reinforcing material used for the tufting and the resin. In particular the bending stiffness is determined by formula 1:
  D  =                    t        1                          t        2                          E        1                                                E            2                                          (                          h              +              c                        )                          2                    4                    (                                            t              1                                                  E              1                                +                                    t              2                                                  E              2                                      )            t1, t2: thickness of top and bottom sheetE1, E2: Elasticiteitsmodulus of top and bottom sheeth: Total thickness of the sandwich panelc: thickness of the core
The deflection of the sandwich panel with simply supported ends under a uniform transverse load (i.e. loan P on the floor of a trailer) is described by formula 2:
  w  =                    5                          Pa          3                            384                Db                        [              1        +                              192                        cD                                5                                      a              2                                                                                G                  e                                                                  (                                      h                    +                    c                                    )                                            2                                          ]      a: span lengthGc: Shear Modulus of the core Materialb: Width of the sandwich panel

Abstract: The top and bottom layers of fibrous reinforcing material are forwarded along opposite top and bottom faces of the core material to form a multi-layer laminate. A plurality of inserts are inserted in longitudinal and/or transversal direction of the core material interconnecting the top and bottom layer and the core by applying reinforcing fibers at least part of which extend in height direction of the laminate, and the structure is impregnated with a plastic material.


Methods and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of at least one object, including interior lumens, channels and cavities within the object. A coupler and interface may be secured to an object to disinfect the inner channels or cavities therein. An object support device may be used to support the object. The pair of support devices may include outlets for deploying aerosols for the application of applied agent. The applied agent may be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The temperature of the object may be lowered to condensate applied agent thereupon. The object may also be washed. Complete sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for specialty applications, and other application specific designs.

The complete and assured sanitization, disinfection, high-level disinfection, or sterilization of devices, tools and other objects in industries such as but not limited to the health care industry, has always been a challenge in terms of processing time, cost, engineering tradeoffs, toxicity, safety, and overall effectiveness. Currently, the available choices are liquid disinfection, typically referred to as a "wet" method, and various airborne methods, typically referred to as a "dry" method. The dry method can include, but is not limited to, gases, aerosols, and processes that use steam as a carrier gas for the disinfecting composition or solution. All processes that do not include liquid immersion are generally considered to constitute a dry method even if the agent used has a liquid phase.
Immersion of an object in liquids known in the art for sterilization or disinfection is a relatively simple method that is cost effective, and offers fast cycle times that are typically measured in hours. However, it also presents problems related to reproducibility and quality assurance due to the potential for bubbles to form on the inner surfaces of complex instruments, including endoscopes, which prevent cleaning solution contact with interior surfaces, such as lumens or channels. Another method for cleaning devices such as endoscopes is known to those skilled in the art, but generally involves several sequential steps or activities such as, but not limited to, wiping the device to remove any unwanted debris or contaminants and then placing the endoscope in a washer and interfacing it with a hose, or other means known to those skilled in the art (herein called "supply tube"). The supply tube enables various liquids including but not limited to, surfactant, high purity rinse water, and disinfectant/sterilant, to be moved through the various channels and lumens of the endoscope at various stages of the cleaning process. The outside of the endoscope is also exposed, preferably simultaneously, to these same liquids at various stages of the cleaning process. After the final rinse stage, the endoscope is dried in a manner known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, being dried within the processing chamber, or removed from the washer and dried outside of the processing chamber.
The current art can be improved in various ways including, but not limited to: (1) decreasing the time required to achieve the desired anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal effect on both the internal and external surfaces as well as any interfacing/articulating surfaces of an object or endoscope (2) reducing the risk that "air bubbles" will prevent full contact of the disinfectant/sterilant solution with all inner surfaces of an object or endoscope (3) reducing the drying time for an object or endoscope, and (4) reducing or eliminating the deleterious effect of the disinfectant solution and/or disinfecting process on the materials that are used to construct the object or endoscope. The methods and apparatuses of the present invention address these needs by decreasing the time to efficaciously complete the essential steps while achieving a satisfactory result.
In general, liquid disinfection/sterilization creates a major corresponding drawback in that the finished product remains wet, and therefore unsuitable for packaging and/or storage. The deployed or applied disinfecting agent(s) or substance(s) must have limited toxicity, be reasonably safe as well as compatible with those materials comprising the instruments and devices to be disinfected/sterilized.
Gaseous agents used in the prior art for sterilization are very limited in terms of medical applicability. Steam or dry heat sterilization is effective, but many medical devices and instruments are incompatible with the degree of heat required for this process. So-called "cold sterilization" is an alternative, but the only currently available cold sterilization agents in use in hospitals are ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide in various forms that include, but are not limited to plasma. U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,951 (Koubek, 1983), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, teaches using hydrogen peroxide to sterilize medical articles by causing hydrogen peroxide-water vapors to deposit a film of liquid on the medical devices. The liquid film is then caused to be evaporated. Hydrogen peroxide vapor is susceptible to humidity that can reduce the efficacy of the process.
Ethylene oxide (EtO) is carcinogenic, toxic and dangerous and, although effective, is only used as a last resort for instruments and devices that cannot be subjected to other modalities. In addition, after being exposed to EtO, items cannot be used for long periods to allow "off-gassing" or aeration of the EtO. According to the UNC School of Dentistry, the complete EtO cycle, including aeration, can last as long as 24 hours. The newer technology utilizing hydrogen peroxide plasma is an alternative, however, it is very expensive, and the technology requirements have translated to only small size sterilization chambers. To date, it has not been capable of sterilizing certain instruments including, but not limited to, endoscopes. Endoscopes generally contain small lumens and/or channels and the hydrogen peroxide plasma has difficulty in maintaining its effectiveness throughout the length of the lumen.
Without being limited to a mechanism, method, or chemical, it is believed that chemically reactive liquids are necessary in sterilization processes to contact contaminants including but not limited to toxins, bacteria, virus, fungus, and spores (both fungal and bacterial), prions or protein structures, within a target area(s) to kill the bacteria, virus, fungus, spores, neutralize a toxins, or render a virus, or protein structure incapable of replication or to otherwise interfere with the target's cellular physiology, or to destroy or neutralize the toxin. These chemically reactive liquids may be provided as an aerosol.
Prior art has taught that relatively quick disinfection and sterilization of objects can be achieved by their exposure to an aerosol of a disinfectant/sterilizing agent created by ultrasonic nebulization. U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,125 (Kodera et al., 1980), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, teaches that an aerosol, created by ultrasonic transducers and consisting of hydrogen peroxide, can contact surfaces targeted for sterilization. Ultraviolet-ray lamps are then synergistically used in concert with the applied aerosol to achieve sterilization of the targeted surfaces. Generally, the prior art also describes apparatuses and methods where the aerosol is generated by one or more ultrasonic transducers located below the surface of a reservoir containing a liquid. The output of the transducers is focused to either a point and/or directed toward an area near the surface of the liquid to cause a surface disturbance, which results in the formation of an aerosol from the liquid. The transducers used in these apparatuses are typically made from lead-zirconate-titanate-four (PZT-4) or other piezoelectric materials. This material is coated with a conductive coating (i.e., an electrode material) that enables an electrical signal to energize the transducer and causes it to emit high frequency pressure (energy).
G.B. Patent No. 1,128,245, (Rosdahl et al., 1968) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, describes a device for disinfecting apparatuses and instruments, including medical instruments. This apparatus also generates a mist of disinfectant, including hydrogen peroxide, by means of an ultrasonic aerosol generator. According to Rosdahl et al., this patent was "primarily adapted for the disinfection of small medical instruments such as scalpels, tongs, syringes, or the like, positioned on a grid in a container" (pg 3 col. 23-30). However, another separate intended use for a second described apparatus was for disinfecting interior surfaces of objects such as the interior of tubing used for "breathing apparatuses" and "heart lung machines" (pg 1 ln 30-36 and pg 2 ln 95-101).
Rosdahl et al. is clearly distinguished from the present invention in that it is silent with respect to simultaneously disinfecting both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object. Rosdahl et al. also does not teach a method for simultaneously sterilizing/disinfecting and drying the outside and interior surfaces/lumen of an object. Most importantly, Rosdahl et al. does not teach how the apparatus could effectively and efficaciously be "connected" to the object (pg 2 ln 95-101) in a way that enables all of the interfaced/articulated surfaces to be sanitized, disinfected, high level disinfected, or sterilized. The pressurized air in Rosdahl et al. is supplied by way of a fan etc. or carrier gas, (pg 2 ln 48-49) and is used to both move the generated aerosol to perform the disinfection function, and to dry the objects placed within the enclosed area of their described apparatus after disinfection. Rosdahl et al. incorporated "a heating element to dry the air in the flow path of the carrier gas, to increase drying efficiency" (pg 3 ln. 123-127). The use of a heating element in the flow path of a gas stream taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,616 (Sheiman, 1999), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein. Sheiman also teaches the use of ultrasonic transducers to generate aerosol. The heater is located about the inlet conduit of the apparatus and is designed to heat the aerosol, which encourages its condensation on or within the article. It is important to note that Sheiman is silent regarding the use of the apparatus or a secondary apparatus to interface and sanitize, disinfect, high-level disinfect, or sterilize, the interior of an object or device, as well as the simultaneous or non-simultaneous cleaning of both the interior and exterior of objects.
Ultrasonic nebulizers have a unique advantage in that they can create small aerosol droplets less than 5 microns in size. The size of the droplets enables them to penetrate small cracks and crevices and to behave like a gas due to Brownian movement and diffusion. In addition, the cloud is able to form a very thin coating, deposition, or film over various surfaces that are inherent to this technology and method. The thin coating, film, or deposition of sterilant or disinfectant is able to dry much faster than coatings created by aerosol containing droplets that are much larger in diameter. It is also theorized that the vapor component resulting from the evaporation of the droplets, contributes to the overall efficacy of the process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,125, (Kodera et al., 1980), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, teaches that heated H2O2 is more efficacious than H2O2 used at room temperature (col. 1, line 19-25). In other words, (Kodera et al., 1980) teaches that the efficacious nature of a liquid agent can be increased as it is heated to temperatures higher than ambient temperature. This is desired, without limitation, in the present invention. The text entitled, "Aerosol Technology" by William C. Hinds (1982), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, also taught that the size of the aerosol particles produced by ultrasounic means are not only affected by the frequency of the transducer operation, but also by the surface tension and density of the liquid.
It is commonly known that heating a liquid to a temperature less than its boiling point will reduce its surface tension. William C. Hinds (1982) established that the higher the temperature of the liquid, the lower the liquid's surface tension, resulting in smaller sized aerosol particles. This principle is incorporated without limitation, in the present invention. In the same text he also taught that smaller diameter particles demonstrate characteristics such as but not limited to, a lower settling velocity, a higher diffusion coefficient, and a higher Brownian displacement (movement), which is desired, without limitation, in the present invention. Hinds further taught that ultrasonic aerosol generating transducers can heat the surrounding liquid (page 382). This is also desired, without limitation, in the present invention.
It has been difficult and time consuming applying current devices and methods to disinfect or sterilize both the exterior and interior surfaces of tools or equipment, e.g., endoscopes, in a single cleaning cycle or process due to their complex construction including narrow lumens of various lengths. The limitations of the prior art are further indicated by the failure or problems, which various anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agents or substances have in contacting, and/or rapidly achieving an efficacious result on the surfaces of the endoscope or object that are interfaced/articulated with any coupling(s) or other device.
"Flash" sterilization is also needed in industries such as, but not limited to the health care industry. It is commonly used for quick sterilization and turn around of various objects immediately needed for or during surgery. Flash sterilization methods that include the use of steam under pressure at recommended temperatures of approximately 270 degree Fahrenheit for approximately three to ten (3 to 10) minutes, are generally representative of the current art. The object that is flash sterilized must then cool down before it is used, taking valuable time. A need exists in the industry to further reduce the total amount of time it takes to clean, sterilize or disinfect, and deliver a surgical tool on demand within a reasonable period of time. The present invention can, without limitation, decrease the total cycle time needed for rapid sterilization of medical devices by providing a means to quickly sterilize or disinfect objects whose construction materials are thermally sensitive and cannot be flash sterilized by current means.
The methods and apparatuses of the present invention address the need for a quick and effective way to fully sanitize, detoxify, disinfect, high level disinfect, or sterilize both the interior and exterior of medical devices, and objects. In addition, this may without limitation, be accomplished while still enabling all surfaces of the object or endoscope to have contact with the anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) including surfaces of the object or endoscope that are interfaced/articulated with any coupling(s) or other device.
There is a continued need to increase both the efficacy and effectiveness of a system that offers shortened cycle times. The present invention addresses these issues. One such means in the present invention utilizes thermal forces by cooling or decreasing the temperature of the objects themselves, the atmosphere in which they reside, or the targeted area for the administration of an aerosol as well any surfaces in that area, prior to the administration of the aerosol.
Prior art has taught the step of cooling an enclosed area and its surfaces before the administration of a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant, however the hydrogen peroxide was first vaporized into a gaseous state before its administration, and the cooling step was intended to condense the vaporized hydrogen peroxide onto the intended surfaces, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,951 (Koubek et al., 1983), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein. More specifically, Koubek et al., teaches a method of sterilization where a liquid of aqueous hydrogen peroxide is vaporized, and the vapors are delivered into an evacuated sterilizer chamber. The articles to be sterilized are cooled prior to the introduction of the vapor (or are cooled by the evacuation of air from the sterilizing zone) to a temperature below the dew point of the entering vapors. The condensing vapor deposits a film of liquid on all such cool surfaces (col 2, line 40-51). Koubek et al., also mentions in Claim 2 that the result of vaporization was a mixed "gaseous vapor" consisting of hydrogen peroxide and water vapor free of solid contaminants.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,370 (Cummings et al., 1988), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, teaches a similar method of sterilization where a liquid of aqueous hydrogen peroxide is also vaporized into a gaseous state before its administration into an evacuated sterilizer chamber. However, Cummings et al., teaches improvements to the art where the hydrogen peroxide-water vapor is applied under vacuum to surfaces that are below 10 degree centigrade, or surfaces in an environment that are both below 10 degree centigrade and above 10 degree centigrade. The cold surfaces mentioned in Cummings et al., were not cooled to accentuate or enhance the process, but were surfaces of components that were inherently cold for their own operational purposes. This is mentioned in sections such as (col 2, line 4-9), (col 2, line 29-33), and (col 4, line 67 to col 5, line 2).
U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0042130 A1 (Lin et al., 2003), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any references cited therein, claims the use of an applied vacuum to move an ultrasonically derived aerosol, consisting of a sterilant, throughout the area of an enclosed chamber. The use of vacuum pressures below atmospheric pressure was also mentioned as well as the possibility that vacuum pressures lower than 5 tons lower than atmospheric pressure would likely "enhance the results", and that using a vacuum pressure low enough to vaporize the sterilant generally enhances sterilization (pg. 2, paragraph 28). However, Lin et al, was silent with respect to how the lower vacuum pressures would "enhance the results" other than any enhancement that vaporization of the aerosol might bring. Lin et al, was also silent with respect to the amount of time that is needed to elapse between lowering the pressure within the enclosed chamber and the application of an aerosol, in order to obtain the needed or desired level of efficacy. (Lin et al., 2003) was silent with respect to cooling any surfaces within the sterilization chamber or applying the aerosol to any cooled surfaces.
It is important to note that Lin et al, did not mention any process or method to heat the liquid of the aerosol or cool the surfaces in the sterilization chamber before or during the delivery of the aerosol, or any means to encourage condensation if the liquid was vaporized. In fact, the 5 torr negative pressure that was used by Lin et al. to generate their findings was reported to be sufficient enough to disperse the mist within the sterilization chamber (pg. 2, paragraph 28), but was never mentioned to have cooled the surfaces within the sterilization chamber or to have that intended effect.
In addition, it is important to note that the cooling of a targeted environment(s) and/or the surfaces contained therein addressed by the present invention is intended, without limitation, for a completely different application and purpose. The present invention utilizes the principals of aerosol behavior to increase the performance of the process of the present invention, and not the condensation of a gas as taught in the prior art. This is further addressed in the present invention.
By comparison, the current invention utilizes, without limitation, the cooling of the targeted environment(s) and its surfaces to enhance the performance and efficacy of the aerosol administration process and not to condense a gas as taught by the prior art.

Methods and apparatuses for applying agent to objects


A processing system and method is disclosed wherein a processor may be configured to predict an address of memory from which data will be needed, transmit to a memory controller a pre-fetch command for the data at the predicted address of the memory, and transmit to the memory controller a read request for the data at the predicted address of the memory if the data is needed.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to digital systems, and more specifically, to methods and apparatuses for transmitting memory pre-fetch commands over a bus in a processing system.
2. Background
Integrated circuits have revolutionized the electronics industry by enabling new applications which were difficult or impossible to realize with discrete devices. Integration allows complex circuits consisting of millions of electronic components to be packaged into a single chip of semiconductor material. As a result, powerful computation devices such as computers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like may be reduced to hand-held devices.
Integrated circuits are widely used today to implement sophisticated circuitry such as general purpose and specific application processors. A typical integrated processor may include a central processing unit (CPU) with system memory. A high bandwidth system bus may be used to support communications between the two. A bus is typically a shared channel or path between components on an integrated circuit. In addition, there may also be an external bus which may be used to access low latency off-chip memory under control of an on-chip memory controller.
The off-chip memory is generally formatted into pages. A page is normally associated with a row of memory. In most applications, the memory controller is capable of only opening a limited number of pages at a time. An "open page" means that the memory is pointing to a row of memory and requires only a column access command from the memory controller to read the data. To access an unopened page of memory, the memory controller must present a row access command to the memory to move the pointer before presenting a column access command to read the data. As a result, there is a latency penalty for closing a page in memory and opening a new one.
Many CPU implementations include a pre-fetch mechanism to compensate for the high latency typically encountered with off-chip memory devices. These CPUs may be configured to evaluate instruction streams and make requests for pages from the off-chip memory devices that may be needed in the future in order to reduce the latency and improve CPU performance. However, these pre-fetch requests can often be incorrect due to branches in the instruction stream, as well as CPU interrupts. Moreover, once a pre-fetch request has been accepted on the bus, the data will be read from the off-chip memory and transferred on the bus back to the CPU even though the data may no longer be required. This often leads to lower bandwidth on the bus, delaying CPU access to subsequent data from the off-chip memory device as the speculative data is transferred across the bus to the CPU.
The use of pre-fetch commands to interface a CPU to an off-chip memory device has provided a workable solution for many years. However, as the operating speed of CPU continues to increase exponentially, it is becoming increasingly desirable to reduce the latency typically associated with off-chip memory devices.

Method and apparatus for transmitting memory pre-fetch commands on a bus


The activity and durability of a zeolite lean-bum NOx catalyst can be increased by loading metal cations on the outer surface of the zeolite. However, the metal loadings can also oxidize sulfur dioxide to cause sulfate formation in the exhaust. The present invention is a method of suppressing sulfate formation in an exhaust purification system including a NOx catalyst. The NOx catalyst includes a zeolite loaded with at least one metal. The metal is selected from among an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a lanthanide metal, a noble metal, and a transition metal. In order to suppress sulfate formation, at least a portion of the loaded metal is complexed with at least one of sulfate, phosphate, and carbonate.

It is well known that NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions in internal combustion engine exhaust can be detrimental to the environment and, thus, are regulated by the government. In order to decrease the NOx emission in exhaust, engine exhaust purification systems are generally equipped with a NOx catalyst to reduce NOx in the exhaust gases to N2 (nitrogen) prior to being emitted into the atmosphere. In a lean environment, meaning an environment where the fuel to air ratio is low, such as in diesel engine exhaust, zeolites containing a range of transition, alkali, alkaline earth, and lanthanide metals have been utilized as catalysts for lean NOx reduction with propene, alcohol, methane or diesel fuel being the reductants. The zeolite is loaded with a metal cation of the groups listed above so the metal cation can compensate for a net negative charge of the zeolite. For instance, exhaust gas purifying catalyst systems, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,385 issued to Hepburn on Mar. 17, 1998, include a transition metal ion-exchanged zeolite acting as the lean-burn NOx catalyst.
Over the years, chemists have found that zeolites with higher metal loadings, particularly loadings that exceed stoichiometry, possess increased activity and durability for lean NOx reduction. The zeolite exceeds stoichiometry when the exact charge balance between the net negative framework charge and the charge compensating cations is exceeded by the loading of the cations, often resulting in excess cations on outer surfaces of the zeolite. The higher metal loadings act to reduce metal cation migration from active sites of the zeolite. Further, the higher metal loadings provide higher density of the zeolite active sites, resulting in increased activity for lean NOx reduction.
Although higher loadings of the metal cation on the zeolite increases the activity and durability of the zeolite, the higher metal loadings lead to increased formation of sulfate (SO4−2). The excess metal cations are a large contributor to the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2), present in exhaust gas, to form sulfur trioxide (SO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Sulfate formation deteriorates the purification capability of the NOx catalyst by sitting on the catalyst's active sites. Moreover, sulfate contributes to formation of particulate matter by serving as a nucleic site for the formation of particulate matter. Further, sulfate, upon which particulate matter does not form, may form sulfuric acid and enter the environment, eventually contributing to acid rain.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.


The present invention reliably prevents a problem caused by a short circuit. A short circuit protection device for a battery monitoring system according to the present invention includes: a battery that is an assembled battery including a plurality of battery cells; a battery monitoring apparatus for detecting the voltage of the battery; and a plurality of electric wires that connect the battery and the battery monitoring apparatus, and in each of which an eluting portion is formed midway in a lengthwise direction, the eluting portion being a portion where an insulating coating has been stripped and a core wire is exposed. When the eluting portions are immersed in an electrolyte, the eluting portions elute into the electrolyte, thereby melt and are cut off.

Conventionally, it is common to mount a battery monitoring apparatus for monitoring battery charge status or the like in a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. Such a technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is listed below. Patent Document 1 discloses the use of an assembled battery in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, as a battery. The battery cells are electrically connected in series so as to provide a high output voltage. The electrodes of adjacent battery cells are connected by bus bars. A voltage detection terminal is placed on each bus bar, and is connected to either one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode of the battery cell. The voltage detection terminal is connected to one end of a detection electric wire. The other end of the detection electric wire is connected to a terminal fitting, and the terminal fitting is inserted through a connector and connected to a battery monitoring apparatus (ECU). Commonly, the connector on the battery monitoring apparatus side that is connected to each detection electric wire is installed on a substrate in the ECU, and a terminal fitting drawn out of the connector is passed through a through hole formed in a printed circuit board and soldered so as to be electrically connected to a circuit formed on the printed circuit board.

Short circuit protection device for battery monitoring system


A paint baking oven utilizes air flow throughout the oven to ventilate solvents and/or resins which evaporate off during the paint baking process. Air is continuously introduced through air seals located along the paint baking oven at various points. This ventilation air is directed toward the center of the paint baking oven where it is exhausted at a rate proportional to the rate at which the ventilation air is introduced into the paint baking oven. Removing the solvent and/or resin laden air from the paint baking oven results in a more desirable final finish on the component being baked.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to paint baking ovens. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for ventilating paint baking ovens.
2. Description of Related Art
Paint baking ovens are used throughout the manufacturing industry to bake the paint or coating applied to various articles such as automobile components. Such paint baking ovens often have conveyors or similar devices for bringing the component to be baked into the paint baking oven and then carrying the component through the various sections or zones of the paint baking oven. While the component is within the paint baking oven, ventilation air is introduced for a variety of reasons. Heated ventilation air mixed with recirculation air is often blown over the surface of the component passing through the paint baking oven to achieve an even temperature over the surface of the component. Obtaining an even temperature over the surface of the component helps insure a consistent baking which in turn results in a more desirable finish.
Ventilation air is also useful to carry the evaporated solvents and/or resins which are driven from the component during the paint baking process out of the paint baking oven.
Designers of paint baking ovens have traditionally attempted to deal with improving the final appearance of the paint or finish applied to the component by providing a ventilation system which helps prevent impurities, such as solvents and resins, from settling or condensing within the paint baking oven.
None of the art known to applicants suggests introducing all of the heated fresh ventilation air into the paint baking oven at the air inlet seals to reduce the occurrence of solvent condensation in the vicinity of those seals within the paint baking oven.
Additionally, none of the art presently known to the applicants suggests introducing heated fresh ventilation air above the oven zone equilibrium point in a camel-back paint baking oven such that the heated fresh ventilation air draft naturally will move upwardly to a succeeding oven zone carrying evaporated solvents and resins toward an exhaust system.

Method and apparatus for ventilating a paint baking oven


Disclosed herein is an outer core assembly structure of a linear motor. At least one of a plurality of core sheets is an extended core sheet having a length greater than that of the other core sheets. Consequently, easy and convenient alignment of first and second outer core blocks is accomplished when the first and second outer core blocks are assembled, and the first and second outer core blocks are securely fixed to each other. Furthermore, an additional reinforcing cover is not necessary. Consequently, assembly of the first and second outer core blocks is easily and conveniently accomplished, and therefore, the assembly costs are reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a linear motor, and, more particularly, to an outer core assembly structure of a linear motor wherein at least one of a plurality of core sheets is an extended core sheet having a length greater than that of the other core sheets, whereby easy and convenient alignment of first and second outer core blocks is accomplished when the first and second outer core blocks are assembled, and therefore, the first and second outer core blocks are securely fixed to each other.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a linear compressor is an apparatus that introduces, compresses, and discharges refrigerant gas (hereinafter, referred to as "fluid") through a linear reciprocating movement of a piston in a cylinder, which is performed by a linear driving force of a linear motor.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a linear compressor with a conventional linear motor mounted therein, FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically illustrating assembly of a conventional outer core and a bobbin, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating conventional outer cores assembled to the bobbin;
Referring to FIG. 1, the linear compressor comprises: a shell 2; and a linear compression unit 4 disposed in the shell 2 for compressing fluid.
The linear compression unit 4 comprises: a cylinder block 8 having a cylinder 6; a back cover 12 having a fluid inlet port 10; a piston 14 disposed such that the piston 14 performs a linear reciprocating movement in the cylinder 6; a linear motor 20 for generating a driving force necessary for the piston 14 to perform the linear reciprocating movement in the cylinder 6; an outlet valve assembly 30 disposed in the front of the cylinder 6 for discharging the fluid compressed in the cylinder 6.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the linear motor 20 comprises a stator and a mover.
The stator comprises: a plurality of outer cores 21; an inner core 24 disposed while being spaced a predetermined gap from the outer cores 21; a bobbin 25 mounted at the outer cores 21; and a coil 26 wound on the bobbin 25 for creating a magnetic field.
Each of the outer cores 21 comprises: a first outer core block 22, which is formed of a plurality of stacked core sheets; and a second outer core block 23, which is formed of a plurality of stacked core sheets. The first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 are opposite to each other while being in contact with each other.
The outer cores 21 are disposed at the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 25 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.
On the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 25 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cores 21 is disposed a reinforcing member 27 for securely fixing the first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 and reinforcing their rigidity. Preferably, the reinforcing member 27 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 25 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cores 21 by over-molding.
The mover comprises: a magnet 28 disposed between the outer cores 21 and the inner core 24 while being spaced a predetermined gap from the outer cores 21 and the inner core 24; and a magnet frame 29, to which the magnet 28 is securely fixed.
Meanwhile, the cylinder block 8 is disposed in front of the linear motor 20, and a stator cover 32 is disposed at the rear of the linear motor 20 for securely fixing the outer cores 21.
The cylinder block 8 and the stator cover 32 are securely connected to each other in the axial direction by means of bolts 34 and nuts 36 such that an axial compression force is applied to the outer cores 21.
Now, the operation of the linear compressor having the conventional liner motor with the above-stated construction will be described.
When electric voltage is applied to the coil 26, a magnetic force is created around the coil 26, by which the magnet 28 performs a linear reciprocating movement. The linear reciprocating movement is transmitted to the piston 14 via the magnet 28. As a result, the piston 14 performs a linear reciprocating movement in the cylinder 6.
As the piston 14 performs a linear reciprocating movement in the cylinder 6, fluid is introduced into the cylinder 6 from the shell 2 through the fluid inlet port 10 of the back cover 12. The fluid introduced into the cylinder 6 is compressed by the piston 14, and is then discharged out of the shell 2 through the outlet valve assembly 30.
However, the conventional linear motor has the following problems. When the first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 are connected to each other, the front and rear surfaces of the first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 are not placed on the same lines, respectively. As a result, the first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 are not placed at proper positions, respectively. In other words, the first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 are not aligned with each other. Consequently, stable connection of the first and second outer core blocks is not accomplished.
Furthermore, the reinforcing member 27 is disposed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second outer core blocks 22 and 23 and the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 25. The manufacturing process of the reinforcing member 27 is very complicated, and quality control of the reinforcing member is difficult. As a result, the manufacturing costs of the linear motor are increased.

Outer core assembly structure of linear motor


A method and an apparatus for testing a bridge circuit. The method includes inputting a first test clock to a first conversion unit for triggering the first conversion unit to transfer a test data to a second conversion unit according to rising edges of the first test clock, inputting a second test clock to the second conversion unit for triggering the second conversion unit to output an output data according to falling edges of the second test clock, and controlling the first test clock and the second test clock so that the rising edges of the second test clock are not synchronized to the rising edges of the first test clock. A frequency of the first test clock is an even multiple of a frequency of the second test clock.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing integrated circuits and a method thereof, and more specifically, to an apparatus for testing a bridge circuit and a method thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Computers are widely used in all kinds of fields, and as the fabrication of semiconductors advances, CPU speeds are rapidly increasing. Besides the CPU, there are many other devices necessary for a computer to do various tasks. For example, a memory is used to store volatile data, a hard disk is used to store nonvolatile data, and a video card is used to drive display devices. In addition, there are also buses through which different devices in a computer can communicate. For example, a hard disk transmits/receives data to/from other devices in a computer via a PCI bus, a memory via a memory bus, a video card via an AGP bus, and a CPU via an FSB bus.
Different buses usually utilize different specifications, which are well known in the industry. Generally, different buses utilize different clock speeds, for example, in the prior art, the clock speed of a PCI bus is 33 MHz, that of an AGP bus is 66 MHz, that of a memory bus is 133 or 200 MHz, and that of a FSB bus is 266, 400, or 800 MHz. To communicate between different buses having different clock speeds, a bridge circuit (such as a "south bridge circuit" or a "north bridge circuit" in commonly used terminology) is needed. A bridge circuit is used to transfer data from one clock domain to another clock domain.
When a die is packaged (for example, a BGA package), the die must be tested according to a test vector to verify its function. However, since a bridge circuit is used to transfer data between different clock domains, a bridge circuit may be failed during testing due to the problem caused by different clock domains. This means that the result of the test procedure may be incorrect.
FIG. 1 is a timing diagram of a prior art bridge circuit. The drawing shows an example circuit in which a bridge circuit is used to transfer data from a higher clock domain (CLK1, 200 MHz, for example, a CPU controller) to a lower clock domain (CLK2, 133 MHz, for example, an AGP controller), and the ratio of CLK1 to CLK2 is 3:2. A prior art bridge circuit uses a flip-flop to store and output data. For example, the rising edge of CLK1 triggers a first flip-flop to sample the test data inputted by the CPU controller, and transfers the data to a second flip-flop; meanwhile, the falling edge of CLK2 triggers the second flip-flop to sample the test data outputted by the first flip-flop, which then outputs the test data.
A typical prior art test procedure utilizes the actual operation clocks (in this case, CLK1 and CLK2) of a bridge circuit to test it. In FIG. 1, at time T1, CLK1 generates a rising edge so that the first flip-flop of the bridge circuit samples the test data from the CPU controller. Then, at time T3, CLK2 generates a falling edge so that the second flip-flop of the bridge circuit samples the test data from the first flip-flop and then outputs the data. Please note that at time T5, CLK1 generates a rising edge so that the first flip-flop of the bridge circuit samples the test data from the CPU controller; however, next, at time T6 there is a falling edge of CLK2. The time interval between T5 and T6 may be too short for the first flip-flop to provide the second flip-flop with enough setup time. This means that the bridge circuit may not receive the correct test data in time, causing the test procedure to fail. Although during the test procedure the bridge circuit fails to transfer data from one clock domain to another clock domain at time T6, when the bridge circuit is in practical operation, the missed data will be re-transferred by the bridge circuit to complete the transmission. In short, even if a bridge circuit works normally in practical operation, it may fail the test procedure due to the problems caused by different clock domains.
The problem mentioned above also occurs when a bridge circuit transfers data from a lower clock domain (CLK2, 133 MHz, for example, an AGP controller) to a higher clock domain (CLK1, 200 MHz, for example, a CPU controller). In this case, the rising edge of CLK2 triggers a first flip-flop to sample the test data inputted by the AGP controller, and transfer the data to a second flip-flop; meanwhile, the falling edge of CLK1 triggers the second flip-flop to sample the test data outputted by the first flip-flop, and then output the test data to the CPU controller.
Please refer to FIG. 1. At time T1, CLK2 generates a rising edge so that the first flip-flop of the bridge circuit samples the test data from the AGP controller. Then, at time T2, CLK1 generates a falling edge so that the second flip-flop of the bridge circuit samples the test data stored in the first flip-flop and then outputs the test data. Please note that at time T4, when CLK1 and CLK2 respectively generate a falling edge and a rising edge at the same time, the second flip-flop may not be able to sample the test data successfully, and therefore, the test procedure may fail. Similarly, although during the test procedure the bridge circuit fails to transfer data from one clock domain to another clock domain at time T4, when the bridge circuit is in practical operation, the missed data will be re-transferred by the bridge circuit to complete the transmission. In short, even if a bridge circuit works normally in practical operation, it may still be failed during the test procedure due to the problems caused by different clock domains.

Method and apparatus for testing a bridge circuit


A system is provided for firmly attaching a coaxial cable terminus to a standard connection jack in such a way that the connection point is effectively shielded from tampering by individuals and is effectively sealed from degrading elements in the atmosphere. The system includes a jack attachment member having a collet structure, a swagging shell which slips over the collet structure to accomplish a firm connection with the jack and a locking shroud which surrounds the swagging cylinder so as to make it difficult to de-attach and/or re-attach the cable terminus to the jack without special tooling. Such special tooling, however, is simple and inexpensive for authorized service technicians, thereby making the system at once relatively secure from tampering and atmospheric degradation and simple and inexpensive to install and maintain. Furthermore, the system can be retrofitted into existing coaxial cable equipment, using standard coaxial cable connection jacks.

Coaxial cable is in widespread use for distributing wide band radio frequency information, such as television and radio signals. The cable television/radio industry, which relies almost exclusively on coaxial cable, is one of the most rapidly expanding segments of the United States' economy. It is anticipated that in the very near future the amount and type of information available via coaxial cable networks will be greatly expanded beyond traditional television and radio signals. By the early part of the twenty-first century, coaxial cable networks may be the principal vehicle by which consumers obtain their daily news, access library information, do their shopping, pay their bills, and otherwise interact with much of the outside world. Maintaining and controlling the integrity of the coaxial cable distribution networks which will carry such a large amount and such a wide variety of consumer information and services is a major challenge for the cable network industry.
Coaxial cable typically includes a pair of conductors, a central axial conductor and an outer conductor which is disposed concentrically around the central conductor. A low-loss, high dielectric insulation material, such as plastic foam, is used to separate the two conductors. An outer insulating jacket is often provided over the concentric conductor to provide electrical insulation and physical protection to the cable. The concentric conductor may be a single continuous element or, more commonly, it is a composite of several layered elements of conductive foil, wire braid or similar material.
For ease of initial installation and for flexibility with respect to subsequent modifications, coaxial cable networks comprise lengths of cable connected to one another by some sort of connection equipment. In most coaxial cable networks, such connection equipment takes the form of a male/female connection system wherein the male member is provided by a connection jack and the female member is provided by a threaded or friction-fit coupler dimensioned to attach over the jack. A standard connection jack comprises a cylindrical, externally threaded body having an outside diameter of about 0.375 inches. The outwardly projecting end of the jack is covered by a planar member which has a central aperture. Behind the aperture, within the confines of the body of the jack, is disposed an internal conductor which is shielded from the body. The body is electrically connected to one of the coaxial cable circuits and the inner conductor is connected to the other coaxial cable circuit.
The female member in the typical male/female connection system commonly comprises a jack connection moiety which is adapted to attach to the cable connection jack. The female member also comprises a cable connection moiety which physically attaches to the terminus of a coaxial cable in such a way that the cable connection moiety is in electrical contact with the concentric conductor of the coaxial cable. The cable connection moiety is adapted to allow the terminus of the central conductor to project through the center of the female member without contacting the female member, so that, when the jack moiety is attached to the outside of the conductor jack body, the central conductor terminus protrudes into the connection jack central aperture (without contacting the jack connection moiety of the female member or the conductor jack body) and is placed into electrical contact with the internal conductor of the connection jack.
Coaxial cable networks are traditionally distributed to individual residences using existing telephone company poles and underground conduits. A coaxial cable "trunk" is run through a neighborhood in parallel with telephone and electrical lines, and each residence to be serviced by the cable network is connected into ("tapped into") the trunk line. The interface between the trunk line tap and the cable line running to an individual residence (the "drop line") is traditionally called a "tap block." A tap block traditionally is a small metal box having a flat face plate called a "tap plate." Projecting outwardly from the tap plate are several coaxial cable connection jacks. Each cable service-subscribing residence in the immediate vicinity of the tap block is connected to one of the connection jacks on the tap plate.
Typically, all of the services provided by the cable network company are available at the tap face connection jacks. If a residence chooses not to pay for certain special cable network services (such as the HBO television network and the Pay-Per-View television network), a "signal trap" is interposed between the tap face connection jack and the drop line for that individual residence. A signal trap is a small electrical device having an input connector jack and an output connector jack. The signal trap is electrically configured so as to filter out or scramble the signal of a non-subscribed-to cable service.
From the tap block, a drop line is run to each individual residence and is connected to individual "receivers" (i.e., televisions or radios). Where more than one receiver is used by the residence, the drop line will terminate at a "signal splitter" having one input connection jack and two or more output connection jacks. It is common practice for many coaxial cable networks to charge an additional subscriber fee for the use of signal splitters to connect up additional receiving devices.
The problem with the use of such typical coaxial cable connection equipment is that such equipment is easy to connect, disconnect and reconnect. It is unfortunately easy for a dishonest consumer to be able to surreptitiously tap into a coaxial cable network. It is also far too easy for a dishonest consumer to reconfigure his existing coaxial cable connection system to surreptitiously connect up the cable network to additional receiving devices and to reconfigure his cable net work to eliminate signal traps.
In addition to the vulnerability of typical coaxial cable connection equipment to physical tampering, typical coaxial cable network connection equipment is also vulnerable to corrosive and/or otherwise degrading conditions within the atmosphere, such as moisture, dust, and smog.
There have been many attempts to make connection equipment for coaxial cable systems more tamper resistent and more resistent to degradation from ambient-conditions. However, none of these attempts has been wholly satisfactory. Either the prior attempts relied upon connection equipment which was insufficiently resistent to tampering and/or degradation from ambient conditions or the prior attempts relied upon connection equipment which was excessively expensive to manufacture and/or awkward, complex and expensive to install in the field. Also, many prior attempts relied on connection equipment which could not be retrofit onto existing coaxial cable connection jacks.
Accordingly, there is a need for a coaxial cable connection protection system which provides increased tamper resistance. There is also a need for a coaxial cable connection protection system which provides increased resistance to degradation from ambient conditions. There is a still further need for a coaxial cable connection production system which, while providing adequate resistance to tampering and ambient condition degradation, is inexpensive to manufacture and is easy and inexpensive install. Finally, there is a need for a coaxial cable connection protection system which, while providing adequate resistance to tampering and ambient condition degradation, can be retrofit into existing coaxial cable network systems using existing standard coaxial cable connection jacks.

Coaxial cable connection protection system


A tack button is disclosed which comprises a button body having a cylindrical hub, a tack member and an anchoring member interconnecting the button body and the tack member. The cylindrical hub is resiliently supported to make a tilting movement relative to the plane of a garment fabric at both of its upper and lower marginal edges.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a button having a button body and a tack member associated therewith for securing the button to a garment fabric such as student uniforms, jeans, sports wear and the like.
2. Prior Art
Numerous so-called tack buttons are known, some of which are designed to tilt or make free angular movement relative to the plane of a garment fabric to which the buttons are applied. A typical example of such prior art button is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 1-177908 and is illustrated in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawing in which a button body 100 has secured thereto a disc-like collet 101 including a plurality of balancing retainer members 102. A shank 103 having a round head 104 is secured to a retainer 105 and is pierced through a fabric 106. The head 104 is supported in place on the balancing retainer members 102 so that the button can tilt with respect to the axis of the shank 103. This button device however is capable of only very limited tilting or angular movement with the results that the button is apt to disengage from or otherwise impair the fabric when the latter is subjected to pulling stresses. Another drawback is that the button is difficult to apply to a relatively thick garment fabric.


The disclosure relates to compositions containing allyl isothiocyanate and methods of use thereof for stimulating tearing in a subject to treat dry eye.

Dry eye disease affects millions of people worldwide, and is a common condition in the United States. Dry eye disease is caused when an individual's tears do not provide adequate lubrication for the eyes, which can lead to inflammation and a further reduction in tear coverage. The symptoms of dry eyes include ocular discomfort and sensitivity, and impaired vision that can harm life quality. The risk of developing dry eye disease increases with age, and, as a result, the need for dry eye treatments is large and growing.
Current treatments for dry eye include eye drops or artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, nutritional supplements, warm compresses, punctal plugs, medications, topical cyclosporine, and electrical stimulation devices. However, many of these treatments offer temporary or incomplete relief to dry eye, are difficult or arduous to administer, or are unpleasant to the recipient of the treatment. For example, some eye drops do not provide sustained relief because while they add moisture to the eyes, they do not mimic the complex composition of tears, and may actually wash away or dilute beneficial tear components. Accordingly, effective treatments for dry eye that are easy to administer and minimally invasive to lifestyle are desired.

Compositions for the treatment of dry eye and methods of use thereof

The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Inc.


The present invention is an improved material and method for use for providing diffuse reflectivity of light. It has been determined that by employing a polymer having an index of refraction of greater than or equal to 1.42 and a porosity of greater than 10%, improved reflectivity can be achieved over existing reflectant materials having only one of these properties. Suitable materials for use in the present invention include nylon, polyvinylidene (PVDF), and cellulose acetate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to surfaces used to reflect light, and particularly to highly light reflectant surfaces that provide even diffusion of light energy from their surfaces.
2. Description of Related Art
Special light reflectant surfaces are used in a variety of applications requiring light energy to be almost completely reflected while providing an even distribution of light from the surface. While good mirrored surfaces can provide nearly perfect reflectivity of visible light, the light energy exiting these surfaces does so only at an angle equal to the incident angle of light contact. For many applications it is important that light be reflected with an even distribution of light from the surface. This latter property is referred to as diffuse or "lambertian" reflectance.
For instance, projection screens, such as those used for slide or motion picture presentations, must provide both high reflectivity and a light diffusion/distribution over a sufficiently wide field so as to provide a clear image to most of an audience. Many reflectant screens employ a coating of glass beads or similar material as a reflectant aid to provide excellent reflectivity over a defined projection field (e.g., approximately 20.degree. from a center line), with significantly diminished reflectivity outside of the defined projection field. These screens provide very good viewing within the defined field, and are less prone to interference from stray light sources other than the primary light source aimed perpendicular to the screen. In order to provide better viewing to a wider defined field, matte-finished screens are effective at providing a more even light distribution to an entire audience. Although hardly critical for most projection screen applications in darkened rooms, in either instance it is important that the screen absorb or transmit as little light as possible so as to assure maximum reflective image to the audience.
Reflectivity is far more critical in many other applications. For instance, displays used in electronic equipment (e.g., instrument panels, portable computer screens, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), etc.), whether relying on supplemental lights (e.g., backlight) or merely ambient light, require very good diffuse reflectant back surfaces to maximize image quality. Reflectivity is particularly critical with backlighted displays in battery powered equipment, where better reflectivity is directly related to smaller required light sources and resulting lower power demands.
A substantial but demanding light reflective market is the one for portable or laptop computer displays. This market is demanding because it requires high levels of diffuse reflection from very thin materials. For this market it is critical that the backlight reflector is relatively thin, i.e., less than 0.25 mm and preferably less than 0.15 mm, to minimize the thickness of the completed display assembly.
Due to the many different applications that exist for reflectant materials, it is not surprising that there are many different commercially available products with a variety of diffuse reflective properties. Until the present invention, the best known diffuse reflective material with excellent diffuse reflectivity was that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,720 and sold under the trademark SPECTRALON by Labsphere, Inc., North Sutton, N.H. This material comprises lightly packed granules of polytetrafluoroethylene that has a void volume of about 30 to 50% and is sintered into a relatively hard cohesive block so as to maintain such void volume. Using the techniques taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,720, it is asserted that exceptionally high diffuse visible light reflectance characteristics can be achieved with this material, with reflectance over previously available reflectant material increasing from 97% to better than 99%. Despite the advantages of the SPECTRALON material it does not appear to be available in very thin films of less than 0.25 mm, such as those needed for the laptop display markets, and furthermore at these thickness levels it is believed that adequate reflection performance can not be obtained.
One of the materials commonly used as a diffuse reflector in backlight reflectors applications is sold under the trade name of MELINEX.RTM. polyester films by ICI Films of Wilmington, Del. These materials are available in the desirable thickness range of less than 0.15 mm. However the maximum visible light reflectance of 0.13 mm thick material is only 88.4%. Furthermore, in measuring the diffuseness of this material, the diffusivity is much less than desired. Thicker films of this material, such as 0.25 mm thick material, achieve only a maximum visible reflectance of 94.3% while suffering from added thickness and stiffness.

Thin light reflectant surface and method for making and using same


An apparatus is provided for adjusting the printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a printhead carrying carriage, which is rockable relative to an elongate carriage rod in the printer to effect a change in such spacing. The apparatus comprises an anti-rotation rail having a primary axis, the anti-rotation rail configured to have the carriage mounted thereon to be rotatable about the primary axis. A carriage guiding block is configured to be mountable on the carriage rod and configured to have the printhead carrying carriage mounted thereon. An actuator is mounted on the carriage guiding block, the actuator movable between a spacing position in which the actuator is arranged to provide a first predetermined separation between the carriage guiding block and the printhead carrying carriage, to provide a first printhead-to-media spacing value, and a retracted position in which the actuator is arranged to provide a second separation between the carriage guiding block and the printhead carrying carriage, to provide a second printhead-to-media spacing value.

Inkjet printers operate by expelling droplets of ink onto the media from the printhead, which is the part of the printer that actually prints on a medium, and which generally has a two dimensional array of very small nozzles substantially parallel to the media. The printhead generally does not extend across the width of the printer; instead the printhead is generally mounted on a carriage, which slides sideways across the printer on a carriage rod and an anti-rotation rail (which prevents rotation of the carriage about the carriage rod) that extend across the width of the printer. Therefore, the printhead can print to the width of the media. The media is generally advanced perpendicularly to the dimension in which the printhead carrying carriage slides (i.e. advanced along the length of the media) so that substantially the whole of the media can be printed to.
When the printhead is printing to the media, the further the droplets expelled from the printhead must travel, the lower the resolution achieved in the resulting printout due to lateral movement of the droplets between the printhead and the media. However, if the printhead is brought too close to the media, any warping of the media when the droplets land and temporarily dampen the media could cause the media to come into contact with the printhead, which can lead to smudging of the printed media or even clogging of the printhead.
In order to optimise the so-called printhead-to-media spacing, the printhead must be sufficiently close to the medium that it will print to that medium without loss of resolution, and sufficiently far away from the media to avoid the media warping and touching the printhead. Therefore, there is generally an optimal printhead-to-media spacing for a printhead.
In a conventional inkjet printer, the printhead-to-media spacing is generally set so that the printing is optimised for plain paper as the medium to be printed on, as this is the most often used medium. However, if an envelope, or cardboard, is to be printed on, the extra thickness of the medium will make the printhead-to-media spacing too small, leading to problems outlined above. Additionally, if the printhead-to-media spacing is optimised for envelopes, cardboard or other such thick media then, when printing on thin media such as paper, the printhead-to-media spacing will be too large, leading to other associated problems mentioned above.

Apparatus for adjusting printhead-to-media spacing in a printer

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An alkaline solution for the microetching of copper in the course of printed circuit manufacture is provided by combining components which are a source of cupric ion, ammonium hydroxide and/or a source of ammonium ion, and a compound, other than ammonia, which is a chelator for cupric ion in the alkaline environment of the solution. The microetchant composition is stable, brings about a desired microroughening of the copper surface with minimal removal of copper, is easily regenerated, and does not promote pink ring. When an organosilane through-hole conditioning agent is included in the composition, the composition can be used as a means for effecting in one step the microetching and conditioning steps of a printed circuit through-hole metallization process.

The present invention relates generally to the fabrication of printed circuits; more particularly to compositions for microetching copper surfaces in the course of fabricating a printed circuit; and still more particularly to printed circuit fabrication processes employing the copper microetching compositions in admixture with through-hole conditioners.
There are a wide variety of techniques employed for fabricating printed circuits, be they single-sided or double-sided circuits, multilayer circuits, rigid or flexible circuits, or the like. In a great many fabrication techniques, a necessary step in the fabrication sequence involves the controlled microetching of a copper surface, generally for purposes of preparing the copper surface for some subsequent step, such as the provision thereon of a coating layer of metal, organic resist or masking material, or the like.
This surface microetching is in distinct contrast to the process of "copper etching" which is common to all subtractive processes for fabricating printed circuits, i.e., wherein the object is the complete removal (etching away) of selected copper areas from the underlying substrate surface. Instead, the general aim of copper microetching is the controlled removal of only a very small amount of copper from the surface (e.g., removal of only about 0.5 to 3 microns thickness from a copper layer of 30-40 microns thickness), and in a manner which results in a remaining exposed copper surface which is topographically altered (e.g., microroughened) as compared to the original copper surface.
By way of brief example, circuitry innerlayers for use in fabricating multilayer printed circuits are typically prepared from a copper foil-clad insulating substrate material (e.g., epoxy, polyimide) which is then patterned, in the positive of the desired circuitry pattern, with an organic etch-resistant material. Copper areas not covered by the resist are then chemically etched away, and the resist then removed to reveal the selective copper circuitry pattern. In assembling a multilayer printed circuit, one or more such circuitry innerlayers are stacked in alternating array with one or more pre-preg layers comprised of partially cured resinous material, and the composite then subjected to heat and pressure to cure the resin and provide a multilayer circuit structure in which the innerlayer circuitry layers are firmly bonded to resin layers. In this regard, it is commonplace to form a conversion coating of copper oxide on the copper surfaces of the innerlayer circuits, before the laminating process, to promote adhesion between the innerlayer circuits and cured resins (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,409,037 and 4,844,981), and it generally is necessary to first microetch the copper surfaces before formation thereon of the copper oxide conversion coating.
Another fabrication sequence in which a copper microetch is employed is in the fabrication of double-sided or multilayer printed circuits having metallized (plated) through-holes. In a multilayer printed circuit, for example, the multilayer composite (whose outer layers are copper foil-clad substrate material) is provided with drilled through-holes and is then subjected to steps for providing the through-hole surfaces with a metal coating, such as by electroless plating. In the course of such plating, metal also is deposited over the copper foil surfaces, and it is commonplace in the process to microetch these foil surfaces (as well as any copper innerlayer surfaces or edges exposed at the through-hole) so that they will more adherently receive the subsequent metal coating.
The foregoing are just a few examples of the many sequences in which there is employed a microetch of a copper surface in the course of fabricating a printed circuit. Other examples include the microetching of copper surfaces to improve adhesion thereto of organic plating or etch resists, microetching of copper surfaces to improve adhesion thereto of other metal deposits (e.g., electrolytic copper, tin-lead etch resists, etc.), microetching of copper surfaces to improve adhesion thereto of solder masks, and the like.
The copper microetchants heretofore employed in the art are acidic compositions, and the most widely employed of these are mixtures of hydrogen peroxide with mineral acids, and mixtures of acids with other strong oxidizers such as the persulfates. While these compositions are effective for achieving the desired controlled microetching of copper surfaces, they are not without disadvantages. One problem is that the compositions are highly unstable, and break down continuously even upon sitting idle. Another problem is that these acidic compositions contribute to the so-called "pink ring" phenomenon when used as copper microetchants in sequences for metallizing through-holes in multilayer printed circuits. As earlier noted, copper oxide conversion coatings are commonly employed as adhesion promoters for the innerlayer circuitry-to-resin bonding needed to provide an integrally bonded multilayer circuit. When through-holes are drilled, the edges of innerlayer circuits are there 10 exposed and the processing chemicals for metallizing the through-holes thus have access to the innerlayer edge areas. The copper oxide adhesion promoter is generally soluble in acid, so acidic processing chemicals for through-hole metallization (such as the acidic copper microetchants) promote localized dissolution of the oxide layer about the periphery of the hole. The dissolution evidences itself as a "pink ring" by virtue of the pink color of the underlying copper metal which is exposed as the copper oxide dissolves therefrom. This localized loss of adhesion promoter (which also can occur at non-hole edge areas of the circuit) can in turn lead to localized delamination in the multilayer circuit, an essentially fatal defect.
While an alkaline copper microetchant would be advantageous in this regard, no such suitable compositions have heretofore been available. Alkaline solutions are known and available for completely etching copper from an underlying substrate surface, as earlier described (also sometimes referred to as "final" etchants or "primary" etchants), such as ammoniacal copper solutions. However, these known solutions in particular, as well as most other known final etchants such as acid-based ferric or copper chloride solutions, are highly unsuitable for copper microetching. In particular, these etchants are extremely difficult to control (i.e., to remove only a very small portion of copper as opposed to a complete removal of all copper); more fundamentally, even to the extent a degree of control can be achieved so as to obtain less than complete removal of copper, the copper surface they produce is undesirably smooth and lacks the microroughened topography essential to the subsequent fabrication steps.
Another drawback of the known acid-based copper microetchants is related to a recent trend in the printed circuit fabrication art towards attempts to reduce the number of separate processing steps needed in the fabrication sequence. In particular, sequences for the metallization of through-holes traditionally require a number of separate steps such as (a) contact of the printed circuit board and hole surfaces with an oxidizing agent to remove resin smear from innerlayer circuitry edges exposed at the hole surfaces and/or to etch resin back from innerlayer edges at hole surfaces and/or to topographically alter the resin surfaces of the holes; (b) contact with a neutralizer to neutralize residual oxidizing species from step (a); (c) contact with a so-called through-hole conditioner which promotes adherence to the through-hole surfaces of subsequently-applied catalyst species; (d) copper microetching; (e) contact with species catalytic to subsequent metal depositing; and (f) contact with a suitable metal depositing solution. Efforts to reduce the number of such steps, by combining together in one composition components which will thus effect in one step two or more of the necessary functions, have included combination of neutralizing and microetching steps, and combination of neutralizing, conditioning and microetching steps. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,106 and 5,104,687, both incorporated herein by reference.
While the goal of these patents is commendable, the efforts to date are plagued with problems. Specifically, in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,106, the combination of neutralizing and microetching functions necessarily is constrained to the use of an acidic hydrogen peroxide solution, i.e., the conventional acidic copper microetchant as earlier discussed, which also serves as a neutralizer (reducing agent) for permanganate species utilized in the preceding oxidizing step. In the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,687, the combination of neutralizing, conditioning and microetching steps also is strictly constrained to use of acidic hydrogen peroxide (for neutralizing and microetching), and is further constrained to use of a very specific class of throughhole conditioners, i.e., cationic polyelectrolytes. The requirement for acidic hydrogen peroxide in these processes necessarily brings into play the stability problems and pink ring problems earlier discussed. The further requirement for cationic polyelectrolyte, which according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,687 is the only through-hole conditioner compatible with its combined neutralizer-microetchant system, essentially prevents the process from being of any commercial interest, because these conditioners have serious drawbacks in metallization processes per se, and particularly as contemplated in the proposed combination of materials and steps.
As such, the continued reliance in the art upon acidic microetchants for copper in printed circuit fabrication techniques not only requires one to deal with the instability and pink ring problems, but also severely limits possibilities for economizing fabrication techniques through process step reduction.
For the reasons given, a substantial need exists for provision of an alkaline composition suitable as a copper microetchant in this environment.

Microetchant for copper surfaces and processes for using same