An end support unit for supporting the ends of at least one front and one rear cross beam including: a front support post having a column of slots along its length for receiving at least one slot engaging member of the front cross beam; a rear support post having a column of slots along its length for receiving at least one slot engaging member of the rear cross beam; an upper brace fixedly extending from the upper end of the front support post to the upper end of the rear support post; a lower brace fixedly extending from the lower end of the front support post to the lower end of the rear support post; and a diagonal brace extending diagonally between the front support post and the rear support post.

The present invention relates to a modular rack assembly. While there are a variety of modular rack assemblies that have been designed to store various items, they are not easily configurable for shipping. Further, conventional modular racks are not formed of a simple construction and may be expensive to manufacture and difficult to assemble and adjust.


A system used to detect and assay genes by using a nucleic-acid probe substrate is disclosed, which can be used in highly general-purpose genetic chips usable for various purposes, and has a temperature control means enabling control of temperature of the whole genetic chip in a high reproducibility and uniformity, and further even satisfies low-cost performance. A method for detecting and assaying gene nucleic acids by using such a system is also disclosed. A heat-conductive material made up using a material having good thermal conductivity, having a shape having general-purpose properties, is used as the temperature control means, and is disposed in such a form that it covers substantially the whole substrate face or stands in contact therewith, on the back of the substrate, or on the side facing the surface to which the detecting single-stranded nucleic acid fragments have been immobilized. This makes it possible to improve the diffusion of heat in the in-plane direction of the whole substrate face. In addition, heat is given and received through such a heat-conductive material.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system used to detect and assay genes, making use of a probe substrate, in particular, a nucleic-acid probe substrate. More particularly, this invention relates to a system having, when gene DNA is detected and assayed by hybridization, the function to achieve contact of a specimen with each nucleic-acid probe under the desired temperature conditions, in respect to a substrate onto which plural kinds of single-stranded nucleic acids have been immobilized in an array as nucleic-acid probes, and a method of detecting and assaying gene nucleic acids by using this system.
2. Related Background Art
As progress of methods for detecting and assaying gene DNA according to hybridization, researches relating to genetic chips (DNA chips, microarrays) are being rapidly advanced which have a use to make a plurality of detection tests simultaneously on gene DNA contained in a specimen, by immobilizing a plurality of nucleic-acid probes on a substrate. Such methods for detecting and assaying gene DNA contained in a specimen, utilizing genetic chips (DNA chips, microarrays) are expected to be applicable to various fields such as molecular biological researches and diagnoses on genetic diseases and infectious diseases.
The basic form of a genetic chip is that, in order to detect a target gene DNA according to hybridization, plural kinds of single-stranded nucleic acids having a complementary base sequence in respect to the base sequence of the target genes have been immobilized in an array on the surface of a substrate made of glass or the like. As the fragments of single-stranded nucleic acids having a complementary base sequence in respect to the base sequence of the target genes, which are utilized as hybridization probes, DNA oligomers called oligo DNA which are synthesized by a chemical route or complementary-stranded DNA fragments called cDNA which are biosynthesized by an enzymatic route using as a template any genes derived from biological tissues are commonly utilized. With regard to the immobilization of fragments of single-stranded nucleic acids to the substrate surface, it is, in the case of the oligo DNA, roughly classified into i) a method in which, like the method disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,796 (or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-500568; applicant: ProtoGene Laboratories), terminals are previously immobilized and then DNA molecules themselves are one by one synthesized on the substrate to form immobilized nucleic-acid fragments, and ii) a method in which, like the method disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-187900 (applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA), oligo DNA is separately synthesized and thereafter nucleic-acid fragments are immobilized to the substrate surface by various binding means.
As means for immobilizing to the substrate surface the nucleic-acid fragments prepared separately, various methods are proposed as exemplified by adsorption immobilization which utilizes electric charges the substrate has and electric charges the nucleic-acid fragments have, and immobilization in which the substrate surface is coated with poly-L-lysine or an aminosilane coupling agent and the resulting coating film is utilized so as to improve immobilization efficiency.
Meanwhile, in cross-hybridization (hybridization reaction) on nucleic-acid probes having been immobilized to the substrate surface, gene DNA contained in a specimen solution is single-stranded and then bound to portions which are complementary to the base sequence of the nucleic-acid probes to form a double-stranded structure. Accordingly, the nucleic-acid probes and the specimen solution must be heated to a stated temperature. In addition, gene DNA not having any complementary base sequence in respect to the base sequence of the nucleic-acid probes but having a similar base sequence also causes, in some cases, pseudo-cross-hybridization (mismatch hybridization reaction) to form gentle bonds to the nucleic-acid probes. Furthermore, unreacted adulterant DNA having no similarity in base sequence may also adhere to the substrate surface by physical adsorption or the like. In order to selectively remove such unnecessary DNA molecules standing bound weakly, they are heated to a temperature at which any redissociation of gene DNA having achieved the intended hybridization reaction does not take place but the detachment of the unnecessary DNA molecules standing bound weakly proceeds, and then washed to remove them.
In detection operation making use of the genetic chip, in order to detect only the target gene DNA in a high reproducibility, it is particularly necessary to control in a high precision the heating temperature in the step of hybridization reaction of the target genes in a specimen with the nucleic acids (probes) having been immobilized on the genetic chip, and the heating temperature in the step of washing to selectively remove the similar genes having caused mismatch hybridization reaction and the unreacted adulterants. Also, commonly, any temperature variations between the respective steps have a great influence on the reproducibility of detection results.
Some means are proposed by which the detection precision and reproducibility is kept from lowering because of such temperature variations between the respective steps. For example, a polynucleotide detection chip and a polynucleotide detection system which are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-342264 employs a method in which sections are set for each kind of nucleic-acid fragments (probes) having a sequence which is complementary to the target genes contained in a specimen, and a micro-heater is provided for each section of a detecting chip so that proper temperature control can be made. In this method, the system has so greatly complicate construction that the detecting chip exclusively used therefor and also the whole detection system can not help being expensive. In addition, inasmuch as the micro heater is provided for each section, it is also difficult to make the whole system compact.
In a hybridization reaction detection method and detection system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-255328, changes with time in the course of reaction are pursued so that any influence of temperature changes of an array formed on a glass substrate can be eliminated to aim at highly precise detection. In this method, however, one-sheet array must continuously be pursued and examined using an instrument such as a microscope while the reaction is carried out, and hence it is difficult to examine a large number of arrays on substrates.
Genetic chips packaged in original shapes are also commercially available, as typified by GeneChip (available from Affymetrix Co.). These commercially available genetic chips are genetic chips supposing detection operation which utilizes a corresponding system exclusively used therefor, and hence have poor general-purpose properties. In addition, not only the system of exclusive use but also the genetic chips themselves are very expensive.
Meanwhile, in uses for researches as in universities and so forth, a genetic chip formed by immobilizing original and various detecting nucleic-acid fragments must be produced. Accordingly, a method is commonly used in which, using an array manufacturing system called a pin spotter, nucleic-acid fragments are immobilized on a slide glass substrate surface-treated with poly-L-lysine or the like. The genetic chip produced on such a general-purpose slide glass substrate, produced by this method, looks a simple glass plate in appearance. Of course, nothing is devised at all for temperature control.
Thus, it is sought to develop a detection system which can be used also when, e.g., the genetic chip is used which is formed on a general-purpose slide glass substrate, utilized in the uses for researches, has a temperature control means enabling control of temperature of the whole genetic chip in a high reproducibility and uniformity, and also has low-cost performance and high general-purpose properties as a whole.

Nucleic-acid probe substrate, system for temperature control of the substrate, and gene detection method making use of the same


A nonvolatile control circuit reads out data from a nonvolatile memory at a predetermined address upon power-up. When the read-out data is data that instructs inhibition of at least one of operations for writing, reading and erasing the nonvolatile memory, the operation designated by the data is inhibited from execution.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nonvolatile memory control circuit mainly for an electrically erasable nonvolatile memory.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 14 illustrates in block form a conventional nonvolatile memory control circuit. In FIG. 14, reference to numeral 1 denotes a memory cell of an electrically erasable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, 2 a word decoder for decoding word lines that select addresses of the memory cell 1 in the horizontal direction, 3 a selector decoder for decoding a bit line selector 4 that selects addresses of the memory cell 1 in the vertical direction, and 4 the bit line selector that selects a bit line based on a selector decode signal from the selector decoder 3.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a data bus, 6 an address bus, 7 a data latch for latching a memory control command to be sent to the data bus 5 and data to be written in the memory cell, 8 an address latch for latching an address signal that specifies the address of the memory cell 2 for reading or writing it, 9 a write/read/erase control circuit for controlling a data write, read or erase operation of the memory cell 1, 10 a data bus, 11 an address bus, 12 an address latch signal generator that generates an address latch signal for latching an address signal on the address bus 6 in the address latch 8, 13 a signal line that conveys the address latch signal, 14 selector decode lines each for conveying the selector decode signal from the selector decoder 3, and 15 word decode lines each for conveying a word decode signal from the word decoder 2.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a chip enable signal generator for generating a chip enable signal CE that enables the nonvolatile memory control circuit to operate, 17 a signal line for conveying the chip enable signal CE from the chip enable signal generator 16, 18 an output enable signal generator for generating an output enable signal OE that enables data read out of the memory cell 1 to be provided onto the data bus 5 via the write/read/erase control circuit 9, 19 a signal line for conveying the output enable signal OE, 20 a write enable signal generator for generating a write enable signal WE for latching command data that is input into the nonvolatile memory control circuit from the outside or data to be written in the memory cell 1, and 21 a signal line for conveying the write enable signal WE. Reference numeral 22 denotes a command latch for latching command data on the data bus 10, 23 a data bus, 24 a command decoder for deciding whether the command data input via the data bus 23 is a write, read or erase command, 25 a write signal generator for generating a write signal for writing data in the memory cell 1, 26 a read signal generator for generating a read signal for reading out data from the memory cell 1, 27 an erase signal generator for generating an erase signal for erasing data on the memory cell 1, 28, 29 and 30 signal lines each for conveying a command decode signal from the command decoder 24, and 31, 32 and 33 signal lines for conveying the write signal, the read signal and the erase signal, respectively.
Reference numeral 34 a clock generator/frequency demultiplier for generating a clock on which the write/read/erase operation of the memory cell 1 is based, 35 and 36 signal lines for conveying the clock, 37 a command latch signal generator for generating a command latch signal, and 38 a signal line for conveying the command latch signal.
The operation of the conventional nonvolatile memory control circuit will be described below.
FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the timing for writing data in the memory cell 1 of the traditional nonvolatile memory control circuit depicted in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 39 indicates the command latch signal that is output onto the signal line 38 from the command latch signal generator 37, and 40 the address latch signal that is provided onto the signal line 13 from the address latch signal generator 12.
A data write to the memory cell 1 is carried out in two steps of processing the-write command (a first cycle) and write data (a second cycle) both provided onto the data bus 5. More specifically, the command input operation in the first cycle begins with changing the chip enable signal CE on the signal line 17 from a logical value "1" to "0" and the write enable signal WE on the signal line 21 from a logical value "1" to "0." By this, the write/read/erase control circuit 9 goes into a command input waiting state. Next, command data "40H" (H representing the hexadecimal notation) for the write operation is input into the nonvolatile memory control circuit from the outside thereof and the write enable signal WE is changed from the logical value "0" to "1." As a result, the command latch signal 39 is provided onto the signal line 38 and the command latch 22 latches the command data "40H." The command latch signal 39 is output by one pulse only at this timing in the first cycle. Upon latching of the command data, the command decoder 24 decodes the command data and raises the write command decode signal on the signal line 28 up to the logical value "1." And the chip enable signal CE on the signal line 17 is raised from the logical value "0" to "1." Thus the command input operation of the first cycle is completed. This is followed by the second cycle operation of inputting write address data and write data. For example, in the case of writing data "00H" in the memory cell 1 at an address "4000H," an address signal "4000H" is input onto the address bus 6 from the outside and the chip enable signal CE on the signal line 17 and the write enable signal WE on the signal line 21 are each changed from the logical value "1" to "0". By this, when the write enable signal WE goes down to the logical value "0," the address latch signal 40 is provided onto the signal 13 from the address latch signal generator 12 and the write address of the memory cell 1 is latched in the address latch 8. At the point in time that the address signal "4000H" is input onto the address bus 6, the selector decode line 14 and the word decode line 15 are both already at the logical level "1" and the selection of these lines is determined at the point when the address latch signal 40 is output.
Next, the write data "00H" is input onto the data bus 5 from the outside. By changing the write enable signal WE from the logical value "0" to "1," the data "00H" is latched in the data latch 7. When the write address and the write data are latched in the address latch 8 and the data latch 7, respectively, a write signal is output onto the signal line 31 from the write signal generator 25 and at the same time a signal is provided on the signal line 35 to activate the clock generator/frequency demultiplier 34. Since the decode signals on the selector decode line 14 and the word decode line 15 corresponding to the address "4000H" are already at the logical level "1," the data "00H" is stored in the memory 1 at the address "4000H." The write signal goes down to the logical level "0" when the number of clock signals provided onto the signal line 36 from the clock generator/frequency demultiplier 34, counted by the write signal generator 25, reaches a predetermined value.
FIG. 16 is a timing chart that depicts the timing for reading out data from the memory cell 1 in the conventional nonvolatile memory control circuit shown in FIG. 14. As is the case with the data write, the command input for the data read operation is carried out only in the first one cycle.
The data read procedure begins with forcing the chip enable signal CE to the logical level "0," putting the write/read/erase control circuit 9 in the input waiting state. Then the write enable signal WE goes to the logical level "0," enabling read command data "10H" to be input onto the data bus 10 via the data latch 7 and output onto the data bus 23 via the command latch 22.
After this, when the write enable signal WE rises to the logical level "1," the command latch signal generator 37 generates the command latch signal 39, latching the read command data "10H" in the command latch 22. The command decoder 24 generates a signal of the logical level "1" onto the signal line when it decides that the data provided on to the data bus 23 is read command. The read signal generator 26 receives the signal on the signal line 29 and generates a read request signal of the logical level "1" onto the signal line 32. The write/read/erase control circuit 9 is switched by the read request signal into a read control state.
Thereafter, the address data "4000H" is input onto the address bus 6 and then output onto the address bus 11 after being once latched in the address latch 8. At a point in time the chip enable signal CE goes down to the logical level "0," the signal levels on the selector data code line 14 and the word decode line 15 corresponding to the address "4000H" are made high by the word decoder 2, the selector decoder 3 and the bit line selector 4. Following this, the output enable signal OE on the signal line 19 goes down to the logical level "0" and the write/read/erase control circuit begins the read operation. Thus the data stored in the memory cell 1 at the address "4000H" is read out therefrom and provided onto the data bus 5.
FIG. 17 is a timing chart that depicts the timing for erasing data from the memory cell 1. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 41 denotes a command latch signal that is provided onto the signal line 38 from the command latch signal generator 37 in the second cycle.
The erase operation executed by performing a data latch of two cycles at the same timing as in the write operation. A first step of the erase procedure consists of latching erase command data "20H" in the command latch 22 in the command input operation of the first cycle. The next step is to latch again the erase data "20H" in the command latch 22 in the command input operation of the second cycle. In consequence, the erase signal generator 27, which has received the decode signal provided twice in succession onto the signal line 30 from the command decoder 24, generates an erase signal onto the signal line 33. By this, the memory cell 1 is erased over the entire storage area thereof. The erase signal on the signal line 33 goes down to the logical level to "0" when the number of clock signals on the signal line 36 provided from the clock generator/frequency demultiplier 34, counted by the erase signal generator 27, reaches a predetermined value.
Since the conventional nonvolatile memory control circuit has such a configuration as described above, anyone can write, read or erase data if he or she follows a fixed procedure to enter a preset write, read or erase command. On the other hand, since anyone can erase data written in the memory cell, there is a fear of important data or programs stored in the memory cell being readily erased by a third party.


A lamp current balancing device comprises an electronic power switch, a transformer, a current transformer and a pulse width modulation (PWM) IC; the transformer having a primary side connected to the electronic power switch and both ends of a secondary side connected to one end of each one of two lamps respectively, with another end of each one of the two lamps connecting to one end of a primary side of the current transformer respectively, the PWM IC being coupled between a secondary side of the current transformer and the electronic power switch; since the two lamps being cascaded in series with a same current flowing through them, thus providing current balancing capability, furthermore, the current transformer being used to detect an operating current of the lamps and to feed back the operating current to the PWM IC, the PWM IC receiving and processing the operating current to obtain a control signal, then outputting the control signal to the electronic power switch to control a pulse width outputted by the electronic power switch, thereby controlling and maintaining a uniform brightness of the lamps.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lamp current balancing device, and more particularly, to a lamp current balancing device which is suitable for LCD backlight.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1A illustrates an implementation of a prior art control circuit using a single transformer to drive double lamps. The prior art double lamp control circuit comprises a transformer 11 having a primary side connected to a electronic power switch 16 and both ends of a secondary side connected to one end of each one of two lamps 13, 14 respectively, with another end of each one of lamps 13, 14 connecting to PWM IC 15, then PWM IC 15 connecting electronic power switch 16 to form a double lamp control circuit 1; PWM IC 15 receiving and processing a feedback current signal to obtain a control signal, then outputting the control signal to electronic power switch 16 to control a pulse width outputted by electronic power switch 16, thereby controlling the brightness of lamps 13, 14. However, the above-mentioned circuit uses PWM IC 15 to provide feedback function, which cannot effectively balance the operating currents flowing through lamps 13, 14 respectively, resulting in unbalanced brightness between lamps 13, 14 and undermining the capability of lamps.
FIG. 1B illustrates an implementation of a prior art control circuit using double transformers to drive double lamps. The prior art double lamp control circuit uses two transformers 21, 22 simultaneously, each one of transformers 21, 22 having a primary side connected to a electronic power switch 26 and both ends of a secondary side connected to one end of each one of two lamps 23, 24 respectively, with another end of each one of lamps 23, 24 connecting to PWM IC 25, then PWM IC 25 connecting electronic power switch 26 to form a double lamp control circuit 2; PWM IC 25 receiving and processing a feedback current signal to obtain a control signal, then outputting the control signal to electronic power switch 26 to control a pulse width outputted by electronic power switch 16, thereby controlling the brightness of lamps 23, 24. However, the above-mentioned circuit uses PWM IC 25 to provide feedback function, which cannot effectively balance the operating currents flowing through lamps 23, 24, resulting in unbalanced brightness between lamps 13, 14 and undermining the capability of lamps. Furthermore, in the case of controlling multiple lamps, the number of transformers have to be increased proportionally, thus increasing the manufacturing cost.
FIG. 2A illustrates an implementation of a prior art control circuit using a single transformer to drive double lamps and a current transformer to balance brightness among lamps. The prior art double lamp control circuit comprises a transformer 31 having a primary side connected to a electronic power switch 36 and both ends of a secondary side of transformer 31 connected to one end of each one of two lamps 33, 34 respectively, with another end of first lamp 13 connecting to a primary side of a current transformer 37 and another end of second lamp 14 connecting to a secondary side of current transformer 37, then the primary side and the secondary side of current transformer 37 connecting to PWM IC 35, then PWM IC 35 connecting to electronic power switch 36 to form a double lamp control circuit 3. Current transformer 37 is used to control output currents of lamp 33, 34, thereby balancing the output current of lamps 33, 34. PWM IC 35 detects and processes a feedback current signal to obtain a control signal, then outputting the control signal to electronic power switch 36 to control a pulse width outputted by electronic power switch 36, thereby controlling the brightness of lamps 33, 34. Although the above mentioned circuit resolves the problem associated with using PWM IC directly as feedback mechanism, if there are big differences in specifications of lamps, bad coupling problem could arise to cause improper operation, which undermines the capability of lamps.
FIG. 2B illustrates an implementation of a prior art control circuit using double transformers to drive double lamps and a current transformer to balance brightness among lamps. The prior art double lamp control circuit comprises two transformer 41, 42, each one of transformer 41, 42 having a primary side connected to a electronic power switch 46 and both ends of a secondary side of transformer 41, 42 connected to one end of each one of two lamps 43, 44 respectively, with another end of first lamp 43 connecting to a primary side of a current transformer 47 and another end of second lamp 44 connecting to a secondary side of current transformer 47, then the primary side and the secondary side of current transformer 47 connecting to PWM IC 45, then PWM IC 45 connecting to electronic power switch 46 to form a double lamp control circuit 4. Current transformer 47 is used to control output currents of lamp 43, 44, thereby balancing the output current of lamps 43, 44. PWM IC 45 detects and processes a feedback current signal obtain a control signal, then outputting the control signal to electronic power switch 46 to control a pulse width outputted by electronic power switch 46, thereby controlling the brightness of lamps 43, 44. Although the above-mentioned circuit resolves the problem associated with using PWM IC directly as feedback mechanism, if there are big differences in specifications of lamps, bad coupling problem could arise to cause improper operation, which undermines the capability of lamps.
Therefore, the prior art lamp current control device mentioned above presents several shortcomings to be overcome.
In view of the above-described deficiency of prior-art lamp current control device, after years of constant effort in research, the inventor of this invention has consequently developed and proposed a lamp current balancing device in the present invention.


An articulated core blade assembly provides improved release of undercuts and similar structures in mold cavities. The articulated core blade assembly includes a retainer secured to an ejector plate, a lifter which moves the product and releases the undercut and a pivot arm which couples the lifter to the retainer. A first knuckle joint couples one end of the pivot arm to the retainer and a second knuckle joint couples the other end of the pivot arm to the lifter. The knuckle joints provide limited pivoting motion about parallel, spaced-apart axes. The articulated core blade assembly may be utilized in a broad range of injection molding machines utilizing plastics, metals and other injection molded materials.

The invention relates generally to components for injection molding machines and more specifically to an articulated core blade for incorporation into injection molding machines which facilitates release of undercuts and similar features in molds.
The formation of undercuts and similar features in injection molded products typically requires the incorporation of moveable mold components. Such components are generally referred to as core blades.
Core blades are received within complementary passageways in the lower mold block and are coupled to an ejector plate which moves relative to the mold block. In a first position, the core blade is seated within the lower mold half and in this position forms the appropriate and required undercuts or similar features such as apertures having axes disposed in nonperpendicular orientations relative to the mold parting line. In a second position, the ejector plate has moved toward the lower mold block, raising the core blade while simultaneously translating it laterally, away from the undercut or aperture thereby releasing the molded part.
The technology of such moveable core components is represented in patented art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,147,217 teaches a mold having side walls pivoted by knuckle joints which forms an undercut in the side walls of the product. U.S. Pat. No. 2,859,478 also teaches a pivoting mold component utilizing a knuckle joint.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,344 presents an apparatus for pressing ceramic tile wherein an articulated linkage ejects the completed product from the mold. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,203, a pair of pivoted arms are coupled by a pneumatic cylinder. The arms operate to open and close the outer ring of a mold utilized to form concrete pipe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,670 discloses a method and apparatus for casting or molding cages for rolling elements. Pairs of slides having obliquely oriented outer, mating surfaces cooperate to form pockets in the cages. U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,208 discloses a similar method and apparatus wherein pairs of obliquely divided halves of a mold insert are mated to form generally spherical openings in a bearing separator.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,849 discloses an injection mold having undercut portions which utilize conventional guide pins which are coupled at their lower extremities to sliders and guides. Such sliders are prone to sticking and malfunction if not continually and properly lubricated. At their upper extremities, the guide pins are rigidly secured to mold segments which translate away from the molded product to effect release of same from the mold.
It is apparent from a review of the foregoing prior art that improvements in core blade technology are both possible and desirable.

Articulated core blade assembly for use in an injection molding machine


A dual push button switch assembly for a vehicle includes an elastic button being moveable between a first unactuated position and a second actuated position, an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position, and first and second switches. When the elastic button is in the first unactuated position, a resilient dome biases the actuator into the first position, and when the elastic button is moved towards the second actuated position, a force applied to the elastic button is transmitted to the actuator to move the actuator towards the second position, and wherein as the actuator moves towards the second position, the first and second switches are activated.

Conventional means for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle include gear shifts which require a user to manually translate the entire gear shift from one location to another location in order to change the operating mode of the vehicle. Alternatively, switch assemblies may be used to select an operating mode of the vehicle. This greatly reduces the amount of time and energy necessary to operate the vehicle. Traditional switch assemblies include a mechanical spring to bias a button of the switch assembly into an unactuated position. However, the spring is incapable of providing sufficient feedback (to the user) that the button has been correctly actuated. The user is then unaware whether the operating mode associated with that button selection will commence.
Further, traditional switch assemblies include only a single switch associated with any given button. That is, when a user engages (i.e., moves) the button towards an actuated position, a single switch is activated which, in turn, sends a signal to a controller to perform the intended function associated with the button. Such a configuration (i.e., having only a single switch associated with a single button) fails to abide by new regulations set forth in the industry.

Dual push button switch assembly for a vehicle


A spreader spring comprising: (a) a locking arm that connects the spreader spring to a brake component; (b) a retraction arm; and (c) a bias device located between the locking arm and the retraction arm; wherein the bias device includes six helical loops or more that store energy during a brake apply and once the brake apply is complete assist in retracting a brake pad.

Typical, disc brake systems include a support bracket, two more brake pads, a caliper, and a rotor. The at least two brake pads are mounted and located adjacent to the support bracket so that the brake pads move axially towards and away from the rotor. The disc brake system may include a pad clip that attaches to the support bracket and to a portion of the one or more brake pads so that the brake pads are held in the support bracket. The disc brake system may include one or more springs that attach to the brake pads to assist in retracting the brake pads. The addition of one or more clips and/or one or more springs may require modifications to be made to the support bracket, brake pads, caliper body, or a combination thereof so that the spring and/or pad clip may be used. In addition these springs may not be used with existing braking systems because the spring does not fit without the modifications discussed above. Examples of springs and pad retraction devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,364,455; 4,491,204; 5,249,647; 5,511,638; 5,537,103; 6,378,665; 6,920,965; 7,308,974; 7,467,693; and 8,393,441; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0189911 and WO2011/126125 and Japanese Patent No. 56021633U all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
One problem faced by these springs is that they work with "new" brake designs, or brakes modified specifically for each design. These springs may not easily be added to existing systems when the brakes are changed so that the benefits of the spreader spring can be seen with used vehicles. These springs may require special pad clips, brake pads, pressure plates, support brackets, caliper housings, or other additional features so that the spreader spring is held in place.
Yet another problem of know springs is that some of the springs are "over the rotor" designs (i.e. the spring is placed directly over the rotor) and are subject to interference with moving parts such as the rotor or the wheel. For example, the spreader spring may contact the rotor, the caliper housing, or both and move out of contact with the brake pads, become damaged, or become tangled within other parts causing damage to the other parts such as the rotor, brake pads, fluid lines, tires, or a combination thereof. The over the rotor designs may require additional clips and/or support structures so that the spring does not contact other parts of the braking system, thus, adding expense to the brake system and preventing the spreader spring from being added to existing systems easily. Some over the rotor designs may require the caliper housing to be redesigned so that there is enough space for the spring to fit under the caliper housing.
Another such problem faced by known disk brake systems is lateral run out (LRO) and disk thickness variation (DTV). Each rotor will exhibit some LRO as the rotor rotates, and each rotor will have some variation in disk thickness. As the rotor moves the rotor may contact the brake pads at a high spot on the disk due to DVT, the rotor may contact the brake pads due to LRO, or both. After repeated contact with the brake pads a thin spot may be created in the disk, and this thin spot may further increase the variation in thickness across the disk otherwise known as "DVT growth." As a result of DVT growth the driver may perceive an increase in torque and pressure via pedal pulsation, steering wheel shake or "nibble," vibration of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. Thus, there is a need for a device that can be incorporated into known braking systems, which minimizes and/or eliminates DVT growth so that noise, vibration, & harshness (NVH) are reduced and/or eliminated. Thus, there is a need for a spreader spring that is light, strong, resistant to failure, and can be added into existing braking system without any modifications to the braking system and/or the spreader spring, or using other additional parts. Further, there is a need for a spreader spring that can attach to existing brake components with modification and/or addition of attachment points, connections, or both. It would be attractive to have a spreader spring that forms a removable connection with sufficient holding capabilities with one or more components of the brake system so that the spreader spring does not fall out during normal operation but can be added to the system during a brake pad change.


A skill-based redemption gaming machine in which a plurality of game symbols are arranged on a plurality of slot machine-type reels is configured to ensure that player awards comply with statutory guidelines. A player deposits consideration into the gaming machine and receives a corresponding number of plays and points, representing the number of available game plays and wager amounts, respectively. The player places a wager up to the number of available points which, upon commencement of play, are deducted from the total points value. Upon commencing play, the player is provided free replays or the opportunity to nudge one or more electronically displayed reels in an effort to obtain a certain alignment of game symbols. If such alignment is obtained, the player is presented with points and awards pursuant to a paytable, said rewards being redeemable for non-cash prizes.

Under federal law, gambling in the United States is regulated by the individual states, which have the primary responsibility for determining what forms of gaming activities may legally take place within their borders. Each state allowing legalized gambling has enacted its own laws specifying what type of gambling is permissible, where it may be conducted and who may participate. Approximately one-third of the states allow commercial casinos featuring games such as blackjack, slots and roulette. Others have passed legislation permitting alternate gambling operations like card rooms, pari-mutuel wagering and charitable gaming.
Certain states not wishing to authorize such gambling concerns may permit the operation of so-called "redemption games". Redemption games typically require some level of skill and reward a player proportionally to his or her score. Generally, players accumulate credits that can be exchanged for limited-value, non-cash merchandise such as small toys, candy or food items.
One well known skill-based redemption game is a spinning reel game incorporating a "nudge" feature. In such a device, an electronic gaming machine has a video display showing a plurality of slot machine-type reels, each having a plurality of symbols. The player sees three symbols on each reel: the payline position (i.e., the center row of the reels) and the symbol immediately above and immediately below the payline position.
After depositing coins, bills or tickets into the machine, the player commences play, causing the reels to spin independent of one another. If the combination of symbols along the payline matches one of a predetermined set of winning combinations, the player is awarded a prize. The winning combinations are presented to the player on the display, usually next to the leftmost or rightmost reel. If, however, a winning combination is not achieved after the initial spin, the player is given the opportunity to "nudge" one or more of the reels (i.e., causing it to rotate up or down) in an attempt to achieve a winning combination.
This type of nudge game involves skill because the player might fail to nudge a reel in the proper direction to obtain an available winning combination. Alternatively, the player may nudge a winning combination off the payline. Certain nudge redemption games of this type do not allow a winning combination of reels symbols to appear along the payline after the initial spin. This ensures that the player can only win an award through the use of skill and not through pure chance.
Because redemption games are not intended to be a substitute for traditional gambling devices, strict limitations on the value of the awards they pay are typically put in place. For example, the statute of one jurisdiction authorizing the use of redemption games limits awards to $5 per "single play". The challenge then becomes tracking the number of single plays occurring on the redemption games to ensure that the statutory limitation on award payouts has not been exceeded.
Accordingly, there is a need for a redemption gaming machine that accurately tracks the number of plays occurring to ensure that the limit on prize awards has not been exceeded.


A method and apparatus of forming a root bead in a gap between spaced ends of at least one workpiece. The gap includes an open root. A metal cored electrode having a metal sheath and core materials is used to for the root bead in the open root. The core materials include little or no flux agents. The metal cored electrode is advanced at a given wire feed rate toward the open root to weld the ends together by at least partially filling the open root in a first weld pass. A welding current having a controlled waveform is used. The waveform includes a succession of welding cycles each having a short circuit portion and a metal the metal cored electrode and to cause the metal cored electrode to melt and transfer to the ends in the open root to form a root bead. The formed root bead has little or no slag on the upper surface of the root bead. A shielding gas is used to at least partially protect the molten metal in the open root from the atmosphere.

Many fabricators of welded metal products use the open root butt joint as a means to join two pieces of metal together. Fabricators are often forced to weld joints from one side when access to both sides is undesirable or at times even impossible. Furthermore, open root joints are generally employed when the use of joint backer materials is not possible.
Within the butt weld, the first pass, or root pass is often the most difficult to make and yet is also the most critical weld of the joint because the weld bead produced by this first pass serves as the bead face on the back side of the weld. The root pass is considered difficult because it has the least access, being the furthest back at the bottom of the joint. Also, it is made upon an open root, without any support from a metal backing from the parent metal or previous weld. The only support of the weld comes from the thin beveled ends on either side of the joint. An open root weld is considered the most critical because the repair of defects can generally not be made from the back side of the weld. In many implementations of welded structures, if even small defects exist in the root bead, premature failure of the weld may result.
Numerous fabricators successfully weld open root butt joints from one side. Applications include pipe welding in the field and fabrication shop, welding structural shapes and plates where access to the back side is not possible. As expected, the root pass of the open root weld must be welded at somewhat slower procedures than other subsequent passes. This ensures the proper workmanship is maintained and the desired weld quality is obtained. Many of these welds are made out of positions requiring even slower procedures to obtain the desired results. Often a production bottleneck occurs around the completion of this root pass of open root welds.
Accordingly, there is a need for an electrode and welding method that produces a high quality root bead of a single sided butt joint, in a relatively simple and time effective manner.

Metal cored electrode for open root pass welding


A video signal processor and a video signal processing method which can prevent the length of one period of a clock from being shortened and can output a video signal that is in phase with a reference signal. When a video data signal that has been processed using a first clock signal is processed using a second clock signal, this video signal processor does not utilize as the second clock signal, a clock signal that is in phase with a reference signal but a clock signal that is employed in a later stage signal processor, and interpolates the video data signal by an interpolation circuit so as to make the signal in phase with the reference signal.

In recent years, with increase of functions of television receivers and enhancement of the image quality, a digital video signal processing technology has been more and more utilized, and accordingly greater importance has been put on video signal processors that can make video signals to be synchronized with various clock signals.
Hereinafter, a conventional video signal processor will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a conventional video signal processor.
In FIG. 8, a video data signal S100 including video data is inputted to this video signal processor through a video signal input terminal 100. A first clock signal S101 is inputted through a clock input terminal 101. A second clock signal S102 is inputted through a clock input terminal 102. A reference signal S103 indicating a start position of screen display, such as a horizontal sync signal, is inputted through a reference signal input terminal 103.
In FIG. 8, delay elements 104 to 107 can vary respective delay values. When control of the delay values (which will be described later) is completed, the delay element 104 phase shifts the second clock signal S102 by ¼ clock (i.e., one-fourth of the period of the clock), and the delay elements 105, 106, and 107 each phase shift a delayed clock from the immediately preceding delay element by ¼ clock. A selector 108a selects a delayed clock that is the most synchronized with the reference signal S103 from among the delayed clocks S104 to S107 which have been delayed by the respective delay elements 104 to 107, and outputs the selected clock as a second clock signal S108a. A phase comparator 112 compares phases between a clock that is obtained by delaying a focus clock in the second clock signal S102 by one clock using the delay elements 104 to 107, and a clock that is one clock later than the focus clock. A control circuit 113 outputs a control signal S113 for controlling the respective delay values of the delay elements 104 to 107 on the basis of a phase difference output S112 from the phase comparator 112.
In FIG. 8, a memory 110a utilizes the first clock signal S101 for writing a video data signal S100 and the second clock signal S108a for reading an output video data signal S110a. The output video data signal S110a is outputted through a video signal output terminal 114, and the second clock signal S108a is outputted through a clock output terminal 115.
The operation of the conventional video signal processor that is constructed as described above will be described.
When the video data signal S100 including video data is inputted through the video signal input terminal 100 and the first clock signal S101 is inputted through the clock input terminal 101, the video data are stored in the memory 110a in accordance with the first clock signal S101.
The second clock signal S102 inputted through the clock input terminal 102 is delayed successively by ¼ clock, by the delay elements 104 to 107, respectively.
The delayed clock S107 is inputted from the delay element 107 to the phase comparator 112 as a comparison signal, and a clock that is one clock later than the clock inputted through the clock input terminal 102 is inputted to the phase comparator 112 as a signal to be compared with the comparison signal (hereinafter, referred to as a to-be-compared signal). The phase comparator 112 compares the phases between the comparison signal and the to-be-compared signal, thereby detecting a phase difference, and outputs a phase difference output S112 to the control circuit 113. The control circuit 113 outputs a control signal S113 for controlling the respective delay values of the delay elements 104 to 107 on the basis of the phase difference output S112.
When this operation for controlling the respective delay values of the delay elements 104 to 107 on the basis of the phase difference between the delayed clock S107 that is obtained by delaying the second clock signal S102 by one clock and the clock that is one clock later than the second clock signal S102 is repeatedly performed until the phase comparator 112 detects no phase difference, the delay values of the delay elements 104 to 107 become approximately the same. At this time, the respective delay elements 104 to 107 output the delayed clocks S104 to S107 which are obtained by delaying the second clock signal S102 successively by ¼ clock.
These delayed clocks S104 to S107 which are phase shifted with each other by ¼ clock are inputted to the selector 108a, respectively. The selector 108a selects one of the delayed clocks S104 to S107, which is the most synchronized with the reference signal S103 inputted through the reference signal input terminal 103, and supplies the selected delayed clock to the memory 110a as a second clock signal S108a as well as outputs the same through the clock output terminal 115.
On the other hand, the video data written in the memory 110a are read as an output video data signal S110a in accordance with the second clock signal S108a, and outputted through the video signal output terminal 114. At this time, the clock for the output video data signal S110a is switched from the first clock signal S101 to the second clock signal S108a that is in phase with the reference signal S103. (See Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2002-290218, pp. 7-10, FIGS. 1, 2)
However, since the conventional video signal processor changes the clock so as to be in phase with the reference signal, the length of one period of the clock varies at the changing. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the clock is switched from clock CK2 to clock CK1, the period of the clock is shortened at the changing. When one period of the clock becomes a length that is not within a specified range or when the period of the clock is shortened, an arithmetic error may occur in the video signal processor, or an arithmetic unit that is connected at a later stage of the video signal processor and utilizes the second clock signal S108a outputted from the clock output terminal 115, resulting in disturbances in a displayed picture or malfunction of the apparatus.

Video signal processor and video signal processing method which interpolate a video signal using an interpolation factor based on phase information of a selected clock

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A method for constructing an abradable coating comprises: a slurry layer formation step S2 in which a slurry layer 31 is formed on the surface of a base material 30 using a slurry containing ceramic particles and a solvent; a calcination step S3 in which the slurry layer 31 formed on the surface of the base material 30 is sintered and a sintered layer 35 to be a portion of an abradable coating layer 22 is formed; and a slurry removal step S5 in which extraneous slurry is removed after the abradable coating layer 22 has been formed on the surface of the base material 30, a plurality of the sintered layers 35 having been laminated in the abradable coating layer 22 through a plurality of repeated cycles of the slurry layer formation step S2 and the calcination step S3.

In the related art, a coating which includes a bond coat to be formed on a surface of a base material and a ceramic layer to be formed on the bond coat, has been known as a coating to be formed on the base material (for example, refer to PTL 1). The ceramic layer is formed in a predetermined pattern by plasma spraying that is performed on the base material while a mask is used.

Method for constructing abradable coating, and shroud

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AERO ENGINES, LTD.


A medical instrument for treating and/or diagnosing anorectal disorders which comprises a slender member that is sized and shaped for being placed in the anal canal of a patient, along at least a portion of the anal sphincter, so that an outer surface of the slender member is in contact with inner walls of the anal canal.

Present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment and/or diagnosis of anorectal disorders, and more particularly to device and method of treating and/or diagnosing of anorectal disorders by using a medical instrument which is inserted into the anal canal by an applicator.
The anal sphincter includes internal and external portions. The internal anal sphincter is a ring of smooth muscle which surrounds the lower extremity of the rectum and is formed by an aggregation of the involuntary smooth muscle fibers. The internal anal sphincter is under a state of chronic contraction, due both to intrinsic myogenic properties and external innervation. The external anal sphincter is a thin flat plane of striated muscle fibers, under voluntary control, adherent to the integument surrounding the margin of the anus.
Anorectal disorders include anal sphincter spasm, anal fissures, abscesses, fistulae, ulcers, irritation and itching (pruritus ani), hemorrhoids, incontinence, constipation, inflammation, infection, and cancer. Anal sphincter spasm is a condition in which the muscles of the internal anal sphincter are under abnormal tension. This may be caused, for example, by local inflammation. The strong contractions of the internal anal sphincter associated with sphincter spasm often give rise to mucosal ischaemia, resulting in anal fissures, which are painful linear ulcers or crack-like tears in the distal anal canal, which, in the short-term, usually involves only the epithelium and, in the long-term, involves the full thickness of the anal mucosa. Because of the pain of a fissure, the internal anal sphincter may go into spasm, raising pressure within the anus.
Anorectal disorders which involve ulcer or crack in the folds of the anal margin, for example anal fissures, may not be promptly heal because of the high internal anal sphincter spasm and reduction in vascular perfusion at the site. Acute anal fissures which do not heal over time become chronic anal fissures or anal ulcers. Current treatments of chronic anal fissures are directed at relieving sphincter spasm and include dilatation (under anesthesia), or cutting the sphincter (lateral internal sphincterotomy) to reduce the hypertonicity of the internal anal sphincter muscle.
Some devices have been developed for treating anorectal disorders, for example Int. Patent Application No. PCTIIL2006/001446, filed on Dec. 14, 2006, describes a rectally insertable device for localized drug delivery to the anal sphincter of a subject. The device comprises a shell for containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient, the shell being substantially impermeable to the active pharmaceutical ingredient wherein a lower portion of the shell is configured to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient from the shell and wherein when the device is inserted into the rectum of the subject, the lower portion of the shell is proximal to the anal sphincter, such that the active pharmaceutical ingredient is released proximal to the anal sphincter.
Another example is described in International Patent Publication Number WO 2007/094004, which describes a device for prolonged delivery of an active agent to a body cavity. The device is insertable into the cavity of a subject in need. The device includes a non-absorbable, flexible tube of an elongated shape, a removable core element situation within the tube, and a retention mechanism for maintaining the device within the cavity.

Medical instruments of treating and/or diagnosing of anorectal disorders, and devices and methods for insertion of such


A hand accessory contoured to fit primarily within the trailing hand of a pair of hands that are usable to swing a handle of an implement such as a baseball bat. Hand accessories extend between the web portion of the hand and the little finger of the hand. The hand accessory is contoured to be comfortable within the hand and to maximize speed and control of the swing to impart increased power with increased control of flight to a baseball which is struck with the baseball bat that is swung utilizing the hand accessory of this invention.

1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of this invention generally relates to hand accessories useful for improving power transmission and improving control of swinging movement between the hands of a human and the handle of an implement such as a baseball bat, thereby transmitting a greater amount of power and control of flight to a baseball that is struck with the baseball bat.
2) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The subject matter of the present invention is an improvement over the structure defined within U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,454, issued Dec. 3, 1991, and U.S. pending patent application 07/783,176 filed Oct. 28, 1991, both carrying the title Hand Accessory and both invented by the present inventor.
The concept of the present invention is going to be discussed in terms of swinging of a baseball bat. However, it is to be considered to be within the scope of this invention that this invention could be applied in conjunction with any implement for swinging that implement as required.
When swinging a baseball bat, there is a certain amount of pivoting of the bat relative to each hand of the user. The user places both hands on the baseball bat with the hand located nearest the butt of the baseball bat being defined as the leading hand, and the hand located above the leading hand (nearer the striking area of the bat) being defined as the trailing hand. The center of the pivoting action is near the middle of the palm of each hand. The portion of the bat extending from the middle of the palm upward toward the contact area of the bat will move away from the body of the user during the swinging motion with the portion of the bat extending from the middle of the palm downward toward the butt of the bat moving towards the body of the user. This movement occurs at the start of the swing just after the bat leaves the "cocked" position. As the hands attempt to propel the bat forward, not only does the palm and web area of the hand push outward, but the hands tighten their grip with the fingers pulling inward (towards the user) and downward (toward the ground). At this time, there is a strain on the ring and little fingers of the hands in attempting to bring about this rotation of the bat as the inertial force of the bat is moving against those fingers.
When gripping and swinging a baseball bat, there is a space between the handle and the base of the thumb and the forefinger which is filled with a loose compressible web of skin. This area of the hand is a low-density space which contains no bone or muscle. When the user's hand moves forward as the user swings the baseball bat prior to impact, the baseball bat handle inertially moves momentarily from the fingers back into this web of skin. At this time, the user loses power and control in the swinging movement. Just immediately prior to impact or even just after impact, the baseball bat will return into the fingers as it catches up to the forward motion of the hand. However, power and control have been lost. At the force of impact, if the ball does not strike the optimal point (or "meat") of the bat, the bat will again recoil slightly into the web compressing such, this compressing of the web absorbs and dissipates energy otherwise transmissible to the ball thus causing a weaker strike of the ball.
There is a need for a device to improve control and force transmission between the hand and the handle of the bat. The device should also reduce strain on the fingers. The present inventor has obtained a U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,454 and has a U.S. patent pending 07/783,176, previously mentioned, both of which are directed toward the elimination of the above-described weakness of the human hands when gripping to swing a thin-handled instrument such as a baseball bat. Success was achieved in the aforementioned patent and patent pending for the lead hand (left for right-hand hitter and right for left-hand hitter) in the swinging motion. However, the present inventor encountered difficulty in obtaining the maximum efficiency within the trailing hand (right hand for a right-hand hitter and left hand for a left-hand hitter).
The devices described in the aforementioned patent and patent pending did not achieve the amount of comfort, control or bat speed desired by the inventor. It should be noted that it has been found when a certain change results in an increase in bat speed it usually also increases comfort and control, and vice versa, so when describing a feature which, for example, improves comfort, it should be understood that reference is being made only to the most noticeable benefit and that the other benefits of speed and control are probably also improved by the same feature.
It was found that the elimination of the discomfort to the hand, including the fingers, could not be accomplished by merely rounding or reducing the amount of material in the affected areas of the hand accessory device. Every section of the hand accessory device had to be angled correctly in order to bring about perfect distribution of force throughout the strong and weak areas of the hands. If one section of the device was wrong, it might cause the correct sections of the device to also be wrong. Thus, the intent of the present application is to redefine the prior art devices shown and described within the aforementioned U.S. patent and U.S. patent pending to improve the performance of these prior art devices.

Hand accessory for swinging an implement handle


A system providing selective spin modification and reaction in an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is coupled to a magnet that provides a level-splitting magnetic field in a region of electrolyte adjacent to a working electrode, thus establishing a spin resonance for an unpaired electron associated with a chemical species in the region of electrolyte adjacent to the working electrode. The working electrode carries an excitation current produced by a switching source or amplifier. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the working electrode that alters the spin state population density for the unpaired electron associated with a chemical species within the electrolyte, thereby enhancing or inhibiting the reaction of the chemical species during subsequent electrolysis.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to chemical reactions. In particular, the invention relates to the application of dynamic spin chemistry to electrolytic processes.
2. Description of Related Art
Since its discovery in 1944, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) or Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), has been used to study chemical species having at least one unpaired electron. The combination of an applied DC magnetic field and electromagnetic radiation provides a resonant transition between two energy levels that allows for characterization of free radicals and their reactions.
In 1976-77 the Magnetic Isotope Effect (MIE) was discovered by Anatoly L. Buchachenko and others during investigation of the photolysis of dibenzyl ketone and benzoyl peroxide. In these particular cases the MIE was due to a difference in spin evolution between radical pairs, depending upon whether the radical contained 13C or 12C. Nicholas J. Turro subsequently determined that the behavior of radical pairs could be modified by the use of micelles, thus enhancing the MIE.
Further research led by Buchachenko resulted in the discovery of the MIE for uranium in 1989. It has been shown that uranyl photoreduction by phenols is a spin-selective reaction. A uranium MIE has been determined in two uranyl photosensitized reactions: the oxidation of phenols and the decomposition of oxalic acid. Buchachenko and Khudyakov estimated a single stage separation factor of A=1.02 for the MIE, which exceeds their estimate of 1.006 for the classical mass isotope effect (CIE).
Buchachenko was involved in both the theoretical development (1981) of the Microwave Induced Magnetic Isotope Effect and its demonstration by the enhancement of MIE in dibenzyl ketone through microwave pumping in 1991. Microwave pumping has typically involved irradiation of a physically confined volume of solution. Since its discovery, application of the MIE has been focused on the use of micelles or other confinement techniques for radical pairs, and on the use of microwave radiation as a pumping source.
In 2001 Buchachenko wrote "Besides the many factors controlling nuclear spin selectivity, there are two outstanding and highly promising but not yet properly exploited, microwave induced MIE and dimensionality." Significantly, although the MIE for uranium and other elements has been established, an efficient approach to enhancement by microwave pumping has not been developed. Thus, there is a need for a system and method for providing efficient microwave pumping of unpaired electrons involved in chemical reactions. There is also a need for a localization of pumping so that reaction products may be stabilized and yields increased.

System and method for isotope selective chemical reactions


The invention pertains to a decorative cardboard hollow shell to be filled with gifts such as Easter eggs, hearts, gift boxes, imitation fruit and the like, decorated outside and/or inside with pictorial elements and consisting of two half-shells with cuved surfaces. The half-shells have circumferential edges to which a non-pre-formed coatings are applied to form rim coatings that produces an inside and outside edge strip covering all rough transitions and cut edges of each cardboard hollow shell half, this rim coating forming a clean and decorative surface.

The invention relates to a decorative cardboard hollow shell which is to be filled with gifts such as Easter eggs, hearts, gift boxes, imitation fruits and the like, and which is decorated outside and/or inside with pictorial elements. It consists of two half-shells with curved surfaces. Only one shell half may be used for the open presentation of the gifts, in particular, for exhibition purposes.
Such decorative cardboard hollow shells are available in various design. However, they all have one basic form, which is due in part to manufacturing technology. The cardboard hollow shells to be filled consist of two evenly or nearly evenly dimensioned halves, whereby the half serving as the bottom is provided with a cardboard strip (neck) on its inside for holding the upper half (cover) in position. The bottom can also be flattened to provide better support. The cover half may also have decorative elements similar to those provided on the bottom half. The distinctive feature of the decorative cardboard hollow shells is their outer structure. This is achieved by mounting printed motifs to the outside. However, at the circumferential edges the cardboard hollow shell halves do not form clean edges, despite being cut later in the manufacturing process. This edge is therefore covered by a paper border strip which, at the same time, forms part of the decoration. The paper border strip covers both the edge itself and an approximately 1-2 cm wide area inside and outside of the shell adjacent the edge. However, applying the paper border strip requires time-consuming and costly manual labor taking up 30-40% of the total time required for manufacturing the product (depending on the dimensions of the product).
It is the object of the present invention to provide a decorative cardboard hollow shell of the type described, wherein the need for applying a paper border strip at the cut edge of the shell, and thus the costly and time-consuming manual labor, is eliminated without sacrificing the appearance and the various design possibilities for the shell.


A item locator system for locating lost personal articles. The item locator system includes a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space. The first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A microprocessor actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker emits an audible sound, is operationally coupled to the microprocessor and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the microprocessor and are operationally coupled to the microprocessor. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to item locator devices and more particularly pertains to a new item locator system for locating lost personal articles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of item locator devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, item locator devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,673; U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,981; U.S. Des. Pat. No. 408,032; U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,873; U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,105; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,326.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new item locator system. The inventive device includes a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space, the first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A control means actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The control means is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker means for emitting an audible sound is operationally coupled to the control means and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the control means and are operationally coupled to the control means. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.
In these respects, the item locator system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of locating lost personal articles.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of item locator devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new item locator system construction wherein the same can be utilized for locating lost personal articles.
The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new item locator system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the item locator devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new item locator system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art item locator devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space, the first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A control means actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The control means is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker means for emitting an audible sound is operationally coupled to the control means and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the control means and are operationally coupled to the control means. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new item locator system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the item locator devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new item locator system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art item locator devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new item locator system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new item locator system which is of a durable and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new item locator system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such item locator system economically available to the buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new item locator system which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new item locator system for locating lost personal articles.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new item locator system which includes a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space, the first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A control means actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The control means is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker means for emitting an audible sound is operationally coupled to the control means and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the control means and are operationally coupled to the control means. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new item locator system that uses a plurality of second transceivers for positioning on different items and receiving different frequencies.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.


A shock absorber is provided a piston stroke speed dependent linear variation characteristics of damping force. The shock absorber includes variable orifices in tandem fashion for achieving linear variation characteristics of damping force according to variation of the piston stroke. One of the variable orifices is provided with variation characteristics of flow restriction for a greater variation rate of the damping force in a low piston stroke speed range, and the other is provided variation characteristics of flow restriction for a greater variation rate of the damping force in the intermediate and high piston stroke speed range. The variable orifice may be provided in a piston assembly or in the alternative in a bottom fitting in the case of a double-action type shock absorber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a generally to a variable damping characteristics shock absorber, suitable for use in an automotive suspension system.
2. Description of the Background Art
Japanese Utility Model First (unexamined) Publication No. 61-164836 discloses a variable damping characteristics shock absorber of the type for which the present invention is directed. In the disclosed construction, an orifice is formed through a piston for generating a damping force in response to a piston stroke according to relative displacement of a vehicular body and a suspension member which rotatably supports a road wheel. An end of the flow restriction orifice is closed by a disc valve which opens and closes the end of the orifice. A fluid passage is formed through a piston rod in a parallel relationship with the flow restriction orifice. A flow control means is associated with the fluid passage for adjusting a fluid flow path in the fluid passage for adjusting damping characteristics.
In the shown construction, higher or harder suspension characteristics or a greater damping force may be generated by greater magnitude of flow restriction provided by the flow control means. By a greater magnitude flow restriction, a smaller amount of working fluid flows through the fluid passage for generating a greater fluid pressure difference at both sides of the piston and thus generating a greater damping force. On the other hand, lower or softer damping characteristics are obtained by a smaller magnitude of flow restriction for allowing a greater amount of working fluid to flow through the fluid passage. A greater amount of fluid flow through the fluid passage may reduce a fluid pressure difference at both sides of the piston for generating a smaller magnitude of the damping force.
In such construction of shock absorbers, it has been observed that, at a relatively low piston stroke speed range, the flow control means of the fluid passage is principally effective for generating a damping force. On the other hand, at a relatively high piston stroke range, the orifice is principally effective for generating a damping force. Since the orifice and flow control means have different variation characteristics of magnitude of fluid flow restriction, a smooth variation of damping characteristics is not available through relatively wide piston stroke speed range.
Furthermore, neither of the orifice nor flow control means may provide linear characteristics in varying the damping characteristics, the prior proposed shock absorber is still not satisfactory in view of an achievement of both vehicular driving stability and riding comfort at any vehicular driving condition.

Variable damping-characteristics shock absorber with adjustable orifice construction variable of fluid flow restriction depending upon fluid pressure difference


The present invention discloses a navigation system for communicating narrative information to a traveler moving through a geographic region. The present invention more specifically discloses a navigation system comprising: a position determining device; a means for associating each of a plurality of narrations with each of a plurality of locations within the geographic region, wherein each of the plurality of narrations relate to each of a plurality of points of interest within the geographic region; a means for associating each of a plurality of alerts with each of the plurality of locations within the geographic region; a means for communicating alerts to the traveler as the traveler freely moves throughout the geographic region, wherein the alerts are communicated when the traveler moves within a specified proximity to the locations associated with the alerts, and wherein the alerts provide the traveler with a means for receiving information with respect to the general nature of the point of interest associated with the location; and a means for providing the traveler with the narration associated with the point of interest associated with the location.

Electronic navigation devices employing GPS (global positioning system) receivers have become increasingly popular in recent years and the number of people using such devices is rapidly expanding. The utilization of GPS receiver devices in business and commercial applications continues to expand as does their use in recreational applications, such as pleasure trips. GPS units permit a user of the system to determine his or her position with respect to coordinates on the earth, such as longitude and latitude. Such navigation devices are extremely useful in assisting with the navigation vehicles of all types, including aircraft, marine craft, and land vehicles. Additionally, the devices are useful for tracking purposes, and hand held versions are popular with hikers and campers. Very generally, conventional electronic navigation devices employ a receiver that detects signals from a number of satellites orbiting the earth. The processor within the navigation device computes the location of the device, based upon data received from the received satellite signals, after a sufficient number of GPS satellite signals have been acquired. Particularly, once a sufficient number of GPS satellite signals are acquired, the device is able to calculate its position with respect to the various satellites, including longitude, latitude, and altitude. Thus, an electronic navigation device employing a GPS receiver has the ability to accurately compute the position of the device in real time, even as the device moves. Additionally, the device is able to calculate the velocity and direction in which the device is moving in three dimensions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,164 discloses a satellite radio wave capturing method for global positioning system receiver. U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,842 reveals a vehicle tracking system employing global position satellites. The teachings of both of these patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety with respect to the operation of GPS units.
Users of navigation equipment seek intuitive representations of navigation information which are direct and simple to interpret. The ability of a navigation device to present navigation information in a manner that is simple to interpret is particularly important to individuals who may be preoccupied with other concerns, such as navigating a land vehicle, boat or aircraft. Recreational users, such as tourists and sightseers, normally prefer to enjoy their surroundings rather than to spend significant time interpreting displayed navigation data.
Conventional navigational devices have electronic maps stored in memory. Particularly, data indicative of geography and thoroughfares are stored in memory. When such conventional navigation devices are used in combination with a vehicle such as an automobile, the navigation device calculates its location and provides an icon on the display screen, relative to the displayed electronic map, to indicate to the operator of the vehicle the position and movement of the vehicle relative to surrounding geography. Typically, the electronic maps are displayed two dimensionally, although the electronic map data may also be transformed to a perspective view.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,956 discloses an electronic navigation device and method for selectively displaying the names of thoroughfares on the display of a navigation device. The device includes a housing for a processor and a keypad input unit, a memory, a display having a display screen, and an antenna, all of which are connected to the processor. The navigation device is operable to acquire satellite signals from global positioning satellites and compute a geographic location of the device in a conventional manner. The navigation device and method of U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,956 is preferably incorporated in a unit to be mounted in a land vehicle, such as an automobile or truck. Cartographic data, including names of various geographical locations and, particularly, the names of thoroughfares, is stored in memory. In operation, the electronic navigation device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,956 is mounted in a land vehicle. As the vehicle is navigated along a thoroughfare, the navigation device calculates its position, direction of travel, and velocity. Electronic map data corresponding to the geographic area surrounding the vehicle is displayed on the display of the navigation device. Utilizing the electronic map data and the current position of the navigation device, the processor determines which thoroughfare is being navigated in a conventional manner.
Current vehicle navigation systems may include a variety of position determining devices, such as GPS receivers, accelerometers, gyros, speedometers, compasses, and the like in order to determine the position of the vehicle relative to a database of roads. As is well-known, a user selects a destination in the database of roads and the navigation system guides the user along the roads to the destination. The known navigation systems permit the user to select a destination by category, such as a city, an exit on an expressway, or a street address. A user can also conventionally select from a wide variety of "points of interest" including restaurants, shopping, attractions, lodging, airports, or hospitals. In many cases, subcategories are also provided. For instance, under the general category of "restaurants" the device can provide specific listings for American, Asian, Barbecue, Chinese, Deli/Bakery, International, Fast Food, Italian, Mexican, Pizza, Seafood, Steak, Bagel/Donut, French, German, and the like. For example, the user can select the category of "restaurants" at which point restaurants in a selected area or the closest restaurants will be displayed. Upon selection of the desired restaurant, the navigation system will guide the user via the roads in the database to the destination. Some current navigation systems guide the user to the destination via turn-by-turn instructions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,167 discloses a vehicle navigation system with location-based multimedia annotations (text, graphics and/or audio) in several different ways. In the system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,167, "ads" comprising location-based multimedia annotations are periodically presented. These ads are presented based upon the current location of the vehicle relative to a location with which the ad is associated. In some cases, the ads are displayed at power-up, independent of vehicle location. The user also has the ability to request additional information associated with the ad. The additional information may be stored on the database of the navigation system, read by a removable media reader connected to the navigation system or received via a wireless communication system on the vehicle. This additional information may include text, graphics, audio and/or multimedia presentations which relate to the ad selected by the user.
The navigation system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,167 further provides a removable media reader which reads information from a removable media and provides that information to the navigation system, which operates based upon that information. For example, the removable media may include pre-stored routes, destinations, and additional location-based multimedia annotations. The navigation system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,167 also provides a wireless communication system which provides the ads and the additional information to the navigation system and its user. The ads may be utilized to help defray the cost of the navigation system to the purchaser or user. The removable media may also include audio data, such as audible turn instructions in a language other than that previously stored on the navigation system. The removable media may also include a code or codes which enable the navigation system or at least some functions of the navigation system. The code may be time specific, such that it only enables the system for a predetermined time period, or it may be geographically specific, such that it enables the navigation system to access additional geographic areas in its database. Alternatively, the code may be entered via the user input device.
Tourists traveling by automobile currently have the option to listen to audio tapes giving a narrative description of points of interest as they travel along certain major highways. However, such tapes are only available for certain highways and are limited to travel in a particular direction. In practice, the user is typically instructed to manually turn the tape on at certain mile-markers along the highway and to turn it off after that segment of the narration is completed. This can lead to various problems, such as failure to turn the tape off after the narration for that particular portion of the highway has been completed or failure to turn the tape back on at the next specified mile-marker. Additionally, such audio tapes limit the traveler's freedom to deviate from the specific route covered by the tape.
It would be highly desirable for such a narrative system to automatically alert the traveler to points of interest as he freely travels without being bound to a specific tour route along a specific highway or path along various highways. In fact, in some cases it would be highly beneficial for a traveler or sightseer to have the freedom to leave highways and to travel on his or her own desired course. For instance, a tourist could find this to be extremely useful while sightseeing in a point of interest rich environment, such as a national park or major city with many attractions, such as Washington, D.C. or Boston, Mass.
Current audio tape travel information systems do not offer any flexibility with respect to the content of the narrative information provided. It would, however, be desirable to give the traveler the ability to assign preferences with respect to the nature and level of detail given in the narrative description with respect to specific points of interest. For instance, the traveler might have particular interests in certain types of points of interest, such as museums and desire a more detailed description with respect to that particular point of interest, and optionally directions to the point of interest.
With conventional passive systems, a traveler could miss a point of interest that is of a high level of personal interest to him or her simply because it was not on the predetermined tour route or because he or she was not prompted of the fact the point was within close proximity. For instance, the traveler could drive within a few short miles of a point of interest that he or she was extremely interested in without even being aware of that fact or having the option to be guided to it. Occasionally, travelers see things off in the distance of unknown identity, such as a distant mountain, a building, an island, a lake, or a monument, and wish to identify it. Conventional GPS systems do not provide such a feature.

Method of providing narrative information to a traveler