An eyedrop delivery system for the automated dispensing of eyedrop solution from bottles and ampoules. The system includes a battery and electronic control circuitry. A sprocket drive motor directs the advancement of a loop cartridge band containing eyedrop solution ampoules, moving each one at a time into position for dispensing. A motor rotates a cam to strike a push rod to compress each ampoule. The system includes an eyelid retracting leg assembly. The cartridge automatically advances the next full ampoule into position for dispensing and pushes the ampoule tip aside. The system helps assure that: (1) a known number of drops are dispensed; (2) the dispensed eyedrop(s) fall on the eyeball (by providing eyelid retracting legs to keep the eye open); and (3) the eyedrop(s) landing on the surface of the eye are confirmed using a drop dispensing sensor pair and a surface of the eye sensor pair.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of eyedrop dispensing devices. The present invention relates more specifically to devices for facilitating the proper positioning of an eyedrop dispensing device and the automated dispensing of a fixed quantity of sterile eyedrop solution. The present invention also relates more specifically to improvements in an eyedrop delivery system including drop delivery confirmation, variable bottle size accommodation, and improved cushioned orbital lobe contact surfaces.
2. Description of the Related Art
Devices for dispensing eyedrop solutions are known. Generally, a bottle of eyedrop solution includes a drop dispenser that is built into the exit orifice of the container. To dispense the solution, the user squeezes the bottle forcing solution out of the exit orifice and into his or her eye. Many users have trouble with dispensing eyedrops from standard dispensing bottles. The user has a tendency to blink when the drop is about to enter the eye, causing the drop to miss the eye and land on a closed lid or to one side of the eye. Therefore, eyedrop solution is frequently wasted due to the user blinking during the attempted application and the user ends up with eyedrop solution streaming down his or her face. Problems also occur when the user dispenses too much eyedrop solution (too many drops) accidentally. The user may also think that they have dispensed a drop of solution properly when they may not have. Normally, the eye will only hold about 0.6 of a drop. Therefore, some of the drop will typically go onto the eyelid. It is extremely difficult for the user to know whether the proper 60% of the drop actually landed in the eye. In addition, the size of a drop for a given solution may vary significantly in size.
Besides improper usage and subsequent inadequate treatment, waste is another consideration with currently available eyedrop administration. While some eyedrop solutions are sufficiently inexpensive that manufacturers can plan on some waste by the user while designing packaging for the product and fixing a selling price, other eyedrop solutions, being much more expensive, can dramatically increase the cost of eye care if sufficient measures are not taken to reduce the waste normally associated with the administration of eyedrop solutions.
There are, in addition, a number of problems associated with maintaining the sterility of solutions that are dispensed from a large container through a dropper tip that may become contaminated by exposure or contact. All multi dose vials sold in the U.S. contain antiseptic compounds to protect the solution against bacterial and viral contamination. Moreover, organic antiseptics do not kill all bacteria or viruses. These antiseptics are often irritating and may be toxic to the sensitive tissues surrounding and within the eye. For these reasons, individual dosages of sterile eyedrop solutions may be preferable to a simple container holding a quantity of eyedrop solution that may be subject to waste and may also be subject to contamination once the eye drop bottle is opened.
A number of efforts have attempted to resolve the contamination problem. Thomas Keen, in his U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,096, discloses a dispenser with an eyelid opening device. The user is required to place a pair of lid spreading legs on the edge of the eyelids dangerously close to the eye and then press a lever arm to keep the eyelids apart. It is nearly impossible to exert enough pressure on the edge of the eyelid to keep the eye open without injuring the eye. Thomas Sherman, in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,945, discloses an attachment for a bottle that includes a ring intended to help align the bottle with the eye. However, no attempt is made to hold the eyelids open. Gary Campagna, in his U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,590, shows a tripod like device for aligning the solution bottle over the user's eye. No attempt is made to hold the lid open. James Davidian, in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,970, shows a device for dispensing eye drops. He proposes a dispensing arm, one side of which includes an indentation that receives the user's nose, the other side of which accepts a dispensing bottle. The bottle includes a pair of arms which, when squeezed, impinge on the side walls of the bottle forcing solution out of the bottle and into the user's eye. No attempt is made to hold the user's eyelid open. U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,916 issued to Julia Clifford et al. shows a dispenser that attempts to control the amount of drops that exit a solution holding bottle. The bottle has retractable apertures that capture and release a drop of solution. The devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,062 (Walsh); U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,978 (Hagele); U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,488 (Deas); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,727 (Cope) as well as U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,292 (Feldman), all attempt to position an eyedrop bottle in a correct location above a person's eye, but none include a means to help hold the user's eye lids spread apart in an open position. U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,916 (McKee) discloses an eyelid retractor that is used during ocular surgery or the like. It is not designed to be used with the dispensing of eyedrop solution.
None of the above cited devices safely holds the user's eyelids open while dispensing eyedrops from a standard eyedrop bottle. Additionally, none of the above mentioned patents describe a device that allows the user to dispense a portioned amount of eyedrop solution in an automatic and repeatable fashion. None of the above cited inventions dispenses a precise amount of eyedrop solution and simultaneously holds the user's eyelids open while doing so.
There has been little, if any, effort in the prior art to provide an efficient means for dispensing single dosages of sterile eyedrop solution accurately and completely into the user's eye. What systems that have been developed are generally expensive and involve a one-time use, where the complex device must be disposed of after the individual dosage has been dispensed. None of the above references provide an automated mechanism for dispensing a series of individual measured doses of eyedrop solution under sterile or near sterile conditions into the user's eye accurately and completely along with direct confirmation of the appropriate dispensing action.
Various efforts have been made to provide confirmation of eyedrop delivery to the eye. In the simplest form the user holds a bottle over the open eye, squeezes the bottle, and hopes that a drop finds its way onto the eyeball. Recent improvements to eyedrop delivery are provided by the system disclosed by the same Applicant of the present invention in the various Related Applications cross referenced above.
The Automated Incremental Eyedrop Delivery System with Eyelid Retracting Legs of the referenced disclosures provide elements to assist with keeping the eye open, electromechanical drive system for automated activation of the delivery system, and are designed to utilize existing eyedrop bottles that may vary slightly in size. The present disclosure also provides a number of improvements that help to assure not only that a single drop or a known number of drops are dispensed from the bottle and that the eye remains open, but also that the eyedrop(s) landing on the eye can be confirmed.

Bandolier cartridge sterile eyedrop delivery system with eyelid retracting legs and eyedrop delivery confirmation


The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device that includes a housing assembly including a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals. A miswire detection circuit is coupled to at least one of the plurality of line terminals, the miswire detection circuit being configured to generate a miswire detection signal when AC power is coupled to the plurality of load terminals. The miswire detection circuit includes a circuit element configured to open circuit after a predetermined period of time elapses when AC power is coupled to the hot line terminal and neutral line terminal. A fault detection circuit is coupled to at least one of the plurality of line terminals and configured to generate a fault detection signal in response to detecting at least one fault condition and/or the miswire detection signal. An interrupting contact assembly is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The interrupting contact assembly includes interrupting contacts that provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in a reset condition. The interrupting contact assembly also is configured to open the interrupting contacts in a tripped condition, in response to the fault detection signal and/or the miswire detection signal. A surge protection circuit is coupled to the miswire detection circuit. The surge protection circuit is configured to prevent a current from traversing the open circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electrical wiring devices, and particularly to devices that have miswiring protection.
2. Technical Background
Electrical distribution systems that provide power to a house, building or some other facility include one or more breaker panels coupled to a source of AC power. Of course, the breaker panel distributes AC power to one or more branch electric circuits installed in the structure. The electric circuits may typically include one or more receptacle outlets and may further transmit AC power to one or more electrically powered devices, commonly referred to in the art as load circuits. The receptacle outlets provide power to user-accessible loads that include a power cord and plug, the plug being insertable into the receptacle outlet. However, certain types of faults have been known to occur in electrical wiring systems. Accordingly, each electric circuit typically employs one or more electric circuit protection devices.
Both receptacle wiring devices and electric circuit protective wiring devices are disposed in an electrically non-conductive housing. The housing includes electrical terminals that are electrically insulated from each other. Line terminals couple the wiring device to wiring that provides AC electrical power from the breaker panel. Load terminals are coupled to wiring that directs AC power to one or more electrical loads. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will understand that the term "load" refers to an appliance, a switch, or some other electrically powered device. Load terminals may also be referred to as "feed-through" terminals because the wires connected to these terminals may be coupled to a daisy-chained configuration of receptacles or switches. The load may ultimately be connected at the far end of this arrangement. Referring back to the device housing, the load terminals may be connected to an electrically conductive path that is also connected to a set of receptacle contacts. The receptacle contacts are in communication with receptacle openings disposed on the face of the housing. This arrangement allows a user to insert an appliance plug into the receptacle opening to thereby energize the device.
As noted above, there are several types of electric circuit protection devices. For example, such devices include ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), ground-fault equipment protectors (GFEPs), and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). This list includes representative examples and is not meant to be exhaustive. Some devices include both GFCIs and AFCIs. As their names suggest, arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), ground-fault equipment protectors (GFEPs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) perform different functions. An arc fault typically manifests itself as a high frequency current signal. Accordingly, an AFCI may be configured to detect various high frequency signals and de-energize the electrical circuit in response thereto. A ground fault occurs when a current carrying (hot) conductor creates an unintended current path to ground. A differential current is created between the hot/neutral conductors because some of the current flowing in the circuit is diverted into the unintended current path. The unintended current path represents an electrical shock hazard. Ground faults, as well as arc faults, may also result in fire.
A "grounded neutral" is another type of ground fault. This type of fault may occur when the load neutral terminal, or a conductor connected to the load neutral terminal, becomes grounded. While this condition does not represent an immediate shock hazard, it may lead to serious hazard. As noted above, a GFCI will trip under normal conditions when the differential current is greater than or equal to approximately 6 mA. However, when the load neutral conductor is grounded the GFCI becomes de-sensitized because some of the return path current is diverted to ground. When this happens, it may take up to 30 mA of differential current before the GFCI trips. Therefore, if a double-fault condition occurs, i.e., if the user comes into contact with a hot conductor (the first fault) when simultaneously contacting a neutral conductor that has been grounded on the load side (the second fault), the user may experience serious injury or death.
One problem that is associated with protective devices relates to the protective device being miswired in the field by an installer. In particular, the installer connects the line terminals to the load side of the electric circuit, and connects the load terminals to the AC power source. Miswiring may result in the protective device not protecting the user from the fault conditions described above. Labels and installation instruction sheets have been used to prevent miswiring. However, instructive material may be ignored by an installer.
Another problem is that protective device, like all electrical devices, have a limited life expectancy. When the device has reached end of life, the user may not be protected from the fault condition. End of life failure modes include failure of device circuitry, the relay solenoid that opens the GFCI interrupting contacts, and/or the solenoid driving device, such as a silicon controlled rectifier. An end of life failure mode can result in the protective device not protecting the user from the faults referred to above. Test buttons have been incorporated into protective devices to provide the user with a means for testing the effectiveness of the device. One drawback to this approach lies in the fact that if the user fails to use the test button, the user will not know if the device is functional. Even if the test is performed, the test results may be ignored by the user for various reasons.
What is needed is a protective device configured to reliably protect the user from a fault condition in the electrical power distribution system. A protective device must be configured to detect, and indicate, that a miswire condition is extant. A protective device is further needed that denies power to the portion of the electrical power distribution system experiencing the fault condition. Further, a protective device is needed that is equipped to decouple the load terminals from the line terminals in the event of an end of life condition.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Protective device with miswire protection


An undergarment for inhibiting unwanted movement of a shirt during wear can include a body, a torso opening, and a waistband. The body can have an interior side and an exterior side. The torso opening can be defined at a top of the body and a pair of leg openings can be defined at a bottom of the body. The waistband can extend along a circumference of the top. The waistband can include an exterior surface at least partially covered with a garment movement-inhibiting material configured to prevent sliding movement of a shirt across the exterior surface. The waistband can also include an interior surface at least partially covered with a garment non-inhibiting material. The waistband can be circumferentially foldable towards the bottom to selectively expose one of the garment movement-inhibiting material and the garment non-inhibiting material.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to an undergarment, and more particularly to an undergarment that selectively retains a shirt that has been tucked into an outer garment.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,236 discloses a clothes securing system. Disclosed is a fabric securing system having a strip of flexible material for securing two pieces of fabric or clothing is disclosed. The system has at least a portion of one of its sides containing an adhesive material. Both sides of the system may contain an adhesive portion. U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,828 discloses an undergarment and waistband therefor. Disclosed is an undergarment having a waistband comprising a base fabric having longitudinal stretch, in combination with a bare elastic thread interwoven longitudinally into the base fabric so as to form loops exposed on at least one face of the fabric, of such length that their thread is slack when the base fabric is stretched, whereby when the garment is being worn, limited up-and-down movement of the loops is permitted and a quality of holding down other garments is created even when the base fabric is stretched.
The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Shirt retaining waistband for undergarment


A silicone composition is provided which comprises at least one polysiloxane or silicone resin, and at least one molecular hook wherein the molecular hook comprises a hexafluorophosphate counterion, a tetrafluoroborate counterion, a triflate counterion, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments of the present invention include a method for substantially increasing the thermal stability of a silicone composition and a method for making the silicone composition.

The present invention relates to compositions for personal care products. More particularly, the present invention relates to silicone compositions which achieve conditioning benefits in hair care products.
Silicones are widely used in hair care products due in part to the conditioning benefits that they impart to hair. In most applications, the silicone is deposited on hair out of a matrix but is often held only by weak physical forces, such as hydrogen bonding or van der Waals interactions. Because the interactive forces are weak, the benefits of silicone by deposition are generally short lived. Another issue with silicone conditioning agents is that conditioning benefits are often attributed to the deposition of high molecular weight, high viscosity fluids and gums that can weigh down the hair. Beneficial conditioning effects can also be caused by treating hair with silanol capped amino-functionalized silicones. These silicones can undergo condensation cure reactions on hair to form somewhat durable films.
It is widely known by those skilled in the art that covalent bonding is one key to "permanent" hair treatment. Processes which alter the structure of the hair, such as permanent wave and color treatment methods, do provide longer lasting effects. These processes include glycolate reduction and peroxide reoxidation. A significant disadvantage of these processes is that they are very damaging to hair and can only be carried out infrequently.
Gough et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,523,080 and 5,525,332 describe the synthesis of silicone-azlactone polymers which exhibit covalent bonding and "permanent" conditioning benefit. Gough et al. discuss incorporating an azlactone-functionalized copolymer which consists of vinylazlactone and methacryloyl polydimethylsiloxane monomers into a silicone-active group-hair structure. The hair treatment using the silicone-azlactone polymers does not consist of the steps of reduction with a glycolate or reoxidation with peroxide.
It is desirable to produce silicone compositions which can be used to treat damaged hair and provide durable benefits. Thus, silicone products are constantly being sought which can both covalently bond to hair as well as impart hair care benefits appreciated by consumers.

Topical silicone compositions and method for making


A service providing system includes input/output devices, a service providing device configured to provide services by driving the input/output devices, and a preparation device, in response to receipt of a provision command for a service, configured to selectively place the input/output devices, for providing the service, which are in a non-standby state, into a standby state. In a multi-function device system including input/output devices, a method of providing a service includes receiving a provision command for a service, and selectively placing the input/output devices for providing the service into a standby state in response to the provision command.

In conventional service providing systems, a server device and an image processor owned by a user cooperate with each other to provide various services, or a user's image processor alone provides various services to the user.
Known services provided to users may be, for example, content, such as news or weather forecast; translation services in which data input to a server device from the user's image processor is subjected to translation processing and the resulting data is provided to the user via the image processor; and image registration in a library in which data, such as image data, input from the user's image processor to a server device is registered in a library and made available.
The image processor may be, for example, a personal computer or a personal digital assistance (PDA) that output content or processing results to a monitor, and a printer, a facsimile machine, or a copier that can perform print output on network.
A known printer disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 62-87378, warms up when a user performs a predetermined operation to use the printer.
In recent years, a digital multi-function device integrating a multiple devices, such as a printer and a scanner, has been developed. The digital multi-function device has many devices contained therein. When a user has not used a service for a predetermined amount of time, a device within the multi-function device that consumes a substantial amount of power is placed into a sleep mode or so-called power-saving mode.
In the conventional digital multi-function device, when a user performs an operation associated with the use of a service, the devices, such as the printer and the scanner, that have been placed in the sleep condition in which the devices cannot be driven, are all put into a standby state where the devices can be driven. Therefore, even when a user does not desire a service that uses, for example, the scanner, the scanner is placed in the standby state. Thus, power is wasted.
A known scanner is placed in the sleep condition by turning off a lamp for irradiating a read object, such as a document, when the read object is read with an image pickup device. In a digital multi-function device including such a scanner, the lamp is turned on even when the scanner does not need to be driven to provide a service desired by a user. Thus, power is wasted.
A known digital multi-function device includes, as a printer, an inkjet printer and a laser beam printer. In a conventional digital multi-function device, both of the inkjet printer and the laser beam printer are placed in the standby state, regardless of the types of services that a user desires. Thus, sources, such as power or ink, are wasted.
For example, an inkjet printer performs a cleaning operation by ejecting ink in the ink tank from nozzles to clean the nozzles before a print output is performed. Thus, dried or solidified ink adhered to the nozzles of an inkjet print head can be removed. In a digital multi-function device that includes such an inkjet printer, the cleaning operation is performed even when the inkjet printer does not need to be driven to provide a service desired by a user. Thus, ink is wasted.
In a known laser beam printer, a fixer for fixing a toner image onto a sheet is turned off to place the laser beam printer in the sleep condition. In a digital multi-function device including such a laser beam printer, the fixer is turned on even when the laser beam printer does not need to be driven to provide a service desired by a user. Thus, power is wasted.
When the switch is made between the scanner and the printer to provide services by the digital multi-function device, the printer is generally driven after the scanner is driven. Conventionally, all the devices in the multi-function device are placed in the standby state at the substantially same time. Therefore, the time when the fixer is turned on becomes longer, leading to wasted power consumption.


A surgical staple, comprising a backspan, a first leg member extending from the backspan, a second leg member extending from the backspan, and at least one substantially continuous channel extending along at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the first leg member and the second leg member.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to surgical fasteners and, more particularly, to surgical staples for use in surgical staplers having anvil pockets for forming the staples.
Background of Related Art
Surgical stapling instruments have become critical to many life saving surgical procedures. Surgical staples are usually mechanically inserted into tissue with surgical stapling instruments such as those known as anastomosis devices, including gastrointestinal anastomosis devices and transverse anastomosis devices.
In such devices, the staples are loaded in one or more elongated or annular rows into a cartridge. A mechanism for pushing, or driving the stapler is actuated to drive the staples through tissue toward a deforming anvil. At the conclusion of the driving operation, the legs of each staple are conventionally clamped or bent by the anvil to a closed configuration.
One type of conventional staple used with both gastrointestinal anastomosis and transverse anastomosis-type surgical stapling devices is made of stainless steel or titanium. The undeformed staple is generally U-shaped and includes a back span and two leg members depending substantially perpendicularly from the back span. The staple penetrates the tissue from one side to engage an anvil spaced apart and located at an opposing side of the tissue. The staple is bent by having the legs engage and follow an anvil to form a substantially B-shaped closed staple. In this closed configuration, tissue is compressed between the legs and backspan of the staple.
Conventional staples, such as staples having a substantially circular cross-section, require approximately the same amount of force to form the staple into its final shape as is required to twist or malform the staple. Such staples are susceptible to malformation during formation. In order to minimize the risk of staple malformation, it would be desirable to have a staple that requires less amount of force to fire or properly form the staple than the force needed to twist or malform the staple.


Method and apparatus for providing an introducer for transcutaneous placement of at least a portion of an analyte sensor through the skin of a patient is provided.

The present invention relates to data monitoring systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to method and apparatus for providing an analyte sensor introducer for transcutaneous placement of an analyte sensor into a patient for use in analyte monitoring systems including glucose monitoring systems.
Glucose monitoring systems generally include a sensor such as a subcutaneous analyte sensor for detecting analyte levels such as glucose levels, a transmitter (such as an RF transmitter) in communication with the sensor and configured to receive the sensor signals and to transmit them to a corresponding receiver unit by for example, using RF data transmission protocol. The receiver may be operatively coupled to a glucose monitor that performs glucose related calculations and data analysis such as for example, trend analysis, data management and medical treatment planning and management.
The transmitter may be mounted or adhered to the skin of a patient and also in signal communication with the sensor, At least a portion of which may be implanted into the skin of the patient. Generally, the sensor is configured to detect and measure the glucose levels of the patient over a predetermined period of time, and the transmitter is configured to transmit the measured glucose levels over the predetermined period of time for further analysis. To initially set up the sensor so that the sensor contacts and electrodes are in fluid contact with the patient's analyte fluids, it is important to properly insert the sensor wholly or partially through the patient's skin and securely retain the sensor during the time that the sensor is configured to detect analyte levels. In addition to accurate positioning of the sensor through the skin of the patient, it is important to minimize the level of pain associated with the insertion of the sensor through the patient's skin.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a sensor introducing mechanism including sensor introducer for accurate and easy insertion of the sensor through the skin of a patient or otherwise to properly position the sensor, e.g., transcutaneously, so that the sensor maybe configured to detect analyte levels of the patient. Also, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus to have a sensor introducing mechanism that places the sensor at least partially through the skin of the patient with ease and relative little pain.

Analyte sensor introducer and methods of use


A device for preventing excess speed, which is caused by an energy store, of a door leaf, includes a door leaf displaceable between an open position and a closed position, an energy store coupled with the door leaf, which energy store provides energy for the closing movement of the door leaf in the event of failure of the electrical energy supply, a door drive coupled with the door leaf, wherein electrical energy can be induced in the door drive when closing movement of the door leaf takes place, and a door control, which activates the door drive and which is suitable for regulation of the speed of movement of the door leaf, wherein the door control is operable by the induced electrical energy when the electrical energy supply fails, and a method of operating an elevator door.

An elevator installation comprises a plurality of shaft doors and a car door, wherein the shaft doors and the car door each comprise a respective door leaf. A shaft door can be opened or closed by a door drive, which is arranged at the car door, when the car door is coupled with the shaft door. A door closing device is usually arranged at each of the shaft doors so as to be able to close or keep closed this shaft door at all times by means of a closing force.
In the event of failure of the electrical energy supply the door closing device has the effect that the opened shaft door and possibly the car door coupled with the shaft door are closed. Because in that case a holding moment of the door drive is no longer provided, the acceleration forces caused by this door closing device can produce kinetic energy, which lies above legal limits, of the door leaves. That can lead to, inter alia, risk to or annoyance of persons present in the region of the elevator door.
JP-A-2003261281 shows an elevator door with a door leaf and a motor coupled with the door leaf. In the event of failure of the power supply the door leaf is accelerated in closing direction, whereupon the motor generates electrical energy. The electrical energy is converted by means of resistances into heat which leads to braking of the door leaf. However, it is disadvantageous that costly resistances of that kind have to be used. Moreover, it is disadvantageous that regardless of the position of the door leaf there is braking which, in the case of power failure occurring with an at least partly open elevator door, can lead to lengthy closing times.

Device for preventing excessive speed of a door leaf caused by a power accumulator


A lightning strike mitigation system for protecting a surface includes an inner insulating layer adjacent a surface to be protected, an outer insulating layer, and an intermediate layer formed from an electrically conductive material between the inner and outer insulating layers. The inner and outer insulating layers may be formed from an ablative insulating material containing no metal fill, an ablative insulating material containing a 15% Ni fill, or an ablative insulating material containing a 30% Ni fill. The electrically conductive material may be a mesh material or a foil material formed from an electrically conductive material or materials.

The present invention relates broadly to a lightning strike mitigation system and more particularly, a lightning strike mitigation system which may be used to protect aircraft and/or spacecraft.
Spacecraft, aircraft, and rocket motors often operate in an air environment where the temperature is greater than 2500° R and components are subjected to multiple Mach speed fluid shear. There is a need to maintain the protected airframe surface temperatures at or below 745° R. This requirement stands even after multiple lightning strikes are realized at different surface locations anytime during flight. One of several challenges to designers is to minimize the conduction of heat into the material beneath the exposed outside surface such that the least thickness and mass of ablative insulation material will adequately protect the airframe surface from overheating for a given mission and/or service life of the airframe. Another challenge is to formulate the component materials and to assemble them to specification onto an airframe with minimum cost and with little or no environmental/safety concern.


A new plant power line for making cords of all types appear as a growing plant. The inventive device includes a planter container containing a hook and an electric cord having an elongated body with simulated leaves extending from the elongated body. The electric cord runs into the planter container and fastens to the hook and then extends out of the planter container.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to aesthetic electrical cord covers and more particularly pertains to a new plant power line for making cords of all types appear as a growing plant.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of aesthetic electrical cord covers is known in the prior art. More specifically, aesthetic electrical cord covers 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 aesthetic electrical cord covers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,496; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,243; U.S. Patent Des. 296,332; U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,374; U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,112 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,129.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new plant power line. The inventive device includes a planter container containing a hook and an electric cord having an elongated body with simulated leaves extending from the elongated body. The electric cord runs into the planter container and fastens to the hook and then extends out of the planter container.
In these respects, the plant power line 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 making cords of all types appear as a growing plant.


Many points on a sample are tested simultaneously in parallel in an FCS method with multifocal illumination and/or detection.

Systems known from the literature and from practice for combining fluorescence microscopy with FCS consist, for example, of a CLSM that is attached to an optical port of a microscope stand for the purpose of imaging, and of a separate illumination and detection unit for FCS that is attached to another port of the stand and serves to record and process the fluorescence signal at one point in each case (Zeiss). In a further implementation, fluorescence microscopy is effected via an epifluorescence setup and FCS measurement via a separate unit as just described (Brock, 1999). In a further implementation, imaging is effected using a CLSM, and the FCS excitation and detection unit via the same optic using the same (DKFZ) or separate detectors (Leica).
Intrinsic to all of the systems is that FCS measurement in particular may only be carried out at a single point on the sample at a time, and that the FCS measurement is carried out using conventional beam splitters and detection filters. The inherent, relatively long duration of an FCS measurement of at least a few seconds makes it very difficult to compare different measurement points with each other because living cells are analyzed in typical applications so that movements and structural changes occur within seconds and even faster and as a result well-defined positioning for different successive measurement points within the sample is difficult or impossible. The use, in particular, of the results of FCS analysis (as described above) as a contrast-providing signal for imaging in 1, 2, or 3 dimensions is thus made difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the detectors used for the FCS measurement must exhibit very high quantum yield and very good signal-to-noise ratio in order to be used for the photon counting needed for FCS measurements. Avalanche photo diodes (APDs) that possess a very small detector surface are primarily used, for which reason they are not suitable for spectral detection for which purpose they have been used to date (Leica, Zeiss).
A combination of fluorescence microscopy (e.g., confocal laser scanning microscopy; CLSM) and confocal fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (e.g., fluorescence correlation spectroscopy; FCS) permit the simultaneous imaging of the spatial distribution of fluorescent molecules in a sample and the dynamics of these molecules, e.g., as a result of movement processes such as directed transport or undirected diffusion. In existing systems and those known from the literature only one point at a time can be illuminated for fluorescence fluctuation analysis, and the associated fluorescence signal recorded and processed. In a raster-scan process, different points on the sample can be scanned successively.

Device for multifocal confocal microscopic determination of spatial distribution and for multifocal fluctuation analysis of fluorescent molecules and structures with flexible spectral detection


A Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) algorithm capable of discriminating among various disc types including double-layer DVD, single-layer DVD, CD-ROM/CD-Audio, CD-R, and CD-RW is used to identify disc type in an optical drive. This FIS optical disc determination algorithm relies on the physical properties of the reflecting layer of an optical disc, using a DVD and CD photo diode outputs, to discriminate among several disc types. Focus error and quad sum data from both DVD and CD lasers is provided as eight inputs to a nineteen rule Sugeno FIS which outputs a value corresponding to drive type.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for discriminating among different types of optical discs. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) for discriminating among single and double-layer DVDs and CD-ROMS.
Optical storage devices, such as digital versatile discs (DVD) are commonly used for storing large amounts of digital data on a single disc for use in audio/video or computer applications, and the like. To read this recorded data, a servo system focuses a laser beam onto the reflective surface of the disc such that the characteristics of the reflected beam allow the device to determine the recording format of the disc.
Different types of discs may have different refelectivities. CDs and DVDs have different track pitches and require different tracking servo system parameters. A CD, for example, having lower data density, may have a lower track pitch (tracks per inch or tpi) than the higher density DVD. An optical disc drive must be able to identify what type of disc has been loaded in order to properly read the disc. In addition, the optical disc drive should indicate when no media is present (or an unreadable disc has been inserted).
Newer and future optical disc drives may need to accept various types of disc formats such as CD-ROM (including computer CD-ROMs and musical CDs), CD-R (single write CDs), CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disc). DVDs may be available in more than one format, including single layer DVDs and double layer DVDs.
Most existing methods can only discriminate among some of the optical disc types, but not all. For example, in conventional DVD/CD players and recorders, prior art discrimination techniques can only discriminate among CD and DVD media. Other techniques may be able to discriminate among only some types of CDs. Moreover, many of these Prior Art techniques rely on a priori knowledge of the electromechanical properties of the laser, photo detector and the media.
For example, Kawasaki, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,461, issued Apr. 28, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference discloses one technique where, with the optical head at a focus distance, the level of the reproduced signal is measured. CD and CD-Rs have different signal levels, and thus can be discriminated among one another. Ashinuma et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,451, issued Feb. 22, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a similar technique.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the Prior Art technique of Kawasaki. A reflection measurement device 3 is provided on the opposite side to optical head 2 of optical disc 1 driven by a spindle motor. Reflection measurement device 3 measures reflectivity of back surface of optical disc 1 and may comprise a photo-reflector element. Measured reflectivity is output as reflectivity 101 of the disc surface and is supplied to microcomputer 6.
On the other side of optical disc 1, optical head 2, irradiating a laser light and approaching optical disc 1 for a focus searching operation, outputs a focus sum signal 102, which is also supplied to microcomputer 6 after being converted to a voltage level through focus sum signal converter 4. When optical head 2 is detected by focus sum signal 102 to have reached a focal area, a focus servo mechanism is actuated and optical head 2 is controlled through servo controller 10. After the focus servo mechanism is actuated, tracking signal 103 output from optical head 2 is also supplied to microcomputer 6 after being converted into a voltage level through tracking signal converter 5.
Microcomputer 6 determines whether optical disc 1 is single-sided or double-sided according to reflectivity 101. Microcomputer 6 further estimates the information density of optical disc 1 as well as the number and material of its recording layer(s) by 10 comparing intensity level of the focus sum signal 102 and the peak to peak value of the tracking signal 103 with corresponding values in a reference table. Microcomputer 6 also determines parameter values for initializing and mode-setting of the device, actuating a tracking servo mechanism of optical head 2 through servo controller 10.
Where optical disc 1 is assumed to have ID data recorded thereon from the above estimation, an attempt is made to read the ID data as a final confirmation before initialization or mode-setting. If, instead of ID data, optical disc 2 is estimated to have a wobble signal recorded on its track or to have a characteristic pattern of its synchronous signal in its reproduced signal, they are confirmed for final discrimination.
While the Kawasaki device may be able to discriminate among CDs and CD-Rs based upon signal levels, the apparatus may not be useful for distinguishing among other optical disc types.
Nemoto, U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,758, issued Oct. 24, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference, discloses an Optical Disc Discriminating Apparatus whereby an optical pickup irradiates a main beam and a pair of sub-beams onto an optical disc. Sub-beam pickups receive the sub-beam signals to produce a tracking error signal. The type of optical disc is determined by comparing the tracking error signal to a reference signal. This system requires the use of secondary tracking error beams and appears to be able to discriminate only among CD and DVD types of discs.
Even among those methods that purport to discriminate among all optical disc types, they may not be efficient, accurate, or fast. For example, another Prior Art technique, disclosed in Tsuchiya, U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,832, issued Aug. 29, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference, relies upon difference in thickness between the transparent layer and the reflective layer to discriminate between CD and DVD discs. Unfortunately, a high vertical deviation CD may appear to be a DVD using a method which relies on the difference in the thickness between the transparent layer and the reflective layer.
Another Prior Art technique, disclosed in Ryoo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,367, issued Oct. 12, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference, uses amplitudes of quad sum and focus error to discriminate CD verses DVD. The algorithm employed by Ryoo in using the amplitudes of quad sum and focus error to discriminate CD verses DVD may encounter discrimination problems since it relies on absolute amplitudes and offsets of the signals. These signals may vary from disc to disc and from drive type to drive type, and as a result may not produce consistent results in identifying disc types.
Another Prior Art technique, disclosed in Kamiyama, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,419, issued Jun. 1, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference, relies upon track density difference to distinguish between CD and DVD discs. However, a high radial runout CD may look like a DVD when using an algorithm which relies on the track density difference between CD and DVD. In addition, recently developed high-density CDs are now available with a track density higher than that of prior CDs, but with a lower track density than typical DVDS. The algorithm of Kamiyama may be even less robust in distinguishing such high density CDs from DVDS.
Thus, a need still exists in the art for a technique which can accurately, reliably, quickly, and inexpensively discriminate among all types of optical discs.
Fuzzy logic systems are known in the art. The Fuzzy Logic Toolbox User""s Guide, Chapter 2, Foundations of Fuzzy Logic, incorporated herein by reference, discloses the basic techniques for applying fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic may have particular applications to situations where a result of a logical operation is not always a uniform 0 or 1 value. To date, the inventor is unaware of application of fuzzy logic to the problem of disc type determination.
There are two basic types of Fuzzy Inference Systems (FIS) known in the Prior Art; The Sugeno-type and the Mamdani-type. A Sugeno-type first-order system may approximate the Mamdani-type, but require fewer system resources to implement.
Unlike the aforementioned Prior Art techniques, the present invention applies a cost-effective Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) algorithm which is capable of discriminating among various disc types including double-layer DVD, single-layer DVD, CD-ROM/CD-Audio, CD-R, and CD-RW.
A Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) is provided for the determination of an optical disc type in a DVD or other optical disc drive. This FIS optical disc determination algorithm relies on the physical properties of the reflecting layer of an optical disc, using a DVD and CD photo diode outputs, to discriminate among several disc types.
The FIS optical disc determination algorithm relies on the physical properties of the reflecting layer of an optical disc, using a DVD and CD photo diode outputs, to discriminate among several disc types. Focus error and quad sum data from both DVD and CD lasers is provided as eight inputs to a nineteen rule Sugeno FIS which outputs a value corresponding to drive type.

Fuzzy inference system and method for optical disc discrimination


The present disclosure discloses method and guidance providing system for providing real-time guidance to users during troubleshooting of devices. The guidance providing system receives user input indicating troubleshooting actions on device, by user, where user input comprises textual input and non-textual input, identifies object in device associated with troubleshooting actions and state of user while performing troubleshooting actions, from non-textual input. The object identified from non-textual input is mapped with textual input to obtain mapped user input. Consistency of mapped user input is verified based on conversation information and domain specific content associated with device. Sequence of instructions corresponding to mapped user input, based on state of user and one or more similar troubleshooting actions, may be extracted from knowledge database. Thereby troubleshooting instructions are provided based on sequence of instructions and one or more similar troubleshooting actions, to user for real-time guidance during troubleshooting of the device.

With advancement in technology, numerous devices have been designed for welfare and easement of people. Generally, most of the devices in use today are highly complicated and troubleshooting of the devices is increasingly complex as the devices include numerous components and features. The devices can be, for instance, a mobile phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, a wearable, or any other electronic and mechanical devices. Increase in computing power of these devices over years has led to advancement and added functionality to these devices. However, the added functionality is wasted, in case, users do not know how to use or maintain the device or are unable to locate necessary features. When the users observe any problem in the devices, it becomes essential for the user to determine how to repair the device without requiring a visit from a service technician.
Devices are designed along with troubleshooting instructions. Generally, users may try to fix the problem by following trouble shooting instructions of a manual or a remote expert. Of late, conversational systems have started to replace the experts to a larger extent. While the automated system rendering step-by-step troubleshooting instructions to the user is attractive, it comes with an array of problems. Firstly, the users may end-up in damaging the device while performing the troubleshooting steps. The user may find it difficult to follow the troubleshooting steps or the user may not be able to relate or visualize the instructions. In addition, some of the users find the trouble shooting steps too detailed and wastage of time, while the others find the details very short. Thus, there is a lack of a robust and efficient mechanism for dynamically generating troubleshooting steps, process, and wordings to suit each individual user.
The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

Method and system for providing real-time guidance to users during troubleshooting of devices


In one example, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure and an anode disposed with the evacuated enclosure. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by an electron emitter. The x-ray tube also includes an evacuated enclosure window disposed within a port of the evacuated enclosure. The evacuated enclosure window includes first and second axes, the first axis being relatively shorter than the second axis. The x-ray tube also includes means for directing coolant flow. The means for directing coolant flow causes coolant to flow across an exterior surface of the evacuated enclosure window in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to x-ray devices. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, systems and methods for cooling evacuated enclosure windows employed in x-ray devices.
2. Related Technology
The x-ray tube has become essential in medical diagnostic and inspection imaging, medical therapy, and various medical testing and material analysis industries. Such equipment is commonly employed in areas such as medical and industrial diagnostic examination, therapeutic radiology, semiconductor fabrication, and materials analysis.
An x-ray tube typically includes a vacuum enclosure that contains a cathode assembly and an anode assembly. The vacuum enclosure may be composed of metals, glass, ceramic, or a combination thereof, and is typically disposed within an outer housing. A cooling medium, such as a dielectric oil or similar coolant, can be disposed in the volume existing between the outer housing and the vacuum enclosure in order to dissipate heat from the surface of the vacuum enclosure. Depending on the configuration, heat can be removed from the coolant by circulating the coolant to an external heat exchanger via a pump and fluid conduits. The cathode assembly generally consists of a metallic cathode head assembly and a source of electrons highly energized for generating x-rays. The anode assembly, which is generally manufactured from a refractory metal such as tungsten, includes a focal track that is oriented to receive electrons emitted by the cathode assembly.
The evacuated enclosure includes an evacuated enclosure window aligned with the focal track such that x-rays emitted from the focal track can pass out of the evacuated enclosure. The evacuated enclosure window is typically disposed in a port formed in a wall of the evacuated enclosure and is attached to the evacuated enclosure by welding, brazing, or other methods.
During operation of the x-ray tube, the anode is rotated and the cathode is charged with a heating current that causes electrons to escape the electron source or emitter. An electric potential is applied between the cathode and the anode in order to accelerate the emitted electrons toward the annular focal track of the anode. X-rays are generated by a portion of the highly accelerated electrons striking the annular focal track.
In order to produce high-quality x-ray images, it is generally desirable to maximize x-ray flux, i.e., the number of x-ray photons emitted per unit time. X-ray flux can be increased by increasing the number of electrons emitted by the electron emitter that impinge on the focal track.
However, many of the electrons that strike the focal track are backscattered from the focal track towards the evacuated enclosure window. The number of backscatter electrons is generally proportional to the number of electrons that impinge on the focal track. When the backscattered electrons strike the evacuated enclosure window, a significant amount of their kinetic energy is transferred to the evacuated enclosure window as thermal energy. Without an effective cooling mechanism, the evacuated enclosure window can overheat and fail, thereby compromising the evacuated enclosure and the ability of the x-ray tube to operate. Accordingly, because the number of backscatter electrons is proportional to the number of electrons that impinge on the focal track, the cooling inefficiency of the x-ray tube effectively imposes a limit on the maximum number of electrons that can be emitted by the electron emitter toward the focal track, and, as a result, on the quality of the x-ray images produced by the x-ray tube.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced


An extrusion-forming device includes an extruding portion having a drum including a supply port through which a clay flows into the inside, a screw having a rotary shaft and a rotary blade and configured to convey the clay, and an extrusion port through which the clay is discharged; and a forming portion having a die provided with forming grooves. The device includes, as the screw on the side of the supply port, supply port side screws having two rotary blades and, as the screw on the side of the extrusion port, a extrusion port side screw having one rotary blade, and a ratio P/D is in a range of 0.5 to 0.9.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an extrusion-forming device which is preferably used, for example, for manufacturing a formed article containing a ceramic material, and a method for manufacturing a formed article by use of the device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, as an extrusion-forming device preferably used for manufacturing a formed article containing a ceramic material or the like, for example, an extrusion-forming device has been used which extrudes a clay through a die provided at one end of a drum while kneading, homogenizing and conveying the clay containing the ceramic material by the rotation of a screw in the drum (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
FIG. 2 is a schematic constitution diagram showing one example of the conventional extrusion-forming device. In a conventional extrusion-forming device 101, as shown in FIG. 2, a drum 7 has a structure in which a screw 4 is provided. When the clay flows into the drum 7 through a supply port 19, the screw 4 in the drum 7 imparts a large shear force to knead and homogenize the clay. Then, the clay kneaded and homogenized in the drum 7 is extruded from a die 1 through a screen 2, to manufacture a formed article corresponding to the shape of the die 1.
Moreover, examples of a structure obtained by firing such a formed article include a honeycomb structure 60 having a plurality of cells 62 partitioned by partition walls 61 shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, examples of the use application of such a honeycomb structure include a catalyst carrier for deodorization, a filter for various filtering apparatuses, a catalyst carrier utilizing the catalytic function of a heat exchange unit, an internal combustion engine, a boiler, a chemical reaction apparatus, a fuel cell reformer or the like, and a filter for collecting fine particles in an exhaust gas.
Especially in recent years, the thinning of the partition walls in the above ceramic honeycomb structure has made further progress, thereby advancing the densification of honeycomb-like slits (hereinafter referred to as "forming grooves" sometimes) through which the formed article is extrusion-formed in the die provided in the extrusion-forming device. Moreover, the amount of the clay to be supplied is increased to improve productivity, and accordingly an extrusion pressure during the pressure-forwarding of the clay in the drum rises.
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2008-137184
As described above, the thinning of the partition walls in the ceramic honeycomb structure has made further progress. When the formed article having such densified thin walls is prepared by using the above extrusion-forming device, a large resistance is applied to the clay passing through the screen or the die. At this time, with the rise of the extrusion pressure, the clay is accumulated in the drum. Moreover, pulsation occurs in the extrusion pressure or an extrusion speed, and consequently a problem occurs that the quality of the formed article is lowered. Furthermore, for example, in the honeycomb structure obtained by firing the formed honeycomb article having such a lowered formed article quality, a crack or a defect such as a strength decrease has occurred.
The present invention has been developed in view of the above conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an extrusion-forming device which can consequently prevent the quality of a formed article from being lowered owing to the accumulation of a clay in a drum with the rise of an extrusion pressure and owing to pulsation occurring in the extrusion pressure or an extrusion speed and which can efficiently manufacture, with a high productivity, a formed article having a honeycomb structure having a plurality of compact cells with thinner walls and to provide a method for manufacturing an extrusion-formed article by use of the device.


A cyanoacrylate monomer adhesive formulation which has improved thermal properties resulting from the inclusion in the formulation of an effective amount for enhancing the thermal resistance of the cured polymer of a sulfur containing compound of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are, respectively, monovalent and divalent hydrocarbon groups which may be optionally substituted with halogen, NO.sub.2, oxo, CN, alkoxy, hydroxy, acyloxy or SO.sub.2 or interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms.

Cyanoacrylate monomer adhesives are well known and widely used as "instant adhesives", so-called because of their very rapid polymerization on contact with surfaces containing even very weak anion sources. However, a notorious problem of cyanoacrylate polymers is their susceptibility to thermal degradation at only moderately high temperatures. As a consequence, the instant adhesive benefits of cyanoacrylate monomers have not been available in many applications where the bonded substrates may be subjected to intermittent temperatures in excess of 120.degree. C. or extended exposure to temperatures of about 80.degree. C. This problem of thermal stability of cyanoacrylate polymers is distinct from the problem of stabilizing monomer formulations against premature polymerization. However, to preserve the instant adhesive benefits of cyanoacrylates, it must be appreciated that improvements in polymer thermal stability should not significantly degrade the storage stability or cure speed of the monomer formulation from which the polymer is derived.
Numerous attempts have been made to improve the thermal stability of cyanoacrylate adhesive bonds. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,334, the addition of maleic anhydride is said to produce adhesives which have increased thermal resistance while preserving fast cure speed of the cyanoacrylate adhesive.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,271, tri-, tetra- and higher carboxylic acids or there anhydrides are said to be useful for improving heat resistance of cured cyanoacrylate adhesives. Phthalic anhydride is reported to improve heat resistance of cyanoacrylate adhesive bonds in U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,265 and benzopheonetetracarboxylic acid or its anhydride are reported to provide a superior heat resistance for cyanoacrylate adhesives in U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,293.
According to Chem. Abst., 85:64138p a cyanoacrylate adhesive which includes a graft copolymer of methyl methacrylate and a fluorine containing rubber as a plasticizer is reported to give improved stability to thermal shocks. Cyanoacrylate adhesives elastomeric acrylic rubbers are reported to give improved properties, particularly after exposure to elevated temperatures, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,910.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,515, cyanoacrylate compounds containing certain maleimide or nadimide compounds are reported to improve the hot strength properties of cyanoacrylate adhesives.
Mixtures of certain sulfone compounds and a dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic anhydride are said to greatly improve heat resistance of cyanoacrylate adhesives in JP 55/066980.
In Chem. Abst., 80(22): 121806c (abstracting JP 48/8732) cyanoacrylates containing 3-25% divinyl sulfone are reported to have improved heat resistance.
Despite this extensive work in the art, there continues to be a need to identify materials which will improve the heat performance of cyanoacrylate adhesives so as to increase the options available to the formulator and/or provide further improvements over the existing additives known to enhance cyanoacrylate thermal resistance.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives with improved cured thermal properties


A container has a receiver tube in communication with an internal periphery of the container. The container is sized and shaped to contain a desired plurality of solid objects of equal dimension and density. Each solid object has at least one number or symbol placed visibly on its surface. The receiver tube is sized and shaped to receive a desired number of the solid objects from the container linearly within the receiver tube. Selection of numbers by chance is accomplished by: (1) shaking the container with the receiver tube in a relatively upright attitude to mix the solid objects randomly in the container while preventing entry of the solid objects into the receiver tube, (2) positioning the container with the receiver tube in a relatively downward angle from the container such that a certain number of the solid objects, predetermined by vacant length of the receiver tube, fall one-by-one into the receiver tube where they are contained linearly, and (3) reading the numbers or symbols on the solid objects through a transparent wall of the receiver tube. A writing instrument, such as a pen, can be positioned on a distal end opposite a proximal end of the receiver tube to which the container is attached to form a writing instrument with which chance selections can be recorded conveniently when read. Different shapes of solid objects, variable lengths of receiver tubes and other options are provided for different preferences and applications.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of selectors of numbers and symbols by random chance, particularly for games of chance such as lottery and for decision-making on a chance basis.
II. Description of the Prior Art
There have been a wide variety of games of chance. Dice are a particularly well-known game of chance that are used also for decision-making on a chance basis. Cards are another. Roulette wheels are still another. Recently, however, the use of a lottery system for obtaining income by state and local governments has become popular. Owing to very high returns to very few winners of state-government lotteries, some professional mathematicians and others familiar with probability of random occurrence of number combinations have been motivated to, compete with, and have been able to beat, the public in selection of winning combinations of numbers. This invention, however, provides a better mechanism and method than any other known system for selecting winning lottery numbers. It gives those who use it a better opportunity to win than with expensive and time-consuming professional selection methods. Further, it is inexpensive to produce and can be used simply and conveniently by the general public. Lottery can become again an equal-opportunity activity.

Combination game of chance selection device and writing pen


A method and an intermediate component for controlling in a communications network an object transfer from a first network component via the intermediate component to a second network component which is remote from the first network component are described. The object transfer is based on a plurality of object requests relating to objects referred to in one or more codes to be processed by the second network component or another network component. The intermediate component forms the steps of sending an object request to the first network component, receiving the requested object from the first network component, updating and/or assessing a priority of the requested object, and, in dependence of the priority of the requested object, delaying the requested object or forwarding the requested object to the second network component. An initial priority is assigned to the requested objects on the basis of an analysis of at least one of the object request and the code that refers to the requested object.

1. Technical Field
The invention generally relates to the field of communications networks and more particularly to an object transfer from a first network component via an intermediate component to a second network component, the second network component being remote from the first network component.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The transfer of information over modern communications networks like the public Internet or internal networks is based on specific transfer protocols. The World Wide Web for example, which constitutes a major aspect of the Internet, uses the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) for exchanging files comprising text, images, sound, video, and other contents.
Any WWW server contains, in addition to the files it can serve, an HTTP component that is designed to wait for HTTP requests and to handle them when they arrive. A WWW browser can be considered as an HTTP client that is configured to send HTTP requests to WWW servers. Whenever a user of the browser enters a file request by either "opening" a WWW file (by typing in a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)) or by clicking on a hyper text link, the browser builds a corresponding HTTP request for the file and sends it to the destination address. The HTTP component in the destination server receives the HTTP request and returns the requested file.
The requested file may be constituted by a Hyper Text Mark up Language (HTML) page that includes HTML code. When the browser receives the HTML page from the server and detects that the HTML code, which can be considered as an object itself, includes further objects such as (background) images, sounds, scripts or HTML frames, the browser issues further HTTP requests to the server in order to fetch the further objects which are included in the HTML code. Upon receipt of the further HTTP requests, the server sends HTTP responses including the requested objects like images to the browser. As becomes apparent from FIG. 1, the HTTP responses are sent from the server to the browser running on the client in the same order as the browser has issued the HTTP requests.
The order in which any additional objects included in the HTML code of the HTML page are requested by the browser usually depends on how the HTML page was written. For example an object that is included at the beginning of the HTML code is not necessarily displayed at the top of the HTML page because features such as tables, layers and frames allow the HTML author to use complex layouts. In addition, the order in which a browser issues HTTP requests depends also on internal browser algorithms. For example some browsers use complex heuristics for generating the HTTP requests by starting with requesting the first four objects as they appear in the HTML code of the page. After the first four objects have been requested, every second object starting from the top of the area that is currently visible to the user is requested, then every fourth object and so on. Other browsers use a simpler algorithm that requests the objects one by one as they appear in the HTML code. From the above it becomes apparent that it is usually difficult to predict the order in which HTTP requests for objects referred to in an HTML code are generated.
Moreover, it is difficult to predict the order in which requested objects are received by the browser. Although the current HTTP standard (HTTP/1.1) requires that on each Transfer Control Protocol (TCP) connection the HTTP responses are sent from the server to the browser in the same order as the HTTP requests are received by the server, the order in which HTTP responses are received becomes unpredictable as soon as more than one connection is opened to the server. The reason therefore is the fact that due to varying network conditions and different request processing times, some connections may transfer HTTP responses faster than others.
There is a need for a method and a device that enable an improved transfer of objects from a first network component to a second network component which is remote from the first network component.

Object transfer control in a communications network


The invention provides a human glutaredoxin .beta. (GRX.beta.) and polynucleotides which identify and encode GRX.beta.. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of GRX.beta..

Oxidation-reduction reactions are critical mechanisms which regulate many enzymatic reactions in the cell, both during growth and quiescence. The reduction of ribonucleotides to the corresponding deoxyribonucleotides, needed for DNA synthesis during cell proliferation, is catalyzed by the enzyme ribonucleotide diphosphate reductase. Glutaredoxin is a glutathione (GSH)-dependent hydrogen donor for ribonucleotide diphosphate reductase and contains the active peptide site encoded by the amino acid residue sequence -C-P-Y-C- (SEQ ID NO:6). This consensus sequence is conserved in glutaredoxin from such different organisms as E. coli, vaccinia virus, yeast, plants, and mammalian cells. Glutaredoxin has inherent GSH-disulphide oxidoreductase (thioltransferase) activity in a coupled system with GSH, NADPH, and GSH-reductase, catalyzing the reduction of low molecular weight disulphides as well as proteins. Glutaredoxin has been proposed to exert a general thiol redox control of protein activity by acting both as an effective protein disulphide reductase, similar to thioredoxin, and as a specific GSH-mixed disulphide reductase (Padilla, Calif. et al. (1996) FEBS Lett. 378:69-73).
In addition to their important role in DNA synthesis and cell division, glutaredoxin and other thioproteins provide effective antioxidant defense against oxygen radicals and hydrogen peroxide (Schallreuter, K. U. and Wood, J. M. (1991) Melanoma Res. 1:159-167). Glutaredoxin is the principal agent responsible for protein dethiolation in vivo and reduces dehydroascorbic acid in normal human neutrophils (Jung, C. H. and Thomas, J. A. (1996) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 335:61-72; Park, J. B. and Levine, M. (1996) Biochem. J. 315:931-938).
The human glutaredoxin cDNA encodes an approximately 12 kDa protein. Site-directed mutagenic studies suggest that replacement of C-7 with S-7 reduced the tendency of the protein to form homodimers and that the N-terminal M-1 is removed during cellular processing (Padilla, Calif. et al. (supra)). Three heat-labile proteins which have glutaredoxin-like properties have been isolated from HeLa cells. Two have a molecular mass of approximately 12 kDa, and the other has a molecular mass of greater than 30 kDa (Tsang, M. L. and Weatherbee, J. A. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 78:7478-7482). Glutaredoxin has also been identified in plant tissues and in yeast (GenBank accession number Z49699; Gan, Z. R. (1992) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 187:949-955).
Nitrosourea anti-tumor drugs covalently deactivate ribonucleotide reductase by alkylating the thiolate active site. Deactivation prevents further thioltransferase activity by glutaredoxin and could determine the cytostatic properties of these drugs (Schallreuter, K. U. et al. (1990) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1054:14-20).
The discovery of a new human glutaredoxin .beta. and the polynucleotides encoding it satisfies a need in the art by providing new compositions which are useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of immunological and neoplastic disorders.


The invention provides a stage apparatus, comprising an object support comprising a ring shaped protrusion having an outer radius in a first plane, and configured to support an object with a radius in the first plane larger than the outer radius of the ring shaped protrusion. The stage apparatus further comprises a sensor module configured to detect the object support, and the object when it is arranged on the object support. The stage apparatus further comprises a processing unit configured to receive one or more signals from the sensor module, and to determine, based on said one or more signals, a position of the object relative to the ring shaped protrusion when the object is arranged on the object support. The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on said position of the object, an offset value representing the position of the object relative to the ring shaped protrusion.

A lithographic apparatus is a machine constructed to apply a desired pattern onto a substrate. A lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs). A lithographic apparatus may, for example, project a pattern (also often referred to as "design layout" or "design") of a patterning device (e.g., a mask) onto a layer of radiation-sensitive material (resist) provided on a substrate (e.g., a wafer).
As semiconductor manufacturing processes continue to advance, the dimensions of circuit elements have continually been reduced while the amount of functional elements, such as transistors, per device has been steadily increasing over decades, following a trend commonly referred to as 'Moore's law'. To keep up with Moore's law the semiconductor industry is chasing technologies that enable to create increasingly smaller features. To project a pattern on a substrate a lithographic apparatus may use electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength of this radiation determines the minimum size of features which are patterned on the substrate. Typical wavelengths currently in use are 365 nm (i-line), 248 nm, 193 nm and 13.5 nm. A lithographic apparatus, which uses extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, having a wavelength within a range of 4 nm to 20 nm, for example 6.7 nm or 13.5 nm, may be used to form smaller features on a substrate than a lithographic apparatus which uses, for example, radiation with a wavelength of 193 nm.
While the pattern is being projected on the substrate, the substrate is typically mounted on a substrate support, and held on said support, e.g. by means of a vacuum clamp. Such a substrate support may e.g. comprises a plurality of burls and e.g. a ring shaped protrusion surrounding the burls. The mounting of the substrate relative on said substrate support is conventionally performed by a robot such as a handling robot to be within certain tolerances.
Developments in recent years, such as so-called 3DNAND and 3D Xpoint substrates, have led to the substrates more often not being flat but having an out-of-plane shape, e.g. warped or bended. This may e.g. be a consequence of an increasing number of layers which have internal stresses. It has been observed that a proper clamping of such warped or bended substrates by the clamp of the substrate support may require a more accurate positioning of the substrate relative to the substrate support. It would therefore be desirable to provide a more accurate mounting of a substrate to a substrate support.

Stage apparatus and method for calibrating an object loading process


A portable apparatus including a transparent and flexible protective lid which openably and closably covers a touch pad which also serves as a display screen. The lid has a U-shaped slit portion formed therein and has a protrusion on a surface of the U-shaped slit portion facing the touch panel. When the protective lid is closed, the slit portion may be pushed down to actuate the touch panel. When the protective lid is open, the touch panel may be directly actuated.

The present invention relates to a portable apparatus having means for inputting data through a touch panel, and particularly to the structure of a protective lid for a touch panel surface.
Recently, various functions are mounted on a portable apparatus, a touch panel is widely used in such a portable apparatus for simplifying complicated functional operations and data input. Such a touch panel, however, has a problem that although the touch panel is conveniently easy to input data, it is easily influenced by external pressure, electrostatic noise, etc. when the apparatus is carried because the touch panel has such a structure that its display screen is directly touched with a pen. It is therefore necessary to provide a protective lid when the apparatus is carried.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show a configuration of a paging receiver with display as an example of a conventional portable apparatus with a touch panel. A touch-panel and display-screen 2 is provided in an apparatus body 1 so that input can be made through the touch panel. An openable/closable protective lid 3 is attached, by means of an opening/closing support portion 4, to the touch-panel and display-screen 2 for protecting the touch-panel and display-screen 2 from electrostatic noise and external pressure. When data is inputted through the touch panel, the protective lid 3 is opened as shown in FIG. 5A so as to perform operation of the apparatus and input of data. On the other hand, when the apparatus is carried, the protective lid 3 is closed as shown in FIG. 5B to protect the touch-panel and display screen 2. When the paging receiver receives its own address by means of a radio signal, a call ringing is generated from a speaker to inform a user of call reception and, at the same time, a message is displayed on the touch-panel and display screen 2. The call ringing from the speaker 5 can be stopped if the user pushes down a mechanical switch 6.
In such a configuration of the conventional portable apparatus with a touch panel, there has been a problem that, when the protective lid 3 is in a closed state, the touch-panel and display-screen 2 is covered with the protective lid 3, so that not only it is impossible to confirm the displayed contents of the apparatus but also it is impossible to operate the apparatus. In the case of an information terminal such as a paging receiver, there is a case where an alarm or a call operation is generated in an unexpected timing with the protective lid 3 kept closed. In such a case, operation is necessary to confirm the displayed contents and to stop the call ringing immediately. There has been a further problem that it is necessary to provide such a mechanical switch 6 separately from the touch panel so that a user can push down the mechanical switch 6 to stop the call ringing even in the case where the protective lid 3 is in a closed state. This results in an interference with the miniaturization of the apparatus, and causes the number of parts to increase to thereby increase the cost.

Protective cover for a portable apparatus touch panel

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A connector opening cover unit selectively covers a connector opening to prevent exposing a connector unit inside an electronic device housing. A connector opening is adjacent a device accommodating opening that is selectively openable by a user. A first cover opens and closes the device accommodating opening. A second cover opens and closes the connector opening. The first and second covers are complimentarily locked with each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector opening cover unit of an electronic device, such as a digital video camera (DVC) and a digital still camera (DSC), which covers a connector unit employed for the input of initial set values of the functions, such as zoom center.
2. Description of the Related Art
An electronic device, such as a digital camcorder, converts image information captured through a photographing unit into a digital signal, and writes the digital information in a recording medium, such as a magnetic tape or a non-volatile memory. An automatic-setting function has recently been provided for the convenience of users in setting functions, such as light exposure and focusing. To achieve the automatic-setting function, it is necessary to input a variety of necessary operational data to the control part of the electronic device in the fabrication stage of the electronic device. Accordingly, a connector unit is used for the data input in the fabrication stage. However, this connector unit is not to be accessed by general users, and therefore, it is externally covered after fabrication of the electronic device to limit the access of general users.
FIG. 1 illustrates one example of fastening a connector unit cover to cover the connector unit of a digital camcorder. As shown, a digital camcorder housing 1 has a connector opening 2 that is integrally formed in the body thereof, and through which a connector unit 3 for the data input is exposed to the outside. The connector unit 3 is connected with predetermined data, and therefore received various set values of the digital camcorder.
The connector opening 2 exposing the connector unit 3 to the outside has to be covered to prevent access by general users when all the set values are transmitted to the digital camcorder. A connector opening cover 4 is provided to correspond to the connector opening 2. The connector opening cover 4 is fastened to the digital camera housing 1 by a locking projection 4′ formed on a side, and a screw 5 fastened for the prevention of unintended separation.
According to the construction as described above, because the connector opening cover 4 has to be fastened to the connector opening 2 including therein the connector unit 3 by separate fastening members, such as screws 5, the volume of the product increases, and the number of parts to be fabricated also increases. Additionally, due to the requirement for the separate fastening members, such as screws 5, the price of the product also increases.
Therefore, a need exists for an electronic device having a structurally improved connector opening cover unit that does not require additional tools and fasteners to open and close the cover unit.

Connector opening cover unit for electronic device


An anti-rattle tongue plate assembly for a seat belt and the method of making the same are provided with a cover member of a hard material that is a distinct component and has soft material on the cover member to reduce noise. The cover member may be a cinch member slidably mounted on the tongue plate. The soft material may be mechanically joined and bonded to the hard material of the cinch member.

The invention relates to a tongue plate assembly for a seat belt system and, more particularly to a tongue plate assembly having an anti-rattle construction and a method for making the same.
Tongue plate assemblies that latch into buckles for securing a seat belt about an occupant of a vehicle seat are usually made from a stamped-metal tongue plate in which the tongue plate has a hard plastic insert located at an elongated, laterally extending opening in a wide portion of a plate body for the seat belt webbing. In many seat belts systems, the tongue plate assembly typically is positioned between the side trim of the vehicle and the outboard side of the vehicle seat when in the unlatched or stowed condition. In some recent model vehicles, there has been a gradual reduction in the amount of space between the side of the vehicle seat and the side trim of the vehicle interior. In some instances, the seat belt twists and positions an edge of the tongue plate assembly to engage a pillar or side rim in the vehicle. Accordingly, when the vehicle is undergoing rough ride conditions, the tongue plate assembly is more likely to shake and vibrate on the belt webbing and engage against the hard side trim panel in the vehicle interior generating undesirable noise in the vehicle compartment.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,519 (incorporated by reference herein) is directed to a non-cinching tongue plate assembly having a latch plate with a coating of hard plastic material over molded onto the plate. In a cinch tongue plate assembly, a slidable cinch member or portion is a distinct, discrete member which is slidably mounted for movement relative to the tongue plate body to cinch or grip the belt passing through the assembly such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,480,854 and 4,588,207 (both incorporated by reference herein). As described in the latter patent, a slidable cinch member is free falling along the belt until the seat belt is latched; and after latching, the cinch portion grips the belt to limit free transfer between the shoulder belt portion and the lap portion. In a typical cinch-type tongue plate assembly, the slidable cinch member has top and bottom sides extending over the top and bottom sides of the tongue plate and has outer side edge portions wrapped about the outer side edges of the tongue plate. Thus, there is a need for providing noise reducing material on the cinch member, and particularly the side edges thereof which are projecting laterally outwardly relative to the tongue plate body.
The non-cinch, tongue plate assembly of the '519 patent lacks a slidable clinch member slidably mounted on the tongue plate body. In the '519 patent, it is stated that while the hard plastic is being molded onto the tongue plate and is still warm, a soft plastic over molded onto the warm, hard plastic material on the plate. While providing noise reduction, over molding two coatings of plastic material onto the latch plate assembly undesirably increases the manufacturing costs for the latch plate. In this regard, two insert molds need to be employed into which the operator has to manually load the part onto which the over mold is to be applied. So in the latch plate assembly disclosed by the '519 patent, there is a first insert mold in which the operator places the plate body for having the hard plastic over molded thereon. Thereafter, with the hard plastic still warm, the operator removes the plate body with the warm over mold of hard plastic, and places it in the next insert mold. This insert mold is then cycled for over molding the soft plastic material onto the warm, hard plastic material. As is apparent, the two insert molds require significant operator intervention for generating the over molded latch plate assembly of the '519 patent.
Accordingly, there is a need for an anti-rattle, tongue plate assembly having a distinct, discrete cover member, particularly for a cinch type of tongue assembly having a slidable cinch member on a tongue plate body and having an anti-rattle construction. The tongue plate assembly with the distinct, discrete cover member may improve the manufacturing cost efficiencies for the anti-rattle construction.


Methods and apparatus for supporting multi-hop peer discovery in peer-to-peer wireless networks are disclosed. One method supports multi-hop peer discovery using a first peer having a first unique identification code. The method includes decoding a second peer discovery signal to obtain a second unique identification code and a second local identification code of a second peer received during a peer-to-peer discovery channel, determining whether to select the second peer based on a predetermined criterion; and transmitting a first peer discovery signal having the first unique identification code, the second local identification code and a hop count when the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

1. Field
The invention relates to wireless communications. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for supporting multi-hop peer discovery in peer-to-peer wireless networks.
2. Background
Wireless communications continues to grow in demand and has become an integral part of both personal and business communications. Wireless communications allow users to transmit and receive data from most anywhere using wireless networks and wireless devices such as laptops, cellular devices, iPhones®, BlackBerrys®, etc.
Wireless fidelity (WiFi) describes the wireless networks that adhere to the specifications developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) for wireless local area networks (LAN). WiFi devices are certified to be interoperable with other certified WiFi devices using the 802.11 standard of the IEEE. These WiFi devices allow over-the-air interfaces in order to create a wireless network for facilitating data transfer.
Generally, wireless networks are established through mobile devices communicating with one or more base stations, access points or access routers. A base station is a radio receiver/transmitter that serves as a hub for wireless networks. A base station typically includes a low-power transmitter and a wireless router. An access router may be configured as an access point that covers a geographic range or cell and, as the mobile device is operated, it may move in and out of these geographic cells.
Some wireless networks can be constructed utilizing solely peer-to-peer communications without utilizing base stations, access points, or access routers. Such wireless networks are sometimes referred to as WiFi networks. Communications in such networks may, in some cases, be limited to exchanges between mobile devices that are within direct wireless transmission range of each other, while in other cases multi-hop forwarding between non-adjacent mobile devices may be supported. Various techniques may be used to maintain connectivity and/or forward information as the topology of the wireless network changes (e.g., as mobile devices join the network, leave the network, or move within the network). Some networks can also be constructed utilizing a combination of peer-to-peer communications as well as communications with base stations, access points, or access routers.
As mobile devices move in and out of wireless networks, the potential for higher layer communications with other mobile devices may be determined based on a process of peer discovery. To enable peer discovery, information associated with a mobile device (e.g., identifier, how to establish communications, and so forth) is advertised or announced (e.g., broadcast) to other mobile devices within a range. In a wireless network, peer nodes or devices discover each other by periodically transmitting and detecting peer discovery signals, which carry unique node identifiers (IDs).
The range of operation of peer discovery can be extended by increasing the transmission power of the node's peer discovery signals. Increasing the transmission power however, results in several drawbacks such as a reduced battery life, a decrease in the spatial reuse of resource units (time and frequency) utilized for transmission of peer discovery signals, and an increase in the de-sense probability. As one would expect, an increase in the transmission power of peer discovery signals results in a reduction of the battery life of the node (e.g., mobile device). An n-fold increase in the distance between nodes requires an n2-fold increase in the resource units. Also, an increase in the de-sense probability means that nodes wishing to discover far-away nodes get saturated by high-power peer discovery signals transmitted by near-by nodes.
Therefore, it has been recognized by those skilled in the art that a need exists for methods and apparatus for extending the range of operation of peer discovery without the aforementioned drawbacks.