A waterproof tap for a connector is provided comprising a housing part, a waterproof tap, and a waterproof tap cover. The housing part includes a plurality of wire insertion holes and a waterproof tap storage portion arranged in a manner to surround the wire insertion holes. The waterproof tap is a flat plate member formed of elastic material and includes in its flat surface portion a plurality of wire insertion holes respectively corresponding to the wire insertion holes and a plurality of projecting portions. The waterproof tap cover includes a plurality of wire insertion holes respectively corresponding to the wire insertion holes and a plurality of projecting portion insertion holes through which the projecting portions of the waterproof tap can be inserted respectively, in such a manner that they respectively extend through the waterproof tap cover. The waterproof tap for a connector can be assembled by fitting the waterproof tap into the waterproof tap storage portion of the housing part and also by fitting the waterproof tap cover over the peripheral wall of the waterproof tap storage portion. In this assembling operation, the mounting condition of the waterproof tap can be judged by confirming the projecting condition of the projecting portions of the waterproof tap from their respective projecting portion insertion holes of the waterproof tap cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a waterproof tap for use in a connector and, in more particular, to a waterproof tap for a connector used to connect a wire harness which is used to arrange wires in various kinds of electric equipment in the interior of an automobile.
2. Related Art
A connector for a wire harness for arranging wires between various kinds of electric equipment in the interior of an automobile must be waterproof and dustproof in view of its purpose. Therefore, there are various conventional waterproof mechanisms and waterproof structures for this purpose.
For example, a waterproof electric connector disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-146478 of Heisei, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the present application, includes a connector housing 31 having a plurality of terminal mounting spaces 30A to 30C, a plurality of receptacle type pressure contact terminals 33 which are respectively connected to the end portions of electric wires and can be stored in the terminal mounting spaces 30A to 30C, a plurality of seal members 34, and a cap 35.
The seal member 34 is an elastic member formed of silicone rubber and includes a plurality of through holes 36A to 36C which respectively extend through the seal member 34 and through which the electric wires 32 can be inserted. Also, the seal member 34 further includes on one surface thereof a plurality of circular recessed portions 38 which are respectively formed along the peripheral edges of the through holes 36A to 36C and also which can be respectively fitted with projecting portions 37 provided in the partition wall end portions of the connector housing 31 defining the terminal mounting spaces 30A to 30C of the connector housing 31. The seal member 34 still further includes on the other face thereof a plurality of fitting recessed portions 40 respectively fittable with projecting portions 39 provided in the cap 35.
The electric wires 32 are inserted sequentially through the cap 35, the through holes 36A to 36C of the seal member 34, and the terminal mounting spaces 30A to 30C of the connector housing 31. The receptacle type pressure contact terminals 33 provided in the end portions of the electric wires 32 are stored in the terminal mounting spaces 30A to 30C of the connector housing 31. The circular recessed portions 38 of the seal member 34 are fitted with the projecting portions 37 of the connector housing 31, and the projecting portions 39 of the cap 35 are fitted into the fitting recessed portions 40 of the seal member 34, thereby completing a waterproof electric connector 41.
According to the waterproof electric connector 41, due to the fact that the circular recessed portions 38 of the seal member 34 are respectively fitted with the projecting portions 37 of the connector housing 31 and also the fitting recessed portions 40 are respectively fitted with the projecting portions 39 of the cap 35, the inner peripheral surfaces 42 of the connector 41 forming the through holes 36A to 36C are respectively deformed inwardly to thereby reduce their respective diameters, with the result that the insulating covered portions of the electric wires 32 are closely contacted with the inner peripheral surfaces 42 to thereby be able to secure a sealed condition between them.
However, in the waterproof electric connector 41 having the above-mentioned structure, when the cap 35 is mounted onto the connector 41, it is not possible to confirm the fitting state between the circular recessed portions 38 of the seal member 34 and the projecting portions 37 of the connector housing 31 and the fitting state between the fitting recessed portions 40 and the projecting portions 39 of the cap 35. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm whether or not the electric wires 32 are in close contact with the through holes 36A to 36C of the seal member 34.
Because the sealing performance of the electric wire 32 depends greatly on the contact state between the inner peripheral surfaces 42 of the seal member 34 and the electric wire 32, if the projecting portions 37 of the connector housing 31 as well as the projecting portions 39 of the cap 35 are not fitted deeply enough into the circular recessed portions 38 of the seal member 34 and the fitting recessed portions 40, then a sufficient pressing force cannot be obtained by means of the inner peripheral surfaces 42 of the seal member 34. This makes it impossible to confirm the fitting state and thus there is a possibility that a sufficient sealing performance is not provided. This is not favorable in controlling the quality of products.
Also, as described above, the method of sealing the electric wires 32 relies on the close fitting between the projecting portions 37 of the connector housing 31 and the circular recessed portions 38 of the seal member 34 as well as the close fitting between the projecting portions 39 of the cap 35 and the fitting recessed portions 40 of the seal member 34. Therefore, to obtain a good sealing performance, it is preferred that these mutually mating components be arranged at mutually corresponding positions. That is, these components must be formed with a relatively high degree of accuracy.
Further, since the seal member 34, as shown in FIG. 5, is arranged such that the circular recessed portions 38 and the fitting recessed portions 40 are so formed as to oppose each other, an operator can carelessly mistake the circular recessed portions 38 for the fitting recessed portions 40 in mounting the seal member 34 onto the connector housing 31. Therefore, it is possible that the seal member may not be mounted correctly to the connector housing. Also, because the seal member 34 is formed of rubber and thus can be easily deformed, it is possible to put the cap 35 on the seal member 34 in such an incorrect mounting condition. As a result of this, there is a possibility that such an incorrectly mounted connector may be used in the wire harness. If this occurs, the expected sealing performance cannot be provided.


A method of designing a layout of a semiconductor integrated circuit is provided. A logic simulation of a semiconductor integrated circuit to be designed is executed. A number of times of toggle operation of each of circuit elements constituting the semiconductor integrated circuit, which occurs during the execution of the logic simulation, is counted. A consumption power of the each of the circuit elements, determined based on the counted number of times of toggle operation thereof. Constraint conditions to be imposed on designing a layout of the circuit elements, are determined based on results of the estimation of the consumption power.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of designing the layout of a semiconductor integrated circuit.
2. Prior Art
Recently, various excellent CAD (Computer Aided Design) tools using computer technology have been developed. These CAD tools are now used to carry out almost all required operations in developing semiconductor integrated circuits, such as logic designing and layout designing. In recent years, however, a CAD tool merely capable of automatic designing has not been deemed satisfactory, and there is an increasing demand been for a CAD tool capable of high-quality automatic designing. In particular, the electric performance of the resulting semiconductor integrated circuit devices such as operating speed and power consumption depends on whether layout designing is good or not, and therefore numerous proposals have been made for ensuring the high quality of the final product at the stage of layout designing.
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of automatic designing carried out by an automatic designing system proposed under the above circumstances. In designing a semiconductor integrated circuit by using this system, a designer prepares function descriptive information and information related to constraint conditions (steps S1 and S2). The function descriptive information consists of information defining the circuit structure of a semiconductor integrated circuit to be designed, more specifically a list describing what macro (the kind or type of a standard part such as a NAND gate and a NOR gate) is to be used for each circuit element of the circuit, and how the wiring is to be provided between the circuit element and another circuit element. The information related to constraint conditions consists of information describing conditions required for setting the operating timing of circuit elements of the semiconductor integrated circuit to be designed to desired timing. For example, in the case where there is a critical path which requires setting the propagation delay time of a signal transmitted therethrough within a predetermined range, the constraint conditions include component elements on the critical path and the range of the propagation delay time.
The function descriptive information and the constraint condition information thus prepared are delivered to a CAD tool. In the CAD tool, there are previously stored various kinds of libraries needed for automatic designing of semiconductor integrated circuits, including a logic simulation library defining the contents of a logic calculation to be performed by each macro, and a layout library defining artwork information (related to dimensions and shapes of patterns, for example) associated with transistors constituting the respective macros, wiring patterns and others. The CAD tool refers to these various libraries to thereby start automatic designing according to the function descriptive information and the constraint condition information prepared by the designer.
First, a processing called "logic synthesization" is carried out at a step S3. This processing prepares by logic synthesization a file defining the structure of a circuit to be designed by the automatic designing as a logic circuit, based on the function descriptive information, constraint condition information and logic simulation library.
Then, a logic simulation is carried out using the thus obtained file and a test pattern (time series signal pattern defining an input waveform applied to the circuit, and a response waveform to be obtained from the circuit when the input waveform is applied) that is used for confirming the function, to determine whether or not the circuit defined by the function descriptive information exhibits the intended logical function (step S4).
When no abnormality is found in the logical function exhibited by the circuit as a result of the logic simulation, the procedure proceeds to a layout processing at a step S5. The layout processing is roughly divided into two processings. In the first processing, a cell (hereinafter referred to as an artwork cell) including transistors, wiring pattern and others, which corresponds to each of the macros appearing in the function descriptive information, is virtually positioned or arranged in a chip. The artwork cell corresponding to each macro is prepared using the artwork information in the layout library which corresponds to the relevant macro. If a critical path is designated as a constraint condition, an artwork cell corresponding to each component element on the critical path is preferentially positioned, and after completion of the positioning, other artwork cells with a lower priority are positioned. In the second processing, the wiring pattern, such as a pattern of signal wires connecting the respective art work cells virtually positioned in the chip, feeder wires for supplying electric power and earthing wires, is produced. The wiring pattern for the signal wires is automatically produced according to the above-described function descriptive information.
After completion of the layout processing, a power consumption simulation is carried out at a step S6. Specifically, resistance values of the feeder wires and earthing wires produced by the layout processing are determined, consumption current values of component elements constituting the semiconductor integrated circuit are calculated, and it is determined based on the obtained resistance values and consumption current values whether or not the consumption current can be reliably allowed to flow into each of the feeder wires and earthing wires.
For example, a result of the layout processing is shown in FIG. 3. In this example, elements M1 and M2 are connected to an earthing wire L1, and elements M3, M4, and M5 are connected to an earthing wire L2 and consumption currents I1 to I5 flow through the earthing wire L1 or L2 to a bonding pad for an earthing terminal. The consumption power simulation calculates the consumption currents I1 to I5. As a result, if it is determined that the total consumption current flowing through the earthing wire L2 is excessive such that electromigration can occur, the procedure returns to a previous processing such as the layout processing or the logic simulation to carry out a redesign. On the other hand, if the calculated consumption current value flowing through each earthing wire falls within a tolerance range determined based on the wire width, etc., the result of the layout processing is adopted as it is, that is, a mask is produced based on the layout result, and an engineering sample (ES) of the semiconductor integrated circuit is experimentally manufactured (step S7). Then, electrical properties of the obtained ES are evaluated. If the evaluation results are found satisfactory, the development is completed, whereas if they are not satisfactory, a redesign of the semiconductor integrated circuit is carried out.
According to the above described conventional automatic designing system, by previously setting constraint conditions, it is possible to carry out a layout design which takes into consideration the operating timing of circuit elements of the semiconductor integrated circuit, such as presence of a critical path. The magnitude of current flowing to each circuit element of a semiconductor integrated circuit, however, cannot be determined until after the layout of circuit elements constituting the circuit and the wiring system connecting them are fixed, and therefore the reliability of the current magnitude is confirmed after completion of the layout designing as stated above. This, however, can often necessitate redesigning of the layout, leading to an increased developing cost. Further, although in the case of a semiconductor integrated circuit where the consumption current of each circuit element can be grasped beforehand, a countermeasure such as redesigning of the layout can be taken before trial manufacture of ES, it is actually very difficult in the case of a LSI to determine beforehand the consumption current of each of numerous circuit elements constituting the LSI. Thus, problems of consumption current or consumption power of a semiconductor integrated circuit are often actually found to exist only after completion of trial manufacture of an ES and evaluation thereof.

Layout designing method for semiconductor integrated circuits


A test probe for testing electric characteristics of an object to be tested. The test probe includes: a first contact portion; a second contact portion movable close to or away from the first contact portion; and an elastic deformation portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion and elastically deformed by compression in a probe axial line direction, wherein at least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion comprises a plurality of split contact portions separated by a first slit formed along a lengthwise direction. According to the present disclosure, the plurality of split contact portions are configured to independently contact the tested contact point of the object to be tested, thereby not only enhancing contact reliability but also securing contact reliability by an alternative split contact portion even though one of the split contact portions is defective or damaged.

As a test device for testing electric characteristics or adequacy of a semiconductor wafer or the like object to be tested, a test probe has been used including a plurality of probes for electrical connection between a tested contact point (terminal, bump) of the object to be tested and a testing contact point (pad) of a test circuit, and a probe card for supporting these probes.
With development of technology, the semiconductor wafer has become larger and a semiconductor has become smaller, thereby increasing the number of pads formable on one sheet of semiconductor wafer. In result, a distance between semiconductor pads has to become narrower. Likewise, there is a need of more densely arranging a plurality of probes on the probe card as a pitch between the pads becomes narrower.
In general, the probe card employs so many microelectromechanical system (MEMS) probes. During the test, the MEMS probe presses the contact point to be tested of the object to be tested against one portion toward a test circuit, and thus a middle elastic deformation portion is deformed. In this case, the other contact portion of the MEMS probe slides and moves in an opposite direction to the buckling direction of the elastic deformation portion on the pad of the test circuit (interposer), and therefore a problem arises in that the contact is not sure. Further, the conventional MEMS type probe card is diagnosed as the whole failures or defects of the probe card even when just one among the plurality of MEMS probes is defective or damaged as repetitively used in the test. Besides, the contact portion of the MEMS probe to be in contact with the tested contact points (terminal, bump and pad) of the object to be tested may be increased in contact resistance as a tip is worn or contaminated by the repetitive tests, thereby lowering reliability.
The plurality of MEMS probes are mounted to upper and lower support members arranged in parallel leaving a space therebetween. In this case, one contact portion of the MEMS probe slides on the support member in a lengthwise direction and therefore does not have a great effect on the support member. However, the other contact portion of the MEMS probe has a bad effect on the support member because of the elastic deformation portion deformed by lengthwise compression, and therefore lowers the contact accuracy and reliability of the MEMS probe.

Test probe and test device using the same


A computer implemented method of controlling a user interface of a computer device which is responsive to user engagement with displayed player objects on the interface. The method comprises steps implemented by computer executable code (executed by one or more hardware processors on the computer device) and encompassing, but not limited to, displaying a game area with a number of game objects in a static player graph as well as providing a player object which can be selected to target and shoot game objects in response to player behavior or to contribute directly to a game objective. A boost action is triggered when game objective is fulfilled.

In the field of computer-implemented games, there are many technical challenges facing the designer of such games when considering how the user interface is to be controlled in the context of computer devices available to play the game.
One technical challenge can involve allowing a game to be fun and compelling even when there is limited display resource available, such as when a game is being played on a smartphone, tablet or other minicomputer. Another significant challenge is that of user engagement. Engagement involves designing gameplay to be engaging and rewarding to players. This typically requires games to be easily understood at their simplest or introductory levels, providing rewarding gameplay with quite simple game mechanics, but becoming progressively more challenging so that players are not bored, but remain engaged and develop rewarding skills. Effective engagement requires various forms of feedback to reinforce player sense of success and accomplishment.
There are therefore many technical challenges when designing computer implemented games, particularly in providing a challenge to a player that is engaging and rewarding so as to provoke repeat play. This particularly may, but not exclusively, apply to "casual games".
There exists different kinds of "bubble shooter" games. These games provide a static bubble graph in the game board on a display of a computer device. The game objective is to remove bubbles to clear the way through the graph, and to do this the player operates a player object launcher that can shoot player objects into the game board. When the launched player object reaches an object in the player graph, it "sticks" to it, and if it hits a game object of the same type as the player object, which already has another game object of the same characteristic adjacent to it, a 3-match condition is created and the three game objects disappear from the game board. A match could have more than three game objects in it. A match can be associated with a certain score.
A situation can occur in such games where there are no suitable sets or combinations of game objects in the player graph which could be shot either to move a step forward to the game objective, or to increase a player's score. A player's score can, for example, be increased when a match condition is made. This can be frustrating for a player and can cause players to become disengaged with the game.

Controlling a user interface of a computer device


A graphic forms overlay apparatus to be used with non-impact printers requiring the use of a movable light sensitive medium such as laser printers is disclosed. Laser printers use a sweeping laser beam and a movable light sensitive medium to image data from a data processing source for printing. A graphic forms pattern is overlayed on the data imaged on the light sensitive medium for simultaneous printing of the data and pattern. To accomplish this a negative of the pattern is mounted on a hollow rotatable forms drum, and inside the drum a fluorescent tube is fixedly mounted for illuminating the negative. A linear portion of the light image of the negative formed thereby is reflected by an optical system of lenses and mirrors onto adjacent linear portions of the light sensitive medium being swept by the laser beam for imaging of data. Synchronism between rotation of the forms drum and information being written on the movable light sensitive medium is provided by logic circuitry connected between the printer and a stepping motor which is coupled to the forms drum for rotation of the forms drum. A top of page signal from the printer cooperates with the logic circuitry to start synchronous rotation of the forms drum. An alignment signal from an alignment means within the overlay apparatus cooperates with the logic circuitry to stop rotation of the forms drum in an initial position ready for the next top of page signal. Adjustable counter circuitry provides a means for externally varying the rotational speed of the forms drum.

This invention relates to an improved graphic forms overlay apparatus for use with non-impact printers whose operation requires imaging on a movable light sensitive medium.
Laser-xerographic printers are one type of non-impact printer well known in the art (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,659,936 and 3,698,006). Laser-xerographic printers utilize a modulated beam of laser light which is caused to sweep periodically across a photoconducting drum. The information represented by the modulated light is thereby temporarily stored as electrostatic charges on the surface of the drum. In some laser-xerographic printers, the electrostatic image is developed with toner and the toned image is then transferred to paper to form a permanent record.
It is often desirable to print data such as alphanumeric characters on a government, business or graphic form. Rather than purchase expensive preprinted forms, it is possible to print these forms at the same time that the data is printed. An example of one approach for accomplishing the above using a laser printer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,697 at column 4, lines 1-14. Another approach used with laser-xerographic printers having cylindrical photoconducting drums comprises a negative of a graphic forms pattern mounted on a hollow, cylindrical rotatable forms drum. The forms drum is equipped with a linear light source fixedly mounted within the hollow forms drum. The photoconducting drum and the forms drum are mechanically coupled so that the forms drum rotates therewith in order to provide synchronous integrated printing of the graphic forms data and information data. Mechanical interconnections can be accomplished by mounting the forms drum above the printer, for example, with the axis of the forms drum parallel to the axis of the photoconducting drum. A belt and pulley is used to connect the ends of the two drums so that when one drum turns the other also turns. As the forms drum rotates, light transmitted through the graphic forms negative causes a light image of a linear portion of the graphic form pattern to be directed onto that linear portion of the photoconducting drum being swept by the laser at that time. Typically, an optical system of lenses and mirrors is used to direct the light images from the forms drum to the photoconducting drum.
When it is desired to retrofit a graphic forms overlay apparatus, like the mechanically coupled forms drum described above, to an existing laser-xerographic printer, it is necessary to mount the forms drum in proper position as described above. For example, the forms drum is mounted above the printer, and the drive belt coupling the two drums is passed through an opening in the top of the printer and around an end of the photoconducting drum.
To insure proper vertical alignment of the graphic forms image with the information data when printed, an indicator means for circumferential alignment of the graphic forms negative on the forms drum must be provided on the forms drum. On some overlay devices, this includes a pair of protrusions on the forms drum lying along a line parallel to the axis of the drum. Graphic forms negatives are made with two spaced apart alignment holes which receive the two protrusions on the forms drum on the graphic forms negative when it is placed on the drum. This method of alignment requires that the holes be placed accurately on the graphic forms negative and that the initial rotational position of the forms drum have a predetermined relationship with the initial position of the photoconducting drum. If the holes in the graphic forms master are not properly positioned from one graphic forms master to the next, or, if the rotational relationship of the two drums is disturbed proper alignment of graphic forms images and information data being printed will be absent.
An alternate known means of providing synchronized rotation between the forms drum and photoconducting drum requires the use of synchronous motors for both drums. The two synchronous motors rotate continuously in phase with one another at the same rate. The synchronous motors may be connected to the drums through gearing arrangments in order to compensate for possible differences in diameter between the two drums. An alignment mark located on the graphic form is detected by a detector once every revolution of the forms drum, and the detector transmits a top-of-forms signal to the printer which starts a page of printing. Hence, the graphic forms image is aligned with the data image from the printer on the photoconducting drum. However, the printer must wait for the signal from the forms drum before printing can be initiated. In some laser-xerographic printers the photoconducting drum is fabricated with a seam running along the surface of the drum parallel to the axis of the drum. No imaging of data can take place along the seam or a small region surrounding the seam. With the alignment procedure described above for synchronous motor drives of the photoconducting and forms drum, care must be taken when selecting and mounting a graphic forms negative on the forms drum so that printing is not started which will result in overlaying of the seam.


An apparatus for fixing an optical film used in a back light to an outer frame of the back light. In the back light, a protrusion protrudes from a frame rim of the outer frame. A film extension extends from one side edge of the optical film and is placed on the surface of the frame rim near the protrusion. A clip is provided with a hole for inserting the protrusion to be mounted onto the frame rim such that the protrusion is inserted into the hole, thereby fixing the film extension of the optical film onto the frame rim.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a back light for a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to an apparatus for fixing an optical film to the outer frame of the back light.
2. Description of the Related Art
Basically, a liquid crystal display device that has been widely used for a display device such as a notebook computer or a portable television, etc., includes an upper plate and a lower plate, a liquid crystal panel consisting of a liquid crystal layer provided between the upper plate and the lower plate, and a back light installed at the lower surface of the lower plate to provide a uniform light source.
Generally, as shown in FIG. 1, the back light of the liquid crystal display includes an outer frame (or main supporter) 1, a light-conductive plate 2 installed within the outer frame 1, a reflecting film 3 provided in opposition to the lower surface of the light-conductive plate 2; and a lower diffusion film 4, a lower prism film 5, an upper prism film 6, and an upper diffusion film 7 that are disposed on the upper surface of the light-conductive plate 2. The light-conductive plate 2 converts light generated from a light source installed at one side of the outer frame 1 into light emerging from an upper face of the light-conductive plate 2. The reflecting film 3 reflects incident light from the lower surface of the light-conductive plate 2, back toward the light-conductive plate 2. The lower diffusion film 4 diffuses light passing through the upper surface of the light-conductive plate 2 into the entire surface of the back light. The lower prism film 5 and the upper prism film 6 converge light received from the lower diffusion film 4 into a desired direction by their polarization characteristics. The upper diffusion film 7 diffuses light passing through the upper prism film 6, again, and protects the upper prism film 6. Pads 8 are attached to the edges of the upper surface of the upper diffusion film 7. The pads 8 are responsible for supporting a liquid crystal panel(not shown).
The four optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 are adhered to double-face tapes 9 to be fixed to the outer frame 1. The upper diffusion film 7 is fixed onto the upper surfaces of the projections formed within the outer frame 1 with the aid of the double-face tapes 9, whereas the remaining three optical films 4, 5, and 6 are fixed to the side wall surfaces of the projections of the outer frame 1 with the aid of the double-face tapes 9.
The method of fixing the four optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 using the double-face tape 9 in this manner causes the following problems. First, each of the optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 requires a separate process of adhering the double-face tape 9 and a separate assembly process for fixing each of the optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 to the outer frame. So the number of processes is the same as the number of optical films. For this reason, the assembly time of the back light is increased, and the defect rate is also increased to that extent. For instance, in the case of the back light as shown in FIG. 1, since four optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 are provided, a process of adhering the double-face tape 9 to the optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 is required to be performed four times, and an assembly process of fixing the optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 also is required to be performed four times. Second, since a portion of the optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 fixed with the aid of the double-face tape 9 and the pad 8 has a different expansion degree from the remaining unfixed portion thereof at a high temperature, wrinkles are generated at the optical films 4, 5, 6 and 7 at a high temperature.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a back light for a liquid crystal display device that is adapted to provide a reduce assembly time as well as preventing wrinkles from being generated at optical films at a high temperature.
In order to achieve these and other objects of the invention, a back light of a liquid crystal display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a protrusion protruded from a frame rim of an outer frame; a film extension extended from one side edge of an optical film to be put on the surface of the frame rim near the protrusion; and a clip provided with a hole for inserting the protrusion to be mounted onto the frame rim in such a state that the protrusion has been inserted into the hole, thereby fixing the film extension of the optical film onto the frame rim.

Back light for a liquid crystal display device


Enhanced gel properties (e.g., faster gel time, higher attainable gel strengths) are achieved by reducing the pH and/or increasing the salt of a monovalent and/or divalent cation concentration of an aqueous reaction medium in which a polymer is reacted with an organic crosslinking agent. In addition, the gelation time of an aqueous composition comprising a polymer and an organic crosslinking agent is reduced by heating the composition above about 48.9.degree. C. (120.degree. F.) prior to injecting the composition into a subterranean formation. Alternatively, the gelation time of the aqueous composition is increased by incorporating a pH increasing agent into the composition.

The present invention relates to (a) methods for modifying the gelation time of organically crosslinked, aqueous gels, (b) gels formed by the foregoing methods, (c) compositions for forming the gels, and (d) subterranean formations containing the gels.
Gels are used for several purposes in connection with the production of a natural resource (e.g., oil, natural gas, and geothermal fluids) from subterranean formations. For example, gels are employed (a) to reduce the water/natural gas production ratio, (b) to reduce the water/oil production ratio, (c) to plug off water producing zones within a subterranean formation, and (d) to conform the fluid permeability across the face of a subterranean formation.
In addition, gels can be used to contain migrating, hazardous wastes in the subsurface.
An important factor in forming these gels is the time it takes for a gelable, polymer-containing composition to gel. In some environments (e.g., low temperature oil-producing reservoirs), the gelation time is too long, requiring extended shut in periods to allow complete gelation of the composition and to prevent the flow of uncrosslinked polymer back into a wellbore.
In other environments, the gelation time is too short. In this latter case, the rapid formation of the gel impedes the satisfactory distribution of the gelable composition prior to gelation.
Accordingly, there is a need to modify the gelation time of a gelable composition in order to form a gel in a satisfactory time frame.

Method for modifying gelation time of organically crosslinked, aqueous gels


Compositions and methods for modulating the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are disclosed, comprising contacting CMV mRNA with an oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog which can bind with at least portions of the CMV RNA. In accordance with the preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs are designed to bind with portions of the CMV mRNAs which code for the IE1, IE2 or DNA polymerase proteins. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, methods of treatment of human cytomegalovirus are disclosed.

Cytomegaloviruses (CMV's) are ubiquitous in nature and are the most common causes of intrauterine infection. Congenital infection is common in newborns of infected mothers. In some populations, as much as 10% of children display perinatal infections. In a small percentage of newborns, the infection is virulent, involving multiple organs. Pronounced involvement of the reticuloendothelial and central nervous system is typical; and the infection is a major cause of mental retardation. Careful testing demonstrates that as many as 50% of severely, prenatally infected adults may display neuropsychiatric disease or deafness. Although extraneural organs are usually spared chronic morbidity, the virus can be detected in the kidney for years.
In the adult, cytomegalovirus-induced mononucleosis is a lingering illness that causes significant morbidity. If it occurs in immunosuppressed patients, the disease is more severe, and it may be complicated by other infectious pathogens which may be fatal. Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a severe problem in immunosuppressed patients that often leads to blindness. Immunosuppressed patients are also very susceptible to CMV pneumonitis, which is one of the most lethal of human viral diseases. Although cytomegalovirus may play a role in the progression of HIV infection to AIDS by stimulating the transcription of the HIV long terminal repeats (LTR) in non-transformed co-infected T cells, histologic examination of adrenals and brains from AIDS patients has suggested that the adrenalitis, encephalitis and peripheral neuropathy were caused by CMV infection.
CMV is considered to be an oncogenic virus. In vitro, CMV can transform cells and stimulate growth. Both human and non-human cells can undergo transformation when incubated with CMV. Transformed cells contain CMV antigens that are oncogenic when inoculated into appropriate animals. Moreover, oncogenic potential has been associated with specific segments of the CMV genome.
Human CMV is a large, enveloped herpesvirus whose genome consists of a double-stranded DNA molecule which is approximately 240,000 nucleotides in length. This genome is the most complex of all DNA viruses and is approximately 50% larger than the genome of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Intact viral DNA is composed of contiguous long (L) and short (S) segments, each of which contains regions of unique DNA sequence flanked by homologous regions of repetitive sequence. As a group, the human CMV isolates share at least 80% sequence homology, making it nearly impossible to classify cytomegaloviruses into subgroups or subtypes, although variations in the restriction endonuclease patterns of various CMV DNA preparations are identifiable in epidemiologically unrelated strains. The DNA of the prototypic strain of CMV (AD 169) has been sequenced and reported to contain a conservative estimate of 175 unique translational open reading frames (ORFs). A number of the predicted CMV gene products show homology to other human herpesvirus gene products. At least 42 ORFs encode putative glycoproteins and several of the CMV ORFs putatively encode proteins with amino acid homology to human opsin receptor proteins.
In permissive human fibroblasts, CMV gene expression is regulated by a cascade of genetic events that act at both the transcriptional and translational levels. CMV gene expression can be divided into three phases which resemble those of HSV defined as the immediate early (IE), early and late periods. Following adsorption, penetration and uncoating of the virus, a group of viral transcripts, immediate early messenger RNAs (IE mRNAs) are synthesized within 1-4 hours even in the presence of translational inhibitors such as cycloheximide. In the normal course of infection, the IE mRNAs are translated and their protein products are instrumental in the onset of early transcriptional events. At least 4 proteins are synthesized from IE mRNAs; of these, one is a glycoprotein. The IE1 and IE2 proteins are transcriptional activating factors for other CMV genes and the IE3 protein encompasses a region of the CMV genome which can transform NIH 3T3 cells in vitro. Early proteins are encoded by the mRNAs which are synthesized prior to viral DNA synthesis. A number of the early proteins play a role in nucleotide metabolism and DNA synthesis in the infected cell. After the onset of viral DNA synthesis, the transcription of the late mRNAs is maximal and probably reflects a template abundancy requirement similar to that observed for analogous HSV mRNAs. The late CMV proteins include the glycoprotein constituents of the viral envelope, the viral capsid proteins and other proteins which are necessary for assembly or structural integrity of the mature CMV particle and/or egress of the assembled virion from the infected cell. In addition to the transcriptional controls operant upon CMV gene expression, examples of post-transcriptional controls are known to influence the appearance of some CMV proteins. Splicing of mRNAs is more common than observed in HSV gene expression and the nucleotide sequence composition of the 5' nontranslated region in the cognate mRNA is reported to influence the synthesis of at least one early CMV protein.
Effective therapy for CMV has not yet been developed despite studies on a number of antivirals. Interferon, transfer factor, adenine arabinoside (Ara-A), acycloguanosine (Acyclovir, ACV) and certain combinations of these drugs have been ineffective in controlling CMV infection. Based on preclinical and clinical data, foscarnet (PFA) and ganciclovir (DHPG) show limited potential as antiviral agents. PFA treatment has resulted in the resolution of CMV retinitis in five AIDS patients. DHPG studies have shown efficacy against CMV retinitis or colitis. DHPG seems to be well tolerated by treated individuals, but the appearance of a reversible neutropenia, the emergence of resistant strains of CMV upon long-term administration, and the lack of efficacy against CMV pneumonitis limit the long term applications of this compound. The development of more effective and less-toxic therapeutic compounds and methods is needed for both acute and chronic use.
Classical therapeutics has generally focused upon interactions with proteins in efforts to moderate their disease causing or disease potentiating functions. Such therapeutic approaches have failed for cytomegalovirus infections. The present invention is directed to an alternative approach to the treatment of such infections, the antisense inhibition of cytomegalovirus gene expression through the mediation of oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs.
Antisense methodology is the complementary hybridization of relatively short oligonucleotides to single-stranded mRNA or single-stranded DNA, or even double stranded DNA, such that the normal, essential functions of these intracellular nucleic acids are disrupted. Hybridization is the sequence specific hydrogen bonding of oligonucleotides to Watson-Crick base pairs of RNA or single stranded DNA. Such base pairs are said to be complementary to one another.
The events which disrupt nucleic acid function are discussed by Cohen in Oligonucleotides: Antisense Inhibitors of Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton Fla., (1989) who proposes two possible types of terminating events. The first, hybridization arrest, denotes a terminating event in which the oligonucleotide inhibitor binds to the target nucleic acid and thus prevents, by simple steric hindrance, the binding of essential proteins, most often ribosomes, to the nucleic acid. Methyl phosphonate oligonucleotides; P. S. Miller & P.O.P. Ts'O, Anti-Cancer Drug Design, Vol. 2, pp. 117-128 (1987); and .alpha.-anomer oligonucleotides, Cohen J. S. ed., Oligonucleotides: Antisense Inhibitors of Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton Fla. (1989) are two of the most extensively studied antisense agents which are thought to disrupt nucleic acid function by hybridization arrest.
A second type of terminating event for antisense oligonucleotides involves enzymatic cleavage of the targeted RNA by intracellular RNase H. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog, which must be of the deoxyribo type, hybridizes with the targeted RNA and this duplex activates the RNase H enzyme to cleave the RNA strand, thus destroying the normal function of the RNA. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides are a prominent example of an antisense agent which operates by this type of terminating event.
Considerable research is being directed to the application of oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs as antisense agents for therapeutic purposes. Applications of oligonucleotides as diagnostics, research reagents, and potential therapeutic agents require that the oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs be synthesized in large quantities, be transported across cell membranes or taken up by cells, appropriately hybridize to targeted RNA or DNA, and subsequently terminate or disrupt nucleic acid function. These critical functions depend on the initial stability of oligonucleotides towards nuclease degradation.
Oligonucleotides and analogs modified to exhibit resistance to nucleases, to activate the RNase H terminating event, and to hybridize with appropriate strength and fidelity to targeted RNA (or DNA) are greatly desired for antisense oligonucleotide diagnostics, therapeutics and research with cytomegaloviruses.

Oligonucleotides for modulating the effects of cytomegalovirus infections


A hinge includes a hinge arm mountable on a wall of a furniture unit and at least one hinge pot mounted on a furniture door and rotatably connected to the hinge arm. The hinge pot has a recess into which an inner coupling member may be inserted and in which the latter is releasably anchorable by means of a locking member acted upon by a spring. Provided in one part of either the hinge pot or the coupling member is at least one shoulder which is received with form fit in a recess of the other part. The coupling member may be inserted into the hinge pot in a direction perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the plane of the door. The locking member, which is mounted tiltably on the coupling member, presses against a nose of a hinge pot wall delimiting the recess.

The invention relates to a hinge, in particular a single-axis or axle hinge, having a hinge arm mountable on a wall of a furniture unit, and at least one hinge pot connected to a door of the unit and rotatably connected to the hinge arm, the hinge pot having a recess or interior into which an inner coupling member may be inserted and in which the latter is releasably anchorable by means of a locking member acted on by a spring.
Such hinges are used in particular in the construction of office, organizational and functional furniture. They are used as corner and twin hinges, i.e. hinges to which two doors are joined. In general, they are made as single-axis hinges, but success is not to be restricted thereto.
In the case of conventional hinges, a baseplate is secured to a side wall of the furniture unit when the latter is assembled. A hinge pot is set in the door and is connected to the actual hinge arm via an articulated spindle or four articulated spindles and two articulated levers. In the final assembly, the hinge arm is placed on the baseplate, which is mounted on the side wall of the furniture unit, and is connected thereto. The position of the door can be adjusted by relative displacement of the position of the hinge arm with respect to the baseplate. In general, conventional hinges provide the possibility of adjustment in the direction of the width of the furniture door joint and the depth of the furniture unit. In some cases, height adjustment is also possible.
Hinges of the type mentioned at the outset differ from such conventional hinges in that the hinge arm is secured directly to the side wall of the furniture unit, for example is screwed thereto. This has the advantage that the hinge can be kept very narrow, and further space is saved by the omission of an additional baseplate. As a result, the entire width of the furniture unit may be used to the optimum, this being particularly useful, for example, with index card files or the like.
With such hinges, two-part assembly also is known, i.e. the hinge arm is secured to the side wall of the furniture unit and a hinge pot is set in the door. When the door is finally hung, the hinge pot is connected to the hinge arm via a coupling member jointed to the hinge arm. In the case of conventional hinges, this is done by means of a clamping screw.

Hinge with a coupling member releasably anchored


The present application teaches a device and method for adjusting the width, girth, and foot shape of an article of footwear. Lasting boards having different configurations and alternate positions for selectively affixing various portions of an upper can be used to adjust and customize the fit of an article of footwear for an individual wearer. The lasting board can also comprise a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, lasting board and/or spring element, and sole including possible midsole and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be customized by a wearer or specially configured for a select target population in order to optimize desired performance criteria. Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing an article of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business.

The present invention teaches an article of footwear including means for adjusting the foot shape, width, and girth. Further, the present invention teaches an article of footwear including a spring element, and selectively removable and renewable components. Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing articles of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business.
The present invention teaches an article of footwear including means for adjusting the foot shape, width, and girth. Lasting boards having different configurations and alternate positions for selectively affixing various portions of an upper can be used to adjust and customize the fit of an article of footwear for an individual wearer. The lasting board can also comprise a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, lasting board or spring element, and sole including possible midsole and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be customized by a wearer or specially configured for a select target population in order to optimize desired performance criteria. Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing an article of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business.
Conventional athletic footwear typically include an outsole made of a rubber compound which is affixed by adhesive to a midsole made of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane foam material which is in turn affixed by adhesive to an upper which is constructed with the use of stitching and adhesives. Because of the difficulty, time, and expense associated with renewing any portion of conventional articles of footwear, the vast majority are generally discarded at the end of their service life. This service life can be characterized as having a short duration when the wearer frequently engages in athletic activity such as distance running or tennis. In tennis, portions of the outsole can be substantially abraded within a few hours, and in distance running the foam midsole can become compacted and degrade by taking a compression set within one hundred miles of use. The resulting deformation of the foam midsole can degrade cushioning, footwear stability, and contribute to athletic injuries. Accordingly, many competitive distance runners who routinely cover one hundred miles in a week""s time will discard their athletic footwear after logging three hundred miles in order to avoid possible injury.
Even though the service life of conventional athletic footwear is relatively short, the price of athletic footwear has steadily increased over the last three decades, and some models now bear retail prices over one hundred and twenty dollars. However, some of this increase in retail prices has been design and fashion driven as opposed to reflecting actual value added, thus some individuals believe that the best values on functional athletic footwear can be found in the price range of fifty to eighty dollars. In any case, conventional athletic footwear remain disposable commodities and few are being recycled. The method of manufacture and disposal of conventional athletic footwear is therefore relatively inefficient and not environmentally friendly.
In contrast with conventional athletic footwear, the present invention teaches an article of footwear that includes spring elements which do not take a compression set or similarly degrade, thus the physical and mechanical properties afforded by a preferred article of footwear remain substantially the same over a useful service life which can be several times longer than that of conventional articles of footwear. The present invention teaches an article of footwear which represents an investment, as opposed to a disposable commodity. Like an automobile, the preferred article of footwear includes components which can be easily renewed and replaced, but also components which can be varied and customized, as desired.
Prior art examples devices and means for selectively and removably affixing various components of an article of footwear include, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,183,277, 2,200,080, 2,220,534, 2,552,943, 2,588,061, 2,640,283, 2,873,540, 3,012,340, 3,818,617, 3,878,626, 3,906,646, 3,982,336, 4,103,440, 4,107,857, 4,132,016, 4,262,434, 4,267,650, 4,279,083, 4,300,294, 4,317,294, 4,351,120, 4,377,042, 4,535,554, 4,606,139, 4,807,372, 4,887,369, 5,083,385, 5,317,822, 5,339,544, 5,410,821, 5,533,280, 5,542,198, 5,615,497, 5,628,129, 5,644,857, 5,657,558, 5,661,915, 5,826,352, and 5,896,608, all of these patents hereby being incorporated by reference herein.
Conventional athletic footwear cannot be substantially customized for use by the consumer or wearer. The physical and mechanical properties of conventional athletic footwear are relatively fixed generic qualities. However, the body weight or mass and characteristic running technique of different individuals having the same footwear size can vary greatly. Often, the stiffness in compression of the foam material used in the midsole of athletic shoes can be too soft for individuals who employ more forceful movements, or who have greater body mass than an average wearer. Accordingly, conventional articles of athletic footwear do not provide optimal performance characteristics for individual wearers.
In contrast, the present invention permits a wearer to customize a preferred article of footwear. For example, the length, width, girth, and configuration of the upper, as provided by various last options or by two or three dimensional modeling and footwear design equipment including computer software, or by two, three, or four dimensional measurement devices such as scanners, as well as the type of footwear construction and design of the upper can be selected by the consumer or wearer. Further, the physical and mechanical properties of the article of footwear can be selected and changed as desired in order to optimize desired performance characteristics given various performance criteria or environmental conditions. For example, the configuration and geometry of the article of footwear, and the stiffness of the spring elements can be customized, as desired. In addition, the ability to easily remove, renew, and recycle the outsole portions of the preferred article of footwear renders the use of softer materials having enhanced shock and vibration dampening characteristics, but perhaps diminished wear properties viable from a practical standpoint. Moreover, the outsole portion of the preferred article of footwear can be selected from a variety of options with regards to configuration, materials, and function.
The physical and mechanical properties associated with an article of footwear of the present invention can provide enhanced cushioning, stability, and running economy relative to conventional articles of footwear. The spring to dampening ratio of conventional articles of footwear is commonly in the range between 40-60 percent, whereas the preferred article of footwear can provide a higher spring to dampening ratio, thus greater mechanical efficiency and running economy. The preferred article of footwear can include an anterior spring element that underlies the forefoot area which can store energy during the latter portion of the stance phase and early portion of the propulsive phase of the running cycle, and then release this energy during the latter portion of the propulsive phase, thus facilitating improved running economy. It is believed that the resulting improvement in running performance can approximate one second over four hundred meters, or two to three percent.
The preferred article of footwear can provide differential stiffness in the rearfoot area so as to reduce both the rate and magnitude of pronation, or alternately, the rate and magnitude of supination experienced by an individual wearer, thus avoid conditions which can be associated with injury. Likewise, the preferred article of footwear can provide differential stiffness in the midfoot and forefoot areas so as to reduce both the rate and magnitude of inward and/or outward rotation of the foot, thus avoid conditions which can be associated with injury. The preferred spring elements can also provide a stable platform which can prevent or reduce the amount of deformation caused by point loads, thus avoid conditions which can be associated with injury.
Again, the viability of using relatively soft outsole materials having improved shock and vibration dampening characteristics can enhance cushioning effects. Further, in conventional articles of footwear, the shock and vibration generated during rearfoot impact is commonly transmitted most rapidly to a wearer through that portion of the outsole and midsole which has greatest stiffness, and normally, this is a portion of the sole proximate the heel of the wearer which undergoes the greatest deflection and deformation. However, in the present invention a void space exists beneath the heel of a wearer and the ground engaging portion of the outsole. Some of the shock and vibration generated during the rearfoot impact of an outsole with the ground support surface must then travel a greater distance through the outsole and inferior spring element in order to be transmitted to the superior spring element and a wearer. In addition, in the present invention, a posterior spacer which can serve as a shock and vibration isolator, and also vibration decay time modifiers can be used to decrease the magnitude of the shock and vibration transmitted to the wearer of a preferred article of footwear.
There have been many attempts in the prior art to introduce functional spring elements into articles of footwear including, but not limited to U.S. Pat. Nos. 357,062, 1,107,894, 1,113,266, 1,352,865, 1,370,212, 2,447,603, 2,508,318, 4,429,474, 4,492,046, 4,314,413, 4,486,964, 4,506,460, 4,566,206, 4,771,554, 4,854,057, 4,878,300, 4,942,677, 5,052,130, 5,060,401, 5,138,776, 5,159,767, 5,203,095, 5,279,051, 5,337,492, 5,343,639, 5,353,523, 5,367,790, 5,381,608, 5,437,110, 5,461,800, 5,596,819, 5,701,686, 5,822,886, 5,875,567, 5,937,544, 6,029,374, French Patent 472,735, Italian Patent 633,409, European Patent Application EP 0 890 321 A2, and PCT Patent Application WO 98/07341, all of these patents and patent applications hereby being incorporated by reference herein. Relatively few of these attempts have resulted in functional articles of footwear which have met with commercial success. The limitations of some of the prior art has concerned the difficulty of meeting the potentially competing criteria associated with cushioning and footwear stability. In other cases, the manufacturing costs of making prior art articles of footwear including spring elements have proved prohibitive.
The spring element and various other novel structures taught in the present invention can be used in a wide assortment of articles of footwear including but not limited to those used for running, basketball, tennis, volleyball, but also sandals and hiking boots. The present invention teaches an article of footwear which can provide a wearer with improved cushioning and stability, running economy, and an extended service life while reducing the risks of injury normally associated with footwear degradation. The preferred article of footwear provides a wearer with the ability to customize the fit, but also the physical and mechanical properties and performance of the article of footwear. Moreover, the preferred article of footwear is economical and environmentally friendly to both manufacture and recycle.
The present invention also teaches articles of footwear including means for adjusting the foot shape, width, and girth. Lasting boards having different configurations and/or alternate positions for selectively affixing various portions of an upper can be used to adjust and customize the fit of an article of footwear for an individual wearer. The upper can also include means for adjusting the width, girth, and foot shape in functional relation to a lasting board. The lasting board can also constitute and serve as a spring element and vice-versa. Alternately, the lasting board and spring element can consist of separate parts. The components of the article of footwear including but not limited to the upper, insole, lasting board, spring element, and sole including possible midsole and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be configured and customized for a wearer or a select target population in order to optimize performance criteria, as desired.
Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing articles of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business. For example, the anatomical features, configuration, and dimensions of a given wearer""s foot and any other special needs, requirements, or preferences can be recorded by direct communication, observation and measurement in a retail or medical setting, or by a wearer or other individual within their home or other remote site, and this data can be used to generate information and intelligence relating to the manufacture of a custom article of footwear. Conventional measuring or reproduction means such as rulers, measuring tapes, Brannock devices, two or three dimensional scanners, pressure sensors, infrared thermography, stereolithography, photographs, photocopies, FAX, e-mail, cameras, images, tracings, video, television, computers and computer screens, templates, molds, models, and patterns can be used to help determine and make selections relating to an individual""s foot shape, length, width, girth, and the like. Given an adequate and ready stock of the various components anticipated for use in making the preferred articles of footwear, and the information and intelligence created from the data relating to an individual wearer or target population, a worker and/or automated system can assemble or manufacture a customized article of footwear within a few minutes. This can be accomplished at the point of purchase or service center which can be located in a retail or medical facility, or alternatively, at a remote manufacturing environment.
Accordingly, similar to the rapid delivery eyewear service centers and retail stores which presently exist, a consumer can now also be provided with a custom article of footwear within minutes. Alternately, if and when an individual""s data is received from a remote site at the Website or other address of a company which practices the present invention, and then transmitted to a manufacturing or assembly center, a custom article of footwear can be made and possibly delivered to an individual""s home or other designated address by same day or overnight service, as desired.
A preferred article of footwear has an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, and a longitudinal axis, and includes an upper, a lasting board, and a sole. The sole can comprise a midsole and an outsole, or merely an outsole. The superior surface of the lasting board can include an insole. Alternately, a separate insole can be included within the upper. The upper, lasting board, and sole can be removably affixed in functional relation with the use of mechanical engagement means. The lasting board can comprise a spring element, and a spring element can comprise a lasting board. Alternately, the lasting board and spring element can consist of separate parts. In the latter case, the upper, lasting board, spring element and sole can be removably affixed in functional relation with the use of mechanical engagement means. The mechanical engagement means can comprise a plurality of fasteners including male and female parts.
The spring element can include a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element. The inferior spring element is affixed in function relation to the superior spring element and projects rearward and downward therefrom, and has an flexural axis deviated from the transverse axis in the range between 10 and 50 degrees. It can be advantageous for the flexural axis to be deviated from the transverse axis in the range between 10 and 30 degrees in articles of footwear intended for walking, or for use by runners who tend to supinate during the braking and stance phases of the running cycle, and in the range between 30 and 50 degrees for runners who tend to pronate during the braking and stance phases of the running cycle. Accordingly, posterior of the flexural axis, the anterior to posterior lengths of the superior spring element and the inferior spring element can be shorter on the medial side than on the lateral side.
The preferred article of footwear includes a spring element having a superior spring element which can have a configuration substantially corresponding to the last bottom of the article of footwear, and an inferior spring element. The superior spring element can consist of a single component, or can consist of two portions, an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element which are affixed together in functional relation. In an alternate embodiment, the anterior spring element and inferior spring element can consist of a single component, or alternately, can be affixed together in functional relation, and the posterior spring element can be affixed in functional relation thereto. Further, it can be readily understood that an equivalent spring element can be formed as a single part, or in four parts. In another alternate embodiment, the article of footwear further includes a separate lasting board, and the spring element, lasting board, upper, and sole can be affixed together in functional relation.
The superior spring element can be positioned in functional relation within the upper and the sole can be positioned inferior to the upper, and a plurality of fasteners can be used for affixing the superior spring element to the sole, thus trapping and securing the upper in functional relation therebetween. Further, a plurality of fasteners can be used to selectively affix the superior spring element in functional relation to the upper and the inferior spring element. The plurality of fasteners can include male and female parts, and the male parts can be affixed to the lasting board or superior spring element. The upper can further include a sleeve for affixing at least a portion of the superior spring element in function relation thereto.
The superior spring element and inferior spring element can be configured or affixed in functional relation to form a v-shape in the rearfoot area of an article of footwear and provide deflection in the range between 8-15 mm, and in particular, approximately 10 mm. At the posterior side, the v-shaped spring element can exhibit less stiffness in compression on the lateral side relative to the medial side, and it can be advantageous that the differential stiffness be in the range between two-to-three to one.
The superior spring element can have a thickness in the range between 1.0 and 3.5 mm. The superior spring element can include an anterior spring element having a thickness in the range between 1.0-2.0 mm, and a posterior spring element having a thickness in the range between 2.0 and 3.5 mm. The inferior spring element can have a thickness in the range between 2.0 and 3.5 mm.
The posterior spring element can further include a projection, and the anterior spring element and posterior spring element can be affixed by at least three fasteners in triangulation.
The superior spring element can be generally planar, or alternately can be curved to mate with the anatomy of a wearer and can further include elevated portions such as a side stabilizer or a heel counter.
The spring element can be made of a fiber composite material, or alternately, a thermoplastic material, or a metal material. The spring element can include areas having different thickness, notches, slits, or openings which serve to produce differential stiffness when the spring element is loaded. The spring element can include different types, orientations, configurations, and numbers of composite layers, and in different areas, in order to achieve differential stiffness when the spring element is loaded. Accordingly, the flexural modulus or stiffness exhibited by a spring element in the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot areas, and about any axis can be engineered, as desired.
The article of footwear can include a selectively removable sole. A sole can include a midsole and an outsole, or merely an outsole. The outsole can include an anterior outsole element and posterior outsole element. Alternately, the outsole can consist of a single component, or a three part component including an anterior outsole element, a middle outsole element and a posterior outsole element. The outsole can include a backing, a tread or ground engaging surface, and lines of flexion. The article of footwear can include a rocker sole configuration. The article of footwear can further include a spring guard for protecting the posterior aspect of the mating portions of the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element.
The article of footwear can further include an anterior spacer positioned between the anterior spring element and the posterior spring element for dampening shock and vibration. The anterior spacer can have a wedge shape which can be used to modify the configuration and performance of the article of footwear.
The article of footwear can further include a posterior spacer positioned between the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element for dampening shock and vibration. The posterior spacer can have a wedge shape which can be used to modify the configuration and performance of the article of footwear.
The article of footwear can further include a vibration decay time modifier. The vibration decay time modifiers can include a head and a stem. The head of the vibration decay time modifiers can be dimensioned and configured for vibration substantially free of contact with the base of the posterior spacer or spring element in directions which substantially encompass a 360 degree arc and normal to the longitudinal axis of the stem.
A preferred article of footwear can include an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, and a longitudinal axis, and an upper affixed in functional relation to a spring element comprising an anterior spring element, a posterior spring element, and an inferior spring element. The anterior spring element can be affixed in functional relation to the posterior spring element, and a substantial portion of the anterior spring element can extend anterior of a position associated with 70 percent of the length of the upper as measured from the posterior side. The inferior spring element can be affixed in function relation to the posterior spring element, and a substantial portion of the inferior spring element can extend posterior of a position associated with 50 percent of the length of the upper as measured from the posterior side.
In an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear, the spring element can consist of a superior spring element which can include an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element affixed together in functional relation, but not include an inferior spring element projecting rearward and downward therefrom.
The ability to easily customize and adapt the preferred article of footwear in a desired manner can render the present invention suitable for use in walking, running, hiking, and a variety of other athletic activities including tennis, basketball, baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, bicycling, and in-line skating.
An alternate preferred article of footwear can have an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, superior side, inferior side, and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of fasteners. The upper can include a plurality of alternate openings on the inferior side at a plurality of different positions, and the alternate openings can be offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one standard width size and configured for receiving the plurality of fasteners. A lasting board can be positioned within the upper, and the lasting board and upper can be being removably affixed in functional relation to a sole by the plurality of fasteners, thereby securing the upper in functional relation therebetween. Different lasting boards can comprise different configurations for accommodating different foot shapes, foot lengths, and foot width sizes. Lasting boards for a given foot shape and foot length or standard size article of footwear, can be made in various standard size widths.
The plurality of fasteners can include male and female parts, and the male parts can be affixed in functional relation to the lasting board. Alternately, the female parts can be affixed in functional relation to the lasting board, or the male or female parts can be affixed in function relation to the sole, or the plurality of fasteners including male and female parts can consist of loose parts.
Further, the lasting board can include a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings in the lasting board can comprise a plurality of alternate openings offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one standard width size at a plurality of different positions. In addition, the plurality of alternate openings on the inferior side of the upper can comprise two alternate openings, or three alternate openings.
The lasting board can comprise a spring element, and a spring element can comprise a lasting board. Alternately, a lasting board and spring element can consist of separate parts. The spring element can comprise a superior spring element positioned within the upper. The superior spring element can include an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element affixed together in functional relation. The anterior spring element can include a medial anterior spring element and a lateral anterior spring element. The spring element can also include an inferior spring element substantially positioned inferior and externally with respect to the upper which is affixed in functional relation to the posterior spring element. The anterior spring element including the medial anterior spring element and lateral anterior spring element can consist of two separate parts that are removably affixed in functional relation to the posterior spring element.
The present invention teaches a method of making an article of footwear comprising the following steps:
a) Collecting data relating to a wearer""s preferences and the anatomical features and measurements of the wearer""s foot;
b) Creating information and intelligence for selecting and making an article of footwear for the wearer;
c) Selecting a foot length;
d) Selecting a last bottom configuration;
e) Selecting a foot width;
f) Selecting girth dimensions at a plurality of positions;
g) Selecting an upper, sole, and lasting board which can be affixed together in functional relation to provide the selected foot length, last bottom configuration, foot width, and girth dimensions; and,
f) Removably affixing the upper, sole, and lasting board in functional relation with the use of mechanical engagement means.
The inferior side of the upper can include a plurality of openings for receiving the mechanical engagement means which can include a plurality of fasteners having male and female parts. The upper and sole can include a plurality of openings, and the lasting board can include male parts which can be caused to pass through the plurality of openings in the upper and sole, and female parts which can be removably affixed to the male parts can be used to removably affix the upper, lasting board, and sole in functional relation. Alternately, the lasting board can include female parts, and male parts can be used to removably affix the upper, lasting board, and sole in functional relation. Alternately, the sole can include male or female parts, and the corresponding male or female parts can be used to removably affix the upper, lasting board, and sole in functional relation. Alternately, the plurality of fasteners can consist of loose parts.
The plurality of openings on the inferior side of the upper can include two alternate openings at a plurality of different positions. The two alternate openings can be offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one standard width size and configured for receiving the plurality of fasteners, whereby the girth of the upper can be selected at the plurality of positions during assembly. Alternately, the plurality of openings on the inferior side of the upper can include three alternate openings at a plurality of different positions, each of the three alternate openings being offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one standard width size and configured for receiving the plurality of fasteners, whereby the girth of the upper can be selected at the plurality of positions during assembly.
For any given foot shape and standard size foot length, the lasting board can be made in different standard size foot widths. In the American sizing system, foot length can vary by ⅓ inch per standard size, and foot width will vary by xc2xc inch per standard size, but other sizing systems can be used. The lasting board can also include a plurality of alternate openings at a plurality of different positions. The plurality of openings can be offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one standard width size and configured for receiving the plurality of fasteners, whereby the girth of the upper can be selected at the plurality of positions during assembly. Further, when a lasting board consists of two or more parts, an anterior element and a posterior element, e.g., a spring element including an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element, a plurality of openings can be included in the anterior spring element and posterior spring element which can be offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one half or one whole standard length size and the two parts can be affixed in functional relation with the use of fasteners or other conventional means to provide a desired size length.
The present invention also teaches a method of conducting business including making and selling an article of footwear including the following steps:
a) Collecting data relating to a wearer""s preferences and the anatomical features and measurements of the wearer""s foot, and initiating or completing a financial transaction, thus selling an article of footwear;
b) Creating information and intelligence for making an article of footwear for the wearer;
c) Providing the information and intelligence to a physical location at which the article of footwear can be made;
d) Selecting a foot length;
e) Selecting a last bottom configuration;
f) Selecting a foot width;
g) Selecting girth dimensions at a plurality of positions;
h) Selecting an upper, sole, and lasting board, which can be removably affixed together in functional relation to provide the foot length, last bottom configuration, foot width, and girth dimensions at the plurality of positions;
i) Removably affixing the upper, sole, and lasting board in functional relation with the use of mechanical engagement means, and completing the manufacture of the article of footwear; and,
j) Causing the article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address.
The physical location can be a retail store and the manufacture of the article of footwear can be completed within thirty minutes. Alternately, the physical location can be a medical facility. Alternately, the physical location can be a manufacturing center for making the article of footwear, and the data relating to the wearer""s preferences and the anatomical features and measurements of the wearer""s foot can be transmitted from a remote site, and the article of footwear can be caused to be delivered from the manufacturing center to a designated address. The data can be transmitted electronically by means including but not limited to the Internet, telephone and Fax.
In the continental United States, and possibly within many other host countries in which the novel method of making an article of footwear and conducting business would be practiced, an article of footwear can be caused to be delivered to a designated address within a selected number of working days. For example, the article of footwear can sometimes be delivered the same day, the next day, or within a different selected number of working days, as desired.

Customized article of footwear and method of conducting retail and internet business


This invention relates to regulation of cell signaling, cell growth, and more particularly to the regulation of cancer or inflammatory cell growth and/or activation. The invention provides methods of, and compositions useful for, inhibiting interactions between MUC1 and a kruppel-like factor (KLF), method of inhibiting interactions between a KLF protein and the p53 promoter, methods of inhibiting the interaction between MUC1 and the p53 promoter, methods of increasing p53 activity, and methods of increasing histone acetylation. The invention also provides screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the aforementioned interactions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the identified compounds can be useful in treating cancers and inflammatory conditions.

I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to regulation of cell signaling, cell growth and particularly to the regulation of cancer or cell growth.
II. Description of Related Art
The MUC1 heterodimeric mucin-type glycoprotein is expressed on the apical borders of secretory epithelial cells (Kufe et al. (1984) Hybridoma 3: 223-232). With transformation and loss of polarity, MUC1 is expressed at high levels over the entire cell membrane and in the cytoplasm (Kufe et al. (1984) Hybridoma 3: 223-232). The MUC1 N-terminal ectodomain, which consists of variable numbers of 20 amino acid tandem repeats that are extensively modified by O-linked glycans, is tethered to the cell surface through a complex with the MUC1 C-terminal transmembrane subunit (MUC1-C) (Siddiqui et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 2320-2323; Gendler et al. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263: 12820-12823; and Merlo et al. (1989) Cancer Res. 49: 6966-6971). MUC1-C integrates receptor tyrosine kinase signaling with the Wnt pathway (Li et al. (1998) Mol. Cell. Biol. 18: 7216-7224; Li et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276: 35239-35242; and Li et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276: 6061-6064). MUC1-C is also targeted to mitochondria and to the nucleus, where it contributes to the regulation of β-catenin/Tcf- and p53-mediated gene transcription (Ren et al. (2004) Cancer Cell 5: 163-175; Huang et al. (2003) Cancer Biol. Ther. 2: 702-706; and Wei et al. (2005) Cancer Cell 7: 167-178). Overexpression of MUC1 is sufficient to induce transformation and to attenuate apoptosis in the response of cells to oxidative and genotoxic stress (Ren et al. (2004) Cancer Cell 5: 163-175; Huang et al. (2003) Cancer Biol. Ther. 2: 702-706; Li et al. (2003) Oncogene 22: 6107-6110; Raina et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279: 20607-20612; and Yin et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279: 45721-45727).
The p53 transcription factor (or "p53") is of key importance in the protection of an organism against carcinogenesis. p53 performs this function by regulating several cellular processes, the most important of which are apoptosis and cell-cycle progression. The p53 transcription factor is a nuclear phosphoprotein involved in the control of cell proliferation, and mutations in the p53 gene are commonly found to be associated with diverse type of human cancer (Levine et al. (1991) Nature 351: 453).

Methods and compositions relating to promoter regulation by MUC1 and KLF proteins


A transfer device associated with a power transmission unit includes an input shaft for connection to an output shaft of the transmission unit, a first output shaft axially aligned with the input shaft, a second output shaft located parallely apart from the input and first output shafts, a change-speed gearing arranged among the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a selector gear unit assembled with the change-speed gearing for selectively completing low and high speed gear trains. In the transfer device, a second gear unit is assembled adjacent to the first-named selector gear unit on a common axis to selectively provide the rear wheel drive and the front and rear wheel drive.

The present invention relates to a transfer device associated with a power transmission unit for automotive vehicles of front and rear wheel drive type, and more particularly to a transfer device of the type which includes an input shaft for connection to an output shaft of the transmission unit, a first output shaft axially aligned with the input shaft, a second output shaft located parallely apart from the input and first output shafts, and a selector gear unit for selectively completing low and high speed gear trains among the input shaft and the first and second output shafts.
In general, as is seen in FIG. 7, a conventional transfer device of the type includes an input shaft 1 for connection to an output shaft of a power transmission unit, a first output shaft 2 coaxially connected at its inner end with the input shaft 1 by means of a bearing to permit relative rotation of the shafts 1 and 2, and a second output shaft 3 located parallely apart from the input and first output shafts. A high speed drive gear 1a is integral with the input shaft 1 and in mesh with a high speed counter-gear 4a on a countershaft 4. The high speed counter-gear 4a is permanently meshed with a high speed output gear 3a rotatable on the second output shaft 3, the output gear 3a having the same number of teeth as those of the high speed drive gear 1a. A low speed drive gear 2a is freely rotative on the first output shaft 2 and in mesh with a low speed counter-gear 4b on countershaft 4. The low speed counter-gear 4b is permanently meshed with a low speed output gear 3b rotatable on the second output shaft 3, the output gear 3b having the same number of teeth as those of the low speed drive gear 2a.
The transfer device further includes a first selector gear unit 5, which is coaxially arranged with the input and first output shafts to selectively connect the first output shaft 2 with the low and high speed drive gears 2a and 1a, and a second selector gear unit 6, which is coaxially arranged with the second output shaft 3 to selectively connect the second output shaft 3 with the low and high speed output gears 3b and 3a. To drive the front and rear wheels at a low speed, both the selector gear units 5 and 6 are shifted to connect the first output shaft 2 with the low speed drive gear 2a and to connect the second output shaft 3 with the low speed output gear 3b. To drive the front and rear wheels at a high speed, both the selector gear units 5 and 6 are also shifted to connect the first output shaft 2 with the high speed drive gear 1a and to connect the second output shaft 3 with the high speed output gear 3a. For switching-over the front and rear wheel drive to the rear wheel drive, only the second selector gear unit 6 is returned to its neutral position.
In such a transfer device as described above, the second selector gear unit 6 is located apart from the first selector gear unit 5. As a result, the shifting mechanism for the selector gear units is complicated in construction and occupies a large space within the transfer device. Additionally, when the transfer device is shifted from the rear wheel drive to the front and rear wheel drive or from the low speed range to the high speed range, both the first and second selector gear units must be shifted at the same time. Furthermore, during operation of the transfer device, all the gears 1a, 2a, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b are always driven to cause unnecessary torque losses by stirring of lubricating oil and frictional resistances.

Transfer device associated with power transmission


According to this invention, there is provided an improved method of dyeing fibrous products characterized in that, in the dyeing of fibrous products using an oxidation-reduction dyeing type dye and an aqueous alkali solution of thiourea dioxide as a reducing solution, the reduction of the dye with the said aqueous alkali solution of thiourea dioxide is carried out in the presence of one or more substances selected from the group consisting of saturated aliphatic ketones having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, saturated aliphatic ketocarboxylic acids having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and alicyclic ketones having 3 to 10 carbon atoms.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a dyeing method for fibrous products using an oxidation-reduction dyeing type dye and more particularly to a dyeing method in which the reduction of the oxidation-reduction dyeing type dye is carried out using a new reducing bath.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the dyeing of fibrous products using oxidation-reduction dyeing type dyes such as vat dyes and sulfur dyes, it is sodium hydrosulfite (hereinafter referred to simply as "hydrosulfite") that has heretofore been mainly used as a reducing agent. However, hydrosulfite is poor in preservative stability and undergoes an oxidative decomposition to a large extent upon contact with air, for which reason it is an actual situation that hydrosulfite is used in large excess amount as compared with a theoretically required amount. Such decomposition of hydrosulfite is specially remarkable in a continuous pad dyeing, in which the decomposition proceeds to a remarkable extent during a short period of time from the padding of a reducing solution on the cloth until steaming. Moreover, when handling, hydrosulfite produces a bad smelling gas; therefore, also in point of public nuisance based on a bad smell there has been a demand for a reducing agent free from smell.
Recently, thiourea dioxide has attracted attention and is being studied, as a reducing agent which has a good stability in an alkali solution, less undergoes an oxidative decomposition and is free from a bad smell.
Thiourea dioxide, which is also called aminoiminomethanesulfinic acid or formamidinesulfinic acid, is sold on the market industrially and is available as a white powder superior in preservative stability and having neither oxidizing property nor reducing property, but displays reducing property when an aqueous solution thereof is made alkaline or heated. Its reducing power is very large, stability in an aqueous alkali solution is good and decomposition by an air oxidation is less remarkable, with little production of a bad smell. Thus, thiourea dioxide is an excellent reducing agent. For this reason, application of thiourea dioxide to various fiber fields including dyeing, printing, discharge printing and reduction clearing has been studied and announced in literatures, etc. In the field of dyeing, various studies for practical application have been made, but some dyes undergo reduction to an excess degree, that is, the phenomenon of a so-called "over reduction" appears, one cause of which resides in the too large reducing power of thiourea dioxide. As a result, in the next oxidation process the dye changes into a substance which no longer returns to the original structure, thus causing abnormality in the hue, dye concentration, etc. of the resulting dyed product. This phenomenon is not observed in most dyes, but blue indanthrone dyes, which are widely used, undergo such phenomenon to a remarkable extent, and using hydrosulfite as a reducing agent causes a marked difference in hue and in dye concentration from the case of using thiourea dioxide as a reducing agent. This is an obstacle to the practical application of thiourea dioxide in the field of dyeing. Methods of preventing such abnormality in hue and in dye concentration have heretofore been proposed, including the use of additives to prevent the over reduction, and a combined use with other reducing agent.
So far announced as anti-over reduction agents which are also effective in the reduction with hydrosulfite are protective colloidal substances consisting of polysaccharide such as glucose, dextrin and mannose, as well as oxidizing agents such as sodium nitrite, sodium chlorate and nitro compounds, e.g. nitropropane and nitrobenzene. However, the effect of these substances differs according to the amount and concentration of thiourea dioxide, dyes, or the above additives and also the condition used. It is a present situation that even if certain concentration and condition afford a satisfactory result, a slight change in the concentration of dye, thiourea dioxide, etc. can give an unsatisfactory result not employable in practice.
Japanese patent publication No. 47066/1977 proposes a method in which thiourea dioxide is used together with hydrosulfite in an amount of 0.05 to 100 wt.% based on the hydrosulfite used. However, since the hydrosulfite is a principal component in this proposal, the drawbacks associated with hydrosulfite are not eliminated. In addition, for dyes which easily undergo over reduction, the amount of thiourea dioxide to be used is limited. Thus, such proposed method does not give a substantial solution.