A method is provided for eliminating cancer cells from a population of cells containing cancer cells and noncancerous cells in vitro or in vivo comprising: (a) providing a mixture of noncancerous cells and cancer cells; (b) contacting the cancer cells with transgenic cancer cells comprising a foreign gene such as the herpes virus thymidine kinase gene that renders the transgenic cancer cells susceptible to a therapeutic agent; and (c) contacting the transgenic cancer cells with an amount of said therapeutic agent effective to kill both the transgenic cancer cells and the cancer cells.

Therapies designed to cure or prevent the progression of cancer are often based on biological or metabolic differences between normal and malignant cells. Many cancers are characterized by unrestricted or abnormal growth of the cancer cell population at the expense of host cells and tissues. The relatively rapid cancer cell growth rate compared to normal cells requires high levels of metabolic activity on the part of the cancer cells. One activity associated with malignant cells, the high rate of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication as compared with that of most normal cells, has been extensively examined as a potential target for therapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Thus, there has been a great deal of effort directed toward the development of therapeutic agents or treatments that preferentially kill malignant cells by interfering with one or more aspects of their DNA replication. Such approaches have met with some success, but because such therapies are often nonspecific, normal host cells with high growth rates, such as bone marrow cells, are also susceptible to killing by the same agent or therapy. The toxicity of cancer therapies toward normal cells often leads to severe side effects and limits their ultimate efficacy.
Another difficulty related to cancer treatment centers on the characteristic spread or metastasis of cancer cells to sites distant from the origin of the initial cancer cell. Advanced stages of cancer are often associated with malignant growths at multiple sites. Such spreading often complicates or prevents the successful treatment of cancer by surgical means.
The difficulties related to the design of effective therapies for cancer has spurred intense research directed toward understanding the molecular basis of cancer and its development from normal cells. This research has led to an understanding of some of the biological events that lead to full-blown malignancy starting from a normal cell. Land et al., Science, 222, 771 (1983) summarized research findings that implicated cellular oncogenes in the development of cancer. Additional subsequent efforts have been directed toward understanding the function of oncogenes at a molecular level. Activated oncogenes have been used to construct animal models of cancer development, further substantiating their role in the etiology of cancer (Hanahan, Ann. Rev. Genet., 22, 479 (1988)). This knowledge has created an awareness that activated oncogenes appear to represent targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer therapy (Huber, Fed. Amer. Soc. Exper. Biol. J., 3, 5 (1989)). For example, Drebin et al., Cell, 41, 695 (1985) demonstrated that modulation of the neu oncogene protein by monoclonal antibodies to the surface of transformed cells reversed the transformed phenotype of tumor cells in vitro. However, it is becoming clear that while activated oncogenes represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy, the differences between them and their normal cellular counterparts are often subtle. The subtle differences suggests that development of specific and effective therapies, without toxic side effects, will prove to be difficult. The fundamental similarity between malignant and normal cells renders malignant cells only somewhat more susceptible to killing based on therapies that affect targets or activities that both cell types share.
An alternate approach to the development of tumor-specific therapy has been adduced wherein a metabolic difference is artificially introduced into cancer cells that renders them susceptible to killing by a therapeutic agent (Moolten, Can. Res., 46, 5276 (1986)). This concept, the mosaic strategy, requires prophylactic generation of mosaicism in tissues that may in the future become cancerous (Moolten, Med. Hypotheses, 24, 43 (1987)). The success of the strategy relies on tumor cells differing from normal cells by carrying an inserted gene that confers either drug susceptibility to the malignant cells or drug resistance to the normal cells. The aim of creating mosaicism is to artificially create a significant metabolic difference between normal and malignant cells. This difference then serves as a therapeutic target for effective malignant cell killing with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Because cancer often results from proliferation of a single transformed cell, all of the cells in a given case of cancer will tend to be identical or clonal (Fialkow, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 458, 283 (1976)). If, prior to the development of a malignant cell, a drug susceptibility gene was inserted into that same cell, then all of the cells associated with the ensuing cancer would be susceptible to the appropriate therapeutic agent. Cells in the subject that did not receive the drug sensitivity gene would be resistant to the drug. Thus, mosaic strategy clearly represents a prophylactic application of transduced cells for therapeutic use.
The basic concept of the mosaic model approach has not yet been demonstrated in vivo because generation of malignant cells from normal transduced cells in vivo has not been observed. Insertion of the herpesvirus thymidine kinase (TK) gene into mammalian cells renders them sensitive to the nucleoside analog ganciclovir (GCV). GCV toxicity is conferred by enzymatic activity of the TK gene which metabolically activates GCV in cells (Nishiyama et al., J. Gen. Virol., 45, 227 (1979)). The activated GCV is toxic to cells and kills them. The TK gene by itself is not lethal to cells in the absence of GCV. Mouse tumor cell lines containing the TK gene were shown to give rise to tumors in vivo in mice. Tumor regression occurred if GCV was administered to the mice, while control mice that did not receive GCV failed to survive the progression of cancer (Moolten, Can. Res., 46, 5276 (1986)). Subsequent experiments with retroviral vectors carrying the TK gene were used to transfer TK enzyme activity to tumor cell lines in tissue culture. One mouse tumor, a sarcoma, was then shown to be sensitive to GCV therapy in vitro and in vivo (Moolten and Wells, J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 82, 297 (1990)). These experiments demonstrated the feasibility of killing tumor cells in vivo by using genetic engineering to create a target for cancer chemotherapy.
However, as pointed out by the authors of those experiments (Moolten, Can. Res., 46, 5276 (1986); Moolten, Med. Hypotheses, 24, 43 (1987); Moolten et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 82, 297 (1990), the mosaic strategy suffers from a number of drawbacks and cannot be used in human subjects with the existing technology for genetically engineering cells. A current limitation associated with gene therapy using retroviral vectors is the inefficient transfer of genes to long-lived normal stem cells in humans (Eglitis et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 151, 201 (1988)). Retroviral vectors are the most efficient vehicles in current use for the transfer of exogenous genes into mammalian cells (Eglitis et al., Biotechniques, 6, 608 (1988)). Another limitation associated with retroviral vectors when used in vivo as envisioned in the mosaic strategy, is their limited and transient expression of inserted genes after introduction of the genetically-engineered cells into animals (Anderson et al., Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol., 51, 1073 (1986)). Successful application of the mosaic model to cancer treatment requires that a gene inserted in vivo will continue to express at a later time, possibly years later, when tumors arise from mosaic tissues. Another requirement of the mosaic strategy is the efficient infection of a relatively high proportion of stem cells that may later give rise to a tumor. If stem cells are inefficiently infected, then the probability that a tumor will arise from a genetically-engineered cell is low. Current technologies for long-term in vivo gene expression of inserted genes and for efficient widespread gene transfer to cells in human subjects are not currently available.
Other disadvantages of the mosaic model include stringent safety requirements for vectors used for gene therapy in healthy human subjects (Moolten, Med. Hypotheses, 24, 43 (1987); Anderson, Science, 226, 401 (1984)) or the need to insert genes into stem cells, which cells are poorly defined and difficult to genetically manipulate (Anderson et al., Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol., 51, 1073 (1986)). These considerations prevent the application of the mosaic strategy for cancer chemotherapy in the near future as pointed out by Moolten et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 82, 297 (1990).
Another approach to cancer therapy that relies on retroviral-mediated gene transfer is described in a patent application entitled "Gene Therapy," (U.S. Ser. No. 07/365,567, NTIS publication No. PB89-206155). This approach describes the use of retroviral vectors that carry either marker or therapeutic genes for genetically-engineering immune cells that fight against cancer in a subject. The genetically-engineered cells in this case are tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) which are believed to mediate cytotoxic immune responses against certain cancers (Rosenberg et al., New Engl. J. Med., 316, 889 (1987)). The TIL are explanted from tumors in human subjects and grown in tissue culture in vitro. Following growth in tissue culture, the cells are transduced with a retroviral vector, selected for growth of only those TIL that express vector genes and then reinfused back into patients. One aspect of the approach is the potential to use the genetically-engineered TIL to target or return to the tumors in vivo, after the TIL are returned to the subject.
Therefore, a need exists for effective methods of cancer therapy employing the techniques of genetic engineering to render populations of cancer cells susceptible to destruction with agents that do not adversely affect normal cells.

Cancer therapy utilizing malignant cells expressing HSV-TK


A photovoltaic junction box is disclosed. The photovoltaic junction box has a housing, a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing, and a diode mounted on two adjacent contacts. Each diode has a pair of first pins separated from each other. Each first pin has a soldering end portion soldered on a first contact of the two adjacent contacts. A connection piece connects the soldering end portions of the pair of first pins and is soldered on the first contact.

A solar panel, as is known in the art, is a device for collecting solar energy and converting solar energy into electrical energy. FIG. 1 shows a photovoltaic junction box known in the prior art used on a solar panel. As shown in FIG. 1, the known photovoltaic junction box has a housing 100′, four contacts 200′ provided in the housing 100′, and three diodes 300′. Each diode 300′ is mounted on two adjacent contacts 200′.
As shown in FIG. 1, each diode 300′ has a pair of separated anode pins 310′, 310′ and a cathode pin 320′. The pair of separated anode pins 310′, 310′ of each diode 300′ are soldered on one of the two adjacent contacts 200′, and the cathode pin 320′ of each diode 300′ is soldered on the other of the two adjacent contacts 200′. Each of the anode pins 310′ has a soldering end portion 311′ adapted to be soldered on the contact 200′.
The area of the soldering surfaces of the soldering end portions 311′, 311′ is relatively small, thereby forming a weak soldering holding force between the anode pins 310′, 310′ of the diode 300′ and the contact 200′. During the actual use, the anode pins 310′, 310′ of the diode 300′ are also prone to damage, thereby further reducing the soldering stability of the anode pins 310′, 310′. Additionally, since the area of the soldering surfaces of the soldering end portions 311′, 311′ of the pair of anode pins 310′, 310′ of each diode 300′ is relatively small, the current-carrying capacity of the pair of anode pins 310′, 310′ is reduced.


A molding strip, particularly for vehicles, with continuous ends formed thereon. The molding strip is a plastic injection molded part and has an integrated reinforcement which consists of at least one metal strip. The metal strip has a plurality of cut out tongues in rows along one or both lateral edges, and which extend, in whole or in separate regions of the individual tongues, out of the plane of the metal strip. The metal strip can have shaped tongues and unshaped tongues. In a row of tongues which are arranged one behind the other, unshaped tongues alternate with tongues which extend out of the plane of the metal strip at the row of tongues.

The present invention relates to a molding strip, in particular for vehicles, which has transition-less ends formed thereon and is developed as a plastic injection molding and has an integrated reinforcement unit which comprises at least one metal band.
Molding strips of the type described are generally provided with a reinforcement whose purpose is to essentially counteract the high coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic materials customarily used for molding strips because the temperatures and the changes in temperatures customarily occurring outdoors can cause the length of the strips to change with respect to the metal sheeting of the automobile body to which the molding strips are applied.
In practice, the connection between the plastic material of the molding strips and the usually metallic reinforcing material frequently results in difficulties and requires costly measures. For instance, Federal Republic of Germany DE-C2-31 30 586 describes a method of producing a molding strip in which a separately produced injection molded plastic molding-strip body has a reinforcing body comprised, for instance, of rolled steel sheet. The steel sheet is provided with a coating of coupling agent. The plastic molding strip body is combined with the reinforcing body. The coupling agent is then inductively heated in the cavity of a joining mold to activate the coupling agent and connect together the parts, which rest against each other, under application pressure.
Federal Republic of Germany DE-C2-31 16 339 describes a method of producing molding strips in which a possibly preheated molding strip comprised of stainless steel, aluminum or rigid PVC and coated with primer and coupling agent is placed in a mold cavity and is then covered with PVC in a heated injection mold. The coupling agent is activated, at least in part, by the heat given off by the plastic composition being injected. The production of such molding strips requires an extremely expensive and cost intensive pretreatment of the reinforcements.
This drawback is also true of the object of Federal Republic of Germany DE-A1-38 22 399, which relates to a self-supporting structural part for covering, decorating, protecting and/or sealing of housings or car bodies having at least one transitionless axial end formed thereon. That part comprises a strip shaped or plate shaped plastic body, which rests against the housing via webs and has an integrated reinforcement of hard material as well as soft elastic application elements For this object, the reinforcement comprises narrow strips of sheet metal, which are coated with a hard material or of a mineral- or fiber-reinforced or hard plastic. On the inside of the webs of the structural part, the strips lie against the housing or the like, and are connected permanently to the structural part. The strips have at least one lip of soft elastic material which rests against the housing, or the like. The reinforcing strips are produced by extrusion and the plastic body is injection molded on the reinforcing strips.

Molding strip, particularly for vehicles


Memory cells are formed at mutually facing areas of conductive layers arranged in parallel in a lateral direction and conductive layers arranged in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction. A plurality of capacitors are formed, as a matrix array, at those mutually facing area of the conductive layers crossing relative to each other in the mutually orthogonal relation. Each capacitor constitutes a memory cell. A plurality of capacity levels, each, are set as a corresponding capacitor level by varying a mutually facing area between the conductive layers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mask ROM (read only memory) and, in particular, to a memory cell structure for a large-capacity mask ROM for storing a plural-bit data (2.sup.n data).
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally a large-capacity mask ROM stores, in its memory cells, binary data "1" and "0" such as the presence or absence of transistors, of an impurity implanted into channel regions and of contacts.
FIGS. 1 and 2, each, show a memory cell array of a conventional mask ROM and FIGS. 1 and 2 show a NOR type and NAND type structure, respectively. These arrangements allow "1" and "0" to be programmed by the presence or absence of an implanted impurity for the formation of channel regions.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, gate electrodes 52 are formed over active regions 51 overlying a semiconductor substrate and a gate insulating film, not shown, is formed between the gate electrode 52 and the active region 51. Conductive layers 54 are formed over an insulating interlayer, not shown, which covers the gate electrode 52 and active region 51. The end portion of the active region 51 makes contact with the conductive layer 54 via a corresponding contact hole 53.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, a system is adopted which stores one bit in each MOS transistor by implanting an impurity ion opposite in conductivity type to that of the active region 51 and controlling a threshold level involved.
In the arrangement shown above, a cell area for storing one bit depends upon the technique for the manufacture of transistors. Therefore, a large-capacity mask ROM can be achieved by reducing the cell size as indicated by a broken line in FIGS. 1 and 2. If the downsizing of cells reaches a design limit, a problem is involved that an achievable mask ROM capacity will be limited. That is, it has been difficult, therefore, to implement a still larger-capacity mask ROM.


A first conductive film, a first insulating film, a semiconductor film, an impurity semiconductor film, and a second conductive film are stacked in this order (a thin-film stacked body); first etching is performed to expose the first conductive film and form at least a pattern of the thin-film stacked body; second etching is performed to form a pattern of the first conductive film. The second etching is performed under a condition in which the first conductive film is side-etched. Further, after forming the patterns, an EL layer can be formed selectively by utilizing a depression and a projection due to the patterns.

1. Field of the Invention
The technical field relates to a method for manufacturing a light-emitting device having a thin film transistor, in particular, to a light-emitting device typified by an EL display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, thin film transistors which include a thin semiconductor film with a thickness of several tens of nanometers to several hundreds of nanometers approximately and are formed over a substrate having an insulating surface, such as a glass substrate, have been attracting attention. Thin film transistors are widely applied to electronic devices such as integrated circuits (ICs) and electrooptic devices. In particular, prompt development of thin film transistors that are to be used as switching elements in image display devices typified by liquid crystal display devices, electroluminescent (EL) display devices, and the like is being pushed.
In an active matrix EL display device, a voltage is applied between one electrode and the other electrode, which sandwich an EL layer (including a light-emitting layer), of a light-emitting element provided in a pixel selected, whereby a current is generated in the EL layer and the light-emitting layer emits light. A viewer perceives this light emission as a display pattern. In an active matrix EL display device, pixels arranged in a matrix are driven with switching elements, thereby forming a display pattern on a screen.
The range of uses for the above active matrix EL display devices has been widening, and a larger screen, higher definition, a higher aperture ratio, and the like have been demanded. Further, higher reliability, higher productivity, lower production cost, and the like are required of active matrix EL display devices. An example of a method of enhancing productivity and reducing production cost involves a simplified process.
In an active matrix EL display device, thin film transistors are mainly used as switching elements. It is effective to reduce the number of photomasks used in photolithography in simplifying a process of manufacturing thin film transistors. For example, when one photomask is further used, steps of resist application, prebaking, light exposure, development, post-baking, and the like, steps of film formation and etching before and after the preceding steps, and further, steps of resist removal, cleaning, drying, and the like are required. Thus, even when only one photomask is additionally used in a manufacturing process, the number of steps increases significantly. As described above, a process is highly simplified or complicated depending on the number of photomasks; therefore, a number of techniques have been developed to reduce the number of photomasks in a manufacturing process.
Thin film transistors are broadly classified into top gate thin film transistors, in which a channel formation region is provided below a gate electrode, and bottom gate thin film transistors, in which a channel formation region is provided above a gate electrode. It is known that a bottom gate thin film transistor is more advantageous than a top gate thin film transistor in terms of the number of photomasks used. In general, a bottom gate thin film transistor can be manufactured using three photomasks.
With regard to conventional techniques for reducing the number of photomasks, complicated techniques such as backside light exposure, resist reflow, and lift-off are largely used, which often require a special apparatus. There have been concerns for decrease in a yield and the like due to a variety of problems caused by using such a complicated technique. Further, electric characteristics of thin film transistors have to be sacrificed in many cases.
As a typical means for reducing the number of photomasks in a process of manufacturing a thin film transistor, a technique of using a multi-tone photomask (called a "half-tone mask" or a "gray-tone mask") is widely known. For example, Reference 1 (Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2003-179069) discloses a technique to reduce the number of manufacturing steps with the use of a multi-tone photomask.

Light-emitting device and manufacturing method thereof

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


A skin care composition in the form of a substantially oil-free aqueous gel comprising a water-soluble humectant, a hydrophilic gelling agent, a specific silicone component and a specific cationic surfactant component. The compositions provide improved oil control along with improved skin feel and residue characteristics together with excellent moisturizing, emolliency, rub-in and absorption characteristics.

Sebum, or skin oil, is produced in the sebaceous glands located in the pilosebaceous apparatus of the skin and reaches the skin surface through the duct of the hair follicles. The presence of excessive amounts of sebum on the skin surface often results in an unattractive cosmetic condition commonly known as "oily skin". Sebum also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ache. Sebaceous gland activity is significantly increased in ache subjects, and individuals with the most severe ache often have the highest sebum secretion rates.
The spreading of sebum on the skin surface is thus an important cosmetic parameter since its distribution on the skin surface can determine the appearance of oiliness or greasiness and can contribute to the severity of ache.
It is advantageous, therefore, to have available means for controlling the distribution of sebum over the surface of human skin, with particular regard to skin characterized by an excessive secretion or presence of sebum upon the surface and to affected skin areas of, for example, ache patients. It is also advantageous to have available a facial care composition which will assist the facial stratum corneum in maintaining their barrier and water retention functions at optimum performance in spite of deleterious interactions which the skin may encounter in washing, work, and recreation.
Many currently marketed facial products do not effectively control the distribution of sebum upon the surface of the skin. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that current leave-on emulsion products undesirably modify the surface properties of the skin, thereby increasing the contact angle of the sebum with the skin and thus preventing its spreading. These products cause the secreted sebum to remain as small discrete droplets upon the skin, thus resulting in oily skin and its attendant problems.
Typically, the problem of oily facial skin has been dealt with by frequent cleansing and the use of astringent preparations. However, such remedies are of questionable efficacy and not always practical, and also have the disadvantage of drying, irritating, and abrading the skin. Additionally, any benefits which may be obtained through cleansing and the use of astringents are only temporary. Once the skin has been cleansed of sebum, the skin begins secreting sebum anew so that the oily skin problem soon returns.
The prior art teaches the incorporation of clays, talcs, silicas, starches, polymers, and other such materials into skin care products for absorbing sebum and controlling oily skin. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,578, Yoshihara, T. et al., issued Jul. 10, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,109, to Umemoto, I. et al., issued Dec. 5, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,399, to Flynn, R. G. et al., issued Aug. 20, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,058, to Lay, G. E. et al., issued Dec. 18, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,301, to Klein, R. W., issued Jun. 14, 1983; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,317, to Merida, W. C. et al., issued Dec. 28, 1976. However, the practicality of incorporating sebum absorbing materials is limited by the sebum absorbing capacity of the material, formulation difficulties, and the negative aesthetic properties which these materials impart to finished products. Also, any oil control benefit which may be obtained is merely temporary.
A longer lasting method of reducing sebum on the skin is through the use of topical or systemic agents believed to provide a sebosuppressive effect. See Karg, G. et al., "Sebosuppression", Cosmetics & Toiletries, vol. 102, pp. 140-146 (April 1987); U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,021, to Hsia, S. L. et al., issued Jun. 3, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,235, to Bittler, D. et al., issued May 6, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,587, to Green, M. R., issued Jul. 16, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,654 to Bauer et al., issued Jul. 1, 1980; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,287, to Eberhardt et al., issued Apr. 5, 1977. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that sebosuppressive agents decrease the sebum output of the pilosebaceous ducts of the skin, thereby reducing surface oiliness. However, many sebosuppressive agents are potent drugs having undesirable side effects on diuretic activity, inflammation mediators, blood pressure, hormonal levels, cholesterol synthesis, and other bodily functions. Thus, it may not always be practical, desirable, or even possible to utilize sebosuppressive agents to control oily skin.
The control of sebum spreading via topical formulations which do not contain sebosuppressive agents is described in Australian Patent Application 8,319,558 to Herstein et al., published Apr. 12, 1984. This patent discloses formulations for use on oily skin such as cleansers, shampoos, and anti-ache treatments, which contain -gluconamidopropyl dimethyl 2-hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride. However, these formulations have the undesirable characteristic of increasing the contact angle of sebum with the skin and inhibiting the even spreading and distribution of the sebum.
Furthermore, in addition to the limitations of the prior art discussed above, most currently marketed emulsion products actually contribute to and aggravate oily skin problems. Most emulsion products are oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions containing high levels of fats and oils. The high levels of fats and oils in these products give them their characteristic heavy and greasy aesthetics and contribute to oily skin problems. The limited number of products which claim to be free from: fats and oils are usually not emulsion type products, but instead are low viscosity, hydro-alcoholic formulations which are too harsh and astringent for regular or frequent use.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to develop facial compositions which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. It would also be highly desirable to provide facial compositions which will assist the facial stratum corneum in maintaining their barrier and water retention functions at optimum performance in spite of deleterious interactions which the skin may encounter in washing, work, and recreation.
Conventional cosmetic cream and lotion compositions as described, for example, in Sagatin, Cosmetics Science and Technology, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, Wiley Interscience (1972) and Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7 are known to provide varying degrees of emolliency, barrier and water-retention (moisturizing) benefits.
Other cosmetic compositions are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,019 to Georgalas et al., issued Jun. 16, 1989 and also in U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,725 to Decknet et al., issued Sep. 5, 1989, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.
To improve moisturizing benefits water-soluble humectants such as glycerine have been added to cosmetic compositions; however these water-soluble humectants generally significantly increase the tacky feeling. Applicants have found that the use of a specific silicone component along with a specific cationic surfactant component in substantially oil-free aqueous gel-type compositions provides improved oil-control along with significantly improved skin feel and provides a visually appealing product. Further, these compositions, when applied, provide the user with improved make-up application and protection from environmental factors (e.g., irritants such as wind, heat and cold) as well as protection from common household irritants (e.g., cleansers and the like). These substantially oil-free gel-type cosmetic compositions are also particularly useful in warmer climates because they reduce the tack associated with heat and humidity.
The present invention therefore provides substantially oil-free gel-type cosmetic compositions which provide improvements in absorption, residue and skinfeel characteristics without detriment to either short or longer term moisturizing effectiveness or emolliency.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improved facial compositions which provide reduced tack and provide the user a smoother skin feel and which reduce the oily appearance and greasy feel of facial skin and control the distribution of sebum upon the skin surface. It is still another object of the present invention to provide compositions which are aesthetically pleasing and substantially free from fats and oils. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide compositions for controlling sebum distribution without incorporating oil-absorbing materials. It is a further object of the present invention to provide oil-free moisturization to minimize skin regreasing over time. It is still a further object to provide skin care compositions which, when applied, provide improved make-up application as well as improved protection from environmental and common household irritants.
These and other objects of this invention will become apparent in light of the following disclosure.

Silicone containing skin care compositions having improved oil control


A roller width adjusting device for a divided molding roller has a hollow main shaft journalled at each end to side bearings so as to be rotatable around a rotary axis thereof. The hollow main shaft is connected at one end to a driving source for rotating the main shaft around the rotary axis. A pair of hollow cylindrical roller holders are disposed on an outer periphery of intermediate portions of the main shaft so as to be slidable along the rotary axis of the main shaft. The roller holders may be fixed in any position along the rotary axis by a holding device. A pair of divided type molding rollers are attached to the roller holders, respectively. An adjusting shaft is rotatably disposed in the hollow shaft along its rotary axis. Each end of the adjusting shaft has a screw thread with opposed screw directions. One end of the adjusting shaft has a rotatable handle. By rotating the handle in one direction the interval between divided rollers is increased thus moving the roller holders farther apart; whereas by rotating the handle in the other direction the interval is decreased thus drawing the roller holders closer together. Once in position, the divided rollers are slidably fixed by the holding device such that pipe of that particular size can be manufactured.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a roller width adjusting device for a divided type molding roller used in manufacturing a welded steel pipe.
2. Description of Related Art
One type of molding roller device used conventionally in a production line for continuously processing a strip into a welded pipe includes an upper roller and a lower roller. The strip is passed between the upper and lower rollers and bent in a so-called flower. However, with this type of molding roller device, each time the pipe size is changed, the molding rollers need to be changed. Therefore, it is necessary to have different size molding rollers. Moreover, changing these molding rollers is difficult and expensive.
Therefore, the recent trend is to use a divided type roller system. The divided type roller system comprises left and right divided molding rollers. An interval between the two rollers can be adjusted to change the size of the pipe that is to be produced. Examples of divided type roller systems and their associated adjusting means are discussed below.
A spiral type of adjusting means for a divided type roller system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. Sho 57-28627. In particular, a molding roller comprising left and right divided rollers continuously molds a metallic strip into a desired shape. In this system, an outer shaft is fitted onto an inner shaft and both the shafts are connected to each other by keys. An internal screw thread in the divided rollers mates with an external screw thread on an outer periphery of the outer shaft. A nut rotatably mates with a groove in a side surface of the divided roller and is movable parallel to the axis of the outer shaft along a key way provided on the outer periphery of the outer shaft. An interval or distance between the divided rollers is adjusted by use of screw threads formed on the inner shaft and outer shaft. However, when the divided rollers are subjected to a large load, it is likely that the inner or outer shaft will break due to the concentration of stress on the screw threads. Furthermore, there is no backlash adjusting mechanism, which is necessary for manufacturing a pipe with a thin steel sheet because precise accuracy is needed.
In the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 57-209722, an adjusting means is disclosed which changes the interval between divided rollers. In particular, a breakdown roller stand having an upper roller and a lower roller with an adjustable interval therebetween is used for manufacturing an electric seamed steel pipe. The upper roller and lower roller each include a pair of roller members. Between the pair of rollers is a removable spacer for setting the desired interval therebetween. A fixing means is provided for fixing the pair of roller members to each other at the desired interval. To change the divided rollers for a different size pipe requires the use of a different spacer interposed between the pair of left and right divided rollers. This requires considerable time and labor.
Furthermore, in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. Hei 3-138023,a roller hydraulic clamp system is used to adjust the positions of the divided rollers. In particular, left and right divided rollers are adjusted into different positions by use of threaded shafts. The divided rollers are fixed to the main shafts by use of a hydraulic clamp unit provided at the roller holders, respectively. A rotary joint is used as hydraulic supply means for the hydraulic clamp. However, with this device high speed manufacturing of pipe is difficult due to the limited life span of the oil seal. To avoid this, a cooling water distribution piping may be used to limit the heat exposure to the seal. However, this makes the roller rotation device complicated.

Roller width adjusting device for a divided type molding roller


Method and device can be provided which can establish two or more communication channels for a called terminal having different called addresses for different channels by a single calling address. When keys are input in the order of "0014723244*3245#" for example from a key input section, a key input control section transfers the key input contents before "*" to a communication control section as dial information and starts a send operation with the dial information "0014723244" as a called party address. Subsequently, the key input control section replaces the lower order digits of the key input contents before * by the contents between "*" and "#". It transfers the key input contents after replacement to the communication control section as dial information and starts the send operation with the dial information "0014723245" as the called party address.

This invention relates to a communication terminal device for connecting plural channels with a communication network through settable user-network interfaces.
The prior art will be explained assuming that the communication network is an ISDN (integrated services digital network). The INS (information network system) which is ISDN provided by NTT Co. Ltd in accordance with the CCITT recommendation I-series has two user-network interfaces, i.e., a basic rate user-network interface (BRI) and a primary rate user-network interface (PRI). Using the same called party number, two user information transfer channels (B channels) can be set on BRI and 23 B channels can also be set on PRI. An address can be set for each user-network interface. A subaddress can be set on each communication terminal connected with the user-network interface.
In such a communication network, where a called terminal (called communication terminal device) and a calling terminal (calling communication terminal device) are connected using two B channels simultaneously, the called terminal will have the two B channels allotted with the same address. Thus, the calling terminal repeatedly calls one called address and called subaddress input by a user into the network for the two B channels so that the two B channels can be established between the calling terminal and the called terminal. In this way, in the same series of calling procedures as where a user intends to connect one channel, it is possible to direct the communication terminal to connect plural communication channels.
However, there are cases where an address is allotted not for each user-network interface, but each B channel included in each user-network interface. In this case, different addresses are allotted for different B channels. Further, in some countries, the user-network interface including only one B channel is provided. In this case, in order to assure plural B channels, plural user-network interfaces are necessary. In both cases, one communication terminal has plural B channels allotted with different addresses. Thus, it is necessary to give plural channels plural addresses so that the above cases are not dealt with by the repeated calling processing by the calling terminal. It was therefore necessary to repeat the calling procedure for one called party address and subaddress for connection of one channel by the number of times corresponding to the number of channels.

Calling method for communication terminal device


The present disclosure is generally directed, in part, to a selectively apertured nonwoven material forming a portion of a disposable absorbent article. The nonwoven material comprises a layer of bicomponent fibers, and a plurality of apertures formed in the layer of bicomponent fibers. Each aperture has a major axis and a minor axis. Each major axis is larger than each minor axis. Each major axis has a length of greater than about 1.5 mm and less than about 10 mm and each minor axis has a length of greater than about 0.4 mm and less than about 1.25 mm. The nonwoven material has a basis weight of less than 25 gsm, but greater than 10 gsm. The layer of bicomponent fibers has an effective open area greater than about 3% but less than about 30%. The apertures have an aperture area greater than about 0.5 mm2 and less than about 10 mm2.

Nonwoven material formed by nonwoven extrusion processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes and spunbonding processes may be manufactured into products and components of products so inexpensively that the products could be viewed as disposable after only one or a few uses. Representatives of such products include disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence garments including briefs and pads, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, and the like.
Infants and other incontinent individuals wear disposable absorbent articles such as diapers to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Absorbent articles function both to contain the discharged materials and to isolate these materials from the body of the wearer and from the wearer's garments and bed clothing. Disposable absorbent articles having many different basic designs are generally known.
A typical absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. Nonwoven materials are often used as the topsheet because they are liquid pervious and provide a skin friendly surface. However, in certain uses nonwoven materials do not function that well as a topsheet as body exudates sometimes hang-up or get caught in the nonwoven materials and thus, become trapped against the wearer's skin. One solution to the aforementioned problem is to provide apertures in the nonwoven material so that body exudates may readily penetrate through the nonwoven material and into the underlying absorbent core.
Unfortunately, certain techniques used to form apertured nonwoven materials are either costly, create undesirable issues with the wearer's skin or are subject to tearing during manufacture or use. While many attempts at solving the aforementioned problems have been attempted, none currently known provide the appropriate combination of cost, skin feel and performance that deliver a truly exceptional consumer experience.
Thus, the need remains for an improved nonwoven material and in particular an improved nonwoven material for use as the topsheet in an absorbent product.

Apertured nonwoven materials and methods for forming the same


A pull-out guide for the guidance of a drawer, including a cabinet rail for attachment to a furniture cabinet, a drawer rail for attachment to a drawer, and a roller unit having rollers that roll on guide surfaces of the respective rails during movement of the rails relative to one another. The cabinet rail has a vertically extending low-profile side element that does not extend upwardly above a support surface of the drawer rail over at least 75% of its total length. A vertically upwardly protruding flag-like element extends upwardly in the vertical direction to guide a drawer during assembly to the drawer rail.

Pull-out guides for the guidance of a drawer have already become known in various embodiments, in the form of a full extension pull-out guide that includes a cabinet rail, a middle rail and a drawer rail, as well as in the form of a partial or single extension pull-out guide that includes only a cabinet rail and a drawer rail. One application relates to, for example, under-drawer guides, in which the pull-out guides are placed beneath a drawer bottom of a drawer made, for instance, of wood. It is difficult to install partial extension pull-out guides, which include only a cabinet rail and a drawer rail, on a piece of furniture when the front end of the cabinet rail is fixed inside the face frame of the furniture and the rear of the cabinet rail is fixed to the inside rear wall of the furniture cabinent, because it is difficult to ensure that the two runners are installed precisely parallel to one another. If the two runners are not parallel, the drawer will not open and close smoothly. In addition, misalignment of the drawer sometimes occurs when attempting to fasten the drawer rail to the bottom of the drawer, because the bottom of the drawer blocks the view of the installer.

Pull-out guide for the guidance of a drawer


An electric vehicle control system for driving a battery powered motor with use of power inverters. First and second inverters are connected with the respective three-phase primary windings of an induction motor. If one of the inverters fails, failure detection circuits detect it, and a control unit stops the failed inverter and allows the other normal inverter to drive the induction motor to move the electric vehicle. Driving the single motor with a plurality of power inverters allows the electric vehicle to move and run even if one of the power inverters fails.

The present invention relates to battery driven electric vehicle control system. More particularly, this invention provides a highly reliable electric vehicle control system driven by a simple arrangement.
Battery driven electric vehicle control systems have been described in the past, including the methods in the Japanese Laid-Open Patents 3-251002 and 2-133005. The former method in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent 3-251002 uses a simple drive system to drive a vehicle in which a single inverter controls a single motor. The latter method in the japanese Laid-Open Patent 2-133005 provides an optimized drive force for each of a plurality of motors to make the vehicle operate highly efficiently, thereby increasing its running distance per charge.
Methods for driving an ac motor with a plurality of power converters are also known, including, for example, the methods disclosed in the Japanese Laid-Open Patents 63-323589, 63-305792. These methods for driving a plurality of windings of an ac motor, with respective power converters, are suitable for high capacity.
Each of these prior art devices, however, suffers from at least one particular disadvantage. In the first prior art control mentioned above, if there is a failure in the power converter for driving the motor, the motor cannot be driven, and hence the vehicle cannot be run.
The second prior art device can drive the vehicle even if one power converter fails, as it has the same number of power converters as it has motors. However, the requirement for multiple motors complicates the drive system for the electric vehicle.
The third and fourth prior art devices provide a plurality of power converters. However, these patent documents do not consider which one or how many power converters are used for driving.
In view of the foregoing, a first object of the present invention is to provide a simple electric vehicle control system, for optimal control of a plurality of power converters, depending on the drive state of the electric vehicle.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle that can run safely, even if any one of the power converters fails.
A third object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle control which is efficient and highly reliable, with a longer service life.


A method for easily producing a graphite powder for use as a lithium secondary battery negative electrode material with small specific surface area while reducing energy consumption, and achieving high graphitization efficiency, includes melt-mixing a coke powder and a carbon precursor binder so that an amount of fixed carbon included in the carbon precursor binder is 5 to 15 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the coke powder, to prepare a mixture, and pressing the mixture to prepare a compact, the coke powder being obtained by heating a green coke powder at 600 to 1450° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, the green coke powder having a cumulative particle size at 50% in a volumetric cumulative particle size distribution of 5 to 50 μm; heating the compact in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to effect carbonization and graphitization to obtain a graphitized compact; and grinding the graphitized compact.

A lithium secondary battery has a reduced weight and high energy density, and has been expected to be used as a drive power supply for hybrid cars, electric vehicles, and the like in addition to a power supply for portable small electronic devices. Lithium metal was initially used as the negative electrode material for the lithium secondary battery. However, since lithium ions deposit and grow on the negative electrode in the form of dendrites during charge, and decrease the capacity upon falling, or cause a short circuit, a graphite material that does not form such dendrites has been proposed.
A graphite material exhibits a high charge-discharge efficiency due to an excellent lithium ion dope-undope capability (extraction-insertion capability). Moreover, since the potential of the graphite material during charge and discharge is almost equal to that of lithium metal, it is possible to obtain a high-voltage battery, for example.
A known method for producing a graphite powder (graphite material) for use as a lithium secondary battery negative electrode material includes mixing 60 parts by mass of synthetic pitch tar (binder) with 100 parts by mass of green pitch coke, forming the mixture in the shape of a block at a cold isostatic pressure of 900 kgf/cm2, heating the resulting block at 1000° C. and 2800° C. to effect graphitization, and grinding and classifying the resulting graphitized block (see Example 3 of Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2008-059903)).

Process for manufacturing graphite powder for lithium secondary battery negative electrode material


A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection panel, a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, and a buffer member. The housing has an opening in a corner. The buffer member includes a first portion fixed inside the housing and a second portion protruding from the opening of the housing to an outside of the housing. An elastic modulus of the second portion of the buffer member is lower than an elastic modulus of a portion of the housing which forms the opening.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging system.
Description of the Related Art
A portable radiation imaging apparatus called an electronic cassette has been put into practice. When the portable radiation imaging apparatus is dropped, the resulting impact on the radiation imaging apparatus may break or deform the housing of the radiation imaging apparatus. Various countermeasures against such breakage or deformation have been proposed. Japanese Patent No. 4248940 proposes a technique of forming a housing by using an outer shell and an inner shell and filling the space between the outer shell and the inner shell with a shock absorber. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-257198 proposes a technique of chamfering the corners of a housing and attaching detachable shock absorbers to the chamfered surfaces.
The outer surface of the housing disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4248940 is formed from only an outer shell. When the outer shell is formed from a material having a high elastic modulus, it is possible to reduce the deformation of the overall housing when it is dropped. However, a stress concentrates on the outer shell. This may break the outer shell. In contrast to this, if the elastic modulus of the outer shell is decreased, it is difficult to reduce the deformation of the overall housing. In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-257198, when a shock absorber is attached to the outer surface of the housing, the dropping impact of the radiation imaging apparatus is transmitted to the housing through the shock absorber. This may distort or deform the overall housing. As described above, it is difficult for the existing methods to reduce both the breakage and deformation of the housing.

Radiation imaging apparatus having housing and corner members of different materials and radiation imaging system


An infrared detection system for seeing multiple pixel scenes and/or connecting multiple detectors, within each communications path, includes a data processor, optical toggles and/or electrical switches, and a large number of pixels and detectors. For the spatial net, the data processor sends signals to the optical toggle and electric switches connecting neighboring pixels and other detector elements to the data processor. A single communications path serves several pixels and detector elements thereby minimizing interconnection congestion from the pixels to the processing circuitry.

Space-based surveillance systems use infrared detectors coupled to computerized data processors for monitoring heated objects and their movements in the atmosphere below and on the ground. The infrared spectrum covers a wide range of wavelengths, from about 0.75 micrometers to 1 millimeter. The function of infrared detectors is to respond to energy of a wavelength within some particular portion of the infrared region. Heated objects will dissipate thermal energy having characteristic wavelengths within the infrared spectrum. Different levels of thermal energy, corresponding to different sources of heat, are characterized by the emission of signals within different portions of the infrared frequency spectrum. Detectors are selected in accordance with their sensitivity in the range of interest to the designer. Similarly, electronic circuitry that receives and processes the signals from the infrared detectors is also selected in view of the intended detection function.
Current infrared detection systems incorporate arrays of large numbers of discrete, highly sensitive detector elements the outputs of which are connected to sophisticated processing circuity. By rapidly analyzing the pattern and sequence of detector element excitations, the system circuitry can identify and monitor sources of infrared radiation. The outputs of the detectors must undergo a series of processing steps in order to permit derivation of the desired information. The more fundamental processing steps include preamplification, tuned bandpass filtering, clutter and background rejection, multiplexing and fixed noise pattern suppression. By providing a detector connecting module that performs at least a portion of the signal processing functions within the module, i.e. on integrated circuit chips disposed adjacent the detector focal plane, the signal from each detector need be transmitted only a short distance before processing. As a consequence of such on-focal plane or "up front" signal processing, reductions in size, power and cost of the main processor may be achieved.
Up front signal processing also helps alleviate performance and reliability problems associated with manufacturing high packing density electronics assemblies. An important part of the up front data processing are temporal net and spatial nets for filtering the data and discarding false readings. Temporal nets simply compare the present frame of data in time to each of multiple past frames of data. More problematic, is setting up a spatial net to compare values from neighboring detector elements. Multiple paths of communication from each of the detector elements to several locations on the processing circuitry are difficult, especially if the several locations are on multiple chips in a multi-layer stack. A high number of criss-crossing electrical connections may also develop an electrical magnetic field that interferes with data transmission. It is desirable to provide a spatial net that accomplishes the necessary interconnects, while minimizing the complexity of the communication paths.
The prior art has attacked this problem by providing increasing numbers of miniaturized solder contacts on the edge of the chip stack through electron-beam lithography. Also, "optronic" components are under development that will provide for optical interconnections, but the level of miniaturization attained is not yet comparable to electronic components. Methods are needed with available technology that reduce the complexity of the interconnections.


An automated aerial vehicle (“AAV”) and systems, devices, and techniques pertaining to moveable ballast that is movable onboard the AAV during operation and/or flight. The AAV may include a frame or support structure that includes the movable ballast. A ballast controller may be used to cause movement of the ballast based on one or more factors, such as a type of flight, a type of operation of the AAV, a speed of the AAV, a triggering event, and/or other factors. The ballast may be moved using mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic and/or other devices/techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the ballast may be moved or located in or toward a centralized position in the AAV to enable more agile control of the AAV. The ballast may be moved outward from the centralized location of the AAV to enable more stable control of the AAV.

Automated aerial vehicles, sometimes referred to as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become commonly used by hobbyists, some commercial entities, and various militaries. Many of these aerial vehicles are used for image capture, for example, by hobbyists; however, many other uses exist. Automated aerial vehicles offer unique advantages and considerations as compared to their counterpart manned aerial vehicles (e.g., typical helicopters and fixed wing aircraft). For example, automated aerial vehicles may be smaller in overall size and lightweight as compared to their counterpart manned aerial vehicles. However, small and lightweight automated aerial vehicles present various challenges in control and operation, in particular, during changing environmental conditionals and/or during different stages of flight.

Ballast control mechanisms for aerial vehicles


A memory system having a set of media, a set of resources, and a controller configured via firmware to use the set of resources in processing requests from a host system to store data in the media or retrieve data from the media. The memory system has a performance manager that identifies settings for allocations of the resources in the processing of the requests based on a user identified preference and optionally further based on operation statistics of the memory system.

A memory system can be a storage system, such as a solid-state drive (SSD), and can include one or more memory components that store data. For example, a memory system can include memory devices such as non-volatile memory devices and volatile memory devices. In general, a host system can utilize a memory system to store data at the memory devices of the memory system and to retrieve data stored at the memory system.
The memory system can have various resources, such as one or more processors, communication channels, and different types of memory components. Using the resources the processors can execute firmware to perform operations related to data storage requests and/or tasks.

Optimization of memory systems based on performance goals


An additive concentrate for improving the lubricity of low sulfur fuels comprises an additive composition diluted in an aromatic solvent, said composition comprising the reaction product of a first glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of at least about 40 mole %, based on the total weight of fatty acid present in the first glyceride, and an iodine number of greater than 35, a second glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of less than about 20 mole %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the second glyceride, and an iodine number of less than 35, and, at least one alkanolamine. The concentrate remains fluid and stable at low temperatures and, when added to low sulfur fuels, improves lubricity, enhances fuel economy and minimizes engine deposits.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a fuel additive concentrate comprising a fuel additive for improving the lubricity of fuels such as diesel and gasoline, to the fuel additized with the fuel additive concentrate and to a method of operating an internal combustion engine with said fuel. The fuel additive concentrate remains fluid and stable at low temperatures and is therefore suitable for addition to fuels at low temperatures. Fuels containing the fuel additive exhibit improved lubricity and reduced friction which is reflected in enhanced vehicle fuel economy and reduced engine deposits.
2. Background of the Invention
Sulfur compounds are oxidized and discharged into the air as fuels are burned, leading to environmental problems such as xe2x80x9cacid rainxe2x80x9d. Since untreated diesel fuels contain 1% by weight or more of sulfur, the need to improve air quality has led to the development of fuels with minimized sulfur content. The sulfur content of fuels such as diesel fuel can be reduced by additional refining, e.g., by severely hydrotreating diesel fuel to produce a low sulfur content fuel. It is now considered desirable to reduce the level of sulfur in such fuels to less than 0.2% by weight and, preferably, to less than 0.05% by weight, more preferably less than 0.01% by weight. However, it is generally recognized that these additional refining operations dramatically diminish fuel lubricity. The term xe2x80x9clubricity,xe2x80x9d as utilized herein, refers to the ability of the fuel to reduce the friction on and subsequent wear of these moving parts. Fuels act as a primary source of lubrication for moving parts located inside engine systems, e.g., rotary/distributor fuel pumps, fuel ignition systems, and the like. Therefore, a fuel having diminished lubricity will result in increased friction and wear on those moving parts that are primarily lubricated by the fuel alone.
Another attempt at improving the quality of the air is through the implementation of government legislated fuel economy standards. This legislation has led automotive and fuel additive suppliers to undertake efforts to enhance the fuel economy of motor vehicles. It is especially desirable to enhance the fuel economy of vehicles operated on poor lubricity fuels.
One approach to achieving enhanced fuel economy is by improving the efficiency of the engine in which the fuel is used. Improvement in engine efficiency can be achieved through a number of methods, e.g., improved control over fuel/air ratio, decreased crankcase oil viscosity, reduced internal friction at specific, strategic areas of an engine, etc. For example, inside an engine, about 18% of the fuel""s heat value, i.e., the amount of heat released in the combustion of the fuel and therefore able to perform work, is dissipated due to internal friction at engine components, e.g., bearings, valve train, pistons, rings, water and oil pumps, etc. Only about 25% of the fuel""s heat value is converted to useful work at the crankshaft. Friction occurring at the piston rings and part of the valve train account for over 50% of the heat value loss. A lubricity improving fuel additive capable of reducing friction at these engine components by a third will cause approximately 3% of the fuel""s heat value to be transmitted as useful work at the crankshaft, thus improving vehicle fuel economy.
Most fuels are additized by injecting a homogeneous, low viscosity and liquid additive concentrate into the fuels while they are loaded into trucks at terminal racks. Commonly such additives are diluted in an aromatic solvent (e.g., xylene, aromatic 100, heavy aromatic naphtha) to produce a homogeneous, low viscosity fluid concentrate which is suitable for rack injection. Obviously, the additive concentrate must be fluid, homogeneous and low in viscosity under all atmospheric conditions encountered at such outdoor truck loading facilities. Unfortunately, many fuel additive concentrates are unsuitable for additization at low temperature. For example, Tolad 9103 (Baker Hughes, Inc., Pasadena, Tex.), a mixture of polymerized fatty acids and non-polymerized fatty acids dissolved in heavy aromatic naphtha, turns solid at 0xc2x0 F. within one day.
Therefore, there has been a continual search for fuel additives which improve the lubricity of low sulfur fuels and which remain stable at low temperatures when diluted in aromatic solvents.
In accordance with the present invention, a fuel additive concentrate for improving the lubricity of fuels containing less than about 0.2 weight percent sulfur is provided, the concentrate comprising a fuel additive composition diluted in an aromatic solvent, said fuel additive composition representing from about 0.5 to about 90 weight percent of the total weight of the concentrate, said fuel additive composition comprising the reaction product of:
(1) a first glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of at least about 40 mole %, based on the total weight of fatty acid present in the first glyceride, and an iodine number of greater than 35;
(2) a second glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of less than about 20 mole %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the second glyceride, and an iodine number of less than 35; and,
(3) at least one alkanolamine.
Also provided is a fuel composition comprising:
(a) a major amount of fuel containing less than about 0.2 weight percent sulfur; and,
(b) a minor amount of a fuel additive composition comprising the reaction product of:
(1) a first glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of at least about 40 mole %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the first glyceride, and an iodine number of greater than 35;
(2) a second glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of less than about 20 mole %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the second glyceride, and an iodine number of less than 35; and,
(3) at least one alkanolamine.
Also provided is a method of operating an internal combustion engine comprising operating the engine with a fuel composition comprising:
(a) a major amount of a fuel containing less than about 0.2 weight percent sulfur; and,
(b) a minor amount of a fuel additive composition comprising the reaction product of:
(1) a first glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of at least about 40 mole %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the first glyceride, and an iodine number of greater than 35;
(2) a second glyceride possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of less than about 20 mole %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the second synthetic oil, and an iodine number of less than 35; and,
(3) at least one alkanolamine,
It has been unexpectedly observed that the fuel additive of this invention produced from first and second glycerides and alkanolamine exhibits improved low temperature dissolution properties compared to a fuel additive produced from the second glyceride alone and alkanolamine. The unique mixed-glyceride fuel additive composition of this invention achieves this optimization of low temperature dissolution properties while simultaneously enhancing vehicle fuel economy and reducing vehicle engine deposits. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed by the inventors that this unanticipated improvement is the result of the higher unsaturation content present in the fuel additive concentrate of this invention relative to fuel additives produced from the second glyceride alone and alkanolamine.
The term xe2x80x9cfuelxe2x80x9d as utilized herein shall be understood as referring to hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline, fuel oils such as diesel fuel, alcoholic fuels such as methanol or ethanol, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.
The term xe2x80x9clow sulfurxe2x80x9d as applied to the fuel herein shall be understood as referring to the presence of less than about 0.2 wt. % elemental sulfur in the fuel.
The term xe2x80x9cdieselxe2x80x9d as utilized herein shall be understood as referring to that fraction of crude oil that distills after kerosene and is useful for internal combustion in compression-ignition engines.
The term xe2x80x9cgasolinexe2x80x9d as utilized herein shall be understood as referring to a fuel for spark-ignition internal combustion engines containing volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived from crude petroleum by processes such as distillation reforming, polymerization, catalytic cracking and alkylation.
The term xe2x80x9cglyceridexe2x80x9d utilized herein refers to glycerides that are derived from natural, i.e., animal or plant, sources, and to glycerides that are synthetically produced. Glycerides are esters of glycerol (a trihydric alcohol) and fatty acids in which one or more of the hydroxyl groups of glycerol are esterified with the carboxyl groups of fatty acids containing from about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms. The fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic monocarboxylic acids. Where three hydroxyl groups are esterified, the resulting glyceride is denoted a xe2x80x9ctriglyceridexe2x80x9d. When only one or two of the hydroxyl groups are esterified, the resulting products are denoted xe2x80x9cmonoglyceridesxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cdiglyceridesxe2x80x9d, respectively. Natural glycerides are mixed glycerides comprising triglycerides and minor amounts, e.g., from about 0.1 to about 40 mole percent, of mono- and diglycerides. Natural glycerides include, e.g., coconut and soybean oils. Synthetically produced glycerides are synthesized by the condensation reaction between glycerol and a fatty acid or mixture of fatty acids containing from about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms. The fatty acid can be a saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic monocarboxylic acid or mixture thereof. The fatty acid itself can be derived from natural, i.e., plant or animal, sources. Examples include caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. The synthetically produced glycerides will contain from about 80 to about 100 mole percent triglycerides with the balance, if any, representing from about 0 to about 20 mole percent mono and di-glycerides, present in admixture with triglycerides.
The term xe2x80x9ciodine valuexe2x80x9d as utilized herein is a well known measure of unsaturation and is the percentage of iodine that will be absorbed by a chemically unsaturated substance in a given time under arbitrary conditions. Iodine values can be calculated under ASTM D5554-95.
Glycerides utilized in accordance with the practice of this invention can be divided into two categories: (1) first glycerides possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of at least about 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the first glyceride, and an iodine number of greater than 35, preferably greater than 80; and, (2) second glycerides possessing an unsaturated fatty acid content of less than about 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the second glyceride, and an iodine number of less than 35, preferably less than 25. It is preferred to utilize glycerides which are derived from natural sources mainly due to their ready availability and low cost.
First glycerides include, but are not limited to, tallow, lard, palm, castor, cottonseed, corn, peanut, soybean, sunflower, olive, whale, menhaden, sardine oils, etc., and combinations thereof. Soybean oil is the preferred first glyceride. Soybean oil generally possesses a total unsaturated fatty acid content of approximately 84.7 mole percent, with approximately 23.4 mole percent representing monounsaturated fatty acids and approximately 61.3 mole percent representing polyunsaturated fatty acids. The balance of soybean oil is comprised of approximately 15.4 mole percent saturated fatty acids. The monounsaturated fatty acids present in soybean oil include palmitic acid (cis-9-hexadecenoic acid) and oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid). The polyunsaturated fatty acids present in soybean oil include linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
Second glycerides include, but are not limited to, coconut, palm kernel oils and combinations thereof. Coconut oil is the preferred second glyceride. Coconut oil possesses a total unsaturated fatty acid content of approximately 8.8 mole percent, with approximately 6.8 mole percent representing monounsaturated fatty acids and approximately 2.0 mole percent representing polyunsaturated fatty acids. The balance of coconut oil is comprised of approximately 91.2 mole percent saturated fatty acids. The saturated fatty acids present in coconut oil include caproic acid (hexanoic acid), caprylic acid (octanoic acid), capric acid (decanoic acid), lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid), palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) and arachidic acid (eicosenic acid). The monounsaturated fatty acid present in coconut oil include oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid). The polyunsaturated fatty acids include linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
Where the first and/or second glycerides are synthetically produced, glycerol is esterified in a condensation reaction with at least one fatty acid. Fatty acids are a class of compounds containing long hydrocarbon chains and a terminal carboxylate (xe2x80x94COOH) group and are characterized as unsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated depending upon whether a double bond or bonds is present in the hydrocarbon chain. Examples of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids include oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and the like. Examples of saturated fatty acids include, e.g., caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and the like. The fatty acids which are esterified with glycerol to synthetically produce glycerides include saturated linear fatty acids having about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms, saturated branched fatty acids having about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms, saturated fatty acids having a cycloalkyl moiety and having about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms in total, unsaturated linear fatty acids having about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms and unsaturated branched fatty acids having about 6 to about 23 carbon atoms. The fatty acids used are preferably those having 11 to 23 carbon atoms, more preferably those having 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and most preferably those having 14 to 18 carbon atoms.
The fatty acids are reacted with glycerol under condensation reaction conditions. Generally, a mixture of fatty acids is used as a fatty acid raw material. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in order to produce the first glyceride utilized herein it will be necessary to employ a mixture of fatty acids which is high in unsaturation. The fatty acid mixture utilized to produce the first glyceride is preferably a mixture comprising, based on the total weight of the mixture, 75 to 85 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having one double bond, 5 to 10 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having two double bonds, and 5 to 20 mole percent of a saturated fatty acid; more preferably a mixture comprising, based on the total weight of the mixture, 75 to 85 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having one double bond and having 14, 16 or 18 carbon atoms, 5 to 10 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having two double bonds and having 18 carbon atoms, and 5 to 20 mole percent of a saturated fatty acid having 14, 16 or 18 carbon atoms; and most preferably a mixture comprising, based on the total weight of the mixture, 68 to 78 mole percent of oleic acid (9-octadecenoic acid). In order to produce the second glyceride utilized herein, it will be necessary to employ a mixture of fatty acids which is relatively low in unsaturation. Thus, the fatty acid mixture utilized to produce the second glyceride is preferably a mixture comprising, based on the total weight of the mixture, 5 to 20 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having one double bond, 5 to 10 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having two double bonds, and 75 to 85 mole percent of a saturated fatty acid; more preferably a mixture comprising, based on the total weight of the mixture, 5 to 20 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having one double bond and having 14, 16 or 18 carbon atoms, 5 to 10 mole percent of an unsaturated fatty acid having two double bonds and having 18 carbon atoms, and 75 to 85 mole percent of a saturated fatty acid having 14, 16 or 18 carbon atoms; and most preferably a mixture comprising, based on the total weight of the mixture, 68 to 78 mole percent of stearic acid.
The condensation reaction between glycerol and fatty acid can be effected in the presence of a solvent. The solvent is inactive to the reaction, and examples thereof include aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene. In some cases, water and/or solvent may be removed from the reaction mixture during or after the esterification. In such a case, the water and/or the solvent is (are) recovered by distillation. When a solid matter is present in the reaction mixture, the solid matter is removed by filtering or centrifuging the reaction mixture, if necessary.
In order to accelerate the reaction, acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid, or metal catalysts such as tin oxide and tetraphenoxytitanium can be used as well. The catalyst is used in an amount of, e.g., 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the weight of the fatty acid.
The reaction temperature is usually about 1000 to about 300xc2x0 C., preferably about 100xc2x0 to about 250xc2x0 C., depending on the reaction conditions, the amount of the catalyst, and the raw materials. The reaction pressure is not specifically restricted, and it may be effected under atmospheric pressures or under reduced pressure. The reaction time, which varies depending on the raw materials employed, the amount of the catalyst and the kind of the catalyst, is usually about 1 to about 100 hours.
A method for obtaining glycerides from the reaction mixture after the completion of the condensation reaction is not specifically restricted. For example, in the case where a catalyst is used, glycerides can be obtained by filtering the reaction mixture to remove the catalyst, and optionally distilling the resulting filtrate. In the case where the filtrate is difficult to pass through the filter in filtering the reaction mixture, a filtering aid can be used.
The first and second glycerides suitable for this invention will be employed in molar ratios ranging from about 1:250 to about 250:1, preferably from about 1:100 to about 100:1, most preferably from about 1:10 to 10:1, respectively.
The alkanolamine is a primary or secondary amine which possesses at least one hydroxy group. The expression xe2x80x9calkanolaminexe2x80x9d is used in its broadest sense to include compounds containing at least one primary or secondary amine and at least one hydroxy group, for example, monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines, and so forth. It is believed that any alkanolamine can be used, although preferred alkanolamines are lower alkanolamines, generally having from about two to about six carbon atoms. The alkanolamine can possess O or N functionality in addition to one amino group (that group being a primary or secondary amino group) and at least one hydroxy group. The alkanolamine preferably possesses the general formula HN(Rxe2x80x2OH)2xe2x88x92a, Ha wherein Rxe2x80x2 is a lower hydrocarbyl generally having from about two to about six carbon atoms and xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d is 0 or 1. Suitable alkanolamines include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, propanolamine, isopropanolamine, dipropanolamine, di-isopropanolamine, butanolamine, aminoethylaminoethanol such as 2-(2-aminoethylamino) ethanol. Mixtures of two or more alkanolamines can be employed. Diethanolamine is highly preferred for use in accordance with the practice of the present invention.
The molar ratio of the combined first and second glycerides to alkanolamine can generally range from about 1:0.5 to about 1:100, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:5, more preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:2 and most preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:1.8. In general, use of a molar excess of alkanolamine is preferred in accordance with the practice of the present invention.
The reaction can be conducted by heating a mixture of first and second glycerides and the alkanolamine in the desired ratio to produce the desired product. Alternatively, the first glyceride can be reacted with alkanolamine followed by addition of second glyceride, or vice versa. The reaction can typically be conducted by maintaining the reactants at about 100xc2x0 C.-200xc2x0 C., preferably about 120xc2x0 C.-150xc2x0 C. for 1-10 hours, preferably 2-4 hours. The reaction can be solventless or carried out in aromatic solvent, preferably one which is utilized in the final product. Useful aromatic solvents include, but are not limited to, e.g., Aromatic-100, Aromatic-150, Shellsolv AB, Avjet, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof.
To prepare a concentrate which is suitable for rack injection and is stable at low temperature, it may be necessary to add aromatic solvent to the reaction product. The reaction product is present in the concentrate in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 90 weight percent, preferably from about 5 to about 70 weight percent, most preferably from about 10 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the concentrate.
It will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the reaction product constitutes a complex mixture of compounds including fatty amides, fatty acid esters, fatty acid ester-amides, unreacted starting reactants, free fatty acids, glycerol, and partial fatty acid esters of glycerol (i.e., mono- and di-glycerides). Fatty amides are formed when the amine group of the alkanolamine reacts with the carboxyl group of a fatty acid. Fatty acid esters are formed when one or more hydroxyl groups of the alkanolamine react with the carboxyl group of a fatty acid. Fatty acid ester-amides are formed when both the amine and hydroxyl group of alkanolamine react with carboxyl groups of fatty acids. Typically, the reaction product will contain 5-65 mole % of fatty amide, 3-30 mole % fatty acid ester, 5-65 mole % fatty acid ester-amide, 0.1-50 mole % partial fatty acid ester, 0.1-30 mole % glycerol, 0.1-30 mole % free fatty acids, 0.1-30 mole % charge alkanolamine, 0.1-30 mole % charge glycerides, etc. It is not necessary to isolate one or more specific components of the product mixture. Indeed, the reaction product mixture is preferably employed as is in the additive composition of this invention.
The additive composition of the invention can be admixed with other additives to enhance performance. For example, the additive composition can be blended with detergents, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, dehazers, demulsifiers, metal deactivators, antifoaming agents, combustion improvers such as cetane improvers, co-solvents, package compatibilisers, deodorants and metallic-based additives such as metallic combustion improvers, anti-knock compounds, anti-icing additives, corrosion-inhibitors, dyes, etc.
In accordance with the practice of this invention, the additive concentrate can be added to the low sulfur fuel in a minor effective amount. The additive of the invention is particularly effective in amounts ranging from about 500 ptb to about 5000 ptb of the total fuel composition, preferably from about 500 ptb to about 2500 ptb.
The low sulfur fuel in which the additive concentrate of the invention can be used can be any hydrocarbon fuel, e.g., diesel, gasoline, kerosene, jet fuels, etc.; alcoholic fuels such as methanol or ethanol; or a mixture of any of the foregoing. When the low sulfur fuel is diesel, such fuel generally boils above about 212xc2x0 F. The diesel fuel can comprise atmospheric distillate or vacuum distillate, or a blend in any proportion of straight run and thermally and/or catalytically cracked distillates. Preferred diesel fuels have a cetane number of at least 40, preferably above 45, and more preferably above 50. The diesel can have such cetane numbers prior to the addition of any cetane improver. The cetane number of the fuel can be raised by the addition of a cetane improver.
When the low sulfur fuel is gasoline, it can be derived from straight-chain naphtha, polymer gasoline, natural gasoline, catalytically cracked or thermally cracked hydrocarbons, catalytically reformed stocks, etc. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that gasoline fuels typically boil in the range of about 80xc2x0-450xc2x0 F. can contain straight chain or branched chain paraffins, cycloparaffins, olefins, aromatic hydrocarbons, and any mixture of these.
Generally, the composition of the low sulfur fuel is not critical and any conventional motor fuel base can be employed in the practice of this invention.
The sulfur content of the fuel of this invention is 0.2% by weight or less, preferably 0.05% by weight or less, more preferably 0.01% by weight or less, and most preferably 0.001% by weight or less based on the weight of the fuel. The art describes methods for reducing the sulfur content of hydrocarbon based fuels. Such methods include solvent extraction, sulfuric acid treatment, and hydrodesulfurisation.
A fuel composition containing the additive concentrate of the invention is suitable for the operation of an internal combustion engine. When the base fuel is diesel, the fuel composition will be suitable for use in e.g., compression-ignition engines typically operated on such fuels. When the base fuel is gasoline, the fuel composition will be suitable for use in, e.g., spark-ignition engines typically operated on such fuels. It will be understood that fuel compositions containing the fuel composition of the invention can be used to operate a variety of engines and in any other application requiring a low sulfur fuel having improved lubricity.

Friction modifier for poor lubricity fuels


A controller and a memory-access method for use in the controller are provided. The controller includes a sensor-processing system, and the sensor-processing system includes a memory, and a buffer, wherein the controller is coupled to an external memory and a sensor. The method includes the steps of: gathering the sensor data from the sensor and writing the gathered sensor data into the memory; writing information associated with the sensor data into the buffer; determining whether a fill level of the buffer has reached a predetermined threshold; and retrieving the sensor data from the memory and writing the retrieved sensor data to the external memory according to the information associated with the stored sensor data in the buffer when it is determined that the fill level has reached the predetermined threshold.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a memory-access method and associated controller, and, in particular, to a memory-access method capable of accessing a memory using a batch command queue to reduce power consumption and associated controller.
Description of the Related Art
With advances in technology, mobile devices have become more and more popular. Various sensors are built into the mobile device to detect information about the mobile device, such as speed, acceleration, orientation, temperature, proximity level, or ambient light. The sensor data from the sensors are usually buffered in a high-speed low-power local memory (e.g. SRAM) of the sensor-processing system in a conventional mobile device. Because of the limited size of the local memory, the sensor-processing system may utilize the system memory (e.g. DRAM) to store the sensor data due to its large size and low cost. However, the system memory should always be turned on due to frequent accessing of data in the system memory to store the sensor data, resulting in higher power consumption by the conventional mobile device.
Accordingly, there is a demand for a controller and associated memory-access method to solve the aforementioned issue.

Memory-access method using batch command queue and associated controller