A compound semiconductor device (1) includes a compound semiconductor having a stacked structure (100) of a hexagonal single crystal layer (101), a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer (102) formed on a surface of the hexagonal single crystal layer and a compound semiconductor layer (103) disposed on the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer, and electrodes (108, 109) disposed on the stacked structure, wherein the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer is formed of a hexagonal crystal disposed on a surface formed of a (1.1.-2.0.) crystal face of the hexagonal single crystal layer.

Heretofore, the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer, as disclosed in JP-A HEI 2-288388, for example, has been formed on a substrate made of a cubic zinc-blende crystal gallium phosphide (GaP) or silicon carbide (SiC) single crystal.
In JP-A HEI 2-288371 and JP-A HEI 2-275682, it is disclosed that the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) of a compound semiconductor device is composed of such a a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer formed thereon, and a Group III nitride semiconductor layer disposed as bonded thereto. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,744 B1, it is disclosed that a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer such as of monomeric Boron Phosphide (BP) is formed on a silicon single crystal (silicon) as a substrate. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,021, a technique of configuring an LED from a stacked structure provided with a silicon substrate, a monomeric BP layer, and a Group III nitride semiconductor layer disposed thereon is disclosed.
As disclosed in JP-A HEI 2-275682, in the configuration of the LED by the use of a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer formed on a single crystal substrate, the ohmic electrodes have been heretofore disposed on a cubic zinc-blende crystal boron phosphide layer. As disclosed in JP-A HEI 4-84486, even in the conventional laser diode (LD), the ohmic electrodes are disposed as held in contact with a cubic boron phosphide layer.
Further, as disclosed in JP-B SHO 55-3834, the blue- and green LED's have been heretofore configured by utilizing a stacked structure provided with a Group III nitride semiconductor layer formed of gallium nitride (GaN) and disposed on a single crystal substrate. In JP-A HEI 4-213878, for example, the light-emitting part of the short wavelength visible or near ultraviolet or ultraviolet LED configured by the hetero-junction of a clad layer formed of a Group III nitride semiconductor material and a light-emitting layer is disclosed.
It is disclosed in JP-A HEI 10-287497 that even the Field Effect Transistor (FET) operating in the high frequency is configured by utilizing a stacked structure provided with a Group III nitride semiconductor layer such as of aluminum-gallium nitride (AlXGa1-XN: 0≦X≦1) disposed on a silicon substrate, for example.
Meanwhile, as disclosed in JP-A 2004-186291, an example of the technique of configuring the light-emitting part of a Double-Hetero (DH) structure using a cubic zinc blende crystal boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer as a clad layer has been known.
The light-emitting layer constituting a light-emitting part and the cubic boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer constituting a clad layer functioning as a barrier layer for the light-emitting layer can be formed, as disclosed in JP-A HEI 3-87019, by utilizing a cubic zinc-blende crystal gallium arsenide (GaAs) for an under layer.
Even when a substrate is formed of silicon and a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer is grown on the surface formed of a (111) crystal face of the substrate, however, the layer consequently grown eventually contains crystalline defects, such as stacking faults and twins, in a large amount (T. Udagawa and G. Shimaoka, J. Ceramic Processing Res., (Republic of Korea), Vol. 4, No. 2, 2003, pp. 80-83). When a substrate is formed of a hexagonal 6H-type SiC and a monomeric BP layer is grown on a (0.0.0.1.) crystal face thereof, the layer consequently grown eventually contains crystalline defects, such as twins, in a large amount (T. Udagawa et al, Appl. Surf. Sci., (U.S.A), Vol 244, 2004, pp. 285-288). Even when using the stacked structure that is provided with the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer containing such crystalline defects in a large amount, for example, there is the problem that the LED possessing high voltage in the reverse direction and manifesting a high efficiency in photoelectric conversion, for example, cannot be stably manufactured.
The GaN layer that is grown on a substrate of sapphire (α-Al2O3 single crystal), for example, contains crystalline defects, such as dislocations, in a large amount. Even when using the Group III nitride semiconductor layer containing crystalline defects, such as dislocations, in a large amount for a functional layer, such as a light-emitting layer, there is the problem that the produced LED will not be enabled to increase the voltage in the reverse direction or to enhance the efficiency of photoelectric conversion. Furthermore, for example, the configuration of the FET by utilizing as an electron transporting layer (channel layer) the Group III nitride semiconductor layer containing crystalline defects in a large amount entails the problem that the high-frequency properties, such as power output, will not be enhanced fully satisfactorily because of the failure to acquire high electron mobility.
The thin layers made of the conventional boron phosphide-based semiconductor material and Group III nitride semiconductor materials contain anti-phase boundaries ("Crystal Electron Microscopy," written by Hiroyasu Saka and published by Uchida Rokakuho Co., Ltrd., on Nov. 25, 1997, first edition, pp. 64-65) (Y Abe et al, Journal of Crystal Growth (Holland), Vol 283, 2005, pp. 41-47). Heretofore, the compound semiconductor devices have not been always manufactured by utilizing semiconductor layers of superior quality excelling in crystallinity. Incidentally, the term "Anti-Phase Domain" (APD) or "Anti-Phase Boundary" (APB) used herein refers to a boundary in which the phase regarding the arrangement of atoms in a crystal is deviated by 180 degrees (half cycle). This boundary frequently occurs in the ordered phase of a binary alloy.
The boron phosphide-based crystal layer and the Group III nitride semiconductor layer which contain the anti-phase boundaries in a large amount and reveal inferior crystallinity hinder the effort to obtain the LED excelling in efficiency of light emission and the FET excelling in electrical properties with sufficient stability.
Even when the ohmic electrodes are disposed contiguously to a cubic boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer containing crystalline defects in a large amount, they entail the problem that the LED possessing a high voltage in the reverse direction and manifesting a high efficiency of photoelectric conversion will not be stably manufactured because the operating current for operating the device (device-operating current) incurs desirable leakage via crystalline defects, such as twins. Even when Schottky contact is disposed on the surface of a cubic boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer abounding in crystalline defects, they entail the problem that the FET excelling in high-frequency properties will not be stably produced because the gate electrode suffering from great leakage current and deficient breakdown voltage is formed eventually and the drain current manifests an inferior pinch-off property.
Though it has been disclosed as mentioned above that the light-emitting part of the short wavelength visible or near ultraviolet or ultraviolet LED can be configured by the hetero junction of a clad layer formed of a Group III nitride semiconductor material and a light-emitting layer, the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer formed on the under layer made of the conventional cubic crystal eventually becomes a crystal layer which contains crystalline defects in a large amount because of insufficient lattice matching with the under layer. The layer in question, for example, entails the problem that, owing to the mismatching of lattice with the under layer, it will eventually become a crystalline layer containing plane defects, such as twins and stacking faults copiously. When the light-emitting part of the LED is manufactured by using as the clad layer, for example, the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer copiously containing such crystalline defects, no success has yet been achieved in producing stably the LED of high luminance because the occurrence of the short-circuit flow of the current for operating the LED to the light-emitting layer prevents the surface area for light emission from being expanded.
This invention has been produced in view of the true state of the prior art mentioned above and is directed toward the following aims.
(1) This invention is aimed at providing a semiconductor device capable of enabling a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer to contain crystalline defects, such as twins and stacking faults, only in a small density and excel in crystallinity and capable of enhancing the various properties of the device by making use of the boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer.
(2) This invention is further aimed at providing a compound semiconductor device capable of obtaining a stacking structure provided with a semiconductor layer excelling in crystallinity even when it is furnished on a substrate with a Group III nitride semiconductor layer containing crystalline defects in a large amount and capable of enhancing the characteristic properties of the device.
(3) This invention is further aimed at providing a compound semiconductor device capable of producing a compound semiconductor device excelling in optical properties and electrical properties by making use of a thin layer made of a boron phosphide-based semiconductor material of superior quality containing anti-phase boundaries only in a small amount or a Group III nitride semiconductor material.
(4) This invention is further aimed at providing a semiconductor device furnished with a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer capable of decreasing the leak of the device-operating current, heightening the efficiency of photoelectric conversion as a light-emitting device, heightening the voltage in the reverse direction, imparting high breakdown voltage to the gate electrode as a field effect transistor, and improving the pinch-off property of the drain current.
(5) This invention is further aimed at providing a semiconductor light-emitting device capable of configuring a clad layer constituting the light-emitting part of a DH structure with a boron phosphide-based semiconductor layer of superior quality containing crystalline defects only in a small amount and enhancing the light-emitting property.


A diagnostic reagent and system for determination of a single-stranded polynucleotide analyte having a selected target sequence. The reagent includes a solid support and multiple support-bound polymers designed to bind specifically to the analyte. Each polymer is composed of a sequence of base-complementary recognition moieties which can bind specifically to corresponding contiguous bases in the analyte target sequence, and an unbranched, substantially uncharged, substantially stereoregular backbone. A reporter in the system contains (a) a polycationic tail effective to bind electrostatically to the analyte, under conditions in which the reporter does not bind to the substantially uncharged polymers, and (b) reporter groups by which the presence of the reporter can be detected.

Two general types of polynucleotide diagnostic systems, both based on hybridization between complementary segments of a polynucleotide probe and a single-strand polynucleotide analyte, have been developed. In the first type, the polynucleotide analyte is made single stranded and fixed to a solid support, such as a nitrocellulose filter. The support is then reacted, under complementary-strand annealing conditions, with a reporter-labeled probe which is complementary to a target base-sequence region of the analyte. After washing several times to remove unbound probe, the solid support is analyzed for the presence of reporter. This system has not been entirely satisfactory, particularly in clinical situations, where assay simplicity and sensitivity are required. The procedure used in fixing single-strand polynucleotide material to the solid support is somewhat involved and time consuming. The sensitivity of the system is limited because, in the usual case, each analyte molecule hybridizes with a single probe molecule and each probe generally contains no more than a few dozen reporter moieties.
A second type of polynucleotide diagnostic system involves two analyte-specific probes which are each complementary to a distinct region of the analyte polynucleotide. The first probe is linked to a solid support, and the second probe is free in solution and carries multiple reporter molecules. In practice, the analyte is mixed with the two probes under conditions which allow annealing of complementary polynucleotide strands, including annealing of both the immobilized and reporter-carrying probes to the polynucleotide analyte, to attach the reporter to the solid support by means of the analyte.
Although the dual-probe system avoids the problem of having to fix the test nucleic acid material to a solid support, nevertheless, the method has a number of limitations. First, when the test nucleic acid is derived from duplex nucleic acid, as is often the case, hybridization between the analyte polynucleotide and its complementary strand competes with the hybridization between the analyte and the two probes. Further, since the two-probe system relies on higher order kinetics than is the case for single-probe systems, it is inherently slower than a single-probe system. Also, the need for two different probes increases the cost of the system. Finally, in terms of test sensitivity, the dual-probe system suffers the same limitation as the single-probe system mentioned above--each analyte polynucleotide binds only one "reporter" probe.


The invention relates to hair compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a polycondensate comprising at least one polyurethane and/or polyurea unit and a silicone comprising at least one carboxylic function. The invention is also directed towards a process for shaping or maintaining the hairstyle, comprising the use of these compositions, and to their use for the manufacture of hair products, in order to maintain or shape the hairstyle.

The invention relates to compositions, such as those for hair styling, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a polycondensate, such as a multiblock polymer, comprising at least one polyurethane and/or polyurea unit and a silicone comprising at least one carboxylic functional group. The invention is also directed towards a process for shaping or maintaining a hairstyle comprising the use of these compositions, and to their use for the manufacture of hair products, in order to maintain or shape the hairstyle.
Fixing of the hairstyle is an important element of styling which comprises maintaining the shape already given or in shaping the hair and fixing it simultaneously.
Hair products for shaping and/or maintaining the hairstyle which are the most common on the cosmetics market are spray compositions comprising a solution, usually an alcoholic or aqueous solution, and one or more materials, generally polymer resins (also known as fixing materials), the function of which is to form welds between the hairs, as a mixture with various cosmetic adjuvants. This solution can be packaged, for example, in a suitable aerosol container placed under pressure using a propellant. The construction and operation of such aerosol containers is well known to those skilled in the art.
Compositions intended for fixing and/or maintaining the hairstyle sometimes have the drawback of adversely affecting the cosmetic properties of the hair. Thus, the hair can become coarse and lose its natural softness. Styling compositions are thus sought which fix and/or maintain the hairstyle well while at the same time afford good cosmetic properties.
Patent DE 195 41 326 discloses styling compositions distributed from an aerosol device, which contain, in an aqueous-alcoholic medium, a polymer containing polyurethane units as fixing polymer, and a propellant. These compositions, which are already satisfactory in terms of fixing of the hairstyle, can, however, be improved in particular as regards the cosmetic properties which they give to the hair.
The inventors have discovered that by combining certain silicones with a polycondensate containing at least one polyurethane and/or polyurea unit, it is possible to satisfy the requirements mentioned above.
The subject of the invention is thus a composition, such as a hair styling composition, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, in relative proportions by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, from 0.1 to 20%, inclusive, of a polycondensate comprising at least one sequence chosen from polyurethanes and polyureas, characterized in that it also comprises from 0.01 to 20%, inclusive, of at least one silicone chosen from partially and totally neutralized silicone compounds comprising at least one carboxylic functional group and salts thereof.
Another subject of the invention relates to a process for shaping or maintaining the hairstyle, comprising the use of this composition.
Yet another subject of the invention relates to the use of this composition for the manufacture of hair compositions, in order to maintain or fix the hairstyle.
Examples of polycondensates comprising at least one polyurethane and/or polyurea compound according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, those described in patents EP 0,751,162, EP 0,637,600, FR 2,743,297, and EP 0,648,485, all assigned to the present assignee, as well as patents EP 0,656,021 and WO 94/03510 from the company BASF, and EP 0,619,111 from the company National Starch. The disclosures of these documents are specifically incorporated herein by reference.
The polycondensates used in accordance with the invention can be soluble in a cosmetically acceptable medium, in particular after neutralization with an organic or inorganic base, or alternatively can form a dispersion in this medium. In the latter case, the dispersion can generally comprise at least 0.05% of surfactant, which allows the polycondensate to form a dispersion and to be maintained in dispersion.
According to the invention, any type of surfactant can be used in the dispersion, including a nonionic surfactant. In certain embodiments, the average size of the polycondensate particles in the dispersion is between 0.1 and 1 micron (micrometer), inclusive.
By way of example, the polycondensate can be formed by an arrangement of blocks, this arrangement being obtained in particular using:
(1) at least one compound which contains at least two active hydrogen atoms per molecule;
(2) at least one diol containing at least one functional group chosen from acid radicals and salts thereof; and
(3) at least one isocyanate chosen from di- and polyisocyanates. Compound (1) can be chosen from diols, diamines, polyesterols, polyetherols.
In certain embodiments, compound (1) can be a linear polyethylene and polypropylene glycol, in particular those which are obtained by reaction of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide with water or diethylene or dipropylene glycol in the presence of sodium hydroxide as catalyst. These polyglycols generally have a molecular weight ranging from about 600 to 20,000.
Other suitable organic compounds that can be used are those which have mercapto, amino, carboxyl, or hydroxyl groups. Among these, mention may be made more particularly of polyhydroxy compounds such as polyether diols, polyester diols, polyacetal diols, polyamide diols, polyesterpolyamide diols, poly(alkylene ether) diols, polythioether diols, and polycarbonate diols.
In certain embodiments, the polyether diols are the condensation products of ethylene oxide, of propylene oxide, or of tetrahydrofuran; their copolymerization or condensation products, which may be grafted or blocks, such as mixtures of condensates of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and the products of polymerization of olefins, at high pressure, with alkylene oxide condensates. Suitable polyethers are prepared, for example, by condensation of alkylene oxides and polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,4-butanediol.
The polyester diols, polyesteramides, and polyamide diols can be saturated and can be obtained, for example, from the reaction of saturated or unsaturated polycarboxylic acids with polyhydric alcohols, diamines, or polyamines. Adipic acid, succinic acid, phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and maleic acid can be used, for example, to prepare these compounds. Polyhydric alcohols that are suitable for preparing the polyesters include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, neopentyl glycol, and hexanediol. Amino alcohols, for example ethanolamine, can also be used. Diamines that are suitable for preparing the polyesteramides include ethylenediamine and hexamethylenediamine.
Suitable polyacetals can be prepared, for example, from 1,4-butanediol or from hexanediol, and from formaldehyde. Suitable polythioethers can be prepared, for example, by condensation reaction between thioglycols, either alone or in combination with other glycols such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol or with other polyhydroxylated compounds. Polyhydroxylated compounds already containing urea or urethane groups and natural polyols, which can be further modified, for example castor oil and carbohydrates, can also be used.
In certain embodiments, compound (1) is a polyesterol, in particular a polyester diol formed by the reaction of at least one (di)polyol (1a) and at least one acid (1b). The (di)polyol (1a) can be chosen from the group comprising neopentyl glycol, 1,4-butanediol, hexanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, and (di)polyethylene glycol. The acid (1b) can be chosen from the group comprising phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, and (poly)lactic acid.
A hydroxycarboxylic acid such as dimethylol-propanoic acid (DMPA) or a 2,2-hydroxymethylcarboxylic acid can be used as compound (2). In general, compound (2) is useful as a coupling block. In certain embodiments, compound (2) comprises at least one poly((xcex1-hydroxydiolcarboxylic) acid). In certain other embodiments, compound (2) comprises 2,2-di(hydroxy-methyl)acetic acid, 2,2-dihydroxymethylpropionic acid, 2,2-dihydroxymethylbutyric acid, or 2,2-dihydroxy-methylpentanoic acid.
The isocyanate compound (3) can be chosen from, but is not limited to, hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), toluylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane 4,4xe2x80x2-diisocyanate (DPMD), dicyclohexylmethane 4,4xe2x80x2-diisocyanate (DCMD), methylenebis(p-phenyl) diisocyanate, methylenebis(4-cyclohexyl isocyanate), isophorone diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, 4,4xe2x80x2-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,2xe2x80x2-dimethyl-4,4xe2x80x2-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, mixtures of 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, 2,2xe2x80x2-dichloro-4,4xe2x80x2-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane, 2,4-dibromo-1,5-diisocyanatonaphthalene, butane 1,4-diisocyanate, 1,6-hexane diisocyanate, and 1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate.
The polycondensate can be formed using at least one additional compound (4), which generally serves to extend the polycondensate chain. Examples of compounds suitable as compound (4) include, but are not limited to, saturated or unsaturated glycols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, or triethylene glycol; amino alcohols such as ethanolamine, propanolamine or butanolamine; heterocyclic, aromatic, cycloaliphatic and aliphatic primary amines; diamines; carboxylic acids such as aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic carboxylic acids, for instance oxalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, or terephthalic acid; and amino carboxylic acids. In certain embodiments, compound (4) is an aliphatic diol.
The polycondensates in accordance with the invention can also be formed from at least one additional compound (5) having a silicone skeleton. In certain embodiments, compound (5) is chosen from polysiloxanes, polyalkylsiloxanes, and polyarylsiloxanes. In certain embodiments, compound (5) is a polyethylsiloxane, polymethylsiloxane, or a polyphenylsiloxane. For example, the polyalkylsiloxane can be chosen from polyethylsiloxanes or polymethylsiloxanes, and the polyarylsiloxane can be chosen from polyphenylsiloxanes. Compound (5) can optionally contain hydrocarbon-based chains grafted onto at least one silicon atom.
According to an embodiment of the compositions of the invention, the polyurethane and/or polyurea sequences of the polymer have a repeating base unit corresponding to the formula (Ixe2x80x2):
xe2x80x94Xxe2x80x2xe2x80x94Bxe2x80x94Xxe2x80x2xe2x80x94COxe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94Rxe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94COxe2x80x94xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(Ixe2x80x2)
in which:
Xxe2x80x2 is chosen from O and NH,
B is a divalent hydrocarbon-based radical, this radical being substituted or unsubstituted, and
R is a divalent substituted or unsubstituted radical chosen from aromatic alkylene radicals, C1 to C20 aliphatic radicals, and C1 to C20 cycloaliphatic radicals.
In certain embodiments, radical B is a C1 to C30 radical and bears a group containing one or more carboxylic functional groups and/or one or more sulphonic functional groups, the carboxylic and/or sulphonic functional groups being in free form or else partially or totally neutralized with an inorganic or organic base. In certain embodiments, radical B is a C1 to C30 divalent hydrocarbon-based radical.
The radical R is advantageously chosen from radicals corresponding to the following formulae:
in which b is an integer between 0 and 3, inclusive, and c is an integer between 1 and 20, inclusive, such as between 2 and 12, inclusive.
In certain embodiments, radical R is chosen from hexamethylene, 4,4xe2x80x2-biphenylenemethane, 2,4- and/or 2,6-tolylene, 1,5-naphthylene, p-phenylene and methylene-4,4-bis-cyclohexyl radicals, and divalent radicals derived from isophorone.
The polycondensate used in accordance with the invention comprising at least one polyurethane and/or polyurea compound or unit can also comprise at least one polysiloxane compound in which the repeating base unit corresponds, for example, to the formula (IIxe2x80x2):
xe2x80x94Xxe2x80x2xe2x80x94Pxe2x80x94Xxe2x80x2xe2x80x94COxe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94Rxe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94COxe2x80x94xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(IIxe2x80x2)
in which:
P is a polysiloxane segment,
Xxe2x80x2 is chosen from O and NH, and
R is chosen from divalent substituted and unsubstituted radicals chosen from aromatic alkylene radicals, C1 to C20 aliphatic radicals, and C1 to C20 cycloaliphatic radicals.
In certain embodiments, the polysiloxane segment P corresponds to the formula (III):
in which:
the radicals A, which can be identical or different, are chosen from, on the one hand, C1 to C20 monovalent hydrocarbon-based radicals which are free or substantially free of ethylenic unsaturation and, on the other hand, aromatic radicals,
Y represents a divalent hydrocarbon-based radical, and
z represents an integer chosen such that the average molecular weight of the polysiloxane segment ranges from 300 to 10,000.
In general, the divalent radical Y is chosen from alkylene radicals of formula xe2x80x94(CH2)axe2x80x94, in which a represents an integer which can range from 1 to 10, inclusive.
The radicals A can be, but are not necessarily, chosen from alkyl radicals, including methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl and octadecyl radicals; cycloalkyl radicals, such as the cyclohexyl radical; aryl radicals, including phenyl and naphthyl; arylalkyl radicals, such as benzyl and phenylethyl; and tolyl and xylyl radicals.
The polycondensates used in accordance with the invention can be soluble in a cosmetically acceptable medium, in particular after neutralization with an organic or inorganic base, or else can form a dispersion in this medium. Generally, in the latter case, the dispersion comprises at least 0.05% surfactant, which allows the polycondensate to form a dispersion and to be maintained in dispersion.
According to the invention, any type of surfactant can be used in the dispersion, including a nonionic surfactant. The average size of the polycondensate particles in the dispersion is generally between 0.1 and 1 micron (micrometer), inclusive.
The composition in accordance with the invention generally comprises, in relative proportions by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, between 0.1 and 20%, inclusive, of the polycondensate comprising at least one sequence chosen from polyurethanes. In certain embodiments, the polycondensate comprises, on a weight-to-weight basis, between 1 and 15%, inclusive, of the composition. In certain embodiments, the polycondensate comprises between 2 and 8%, inclusive, by weight, of the composition.
In certain embodiments, the silicones according to the present invention are those described in patent EP 0,756,860, in patent application WO 98/20833, and in the French patent application whose application number is 97/16507, all assigned to the present assignee, and all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term silicone is understood to refer to any organosilicone polymer or oligomer of linear or cyclic, branched, or crosslinked structure, of variable molecular weight, obtained by polymerization and/or polycondensation of suitably functionalized silanes comprising a repetition of the main units in which silicon atoms are linked together by oxygen atoms to form a siloxane bond (xe2x89xa1Sixe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94Sixe2x89xa1), with hydrocarbon-based radicals, which are optionally substituted, being directly linked from a carbon atom to the said silicon atoms. The most common hydrocarbon-based radicals are the alkyl radicals, especially C1-C10 alkyl radicals and in particular methyl, fluoroalkyl radicals, and aryl radicals and in particular phenyl.
According to a first embodiment of the compositions in accordance with the invention, the silicone comprising at least one carboxylic functional group is an organopolysiloxane comprising at least one unit corresponding to formula (I):
in which:
R1 and R3 independently are chosen from linear and branched alkylene radicals having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms;
R2 is chosen from linear and branched alkylene radicals having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms and optionally comprising a hydroxyl group;
a represents 0 or 1;
b is a number ranging from 0 to 200; and
M is chosen from hydrogen, alkali metals and alkaline-earth metals, NH4, and quaternary ammonium groups such as, in particular, mono-, di-, tri- and tetra(C1-C4 alkyl)- ammonium groups.
It is possible, for example, to use organopolysiloxanes containing carboxylic functions, corresponding to formula (II):
in which:
the radicals R4 are identical or different and are chosen from the group comprising linear and branched C1-C22 alkyl radicals, C1-C22 alkoxy radicals, and phenyl radicals,
the radicals R5, R6, and R7 are identical or different and are chosen from the group comprising linear and branched C1-C22 alkyl radicals, C1-C22 alkoxy radicals, phenyl-based radicals, and radicals (R1O)axe2x80x94R2xe2x80x94(OR3)bxe2x80x94COOM, with the restriction that at least one of the radicals R5, R6 or R7 is a radical xe2x80x94(R1O)axe2x80x94R2xe2x80x94(OR3)bxe2x80x94COOM,
the radicals R1, R2, R3, a, b, and M have the same meanings as in formula (I),
c and d are numbers ranging from 0 to 1000. In certain embodiments, the sum c+d ranges from 2 to 1000.
Among the silicones of formula (II), certain compounds are those which satisfy formula (III):
in which X is a radical xe2x80x94(R1O)axe2x80x94R2xe2x80x94(OR3)bxe2x80x94COOM, the radicals R1, R2, R3, a, b, d, and M having the same meanings as for formulae (I) and (II).
As compounds corresponding to formula (III), it is possible, for example, to use those sold under the trade name Oil M 642, SLM 23 000/1 or SLM 23 000/2 by the company Wacker, or alternatively under the trade name 176-12057 by the company General Electric, or alternatively under the trade name FZ 3703 by the company OSI, or alternatively under the trade name BY 16 880 by the company Toray Silicone.
According to a second embodiment of the compositions in accordance with the invention, the silicone can be formed by a main silicone chain corresponding to the formula (xe2x89xa1Sixe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94)n onto which is grafted, inside the chain as well as, optionally, on at least one of its ends, at least one hydrocarbon-based group comprising at least one carboxylic functional group.
The nature and/or amount of the hydrocarbon-based groups comprising at least one carboxylic functional group are chosen such that the corresponding silicone derivative is water-soluble or water-dispersible, after optional neutralization of the groups of anionic nature using an alkaline agent.
These specific silicone derivatives can be existing commercial products or alternatively can be obtained according to any means known to those skilled in the art, in particular by reaction between (i) a starting silicone which is correctly functionalized on one or more of these silicon atoms, and (ii) an anionic compound which is itself correctly functionalized with a functional group which is capable of reacting with the functional group(s) borne by the silicone, to form a covalent bond. A standard example of such a reaction is the hydrosilylation reaction between xe2x89xa1Sixe2x80x94H groups and vinylic groups CH2xe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, or alternatively the reaction between thio functional groups xe2x80x94SH with these same vinylic groups.
Examples of silicone derivatives comprising a main silicone chain on which is grafted, inside the said chain as well as, optionally, on its ends, at least one hydrocarbon-based group comprising at least one carboxylic functional group, which are suitable for carrying out the present invention, along with their specific mode of preparation, are described in particular in patent applications EP 0,582,152 and WO 93/23009, the disclosures of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.
Silicone derivatives suitable for carrying out the present invention include those whose structure contains the following unit:
in which G1 is chosen from hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl radicals, and phenyl radicals; G2 is chosen from C1-C10 alkylene groups; G3 is chosen from anionic polymer residues resulting from the (homo)polymerization of at least one anionic monomer containing ethylenic unsaturation; n is equal to 0 or 1; a is an integer which is between 1 and 50, inclusive; and b is an integer which is between 10 and 350, inclusive.
In certain embodiments, the unit of formula (IX) above has at least one of the following characteristics:
G1 is an alkyl radical, such as a methyl radical,
n is non-zero, and G2 represents a C1-C3 divalent radical, such as a propylene radical,
G3 represents a polymer radical resulting from the (homo)polymerization of at least one monomer of unsaturated carboxylic acid type, such as acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid.
In certain embodiments, the unit of formula (IX) above has all of the above characteristics.
In certain embodiments, the amount of carboxylate groups in the final polymer is between 1 mol of carboxylate per 200 g of polymer and 1 mol of carboxylate per 5000 g of polymer, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the number-average molecular mass of the silicone polymer is between approximately 10,000 and approximately 1,000,000. In certain embodiments, the number-average molecular mass of the silicone polymer is between approximately 10,000 and 100,000.
Examples of silicone derivatives suitable for carrying out the present invention are, for example, those sold by the 3M company under the trade name Silicone xe2x80x9cplusxe2x80x9d Polymer VS 80. These products correspond to polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs) onto which are grafted, via a connecting chain of thiopropylene type, mixed polymer units of poly(meth)acrylic acid type and of polybutyl (meth)acrylate ester type. These products can be obtained conventionally by radical copolymerization between, on the one hand, a silicone of polydimethylsiloxane type prefunctionalized with thiopropyl groups, and, on the other hand, a monomer mixture consisting of (meth)acrylic acid and butyl (meth)acrylate.
Other silicones suitable for carrying out the present invention are silicones comprising at least one substituent containing at least two groups, which may be identical or different, chosen from carboxylic acids and salts thereof, amides, and esters, at least one of these groups being chosen from carboxylic acids and salts thereof.
In certain embodiments, these silicones comprise at least one unit of formula (IV):
xe2x80x83ZRaSiO(3xe2x88x92a)/2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(IV)
in which Z is a radical corresponding to formula (V) below:
in which:
W, R2, and R4, which may be identical or different, are chosen from a covalent bond and linear and branched alkylene radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms which can comprise a hydroxyl group,
R3 is chosen from a hydrogen atom and linear and branched C1-C6 alkyl radicals,
X and Xxe2x80x2, which may be identical or different, are chosen from the radicals OM, NR5R6, and OR7,
M is chosen from a hydrogen atom; alkali metals (for example Na+, K+); NH4+; ammonium groups containing a residue chosen from the group comprising basic amino acids such as lysine, arginine, sarcosine, ornithine and citrulline; and amino alcohols such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, glucamine, N-methylglucamine, and 3-amino-1,2-propanediol,
R5 and R6, which may be identical or different, are chosen from the group comprising hydrogen and linear and branched C1-C6 alkyls, or alternatively R5 and R6 can together form a 5- or 6-membered heterocycle,
R7 is chosen from linear and branched C1-C30 alkyl radicals, and
at least one of the groups X and Xxe2x80x2 denotes OM.
In formula (IV), the radicals R, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkyl radicals, especially C1-C10 alkyl radicals and in particular methyl, fluoroalkyl radicals, especially C1-C10 fluoroalkyl radicals, C6-C12 aryl radicals and in particular phenyl. In certain embodiments, a is chosen from 0, 1 and 2. In certain embodiments, a is 1 or 2. In certain embodiments, the radicals R of formula (IV) are chosen from C1 to C10 alkyl radicals, C1 to C10 fluoroalkyl radicals, and C6 to C12 aryl radicals.
In certain embodiments, the silicones used comprise at least one unit of formula (IV), which satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
W denotes a covalent bond,
R3 denotes a hydrogen atom,
R denotes a methyl radical,
X and Xxe2x80x2 are chosen from OM and NR5R6,
R2 and R4, which may be identical or different, are chosen from a covalent bond and a methyl radical. In certain embodiments, the silicones satisfy all of the above conditions.
The other units of the silicone can be chosen from those of formula (VI):
RbSiO(4xe2x88x92b)/2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(VI)
in which R has the same meaning as in formula (IV) and b is equal to 0, 1, 2, or 3. In certain embodiments, b is equal to 2 or 3.
The silicones comprising at least one unit of formula (IV) are described in particular in U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,062, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. Such silicones are sold, for example, under the trade name SLM 23 105 by the company Wacker and under the trade name Densodrin OF by the company BASF.
The relative proportion by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of silicone or of silicone mixture is generally between 0.01 and 20%, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the relative proportion is between 0.01 and 10%, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the relative proportion is between 0.05 and 5%, inclusive.
The composition in accordance with the invention can be, but does not have to be, in the form of a lotion or a gel. It can be applied, for example, by spraying, such as from a pump-dispenser bottle or an aerosol.
The packaging in aerosol form is especially practical for the user, who obtains fairly homogeneous distribution of the product without difficulty. However, this type of packaging can have the drawback of giving rise to a release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to the environment. They originate in particular from the amount of organic solvent used and of propellant gas chosen to manufacture the composition. Thus, the preparation of cosmetic compositions packaged in aerosol form for which the amount of volatile organic compounds expelled is low, is included within the invention and is well within the ordinary skill in the art.
The quality of the spraying obtained by means of an aerosol device, i.e., essentially the distribution of the droplets in space at the nozzle outlet, can depend greatly on the chemical constitution of the composition used. It is desired to formulate cosmetic compositions which give rise to an optimum quality of spraying.
Generally, between 7.5 and 70%, inclusive, of the total weight of the composition is comprised of an organic solvent. In certain embodiments, between 10 and 50%, inclusive, of the total weight of the composition is comprised of an organic solvent. In certain embodiments, between 10 and 25%, inclusive, of the total weight of the composition is comprised of an organic solvent.
In accordance with the invention, the organic solvent can be chosen in particular from the group comprising C1-C4 lower alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol; acetone; methyl ethyl ketone; methyl acetate; butyl acetate; ethyl acetate; dimethoxyethane; diethoxyethane; and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, ethanol is used.
The composition of the invention generally comprises, in relative proportions by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, between 15 and 85%, inclusive, of a propellant gas. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises between 25 and 60%, inclusive, on a weight-to-weight basis, of a propellant gas. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises between 30 and 50%, inclusive, on a weight-to-weight basis, of a propellant gas.
In accordance with the invention, a gas which is soluble or insoluble in the composition, such as dimethyl ether, fluoro or non-fluoro hydrocarbons, the usual liquefied gases used in body-treating compositions, or a mixture of these propellant gases can be used as propellant gas. In certain embodiments, dimethyl ether is used.
The concentrations and the nature of the various components can be chosen so as to reduce the contents of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The compositions in accordance with the invention can moreover contain at least one cosmetic additive. Examples of such additives include, but are not limited to, fatty substances, thickeners, softeners, anti-foaming agents, moisturizers, antiperspirants, basifying agents, dyes, pigments, fragrances, preserving agents, surfactants, hydrocarbon-based polymers, additional volatile and non-volatile silicones other than those described above, proteins, and vitamins.
In particular, it may be advantageous to add fixing polymers to the composition, such as nonionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric fixing polymers.

Compositions containing a polycondensate comprising at least one polyurethane and/or polyurea unit and a silicone comprising at least one carboxylic function


A control apparatus for an air conditioner, which selects the operation of the air conditioner between a first mode of warming a room and a second mode of cooling a room, the first mode having a defrosting pause period for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger, the second mode having a restart-preventing pause period for preventing restarting of a compressor motor, and the abovementioned selection between two modes is made by controlling a logic circuit 16 constituted as a semiconductor IC by applying specified controlling signal thereto.

1. Field of Invention:
The present invention relates to a control apparatus for an air conditioner which can be operated either with a room cooling operation mode or a room warming operation mode by comprising an IC logic circuit to control the sequence of compressor operation.
2. Prior Art:
The conventional defrosting control in room warming operation mode of an air conditioner has the following shortcomings. In the conventional defrosting control by a mechanical timer comprising a cam and a switch to be driven by a lever following the cam, a temperature detection of an evaporator is made during a short time period (for example 10 minutes) when the lever is falling into the detent part of the cam. The cam is so designed that the abovementioned detection is made with a specified time interval (for example, 1 hour). Then the air conditioner is set into the defrosting operation when the temperature is detected to be lower than a specified value. However, with such system, the detection can be made only for the specified short time period (namely only once for 10 minutes in 1 hour). Therefore, there might be a possibility of belated start of defrosting operation. There is another conventional defrosting system utilizing temperature difference between outdoor temperature and evaporator temperature. Though is very precise, this type of apparatus also has some problem of erroneous detection at the initial starting of the compressor or in a strong wind.
In general, the conventional air conditioners have utilized for room temperature control so-called hydraulic type thermostat which detects temperature change and turns on or off a compressor motor. In accordance with such system, due to a considerable hysteresis gap of temperature and rather slow response speed, a considerable temperature swing, which is larger than the temperature hysteresis gap of the thermostat, takes place in the room temperature. Therefore, the conditioned atmosphere is not satisfactorily comfortable. Especially when the atmosphere is wet and hot, due to effect of swing of moisture on top of that of the temperature, the conventional air conditioned room has not been satisfactorily comfortable. Let us elucidate a little more in detail. By operation of the compressor motor, the temperature and the moisture of the room air decreases. Then, at a detection of a specified lowered room temperature, the compressor is stopped by the function of the thermostat. Then, both the temperature and the moisture increase. Generally speaking, moisture reaches an unpleasant range faster than temperature's reaching an unpleasant range. However, the thermostat makes the compressor start by detection of only a temperature rise, and therefore, the air in the air-conditioned room becomes uncomfortably moist prior to a restoration of operation of the compressor. In order to avoid such inconvenience, there has been a need to provide a measure to restore the compressor motor prior to a detection of a specified temperature when a pausing of the compressor lasts longer than a specified period.
There is another important item in controlling the air conditioner to prevent undesirable locking of compressor which is likely to occur when the compressor is operated to restore immediately after a stopping thereof. Namely, immediately after a stopping the compressor has a very high back-pressure. Therefore, if a compressor motor is energized immediately after a stopping, such high back-pressure hinders the rotation of the motor thereby causing a harmful overloading sometimes leading to a burning of the compressor motor. In order to avoid such inconvenience, there has been a need to provide a mean to prevent a restoration of operation of the compressor immediately after a stopping.

Control apparatus for an air conditioner

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A probe device includes a probe body having a plurality of first holes extending through a first face thereof and a plurality of second holes aligned with the first holes and extending through an opposite second face thereof, a plurality of spaced-apart first probe pins inserted fittingly and removably into respective first holes and each including a first contact portion extending out of the first face, and a first connecting portion extending into the respective first hole, and a plurality of spaced-apart second probe pins inserted fittingly and removably into respective second holes and each including a second contact portion extending out of the second face, and a second connecting portion extending into the respective second hole and having an insert space. The first connecting portion is inserted fittingly and removably into the insert space, and mates with the second connecting portion.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a probe device, more particularly to a probe device having first and second probe pins.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional probe device 1 includes a hollow first probe pin 11 disposed in a probe hole 101 of a probe body 100 and having an upper contact portion 111 projecting outwardly from the probe body 100 to contact electrically a test point 300 of a device under test 30, a second probe pin 12 having one end inserted into the first probe pin 11 and the other opposite end having a lower contact portion 121 projecting outwardly from the probe body 100 to contact electrically a receive point 400 of a testing apparatus 40, and a biasing element 13 disposed within the first probe pin 11 and having two opposite ends abutting respectively against the first and second probe pins 11, 12. During testing, through electrical contact between the upper contact portion 111 and the test point 300 and between the lower contact portion 121 and the receive point 400, a signal generated by the device under test 30 is transmitted to an analyzer (not shown) through the probe device 1 for analyzing the signal.
However, when the first or second probe pin 11, 12 is rendered unusable due to wear of the upper or lower contact portion 111, 121 thereof, since one end of the second probe pin 12 is inserted inside the hollow first probe pin 11, as shown in FIG. 1, it is difficult to replace only the first or second probe pin 11, 12. Instead, the entire probe device 1 must be replaced with a new one. This is not only costly and wasteful, but also results in delaying the test operation.

Probe device having first and second probe pins


A lift truck having a hydraulic circuit with a muffler for reducing noise created by the hydraulic pump and motor assembly. The muffler includes a cylindrical body and first and second end caps which define an expansion volume which reduces the magnitude of pressure pulsations generated by the pump, thereby reducing noise. In one embodiment, the muffler includes mounting pads, located on the muffler body, for attaching the muffler to the truck frame, and a flexible hose interconnects the muffler and pump.

The present invention relates to lift truck vehicles having a powered hydraulic circuit.
In a typical lift truck vehicle, the load handling mechanisms and steering mechanisms are hydraulically operated. Present hydraulic systems incorporated on such lift trucks are powered by a pump or pumps that circulate hydraulic fluid through one or more hydraulic circuits that include a cylinder. An undesirable level of noise can be produced during the operation of these hydraulic systems. This noise is the combined result of three different noise generation mechanisms, typically referred to as noise sources. The first source is airborne noise which directly radiates from the pump. The second source is structureborne noise which occurs when the mechanical vibration of the pump causes other structural components on the lift truck to vibrate and radiate noise. The third source is fluidborne noise caused by pressure pulsations in the hydraulic fluid which are generated when the pump converts low pressure fluid to high pressure fluid. As with structureborne noise, these pressure pulsations cause other structural components, such as a hydraulic line connected to a structural panel, to vibrate and radiate noise. These three sources of noise all originate at the hydraulic pump.
The most common type of hydraulic pump used on lift trucks is a gear pump. External gear pumps are normally used, although internal gear pumps have been utilized. While internal gear pumps are two to three times more expensive and less efficient than external gear pumps, they do generate lower pressure pulsations, and therefore less noise. Because of the drawbacks associated with internal gear pumps, that being greater expense and less efficiency, external gear pumps are the preferred design.
Recent advances in external gear pumps--such as split gears, pressure trapping, and higher quality gears--have been developed with the intent being to lower the magnitude of the pressure pulsations and thereby reduce the amount of noise. Even with the development of advanced external gear designs, forklift truck hydraulic systems still produce an undesirable level of noise.
The absolute minimum noise level that can be achieved on a forklift truck would be that generated as airborne noise by the pump. Totally eliminating the structure and fluidborne noise sources is virtually impossible. However, reducing these generated noises to a level that is substantially below the pump airborne noise level will result in the minimum overall sound pressure for the operator of a lift truck.
Accordingly, the need exists for an apparatus and method for the reduction of structureborne and fluidborne hydraulic circuit noise generated by the hydraulic pump of a forklift truck.

Lift truck with noise attenuated hydraulic circuit


Improved process for evacuating the thermally insulating jacket of a dewar having an inner wall and an outer wall, with the inner space between said walls completely or partially filled with an insulating material, containing also a moisture sorbing material and a getter material, in which said moisture sorbing material is a chemical drying agent.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved process for evacuating a thermally insulating jacket and in particular the jacket of a dewar or of another cryogenic device, like for instance dedicated pipings for the storage and/or the transport of cryogenic gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, argon etc. or of other substances requiring the maintenance of a temperature different from room temperature, usually lower, the insulating features of said jackets being notoriously reached by means of vacuum and of an insulating material.
The new process is particularly advantageous, as it allows said jacket to be put in condition to work in a very short time.
2) The Prior Art
It is known, according to the common practice, to use for the purposes above dewars or pipings having a vacuum jacket in order to reach an adequate thermal insulation. As a further thermoinsulating measure, there is usually inserted in the jacket an insulating material like glass wool, expanded organic polymers (e.g. polyurethane and resins having various compositions) and, very frequently, the so called "multilayers". These latter are consisting of alternated sheets made from organic polymers (such as polyolefines), preferably showing a cross-linked structure, and of aluminized plastics, obtained for instance, as it is known, by coating a plastic film with aluminium by means of evaporation under vacuum.
It is also known that the vacuum, in said jacket, has the tendency to degrade along the time, because of the outgassing of the inner components and even of the walls (namely by emission of gaseous species like CO, N.sub.2, H.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, O.sub.2 etc.) and owing to possible "leaks" (namely penetration of an atmospheric gas). In order to maintain the vacuum, there is normally utilized a gas sorbing material, placed in the jacket and generally consisting of zeolites, molecular sieves, silica gel, activated carbon (charcoal) and other sorbing material having physical action. These substances have to be kept at a very low temperature, e.g. the temperature of liquid nitrogen or a lower one, in order to allow the sorption of the most part of such gaseous species. Moreover, the physical sorbing materials hereinabove do not effectively sorb hydrogen. Therefore it was required in the past for instance, to insert in the jacket palladium oxide, as disclosed by GB-A-921273. Pd oxide in fact converts hydrogen into water, according to the reaction: EQU PdO+H.sub.2 .fwdarw.Pd+H.sub.2 O (.varies.)
Water is then physically sorbed by the zeolites or by the other physical adsorbents present in the jacket.
A first drawback, coming from the use of these techniques, is due to the fact that the preparation of the insulating jacket of the dewars or of pipings above requires a very long time, because the activation of the physical adsorbents (zeolites and the like) requires an extended thermal treatment under pumping, which can even last several days.
The process length is mainly determined by the necessity of reducing as far as possible the residual amount of water contained in the physical adsorbents and in the insulating materials. A shorter time could be reached by drastically increasing the temperature of the thermal treatment of the system (e.g. beyond 150.degree.-200.degree. C.), but frequently this treatment can not be carried out because the involved materials are not consistent with such temperatures or because of practicality grounds or of grounds bound to the process economics.
A second drawback comes from the physical nature of the sorption, which makes the reaction reversible. Therefore, for instance, as a dewar is emptied and its inside is at room temperature, the sorbed gases are re-emitted thus giving rise to a certain pressure in the jacket. Consequently, during the filling of the inner vessel (of the dewar or of the piping), already returned to room temperature, there is observed a vigorous boiling, with a gas loss, because of the worsened insulation conditions. These are re-established after a certain time, once the zeolites have been cooled down to cryogenic temperature and have sorbed again the gases. Such a problem, known as "boil-off" or reboiling, is a serious one, especially in the case of liquefied gases like H.sub.2 and He, which are relatively expensive and endowed with a low heat of evaporation. It should also be underlined the fact that a few of the known materials used so far do react with the liquefied gas, with which they can occasionally get into contact, as soon as there is a leakage from the inside of the vessel, e.g. because of the formation of cracks. PdO in particular cannot be utilized with liquefied H.sub.2, because of possible explosions, in the case of breaking of the inner wall. The same occurs in the case of liquid O.sub.2, when activated carbon (charcoal) is used.
It was suggested by C. Boffito et al., in J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A5 (6), 3442 (1987), to use a gettering material, based on a Zr-V-Fe alloy disclosed in GB-A-2043691. This material is actually solving a few of the problems hereinabove, as it can chemically sorb the different gases, responsible for the degrading of the vacuum, and especially hydrogen.
The insulating material however gives rise, during the manufacturing process, to a heavy release of water, which can considerably jeopardize the effectiveness of the sorption, with respect to the other gaseous species, all along the life of the device.
It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a process allowing to shorten the time required for evacuating and making ready the insulating jacket of a dewar or of an other cryogenic device, such as for containing and/or transporting liquefied gases.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a process of the kind hereinabove, free from said "boil-off" problems, during the filling of the vessel with liquefied gases, onche the vessel has got empty and after it has come back to room temperature.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a process allowing the elimination of the hazard bound to some of the materials used for the maintenance of vacuum, in particular palladium oxide and activated carbon (charcoal). These materials can react in fact in an explosive way with hydrogen and oxygen, respectively, if either of the two gases are present in a liquefied form, inside the vessel to be insulated and if such a vessel is undergoing a breakage.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a process for obtaining an insulated device (dewar or piping) granting an effective chemical pumping, with respect to the undesired gases, all along the life of the same device.

Thermally insulating jacket and related process


A narrow band CW FM fixed height altimeter system utilizing linear Bessel function signal processing wherein a J.sub.0 and a J.sub.1 Bessel function signal component are compared in a biased comparator to yield an output signal at a predetermined, relatively low altitude. The system provides a very small, accurate, low cost solution to the problem of identifying a very low and predetermined altitude.

CW FM radar systems are disclosed in the prior art. For example, the Bessel function distribution of the demodulated frequency component distribution and a method for indicating range as a function of the amplitude ratio of two sequentially ordered Bessel functions is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,453,169 by Varian. Yamauaka, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,872,475 discloses a method of ranging depending upon a time delay between equal levels of J.sub.0 and J.sub.1 (Bessel) terms. Other systems in the prior art use wide band FM modulation to accomplish satisfactory system accuracy.
The systems of the prior art are generally complex and therefore expensive and suffer from a lack of accuracy to a great degree.


Embodiments of the invention comprise a design tool for designing an application interface. The design tool includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that visually represents a hierarchy of data and the relationships between the data. Thus, the design tool eliminates the need for an interface designer to have independent knowledge of the structure of the data (i.e., the data fields and relationships between the data). The design tool""s GUI represents the data and the relationships between the data in a hierarchical display referred to as a data palette. An output hierarchy comprised of output levels is created as the user selects fields from the data palette to be displayed in the application""s interface. When a data field is selected, the design tool automatically determines the appropriate interface component and output level of the output hierarchy using the relationships defined for the data. Output levels are associated with interface components that comprise the application""s interface. Examples of interface components that can be used in the application""s interface include a form, view and subband.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the manipulation of hierarchical information in a computer system, and more specifically to building an application interface using hierarchical information.
2. Background Art
Software applications designed to run on computer systems allow an application user to manipulate data associated with an application. For example, an accounting application allows a user to manipulate accounting information. A graphical user interface (GUI) is typically designed for a software application that allows an application user to enter and update application data.
Design tools are available that assist an application software developer in designing an application""s GUI. However, design tools that are currently available require that the application developer be aware of relationships that exist in the application data.
For example, application data can be managed by a database management system (DBMS) such as a relational database management system (RDBMS). In an RDBMS, data is stored in tables that can be interrelated.
A table can contain multiple rows of data where each row contains one or more fields or columns. Each column contains an item of data. For example, an employee table contains rows of employee records. Each row, or record, contains information regarding an employee. An employee record can contain, for example, a last name column that contains a last name of the employee.
Data stored in a column (or columns) of a table can form the basis for a relationship between that table and another table in the database having a related column (or columns). Using a relationship between columns of two tables, it is possible to join these two tables to provide a single table of information that contains instances of rows from one table combined with related rows from the other table.
Tables may be related via one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-one relationships. In a one-to-one relationship, one row in one table is related to a single row in a second table and vice versa. For example, a row in an employee table that contains information about an employee relates to a salaries table that contains the employee""s salary information. Since an employee is typically only earning a single salary, there is a one-to-one relationship between an employee""s employee table record and the employee""s salary table record.
In a one-to-many relationship, a row in one table may be related to many rows in a second table, but each row in the second table matches only one row in the first table. For example, a state table that contains a state identifier and a state name can be related to multiple rows in the employee table. However, a row in the employees table identifies only one state of residence, for example. Conversely, a many-to-one relationship exists where many rows in one table match only one row in a second table, but each row in the second table may match many rows in the first table.
To relate two tables, it is necessary to identify one or more columns that are common to both tables. These columns are typically referred to as keys. A primary key is a unique key within a table and uniquely identifies a row within the table. A foreign key in a second table is comprised of the column(s) containing a first table""s primary key information. For example, in the employee table, an employee identifier (employeeID) can be assigned to uniquely identify each employee. The employeeID can be used as a primary key for the employees table. The employeeID can also be used as a foreign key in the salaries table. The employees and salaries tables can be joined by the employeeID columns in each table to have information from both tables available in a single record.
Applications are developed to provide a user with the ability to facilitate access and manipulation of the data contained in a DBMS. A DBMS includes a Data Manipulation Language (DML) such as Structured Query Language (SQL). A DML provides set-oriented relational operations for manipulating data in the DBMS. However, a DML requires a precise syntax that must be used to access and manipulate DBMS data. To use a DML, a user must understand and use the DML""s syntax. Instead of requiring each user that wishes to modify data stored in a DBMS to learn the DML""s syntax, applications are written that provide an interface between the user and a DBMS"" DML. For example, a personnel application provides an interface to allow an employee in the personnel department to view and update employee information.
A database application typically includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that is comprised of presentation elements such as a form. A form is self-contained presentation element with predefined areas for displaying, entering and/or changing data. The predefined areas are typically referred to as fields.
Fields in a form can be read-only (e.g., a label field). A form can also have fields in which information is displayed and the user can enter information. For example, in an operation to modify an employee""s last name, a text field can be used to display the name currently stored in the database and allow the user to overwrite the display to enter the employee""s new last name. When user submits the information, the application can retrieve the user input and update the database accordingly.
To populate the fields in a form, the application developer must associate fields in the database with fields in the form. This process is typically referred to as binding database fields with form fields. In a simple example of a form, the fields contained within the form are bound to fields in a single table.
A form can be more complicated where fields receive data from multiple tables. The application developer designing a form must be aware of the relationship(s) that exist between the tables that are to be bound to the fields in the form. If, for example, the form contains fields from tables that are related via a one-to-many relationship, the application developer must design the form the accommodate multiple rows of information. For example, a form that displays a department and its joblistings (which are related via a one-to-many relationship) must be able to display the department information as well as multiple joblistings for that department. The form must be designed to display the department and include multiple rows to display the joblistings for the department, for example.
The relationship between the department and joblistings tables is a one-to-many relationship. That is, there can be many joblistings for a given department. The format of the display of information related by a one-to-many relationship is different than that used to display information related by either a many-to-one or one-to-one relationship.
For example, the employees, salaries and state tables are related to each other via many-to-one (e.g., more than one employee can reside in the same state) and one-to-one relationship (e.g., each employee has a salary). Since a row in the employees table is related to a single row in state and salaries tables, the developer can design a form with fields that display information about an employee taken from these three tables. For example, the form can contain fields to display the employee""s name, state of residence and salary.
Thus, it can be seen that the design of a form depends on the type of relationships that exist between the tables. Using existing interface design tools, the application developer has been required to have knowledge of these relationships. The application developer must be aware of the structure of a database including the tables, the columns within a table and the relationships between tables. For example, an application developer that is building a form to display output retrieved from a database must associate fields in the form with columns in the database. If the form includes columns from multiple tables, the developer must be aware of the relationships that exist between the tables which includes the type of relationship.
One example of such a design tool for database applications is the Access product which is available from Microsoft Corporation. Access allows a developer to define the structure of a database and to create forms with fields that are tied to fields in the database. To develop a form, the developer selects a table and fields from the table in the database to include in the form. However, Access does not show relationships between tables. The developer must be aware of the relationships that exist between tables in a database to design an application""s interface. This requires that the application developer become knowledgeable as to the structure of the database. This is inefficient. Further, there is the possibility that an. application developer will err in generating an interface that cannot accommodate the relationships that exist between the data to be displayed in fields in the interface.
Embodiments of the invention comprise a design tool for designing an application interface. The design tool includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that visually represents a hierarchy of data and the relationships between the data. Thus, the design tool eliminates the need for an interface designer to have independent knowledge of the structure of the data (i.e., the data fields and relationships between the data). The structure of the data is presented to the interface designer in the design tool""s display.
The design tool""s GUI represents the data and the relationships between the data in a hierarchical display referred to as a data palette. An output hierarchy comprised of output levels is created as the user selects fields from the data palette to be displayed in the application""s interface. When a data field is selected, the design tool automatically determines the appropriate output level of the output hierarchy using the relationships defined for the data. The design tool further identifies an appropriate interface component within an output level for the selected field.
The design tool""s GUI can optionally include a display that identifies the selected fields and the output levels created in the output hierarchy. Indentations in the display reflect the output levels. Further, the optional display identifies the type of interface component in which a selected field is included for review by the interface designer.
Output levels are associated with interface components that comprise the application""s interface. Examples of interface components that can be used in the application""s interface include a form, view and subband. Multiple interface components can be contained within a single output level. Interface components are comprised of interface objects such as text fields and buttons. A view is comprised of one or more lines, or bands, of information. Each band is comprised of one or more columns, or fields, of data. A subband is comprised of one or more columns of data.
An interface component can be nested within another interface component to display levels of detail in the data. For example, a subband can be nested within a view which is nested within a form. The design tool associates an interface component with an output level and displays the association in the design tool""s GUI display.
The output hierarchy is created based on the data relationships that exist between the data that is selected by the user. A first level of the output hierarchy displays data from fields contained in a primary database table that is selected by the user. The level can further contain fields from tables that are related to the primary table via a one-to-one relationship or a many-to-one relationship. If the user selects a field from a table that is related to the primary table via a one-to-many relationship, the design tool creates another output level that is a child of the top-most output level. A link is automatically created between an interface component in the child and an interface component in the parent output level. The link can be used to perform operations on the data (e.g., update and retrieval operations).
An interface designer selects a database table as a primary table and an interface component for the first output level. The design tool generates a table hierarchy with the primary table as the root node. Nodes in the table hierarchy represent database tables and branches between the nodes represent the relationships between the tables.
The data palette can be generated using the table hierarchy. Initially, the data palette includes entries for the primary table, its fields, and its relationships with other tables. The user can expand (or reduce) a relationship to view a related table, its fields, and its relations.
When a field is selected in the data palette, embodiments of the invention traverse the table hierarchy to identify an output level for the selected field. If the selected field is contained within a table that is related to the primary table via a one-to-one or many-to-one relationship, the selected field can be added to the current output level. If the selected field is contained within a table that is related to the primary table via a one-to-many relationship, the selected field is added to a child output level of the primary table""s output level. If the child output level is new, a link is automatically created between the primary table""s output level and the related table. If necessary, an interface component is created within the child output level for the selected field.

Method and apparatus for building an application interface


There is provided a zeolite which has excellent NOx purifying performance, particularly excellent NOx purifying performance after heat endurance. The zeolite has a CHA structure in which Cu and Ce are carried, and has a Cu/Al molar ratio of 0.25 to 0.48 and a Ce/Al molar ratio of 0.01 to 0.03.

In the related art, as one of systems which purify exhaust gas of an automobile, there has been known a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces NOx to nitrogen and water using ammonia, and zeolite having a copper-carried CHA structure is paid attention as zeolite achieving SCR catalysis.
In this SCR system, a honeycomb unit, in which a large number of through holes allowing the exhaust gas to pass therethrough are arranged in parallel to extend in a longitudinal direction, is used as an SCR catalyst carrier. For example, as one that aims to enhance heat resistance and endurance in a case of being used as an SCR catalyst carrier, zeolite having a CHA structure is disclosed in Patent Literature 1 in which a composition ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 is less than 15 and a particle size is 1.0 to 8.0 μm.
On the other hand, zeolite having a CHA structure is disclosed in Patent Literature 2 in which a composition ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 is less than 15 and the content of alkali is less than 3% by mass. In this case, however, the surface of a honeycomb unit substrate made of another substance needs to be coated with the CHA-structured zeolite to obtain an effect as an SCR catalyst.
A technique is disclosed in Patent Literature 3 in which zeolite is extrusion-molded together with an inorganic binder and the like into a honeycomb shape in producing of a honeycomb unit to be used as an SCR catalyst.
A catalyst composition is disclosed in Patent Literature 4 in which a molar ratio (SAR) of silica to alumina is about 10 to about 30, the content of an exchange nonaluminum transition metal (for example, copper (Cu)) is about 1.5 to about 5 wt % with respect to the total weight of zeolite, and the content of cerium (Ce) is about 1.35 wt % or more.

Zeolite, method for producing zeolite, honeycomb catalyst using zeolite, and exhaust gas purifying apparatus


A hinge for a refrigerator includes a hinge support configured to be mounted on a front surface of a cabinet of the refrigerator, where the hinge support has a plate shape and defining a coupling hole, a hinge bracket including an insertion part configured to be inserted into the coupling hole, where the hinge bracket is coupled to the hinge support along a longitudinal direction of the hinge support, and a hinge pin that is configured to mount to the hinge bracket and that is configured to allow a door of the refrigerator to rotate about the hinge pin. The hinge support includes a bracket support that at least partially surrounds the coupling hole and protrudes from a front surface of the hinge support, the bracket support being configured to provide support to the hinge support.

Refrigerators are electric appliances that can store foods at low temperature in an inner storing space closed by a refrigerator door. Typically, the storing space is cooled using cool air that is generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant circulating a refrigeration cycle to store the foods in an optimal state.
In recent years, refrigerators have tended to increase in size and to provide multi-functions, and accordingly, refrigerators of various structures in consideration of user convenience have been brought to the market.
In general, doors mounted on the refrigerator may be opened and closed through rotation thereof. For this, each of the doors may be rotatably coupled to a main body defining a storage space by using a hinge. In some cases, a hinge may include a hinge plate fixed to a main body and a hinge pin connecting the hinge plate to a door to serve as a rotation shaft of the door. In some cases, a hinge may include a mounting plate on which a hinge pin is mounted and a vertical flange to which the mounting plate is coupled.

Method for manufacturing hinge for refrigerator


An apparatus for mounting a signal element to a bicycle wheel includes a base member for mounting to the wheel and a movable member coupled to the base member for movement relative to the base member, wherein the movable member includes a signal element mounting location.

The present invention is directed to control devices for bicycle transmissions and, more particularly, to an apparatus for mounting a signal element to a bicycle wheel, wherein the signal element is used to select a processing mode for a computer controlled bicycle transmission.
Computers are sometimes used to control bicycle transmissions. A typical computer controlled bicycle transmission has a processor that receives wheel speed and/or pedal crank speed signals and shifts the bicycle transmission based on these input signals to maintain the wheel and/or pedal crank speed at a desired value. Sometimes it is desirable to shift the bicycle transmission at different speeds depending on the type of terrain over which the bicycle is ridden. To accomplish this, the computer is designed to allow the rider to select different algorithms or speed tables (processing modes) to process the input data based on the expected riding conditions.
One way the rider may select the different processing modes for the computer is by pressing a button or moving a switch on the computer control console. Another method used to select the processing modes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/471,668, filed Dec. 24, 1999 and entitled Method and Apparatus for Selecting a Processing Mode for a Bicycle Computer. In the specific embodiment disclosed in that patent application, a plurality of magnetic sensors are mounted to the bicycle frame in close proximity to the rear wheel of the bicycle. One or more magnets are mounted to the spokes of the wheel such that, when the wheel revolves, the one or more magnets activate one or more of the magnetic sensors, and the processing mode of the computer is selected based on which sensors are activated. The processing mode then may be changed by moving the one or more magnets to a different position on the spoke.
While the use of magnets to change the processing mode of the computer eliminates the need for buttons or switches on the computer control console, the user must manually loosen the magnet assembly from the spoke, move the magnet assembly to a different position on the spoke, and then tighten the magnet assembly at the new position. Not only does this require substantial effort, but inexperienced users may have difficulty placing the magnet in the proper position. Thus, it is desirable to have a structure that eliminates much of the effort and guess work when changing the magnet position.
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for mounting a signal element to a bicycle wheel such that the signal element may be reliably moved to a different position with less effort than known methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for mounting a signal element to a bicycle wheel includes a base member for mounting to the wheel and a movable member coupled to the base member for movement relative to the base member, wherein the movable member includes a signal element mounting location. If desired, a positioning mechanism may be provided for positioning the movable member relative to the base member, wherein the positioning mechanism sets the movable member in one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the base member.
In a more specific embodiment, a plate-shaped retainer may be provided for coupling the movable member to the base member, wherein the movable member is disposed between the retainer and the base member and rotates relative to the base member. In this case the signal element mounting location is offset from a rotational axis of the movable member. The positioning mechanism may include a positioning groove disposed on one of the base member and the movable member and a positioning projection disposed on the other one of the base member and the movable member for engaging the positioning groove. If desired, the movable member may include a grasping projection to facilitate rotation of the movable member.
In another embodiment, the base member includes a mounting opening, and the movable member extends through the mounting opening. In this embodiment, the movable member may be rotatably disposed in the mounting opening. As with the previous embodiment, the positioning mechanism may include a positioning groove disposed on one of the base member and the movable member and a positioning projection disposed on the other one of the base member and the movable member for engaging the positioning groove. Also, the movable member may include a grasping projection to facilitate rotation of the movable member. If the movable member is an annular member, then the grasping projection can extend radially inwardly from an inner peripheral surface of the annular member.
In either of the above embodiments a reflector may be mounted on one or both sides of the base member or the mounting member. As a result, the apparatus can be mounted to the wheel spokes and also serve as a safety reflector when the bicycle is ridden at night.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the moving member may comprise a mounting arm pivotably coupled to the base member through a pivot shaft, wherein the signal element mounting location is radially spaced apart from the pivot shaft. If the mounting arm is capable of pivoting by at least 180xc2x0, then a first latch can extend from a first side of the mounting arm and a second latch can extend from an opposite second side of the mounting arm. Thus, when the base member is mounted to a wheel spoke, the mounting arm can be placed in one predetermined location by latching the first latch to the spoke. Thereafter, the mounting arm can be rotated 180xc2x0 and latched to the spoke with the second latch.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the base member includes a movable member mounting boss and a spoke mounting protuberance coupled to the movable member mounting boss. If desired, the spoke mounting protuberance may extend from a side wall of the movable member mounting boss, wherein the spoke mounting protuberance includes a protuberance slot for receiving a spoke therein. In a more specific embodiment, the movable member mounting boss includes a tubular member having a side wall defining a side wall opening extending through the side wall and communicating with the protuberance slot. If the movable member is adapted to be fitted within the tubular member, then the movable member may includes a plurality of positioning grooves on an outer peripheral surface thereof. Thus, when the apparatus is mounted to a spoke, the spoke may extend into the side wall opening and function as a positioning member for positioning the movable member relative to the base member.
If desired, the spoke mounting protuberance may include a threaded inner peripheral surface, and a mounting screw may engage the threaded inner peripheral surface for mounting the apparatus to the spoke. A support ring may be provided to surround the spoke mounting protrusion and prevent the spoke mounting protrusion from spreading when the mounting screw is engaged with the spoke mounting protrusion. Alternatively, a spoke pressing member may be provided, wherein the spoke pressing member is adapted to be fitted within the protuberance slot. In this case, the spoke mounting protuberance may include a threaded outer peripheral surface, and a nut may be provided for causing the spoke pressing member to move toward the side wall opening and press against the spoke.

Apparatus for mounting a signal element to a bicycle wheel


Provided is a method of inverting data that is to be transmitted and transmitting the data in a semiconductor device. The method includes inverting bits of data that is to be transmitted if the number of bit transitions of previously transmitted data and the data that is to be transmitted among sequentially transmitted data exceeds a reference number; indicating in any one of a plurality of data strobe signals that the data that is to be transmitted is inverted; and transmitting the data strobe signal indicating that the data that is to be transmitted is inverted and the inverted data.

1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to transmitting data in a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to inverting data that is to be transmitted and transmitting the data.
2. Description of the Related Art
When semiconductor devices read or write data, transition of bits of sequentially transmitted data occurs. For example, if data "1111 0111" was previously transmitted, and data "1110 0110" is subsequently transmitted, transition of the fourth and eighth bit occurs. A frequent transition of bits increases power consumption of memory devices according to the input/output of data. Bus encoding has been used to solve the above problem. Examples of bus encoding include binary encoding, one-hot encoding, gray code encoding, bus-invert encoding, working zone encoding, limited weight coding, and the like. The bus invert encoding comprises inverting data that is subsequently transmitted to reduce a Hamming distance, which is a difference between data that was previously transmitted and the data that is subsequently transmitted, via a bus if the Hamming distance exceeds a predetermined reference amount. In more detail, if transmission of bit-wise inverted data results in less of a bus change than transmission of data that is not bit-wise inverted, the bus invert encoding transmits the bit-wise inverted data. The bus invert encoding produces a least possible change in data values in buses, which reduces a number of changes in bus lines during the transmission of data, thereby reducing a dynamic power consumption of buses.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate examples of bus invert encoding in the related art. Referring to FIG. 1A, data "1001 1110" is transmitted (at time t0), and data "0111 0011" is transmitted later (at time t1:t0<t1). Comparing both sets of data, six transitions of bits occur. Referring to FIG. 1B illustrating a result of performing the bus invert encoding, inverted bits of the data that is to be transmitted is "1000 1100". In comparison with the data "1001 1110" at time t0 and the data "1000 1100" inverted at time t1, only two transitions of bits occur. That is, bit transition is reduced to a quarter of that of FIG. 1A wherein the bus invert encoding is not performed.
Modern semiconductor memory devices operate at high speed, are capable of mass-storage, and are low-priced owing to the development of related technologies. In particular, great progress in a data processing speed of memory has been made. Therefore, when data is transmitted, bit transition of data frequently occurs due to a high frequency in data buses. Such frequent data transition causes great power consumption, making it impossible to operate an optimized system. Furthermore, a high operating frequency has a bad effect in terms of electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Method, apparatus and system for transmitting data in semiconductor device


A control circuit for electrically heatable windshields of automotive vehicles which controls the quantity of heat supplied by the vehicle alternator to the windshield heating element to be adequate for deicing the windshield yet limited to avoid windshield damage and to minimize decoupling time of the alternator from the vehicle battery. The control circuit, which employs an inexpensively installed temperature sensor element that senses ambient temperature, responds to the temperature difference between the ambient and a reference deicing temperature and to the supplied heating power for controlling the duration of the heating period.

The invention relates generally to the electrical system of an automotive vehicle and, more particularly, to control circuitry for controlling the supply of power to an electrically heatable windshield for providing deicing of said windshield.
Numerous electrical systems have been developed for deicing automotive windshields and backlites of the type which employ heating elements such as thin film metalization or a pattern of resistive heating wires embedded in the window material, which exhibit good optical transparency. A principal requirement of these systems is to supply power to the heating wires that, within safe limits of the window material, can provide a relatively rapid deicing of the window at temperatures well below freezing. This normally requires the generation of voltages substantially higher than the regulated battery voltage. Another requirement is to supply such heating power without adversely affecting the vehicle's battery charge requirements and electrical operation. A number of systems have been developed in which the standard vehicle alternator is employed to supply power to the resistive heating elements, the vehicle alternator for a short period being disconnected from the standard automotive circuit including the battery and load and connected to the resistive heating elements for the purpose of deicing. During this period the alternator can supply voltages substantially higher than the regulated battery voltage, while the battery supplies the normal automotive load. At the end of the period, the alternator is reconnected to the regulator and standard load circuit. It is desirable to terminate the heating periods in some controlled fashion so that the window material is not excessively heated, which may cause damage, and so that the battery is not overly utilized to supply the system load requirements. A well known manner of controlling the duration of the heating period is to sense the window surface temperature, and to terminate the supply of heat upon a certain temperature being reached. Such form of control requires the use of temperature sensor elements that are either embedded within the window material or attached to the window. These systems are costly and undesirable for a number of reasons. The need for added electrical connections to the window, and the sophisticated fabrication techniques required for embedded sensor elements are distinct limitations. In addition, both the embedded and attached sensors must provide a distributed sensing function for sensing temperature throughout the area of the window surface, and must be mounted so as to not impair good vision.

Control circuit for controlling quantity of heat to electrically heatable windshield


In a method and apparatus for forming a resin article by forming a film of photosetting resin liquid on a surface of a workpiece, the workpiece is held in a direction to keep its axis approximately in a horizontal posture. The workpiece is rotated about the axis to thereby form the film of the resin liquid on the surface of the workpiece. The laser beam supplied from above the workpiece is emitted toward the film. At least one of the workpiece and the laser beam is relatively moved continuously or intermittently along the axis.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming laminated resin articles by way of casting of laser beam or plasma or electron beam onto photosetting resin liquid or thermosetting resin liquid.
A resin article has been obtained by casting laser beam onto photosetting resin liquid. In a conventional arrangement, as shown in FIG. 6, a resin article on an elevator stage 3 is formed through lamination of photosetting resin. The elevator stage 3 is set in a liquid bath 2 containing photosetting resin liquid 1. More specifically, when a first layer of the resin article 4 is to be formed, the elevator stage 3 is held at an upper position in the vicinity of the liquid level of the resin liquid 1 by a driving mechanism 5. Laser beam 8 supplied via a laser beam controller 7 from a laser oscillator 6 partially scans in two dimensions and hardens a part of the resin liquid 1 on the elevator stage 3. Since the driving mechanism 5 lowers the elevator stage 3 by 0.1-0.2 mm intervals, the laser beam 8 sequentially sets a second layer and succeeding layers of resin over the first layer. The laminated resin article 4 is produced in this manner.
In the prior art, if the to-be-laminated article 4 is, for example, in the shape of a screw as in FIG. 7, the target shape with a plurality of vanes 9 cannot be efficiently obtained although the laser beam scans in two dimensions in directions of arrows.
When a thin portion of the article 4 assumes a vertical posture as indicated in FIG. 8A, a step difference 10 generated between the layers is small enough to form the resin article 4 relatively accurately. In contrast, when a thin portion of the resin article 4 is inclined as shown in FIG. 8B, the step difference 10 appears clearly, whereby the formed resin article with the screw-like shape has many step differences 10 as is illustrated in FIG. 9.