An apparatus and method for manufacturing surface fastener bands having opposite end portions provided with mating multiple fastener elements including a pair of grippers for moving the opposite end portions into a joining station for joining together to form a single band, and an endless belt conveyor having a continuous surface fastener tape applied on an upper surface thereof, and a pressing roller for pressing one of the end portions of the surface fastener band to the conveyor for transporting the band downstream to a packing station or further station.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing surface fastener bands allowing for adjustment of length and used for wrapping and binding. The invention is particularly adapted to binding a plurality of electrical cables or wires, or for compressively wrapping around a bleeding limb to prevent bleeding, and for like purposes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A length-adjustable surface fastener band of the type described above is disclosed as in FIG. 8 of the U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,363. The disclosed fastener band comprises two fastener parts having their one end connected to each other; one being a hooked fastener part and the other a looped fastener part. The hooked fastener part comprises a base fabric and a multiplicity of hook-like fastener elements planted on one surface thereof. The looped fastener part comprises a base fabric and a multiplicity or loop-like fastener elements planted on one surface thereof. A connecting ring is joined to the other end of the loop fastener part.
For manufacturing such surface fastener bands, usually the matching edges of the hooked fastener parts and the looped fastener part are placed under an ultrasonic horn and then welded to each other under ultrasonic energy generated by the horn, this operation being all done manually.
However, such manual operation will lower production efficiency and can expose the worker to possible injury by an attachment means such as an ultrasonic horn, high-frequency welder, or other hot-melt adhesive.
Furthermore, utilizing full-automation, surface fastener bands are arranged to fall by gravity to be piled in sock cartons or boxes. However, surface fastener bands, since having hook-like or loop-like fastener elements; planted substantially over its entire surface, tend to engage with each other at random or accidentally. Once engaged with each other, the surface fastener bands must be forcibly separated. An entire batch can become entangled by accidental engagement of a plurality of the bands. The bands must then be separated and then packed neatly in cartons one by one for storing or shipment, which operation would be extremely tedious and time consuming.

Apparatus and method for manufacturing surface fastener bands


A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Coatings are typically applied to fabrics to increase water resistance, water transport, insulative ability or heat storage properties of the fabrics. Recently, microencapsulated phase change materials have been described as a suitable component for fabric coatings when exceptional heat transfer and storage capabilities are desired. In particular, International Patent Application No. PCT/US93/05119 for "Fabric with Reversible Enhanced Thermal Properties" to Colvin, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses that fabrics coated with a binder containing microcapsules filled with energy absorbing phase change material enables the fabric to exhibit extended or enhanced heat retention or storage properties.
Research has demonstrated that applying a binder containing microspheres of phase change materials with commercial coating equipment can be problematic. For example, use of solvent based gravure printing techniques in which a solvent system was employed to achieve uniform dispersion of the microspheres in a binder proved unsuccessful because the solvent systems damaged the microspheres.
Thermoplastic gravure printing techniques also proved unsatisfactory for use with microspheres of phase change material. When using higher temperature thermoplastic gravure printing techniques, sustained temperature of 325.degree. F. caused severe damage to the microspheres. Although lower temperature thermoplastic gravure printing techniques avoided significant damage to the microspheres, the resulting coating was found lacking in washability and durability. Moreover, lower temperature thermoplastic gravure printing techniques precluded addition of the desired amounts of the microspheres, allowing addition of microspheres of up to only about 20% by dry weight of the microsphere/binder material. This low percentage of phase change material in the coating makes the coating susceptible to undesirable heat transfer across the coating, especially in locations where phase change material is sparsely applied.
Attempts to encapsulate microspheres of phase change materials in a thermoplastic spray have also proved unsatisfactory. In particular, scattering microspheres into a stream of sprayed, fibrous thermoplastic material resulted in a binder matrix that did not fully encase the microspheres. The resulting binder/microsphere material was susceptible to loss of microspheres, which worked loose and were continually shedded from the fabric. In addition, the coating lacked uniformity of thickness and microsphere distribution.
Attempts were also made to utilize thermoplastic extrusion techniques to create a film of continuous web in which microspheres of phase change material were uniformly distributed. However, thermal breakdown of the microspheres resulted from the higher temperatures utilized. The extrusion screw employed with these techniques also physically damaged the microspheres.
Phase change materials in microencapsulated form are commonly supplied as a dry powder. This powder is difficult to wet and uniformly disperse in aqueous systems. Moreover, some microencapsulated phase change materials have an internal layer of modified gelatin which is hydrophilic and capable of absorbing its own weight in water. Not only does the hydrophilic quality of such microcapsules make more standard component proportions inapplicable, microcapsules which have absorbed water tend to swell and associate, increasing the viscosity of the coating system above acceptable limits. Although the precise behavior of microcapsules in the coating system which have absorbed water is uncertain, it is believed that such microcapsules agglomerate, reducing their dispersion throughout the binder of the coating system, which de-stabilizes the binder. This de-stabilization can increase over time. When latex binders are used with microencapsulated phase change material, de-stabilization of the latex binder can continue until the latex binder coagulates.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,254,380, 5,211,949, 5,282,994 and 5,106,520 for "Dry Powder Mixes Comprising Phase Change Materials" describe free flowing, conformable powder-like mixes of silica particles and a phase change material which the silica particles of between 7.times.10.sup.-3 to 7.times.10.sup.-2 microns are mixed with phase change material in a ratio of up to 80% by weight of phase change material. While these patents describe a matrix in which microspheres of phase change materials need not be separately encapsulated, they do not describe the use of dry powder mixes containing phase change materials in binder matrices for coating fabrics.
It is against this background that the significant improvements and advancement of the present invention have taken place in the field of fabric coatings containing energy absorbing, temperature stabilizing phase change materials and methods of manufacturing same.

Fabric coating composition containing energy absorbing phase change material


An image forming device includes an image carrier having a surface onto which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a development station including a case made of a conductive body and one or more developer rollers, which supply toner housed in the case to the surface of the image carrier, and develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier as a toner image, a unit, which forms a standard concentration toner image of on the surface of the image carrier, a detector, which detects a toner adhesion amount of the standard concentration toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier by the standard concentration toner image-forming unit, and a voltage controller, which controls a bias voltage to be applied to the case according to a detected result of the toner adhesion amount of the standard concentration toner image by the detector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device which forms an image by means of an electrostatic copying process such as a copier, a facsimile, or a printer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, with the need for an increase in speed and the energy saving of a copier, a low-melting point toner has been developed. However, if the melting point of the toner is lowered above a certain level, various problems occur such as the development of errors and the fixation of toner onto a developer roller by the aggregation of toner. In particular, when outputting an electronic document, in most cases, a non-image part tends to continue in the same portion (especially, a blank space), and the toner is likely to be fixed onto the developer roller facing the non-image part of the electric document. Such fixation of toner onto the developer roller is likely to develop an undesirable image such as a stained surface.
Because the rotation speed of the developer roller is especially high in a high-speed copier, the temperature of the developer roller is prone to increase, and the low-melting point toner is likely to be fixed onto the developer roller. Moreover, in the non-image part, because an electrostatic force acts such that the toner is pressed onto the developer roller, the fixation of toner tends to occur in the developer roller.
In a negative/positive process (hereinafter referred to as a N/P process) which transfers toners onto an exposed portion of an image carrier, since the toner is charged to a polarity which is the same as a polarity of development bias potential, in an area where the toner is fixed, effective development potential onto an image carrier increases. Therefore, when ensuring a sufficient development performance in an area to which the toner does not adhere, the development performance becomes too great in an area where the toner is fixed, causing an abnormal image such as a stained surface.
In this case, a cooling effect is improved by applying a conductor in a case of a development station. In a technique which applies the conductor in the case, in order to prevent the leakage of a development bias voltage, it is arranged to provide continuity across the case and the surface of the developer roller, and to maintain the electric potential of the case and the development bias potential at the same electric potential. With this structure, in the area of the developer roller to which the toner is fixed, an electric potential difference locally occurs relative to the case; thus, the toner is developed on the case from the surface of the developer roller, and then the adhesion/fixation of toner is developed on a part of the case facing the developer roller. In this case, when the toner fixed onto the developer roller is eliminated by maintenance or the like, the toner is attracted to the developer roller from the case because effective electric potential of the part of the case to which the toner adheres/is fixed is higher than the electric potential of the surface of the developer roller. As a result, the toner is even fixed on the surface of the developer roller corresponding to the non-image part which originally does not cause the fixation of toner.
In order to prevent the fixation of toner onto the developer roller, various techniques are proposed. JP2001-312126A proposes a method of preventing the fixation of toner onto a developer roller, which sets a background potential (difference between charged electric potential of image carrier and development bias potential) to be 400V or more at an absolute value, and develops a solid image on the image carrier in the end portion of the developer roller in the axial direction thereof, in an image forming device with a two-component developer using low-melting point toner. However, in this method, the solid image developed on the image carrier is input to a cleaning station of the image carrier or a cleaning station of a downstream transfer station, so that the load on the cleaning station is increased.
In addition, JP2002-278275A proposes a method of electrostatically removing toner on a developer roller by applying a bias voltage to a collection member facing the developer roller. However, in this method, the mechanism becomes complex by the increase in the number of parts, and the costs of the development station are increased.
Moreover, JP2001-242712A proposes, in order to prevent the fixation of toner onto a developer roller resulting from the stress of developer between the developer roller and an image carrier, a developer roller which prevents the fixation of toner without losing development performance by minimizing a half-value width of a development magnetic pole.
Furthermore, JP2002-278183A proposes an image forming device, which controls a defect of toner concentration control resulting from the fixation of toner onto a developer roller. Because the fixed toner is charged in the toner fixation area of the developer roller, effective development potential is increased. Accordingly, when performing normal control, in the toner fixation area, the toner adhesion amount of a patch for measuring the toner adhesion amount on the image carrier is increased, compared to an area where the toner is not fixed. Consequently, if the concentration of toner is controlled according to the toner adhesion amount of the patch for measuring the toner adhesion amount, a low concentration of toner is set in an area where the toner is not fixed, resulting in the decrease in the concentration of an image. In this image forming device, the development bias potential and the electrostatic latent image potential are controlled to be the same, and the toner adhesion amount of the patch for measuring the toner adhesion amount is measured in this state, so that the increase in the effective development bias potential by the fixation of toner is detected and is used for controlling the concentration of toner.


An electrically conductive hybrid polymer material is described herein. The hybrid polymer material includes 0.01% to 1% by weight of carbon nanoparticles, 1% to 10% by weight of a conductive polymeric material, 1% to 20% of electrically conductive fibers having a metallic surface and 69% or more by weight of a nonconductive polymeric base material. The carbon nanoparticles may be carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoparticles, graphene nanoparticles, and/or fullerene nanoparticles. The conductive polymeric material may be an inherently conductive polymer, a radical polymers, or an electroactive polymer. The electrically conductive fibers may be stainless steel fibers, metal plated carbon fibers, or metal nanowires. The nonconductive polymeric base material may be selected from materials that are pliable at temperatures between −40° C. and 125° C. or materials that are rigid in this temperature range. The hybrid polymer material may be used to provide EMI shielding for wire cables of housings of electrical assemblies.

Conductive polymer materials are increasingly replacing metal materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding and electrostatic discharge ESD protection. Typically, metal shields increase part counts, require extra manufacturing steps to assembly, and add weight to the finished product. Using conductive polymers for EMI, RFI, and EDS shielding provides weight reduction, reduced manufacturing steps (and thus cost), and a greater freedom of design.
As shown in FIG. 1, the conductive polymers 1 have a conductive filler material 2, e.g. metal fibers, embedded in a nonconductive polymer matrix 3. These conductive polymers provide good through-plane electrical conductivity, but have a high surface resistance. For shielding applications, there needs to be transfer of charge from the inner conductive filler material to a ground connected to the surface of the conductive polymer material, which the high surface resistance prohibits. There are ways to create low resistance paths to the surface of conductive polymers but it adds complexity and therefore cost to the manufacturing process.
Additionally, the conducting efficiency of conductive polymers is low due to the low percentage of interconnections between the conductive filler particles. Given the amount of metal incorporated, the resistance value is many times higher than the amount of metal actually inside. Improving the interconnection of the metal fillers will decrease resistance and improve shielding properties of the composite. Improving this interconnection between filler will also reduce the percolation threshold, or how much filler is required to achieve adequate conductivity.
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

Electrically conductive hybrid polymer material


The present invention relates to dihydropyridine derivatives having general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 is (1-6C)alkyl, (2-6C)alkenyl, (2-6C)alkynyl, phenyl, (1-5C)heteroaryl R2, R3 are independently (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkenyl, (2-4C)alkynyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, (24C)alkenyloxy, (2-4C)alkynyloxy, halogen X is SO2, CH2, C(O) or X is absent R4 is (1-6C)alkyl, (2-6C)alkenyl, (2-6C)alkynyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkenyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl(1-4C)alkyl, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl, (2-6C)heterocycloalkyl(14C)alkyl, (6-1 OC)aryl, (6-10C)aryl(1-4C)alkyl, (1-9C)heteroaryl or (1-9C)heteroaryl(14C)alkyl. The compounds are useful for the treatment of fertility disorders.

Gonadotropins serve important functions in a variety of bodily functions including metabolism, temperature regulation and the reproductive process. Gonadotropins act on specific gonadal cell types to initiate ovarian and testicular differentiation and steroidogenesis. The hypophyseal gonadotropin FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for example plays a pivotal role in the stimulation of follicle development and maturation whereas LH (luteinizing hormone) induces ovulation (Sharp, R. M. Clin Endocrinol. 33:787-807, 1990; Dorrington and Armstrong, Recent Prog. Horm. Res. 35:301-342, 1979). Currently, FSH is applied clinically, in combination with LH, for ovarian stimulation i.e. ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and induction of ovulation in infertile anovulatory women (Insler, V., Int. J. Fertility 33:85-97, 1988, Navot and Rosenwaks, J. Vitro Fert. Embryo Transfer 5:3-13, 1988), as well as for male hypogonadism and male infertility.
The gonadotropin FSH is released from the anterior pituitary under the influence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and oestrogens, and from the placenta during pregnancy. In the female, FSH acts on the ovaries promoting development of follicles and is the major hormone regulating secretion of oestrogens. In the male, FSH is responsible for the integrity of the seminiferous tubules and acts on Sertoli cells to support gametogenesis. Purified FSH is used clinically to treat infertility in females and for some types of failure of spermatogenesis in males. Gonadotropins destined for therapeutic purposes can be isolated from human urine sources and are of low purity (Morse et al, Amer. J. Reproduct. Immunol. and Microbiology 17:143, 1988). Alternatively, they can be prepared as recombinant gonadotropins. Recombinant human FSH is available commercially and is being used in assisted reproduction (Olijve et al. Mol. Hum. Reprod. 2:371, 1996; Devroey et al. Lancet 339:1170, 1992). The actions of the FSH hormone are mediated by a specific plasma membrane receptor that is a member of the large family of G-protein coupled receptors. These receptors consist of a single polypeptide with seven transmembrane domains and are able to interact with the Gs protein, leading to the activation of adenylate cyclase
The FSH receptor is a highly specific target in the ovarian follicle growth process and is exclusively expressed in the ovary. Blocking of the receptor or inhibiting the signalling which is normally induced after FSH-mediated receptor activation will disturb follicle development and thus ovulation and fertility. Low molecular weight FSH antagonists could form the basis for new contraceptives, while low molecular weight FSH agonists can be used for the same clinical purposes as native FSH, i.e. for the treatment of infertility and for ovarian hyperstimulation on behalf of in vitro fertilisation.
Low molecular weight FSH mimetics with agonistic properties were disclosed in the International Application WO 2000/08015 (Applied Research Systems ARS Holding N.V.) and in WO 2002/09706 (Affymax Research Institute).
Certain tetrahydroquinoline derivatives have recently been disclosed in the International Application WO2003/004028 (AKZO NOBEL N.V.) as FSH modulating substances, either having agonistic or antagonistic properties.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A circuit configured for connecting an electrode to a catheter or sheath is disclosed. The circuit includes a member having a longitudinal axis and configured to extend along at least a portion of the length of the catheter or sheath. The circuit further includes a trace printed on the member, where the trace includes at least a longitudinal segment extending generally along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis and a transverse segment extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. In an embodiment, the circuit further includes a pad integral with and extending from the circuit proximal the transverse segment of the trace. A catheter or sheath assembly comprising the circuit and an electrode connected to the circuit is also disclosed. A method of forming a catheter or sheath assembly is also provided.

a. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates to a circuit for a catheter or sheath, including a circuit with a trace printed on the circuit and configured for connection to an electrode.
b. Background Art
Catheters have been in use for medical procedures for many years. Catheters can be used for medical procedures to examine, diagnose, and treat while positioned at a specific location within a body that is otherwise inaccessible without more invasive procedures. During these procedures a catheter is commonly inserted into a vessel near the surface of the body and is guided to a specific location within the body for examination, diagnosis, and/or treatment. For example, one procedure often referred to as "catheter ablation" utilizes a catheter to convey an electrical stimulus to a selected location within the human body to create tissue necrosis. Another procedure often referred to as "mapping" utilizes a catheter with sensing electrodes to monitor various forms of electrical activity in the human body.
Catheters are also used increasingly for medical procedures involving the human heart. Typically, the catheter is inserted in an artery or vein in the leg, neck, or arm of the patient and directed, sometimes with the aid of a guide wire or introducer, through the vessels until a distal tip of the catheter reaches the desired location for the medical procedure in the heart.
A typical human heart includes a right ventricle, a right atrium, a left ventricle, and a left atrium. The right atrium is in fluid communication with the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The atrioventricular septum separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. The tricuspid valve contained within the atrioventricular septum provides communication between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
In a normal heart, contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle (myocardium) takes place in an organized fashion as electro-chemical signals pass sequentially through the myocardium from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which comprises a bundle of unique cells disposed in the wall of the right atrium, to the atrioventricular (AV) node and then along a well-defined route, which includes the His-Purkinje system, into the left and right ventricles. The AV node lies near the ostium of the coronary sinus in the interatrial septum in the right atrium. Each cell membrane of the SA node has a characteristic tendency to leak sodium ions gradually over time such that the cell membrane periodically breaks down and allows an inflow of sodium ions, thereby causing the SA node cells to depolarize. The SA node cells are in communication with the surrounding atrial muscle cells such that the depolarization of the SA node cells causes the adjacent atrial muscle cells to depolarize. This results in atrial systole, wherein the atria contract to empty and fill blood into the ventricles. The atrial depolarization from the SA node is detected by the AV node which, in turn, communicates the depolarization impulse into the ventricles via the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers following a brief conduction delay. The His-Purkinje system begins at the AV node and follows along the membranous interatrial septum toward the tricuspid valve through the atrioventricular septum and into the membranous interventricular septum. At about the middle of the interventricular septum, the His-Purkinje system splits into right and left branches which straddle the summit of the muscular part of the interventricular septum.
Sometimes abnormal rhythms occur in the heart, which are referred to generally as arrhythmia. For example, a common arrhythmia is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (W-P-W). The cause of W-P-W is generally believed to be the existence of an anomalous conduction pathway or pathways that connect the atrial muscle tissue directly to the ventricular muscle tissue, thus bypassing the normal His-Purkinje system. These pathways are usually located in the fibrous tissue that connects the atrium and the ventricle. Another arrhythmia is ventricular tachycardia ("V.T."). VT is a disease of the ventricles of the heart in which the heart's normal arrhythmic contraction is altered. Frequently, the rate of heart beat is too fast, although the conditions of the disease itself are generally quite complex. VT may occur most often in patients following a myocardial infarction. A myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack, is a loss of blood to a region of the heart causing the myocardial tissue in that region to die and be replaced by an area of scar tissue known as a myocardial infarct. Frequently, the myocardial infarct is present in the left ventricle. As a result of the myocardial infarct, circular pathways ("reentry circuits") are frequently created within the left ventricle which conduct electrical impulses of the heart. These reentry circuits may cause the electrical impulses of the heart to travel in circles about the myocardial infarct, frequently causing an erratic and sometimes accelerated beating of the heart. These reentry circuits may also occur around discrete elements of the heart, such as valves. In addition, the reentry circuits sometime occur around both the myocardial infarct and the discrete elements of the heart.
Other abnormal arrhythmias sometimes occur in the atria, which are referred to as atrial arrhythmia. Three of the most common atrial arrhythmia are ectopic atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter. Atrial fibrillation can result in significant patient discomfort and even death because of a number of associated problems, including the following: an irregular heart rate, which causes patient discomfort and anxiety; loss of synchronous atrioventricular contractions, which compromises cardiac hemodynamics, resulting in varying levels of congestive heart failure; and stasis of blood flow, which increases the likelihood of thromboembolism.
Efforts to alleviate these problems in the past have included significant usage of pharmacological treatments. While pharmacological treatments are sometimes effective, in some circumstances drug therapy has had only limited effectiveness and is frequently plagued with side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, vision problems, and other difficulties.
An increasingly common medical procedure for the treatment of certain types of cardiac arrhythmia and atrial arrhythmia involves the ablation of tissue in the heart to cut off the path for stray or improper electrical signals. Such procedures are performed many times with an ablation catheter. Typically, the ablation catheter is inserted in an artery or vein in the leg, neck, or arm of the patient and threaded, sometimes with the aid of a guidewire or introducer, through the vessels until a distal tip of the ablation catheter reaches the desired location for the ablation procedure in the heart (endocardial ablation). Ablation may also be performed from outside the heart (epicardial ablation) using devices introduced into the chest. The ablation catheters commonly used to perform these ablation procedures produce lesions and electrically isolate or render the tissue non-contractile at particular points in the cardiac tissue by physical contact of the cardiac tissue with an electrode of the ablation catheter and application of energy. The lesion partially or completely blocks the stray electrical signals to lessen or eliminate arrhythmia.
Another medical procedure using ablation catheters with sheaths to ablate accessory pathways associated with W-P-W utilizing both a transseptal and retrograde approach is discussed in Saul, J. P., et al., "Catheter Ablation of Accessory Atrioventricular Pathways in Young Patients: Use of long vascular sheaths, the transseptal approach and a retrograde left posterior parallel approach," Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Vol. 21, no. 3, pgs. 571 583 (1 Mar. 1993). Other catheter ablation procedures are disclosed in Swartz, J. F., "Radiofrequency Endocardial Catheter Ablation of Accessory Atrioventricular Pathway Atrial Insertion Sites," Circulation, Vol. 87, no. 2, pgs. 487 499 (February 1993).
Ablation of a specific location within or near the heart typically requires the precise placement of the ablation catheter. Precise positioning of the ablation catheter is especially difficult because of the physiology of the heart, particularly because the heart continues to beat throughout the ablation procedures. Commonly, the choice of placement of the catheter is determined by a combination of electrophysiological guidance and fluoroscopy (placement of the catheter in relation to known features of the heart, which are marked by radiopaque diagnostic catheters that are placed in or at known anatomical structures, such as the coronary sinus, high right atrium, and the right ventricle).
The energy necessary to ablate cardiac tissue and create a permanent lesion can be provided from a number of different sources. Originally, direct current was utilized although laser, microwave, ultrasound, and other forms of energy have also been utilized to perform ablation procedures. Thermal ablation catheters have also been used. During thermal ablation procedures, a heating element, secured to the distal end of a catheter, heats thermally conductive fluid, which fluid then contacts the human tissue to raise its temperature for a sufficient period of time to ablate the tissue.
Conventional ablation procedures utilize a single distal electrode secured to the tip of an ablation catheter. Increasingly, however, cardiac ablation procedures utilize multiple electrodes affixed to the catheter body. These ablation catheters often contain a distal tip electrode and a plurality of ring electrodes. Mapping catheters also often contain a plurality of sensing electrodes to monitor various forms of electrical activity in the human body. Sheaths may be provided for the placement and translation of an ablation or mapping catheter in a body cavity. Sheaths may also be provided with one or more electrodes for mapping of an endocardial or epicardial surface, for example.
Ablation and mapping catheters are labor-intensive to assemble. Each electrode must be individually brazed to a conductor, holes must be punctured into the catheter shaft, each conductor must be threaded through the catheter shaft, and the electrodes must be slid into their position along the catheter shaft. Some ablation and mapping catheters may have up to 20 electrodes that need to be spaced in a particular configuration. Assembling the electrodes may take up to or even more than approximately 45 minutes. Sheaths configured to include electrodes may be similarly labor-intensive to assemble.
Thus, there remains a need for improving the timing for production and ease of manufacture for an electrode assembly for a catheter or sheath, as well as increasing the reliability of the electrodes on the catheter or sheath, without sacrificing the ability of the catheter or sheath to be deflected.

Circuit for a catheter or sheath and method of forming same

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC.


Methods and devices are provided for regulating traffic on a network. According to some aspects of the invention, if a subscriber's upstream traffic exceeds a predetermined level over a first period of time, the subscriber's quality of service is adjusted without requiring the subscriber to re-register. According to some embodiments, a first token bucket is used to determine whether the subscriber's upstream traffic exceeds the predetermined level over the first period of time. In some such embodiments, the first token bucket is used to control the burst size of another token bucket, depending on the subscriber's upstream traffic during the first period of time.

Broadband access technologies such as cable, fiber optic, and wireless have made rapid progress in recent years. There has been a convergence of voice and data networks, which is due in part to the deregulation of the telecommunications industry in the United States. In order to stay competitive, companies offering broadband access technologies need to support voice, video, and other high-bandwidth applications over their local access networks. For networks that use a shared access medium to communicate between subscribers and the service provider (e.g., cable networks, wireless networks, etc.), providing reliable, high-quality voice/video communication over such networks is not an easy task.
One type of broadband access technology relates to cable modem networks. A cable modem network or "cable plant" employs cable modems, which are an improvement of conventional PC data modems and provide high speed connectivity. Cable modems are therefore instrumental in transforming the cable system into a full service provider of video, voice and data telecommunications services.
Service providers need to make different levels of service available to customers, typically with corresponding differences in price. For example, some customers may need relatively higher data transfer rates than others and are willing to pay a premium for a higher quality of service ("QoS") that can provide such transfer rates. Other customers may be content with a slower and less expensive service. Typically, customers having a higher QoS and customers having a lower QoS use the same type of modem. Service providers can also assign different priority levels to customers having the same QoS. A service provider typically distinguishes between such customers based on configuration files assigned to different classes of customers.
However, service providers must apply other network controls in order to regulate various aspects of network traffic. In order to regulate bursty traffic, network administrators need to ensure that network resources are allocated in a fair and predictable manner, while still allowing customers to transmit bursts of data when appropriate. Two methods of regulating and shaping bursty traffic patterns are illustrated by the "leaky bucket" and "token bucket" models, which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Leaky bucket 150 of FIG. 1 has a capacity 155 for incoming data 160. These data 160 may be, for example, data that a subscriber would like to transmit. In this example, outgoing data 165 from leaky bucket 150 are transmitted at a fixed rate 170. The leaky bucket is useful in preventing data bursts, which is a benefit in terms of bandwidth allocation. However, the leaky bucket may not be satisfactory for subscribers because of its lack of flexibility and the potential for significant delays in data transfer.
FIG. 1A illustrates token bucket 180, which is a somewhat more sophisticated model for shaping data traffic. Tokens 185 may be considered authorizations for transmitting a predetermined unit of data; therefore, tokens are usually measured in bits or bytes. Tokens 185, which are represented as drops in FIG. 1A, flow into token bucket 180 at a fixed rate R, which is measured in data units per time unit (e.g., bits per second). Token bucket 180 has a capacity 190. In this example, token bucket 180 has a capacity of B data units. Capacity B is also referred to as the "burst size" of token bucket 180, because it is equal to the maximum data burst allowed by controller 192.
Data accumulate in buffer 195 until there are enough tokens in token bucket 180 to permit the data to be transmitted. For example, suppose the next data packet 196 awaiting transmission in buffer 195 has a size of b data units, where B>b. If token bucket 180 is full, data packet 196 may be sent immediately. If token bucket 180 is empty, data packet 196 will remain in buffer 195 until b tokens flow into token bucket 180. If token bucket 180 contains N tokens, where N<b, then data packet 196 will remain in buffer 195 until (b−N) tokens flow into token bucket 180.
Typically, if a subscriber were not transmitting data, token bucket 180 would reach its capacity 190 in a time on the order of one second or less. This fact is referenced in RFC 2697, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Section 3, ¶2 notes that "token counts Tc and Te are updated CIR [the Committed Information Rate, measured in bytes] times per second." The token counts are not updated after the burst size has been reached. Because the burst size is less than the CIR, tokens would stop flowing into the token bucket in less than one second. After token bucket 180 reaches its capacity 190, excess tokens are discarded.
In this fashion, token bucket provides more flexibility than leaky bucket 150. Leaky bucket 150 does not permit data bursts, but instead smoothes bursty traffic. Token bucket 180 allows data bursts, but places limits on how bursty traffic can be. Accordingly, token bucket 180 generally provides more satisfaction to subscribers.
Another problem that must be addressed by service providers is the consumption of disproportionate amounts of network bandwidth. File-sharing applications such as KaZaA, Gnutella, etc., which provide software that causes a subscribers personal computer ("PC") to perform some functions of a server, cause much more upstream traffic than was envisioned by the architects of Data Over Cable System Interface Specification ("DOCSIS") and other protocols. This upstream traffic often causes subscribers to consume a great deal of bandwidth, even while remaining within their QoS parameters.
Network-based application recognition (NBAR), a feature of Cisco Systems' proprietary IOS software, has been used to reduce traffic rates related to file sharing applications. NBAR is a classification engine that can recognize a wide variety of applications, including Web-based applications and client/server applications (such as file-sharing applications), by detecting patterns at Layer 4 and above. Once the application is recognized, the network can invoke specific actions relating to the recognized application. For example, NBAR can be used to trigger changes in priority, QoS, etc.
However, programmers of file sharing applications are aware of NBAR's capabilities and keep altering file-sharing software to avoid detection. For example, the most recent release of KaZaA includes a "port-hopping" feature that makes detection with NBAR difficult or impossible.
It would be very useful to have more reliable methods for detecting when file-sharing applications, or other applications which consume disproportionate amounts of network bandwidth, are being used. Moreover, it would be useful to prevent or reduce such bandwidth consumption.

Methods and devices for regulating traffic on a network


A semiconductor device in which a circuit and a power storage element are efficiently placed is provided. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and an electric double-layer capacitor. The first transistor, the second transistor, and the electric double-layer capacitor are provided over one substrate. A band gap of a semiconductor constituting a channel region of the second transistor is wider than a band gap of a semiconductor constituting a channel region of the first transistor. The electric double-layer capacitor includes a solid electrolyte.

1. Field of the Invention
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device and an electronic device.
Further, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an object, a method, or a manufacturing method. Further, the present invention relates to a process, a machine, manufacture, or a composition of matter. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, a power storage device, a memory device, a driving method thereof, or a manufacturing method thereof.
In this specification and the like, a semiconductor device generally means a device that can function by utilizing semiconductor characteristics. A display device, an electro-optical device, a semiconductor circuit, and an electronic device include a semiconductor device in some cases.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic devices carried around by the users and electronic devices worn by the users have been actively developed in recent years.
Since electronic devices carried around by the users and electronic devices worn by the users are powered by power storage devices, their power consumption is reduced as much as possible. Particularly in the case where a central processing unit (CPU), which consumes a lot of power for its operation, is included in the electronic device, processing of the CPU greatly affects the power consumption of the electronic device.
A semiconductor device including a high-performance integrated circuit (e.g., a CPU) on a plastic or plastic film substrate, which transmits and receives electric power or signals wirelessly, is described in Patent Document 1.
A semiconductor device in which a register in a CPU is formed using a memory circuit including an oxide semiconductor transistor to reduce power consumption is described in Patent Document 2.
A technique for fabricating an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) including a solid electrolyte is proposed in Patent Document 3.

Semiconductor device and electronic device

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


This invention relates to the method for treating the form of alopecia commonly known as "male pattern baldness" which comprises regular topical application to the affected areas of the human scalp of a composition containing as at least one of its active ingredients of Formula I. It also encompasses the aforesaid compound itself for use as a therapeutic agent to arrest and reverse male pattern alopecia.

The present invention relates to methods. compositions and solutions for treating human alopecia, including male pattern alopecia (androgenic alopecia) and alopecia areata, involving the use of a substance known as BRL-34915 and related 4-amino and 4-amido-substituted chromans, chromenes, and chromanols of Formula I, in association with a pharmaceutical carrier adapted for topical application.
European Patent Publication Nos. 76075, 91748, 93535, 95316, 107423, 120426, 120427, 126311, 126350, 126367, 138134 and 173848 describe classes of chromanols, chromenes and chromans having antihypertensive activity and that they are of potential use in the treatment of other cardiovascular disorders. Such disorders include congestive heart failure, engine, peripheral vascular disease and cerebral vascular disease.
Dermatologists recognize many different types of hair loss, the most common by far being "androgenic alopecia" wherein human males begin losing scalp hair at the temples and on the crown of the head as they get older while this type of hair loss is largely confined to males, hence its common name "male pattern baldness", it is not unknown in women.
Dr. Charles A. Chidsey, III and Dr. Guinter Kahn disclose and claim in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,812 the use of minoxidil, 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-imino-4-piperidinopyrimidine, as a therapeutic agent to treat alopecia and arrest and reverse male pattern alopecia. See also U.S. Pat. No.4,139,619 which claims the use of minoxidil and related 6-amino-4-(substituted amino)-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidines as a means for (a) increasing the rate of growth of terminal hair, and (b) converting vellus hair to growth as terminal hair.
The use of retinoids alone or in combination with minoxidil and related substituted pyrimidines to increase the rate of hair growth is disclosed in PGT publication numbers US85/04577, PGT US83/02558 and PCT US82/02833.
The use of minoxidil sulphate (2,6,-diamino-4-(1-piperidinyl)-1-(sulfooxy)-pyrimidinium hydroxide inner salt) as therapeutic agent to stimulate the rate of hair growth is disclosed in PCT Application US86/00073, filed 23 Jan. 1986. In addition, the induced relaxation of rabbit superior mesenteric artery smooth muscle by minoxidil sulphate and dependence on potassium permeability has been reported. See K. D. Meisheri, et al, "The Mechanisms of Vascular Smooth Muscle Relaxing Effects of Minoxidil Sulfate"; Smooth Muscle Function Symposium Proceedings: Official Satellite Symposium of the XXX Internation Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences, Banff Center, Banff, Canada, 1986, page 114, abstract W4-P5.
Notwithstanding the fact that nothing before the use of topical application of minoxidil had been found which was effective in preventing, let alone reversing, male pattern baldness, a good deal is known about various types of human hair and its growth patterns on various parts of the body.
For purposes of the present invention, we need only consider two types of hair, namely "terminal hairs" and "vellus hairs". Terminal hairs are coarse, pigmented, long hairs in which the bulb of the hair follicle is seated deep in the dermis. Vellus hairs, on the other hand, are fine, thin, non-pigmented short hairs in which the hair bulb is located superficially in the dermis. As alopecia progresses, a transition takes place in the area of approaching baldness wherein the hairs themselves are changing from the terminal to the vellus type.
Another factor that contributes to the end result is a change in the cycle of hair growth. All hair, both human and animal, passes through a life cycle that includes three phases, namely, (1) the anagen phase (2) the catagen phase and (3) the telogen phase. The anagen phase is the period of active hair growth and, insofar as scalp hair is concerned, this generally lasts from 3-5 years. The catagen phase is a short transitional phase between the anagen and telogen phases which, in the case of scalp hair, lasts only 1-2 weeks. The final phase is the telogen phase which, for all practical purposes, can be denominated by a "resting phase" where all growth ceases and the hair eventually is shed preparatory to the follicle commencing to grow a new one. Scalp hair in the telogen phase is also relatively short-lived, some 3-4 months elapsing before the hair is shed and a new one beings to grow.
Now, under normal hair growth conditions on the scalp, approximately 88% of the hairs are in the anagen phase, only 1% in catagen and the remainder in telogen. With the onset of male pattern baldness, a successively greater proportion of the hairs are in the telogen phase with correspondingly fewer in the active growth anagen phase.
The remaining result associated with alopecia is the severe diminution of hair follicles. A bald human subject will average only about 306 follicles per square centimeter, whereas, a non-bald one in the same age group (30-90 years) will still have an average of 460 follicles per square centimeter. This amounts to a one-third reduction in hair follicles which, when added to the increased proportion of vellus hair follicles and the increase number of hair follicles in telogen, is both significant and noticeable. It is written that approximately 50% of the hairs must be shed to produce visible thinning of scalp hair. It is thus a combination of these factors: (1) transition of hairs from terminal to vellus, (2) increased number of telogen hairs--some of which have been shed, and (3) loss of hair follicles (atrophy in Settel's description) that produces "baldness".
Now, while a good deal is known about the results of male pattern baldness, very little is known about its cause. About all that can be said is that the cause is felt to be genetic and hormonal in origin although as will be seen presently, the known prior art attempts to control it through hormone adjustment have been singularly unsuccessful.
At the present time, one known treatment for male pattern alopecia is hair transplantation. Plugs of skin containing hair are transplanted from areas of the scalp where hair is growing to bald areas with reasonable success; however, the procedure is a costly one in addition to being time-consuming and quite painful. Furthermore, the solution is inadequate from the standpoint that it becomes a practical, if not an economic, impossibility to replace but a tiny fraction of the hair present in a normal healthy head of hair.
As far as the other non-drug related approaches to the problem are concerned, they include such things as ultra-violet radiation, massage, psychiatric treatment and exercise therapy. None of these, however, has been generally accepted as being effective. Even such things as revascularization surgery and acupuncture have shown little, if any, promise.
By far, the most common approach to the problem of discovering a remedy for male pattern alopecia has been one of drug therapy. Many types of drugs ranging from vitamins to hormones have been tried and only recently has there been any indication whatsoever of even moderate success. For instance, it was felt for a long time that since an androgenic hormone was necessary for the development of male pattern baldness, that either systemic or topical application of an antiandrogenic hormone would provide the necessary inhibiting action to keep the baldness from occurring. The theory was promising but the results were uniformly disappointing.
The androgenic hormone testosterone was known, for example, to stimulate hair growth when applied topically to the deltoid area as well as when injected into the beard and pubic regions. Even oral administration was found to result in an increased hair growth in the beard and pubic areas as well as upon the trunk and extremities. While topical application to the arm causes increased hair growth, it is ineffective on the scalp and some thinning may even result. Heavy doses of testosterone have been even been known to cause male pattern alopecia.
Certain therapeutic agents have been known to induce hair growth in extensive areas of the trunk, limbs and even occasionally on the face. Such hair is of intermediate status in that it is coarser than vellus but not as coarse as terminal hair. The hair is generally quite short with a length of 3 cm being about maximum. Once the patient ceases taking the drug, the hair reverts to whatever is normal for the: particular site after six months to a year has elapsed. An example of such a drug is diphenylhydantoin which is an anticonvulsant drug widely used to control epileptic seizures. Hypertrichosis is frequently observed in epileptic children some two or three months after starting the drug and first becomes noticeable on the extensor aspects of the limbs and later on the trunk and face. The pattern is not unlike that sometimes caused by injury to the head. As for the hair, it is often shed when the drug is discontinued but may, in some circumstances, remain.
"Minoxidil", as was true with "Diazoxide", produced a good deal of hypertrichosis in patients to whom the drug was administered. See, for example, Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine, Vol, 79, page 639, April, 1972; Circulation, Vol. 45. page 571, March 1972; and Clinical Pharmacy and Therapy, Vol. 13, page 436, 1972.
Streptomycin is another drug that has been found to produce hypertrichosis in much the same way as diphenylhydantoin when administered to children suffering from tuberculous meningitis. About the same effects were observed and the onset and reversal of the hypertrichosis in relation to the period of treatment with the antibiotic leave little, question but that it was the causative agent.
The compounds of the subject invention (Formula I) including, namely, 6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-trans-4-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)-2H-benzo[b ]pyran-3-ol and trans-4-N-acetyl-ethylamino-6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-benzo[b]py ran-3-ol, are far different from diazoxide, and the 6-amino-4-(substituted amino)-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidines of U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,619 and 4,596,812.
The compound 6-cyano-3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-trans-4-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)-2H-benzo[b ]pyran-3-ol, hereinafter to be referred to by the coined term "BRL-34915", was disclosed by J. M. Evans, R. E. Buckingham and K. Willcocks and it forms the subject matter among other similar compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,113 issued May 1, 1984. See Example 1 of U.S. Pat. 4,446,113. This compound, among others of Formula I, has been reported as a potent vasodilator anti-hypertensive agent and is currently under preclinical evaluation. It is a so-called direct acting "vasodilator" which, as the name implies, functions to dilate the peripheral vascular system. It is reported to act in a novel manner for an anti-hypertensive agent to cause hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane by activation of the outward conductance of potassium ions. The cell membrane is desensitized and the inward. movement of calcium is reduced in a way different from that of the calcium antagonist nifedipine See e.g., Br. J. Pharmac. (1986), 88, 121-128 and Br. J. Pharmac. (1986), 88, 103-111. It has not been reported to produce hypertrichosis so far as applicants are aware.
Minoxidil is a known vasodilator. Following reports of the use of minoxidil and related compounds to stimulate hair growth, and as a treatment of male pattern alopecia, other vasodilators including "viprostol" and "diazoxide" are reported as being evaluated by others to stimulate hair growth. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,431,833 and 4,311,707; European Patent 027,665 (published 04/29/81).
Vasodilators as a general class of therapeutic agents have, so far as applicants are aware, never proven effective to grow hair on the scalp as a result of topical application thereof to bald areas.
It is, therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide a novel, unobvious and effective treatment for male pattern baldness.
Another object of the invention forming the subject matter hereof is to provide a method of treating certain types of baldness in humans that is compatible with various types of therapeutic agents or carriers and, therefore, would appear to be combinable with those which, by themselves. demonstrates some therapeutic activity such as, for example, microemulsion creams containing estradiol and oxandrolone.
Still another objective is the provision of a treatment for alopecia which, while effective for its intended purpose, is apparently non-toxic and relatively free of unwanted side effects.
An additional object of the invention herein disclosed and claimed is to provide a method for treating baldness in men which comprises application of a compound of Formula I by the patient himself under medical supervision no more stringent than that demanded for other topically-administered therapeutic agents.
Other objects of the invention are to provide a treatment for male pattern alopecia which is safe, simple, painless, cosmetic in the sense of being invisible, easy to apply and quite inexpensive when compared with hair transplanted and the like.
Further objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out specifical hereinafter in connection with the detailed description of the invention which follows.
Dermatologists and others were well aware of the fact that prolonged vasodilation of certain areas of the human body other than the scalp sometimes resulted in increased hair growth even in the absence of any vasodilating therapeutic agent. For instance, increased hair growth around surgical scars is not uncommon. Similarly, arteriovenous fistula have been known to result in increased vascularity accompanied by enhanced hair growth. Externally-induced vasodilation of the skin, such as, for example, by repeated biting of the limbs by mental retardates and localized stimulation of the shoulders by water carriers has been noted to bring on hypertrichosis in the affected areas. Be that as it may, similar techniques such as continued periodic massage of the scalp have been found totally ineffective as a means for restoring lost hair growth to the scalp. Scar tissue on the scalp inhibits rather than promotes hair growth.

Methods, composition and solutions for treating alopecia


A continuous biomass-to-energy system and method used for production of high-energy fuel, liquids and gases from municipal wastes and organic wastes, where the municipal wastes and organic wastes is processed through a controlled pyrolysis process and a controlled gas separation process to extract products gases from a distillation tower system of the system. The biomass-to-energy system also discharges byproducts that are removed to offsite facilities and a combustible gas stream that can be utilized to generate electricity. By controlling the temperature and pressure, the biomass-to-energy system is able to provide a fully contained process that reduces environmental emission and unnecessary byproducts while accelerating the anaerobic cycle.

With waste in landfills, it can take upwards of 30 years for the anaerobic cycle to give off the municipal and organic waste's energy as methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-methane organic compounds (NMOC), which have the potential to leach into our atmosphere or environment. Due to the extended time period of the anaerobic cycle, landfills with waste have become a major problem for general population as they may potentially pollute the surrounding environment.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and method to significantly reduce the timeline of the anaerobic cycle so that biomass material can be efficiently and properly disposed. More specifically, the present invention accelerates this 30-year process into a few hours without releasing any contaminants into the environment. The present invention is able to discharge methane (CH4), carbon dioxide
(CO2) and non-methane organic compounds (NMOC) from the organic waste and create a closed loop system for potentially harmful gases to eliminate environment pollution.

System and method for converting biomass material into energy products


A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display having a touch sensor, the method including forming a plurality of thin film transistors on a first substrate, forming a plurality of pixel electrodes each coupled to a corresponding one of the thin film transistors, forming an insulating layer on the pixel electrodes, and forming, on the insulating layer, a plurality of first touch electrodes each having openings formed therein and a plurality of driving lines coupled to the first touch electrodes.

1. Field
An aspect of the present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display having a touch sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
As interest in information display and the desire to use potable information media increase, research and commercialization have been increasingly concentrating upon lightweight and thin flat panel displays (FPDs) as substitutes for cathode ray tubes (CRTs). Particularly, a liquid crystal display (LCD) among these FPDs is a device which displays an image, using optical anisotropy of liquid crystals. The LCD has excellent resolution, color display, image quality, etc., and, thus, is actively applied in notebook computers, desktop monitors, etc.
Meanwhile, as users' requirements increase due to convenience of input on a touch screen, it is desired that the LCD provides a touch screen function of allowing a user's instruction to be input by selecting an instruction content displayed on a screen with a user's hand or object.
A touch sensor is a device which detects proximity (e.g., approach) or contact of a user's hand or object, so as to help a user's command to be input in a display or the like.
To this end, the touch sensor is provided in an image display screen to convert a contact position of a user's hand or object into an electrical signal. Accordingly, an instruction content selected at the contact position is received as an input signal.
Because the touch sensor can be substituted for a separate input device connected to an image display device, such as a keyboard or mouse, its areas of application have been gradually extended.
Touch sensors are divided into resistive overlay touch sensors, photosensitive touch sensors, capacitive touch sensors, and the like. Among these touch sensors, the capacitive touch sensor converts a contact position into an electrical signal by sensing a change in capacitance formed between a conductive sensing electrode and an adjacent sensing electrode or ground electrode when a user's hand or object comes in contact with the touch screen panel.

Manufacturing method of liquid crystal display having touch sensor


A fault analysis method comprises: receiving fault data from wafer level testing that identifies locations and test results of a plurality of die; applying a kernel transform to the fault data to produce cluster data, where the kernel transform defines a fault impact distribution that defines fault contribution from the failed die to local die within an outer radial boundary of the fault impact distribution. Applying the kernel transform comprises: centering the fault impact distribution at a location of each die that failed wafer level testing, associating each local die that falls within the outer radial boundary with a respective fault contribution value according to the fault impact distribution, and accruing fault contribution values associated with each respective die of the plurality of die to produce a cluster value for the respective die, which correlates to a probability of failure of the respective die at a future time.

Field
This disclosure relates generally to fault analysis of data from wafer level testing, and more specifically, to kernel based cluster fault analysis for detecting clustered latent defects caused by systemic process abnormalities.
Related Art
Semiconductor die are tested for failures at various stages through device production, such as at wafer level testing after the semiconductor wafer is fabricated, and again at burn-in stress testing after the semiconductor die are assembled into packages. Any failed die detected during such testing are discarded. If the failed die is assembled into a package, the entire package is discarded. It is beneficial to identify failed die as early as possible in the device production flow in order to reduce device production costs. However, while burn-in stress testing attempts to identify parts that are likely-to-fail in their life cycle, burn-in stress testing can cause overstressing of parts and may result in degrading the packages and overall product quality. Burn-in stress testing can also be an expensive step in a device test flow due to expensive equipment and long stress duration. For these cost and quality concerns, it is desirable to minimize the use of burn-in stress testing in a device test flow.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, unless otherwise noted. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.


In a height regulation system for a vehicle having an air spring suspension, the actual value (h) of the height of the vehicle body (10) is filtered with a short time constant (t.sub.1) to produce a first signal (NIV.sub.1) which is compared with a desired height (h.sub.o). The actual value (h) is also filtered with a longer time constant (t.sub.2) to produce a second (delayed) signal (NIV.sub.2) which can be compared with the desired value (h.sub.o). The selection of the first signal (NIV.sub.1) or the second signal (NIV.sub.2) is effected by an electronic switch (46) under the control of a velocity comparator (50). When the vehicle is at rest or moving at a relatively slow speed (below v.sub.o) at which large oscillations are not expected, the filter (40) with the shorter time constant (t.sub.1) is connected to the comparator (48) for comparison with the desired height (h.sub.o) whereas, at higher velocities (v>v.sub.o) the second filter (42) with the longer time constant (t.sub. 2) is brought into use.

Such a system is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,169 wherein compressed air is admitted to the air spring when a distance sensor senses that the height of the vehicle body is below a desired value and air is released from the air spring when the distance sensor senses that the body height is above the desired value. It has been proposed to smooth the height signals h in a filter with a relatively short time constant in order to remove high frequency signal components.
To avoid adjustment in response to transient fluctuations of body height relative to the axle, as may be occasioned by a rough road surface or on encountering a pothole, it has been further proposed to filter with a larger time constant the correction signals in the control computer itself by virtue of the software in the control computer. This has the disadvantage that there is a phase delay between a deviation in the height signal h and the onset of the correcting height regulation operation. In order to be able to regulate the height of the vehicle body with reasonable certainty, a suitable compromise would be chosen, that is, the time constant of the software filter is chosen to be shorter than that which would eliminate virtually all response to transient variations in the body height.

Height regulating system for a vehicle with air suspension


A one-piece structural fuse assembly is disclosed that is formed from a single piece of structural steel such as a beam. In embodiments, a first flange of the beam may form the fuse base, and a portion of the web of the beam may form the fuse plate. Additionally, a buckling restraint plate of the structural fuse assembly may be formed from a second flange of the beam, and the spacers of the structural fuse assembly may be formed from a portion of the web unused by the fuse plate. In examples, all of the components cut from the single piece of the beam are used in a single structural fuse assembly.

Structural fuses are known for use in homes, buildings and other structures for dissipating stresses in the structural connections and frames upon seismic, wind or other loads on the structures. For example, the Yield-Link® structural fuse from Simpson Strong-Tie, Pleasanton, Calif., may be used at a connection of a beam to a column so that, when loads on the structural connection reach a threshold, the structural fuse yields to dissipate energy without damage to the beam or column. Thereafter, the damaged structural fuse may be removed and replaced without having to otherwise repair the connection.
A typical structural fuse includes a base and a plate welded orthogonally to the base. The plate may include a midsection having a smaller diameter than ends of the plate, the midsection designed to be the area where yielding occurs. In use, the base may be bolted to a column. A first surface of the yield plate may rest against a surface of the beam, with an end of the yield plate bolted to the beam. A planar buckling restraint plate (BRP) on a second surface of the yield plate, opposite the first surface, may be bolted through the yield plate and into the beam to prevent buckling of the plate under compressive loads. Spacers may be provided in the smaller diameter midsection of the yield plate to evenly distribute loads on the plate and the BRP, when the BRP is bolted to the beam.
Currently, the fuse base, fuse yield plate, buckling restraint plate and spacers are all formed from different pieces of steel, each having different properties. Moreover, welding of the fuse base to the fuse plate needs to be a complete joint penetration (CJP) weld, which are difficult welds to perform and subject to imperfections. Even if done correctly, the weld is less ductile than the other portions of steel in the structural fuse, and can abruptly fail before yielding of the structural fuse at the midsection.


A photoelectric converting apparatus having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which can accumulate charges which were photoelectrically converted comprises: at least one of a maximum value detection circuit to detect an accumulation signal of the photoelectric conversion element into which the strongest light enters and a minimum value detection circuit to detect an accumulation signal of the photoelectric conversion element into which the weakest light enters; and a reading circuit to read out the signal(s) which is/are obtained from the maximum value detection circuit or/and the minimum value detection circuit through the same reading system as that of the accumulation signals of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photoelectric converting apparatus and, more particularly, to a photoelectric converting apparatus having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which can accumulate the photoelectrically converted charges. The invention is suitably used in a photoelectric converting apparatus for use in, for instance, a focal point detecting apparatus of a camera, an image reading apparatus, or the like.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, such a kind of apparatus has already been proposed in, for instance, Japanese Patent Application No. 63-47644 by the applicant of the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a photoelectric conversion element array shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 63-47644.
In FIG. 7, reference numerals 1--1 to 1-n denote a photo transistor array (cells) of the accumulation type having a structure such that a common power source is connected to collectors and the photoelectrically converted charges are accumulated into control electrode regions (bases) and can be read out from main electrode regions (emitters). A practical content of the above structure has been described in detail in, for instance, Japanese Laid-open Patent Gazette Nos. 62-128678 and 62-113468, Japanese Patent Application Nos 61-168286, 61-219668, and 61-219669, and the like. Reference numerals 2-1 to 2-n denote PMOS switches for connecting the base of each of the bipolar transistors constructing the photo transistor array 1 to a power source V.sub.c and resetting when a signal .phi..sub.res is given. Reference numerals 3-1 to 3-n denote NMOS switches, connected to the emitters of the above bipolar transistors, for taking out the accumulated signals to the post stage synchronously with a signal .phi..sub.t. Reference numerals 4-1 to 4-n denote NMOS switches, connected serially to the NMOS switches 3-1 to 3-n, for sending an image signal to a read-out line 7. Reference numerals 5-1 to 5-n denote accumulation capacitors, connected between the nodes of the NMOS switches 3-1 to 3-n and the NMOS switches 4-1 to 4-n and the ground, for reading out the signal every pixel. Reference numeral 6 denotes a shift register for sequentially turning on the NMOS switches 4-1 to 4-n and successively reading out the image signal; 8 an NMOS switch for initializing by connecting the read-out line 7 to which output terminals of the NMOS switches 4-1 to 4-n are commonly connected to the ground when a signal .phi..sub.hrs is given; 9 an output amplifier for amplifying the image signal which was output to the read-out line 7; and 10-1 to 10-n NMOS switches for connecting the emitters of the photo transistor array 1--1 to 1-n to the ground when a signal .phi..sub.vrs is given. Reference numeral 107 indicates a max/min values detection circuit comprising: minimum value detection circuits 11-1 to 11-n, maximum value detection circuits 12-1 to 12-n, and output amplifiers 13 and 14.
FIG. 8 shows a construction of one unit of the minimum value detection circuit.
As shown in FIG. 8, one minimum value detection circuit comprises one differential amplifier 30 and one PNP type transistor 31. The differential amplifier 30 comprises a constant current circuit 411, PMOS transistors 407 and 408, and NMOS transistors 409 and 410. An emitter line of the PNP type transistor 31 is fed back to an inversion input (I.sub.n2) of the differential amplifier 30. The emitters of the pixel trains of the photo transistor array 1--1 to 1-n are input to a non-inversion input (I.sub.n1) When the level of the non-inversion input (I.sub.n1) of the differential amplifier 30 is higher than the level of the inversion input (I.sub.n2), a base potential of the PNP type transistor 31 is shifted to about the power source voltage level, thereby turning off the PNP type transistor 31. Therefore, no voltage is developed in an input of the output amplifier 13 shown in FIG. 7. An output voltage is caused in the PNP type transistor 31 in the case where the lowest voltage was given to the non-inversion input (I.sub.n1) of the differential amplifier 30. In this case, the minimum value is detected.
FIG. 9 shows a construction of one unit of the maximum value detection circuit.
As shown in FIG. 9, one maximum value detection circuit comprises one differential amplifier 32 and one NPN type transistor 33. The differential amplifier 32 comprises a constant current circuit 401, PMOS transistors 402 and 403, and NMOS transistors 404 and 405. An emitter line of the NPN type transistor 33 is fed back to the inversion input (I.sub.n2) of the differential amplifier 32 and is used as an output line. The emitters of the pixel train are connected to the non-inversion input (I.sub.n1). When the level of the non-inversion input (I.sub.n1) of the differential amplifier 32 is lower than the level of the inversion input (I.sub.n2), a base potential of the NPN type transistor 33 is reduced to about the voltage level of a negative power source, so that the NPN type transistor 33 is turned off. An output voltage is caused in the NPN type transistor 33 when the highest voltage was applied to the non-inversion input (I.sub.n1) of the differential amplifier 32. In this case, the maximum value is detected. R denotes a load resistor in each of the minimum value detection circuit and the maximum value detection circuit.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the photoelectric conversion element array in FIG. 7.
First, a resetting operation is executed. By turning on the PMOS switches 2-1 to 2-n by setting the signal .phi..sub.res to the low level for a period of time from t.sub.1 to t.sub.2, base potentials of the photo transistor array (hereinafter, referred to as a pixel train) 1--1 to 1-n are fixed to the potential of V.sub.c.
Then, by setting the signals .phi..sub.vrs and .phi..sub.t to the high level (ON) for a period of time from t.sub.3 to t.sub.4, the NMOS switches 10-1 to 10-n and 3-1 to 3-n are made conductive, the accumulation capacitors 5-1 to 5-n are connected to the grounded, and the residual charges are reset. After completion of the resetting for the bases and emitters of the pixel train 1--1 to 1-4, the next accumulating operation is started.
In the accumulating operation, the photoelectrically converted charges are accumulated into the base regions of the pixel train 1--1 to 1-n. At this time, the bases and emitters of the pixel train are in the floating state (capacitive load state) and the voltage to which the base potential was reflected is caused in the emitters.
When the signals are sequentially read out, the NMOS switches 4-1 to 4-n are sequentially turned on by the shift register 6 and the signal charges accumulated in the accumulation capacitors 5-1 to 5-n are read out to the read-out line 7. Each time the signal .phi..sub.CK is input, the shift register 6 sequentially selects the NMOS switches 4-1 to 4-n. Just before the NMOS switches 4-1 to 4-n are selected, the NMOS switch 8 is turned on by the signal .phi..sub.hrs and the charges remaining in the read-out line 7 are reset.
In Japanese Patent Application No. 63-47644, there has been proposed a method whereby by constructing a photoelectric converting apparatus as shown in FIG. 11 or 12 by using the photoelectric conversion element array having the max/min values detection circuit as mentioned above, the accumulation time is controlled so as to keep differences between a bright portion, and a dark portion constant a pattern of an object, and only a characteristic portion of the pattern is A/D converted,
In the above apparatuses, a discrimination regarding whether the signal charges are accumulated until a proper level or not is performed by checking to see if a difference between the maximum and minimum levels of the accumulation levels of the photoelectric conversion element array has reached the reference level V.sub.ref or not. Reference numeral 102 denotes a differential amplifier to calculate the difference between a maximum value V.sub.max and a minimum value V.sub.min. Reference numeral 103 indicates a comparator for comparing an output level of the differential amplifier 102 and the predetermined reference level V.sub.ref, thereby discriminating whether the output level has reached the proper accumulation level or not. When a signal .phi..sub.comp of the comparator 103 is inverted, a microcomputer 104 detects that the signal charges were accumulated until the reference level. Then, the microcomputer 104 sends the pulse .phi..sub.t to finish the accumulation to a photoelectric conversion element array 101. At the same time, the microcomputer 104 sends a signal SH to a memory circuit 105, thereby storing the V.sub.min level at the time of completion of the accumulation. Then, the signals .phi..sub.CK and .phi..sub.hrs are sent to the read pulse, an image (Video) signal is read out of the photoelectric conversion elements and is A/D converted.
At this time, in the example of FIG. 11, an A/D conversion range is level shifted in accordance with a range of the image signal. In the example of FIG. 12, the pixel signal is level shifted in accordance with an A/D conversion range. In each of the above examples, the A/D conversion is performed between the maximum and minimum values of the image signal.
An in-focus state can be discriminated by executing the calculation disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Gazette Nos. 58-142306, 59-107313, 60-101513, or Japanese Patent Application No. 61-160824 on the basis of the digital pixel signal obtained as mentioned above.
However, in the above conventional photoelectric converting apparatus, the image signal and the maximum and minimum values of the image signal and of the accumulation signal of the photoelectric conversion element array are output through different read-out circuits respectively, so that there is a case where there are deviations between the actual maximum and minimum values of the pixel signal and the values of V.sub.max and V.sub.min because of causes such as difference of the read-out gain, mismatching among the amplifiers 9, 13, and 14, or the like. On the other hand, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, when the accumulation charges are controlled on the basis of the difference between V.sub.max and V.sub.min, there is a case where a part of the image signal exceeds the A/D conversion range.
The difference of the read-out gain occurs as follows. For instance, in FIG. 7, assuming that a capacity of the accumulation capacitor 5-1 is set to C.sub.T1 and a parasitic capacity of the read-out line 7 is set to C.sub.H, in the case where an emitter potential V.sub.E1 of the photo transistor 1--1 was read out to the read-out line 7, an output becomes ##EQU1## V.sub.E1 and the gain is not set to 1.
On the other hand, since the V.sub.min and V.sub.max outputs are read out at the gain 1, a deviation occurs.

Photoelectric converting apparatus with maximum and minimum accumulation detecting


The windrow crop pickup has tines which are controlled by a cam at one end of the pickup reel so that the tines rock to-and-fro in a particular pattern during rotation about the axis of the reel, such action aiding in proper uplift of the crop from the ground and subsequent stripping of the crop from the tines as they release and feed the crop materials for further processing. The controlling cam for the tines is mounted on the outboard side of its supporting sidewall of the pickup, and each set of tines has an operating rocker at the end of the reel adjacent the cam which projects through an opening in the proximal sidewall and is received by the cam track such that, upon driving rotation of the reel, the stationary track imparts the desired rocking motion to the tines.

Typical crop pickup devices are provided with cam operated tines or fingers in conjunction with rotating reels of the devices. As the reel rotates in a direction to sweep the tines in an uplifting manner through the material and then feed it rearwardly, the tines are rocked to-and-fro in a special action which causes the tines to project substantially radially during their crop-lifting action yet fold back obliquely during the last half of their cycle of revolution so as to pull generally straightly down through strippers that help release the crop material from the tines.
Typically, these operating cams or cam tracks have been mounted on the inboard side of an endwall of the pickup device. But such an arrangement occupies space that could otherwise be used by extra tines so as to yield additional crop feeding and control. Furthermore, such an inboard mounted arrangement requires that in order to service the cam track or the following rollers and rockers associated with that end of the reel, it is necessary to detach and remove several of the strippers that house the working components of the reel, as well as to detach and remove additional components, all of which not only represents a substantial amount of work and effort, but also a considerable amount of precious time.


A method of reducing the formation of an impurity in a terephthalic acid (TPA) production process includes: combining in a reactor, a catalyst, a mixture comprising the impurity and the TPA, and a compound comprising an active carbon atom; reacting the impurity with the compound in the presence of the catalyst by a condensation-dehydration reaction process comprising a nucleophilic addition of the active carbon atom of the compound to a carbonyl group of the impurity to form an intermediate followed by a dehydration reaction of the intermediate to form a product mixture comprising a water, the TPA, and an alkene; and recovering the product mixture from the reactor.

Purified carboxylic acids, particularly aromatic dicarboxylic, acids are industrially important chemicals. For example, polymer grade benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (also referred to as terephthalic acid or TPA) of chemical formula C6H4(COOH)2 can be a starting material for the formation of polyester resin, which can be used to make many materials of commerce having a variety of utilities.
The production of TPA can include liquid phase oxidation of an aromatic hydrocarbon. This process, however, can result in a product which includes impurities such as 4-carboxybenzaldehyde (4-CBA). The amount of 4-CBA produced by this process can be 1,000 parts per million to 10,000 parts per million. These impurities are undesirable as they can include chain termination agents, colored impurities, and other reaction by-products. Because these impurities affect product quality (e.g., color, material properties, and the like) they reduce the value of the TPA product if not removed. As a result, the crude TPA often undergoes cumbersome purification processes.
Thus, there remains a desire in industrial production of TPA to reduce or eliminate the production of impurities and/or to simplify the TPA production process.


An electronic organ tone generating technique produces a harmonic equivalent of a sawtooth wave. In one embodiment square waves generated by a conventional tone generator are applied to a one shot multivibrator, the output of which is a series of narrow rectangular pulses having a flat harmonic spectrum with both even and odd harmonics present. The narrow rectangular pulses are applied to a 3db per octave filter to produce a waveform, the harmonic content of which is equivalent to that of a sawtooth wave. In this embodiment, the pulse width remains constant regardless of the frequency of the pulse train. In a second embodiment, the duty cycle at each octave when moving up the keyboard is doubled to compensate for amplitude falloff which may occur in the filtered signal.

This invention relates to an organ tone generating apparatus and method producing a sound similar to that produced by a sawtooth wave for such complex musical sounds as a trombone, trumpet, tuba, or the like.
Prior electronic organs have simulated the sawtooth waveform by using relatively complex circuitry, such as staircase generators. The prior art devices have adjusted the amplitude of the generated sawtooth wave by means of mixing resistors and the like, and often do not produce all the desired harmonics which are found in a true sawtooth wave. A plurality of filters has also been required to modify the generated sawtooth waveform in order to produce the desired voice. Such approaches to the generation of a sawtooth wave have had the serious disadvantage of being relatively complex and costly.

Pulse generator for producing the harmonic equivalent of a sawtooth wave


The device has two mutually parallel slats extending crosswise to the running direction of the wire, namely an approach slat and a departure slat which with a wire guide surface each touch the revolving wire. Contained between the two slats is a blowing slot connected to a compressed air supply. Forming between the approach slat and the wire is a wedge-shaped gore tapering in the wire running direction, into which gore empties a water spray system. The departure slat has a step type clearance at the point where the wire leaves the wire guide surface.

The invention concerns a device for cleaning a revolving paper machine wire, and, more particularly, a device for cleaning a paper machine wire web having an elongated approach member and an elongated departure member, each said elongated member formed with a wire guide surface, and a blowing slot formed therebetween.
Such or similar devices have become known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,265,559. They were successful specifically in the cleaning of felts.
In selecting a cleaning system, various aspects need to be observed. What matters first of all is the cleaning effect itself, which must be simultaneous and uniform across the entire machine width. Moreover, the energy consumption plays an important role. Furthermore, attention must be paid to low wear of the participating components. Lastly, waste water problems need to be avoided.
In cleaning of a wire web, water jets have been primarily employed. Such water jets are sprayed at high pressure from spray nozzles at the wire to be cleaned. While the cleaning effect is very good, it is, however, striped at the spacing of the spray nozzles. The expense is rather high, especially the energy demand. Moreover, a waste water problem may occur.
The problem underlying the invention is to design a device in a way such that the cleaning effect will be improved and that also all other problems, associated with the air nozzles, will be solved in satisfactory fashion.

Device for cleaning a paper machine wire web


A double hinged cattle stanchion (10) is disclosed and includes a pair of release stanchions, a "J" shaped fulcrum stanchion (15) and a release stanchion (14), both of which are pivotally attached between a pair of fixed stanchions (13). Fixed stanchions (13) are attached in upright pairs between a horizontally extending top rail (11) and a horizontally extending bottom rail (12). Fulcrum stanchion (15) includes a main elongated portion and a perpendicularly depending leg member. A fulcrum offset member (16) is perpendicularly attached at a midpoint along the main elongated portion and includes a fulcrum bracket (17) at its extending end. Fulcrum bracket (17) provides a pivotal attachment point for release stanchion (14) via a standard pivot bolt (18). The extending end of the depending leg portion of fulcrum stanchion (15) is pivotally attached to a base bracket (20) located between a pair of fixed stanchions (13) on bottom rail member (12). First and second stanchion heads (28) and (29) are attached to the upper ends of fulcrum stanchion (15) and release stanchion (14) respectively. Each stanchion head includes a pivotally elongated latch member being disposed to engage actuator rod (21) which is rotatably and axially attached along top rail (11).

1. Technical Field
The instant invention relates to a cattle stanchion apparatus and more particularly to a double hinged cattle stanchion apparatus for a modified single release cattle stanchion.
2. Background Art
The current state of the art in cattle stanchions is best exemplified by ALBERS, SR., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,476,815, and Re. 32,728 and by my U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,105. The first ALBERS patent '815 teaches a single release cattle stanchion while U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,728 teaches a double release cattle stanchion. Both the single and double release stanchions are controlled by a rotatable and axially movable positioner, or actuator rod, which has a series of couplers protruding radially outward from its surface for engaging the latches located on the top end of the individual release stanchions.
Because the latches of both the single and double release stanchions of ALBERS are exposed on their top side, they present a serious health hazard to the operator. During the course of veterinary examinations and animal lock-up, there are instances wherein an individual cow must be released from the stanchion without releasing any of the other cattle. The operator must somehow flip the latch up over the coupler allowing the release stanchion to fall to an open position. Very strong pressures can be exerted on the release stanchion by the cow which makes releasing the stanchion a precarious and dangerous operation. In fact, most operators opt to use a metal rod of some sort to flip the latch over the coupler. The problem is that there is no safe place to grab the release stanchion to counteract the pressure exerted by cow and subsequently flip the latch over the coupler. Solving this problem was the central focus of my U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,705.
An additional problem exists with all the previously mentioned cattle stanchions. Specifically, some young and timid cows are reluctant to engage the stanchion because the head openings are relatively small. Obviously, this can be a big problem since young cows especially need sufficient nutrients and medical attention, both of which are administered while engaged in the stanchion.
VOGT, German Patent No. 28 18 513 shows what appears to be a three position modified single release stanchion. In this modified single release stanchion, two single release stanchions are used for each feeding stall. Each single release stanchion has only one single release latch, hence the name single release. Vogt uses two positioner bars, an upper bar and a lower bar, to actuate the two stanchions, i.e. a release stanchion and a fulcrum stanchion. The lower positioner bar controls the release stanchion while the upper positioner bar controls the fulcrum stanchion. Using the two positioner bars, an operator can set the stanchions in a closed or locked out position, a self locking position or in an open or neutral position as desired. Unfortunately, this apparatus does not provide an escape for a downed animal. Also, the use of two positioner bars unnecessarily complicates the device.
What is needed is a cattle stanchion which includes a downed animal position whereby a downed animal can be safely and easily released and a cattle stanchion which encourages young or timid cows to engage themselves in the stanchion where they can eat and get the attention they need.

Double hinged cattle stanchion apparatus


A slag removing machine includes a conveyor movable generally vertically on a parallelogram linkage. The conveyor carries steel slabs below a fixed vertical sanding belt surfacing unit. The conveyor is supported on air bags.

Many slag removal systems are known. However, the present system prevents jamming and feed rate problems and does an excellent job of slag removal.
The closest known prior art includes a machine in which the conveyor travels over a back plate which is suspended on air bags, but in which the remainder of the conveyor is not so suspended. With such a bed plate, changes in the location of the bed plate cause changes in the length of the conveyor and stretch the belt.
There is also a known machine in which the entire sanding belt, with its supports and its drive motor, is pivoted at the center and biased by a pneumatic cylinder toward the work piece. It is very difficult to maintain the unit stable and parallel to the work piece to give a smooth surface. Moreover, the large rotating mass is a problem and the entire machine is unnecessarily complicated.


A method for manufacturing a one-way clutch includes forming an inner plate; forming first and second outer plate members having a common axis; forming at least one strut pocket in one of the group consisting of the inner plate and the second outer plate member; forming at least one notch in the other of the group consisting of the inner plate and the second outer plate member; assembling a strut in the at least one strut pocket; inserting the inner plate between the outer plate members; and securing the outer plate members together to form a unitary outer plate assembly such that the inner plate is rotatably retained within the outer plate assembly and the strut is engageable with the at least one notch to effect one-way torque transfer between the inner plate and the outer plate assembly. The method may also include forming the second outer plate member as two pieces having mating surfaces, and interlocking the mating surfaces together. A one-way clutch manufactured by the method is also disclosed.

Clutches are used in a wide variety of applications to selectively couple power from a first rotatable driving member, such as a driving disk or plate, to a second, independently rotatable driven member, such as a driven disk or plate. In one known variety of clutches, commonly referred to as "one-way" or "overrunning" clutches, the clutch engages to mechanically couple the driving member to the driven member only when the driving member rotates in a first direction relative to the driven member. Once so engaged, the clutch will release or decouple the driven member from the driving member only when the driving member rotates in a second, opposite direction relative to the driven member. Further, the clutch otherwise permits the driving member to freely rotate in the second direction relative to the driven member. Such "freewheeling" of the driving member in the second direction relative to the driven member is also known as the "overrunning" condition.
One type of one-way clutch includes coaxial inner and outer plates having generally planar clutch faces in closely spaced, juxtaposed relationship. A plurality of recesses or pockets is formed in the face of the inner plate at angularly spaced locations about the axis, and a strut or pawl is disposed in each of the pockets. Corresponding notches are formed in the face of the outer plate and are engageable with the struts when the inner plate is rotating in a driving direction. When the direction of relative rotation of the plates is reversed, the struts disengage the notches in the outer plate, thereby allowing freewheeling motion of the inner plate with respect to the outer plate.
A typical method for making such a one-way clutch includes casting the outer plate as a single piece from materials such as aluminum and powdered metal. The casting process, however, is relatively expensive and adds significantly to the overall cost of the clutch. Furthermore, in such case, a retainer is typically required to maintain the inner plate within a flanged portion of the outer plate.

One-way clutch and method for making same