A mixing head for mixtures of reactive components, e.g. two-component synthetic-resin systems to be discharged into a mold, in which the orifices for the two components open into a mixing chamber and can be selectively blocked or unblocked by a plunger or piston which serves to drive the mixture out of the chamber. According to the invention a blocking body (baffle barrier) is provided on a connecting rod which extends through the plunger and, in a retracted position of the latter, is located in the path of the jets of the reactive components emanating from the orifices.

In the synthetic-resin molding art and elsewhere in which hardenable or settable materials are to be used or applied, it is known to use a synthetic-resin system which consists of two mutually miscible and interreactive components which are combined in a mixing head to form the settable mixture, i.e. the synthetic-resin material.
For example, in the formation of polyurethane layers, bodies and the like, it is known to react polyol and di-isocyanate components in a mixing head to form a reactive mixture which can set. Either or both of these components can include an expanding or blowing agent so that the resulting body has a cellular or foamed characteristic.
In the formation of bodies from epoxy resins, the epoxy resin on the one hand and the amine hardener on the other hand can be mixed in a mixing head to form the settable mixture.
In general, the two components which are to be combined are fed to the mixing head in liquid form and can be displaced by respective metering pumps.
In German Pat. No. 2,065,841, French Pat. No. 71 05 304, in British Pat. No. 1,334,440 and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,706,515 (particularly FIG. 3) there is described a device for generating a chemically reactive mixture from at least two components capable of forming the ultimate synthetic-resin composition which comprises a mixing chamber whose walls are formed with orifices through which the individual components are fed. The mixing chamber has an outlet opening for the reactive component mixture and a control piston or plunger is reciprocable in the mixing chamber to block and unblock the orifices and drive residual mixture from the chamber in a certain cadence or time, depending upon the molding or other requirements. The plunger itself can be controlled by fluid-responsive means and is driven linearly between mixing and nonmixing positions.
In the system of these patents, when the plunger or control piston is in its mixing position, a baffle body is disposed in the mixing chamber in the region between the inlet opening or orifices and the outlet or discharge openings of the mixing chamber.
The block body or baffle barrier of the known device serves to generate a mixing prepressure in the mixing chamber and to influence the distribution of the jets or streams of the components so that mixing is promoted. When one or both of the components includes a blowing or expanding agent, this body makes it possible, by regulating the pressure in the mixing chamber (i.e. the mixing prepressure) to control the pore structure and the external appearance of any molded body formed with the mixture.
The baffle barrier formed by the aforementioned body is drawn into the wall of the mixing chamber and out of the path of the control piston when the latter is shifted from its mixing position to its nonmixing position, i.e. blocks the orifice and drives the residual mixture out of the mixing chamber. This system requires a separate control arrangement, including a piston and cylinder for the barrier body and makes a coordination between the several control elements mandatory if reliable operation is to be achieved.
German patent document (Auslegeschrift) No. 25 44 749 discloses an adjustable baffle barrier which can be set as to its spacing from the mixing chamber. However, since this baffle barrier is located downstream of the mixing chamber in a passage communicating with the mold, control in response to movement of the control piston is not possible. In this system as well hydraulic control of the adjustment of the baffle barrier is provided.
Frequently it is desirable to avoid any use of a passage between the mixing chamber and the mold and in this case the principles of the last-mentioned publication are inapplicable.


Pay telephone coin opening cover assemblies which include portions of the pay telephone and a mask fashioned to cover the coin return opening. The mask includes a structural element or elements which cooperate with coin return opening structure and existing interior portions of the pay telephone structure to secure against the opening a face plate which is attractive and unobtrusive in appearance. The invention allows a conventional pay telephone to be recycled into a coinless pay telephone which is attractive in appearance, friendly to the user, and cost competitive.

Designs for coin-operated pay telephones typically feature one or more coin slots at the top of the telephone and a coin return door generally located directly below the slots. The coin return lever is generally located immediately below the coin slots. In GTE-style telephones, for instance, the slot, coin return door and mechanism are located on the right when facing the telephone, while on Western Electric (WECO)-style telephones, these are found on the left.
In recent years, after deregulation of the telephone industry, a market has been created for business owners and others who wish to own their own pay telephones rather than continuing to participate in profits from telephones placed on premises by the telephone company. This coin-operated, customer-owned telephone ("COCOT") industry features stiff competition among a number of entrants, and is very price competitive.
With the advent of the integrated circuit, it has additionally been possible to incorporate intelligent features into pay telephones. Accordingly, such telephones at present may contain microcircuits which store telephone rating information that allows the telephone to calculate rates for calls, collect appropriate coinage or interact with credit cards, and initiate, control and terminate local and long distance connections. As the telephones becomes more intelligent, the industry has noted a significant decrease in the number of calls controlled by coins rather than credit cards.
These factors have generated a market for pay telephones which do not include coin mechanisms, with or without intelligent features.


A new and distinct cultivar of Gaura lindheimeri plant named ‘GBAWH02-1’ is disclosed, characterized by dense, compact plants. Flowering begins early and flower petals are clear white. The new variety is a Gaura, and is normally used as an ornamental garden or container plant.

The new cultivar is the product of a breeding program, with the object to develop floriferous semi-compact Gaura varieties for commercial applications. The new variety originated from a crossing of the seed parent, an unnamed proprietary Gaura lindheimeri with the pollen parent, also an unnamed, unpatented proprietary Gaura lindheimeri. The cross resulting in the new variety was made June 2010 at a research greenhouse in Foxley, the United Kingdom.
The new variety was selected by the inventor, Nadine Widdowson, during May of 2011 at a research nursery in greenhouse in Foxley, the United Kingdom. After identifying the new variety as a potentially interesting selection, the inventor continued confidential testing and propagation of 'GBAWH02-1' assessing stability of the unique characteristics of this variety.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar 'GBAWH02-1' was first performed in Victoria, Australia by vegetative terminal cuttings in October of 2011. 'GBAWH02-1' has since produced more than 5 generations by vegetative cuttings and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type.


Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for three-terminal field-emitter triode devices, and memory arrays utilizing the same. In other embodiments, the field-emitter devices include a volume-change material, capable of changing a measurable electrical property of the devices, and/or three-dimensional memory arrays of the same.

Many types of non-volatile storage cells exist in the prior art, including trapped charge devices (such as flash memory), altered resistivity devices (such as phase-change or chalcogenide memory), and many more. Flash memory is relatively fast, but has a short data retention time. Phase-change materials have longer data retention and have access speeds comparable to that of flash, but they are sensitive to temperature extremes during processing. Many memory architectures have also been disclosed in which the storage arrays are constructed in three dimensions ("3D"). Fabricating memory arrays in 3D is challenging because the semiconducting materials used may require high-temperature deposition or anneal steps. Therefore, a need exists for a 3D memory that has the beneficial properties of phase-change memory but that can be constructed at low temperatures.
Diode arrays represent an alternative to CMOS-based phase-change memory and can be constructed as factory-programmed devices, one-time programmable devices, and reprogrammable devices. A diode array is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,694, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In that invention, complementary address inputs are utilized. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,327 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/707,739 for "Nano-Vacuum-Tubes and Their Application in Storage Devices," the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, a diode memory is disclosed in which the diodes are constructed with field-emitter devices as the current-rectification elements. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/926,778, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, a single type of electronic switching device is incorporated to enable the on-chip generation of complementary address pairs and other functionality. Diode memories can be constructed in 3D and at low processing temperatures. When the geometries of a diode array memory become very small, however, the required thickness of the silicon layers that form the diode devices may dictate unacceptably high aspect ratios.

Field-emitter-based memory array with phase-change storage devices


An integral liquid pump and drainback valve for use in pumping popcorn popping oil. A two-part housing is formed with one part having cavities forming inlet and outlet passages extending from an impeller cavity. A second part is formed with inlet and outlet ports and shuttle valve cavity connecting those ports. The inlet and outlet passages and the inlet and outlet ports respectively are in fluid communication with each other when the two parts are secured to each other. A resilient biasing means in the shuttle valve cavity moves the shuttle to a position wherein a fluid path is provided between the inlet and outlet ports when the pump impeller is not driven.

This invention relates to an integral liquid pump and drainback valve intended for use in pumping popcorn popping oil from a storage container to a popcorn popping kettle. In the production of large quantities of popped popcorn, popcorn popping oil is a critical ingredient which must be delivered in a predetermined quantity, along with the corn to be popped, to the popping kettle at the beginning of a popping cycle.
This need has been met in the past by dispensing popcorn popping oil from a steel pail. A pump for pumping the oil to the popping kettle is placed in the pail through the open top of the pail. In the mass production of large quantities of popcorn, a series of independent poppers may be operated simultaneously with the popcorn popping oil being delivered by the pump to each of the plurality of poppers as they begin their respective cycles. In such a popping operation, a large quantity of popping oil must be readily available.
To better meet these needs, an improved storage and metering apparatus for popcorn popping oil has recently been invented by the applicant for this patent. The improved storage and dispensing means includes a housing having inclined shelves upon which are placed rectangular boxes containing plastic bags filled with popcorn popping oil. The shelves support the boxes in a tilted position such that a dispensing connection provided at the bottom of the plastic bag, which may be extended through the box, is in a lowermost position such that all of the popcorn popping oil may be drained through the dispensing connection from the bag. The shelves are provided with thermostatically controlled electrical heaters so as to maintain the popcorn popping oil at a desired viscosity. A pump is provided for withdrawing the popcorn popping oil from the bags and supply it to a popping kettle located at a higher elevation than the bags. This improved storage and metering apparatus for popcorn popping oil is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/984,063, filed Nov. 30, 1992 by the applicant and is assigned to C. Cretors & Company. The disclosure of the cited application, which issued on Apr. 12, 1994 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,601, is incorporated herein by reference.
As set forth in the cited patent application, the popcorn popping oil storage containers are mounted below the elevation at which the popcorn popping oil is supplied to the popping kettle. An elongated pipe or tubing is provided to deliver the popcorn popping oil from the pump discharge outlet to the popping kettle. Since popcorn popping oil may solidify at room temperatures, it is desirable that the popcorn popping oil not remain in the entire length of the pipe or tubing such that, upon cooling to room temperature, it would prevent or make much more difficult further pumping of the popcorn oil. To eliminate this problem, as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent application, a bypass path is provided between the inlet and discharge ports of the pump to permit the popcorn popping oil to drain back through the discharge pipe or tubing from the popcorn popping kettle to the supply container. When the pump is de-energized, a solenoid valve in the bypass path is energized and thereby opened to permit flow through the bypass path. Since the popcorn popping oil will flow back into the supply container until the level of the popcorn popping oil in the discharge line is equal to-the level of the oil in the container, considerably less popcorn popping oil remains in the discharge tubing or pipe to harden, or at least become more viscous.
The provision of the drainback path as disclosed in the cited patent application require installation of not only the solenoid valve, but also a bypass fluid flow path in which to connect the solenoid valve. Electronic circuitry to control the energization of the solenoid valve is also required. Further, the bypass path itself provides a further flow path in which the popcorn popping oil may solidify if not heated. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a drainback arrangement without the requirement of providing piping or tubing for a separate path, and an electrically operated solenoid valve and related electronic control circuitry.

Integral liquid pump and drainback valve


A laryngoscope is provided with a suction catheter assembly that includes a catheter to supply suction for removal of fluids (e.g., blood, vomit, secretions, and so on) proximate to the distal end of the blade of the laryngoscope during intubation. A connector secures the catheter to the distal end of the blade. A retainer holds the catheter against the side of the blade.

Tracheal intubation involves the placement of a flexible plastic tube into the trachea to protect a patient's airway and provide a means of mechanical ventilation. A common tracheal intubation is orotracheal intubation, wherein an endotracheal tube is passed through the mouth, larynx, and vocal cords, into the trachea. A bulb is then inflated near the distal tip of the tube to help secure the tube in place and to protect the airway from blood, vomit, and secretions.
During orotracheal intubation, laryngoscopy is performed using a laryngoscope to obtain a view of the glottic opening for insertion of the endotracheal tube. Laryngoscopes typically include a blade that is inserted into the airway of a patient to allow the intubator to view the glottic opening through the patient's mouth. Video laryngoscopes employ an imaging device such as a small video camera, optical fibre, or the like, mounted to the blade to allow the intubator to view the glottic opening via a video monitor.

Suction catheter assembly for a laryngoscope

Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska


This process is a process of producing a vinyl chloride polymer by suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride or a mixture of vinyl monomers mainly made up of vinyl chloride in an aqueous medium in the presence of an oil-soluble polymerization initiator, wherein, as said oil-soluble polymerization initiator, (A) an organic peroxide such that a 10-hour half-life period temperature of a solution containing 0.1 mol of the organic peroxide per liter of benzene is 30.degree. to 50.degree. C. and the organic peroxide does not, in its structure, contain a benzene ring or an alkoxy group, and (B) 3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylbutyl peroxyneodecanoate are used in combination. The polymerization vessel used is preferably coated with a polymer scale preventive agent. According to the invention, in case where the amount of the polymerization initiator used is increased while using an existing polymerization apparatus, the deposition of polymer scale in the polymerization vessel is suppressed, the insufficient cooling capacity of the existing polymerization apparatus can be made up, and the polymerization time can be shortened to improve the productivity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process of producing a vinyl chloride polymer, and more particularly to a process of producing a vinyl chloride polymer which is suitable for producing a vinyl chloride polymer in high quality and high productivity while preventing deposition of polymer scale.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A vinyl chloride polymer is generally produced by suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer or a mixture of vinyl type monomers mainly made up of vinyl chloride monomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of an oil-soluble polymerization initiator. Generally, where a polymer having an average degree of polymerization of 1,700 or more is produced, this suspension polymerization is carried out under such polymerization conditions that the polymerization temperature is 30.degree.to 45.degree. C. and the polymerization time is about 8 hours, whereas where a polymer having an average degree of polymerization of about 700 to 1,000, the suspension polymerization is carried out under such polymerization conditions that the polymerization temperature is 55.degree. to 63.degree. C. and the polymerization time is about 4 hours. At that time, the oil-soluble polymerization initiator is normally used in an amount of about 0.04 to 0.20% by weight based on the monomer, although the amount varies depending on the type of the oil-soluble polymerization initiator to be used. Depending on the type of the polymerization initiator used at that time, the polymerization initiator affects greatly the pattern of heat generation, the polymerization time, the productivity, and the deposition of polymer scale during polymerization as well as the initial coloration of the polymer and the quality and characteristics of the polymer, such as the heat stability, the odor, and the anti-leaching.
In recent years, it is attempted to shorten the polymerization time in order to improve the productivity of vinyl chloride polymers. As one technique of shortening the polymerization time, it is thought to increase the amount of the polymerization initiator to be added. However, where the amount of the polymerization initiator is increased, the following problems arise:
(a) Polymer scale is deposited within a polymerization vessel. PA1 (b) Since the amount of the heat generation of the reaction per unit time at the time when the amount of the heat generation of the reaction per unit time reaches the peak during the polymerization is increased considerably, the cooling capacity of the existing polymerization apparatus becomes insufficient at the time of this peak. Accordingly, the increase in the amount of the polymerization initiator is limited and therefore the shortening of the polymerization time is also restricted. PA1 (c) Either the quality of formed products of the resulting vinyl chloride polymer is lowered: for example, the fish eyes are increased, the initial coloration is degraded, and the heat stability is lowered, or an increase in the residue and decomposed products of the polymerization initiator causes such problems as generation of a nasty odor, an increase in leaches, and an increase in deposition of polymer scale in the polymerization vessel. PA1 (A) an organic peroxide such that a 10-hour half-life period temperature of a solution containing 0.1 mol of the organic peroxide per liter of benzene is 30.degree. to 50.degree. C. and the organic peroxide does not, in its structure, contain a benzene ring or an alkoxy group, and PA1 (B) 3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylbutyl peroxyneodecanoate, in combination.
To cope with these problems, a technique is suggested wherein two types of oil-soluble polymerization initiators are used in combination. Specifically, as this technique, it is suggested to use BPD (t-butyl peroxyneodecanoate) and CPD (.alpha.-cumyl peroxyneodecanoate) in combination. According to this technique, although it is possible to make up the insufficient cooling capacity and to shorten the polymerization time, there are such defects as generation of polymer scale deposition within the polymerization vessel at the end of polymerization an increase in fish eyes of the obtained vinyl chloride polymer, generation of a nasty odor due to an increase in the residue and decomposed products of the polymerization initiators, an increase in leaches, and a deterioration in the quality of the polymer.
As a technique capable of obviating the defects of the above technique, it is proposed to use BPD (t-butyl peroxyneodecanoate) and HDPH (3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylbutyl peroxyneoheptanoate) in combination (Japanese Pre-examination Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 5-155910), but this technique is not satisfactory in fish eyes of the resulting vinyl chloride polymer.

Process of producing vinyl chloride polymer using an organic peroxide in combination with 3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylbutyl peroxyneodecanoate


Substituted phenylacetylenes of the formula ##STR1## wherein one of the groups R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom and the other represents the group of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl and R.sub.4 is a methyl or an amino group and wherein R.sub.2 represents mono- or binuclear aromatic or heterocyclic residues containing sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen as hetero atoms and optionally being substituted by 1 to 3 substituents as defined, which specifically inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases due to the action of leukotrienes.. The compounds may be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sub.2 has the same meaning as above and one of the groups R.sub.7 is a hydrogen atom and the other represents the group of the formula --COR.sub.3, with hydroxylamine to form the oxime which then is reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamine compound into which the group of the formula --COR.sub.4 is introduced.

Polyunsaturated higher fatty acids such as arachidonic acid in the metabolism of mammals, including man, serve as substrates for the formation of physiologically important eicosanoids such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes (a group of compounds also known as "Slow Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis" or "SRS-A") The pathway to prostaglandins is catalyzed by cyclo-oxygenase (also named "prostaglandin synthetase") whereas the pathway to leukotrienes is catalyzed by 5-lipoxygenase.
The prostaglandins are products of known beneficial functions in mammals while it is known for the leukotrienes or SRS-A, respectively, that they cause allergic reactions, bronchoconstrictions, inflammations, asthma and numerous other harmful effects Accordingly there is a need for chemically and metabolically stable agents which in the living organism have no effect on the biosynthesis of prostaglandins but inhibit selectively or specifically the activity of 5-lipoxygenase and thus prevent the formation of the undesired leukotrienes.

Substituted phenylacetylenes, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and processes for the preparation of these compounds and compositions


A flap wheel includes an aluminum hub with outwardly opening peripheral slots. Flap clips also made of aluminum each holding a bundle of flaps fit snugly in the slots. The slots and clips include an elongated socket and knob construction. The socket of the slot and knob of the clip both have an arched or rounded bottom and straight parallel side walls terminating in opposed retaining keys projecting inwardly from the side walls of the slot or corresponding key ways in the clip. The outer ends of the clips include a thin wall U-shape flap bundle retention slot having a flat but skew or slanting bottom wall. The slots extend uniformly in a non-radial direction angled away from the direction of rotation. The flat but skewed bottom of the clips also slants inwardly toward the direction of rotation to position the outer edges of the flaps in the same skewed slanting direction exposing or splaying an outer edge portion of each of the faces or flat surfaces of the flaps to the work as the wheel rotates. The flap bundles may be held in the clips by fasteners or staples extending through the thin walls and the inner ends of the flaps. The entire wheel may be easily refilled, is light weight and may be recycled. The flap arrangement provides additional cut, less flap-to-flap wear, and less noise. The diameter, arbor hole size, and axial length may vary. The hubs may be ganged or stacked to vary the axial length or face width of the wheel. The content of each flap bundle may vary widely, such as any combination of sisal, cloth, abrasive paper, abrasive material or non-woven abrasive and the like.

This invention relates generally as indicated to a flap wheel and more particularly to a fixed flap wheel which is inexpensive to manufacture, yet easy to operate, which can be recycled environmentally, and yet flexible in width, diameter, or flap type refills.
Most flap wheels with insertable flap segments or bundles use flaps secured to the hub with hinges or with a flexible rubber or plastic holder to act as though hinged. This permits the flaps to bend over to an open position as the tool rotates and as the flaps encounter the part. The flaps then curve away from the direction of rotation but tend to spring back from the open position as they clear the part due to centrifugal force. This is in part why they are called flap wheels. The flaps tend to flap about and create excessive noise and wear, the latter due primarily to flap-to-flap wear caused by relative movement of flap against flap.
Also, such hinged flap wheels rely on the arcuate bending of the bundles of flaps to expose the outer edge of the face of the flap to the work. Although the flaps in any bundle are normally the same length, a flap extending around the outside of a curve will have an edge termination before one extending around the inside of the curve, since the distance around the inside is always shorter. For each wheel revolution there is a significant rubbing of flap against flap as the bundles move from the open or bent condition back to the radial position and then back to the open position all within one revolution of the wheel. A hinged flap wheel can literally wear itself out.
The hinge construction adds considerably to the cost of the tool or wheel and limits the recyclability of the tool. It also limits the simplicity of the tool, making it more difficult to change length, diameter, or to change the make-up of the flap bundle.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a simple fixed flap wheel where the outer edges of each flap face are exposed to the work without the constant flexing and rubbing. It would also be desirable to have a versatile flap wheel with few simple parts all made of aluminum so they can readily be recycled through aluminum recycle systems.
A flap wheel includes an anodized aluminum hub with outwardly opening peripheral slots. Flap clips also made of aluminum each holding a bundle of flaps fit snugly in the slots. The slots and clips include an elongated socket and knob construction. The socket of the slot and knob of the clip both have an arched or radius bottom and straight parallel side walls terminating in opposed retaining keys projecting inwardly from the side walls of the slot, or corresponding key ways in the clip. The outer ends of the clips include a thin wall U-shape flap bundle retention slot having a flat but skew or slanting bottom wall. The slots extend uniformaly in a non-radial direction angled away from the direction of rotation. The flat but skewed bottom of the clips also slants inwardly toward the direction of rotation to position or splay the outer edges of the flaps in the same skewed slanting direction exposing at the outer edge portion, each of the faces or flat surfaces of the flaps to the work as the wheel rotates. The flap bundles may be held in the clips by fasteners or staples extending through the thin walls and the inner ends of the flaps. The entire wheel may be refilled quickly, is lightweight and may be recycled. The flap arrangement provides additional cut, less flap-to-flap wear, and less noise. The diameter, arbor hole size, and axial length may vary. The hubs may be ganged or stacked to vary the lengths or face width of the wheel. The content of each flap bundle may vary widely, such as any combination of sizal, cloth, abrasive paper, abrasive belt material, or non-woven abrasive and the like.


An optical system utilizing phosphors to perform mathematical operations without the direct or necessary use of an electronic component or electrical power source is disclosed. The luminenscent and quenching properties of phosphors are combined with at least one first-order relaxation subsystem such that when the optical system achieves equilibrium, it will have performed certain mathematical operations. The precise mathematical operation to be performed is determined by controlling the materials utilized, light inputs, and certain variables within the optical system.

Optical systems that perform mathematical operations other than addition are difficult to construct because of two fundamental facts. First, light intensity is a positive-definite physical quantity. While electrical voltage can be positive or negative, light intensity can only be positive or zero. Second, photons can be created and destroyed at will in optical systems. In electrical systems, electrons are conserved. The nonlinear optical effects which are most often associated with multiplication are primarily contained in the third-order dependence of the electrical susceptibility on the electrical field incident optical wave(s). (First-order gives birefringence, second-order gives photoelectrons, and third-order produces photorefractive effects.) The optical system described herein uses second-order effects to perform certain mathematical operations. One such second-order effect is the quenching effect described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,053 issued Jan. 28, 1997. In this patent, the quenching effect is modeled as an induced increase to the natural decay rate of the phosphor where the added increase is proportional to the intensity of the quenching illumination.
By combining the luminenscent and quenching properties of phosphors with first-order relaxation subsystems, certain mathematical operations can be performed. The optical system described will enable collective dynamic behaviors such that the relative strengths of the output light intensities (as compared to those of the input light intensities) correspond to the results that would be achieved by performing certain mathematical computations with numbers in the same relative proportions to each other (as the input and output light intensities). By measuring the light intensities, the equivalent computational answers can be obtained from the system. The potential equivalent computations include all mathematical operations describable by the physics that apply to the specific optical system of interacting light intensities and phosphor materials.
The prior art for computational systems employing optical components all appears to rely upon electrical power, electrical components or both. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,309 issued Jul. 21, 1998. While U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,309 and others may employ a damping force in their process, no prior art was found which utilizes the second-order susceptibility effects (to include quenching) as an integral part of the mathematical computation and variables.
The present invention uniquely and separately teaches: the combination of multiple phosphors in not less than two first-order relaxation subsystems to perform mathematical operations; the utilization of the second-order effects (e.g., quenching) of phosphor to perform mathematical operations; the combining of the not less than two first-order relaxation subsystems with the second-order effects (e.g., quenching) of phosphor to perform mathematical operations; and the ability to perform any or all of the above teachings without the necessity of electrical power or components.
A significant potential benefit of an all-optical (non-electric) system is its application to isolated environments (e.g., space exploration) where a limited power supply must be considered in all planning and design activities.

Optical system for certain mathematical operations

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A process for the production of cellulose carbamate from cellulose and urea through the conversion of the cellulose with excess urea in an inert liquid organic reaction carrier at a temperature in the range of 130 .degree. to 160.degree. C., separation of the reaction carrier from the reaction mixture and washing of the reaction mixture with water. The cellulose is intimately mixed with an aqueous urea solution. Then the water in the solution is replaced with the organic reaction carrier, and the reaction of urea and cellulose is carried out in the presence of an inert gaseous carrier to remove the by-product ammonia. Thereafter, the organic reaction carrier remaining in the reaction product is replaced with an aqueous urea solution and the resulting suspension of cellulose carbamate in the urea solution is filtered and washed free of urea with water. No liquid ammonia is required in this process.

The invention concerns a process for the production of cellulose carbamate from cellulose and excess urea in an inert liquid organic reaction carrier at a temperature in the range of 130.degree. to 160.degree. C., separation of the reaction carrier from the reaction mixture and washing of the reaction product with water.

Process for the production of cellulose carbamate


A blade locking mechanism formed integrally on the end of an elongated instrument handle permitting available slot mounted disposable surgical blades to be attached perpendicular to the axis of the handle service end for use as a knife in applications such as oral surgery. A cleat formed in the service end of the handle projects therefrom in line with the axis of the handle end. The base of the cleat has a rectangular cross-section sized to have a sliding fit within the minimum slot dimension of the disposable blade, and of a length greater than the thickness of the blade. The horns of the cleat lie in a plane perpendicular to the handle service end and are sized to pass easily through the maximum blade slot dimension when in line therewith, but prevent removal of the blade from under the cleat horns when the blade is turned 90.degree. to the axis of the cleat horns and the blade slot is fitted about the cleat base. A locking collar engages threads formed on the handle end adjacent to the cleat, and is movable along the axis of the handle end. The collar locks a disposable blade fitted under the cleat horns in place by clamping it between the collar and the underside of the cleat horns forming a unitized cutting instrument. Excess, base length of the installed disposable blade is trimmed away before use.

Dental surgery and particularly surgery for the correction or amelioration of periodontal disease is often made difficult and challenging because of the restricted access permitted by the architecture of the mouth. These inherent limitations may prevent or restrict the desired optimal surgical procedures, because of the inability to gain appropriate access to the treatment area with surgical knives having cutting edges of the desired shape, size and approach angulation. It is additionally important to have readily available to the surgeon, a variety of sterile blades of various cutting edge configurations. For best access in locations such as distals of maxillary molars and linguals of mandibular teeth, it is also important to have available an instrument in which the cutting edge of a short blade is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument handle, rather than a straight extension of the blade handle.
Several instruments for meeting such surgical requirements are currently available, but each has disadvantages. ORBAN and KIRKLAND knives are manufactured in sets with various blades shapes and approach configurations achieved among the instruments of the set. Such instruments are expensive, and additionally require exacting maintenance. They must be sharpened by a skilled person and otherwise well cared for to insure a sharp true edge and a surgically sterile blade at the time of use. Another approach which overcomes the latter problems is to use disposable surgical blades maintained in sterile packages until mounted upon a handle designed to receive them. The BARD-PARKER, HUFREIDY, and AMERICAN SAFETY RAZOR instruments employ such blades. While providing a variety blade shapes for ready use, the instrument approach angulation in the latter products restricts their use. Characteristically, disposable blades are mounted to their handles by providing the blade base with a rectangular longitudinal slot having sections of varying size which is placed over lugs in the handle and locked in place by sliding the blade into a conforming recess in the handle. As a consequence of these mounting methods, the disposable blade becomes a straight extension of the handle greatly limiting the utility of the instrument in areas of restricted access as compared with a short blade mounted perpendicular to the handle axis.
It is desirable, therefore to provide a surgical blade locking mechanism employable on the service end of an elongated instrument handle which overcomes the cited disadvantages and provides a versatile instrument for oral surgery employing a short disposable blade with an orientation perpendicular to the instrument handle axis.


A new and distinct apricot variety of Prunus armeniaca named ‘DANIEL’, particularly characterized by self-pollinating and self-fertile medium-sized tree with vigorous growth habit; good fruit productivity; early ripening with harvest of mature fruit in early May in Yizre'el Valley, Israel; medium-sized, freestone mature fruit, with deep orange skin color; and aromatic mature fruit which is of good eating quality(sweet-sour flavor, firm texture and moderate juice production).

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of apricot tree, botanically known as Prunus armeniaca L. of the Rosaceae family, and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination 'DANIEL'.
The new Prunus armeniaca variety is a product of a controlled breeding program conducted by the inventors, Doron Holland, Irit Bar-Ya'akov, Kamel Hatib, Amnon Erez, Ze'ev Yablovitz and Raya Korchinsky in Yizre'el Valley, Israel. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new Prunus armeniaca variety with an early ripening period of mature fruit and vigorous production of mature fruit with good eating quality.
The new Prunus armeniaca variety originated in 1999 from open-pollination by an unknown Prunus armeniaca L. variety of the early-ripening Prunus armeniaca L. variety 'TAROG' (Registered in Israel for Plant Breeder's Rights, No. 2441 dated 15 Mar. 2005). The new Prunus armeniaca variety 'DANIEL' was discovered and selected by the inventors as a unique and promising seedling resulting from the above self-pollination in 2006 in a controlled environment in Yizre'el Valley, Israel.
Asexual reproduction of the new Prunus armeniaca 'DANIEL' by grafting onto plum rootstock designated Marianna '26-24' (unpatented) and apricot rootstock designated 'KLABI' (unpatented), was first performed in February of 2006 in the Yizre'el Valley of Israel, and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new variety are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new variety reproduces true to type. Resulting trees of new Prunus armeniaca 'DANIEL' were planted in 2007 in the Yizre'el Valley and the central coastal region of Israel.

State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Agricultural Research Organization


Methods and apparatus are disclosed for testing differential pressure sensors. The method includes applying a pressure of predetermined value to the reference side of the differntial pressure sensors, measuring the output values from the measurement sides of the differential pressure sensors, and comparing the measured output values. The disclosed apparatus includes a pump for simultaneously applying a pressure of a predetermined value to the reference side of a number of differential pressure sensors.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing sensors of the type for measuring a specific quantity. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for testing differential pressure sensors in an apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, such as a dialysis monitor.
In apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, there are usually arranged several identical sensors for measuring a specific quantity. This is intended to achieve improved control and monitoring, as well as increased safety. For example, a dialysis monitor comprises several sensors for measuring the pressure in fluid conduits utilized during dialysis.
On the one hand, these fluid conduits transport blood from the patient to the blood side of the dialyser and from there back to the patient and, on the other hand, they transport dialysis fluid from the dialysis fluid source to the dialysate side of the dialyser, and from there to an outlet. The blood-carrying conduits are generally exchanged after each treatment, while the conduits transporting the dialysis fluid are permanently connected to the dialysis monitor and are disinfected and rinsed after each treatment.
The monitoring of pressure during dialysis, both in the blood-carrying conduits and in the conduits carrying the dialysis fluid, is important for several reasons. One important reason is, for example, surveillance of the transmembrane pressure at the membrane present in the dialyser that separates dialysis fluid from blood, and which is semi-permeable. This transmembrane pressure is the pressure difference between the pressure on the blood side and the pressure on the dialysate side, and determines the direction and quantity of fluid transport through the membrane. If the transmembrane pressure is positive, then the fluid will be drawn out of the blood. This process is also called ultra-filtration. With a negative transmembrane pressure no excess fluid will be drawn from the patient. The removal of excess fluid is, however, one of the principal functions of dialysis, so that the importance of monitoring the pressure in the dialysis fluid conduits and blood conduits is evident from this alone.
A further important reason is monitoring of the arterial and venal pressure in the blood-carrying conduits during treatment. If, for example, the arterial pressure should be below a specific negative pressure, then the arterial needle could be blocked or lodged in the fistula wall, or the conduit could be folded over. In order to avoid damage to the fistula, the machine will automatically be stopped, and an alarm triggered. If the arterial pressure exceeds a predetermined negative pressure, then the arterial needle could have come loose and be sucking in air. In this case also an alarm will automatically be triggered, and the machine stopped.
On the other hand, if the venal pressure should fall below a predetermined value, then the blood feedback to the patient could be not sealed or interrupted. If the venal pressure exceeds a specific predetermined value, then the venal needle could be blocked, or the feedback tube bent. In this case the machine will likewise be stopped, and an alarm automatically triggered.
However, in order to reliably monitor the pressure, operation of the sensors must be trouble-free. These are thus checked prior to operation of the dialysis monitor during a check phase, in which a functional check of the entire dialysis monitor takes place.
Thus, for checking the sensors that measure the pressure in the dialysis fluid conduits (hereinafter referred to as dialysate pressure sensors), at least two of which are provided, a static pressure is generated in these conduits. For the present case, static pressure means that the dialysis fluid does not flow through the conduits, but rather sits in the conduits, and that a pressure is applied to the stationary dialysis fluid. In this way, the effects on the pressure measurement of the valves, throttles, pumps, etc. that are arranged in the tubes, are excluded. The values supplied by the individual dialysate pressure sensors are compared with one another; the individual dialysate pressure sensors must all supply the same value, as they are subjected to the same pressure.
If the individual dialysate pressure sensors supply different values, then a sensor malfunction has occurred, and the control or monitoring unit of the dialysis monitor generates a corresponding alarm.
The pressure sensors generally used in this case are so-called differential pressure sensors that utilize atmospheric pressure as a reference value. These sensors are checked by applying two different static pressures in the described manner, one generally being positive with respect to atmospheric pressure and one being negative with respect to atmospheric pressure. On the one hand, the values supplied by the sensors are compared with one another in order to determine a possible sensor malfunction. On the other hand, the values supplied by each individual sensor at the different pressures are also used to determine the constant allocated to each individual sensor. This constant is necessary for precise determination of the pressure, and can be determined only with the aid of at least two values supplied at different pressures.
The sensors that measure the pressure in the blood conduits, of which at least two are provided, (hereinafter referred to as blood pressure sensors) are usually also differential pressure sensors. In contrast to the dialysate pressure sensors that are permanently connected with the dialysis fluid conduit, the blood pressure sensors are not permanently connected to the blood conduits. As mentioned above, new blood conduits are used for each treatment, so that the blood pressure sensors must be connected to the blood conduits by the operating personnel before each treatment. During the check phase before the treatment, the blood pressure sensors are generally not connected to the blood conduits, thus no pressure or different pressures may be generated in the blood conduits and applied to the blood pressure sensors for testing same. It is, therefore, only possible to examine whether the blood pressure sensors each supply the same reference value corresponding to atmospheric pressure. However, this provides no information as to whether the blood pressure sensors will supply the same values at the same applied pressure above or below atmospheric pressure.
It is possible to test the blood pressure sensors during the check or test phase by connecting the blood pressure sensors with a separate conduit and to generate one predetermined pressure, or different predetermined pressures, in this conduit. However, this requires, on the one hand a supplementary material complexity, as the dialysis monitor must be correspondingly adapted to enable this additional test option. Furthermore, additional, specially constructed conduits are necessary, so that the material complexity and the cost as a whole increases. On the other hand, the operating complexity for the operating personnel is markedly increased as, in the test phase, the operating personnel must first attach the special test tube to the dialysis monitor and connect it to the blood pressure sensors. After completing the test, the operating personnel must then remove the special test tube before the blood conduits and the dialyser can be connected to the dialysis monitor, and the blood pressure sensors can be connected to the blood conduits.
In view of this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for testing identical sensors for measuring a specific quantity, in particular for checking differential pressure sensors with a reference side and a measurement side, with which these disadvantages can be alleviated.
In particular, testing of the blood pressure sensors of dialysis monitors without additional manipulation by the operating personnel, and without the attachment of separate tubes to the dialysis monitor that need removing after testing, should be made possible.
In accordance with the present invention, these and other objects have now been realized by the invention of a method for testing a plurality of differential pressure sensors, each of the plurality of differential pressure sensors including a reference side and a measurement side, the method comprising applying a pressure having a predetermined value to the reference side of the plurality of differential pressure sensors, measuring the output values from the measurement side for each of the plurality of differential pressure sensors, and comparing the plurality of measured output values. Preferably, the predetermined value comprises a positive pressure value. In another embodiment, the predetermined value comprises a negative pressure value.
In accordance with one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the predetermined value comprises a first predetermined value, and the method includes applying a pressure having a second predetermined value to the reference side of the plurality of differential pressure sensors. Preferably, one of the first and second predetermined values comprises a positive pressure value and the other of the first and second predetermined values comprises a negative pressure value.
In accordance with one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes applying the pressure by means of a pump.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, applying of the pressure is carried out in an apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood. Preferably, applying the pressure is carried out in a dialysis monitor.
In accordance with the present invention, these objects have also been realized by the invention of apparatus for testing a plurality of differential pressure sensors, each of the plurality of differential pressure sensors including a reference side and a measurement side, the apparatus comprising pressure means for simultaneously applying a pressure having a predetermined value to the reference side of the plurality of differential pressure sensors. Preferably, the pressure means comprises pressure generating means. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes connection means for connecting the pressure generating means to the plurality of differential pressure sensors. Preferably, the connecting means comprises tube means, preferably comprising pipe means.
In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the pressure means comprises a pump. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is selected from the group consisting of a plunger pump and a peristaltic pump.
In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the connection means comprises permanent connection means.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the connection means connects the pressure generating means to the plurality of differential pressure sensors solely for testing the differential pressure sensors. Preferably, the connection means includes an equalization opening dimensioned such that the pressure means can apply the pressure having the predetermined value to the reference sides of the plurality of differential pressure sensors and the surrounding pressure can be applied to the reference sides of the plurality of differential pressure sensors as a reference value.
The objects of the present invention are achieved by a method, wherein a pressure of predetermined value is applied simultaneously to the reference side of the sensors, and the output values of the sensors are compared with one another.
In this manner, a simple and reliable method is provided, with which the functional capability of differential pressure sensors can be determined with certainty. If a predetermined pressure value is applied simultaneously, for example, to the reference side of the blood pressure sensors in a dialysis monitor, then these must supply the same output value, or the same increase or decrease in output value, if they are functioning correctly. By comparing the output values of the sensors, the functioning of the sensors can, therefore, easily be verified. If the blood pressure sensors supply the same output value, or the same increase or decrease in output value, then no malfunction has occurred. However, if the blood pressure sensors supply different output values, or different variations in output value, then a malfunction has occurred and corresponding measures for removing the error can be applied.
The pressure values applied during this process can be of any desired magnitude and should advantageously lie in the working range, or measurement range, of the utilized differential pressure sensors. For example, the pressure value can be a positive or a negative value.
However, when using two different pressure values, on the one hand, the precision of the test can be increased, and on the other hand, the constant associated with each pressure sensor can be determined, as already described in detail above. The constant associated with each differential pressure sensor is necessary for exact determination of the pressure and can be determined only with the aid of at least two measurement values. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two different predetermined pressure values are successively applied to the reference side of the differential pressure sensors.
These different pressure values can be any desired pressure value, but advantageously a pressure that is positive relative to atmospheric pressure and a pressure that is negative relative to atmospheric pressure are applied successively, wherein either the positive or the negative pressure can be applied first. This is particularly advantageous for blood pressure sensors in a dialysis monitor which must measure both the negative arterial pressure and the positive venal pressure in the blood carrying conduits, so that the working range of the sensors is tested.
The pressure applied to the reference side for testing the differential pressure sensors can be generated by any appropriate means. However, the means should be selected such that they generate a pressure lying in the working, or measurement, range of the differential pressure sensors. Advantageously, the pressure is generated by means of a pump, as large pressure ranges can be covered thereby.
With the method according to the present invention, differential pressure sensors that are arranged in an apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood can advantageously also be tested. In these apparatus, and particularly in dialysis monitors, there are inter alia generally several differential pressure sensors provided for measuring the pressure in the blood tubes. With the method according to the present invention, for example, these blood pressure sensors can be easily tested, without large additional effort by the operating personnel and without large supplementary material costs.
The objects of the present invention are achieved by means of an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises means for simultaneously applying a predetermined pressure to the reference side of the sensors.
In this manner, simple and reliable apparatus is provided, with which the functional capability of differential pressure sensors can be determined with certainty. If a predetermined pressure is applied simultaneously to the reference side of, for example, the blood pressure sensors in a dialysis monitor with the aid of the means, then the sensors should supply the same output value, or increase or decrease in output value, when functioning correctly. As described above in detail with reference to the solution in the form of a method, the function of the blood pressure sensors can be easily checked by comparing the output values of the sensors with one another.
The apparatus does not need to include means for generating the pressure itself, although this is provided according to a preferred embodiment. The means for generating the pressure itself can take any desired form, provided that they ensure generation of the required pressure. Advantageously, however, the means for generating the pressure comprise a pump, so that large pressure ranges may be covered. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump is a plunger pump or a peristaltic pump, which, for example, is widely used in the field of medicine.
The means for simultaneously applying the predetermined pressure value to the reference side of the sensors can take any desired form, provided that they ensure simultaneous application to the reference side. However, advantageously, the means for simultaneous application comprise means for connecting the sensors with means for generating the pressure. In this manner, it is possible to apply the generated pressure directly to the reference side of the sensors. According to a further preferred embodiment, therefore, means for connecting the sensors with means for generating the pressure comprise tubes, while according to another preferred embodiment they comprise pipes.
These pipes or tubes can permanently connect the means for generating the pressure with the sensors, which is advantageous when, for example, the apparatus for testing the sensors is to be permanently arranged in a dialysis monitor. This offers the advantage that the blood pressure sensors can be checked at any time by the operating personnel, without additional manipulation. This means not only that the blood pressure sensors can be automatically tested in the test phase of the dialysis monitor prior to dialysis treatment but, for example, also during the dialysis treatment itself, or during short interruptions in the treatment, during which the dialysis monitor is checked and calibrated. Thus, a further preferred embodiment provides that the pipes or tubes permanently connect the means for generating the pressure with the sensors.
However, when manipulation by the operating personnel is taken into account, it is also possible to connect means for generating the pressure with the sensors by means of pipes or tubes only for the purpose of testing the sensors. This is useful, for example, when one apparatus for testing sensors is to be used with several devices, such as dialysis monitors. This flexible utilisation of the apparatus for testing sensors is, therefore, provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment, in which the means for connecting the sensors with the means for generating the pressure values only connect the means for generating the pressure values with the sensors for the purpose of testing the sensors.
The atmospheric, or surrounding, pressure that acts on the reference side of the differential pressure sensors and is utilized as a reference value for the differential pressure sensors can be applied to the reference side in any desired manner. However, it is advantageous when the atmospheric, or surrounding, pressure also reaches the reference side through the connecting means, as this provides a defined access to the reference side. At the same time, the connecting means can comprise an equalisation opening that is dimensioned such that, on the one hand, the predetermined pressure can be applied to the reference side by the means for generating the pressure, and on the other hand, the surrounding pressure can be applied to the reference side as a reference value. This is advantageous when the means for generating the pressure closes the connecting means, so that, apart from the equalisation opening, the reference side of the sensors has no direct connection to the surroundings, which, for example, is the case for a peristaltic or plunger pump. In this case, the equalisation opening provides a defined connection to the surroundings.

Method and apparatus for checking sensors


Sign mounting apparatus including a tubular post member is adapted to be mounted in a vertically oriented position. A horizontal member is attached to the post member and a mechanism is provided for removeably attaching the horizontal member to the tubular post member. Loops are on the horizontal member for attaching a sign to the horizontal member. A post driving mechanism is attached to the post member for securing the post to the ground by reciprocal movement of the post member and includes a closure member secured to the bottom end of the tubular post member and having a central opening therein, a shaft reciprocally mounted in the opening and moveable between a first position extending a substantial distance into the tubular post member and a second position substantially outside of the tubular post member, a first stop member on an upper end of the shaft for preventing the shaft from dropping downwardly out of the opening, a second stop member secured to a central portion of the shaft for preventing the shaft from entering the opening beyond the second stop member and a locking mechanism for holding the shaft in the first position thereof whereby it cannot slide to the second position thereof, thereby rendering it safe to carry from place to place.

The present invention relates generally to signs and more particularly to a sign apparatus having a driving mechanism attached thereto for securing a sign to the ground.
One of the most time consuming problems involved with erecting signs is the process of securing of such sign to the ground. Certain types of driving mechanisms have been devised for driving a stake portion into the ground, which stake portion is attached to the bottom of an upright member. An example of such a driving mechanism for a sign is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,143,817, for example. One of the problems with this type of a driving mechanism is that it is cumbersome; and, furthermore, it is not entirely safe. The safety problem arises when such a device is carried and a freely reciprocating shaft member with a pointed end thereon can slide out of a sleeve and injure a person if it happens to be tilted so that the shaft points downwardly to some degree at least. There is consequently a need for safety devices for solving this problem.
One common type of sign is one which has a vertically upstanding post member and a horizontal cross member attached thereto for hanging a sign thereon. One of the major problems with this type of a sign mounting apparatus is that it is extremely cumbersome and takes up a great deal of room in the trunk of a car or other hauling vehicle; and, sometimes, is even of a size which prohibits it from being transported from place to place in normal size automobiles. Consequently, there is a need for this type of sign mounting apparatus which can be readily broken down and made more compact for transporting from place to place, but still being readily and quickly reassembled for use.


A multi-modal address book for a customer associated with at least one account in an electronic communications environment is provided. The multi-modal address book is associated with a customized profile of the customer and has multiple entries. Each entry of the multi-modal address book is associated with a communications partner and includes at least one address. Information of a centrally stored copy of the address book is automatically synchronized with a copy of the address book provided at a remote communications device when information of an entry is altered at either the centrally stored address book or the copy of the address book. An indicator can be stored in association with at least one of the entries of the address book. The indicator indicates that an address book of a communications partner corresponding to an entry is to be automatically updated when the profile of the customer is altered. The updating occurs without regard to the modality used to communicate with the stored address.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an address book service in a communications environment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a communications system and method for a customer to manage and synchronize new and updated multi-modal addressing information.
2. Background Information
A need exists for a customer of a communications service to maintain a multi-modal address book with complete and up-to-date information. For example, conventionally, a customer of a telecommunications service provider may program telephone numbers into a wireline or wireless telephone as an address book. In addition, a customer of an internet service provider may maintain an address book or buddy list in association with an email or instant messaging account. A customer of both service providers may desire a complete address book that is available for accounts of both services and that includes information for both telecommunications and internet communications partners (e.g., telephone callers, email senders).
Additionally, when a communications partner changes address information, such as an email address, a customer may need to change more than one address book to update the address. Since a customer may have communications devices using different communications modes, maintaining reliable up-to-date address books can prove burdensome.
In some cases, an address book for a specific application, e.g., Microsoft Outlook, can be imported as a file and loaded into an application for a different account, e.g., an internet email account. However, importing a Microsoft Outlook address book can require significant effort and technical ability, similar to the burden of separately entering information of communications partners into different address books. Therefore, a Microsoft Outlook user may not be able to import and load a Microsoft Outlook address book to a device using a different communications mode such as short messaging service (SMS), instant messaging (IM) or traditional phone and facsimile service. Accordingly, a user with Microsoft Outlook will often rebuild an address book for new applications by hand rather than reload the information of communications partners from the Microsoft Outlook address book.
Moreover, individually notifying communications partners when a customer changes or updates information is time consuming and burdensome. Accordingly, a customer may wish to notify communications partners automatically when the customer's address information changes.
A communications system and method are needed for maintaining a centralized address book that stores multi-modal contact information and that is accessible using different devices and different communications modes and formats. In addition, a communications system and method are needed for automatically updating an address book when information changes for a customer or for a communications partner entered into an address book of the customer. Furthermore, a communications system and method are needed for synchronizing the centralized multi-modal address book with local copies that are stored in association with each of a customer's devices and accounts. To solve the above-described problems, a communications system and method are provided for maintaining a multi-modal address book service in a communications environment.


A method for establishing a driving profile includes recording a value of an operating characteristic of a motor vehicle with the aid of a sensor situated in the motor vehicle at a first point in time, linking the value to a piece of location information indicating a position of the motor vehicle to obtain a linked piece of information, transferring the linked piece of information to a server, evaluating a plurality of linked pieces of information to ascertain a driving profile which includes location-dependent values of the operating characteristic, transferring the driving profile to the motor vehicle, and ascertaining a deviation between a value of the operating characteristic of the motor vehicle and a value of the operating characteristic included in the driving profile at a position of the motor vehicle at a second point in time.

Motor vehicles are conventionally equipped with radar systems. Such radar systems may be long- or medium-range radar systems, for example. The radar systems may be used to ascertain a distance between a motor vehicle and a preceding and/or a following other motor vehicle. The ascertainment of the distance may be used in the context of a safety function to recognize an imminent collision and to prevent same by outputting a warning to a vehicle driver and/or by automatically assisting the driver with braking. Alternatively or additionally, the distance ascertainment may also be used for cruise and/or distance control in a driver assistance system which is designed to intervene in an engine management and/or a brake management of the motor vehicle.
Likewise, motor vehicles are conventionally equipped with navigation systems which are designed to ascertain a present position of a motor vehicle. The position determination may in this case take place by using GPS signals, for example.

Method for establishing a driving profile


Accurate measurements of production parts are obtained from a system which includes a first measuring apparatus in a laboratory, and a second measuring apparatus which is in a non-laboratory environment where it is subjected to greater temperature fluctuations than in the laboratory. A reference part of substantially the same size and shape as the production parts is inspected by both measuring apparatuses, and the production part is inspected by the second measuring apparatus. While being inspected, both parts occupy substantially the same location on the second measuring apparatus. Results of these inspections are processed by a computer to provide (1) target values which the shop machine would perceive when inspecting a perfect part as specified by the part drawings, or (2) values which indicate what the laboratory machine would perceive for the production part.

This invention relates to the dimensional inspection of parts.
The inspection of manufactured parts for dimensional accuracy is often performed by coordinate measuring machines. Such machines typically have a workpiece support and a traveling bridge which supports a workpiece-contacting probe. The probe is movable along three mutually perpendicular axes, and position sensing devices are utilized to determine the locations of the probe when it is in contact with the surface of the workpiece in terms of x, y, and z axes. These locations are recorded and they provide the basis for calculations which indicate the dimensions of the workpiece.
Measuring machines are customarily calibrated by using gauge blocks of known dimensions. The gauge block is inspected by the machine being calibrated and the inspection results are compared to the known dimensions of the gauge block. Subsequent measurements from the calibrated machine are adjusted accordingly.
Such calibrations are based on the assumptions that the dimensions of a gauge block do not change, and that the errors in a measuring machine are relatively uniform from one point to another throughout the measuring volume. The first of these assumptions is false if the temperature of the gauge block is different from the temperatures at which it was initially gaged, as will usually be the situation on a shop floor where there is no precise temperature control. The second assumption is false because a measuring machine, due to its individual vagaries, will produce errors with magnitudes which vary from one point to another throughout the measuring volume.
In the metrology field, it is generally accepted that a coordinate measuring machine must be located in a controlled environment in order to provide accurate measurements. Specially designed measuring laboratories are often constructed so that temperature, air purity, humidity, and other environmental elements are closely controlled to avoid conditions which would adversely affect the accuracy of any measurements.
Under current industrial practices, tolerances are stricter than they were in the past, and inventories are minimized due to just-in-time inventory practices. In view of these situations, there is a recognized need to place measuring machines on the shop floor. This would permit inspection of the parts soon after they are manufactured, and the manufacturing conditions can be adjusted quickly when necessary in order to improve the dimensional accuracy of subsequently manufactured parts. Heretofore, efforts to provide accurate measurements on the shop floor have focused on increasing the durability and accuracy of such machines in ways which attempt to overcome environmental problems.
As a practical matter, measuring laboratories cannot be located at workstations throughout a factory. A measuring machine in an uncontrolled environment cannot provide measurements which are dimensionally accurate. The sizes and shapes of parts being inspected change in various ways, and the measuring machine itself also changes. Thus, measuring machines remain in the laboratories, and production parts must travel from the shop to the measuring laboratory. This requires extra handling of the parts and inherent delays in detecting problems when they arise.
The present invention, aptly called "comparative metrology," makes it possible to obtain accurate measurements from measuring machines located throughout a factory or elsewhere outside an environmentally controlled measuring laboratory.
This invention is untraditional in the respect that it accepts and tolerates the fact that raw dimensional measurements made on the shop floor will be inaccurate. The invention relies on the fact that, despite their inaccuracies, such measurements taken on the shop floor are repeatable within an acceptable range of variations.
The rationale behind the present invention is that it is impossible to compensate for everything which may create measurement errors. Rather than trying to overcome environmental problems by modifying the machine or controlling the environment, a reference part of substantially the same size and shape as the eventual production part is inspected in the laboratory so that its dimensions are known as precisely as is possible in the laboratory. This reference part is then taken to another measuring machine which is on the shop floor where there is a less controlled environment to which the reference part and the production parts are exposed. The reference part is inspected by the shop floor machine and a production part is inspected by the shop floor machine. The measurement data is processed to determine, with accuracy comparable to laboratory accuracy, how close the dimensions of the production part are to the specified dimensions.

Method and apparatus for inspecting parts for dimensional accuracy outside a laboratory environment


An improved food debris filtering apparatus for a dishwasher and a method thereof capable of more effectively discharging food debris by separating the same from washing water and resupplying the filtered washing water so as to wash dishes, so that dish washing efficiency is increased, which includes a filtering apparatus for filtering washing water polluted during a dish washing operation; a washing water circulation unit for supplying the washing water filtered by the filtering apparatus to a spray arm; a washing water discharging unit, such as a discharging pump, for discharging pan of washing water lo containing food debris to the outside of the system; a flowing path opening/closing unit disposed at a washing water discharging path for selectively opening/closing the washing water discharging path in cooperation with the washing water circulation unit or the washing water discharging unit; and a food debris gathering and storing unit disposed between the washing water circulation unit and the washing water discharging path for filtering washing water filtered by the filtering apparatus and for gathering and storing the food debris contained in the washing water.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a food debris filtering apparatus for a dishwasher and a method thereof, and particularly to an improved food debris filtering apparatus for a dishwasher and a method thereof capable of more effectively discharging food debris by separating the same from washing water and resupplying the filtered washing water so as to wash dishes, so that dishes washing efficiency is increased.
2. Description of the Conventional Art
FIG. 1 shows a conventional dishwasher, which includes a washing chamber 2 formed inside a body 1, and a door 3 attached to the front portion of the body 1.
A dish rack 4, on which dishes (not shown) are placed, is disposed at the inner upper portion of the washing chamber 2, and a spray arm 5 having a plurality of washing water spray openings 5a formed on the upper surface of the same is disposed at the central portion of the washing chamber 2, and a heater 6 is disposed at the bottom of the washing chamber 2.
Washing water is sprayed toward dishes from the washing water spray openings 5a in a state that the dishes are placed on the dish rack 4 of the washing chamber 2, thus washing the dishes. Here, the heater 6 is directed to heating the interior of the washing chamber 2 so that dishes can be easily washed.
Meanwhile, the conventional dishwasher further includes a filtering apparatus F for filtering washing water, which is polluted through dish washing operation, a washing water circulation unit such as a washing pump for supplying the washing water filtered by the filtering apparatus F to the spray arm 5, and a washing water discharging unit such as a discharging pump for discharging part of the washing water from the filtering apparatus F to the outside of the system.
As shown in FIG. 2, a washing water (containing food debris) gathering tub 7 having a predetermined depth is disposed below the washing chamber 2, first, second, and third filters 8, 9, and 10 of the filter apparatus F are disposed at the washing water gathering tub 7. A circulation tube 11 is connected between a predetermined portion of the side wall of the washing water gathering tub 7 and the spray arm 5. A washing water discharging tube 12 is connected to the bottom of the washing water gathering tub 7, and a washing water circulation unit P1 such as a filtering unit and a washing water discharging unit P2 such as a discharging pump which are disposed at the circulation tube 11 and the discharging tube 12, respectively.
The first filter 8 is formed with a net having a plurality of net eyes having a certain size capable of filtering relatively big size food particles, and the second filter 9 is formed with a net having a plurality of net eyes having a certain size capable of filtering intermediate size food particles, and the third filter 10 is formed with a net having a plurality of net eyes having a certain size capable of small food particles.
The second filter 9 is engaged to the washing water gathering tub 7, and the first filter 8 is engaged to the intermediate portion of the second filter 9, and the third filter 10 surrounds the first filter 8 and is connected to the discharging tube 12.
The conventional dishwasher including the filtering apparatus F, the washing water circulation unit P1, and the washing water discharging unit P2 is directed to filtering washing water by permitting the washing water to flow the first, second, and third filters 8, 9, and 10 through the bottom of the washing chamber 2. The filtered washing water is supplied to the spray arm 5 in cooperation with the washing water circulation unit P1, and the washing water is sprayed from the washing water spraying openings 5a of the spray arm 5, so that dish washing operation is performed through the above-mentioned procedures.
Meanwhile, food particles clogged at the net eyes of the third filter 10 are discharged to the outside of the system through the discharging tube 12 in cooperation with the washing water discharging unit P2.
However, the conventional dishwasher has disadvantages in that relatively small food particles are not effectively filtered by the filtering apparatus F, and the recirculated washing water is not clean enough to wash dishes. In addition, washing water should be resupplied from the outside of the system, so as to reduce pollution level of the washing water. moreover, a lot of washing water is required for long time, so that washing efficiency is decreased.

Food debris filtering apparatus for dishwasher and method thereof


A method of verifying vehicle emissions includes the steps of testing a refined fuel for emissions, treating the refined fuel following the testing thereof for emissions, and then testing the treated refined fuel for emissions. The refined fuel measurements are compared with the treated refined fuel measurements to determine reduction in emissions of the fuel. This data is transmitted to a computer. The treated fuel is dispensed to a vehicle, such as a diesel truck, at a fuel dispensing station where the vehicle identification is read from the vehicle and, with the fuel data, is transmitted to the computer where the computer can match the fuel measurement data to the vehicle identification and fuel dispensing information. The process also includes the attaching of an on-board emissions monitor to the exhaust of the vehicle, which monitoring data is stored and transmitted during refueling to the computer with the refueling data. The treatment can include a combination of a magnetic treatment of the fuel while the fuel is passing through a venturi simultaneously while feeding oxygen into the fuel during treatment. Optionally, data determining reductions in emissions from treated fuel combustion in comparison to non-treated fuel combustion in a specific engine is utilized in application for monetary or non-monetary receivables in the form of emission reduction credits or the like.

The present invention deals with a method of verifying vehicle emissions and especially to a method which tests refined fuel before and after treatment and which monitors the vehicles use of the fuel.
Internal combustion engines are a major source of pollutant gases in the atmosphere. Combustion exhaust includes NO.sub.2, nitrogen oxide, called NOX, which enters the atmosphere in varying amounts according to the engine operating conditions. In addition, internal combustion engines can produce varying degrees of carbon monoxide and carbon particles.
In recent years, reduction of emissions has received an increasing amount of attention and there have been a number of relatively low emission alternatives to the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine utilizes petroleum based diesel fuel or gasoline which has survived due in part to the ability of engineers to constantly improve emission controls and maintain the internal combustion engine at governmental specified standards. However, to maintain proper emission controls requires maintaining the controls in a state of good repair. As such, an automobile, when it leaves a factory, may meet emission standards but can then change over time such that the bulk of vehicles on the road no longer meet those emission standards. One method employed by municipalities to reduce emissions has been to require periodic inspections that utilize computerized systems to measure the emissions with the result that a validation sticker is provided only to owners of vehicles who pass the tests. If not passed, the owner of a vehicle is given a predetermined amount of time to repair the vehicle and bring it within the standards. This has resulted in improvements in the level of emissions entering the environment from any particular vehicle. Emission systems are, however, relatively easy to tamper with.
Another alternative is the use of an alterative fuel system, such as natural gas and propane which burn cleaner as fuels. Typically, the average consumer does not purchase this type of fuel, and the vehicles that can burn them have difficulty to access the fuels. Also, both the state and federal government have introduced certain incentive plans that provide tax breaks for any organization that can reduce overall emissions with vehicles including tax breaks for reducing the emissions. One plan previously considered for enhancing the fuel for an internal combustion engine has been to pass the fuel through a predetermined magnetic field.
The following U.S. patents all treated fuel with a magnetic field and all place permanent or electromagnets around an existing non-magnetic fuel line to apply the magnetic field to the fuel passing through a fuel line.
The Hudz U.S. Pat. No. RE 35,181, applies a magnetic field to the vaporizer portion of a carburetor for improving the dispersion of the fuel/air mixture entering the internal combustion engine. The Saito et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,915, applies an electromagnetic field with a fluctuating magnetic flux density to a fuel injector. The Wakuta U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,582; Jeong U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,911; Wood et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,779; Anfinson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,979; and Petrovic U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,615 each attach an apparatus to the fuel line that allows the fuel to pass therethrough while applying a magnetic field to the fuel passing through the fuel line. Magnets are placed for the fuel to pass therearound which also swirl the fuel.
The Sakuma U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,743, is a process for the treatment of hydrocarbon fuel which includes treating the fuel with a very weak magnetic flux density with a larger magnetic density in the south pole than in the north pole. The Shroyer U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,954, is a fuel treating apparatus which treats the fuel including fuels with an electromagnetic field for later use in an engine. The Sanderson U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,426; Sanderson U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,237; Dalupan U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,385; and the Miyazaki U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,370; along with the Pascall U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,490 and Wolff U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,076 each treat fuel by passing the fuel through a magnetic field. The fuel appears to pass through an area of reduced cross-sectional area in the fuel line.
The Takabayashi U.S. Pat. No, 4,334,889, teaches a method of improving the combustibility of gasoline by injecting oxygen gas into gasoline in the stationary or flowing state under a magnetic field to prolong the running time of an internal combustion engine under the same conditions as untreated gasoline. The U.S. Patent to Kita et al., No. 5,829,420, is an electromagnetic device for the magnetic treatment of fuel which senses the emission and uses a microprocessor and electromagnet electrically interconnected in a feedback loop so as to minimize the emission of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons while maximizing the output of carbon dioxide on an engine.
The Tibbals, III U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,906, is an emission validation system which has a plurality of sensors for monitoring various emissions and diagnostic aspects of a vehicle. An emissions validation system is operable upon refueling through a refueling line to interface to a CPU. The CPU retrieves the stored information and transfers it through the interface through an electrical line to a main CPU in the emission validation system. The main CPU then validates the information in addition to monitoring the amount of fuel that is placed back into the vehicle's tank which allows a complete record of the vehicle history to be maintained.
The present invention deals with a method of verifying vehicle emissions particularly on fleet trucks and the like using a diesel fuel which tests a refined petroleum fuel for emissions before treating the fuel and again, after treating the fuel, and then comparing the before and after measurements to determine reduction in the emissions by the treated fuel. This data is transmitted to a computer and the fuel is dispensed at fuel dispensing stations where a truck being refueled has the data transmitted to the computer along with the identification of the truck. The computer can then match the identification of the truck with the fuel data. The invention also calls for an on-board exhaust emissions measuring device for continuously measuring the exhaust and storing the data for transmission to the computer during refueling.