A Stirling refrigerating machine, comprising a regenerator provided in a flow path for a working medium reciprocating between an expansion space and a compression space formed in a cylinder, wherein a flow strengthener making uniform the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator is provided on one or both of the expansion and compression space sides of the regenerator, whereby, because the nonuniformity of the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator is improved, a regenerated heat exchanging efficiency can be increased, and thus the performance of the refrigerating machine can be increased.

The present invention relates to a Stirling refrigerating machine.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing an example of a conventional Stirling refrigerating machine. First, the structure of this conventional Stirling refrigerating machine will be described with reference to FIG. 3. A cylinder 1 has a cylindrical space formed inside it, and, in this space, a displacer 2 and a piston 3 are arranged so as to form a compression space 6 and an expansion space 7, between which a regenerator 8 is provided to form a closed circuit. This closed circuit has its working space filled with working gas such as helium, and the piston 3 is made to reciprocate along its axis (in the direction marked F) by an external power source such as a linear motor (not shown) or the like. The reciprocating movement of the piston 3 causes periodic pressure variations in the working gas sealed in the working space, and causes the displacer 2 to reciprocate along its axis.
A displacer rod 4 penetrating the piston 3 is, at one end, fixed to the displacer 2 and, at the other end, connected to a spring 5. The displacer 2 reciprocates along its axis inside the cylinder 1 with the same period as but with a different phase from the piston 3. As the displacer 2 and the piston 3 move with an appropriate phase difference kept between them, the working gas sealed in the working space forms a thermodynamic cycle well-known as the reversed Stirling cycle, and produces cold mainly in the expansion space 7.
The regenerator 8 is a matrix of fine wire or a ring-shaped gap formed by wounding foil. As the working gas moves from the compression space 6 to the expansion space 7, the regenerator 8 receives heat from the working gas and stores the heat. As the working gas returns from the expansion space 7 to the compression space 6, the regenerator 8 returns the heat stored in it to the working gas. Thus, the regenerator 8 serves to store heat.
Reference numeral 9 represents a high-temperature-side heat exchanger, through which part of the heat generated when the working gas is compressed in the compression space is rejected to outside. Reference numeral 10 represents a low-temperature-side heat exchanger, through which heat is taken in from outside when the working gas expands in the expansion space 7.
Now, how this structure works will be described briefly below. When compressed by the piston 3, the working gas in the compression space 6 moves, as indicated by the solid-line arrow A in the figure, through the regenerator 8 to the expansion space 7. Meanwhile, the heat of the working gas is rejected through the high-temperature-side heat exchanger 9 to outside, and thus the working gas is precooled as the result of its heat being stored in the regenerator 8. When most of the working gas has flowed into the expansion space 7, it starts expanding, and produces cold in the expansion space 7.
Next, the working gas moves, as indicated by the broken-line arrow B in the figure, through the regenerator 8 back to the compression space 6. Meanwhile, the working gas takes in heat from outside through the low-temperature-side heat exchanger 10, and collects the heat stored in the regenerator 8 half a cycle ago before entering the compression space 6. When most of the working gas has returned to the compression space 6, it starts being compressed again, and thus proceeds to the next cycle. This cycle is repeated continuously, and cryogenic cold is thereby produced.
In this structure, the regenerator 8 is realized, for example, with film of polyester or the like wound in a cylindrical shape. However, here, variations are inevitable in the gaps between different layers of the film so wound, and therefore, when such a regenerator is incorporated in a Stirling refrigerating machine, most of the working gas flows through where the gaps are relatively large, and little of it flows elsewhere, making the flow of the working gas through the regenerator 8 uneven. This makes it impossible to use the whole regenerator 8 effectively for heat storage, and thus lowers regenerated heat exchange efficiency, degrading the performance of the Stirling refrigerating machine.
The working gas sealed in the cylinder 1 sometimes contains moisture, and the moisture may freeze inside the expansion space 7 and stick to the displacer 2, causing friction between the displacer 2 and the cylinder 1 and thereby hindering smooth sliding. This, too, degrades the performance of the Stirling refrigerating machine.
The moisture may also condense inside the expansion space 7 and flow into the gaps between different layers of the film, hindering the flow of the working gas through those gaps and thereby making it impossible to use the whole regenerator 8 effectively for heat storage. This, too, degrades the performance of the Stirling refrigerating machine.
An object of the present invention is to provide a Stirling refrigerating machine in which the unevenness of the flow of the working gas passing through the regenerator has been alleviated to achieve higher regenerated heat exchange efficiency. Another object of the present invention is, in a Stirling refrigerating machine, to remove moisture contained in the working gas and thereby prevent degradation of the performance of the Stirling refrigerating machine resulting from condensation or freezing of the moisture. Still another object of the present invention is, in a Stirling refrigerating machine, to remove impurities contained in the working gas and thereby prevent clogging of the regenerator caused by the impurities.
To achieve the above objects, according to the present invention, a Stirling refrigerating machine is provided with: a piston and a displacer provided coaxially inside a single cylinder and reciprocating axially inside the cylinder with identical periods but with different phases; an expansion space formed by partitioning off one end portion of the inside of the cylinder with the displacer; a compression space formed by partitioning off a middle portion of the inside of the cylinder with the displacer and the piston; and a regenerator provided in the flow path for a working medium formed between the outside of the movement path of the displacer and the inner surface of the cylinder. Here, uniformizing means for making the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform is provided on one or both of the expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the flow uniformizing means immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The flow uniformizing means makes the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform.
Alternatively, moisture absorbing means for removing moisture contained in the working medium is provided on one or both of the expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the moisture absorbing means immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The moisture absorbing means removes moisture contained in the working medium.
Alternatively, a filter for removing impurities contained in the working medium is provided on one or both of the expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the filter immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The filter removes impurities contained in the working medium.
Alternatively, flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means for making the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform and for removing moisture contained in the working medium is provided on one or both of the expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means makes the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform and removes moisture contained in the working medium.
Alternatively, flow uniformizing means shared as a filter for making the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform and for removing impurities contained in the working medium is provided on one or both of the expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the flow uniformizing means shared as a filter immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The flow uniformizing means shared as a filter makes the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform and removes impurities contained in the working medium
Alternatively, moisture absorbing means shared as a filter for removing moisture and impurities contained in the working medium is provided on one or both of the expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the moisture absorbing means shared as a filter immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The moisture absorbing means shared as a filter removes moisture and impurities contained in the working medium.
Alternatively, flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means and as a filter for making the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform and for removing moisture and impurities contained in the working medium is provided on one or both of expansion-space and compression-space sides of the regenerator.
In this structure, the working medium reciprocating between the expansion space and the compression space passes through the flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means and as a filter immediately before flowing into the regenerator. The flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means and as a filter makes the flow of the working medium passing through the regenerator uniform and removes moisture and impurities contained in the working medium.
The flow uniformizing means, moisture absorbing means, filter, flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means, flow uniformizing means shared as a filter, moisture absorbing means shared as a filter, or flow uniformizing means shared as moisture absorbing means and as a filter may be made of a material having an adequate heat capacity, so that they are given the ability to store a certain amount of heat.


Apparatus is provided for facilitating the loading of a hollow cylindrical drum, for example, an image-recording drum in an electrostatographic printer or the like, onto a rotatably driven drum axle having a free end extending outwardly in a cantilever manner from a support frame and having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. According to a preferred embodiment, such apparatus generally comprises a plurality of slide mechanisms disposed at equal distances from each other and from the intended axis of drum rotation. Each of the slide mechanisms comprises a pair of elongated slide members extending parallel to said axis of rotation, one of the slide members of each of each pair being rigidly supported by said drum axle, and the other slide members of each pair being slidably mounted on the rigidly supported slide members for movement parallel to the drum axis. The slidably mounted slide members are operable to collectively support the drum from within for axial movement between a drum-loading position axially spaced from the drum axle and a loaded position atop the drum axle.

The present invention relates to improvements in apparatus for loading (and unloading) a hollow drum onto (and from) a cantilever-mounted axle adapted to support the drum for rotation. The apparatus of the invention is particularly useful for loading and unloading an image-recording or image-transfer drum in an electrostatographic printer/copier in which minimal clearance is provided between the drum surface and the various processing stations associated with the electrostatographic imaging process.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the above-referenced U.S. application Ser. No. 09/574,425 discloses an electrostatographic document printer 10 that comprises a pair of confronting, cantilever-mounted drums 12 and 16. Drum 12 typically comprises a hollow metal cylinder having a photoconductive outer layer 14 and serves to record images, in a conventional manner, via the well-known electrostatographic process. Briefly, as drum 12 rotates counter-clockwise, layer 14 is uniformly charged at a primary charging station 20, imagewise exposed with actinic radiation at an exposure station 22 to produce a charge image on layer 14, and subjected to toner particles that selectively adhere to the charge image to render such image visible. Continued rotation of drum 12 results in the intermediate transfer of the previously formed toner image to a non-stick outer surface 18 of drum 16. Thereafter, the image-recording surface of drum 12 is cleansed at cleaning stations 25 and 26, readying the drum for subsequent image recording. Meanwhile, the toner image on drum 14 is transferred to an image-receiver sheet (not shown), and the drum surface 18 is cleaned at a cleaning station 28. As will be appreciated, all of the aforementioned processing stations are precisely positioned in close proximity to the outer surfaces of the drums 12 and 16, and great care must be taken in removing the drums for servicing lest the drum surfaces be damaged by the hardware of the processing stations.
In the printer described above, drums 12 and 16 are rotatably supported by a pair of axles A2 and A3, respectively, that extend outwardly, in a cantilever fashion, from the rear mech plate RP of the printer support frame. Referring to FIG. 2, a solenoid-operated drum-support mechanism 32 serves to provide support for the free ends of axles A2 and A3 during drum rotation. Such support mechanism is movably mounted on a pivot mount 50 for movement between an operable position in which it supports both drum axles A1 and A3, and a stand-by position (shown in FIG. 2) in which it is sufficiently spaced from the drums to enable axial movement of the drums for removal and servicing. In use, the image-recording drum 12 is supported at its opposite ends 12A and 12B by a pair of gudgeons 40 and 42 that are releasably press fit into the respective ends of the drum. The rear gudgeon 40 is rotatably mounted directly on axle A2, whereas the front gudgeon 42 is rotatably mounted on a stub axle assembly A1 that, in use, is releasably connected to the free end of axle A2. When so connected, beveled edges on each gudgeon cooperate with beveled edges at each drum end to center the drum on the longitudinal axis of axle A2. As disclosed in the aforementioned application, when axle assembly A1 is disconnected from axle A2, drum 12 will slide off its supporting gudgeons and will be free to move axially, through an opening in the printer""s front mech plate FP for servicing.
As best shown in FIG. 3, careful axial movement of drum 12 from the printer frame is facilitated by a drum-loading/unloading structure 100 that is supported by axle A2 within the drum interior. The drum loading/unloading structure comprises a pair of discs 102, 103 and a plurality of interconnecting rods 104. Discs 102, 103 are provided with concentrically arranged central apertures 102A, 103A, each being adapted to receive and slide upon axle A2. Rods 104 are mutually parallel with each other and with the longitudinal axis of axle A2. The most radially outward surface of each rod extends slightly outside the perimeter of each of the supporting discs and lies on a circle having a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of drum 12. The respective lengths of the rods, including their extensions 104A that extend beyond disc 103, are slightly less than the length of drum 12. Thus, upon removing gudgeon 42 from the end 12B of the drum 12, it will be appreciated that the drum will slide off the beveled edge of gudgeon 40 and thereby be collectively supported by several of the underlying rods 104 of the drum-loading/unloading structure. To remove the drum from axle A2, the operator grasps handles 106 mounted on disc 103 and exerts an axially outward force.
While the drum-loading/unloading apparatus described above is useful in reducing any damage to the drum surface as the drum is removed from the printer frame, it is problematic in certain respects. For example, it will be appreciated that axial movement of the drum will be supported by axle A2 only so long as the central aperture 103A of disc 103 maintains contact with the axle A2. Once contact is lost as the drum continues to move axially outward, it is up to the operator to assure that the drum axis remains substantially co-linear with the axis of axle A2; otherwise, the relatively delicate outer surface of the drum may physically contact the hardware of the various processing stations of the printer and cause damage. Ideally, the drum should be mechanically supported until the drum clears all potentially harmful surfaces as it moves axially from the printer frame. A further problem associated with the drum loading/unloading apparatus of the type described is that, being incapable of providing support for the drum at all times during of its axial movement, relatively slight defects in the drum surface cannot be addressed without totally removing the drum from the printer frame.
In view of the foregoing discussion, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved drum-loading/unloading apparatus of the type described, one that is substantially more robust than the prior art apparatus, and one that overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art apparatus.
According to the invention, an improved apparatus is provided for facilitating the loading and unloading of a hollow cylindrical drum, for example, an image-recording drum in an electrostatographic printer or the like, onto a drum axle having a free end extending outwardly in a cantilever manner from a support frame and having a longitudinally-extending axis about which the drum is adapted to rotate. According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises a plurality of telescoping slider mechanisms disposed at equal distances from each other and from the axis of the drum axle. Each of the slider mechanisms comprises a pair of elongated slide members extending substantially parallel to the drum axle. One of the slide members of each pair is rigidly supported by the drum axle, and the other slide member of each pair is slidably mounted on the rigidly supported slide member for movement parallel to the drum axle axis. The slidably mounted slide members of each pair cooperate to support the drum from within for axial movement between a drum-loading position axially spaced from the drum axle, and a loaded position atop the drum axle. Preferably, a total of three slider mechanisms are used to slidably support the drum, and each the slide mechanisms comprises a common drawer slider mechanism of the type commonly used to support a drawer in a cabinet for movement between a closed and open position. Preferably, a latching mechanism is provided to selectively latch the slidably mounted slide members in their respective drum-loading positions to facilitate loading of a drum onto the slide members.
The drum-loading/unloading apparatus of the invention is substantially more robust in construction than the aforementioned prior art structure, and it provides full support for the drum during axial movement of the drum between its operating position and a service position substantially spaced from the drum""s operating position, such as outside the support frame of the drum-utilization device. Thus, the drum may be handled and worked on, e.g., for cleaning purposes, without physically removing the drum from the loading/unloading apparatus. Further, the loading aid is significantly less costly to assemble and install in the supporting instrument.

Drum-loading/unloading apparatus for electrostatographic printer/copier


A portable gas torch igniter includes a housing having a flame duct formed therein for the introduction of a gas torch. The flame duct is open at its rear end and has a front portion arranged substantially horizontally and has an open front end into which the torch tip can be inserted. A rear portion of the flame duct is directed upwardly at an angle in the range between 35 degrees and 55 degrees for directing the resulting flame up and away from the rear of the torch igniter. A glow plug is secured to a surface of the flame duct. An electric power source provides an electric current to the glow plug. Appropriate electrical connections are provided including an electrical switch attached to the housing for conducting electric current between the power source and the glow plug. The electrical switch is positioned so as to switch on when a tip of the welding torch is positioned in proximity to the glow plug.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to gas igniters and more particularly to a gas igniter which uses a glow plug for igniting combustible gases emitted by welding torches.
2. Description of the Related Art
Commonly, the lighting of conventional gas torches for welding, cutting, etc., is accomplished by flint lighters in which the operator must strike a spark with the flint while holding the torch close to the flint. These flint lighters have certain inherent disadvantages. For example, the operator is not always able to quickly strike a sufficient spark to enable him to quickly light his torch. In addition, the operator must handle both the torch and the flint lighter at the same time, which is awkward and inconvenient. Also, the flints wear out and must be replaced. Additionally, the use of flint lighters normally requires that both hands of the operator be occupied which is highly undesirable in certain operations. Furthermore, use of these flint lighters generally require the operator's hand to be positioned in close proximity to the torch which may result in painful burning of the hand of the operator.
In view of these safety problems several hand-held electric ignition devices have been developed which allow the operator to keep his hands well away from the torch. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,522 discloses a cordless electric ignition tool having a handle portion comprising a housing containing a battery, a pair of terminals and a normally open switch in circuit with the battery and the terminals.
U.S. Pat. No. 874,357, discloses another hand-held lighter. The '357 lighter includes a hollow body and means associated with the body for closing an electric circuit associated with the body with either a resistance in or out of the same. This introduction of resistance helps prevent injury to the hollow body.
Although helping to reduce the possibility of the operator burning his hand these hand-held designs still require the operator to use both his hands. U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,856, entitled "GAS TORCH LIGHTER", issued to H. Rorvig, discloses a torch lighter having a housing which is fastened to a workbench. The housing has a heating unit mounted on the top thereof. The heating or igniting unit includes a coil of high resistance wire such as Nichrome which is wound about a suitably insulated mounting block. The torch lighter includes electrical cables and a suitable plug for connecting it to a source of electric current.
The igniting coil is enclosed by a hood for confining the gas from the torch in the area immediately surrounding the igniting coil to permit quick igniting or lighting thereof. A switch unit is also mounted atop the box in front of the heating unit and preferably in substantial alignment therewith. This switch unit comprises a pair of circuit breakers, each having opposed, disconnected convex ends defining therebetween a valley or seat for receiving the tip or nozzle of a gas torch.
To light the torch, the operator rests the tip of the gas torch in the valley provided by the convex ends to bridge the gap with the nozzle directed towards the heating unit. The engagement of the tip of the torch with the contact elements closes the circuit of the torch lighter and causes the heating coil to heat to a high temperature sufficient to ignite the gas from the torch.
Although the Rorvig device obviates many of the difficulties inherent with prior art torch igniters, there is substantial room for improvement. The Rorvig device is dependent upon an external electric source. Use of an electrical cord at a welding table can be very dangerous. Furthermore, it is secured to the workbench and cannot easily be moved from one location to another. Additionally, the hood for enclosing the igniting coil is relatively wide, shallow, and of a rectangular cross-section and consequently does little to control the direction of the flame.

Portable bench-type electric ignite for gas welding torches


A process for producing poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) comprising ring-opening polymerization of .beta.-butyrolactone is disclosed, wherein the ring-opening polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one tin compound selected from the group consisting of a distannoxane derivative (e.g., 1-chloro-3-ethoxy-1,1,3,3-tetrabutyldistannoxane), a tin carboxylate compound (e.g., tin dioctanoate), and a di-lower alkyltin oxide (e.g., dibutyltin oxide). Poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) can be produced in high yield at low cost through simple production steps. The resulting polymer has an increased molecular weight to a degree not heretofore attained.

Many microorganisms which accumulate poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid) in the microbial cells are known (see P. A. Holmes, Phys. Technol., Vol. 16, pp. 32-36 (1985) and Yoshiharu Doi, SEIBUNKAISEI KOBUNSHI ZAIRYO, pp. 26-30, Kogyo Chosakai (1990)). This polymer is a thermoplastic resin having biodegradability, i.e., enzymatic decomposability, hydrolyzability, and biocompatibility, and is now attracting attention as a functional polymeric material. For example, it is widely applicable as a clean plastic causing no environmental pollution, taking advantage of its degradability with microorganisms in soil or water (see Yoshiharu Doi, SEIBUNKAISEI KOBUNSHI ZAIRYO, pp. 19-26, Kogyo Chosakai (1990)).
Various biological or chemical processes for synthesizing poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) on an industrial scale have hitherto been proposed. For example, known biological processes include a process of utilizing Azotobacter vinelandii as disclosed in JP-A-60-251889 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application"). However, biological synthesis of a polymer requires complicated steps for separation of the accumulated polymer from microbial cells, resulting in increased production cost. Besides, there is obtained a polymer having a specific steric configuration at an optical purity of 100%, i.e., an (R)-polymer. Such a polymer has a melting point as high as 180.degree. C. and is therefore difficult to handle as reported in Yoshiharu Doi, ibid, p. 26.
On the other hand, it is known that poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) is produced by ring-opening polymerization of .beta.-butyrolactone. Examples of this chemical process include a process of using a triethylaluminum/water catalyst system (see Richard A. Gross, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 21, pp. 2657-2668 (1988)), a process of using a diethylzinc/water catalyst system (see Y. Zhang, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 23, pp. 3206-3212 (1990) and N. Tanahashi, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 24, pp. 5732-5733 (1991)), a process of using an aluminum-porphyrin complex as a catalyst (see S. Asano, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 18, pp. 2057-2061 (1985)), a process of using a potassium solution or other potassium compounds as a polymerization initiator (see Z. Jedlinski, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 18, pp. 2679-2683 (1985)), a process of using a specific compound comprising aluminum and zinc (ZnAl.sub.2 O.sub.2 (OCHMe.sub.2).sub.4) as a polymerization initiator (see N. C. Billingham, et al., J. Organomet. Chem., Vol. 341, pp. 83-93 (1988)), and a process of using a metal alkoxide, e.g., a magnesium or tin alkoxide, as a polymerization initiator (see Hans R. Kricholdorf, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 21, pp. 286-293 (1988)). In the above-mentioned process using a diethylzinc/water catalyst system, .beta.-butyrolactone to be ring-opening polymerized is used after dehydration with calcium hydride.
According to these chemical processes, complicated steps as involved in biological processes are not necessary, and the steric configuration of the produced polymer can be controlled to some extent by a choice of the steric configuration of the starting .beta.-butyrolactone. It is reported that an (R)-polymer produced undergoes biodegradation, while an (S)-polymer produced does not, so that the rate of decomposition can be controlled by the production ratio of the (R)-polymer (see Jhon E. Kemnitzer, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 25, pp. 5927-5934 (1992)). In other words, chemical processes are expected to provide a polymer having an arbitrary optical purity according to use.
However, the conventional ring-opening polymerization of .beta.-butyrolactone encounters difficulty in providing poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) having a high molecular weight, i.e., a number average molecular weight (Mn) of not less than 100,000 and a degree of polymerization of not less than about 1,000, as achieved by the biological processes. In addition, the catalysts or catalyst systems proposed to date exhibit unsatisfactory catalytic activity, still incurring high production cost.
In some detail, the above-mentioned process using a diethylzinc/water catalyst system produces a polymer having an Mn as low as 50,000 in a yield of about 84% at the highest through a reaction at 60.degree. C. for 5 days (see N. Tanahashi, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 24, pp. 5732-5733 (1991)).
A 1,3-disubstituted-1,1,3,3-tetraalkyldistannoxane (hereinafter referred to as a distannoxane derivative), one of the tin compounds according to the present invention, has a unique ladder-like double structure and is known to be useful as a catalyst mainly for urethane synthesis or ester synthesis (see Junzo Otera, et al., NIPPON KAGAKUKAISHI, No. 6, pp. 601-610 (1990) and J. Otera, et al., J. Org. Chem., Vol. 56, pp. 5307-5311 (1991)).
A process for producing a lactone polymer comprising reacting a lactone with a compound having a hydroxyl group or an amino group in the presence of a distannoxane derivative is disclosed in JP-B-43-2947 (the term "JP-B" as used herein means an "examined Japanese patent publication"). The lactone used in this process has a 6- or higher-membered ring, and no mention is made of ring-opening polymerization of a 4-membered lactone which is deemed to be more difficult to be ring-opening polymerized than 6- or higher-membered lactones. Besides, all the polymers obtained have as low a molecular weight as 500 to 12000 (corresponding to a polymerization degree of about 5 to 140). Further, the process essentially needs a polymerization initiator, failing to meet the demands for simplification of production steps and reduction of production cost.
JP-B-46-645 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,507) teaches a process for polymerizing a lactone monomer in the presence of a specific polymerization initiator and a catalyst, such as tetrabutyldichlorodistannoxate. However, no specific mention being made of .beta.-butyrolactone, the starting material used in the present invention, it is not construed that the outstanding problems have been settled sufficiently. Further, this patent publication says that a polymer having an average molecular weight of not less than 10,000 and, in some cases, 100,000 or even more can be obtained. However, the working examples of this patent publication simply describe the viscosity of the resulting lactone polymers without specifying the molecular weight, also failing to solve the problem. Furthermore, a specific polymerization initiator, such as glycol diacetate, is still required. Use of such a polymerization initiator not only conflicts with the demands for simplification of steps and reduction of cost but causes a reduction in degree of polymerization because the initiator acts as a catalyst poison in the polymerization system.

Process for producing poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid)


A secondary battery, includes a bare cell including an upper surface having an electrode terminal and side surfaces perpendicular to the upper surface; and a first coverlay and a second coverlay electrically connected to the bare cell, the side surfaces including a pair of first side surfaces that are in parallel with each other, and a pair of second side surfaces connecting the pair of first side surfaces to each other and having a smaller area than that of the pair of first side surfaces, the first coverlay including a first region on the upper surface, and a second region bent perpendicularly from the first region and on one of the pair of the second side surfaces, the second coverlay including a third region on the first region, and a fourth region bent perpendicularly from the third region and on the second region.

1. Field
One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a secondary battery and a secondary battery pack including the secondary battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
Owing to developments in the fields of wireless Internet and communication technology, distribution of mobile phones and portable computers that may be operated by using a battery without an external power supply device has increased. Mobile phones or portable computers may have a small size and may be easy to carry, and may be being widely used for both business and personal use.

Secondary battery and secondary battery pack including the same


A cup-shaped wear resistant liner for a center plate structure of a railway vehicle is provided wherein such liner is defined by a planar disc-like bottom portion adjoined by a peripheral flange portion extending from the periphery of the bottom portion with each of the portions being made primarily of a polymeric material wherein one of the portions has a particular wear characteristic and the other of the portions has a wear characteristic that is different from the wear characteristic of the one portion.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to railway vehicles and in particular to wear resistant liners for center plate structures thereof.
2. Prior Art Statement
It is known in the art to provide a wear member or liner for center plate structure of a railway vehicle made of a particular polymeric material having reinforcing material embedded therein and as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,888.
It is also known to provide a bowl shaped liner for center plate structure wherein such liner consists of a disc portion and an adjoining flange portion made of a separate segmented strip and as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,951.
It has also been proposed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 30,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,007, issued Dec. 16, 1980 to provide a roughly U-shaped pedestal liner having a bight and a pair of parallel legs and such liner is for disposal between an associated pedestal leg and journal box of a railway pedestal truck wherein the pedestal liner has a continuous uninterrupted backing material defining its bight and parallel legs, a first antifriction material for the bight fixed against the backing material, a second antifriction material for the parallel legs also fixed against the backing material, and with the first and second antifriction materials having different wear characteristics compatible with the different wear rates to which they are subjected.


A short wheelchair restraining strap formed from webbing is formed with a small loop at one end and a large loop at the other end. The small loop is passed around a portion of the wheelchair frame, and the large loop is then passed through the small loop. The short strap so attached then leaves the large loop end protruding from the wheelchair frame which provides an easy point of attachment for a tie-down strap. The tie-down strap is a length of webbing having two ends held to a fitting affixed to the floor of a vehicle. A length adjusting buckle is positioned in the length of webbing. The tie-down strap is looped through the large loop of the short wheelchair restraining strap.

The field of the invention is wheelchair restraint systems, and the invention relates more particularly to straps used to secure a wheelchair to the floor of a motor vehicle. When wheelchairs are transported in a bus or other vehicle, it is important that the wheelchair be restrained so that when the bus starts, stops or turns, that the wheelchair will not move any significant distance.
Many restraint systems have been devised, and most of these use a floor track installed in the vehicle to which a track end fitting is snapped. The major drawback with presently used systems is that it is very time consuming for the motor vehicle operator, or assistant, to tie down the wheelchair which must be done before the bus can move. Part of the reason for this time-consuming step is the inaccessibility of the frame of the wheelchair for attachment of securement straps. Wheelchair restraint systems are shown in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,060,271; 4,257,644; 4,427,210; 4,492,403; 4,623,289; 4,688,843; 4,826,193; 4,951,365; 4,966,392; and 5,026,225. Most of these tie-down restraint systems require time-consuming attachment steps. Others are impractical in that the cost of equipping vehicles with such devices is prohibitively expensive and they are not adaptable to all wheelchairs.


This invention has as its object to provide a highly reliable image reading apparatus in which both an image reading unit and photographing unit can obtain optimal images. To achieve this object, the apparatus has a light-emitting element array which illuminates a document to be read by a read sensor, and an illumination lamp which illuminates the document to be recorded by the photographing unit.

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus which comprises an image reading unit for reading an image of a document, and a photographing unit for recording an image on a photosensitive member such as a film by exposure.
In general, an image reading apparatus (to be referred to as a xe2x80x9cdocument scannerxe2x80x9d hereinafter) for reading an image as digital image information using a photoelectric conversion element allows easy search, edit, and the like of read and stored information. However, the stored information is not legally endorsed. For example, the stored information cannot be used as an evidence in court. On the other hand, a microfilm on which an image is recorded by the microfilm photographing apparatus is legally endorsed. However, stored information does not allow easy search, edit, and the like.
In this way, the document scanner and microfilm photographing apparatus have opposite characteristics. Hence, an image reading apparatus which can utilize merits of both the microfilm photographing apparatus and document scanner by combining the photographing function of the microfilm photographing apparatus and the function of the document scanner may be proposed. That is, an image reading apparatus which allows easy search, edit, and the like of stored information, and can store information to be legally endorsed may be proposed.
A microfilm photographing apparatus (also called a rotary microfilm camera) for photographing an image on a document on a roll film by slit exposure while feeding the document at a constant speed is known. Also, an image reading apparatus for reading an image on a document by inputting it to a fixed photoelectric conversion element as a linear image while feeding the document is known. Note that the document includes not only a sheet but also thin media such as a card, label, and the like which bear images such as text, pictures, and the like.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing principal part of a conventional image reading apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a document serving as an object; 202A and 202B, transparent guide glass windows provided on a convey path to photograph the conveyed document 201; 203A and 203B, lamps for illuminating the document to project an image onto a light-receiving element that performs photoelectric conversion or a microfilm; 204A and 204B, first mirrors which form an optical path for projecting the image of the illuminated document onto the light-receiving element and microfilm; and 205, a slit for splitting the optical path of the image illuminated with lamps into the light-receiving element side and the microfilm photographing side.
Reference numeral 206 denotes a second mirror for guiding the optical path split by the slit 205 toward the light-receiving element; 207, a third mirror for guiding the optical path split by the slit 205 toward the microfilm side; and 208 and 209, fourth and fifth mirrors for similarly guiding the optical path toward the microfilm.
Reference numeral 210 denotes a lens for projecting the image onto the light-receiving element; 211, a read sensor having a photoelectric conversion light-receiving element; 212, a microfilm lens for projecting the image onto the microfilm; 213, a microfilm; and 214, a light amount varying unit prepared by combining two polarization plates to adjust the amount of light to be projected onto the light-receiving element. In the light amount varying unit, the two polarization plates are arranged to overlap each other, and are pivoted so that their directions of polarization cross, thereby adjusting the transmission light amount.
The overall operation will be explained first. A document 201 is conveyed by a document convey unit (not shown) to the guide glass windows. When the conveyed document has reached an image photographing area inside the guide glass windows 202, it is illuminated by the, lamps 203A and 203B. An image on the illuminated document is guided toward the photographing side via the first mirrors 204A and 204B, and its optical path is split into the read sensor side and microfilm photographing side by the slit 205 inserted between the first mirrors 204A and 204B, and the second and third mirrors 206 and 207.
Of the split optical paths, the image guided toward the read sensor side is projected onto and read by the read sensor by the lens 210 via the second mirror 206. The image read by the read sensor is captured as image data into a main body (not shown).
The other optical path split by the slit is guided to the third, fourth, and fifth mirrors 207, 208, and 209, and the microfilm 213 is exposed with the illuminated image via the microfilm lens 212.
Read by the read sensor and photographing on the microfilm are done using identical light source light, as can be seen from the arrangement of the optical path.
However, in the aforementioned prior art, since a document is illuminated using a single light source, wavelength ranges and light amounts respectively suitable for the light-receiving element that performs photoelectric conversion, and a photosensitive material such as a microfilm or the like cannot be selected. FIG. 6 shows an example of the characteristics of the photosensitive material and light-receiving elements depending on the light amount.
As can be seen from FIG. 6, when an exposure value is set to obtain an image having an appropriate density upon microfilm photographing, an appropriate image can be photographed on the microfilm. However, that exposure value results in an excessive light amount on the light-receiving element that performs photoelectric conversion, and the read image suffers fog and blurred text, resulting in poor reproduction of details.
Hence, the light amount varying unit such as a filter or the like described in the prior art is required on the optical path between the slit and light-receiving element so as to obtain an appropriate light amount on the light-receiving element. However, such unit may deteriorate image quality. Furthermore, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the light-receiving element that performs photoelectric conversion, and photosensitive material have different photosensitive characteristics.
As can be seen from the above description, when a single light source is used, it is very troublesome to adjust light source light to the photosensitive characteristics of both the light-receiving element and photosensitive material so as to obtain an optimal image, resulting in an expensive apparatus.
In order to allow density adjustment on the photoelectrically converted image side, the light amount varying unit described in the prior art is required, resulting in a complicated mechanism.
In addition, the density of the photographed image on the microfilm changes depending on the image density of the document upon photographing and the characteristics of a developing machine. In this case, the exposure value must be adjusted.
Likewise, density adjustment of the light-receiving element that performs photoelectric conversion is required in correspondence with an image on a document so as to read an image with higher quality.
Since the xe2x80x9cexposure valuexe2x88x92density output characteristicsxe2x80x9d of the light-receiving element and microfilm have no correlation, they must be individually set.
An image reading apparatus normally has a plurality of read resolutions, and changes the document convey speed in correspondence with the read resolution so as to take balance between the image quality and file size of the read image. Upon reading at high resolution, if the read speed per line is to be increased while setting a constant document speed, a high-speed, high-sensitivity photoelectric conversion element, and also a higher-speed image processing circuit are required, resulting in an expensive, complicated arrangement. Hence, the image reading apparatus changes and sets the document convey speed in correspondence with the read processing speed of a read processor while taking balance between the cost and arrangement. In this case, in the photographing apparatus using a photosensitive material such as a microfilm or the like, the amount of illumination light must be changed in correspondence with the convey speed for keeping the density of the photographed image constant, because the density of the image is defined by the amount of illumination light and an exposed time.
However, since the conventional apparatus illuminates a document using a single light source, setups that can satisfy the image qualities of both the photoelectric conversion side and film side cannot be obtained, because the changeable amount of the illumination light amount is limited.
In the conventional microfilm photographing apparatus, the feed speed of the document is always constant, and the photographing reduction factor can be switched within the range from ({fraction (1/24)}) to ({fraction (1/57)}). For this reason, the user prepares a plurality of photographing lenses having different reduction factors, and exchanges photographing lenses in accordance with the required reduction factor. The microfilm photographing apparatus changes the feed speed of the film in correspondence with the reduction factor, and takes a photo while the exposure value remains the same.
Also, the microfilm photographing device changes the brightness of illumination of a document since the developing condition of the photographed film, the density of the document, and the like may vary. For this purpose, the conventional microfilm photographing apparatus can adjust the brightness of a lamp that illuminates a document within the range from about 10% to about 50%. For example, the microfilm photographing apparatus adjusts the brightness of the lamp that illuminates a document by phase control of an AC power supply of a lamp such as a bulb, fluorescent lamp, or the like using a thyristor or the like, DC control for changing a voltage applied to a lamp, PWM control for controlling the amount of light of a lamp for turning on/off electric power applied to the lamp, and the like.
However, when the image reading apparatus mainly uses the function of the microfilm photographing apparatus to improve the read resolution, as a constant exposure value on a microfilm is set, the document convey speed can only be changed within the adjustment range of a lamp regulator that adjusts illumination of a document. For this reason, the image read resolution of the document scanner in which the read processing speed per line is fixed cannot be drastically changed.
When the read resolution is improved by mainly using the function of the document scanner so as not to disturb the performance of the document scanner, the following problem is posed.
The read resolution of the document scanner can be freely set by changing the document convey speed. For this reason, the document scanner normally has a read resolution range of about six times or more, i.e., a range from about 100 dots per inch (dpi) to about 600 dpi. Dots per inch indicate the number of dots per inch.
In this case, the convey speed of a film as the document changes about six times in correspondence with the read resolution. In the microfilm photographing apparatus that takes a photo by slit exposure, if the amount of light of a document illumination lamp is constant, the exposure value of a film increases in inverse proportion to the document convey speed, thus disturbing photographing at an appropriate density.
The document convey speed is added as new change condition, and conventional conditions such as the developing conditions, document density, and the like must also be taken into consideration. Hence, in order to maintain a constant density of the photographed image in consideration of all these conditions, the light amount of the document illumination lamp of the microfilm photographing apparatus must be varied within the range of around 12 times (around 100% to 8.4%).
For this reason, a lamp light amount control circuit for controlling the amount of light of illumination of a document must control the amount of light within the range of around 12 times or more. Since the light amount control range of a general circuit is around 10% to 50%, control that largely diverges from the general limit range of the amount of light is required, resulting in a very expensive circuit.
As a method of adjusting the amount of light by a relatively simple circuit arrangement, a plurality of illumination lamps may be prepared for the obverse and reverse sides of a document, and the amount of light may be controlled by controlling the number of ON illumination lamps. However, a plurality of illumination lamps, lamp control circuits, and the like are required, a size reduction of the apparatus cannot be attained, and the cost is high.
Therefore, upon simultaneously reading an image using the microfilm photographing apparatus and document scanner, one of an arrangement which sets a constant image read speed to fix the read resolution, and an arrangement which can change the image read speed, prepares for an expensive document illumination device, and adjusts the amount of light in correspondence with the document convey speed must be selected.
The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems and has as its object to provide a highly reliable image reading apparatus in which both an image reading unit and photographing unit can obtain optimal images.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus which can adjust the amount of light corresponding to the document convey speed by changing the degree of opening of a slit even when the document read speed is changed.
In order to solve the above problems and to achieve the above objects, an image reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by the following arrangement.
That is, an image reading apparatus which comprises an image reading unit which reads image information of a document, and a photographing unit which records an image of the document on a photosensitive material by exposure, comprises a first image illumination unit which illuminates the document read by the image reading unit, and a second image illumination unit which illuminates the document recorded by the photographing unit.
Also, an image reading apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized by the following arrangement.
That is, an image reading apparatus comprises a document convey unit which conveys a document, an image reading unit which reads an image on the document conveyed by the document convey unit, a resolution selection unit which selects an image read resolution of the image reading unit, a photographing unit which has an exposure adjustment unit which adjusts an exposure value by controlling a degree of opening of a slit, and photographs an image on the document conveyed by the document convey unit, and a control unit which controls operations of the document convey unit and the exposure adjustment unit on the basis of the resolution selected by the resolution selection unit so as to adjust a convey speed of the document and the exposure value.
Other objects and advantages besides those discussed above shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows. In the description, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example, however, is not an exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore reference is made to the claims which follow the description for determining the scope of the invention.


A system and method for detecting hard targets in a free-space laser system includes a laser, an optical detector, and electronics. The laser is configured to emit a laser beam along an optical path through transmitter optics into a field of view. The optical detector is positioned along a laser transmitter path and configured to receive retroreflections of the laser beam. The electronics are configured to determine if an output of the optical detector is indicative of presence of a hard target within the field of view, and control the laser to a safe state if the output is indicative of presence of the hard target.

The present invention relates generally to optical systems, and in particular to remote sensing systems such as light detection and ranging (lidar) systems.
Remote sensing systems, which may be implemented onboard aircraft, for example, are configured to inject light into an area of interest in order to monitor the environment within that area of interest. Because humans may enter the area of interest, eye safety must be ensured. For laser systems, eye safety has been handled using multiple methods. For example, the optical system may limit the projected wavelengths to eye safe wavelengths, such as wavelengths that fall outside of the range between 400 nm and 1400 nm. Optical systems may also utilize low power levels, and/or restrict access to the area of interest. While these methods may be effective at ensuring eye safety, they may not be practical for all applications. It is desirable to provide eye safety for optical systems that are unable to utilize these safety methods.

Hard target detection for optical systems


An arm sling apparatus includes cooperating suspension system and support frame wherein the weight of a user's arm may be transferred from the shoulder to the torso. The arm sling apparatus allows the shoulder to rest and/or heal by temporarily relieving the shoulder of its lifting duties preferably without touching and therefore without stressing or fatiguing the neck or shoulder regions. A suspension system comprising one or more suspending devices engages and supports the arm in conjunction with a rigid, stable support frame from which it is hung. The support frame preferably comprises a stiff, but comfortable, waist belt and a rigid upright support arm adapted to accept the weight applied to the suspension system and center this weight about the hips. The support frame provides sufficient clearance for the shoulder and neck regions so that pressure is not applied to these areas. Immobilization straps or other devices may be adjusted to permit varying degrees of activity or immobilization so that the shoulder corresponding to the suspended arm may rest and/or heal. The device may also be used to prevent repetitive wear injuries if a user finds him or herself performing the same motion repeatedly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical and surgical equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to an arm sling for supporting the weight of an arm, which may be adjusted to allow movement or total immobilization. More specifically, the invention relates to relief of shoulder stresses involved in bearing the weight of the arm or holding the arm in a generally upright position.
2. Related Art
Typically, the shoulder bears substantially the full weight of the arm. However, sometimes this load must be minimized or eliminated, using various devices, to allow an injured shoulder to heal or to prevent further damage. An example of such a situation would be the period of recovery following surgical repair of the rotator cuff. A device used to support the weight of the arm and/or any additional weight held by the arm can also be used to keep the shoulder from becoming over-strained and thus allow the shoulder and/or arm to heal. An example of this is the Ultimate Arm Sling®, the Open Envelope Arm Sling or Envelope Arm Sling by Best Orthopedic, and the Perfect Fit Arm Sling by Johnny Sheppard. The healing of some injuries requires that movement of the arm be severely limited or even that the arm be completely immobilized. Restricting movement of the arm promotes rest and prevents further damage to bones or body tissues in the injured area(s). One device that may be used in such cases is a sling that goes under and around the arm and then extends up and around the neck, which sling will support and bear the weight of the arm. In those cases requiring that the arm be immobilized in close proximity to the body, an additional strap or swath can be placed around the arm and around the body, thus, holding the arm against the body and limiting motion. Examples of this type of sling include The Joslin Swathe™, Acromioclavicular Splint, the Breg Slingshot, or The Shoulder Immobilizer by Darco. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,165 (Rowe et al.) discloses a sling-like swathe wherein a band of flexible material is wrapped beneath the arm, up and over the shoulder, and around the body to both support the weight of the arm and constrain the arm against the body of the wearer. Other designs also permit the immobilization of an injured arm. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,449 (Moore et al.) provides an arm supporting cuff in a vest. In this example, insertion of the injured arm into the cuff substantially supports the weight of the arm and holds the arm against the body of the wearer.
Still, there remains a need for an arm sling apparatus capable of bearing the weight of the arm and transferring this load to a stronger, more stable part of the body to prevent further injury. It is an object of the present invention to provide an arm sling apparatus wherein the weight of the arm may be temporarily removed from the shoulder to allow the shoulder to rest and/or heal. It is a further object of the present invention to furnish a device that may support the shoulder's typical load comfortably without stressing or fatiguing the neck or shoulder regions.

Arm sling apparatus allowing movement or total immobilization


A wireless communication system includes a plurality of wireless devices that communicate with each other. Each of the wireless devices includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a carrier of a fixed strength with polarization waves thereof rotated to a different one of the wireless devices using two antennae spatially orthogonal to each other, a reception unit configured to receive a carrier transmitted from the transmission unit of the different wireless device, and a timing detection unit configured to detect a timing at which the polarization waves of the carrier received by the reception unit within a period of rotation indicates a maximum strength. The transmission unit performs transmission or reception of a specific information signal using the carrier based on the timing detected by the timing detection unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system that transmits and receives information using polarization waves whose polarization angle varies.
2. Description of the Related Art
Toward the realization of sustainable development of society, high-efficiency operation of social infrastructure systems for producing and distributing, for example, energy, water, gas, petroleum and so forth is important. To this end, high-frequency operation of apparatus configuring the systems is required. In order to implement high-efficiency operation of apparatus configuring a system, a technology is considered promising that collects and analyzes a great amount of data obtained from a large number of sensors disposed in the individual apparatus configuring the system to estimate and predict an operational status and control information obtained on the basis of a result of the estimation is transmitted to the individual apparatus. Thus, a monitoring and controlling network for the technology is required.
In the monitoring and controlling network, a very great number of transmission paths are required for collecting data from the large number of sensors and transmitting control information to the individual apparatus. Therefore, a network configuration which uses a wireless communication technology suitable for a network having a great number of transmission paths is demanded.
Sensors disposed in an apparatus configuring a social infrastructure system and actuators for controlling the apparatus act themselves as electromagnetic wave scattering bodies. Therefore, in a wireless network that uses electromagnetic waves as a communication medium, it cannot be expected for a wireless device configuring the network to communicate in a line-of-sight state, and the network is operated in a special state in which it uses a non-line-of-sight wave for which a multiple reflection wave after reflection by the apparatus is used. As one of technologies for use in such a situation as just described, for example, a technology for implementing wireless communication of high reliability by a transmission antenna and a reception antenna of a small size under an environment in which interference by multipath waves occurs is disclosed, for example, in JP-2015-039218-A. The technology relates to a polarization angle division diversity wireless transmitter that includes modulation means for modulating an information signal of a first frequency with a second frequency and outputting a resulting first modulation signal, and electromagnetic wave transmission means for transmitting the first modulation signal in the form of two polarization waves independent of each other and superimposing a third frequency to the polarization waves.

Wireless communication system having a transmission unit that transmits or receives based on a detected timing


A film storage device for storing films fed by a feed system in a magazine includes a pressing mechanism, angularly displaced with respect to a direction in which a film is fed, for pressing the film into the magazine, a film feeder coupled to the pressing mechanism and angularly movable for forcibly delivering the film into the magazine along the direction, and a drive mechanism for moving the pressing means into the magazine. The film storage device also has a system for storing and displaying the number of films stored in the magazine, and also for detecting a mismatch between the types of the cassette and the magazine.

The present invention relates to a film storage device for placing a number of films taken out of a cassette as stacked films in a magazine.
Heretofore, a film which has been exposed to an X-ray image and which has not yet been developed is placed in a cassette in a light-shielding condition, and the cassette is accommodated into a given device. After the film is taken out of the cassette and placed in a magazine, the empty cassette is removed from the above device. Such a device is widely employed in mammographic imaging systems.
The relationship between the device and a mammographic imaging system will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings.
Films a which are stacked in an envelope are placed in a magazine b in a bright room, and the magazine c is then accommodated in a loading device b. An empty flat cassette d is also accommodated in the loading device c. If films a' of a different size are also involved, the films a' are placed in a magazine b' in a bright room, and the magazine b' and an empty cassette d' are accommodated in another loading device c'. In the loading device c, an unexposed film a is transferred from the magazine b into the cassette d by a feed mechanism (not shown). Then, the cassette d which loads the film a in a light-shielding condition is taken out of the loading device c. Likewise, an exposed film a' is transferred from the magazine b' into the cassette d' which is taken out of the loading device c'. The films a, a' in the flat cassettes d, d' are used to photograph an object such as a woman's chest to check for a breast cancer, for example.
The cassettes d, d' (referred to as cassettes f, f'), which pace the exposed films a, a' therein, are then accommodated in a film removal device g associated with an automatic photographic processor. In the film removal device g, the films a, a' are taken out of the cassettes f, f'. The films a, a' are thereafter sent to the automatic photographic processor and developed into X-ray photographs. Alternatively, the cassettes f, f' are placed in a film storage device h which is not associated with an automatic photographic processor. In the film storage device h, the films a, a' are stacked in magazines i, i' by film delivery mechanisms. Then, the magazines i, i' are accommodated in a film feed device j associated with an automatic photographic processor, and the films a, a' are taken out of the magazines i, i' and sent to the automatic photographic processor. The films a, a' are thereafter developed into X-ray photographs by the automatic photograpic processor.
When films are successively placed as stacked films into a magazine, the magazine is generally held horizontally. Therefore, a film delivery mechanism combined with the magazine is also required to deliver the films horizontally into the horizontal magazine. As a result, the film delivery mechanism has a large horizontal extent.
Attempts have been made to hold a magazine vertically and place films into the vertical magazine from an opening defined in an upper side of the magazine. Films which are to be placed in a magazine are of various sizes. When such a magazine is accommodated in an automatic photographic processor, it is extremely difficult to take films of smaller sizes out of the magazine from the upper opening thereof. In view of the difficulty of taking out smaller films, the magazine has a large film removal opening defined below the upper opening, and the film removal opening is usually closed by a shutter on the magazine. Consequently, the magazine itself is expensive, cannot easily handled as it is heavy, and is complex in structure.
In the film storage device h, it is necessary to transfer the films a, a' of different sizes from the cassettes f, f' to the magazines i, i' of corresponding sizes.
It has been customary to manually check the number of films stored in the magazines i, i' and also to manually match the types of the magazines i, i' in the film storage device h to the types of the cassettes f, f'.
The manual processes of checking the number of film stored and matching the cassette and magazine types are however quite tedious and laborious, and hence highly costly.


A cream comprising: a topical carrier wherein the topical carrier comprises a member selected from the group comprising lavender oil, myristal myristate, and other preservatives including, hypericum perforatum arnica montana capric acid; and 0.01 to 1.0 wt. % capsaicin; 2 to 10 wt. % an encapsulation agent selected from the group comprising colloidal oatmeal hydrogenated lecithin, dipotassium glycyrlhizinate and combinations thereof; esters of amino acid; a light scattering element having a particle size up to 100 nm.; and a histidine.

Arthritis is a common chronic problem, which occurs below the surface of the skin. Millions of people and animal have the condition. Various topical creams and ointments are sold for treatment of arthritis; however, most utilize an anesthetic, such as lidocane, benzocaine or other numbing agent for the skin surface.
The present invention was developed to provide a cream, which has as the three critical ingredients, capsaicin, plus an anesthetic and an analgesic. The composition overcomes other obstacles of known capsaicin creams in that the amounts used enable the warming relief of the peppers in combination with the coolness of the anesthetic, yet enable the user to still feel objects they touch due to the use of an analgesic as a critical component rather than large amounts of anesthetics.
Various capsaicin compositions have been developed over the years, in particular, the psoriatic composition of U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,450, the nasal composition of U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,166, and the composition of U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,853, the anti-inflammatory composition of U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,910, the composition of U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,532, the composition for animals of U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,565, the stomach treatments of U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,041, the composition of U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,886, the patch with medication of U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,510, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
After many years of research and testing on subject, the present invention has been developed which does not rely on topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine (Entry 5310, p. 786 Merck Index, Tenth Edition 1983) and benzocaine (ethyl aminobenzoate, Entry 3710, p. 546 Merck Index, Tenth Edition, 1983) into formulations containing capsaicin, and then applying such formulations for the initial period of treatment to eliminate the painful burning from the application of capsaicin, allowing the patient to continue therapy while being able to feel through the skin onto which the cream is applied.
The present invention relates to a method of treating arthritis using a cream composition therefore in which capsaicin is used as the principle therapeutic agent along with an analgesic and an anesthetic in a cream.
An object of the present invention is to provide a cream, which is easily applied, easy to absorb into the skin, and provides ability to feel objects.
Capsaicin is trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-5 nonenamide, a naturally occurring alkyl vanillylamide and a type of capsaicinoid. It is found in high concentration in fruit of plants of the Capsicum genus. The chili pepper, red pepper and paprika are all species of Capsicum. All hot papers contain capsaicinoids. Capsaicinoids are natural materials, which produce a burning sensation in the mouth. Capsicum has recently been officially defined in the USP 23 where it is defined as the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens Linne or Capsicum annum Linne.
There are two main capsaicinoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin and three minor capsaicinoids, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin and homodihydrocapsaicin. All capsaicinoids are considered usable within the scope of this invention.
Capsicum is the dry powder obtained by grinding up the fruits of these plants. Capsicum oleoresin (or capsaicin oleoresin) is the liquid concentrate extracted from the dry powder. Capsaicin, a white crystalline material, is obtained from the liquid concentrate.
The composition of the invention comprises capsaicin as a first active ingredient and at least one second active ingredient acting as an analgesic to reduce the sensation of capsaicin induced skin irritation. The ingredients are contained in a carrier fluid. The genus capsicum is a member of a large tropical family solanaceae. There are numerous species, of which Capsicum annum, Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens are closely related. Capsicum frutescens is also known as Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Pimento Tabasco Pepper and Tabasco-sauce pepper.
Capsaicin (N-Vanillyl-8-methyl-6-(E)-noneamide) is the most pungent of the capsaicinoids. It is very soluble in fats, oils and alcohols. Capsicum also contains a red coloring matter, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid.
Capsicum frutescens extract can be obtained from Bio-Botanica, Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y. and appears as a viscous fluid, having a sallow yellow color, a caustic and pungent aroma, and is soluble in ethanol.
Capsicum is a powerful local stimulant. It is strongly rubifacient acting without vesication.
In the present invention, capsaicin is mixed with a carrier fluid. Preferably, the carrier fluid is water-based and forms an aqueous solution containing the ingredients. However, the carrier may be a fluid such as an oil based carrier, a fat based carrier, a fatty alcohol based carrier and combination of these.
Additional irritant is added to the capsaicin and carrier. Histidines, such as histamine dihydrochloride, are considered usable in the scope of the present invention to create vasodilatation, and act as a second irritant. Adding the second irritant produces an analgesic effect and does not numb the site, like an anesthetic or depress coetaneous sensory receptors. It is possible to add more than one histidine to achieve the analgesic reaction. Instead, it has a topical counterirritant effect by stimulating coetaneous sensory receptors, see, Federal Register, Vol. 48, No. 27, Tuesday Feb. 8, 1983, pages 5367 et. seq. Local anesthetics, such as benzocaine and lidocaine, act differently as anesthetics not producing an analgesic effect which is achieved by adding an additional irritant, such as a histamine hydrochloride or most preferably a histamine dihydrochloride. If a histamine dihydrochloride is used, it is preferred to use a starting composition of 98% histamine, although compositions in the range of 96-99% histamine will be usable as well.
Generally speaking, the cream will contain in the range of 0.00125% to 1% by weight of capsaicin. Compositions containing more than 1% by weight of capsaicin will provide a therapeutic effect, with up to 62% by weight capsaicin, except that the burning side effect will increase in proportion to the increase percentage of capsaicin. Compositions containing 0.025% to 20% by weight of capsaicin could be used. Compositions of 0.025 to 2% by weight are considered usable as well. Compositions containing in the range of 0.025% to 0.25% by weight of capsaicin are preferred because they are narrowly encompassed within current FDA guidelines regarding capsaicin use. However, the FDA guidelines were developed at a time when there was not an effective method for relieving the discomfort generated by capsaicin. The present invention provides a method to increase the amount of capsaicin that can be administered comfortably.
In the present invention, capsaicin is mixed with a carrier fluid to formulation. Preferably, the carrier is water-based and forms a cream containing ingredients that quickly soak into the skin, providing fast transdermal absorption. However, the carrier may be a fluid such as an oil-based carrier, a fat based carrier, a fatty alcohol based carrier or combination of these, or an omega-6 fatty acid.
The novel cream uses an encapsulation agent, colloidal oatmeal, or hydrogenated lecithin, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate or a similar encapsulation agent, or even combinations of these agents, to be effective. The colloidal oatmeal has intrinsic SFP, natural sunscreen capability. In addition, the colloidal oatmeal encapsulates the capsaicin to reduce the inflammation effect the capsaicin has on the skin, while still enabling the capsaicin to work effectively. Typically, up to 3-wt. % colloidal oatmeal is used in this invention, although any amount of about between 2 wt. % and up to about 10-wt. % can be used. The colloidal oatmeal works within the scope of this invention because it contains hydrophilic colloids. These colloids help to provide a protective barrier on the skin to control inflammation. In addition, histidines, such as L-histidines, are present in colloid oatmeal. Histidines can be present in the oats in weight percents up to 3% of the total amino acids in the oats. The invention has found that using the colloidal oats enhance, synergistically the histamine dichlorohydride effect, when histamine dichlorohydride is used.
The unique formulation is a topically (externally) applied formulation which has three simultaneous effects, analgesic, anesthetic and antipruritic effects, by (1) depressing cutaneous sensory receptors to relieve pain and (2) stimulating cutaneous sensory receptors using a topical counter irritant, with a fast, transdermal absorption.
It is the combination of analgesic and anesthetic which make this invention unique.
Any one of the following histidines, or combinations thereof, are considered usable in this invention. L-histidines, histamine dihydrocholoride, DL-histidine, D-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-histidine methyl ester dihydrochloride, L-histidinol dihydrochloride, histamine phosphate.
Titanium dioxide, with or without the aluminum is typically dispersed in caprylic/capric triglyceride, causing this component to contain approximately 50% by weight of solids.
Titanium dioxide is considered the best light scattering element for the present invention. Titanium dioxides usable within the scope of the present invention are preferably fine particle or pigmentary titanium dioxides available from Solaveil, of Durham, England. Any of the Solaviel TiO2 products for cosmetic use can be used. All will reflects ultraviolet and provide broad UVB light protection, effectively scattering the light rays. In a preferred embodiment, the TiO2 can provide a complete block of sunlight, and when mixed with the colloidal oatmeal, the lightwaves can be refracted and the skin protected from burning from the light.
Other than titanium dioxides, other components can be used for the light scattering purpose. For example, octyl dodecyl neopentanoate, can be used for light scattering. Bernell Chemical sells these compounds. Zinc oxide can be used as light scattering component, which also has the advantage of being anti-itch, or anti-pruritic effect.
Titanium dioxide, with or without the aluminum is typically dispersed in caprylic/capric triglyceride.
It should be noted that other additives may be used in the present invention such as xanthum gum, myristal mystereate polyethylene glycols (PEG""s) and other stearates for coagulation of the compound.
xe2x80x9cLavender flower oilxe2x80x9d or lavender oil, and a xe2x80x9cbergaptene-freexe2x80x9d bergamot oil or bergamot extract, can be beneficial in that the lavender is an active transdermal activator which causes the formula to penetrate the skin; rather than remaining on the surface of the skin. Lavender oil and bergamot extract is also beneficial in that both provides muscle relaxant characteristics and the bergamot oil also provides help with acne, fevers, herpes, and diabetic neuropathy. Between 1-4 wt % of lavender oil is needed for transdermal activation, but between 0.5 and 5.0 wt percent could be used.
The cream also can include the following:
1. Arnica montana;
2. Hypericum perforatum (known as St. John""s Wort);
3. Aloe barbadensis gel;
4. Citric acid to adjust the pH of the compound;
5. Propylene glycol with methyl and propyl parabens as preservatives;
6. A chealating agent to keep the product from separating, such as edetatedisodium;
7. Triethanolamine hydrochloride which acts as a reagent; and
8. Other preservatives and Benzoin derivatives.
Still others considered usable in the present invention are phenoxy ethanol, ethyl paraben, and butyl paraben as preservatives, or in the preservative system. Other ingredients such as inositol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, hydroxy ethyl cellulose can be used therein.
Xanthum gum is be added to the invention to provide a higher density compound, and act as a thickening agent. Other elements, such as licorice extract, glycerial polymethacrytate and hydroxypropyl cellulose could be used in various formulations of the basic invention.
A suspension agent can be added to the formula of the present invention. Alkyl benzoate is considered usable within the scope of the present invention, and helps to suspend the particle size of the colloidal oatmeal and titanium dioxide.
The present invention is fast acting and long acting due to the menthol present in the compositions. The uses of the invention are contemplated for post perpetic neuralgia, and scar conditions after surgery, such as for treating the scars from a mastectomy. Also, the present invention is considered usably for victims of neuropathy, such as diabetes with neuropathy.
In the method of the invention, a victim of pain or discomfort is treated by applying the above-described composition topically to the skin of the victim near an area affected by the pain or discomfort. The types of pain or discomfort to which the invention may be applied include those discussed in the background of the invention. Generally speaking, the inventive composition, a cream, is applied to the selected area, such as a joint, and rubbed in. The amount applied is not critical. Generally, it should be applied in an amount, which is sufficient to cover the area of application. Usually, the amount used will be in the range of from about 0.3 to about 3 ccs.
For the treatment of pruritus or itching, the application of the composition can be repeated as required to control the discomfort. When the preferred composition of the invention is applied, it provides near immediate relief from the itching caused by poison ivy or hemorrhoids, without a burning sensation. The relief lasts for several hours. It is surprising that a capsaicin based composition would be useful for the treatment of such discomfort. To enhance the antipruritic effect, additional compounds can be added to the formulation. These components can be methyl sulphonyl methane, sodium bicarbonate, calamine, allatoin, kaolin, and combinations thereof.
For best results in the treatment of arthritis, the treatment should be repeated several times per day, such as in the range of 2 to 8 times per day, preferably 3-5 times per day, and continued for several days. Surprisingly, most patients do not experience the burning discomfort heretofore known as a very common side effect of topical capsaicin application.
The foregoing is a description of the composition and method of use of three embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is considered to include the described embodiment together with others obvious to those skilled in the art.
In the present invention, capsaicin is distributed accordingly to known techniques in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to form a cream. Some of these carriers contain volatile diluents such as alcohol and may contain various emulsifying and suspending agents.
The present invention involves the use of an analgesic and an anesthetic in combination to produce a warm sensation on the patient""s skin without the usual burning side effects of traditional capsaicin ointments or gels.
The following example demonstrates the invention.


A deferred action electric cell of the type having a magnesium anode and a silver halide cathode, wherein the electrolyte is supported in dried form intermediate the electrodes for rapidly developing full electrical potential upon the addition of any aqueous fluid, even fresh water. A novel method of coating the magnesium anode utilizing a detergent bath produces a coating that prevents corrosive deterioration of the magnesium from handling and from close proximity of the dried electrolyte, for an extended shelf life. One form of survival lamp embodying the cell utilizes the tubular magnesium anode as the body of the lamp, with a light bulb seated in one end thereof and the other end open for introduction of activating water; while another form adapted to be dropped into a body of water as a floating signal light has the cell sealed inside of a can-like cylindrical container having a light-transmitting dome at the top and a bottom adapted to be torn out along a tear line to expose the cell prior to dropping the unit into the water.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of deferred action, water activated electric cells, methods of making them, and survival lamps embodying them.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Deferred action or reserve type electric cells for use as emergency or survival equipment utilizing a magnesium anode and a silver halide cathode, and adapted for activation by the addition of an aqueous fluid, have been known in the art for some time. Magnesium is a preferred anode material for such deferred action cells because it is high in the electromotive series, has good structural strength yet is light in weight, is easy to form, and is readily available. However, magnesium is very active chemically, and therefore readily corrodes from handling, from exposure to the atmosphere and particularly the damp, salty atmosphere of a marine environment where survival equipment is commonly used, and from proximity to some chemicals and in particular chemical salts employed in an electrolyte solution for the cell.
Primarily because of this problem of corrosion of the magnesium anode, prior art deferred action electric cells adapted for emergency or survival use have not included any electrolyte material therein, either in dried form or as a liquid solution, and accordingly in order to activate such cells it was necessary to add a whole or complete electrolyte solution thereto. This generally restricted such deferred action cells to usage in connection with ocean survival equipment, wherein the salt water provided the necessary whole electrolyte required for activation. Such usage of sea water as the electrolyte resulted in less than optimum activation because sea water is not a saturated salt solution. Also, such salt water activated cells were generally complicated physically by the need for controlled entrance passages, fluid flow separators, chambers to accommodate an accumulation of flake-off from the magnesium anode, and the like.
Example of prior patents disclosing such deferred action electric cells embodying magnesium anodes and silver halide cathodes which require the addition of a whole or complete electrolyte, and which are accordingly generally restricted to use in a salt water environment, are the following U.S. Pat. Nos.:
Warner et al: 2,663,749 PA1 Lockwood: 2,896,067 PA1 Armitage: 3,326,724
While both the Warner U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,749 and the Armitage U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,724 suggest that fresh water could be used as the electrolyte, and in this connection the Armitage patent suggests the electrolyte can be formed of water along with the reaction product salts from the electrolytic action, nevertheless, fresh water is an exceedingly poor electrolyte, and if it is the only electrolyte added for activating the cell, activation will be much too slow, and the resulting current capability of the cell much too low, for reliable and satisfactory operation of the cell in emergency or survival equipment.
Because the corrosiveness of the magnesium anode material has in the past tended to make deferred action electric cells generally unreliable after an extended shelf life, and therefore generally inadequate for use in emergency or survival equipment, there have been prior art attempts to provide a satisfactory corrosion-resistant coating on the magnesium. However, heretofore the procedures and chemical actions required to produce such corrosion-resistant coatings on the magnesium have been so complex, time-consuming and expensive that they have not been generally satisfactory. The Warner et al U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,749 referred to above describes one such magnesium coating procedure; and the Gruber et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,303,054 describes another complex magnesium coating procedure which is employed in the manufacture of "dry cells" which are not of the delayed action type and therefore have a limited shelf life and reliability not suitable for survival equipment.

Water activated electric cell and survival lamp system


A traction control system for a vehicle reduces the rate of slip of driving wheels of the vehicle by reducing the traction force transmitted to the road surface from the driving wheels when the driving wheels slip. Whether the vehicle is making a turn is judged, and whether the vehicle is in an instable state which occurs when the vehicle is making a turn. The traction force is reduced by a higher rate when the driving wheels slip while the vehicle is making a turn than when the driving wheels slip while the vehicle is running straight, and the traction force is reduced by a higher rate when the driving wheels slip while the vehicle is in an instable state than when the driving wheels slip while the vehicle is making a turn.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a traction control system for a vehicle which reduces the torque transmitted to the road surface from the driving wheels of the vehicle in order to suppress slip of the driving wheels.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There has been known a traction control system for a vehicle which reduces the torque transmitted to the road surface from the driving wheels of the vehicle in order to suppress slip of the driving wheels.
In the traction control system, the rate of slip of the driving wheels is detected and the driving force (torque transmitted to the road surface from the driving wheels) is reduced by lowering the engine output and/or applying brakes to the driving wheels so that the rate of slip of the driving wheels converges on a target rate of slip which is determined according to the friction coefficient of the road surface, thereby preventing deterioration in the starting performance or accelerating performance due to slip of the driving wheels caused by an excessive driving torque during starting or acceleration.
When the driving wheels slip during turning, it becomes difficult for the vehicle to make a stable turn. Especially it becomes more difficult for the vehicle to make a stable turn when the vehicle comes into an oversteering state in the case of a rear-drive vehicle and into an understeering state in the case of frontdrive vehicle.
Thus there has been proposed a traction control system in which when a rear-drive vehicle is in an oversteering state, the target rate of slip is reduced so that the traction control is initiated earlier, thereby ensuring stability during a turn. See, for instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3(1991)-157255.
However, conventionally, whether the vehicle is in an instable state during turning, e.g., in an oversteering state (in the case of a rear-drive vehicle) or in an understeering state (in the case of a front-drive vehicle) cannot be constantly detected precisely and accordingly, when it is misjudged that the vehicle is in an instable state and the traction control is initiated earlier in spite of the fact that the vehicle is actually in a stable state, the engine output is unnecessarily lowered or the braking force is unnecessarily increased.
For example, in one known method of judging whether the vehicle is in an oversteering state, it is judged that the vehicle is in an oversteering state when the difference between the actual yaw rate of the vehicle and a reference yaw rate (a yaw rate which is to act on the vehicle on the basis of the vehicle speed, the turning angle of the steering wheel and the like) is larger than a predetermined value. This method gives rise to the following problem. That is, if the actual yaw rate is detected by a known yaw rate sensor, the yaw rate sensor instantaneously detects a large yaw rate, for instance, when one of the driven wheels runs into a ditch or runs onto snow during straight running. As a result, it is misjudged that the vehicle is in an oversteering state and the target rate of slip can be reduced in vain.
In the case where the actual yaw rate is calculated on the basis of the difference in the wheel speed between the left and right driven wheels and the vehicle speed, a large wheel speed difference is detected, for instance, when one of the driven wheels runs into a ditch or runs onto snow during straight running and the calculated value of the yaw rate becomes large though the yaw rate is actually small. As a result, it is misjudged that the vehicle is in an oversteering state and the target rate of slip can be reduced in vain.
Accordingly it is preferred that the traction control system, in which whether the vehicle is in an oversteering state is determined on the basis of the difference between the actual yaw rate and the reference yaw rate and the target rate of slip is reduced when it is determined that the vehicle is in an oversteering state, be provided with a means for avoiding an unnecessary reduction of the driving force due to a misjudgment of the oversteering state.
Further when the actual yaw rate increases during turning and the vehicle comes to an oversteering state, the driver sometimes turns the steering wheel in the counter direction to prevent spin of the vehicle and the steering wheel can be returned to the neutral position. In such a case, since the traction control has been initiated with the target rate of slip set at a value corresponding to the oversteering state, the target rate of slip is changed to a value corresponding to the straight running state as soon as the steering wheel is returned to the neutral position and it is determined that the vehicle is running straight, whereby the traction force is quickly increased and the running stability of the vehicle deteriorates.