The present invention discloses. all-solid-state supercapacitor (ASSP) with enhanced electrode-electrolyte interface which gives highest very high specific capacitance, areal capacitance and shows very low internal resistance (ESR). The invention particularly discloses the fabrication of all-solid-state supercapacitor by intercalation of solid state polymer electrolyte inside the conducting porous substrate coated with a charge storage electrode material to achieve the desired effect.

Developing methods for efficient energy storage systems, which is also environmentally benign, has been an emerging field in the research programmes due to intermittent nature of energy from the renewable energy sources. Among the various energy storage devices, energy storage systems such as batteries and supercapacitors, which store energy electrochemically are highly preferred due to their efficient storage capacity and also since the processes are environmentally friendly.
Electrochemical supercapacitors, as potential candidates for energy storage, are very promising over batteries such as lithium ion batteries in terms of their high power density, fast charge-discharge rate, high columbic efficiency and long cycle life.
However, liquid electrolytes in the conventional electrochemical energy storage devices raise safety issues and thus require high-standard safety encapsulation materials and technology. Replacement of liquid electrolyte in the energy storage devices using a solid counterpart is very promising for the thin, light, cheap and flexible future devices.
Polymer electrolytes have been extensively studied as electrolytes in supercapacitors and lithium batteries. Among the various polymer electrolytes, gel/plasticised electrolytes6 show ambient conductivity and desirable mechanical properties and are promising as electrolyte materials to replace conventional liquid electrolyte in supercapacitor. Many of the earlier studies utilized gel/plasticised electrolyte to replace conventional liquid electrolyte in supercapacitor. However, the use of gel as a film between the electrodes resulted in low electrode-electrolyte interfacial area which in turn resulted in poor charge storage properties.
Apart from the low charge storage property, the above strategy increases the total device resistance due to high contact resistance9 arising from the low integrity of electrode electrolyte material. Very low internal resistance (or ESR) for storage device is highly desirable as the power rate of the device is determined by the relation Pmax=v2/4R.
In order to replace liquid electrolyte from the supercapacitor (or lithium battery and fuel cell) with solid counterpart, there is a need for an electrode-electrolyte interface that can mimic the liquid-solid interface and yet provide enhanced electrode-electrolyte interface which can help the device to attain a very low ESR, which leads to high specific capacitance, areal capacitance and show excellent cycle stability.
All solid state supercapacitors are known in the art and are disclosed in patents/Patent applications such as US2012014038, US2013083452, WO201401194, CN102509637, and CN103337376 among others. However, the all-state solid supercapacitors known in the art have the following limitations/disadvantages:    i. They show low specific capacitance and areal capacitance.    ii. Current collector is used. During electrode making additive like conducting carbon and binder are used.    iii. Complicated fabrication strategy is used.
The present inventors have therefore focussed in providing all solid state supercapacitor with enhanced electrode-electrolyte interface which gives very high specific capacitance, areal capacitance and shows very low internal resistance (ESR).

All-solid-state-supercapacitor and a process for the fabrication thereof

COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH


The present invention relates to a fluidized-bed catalyst for propylene ammoxidation to produce acrylonitrile, which consists of silica support and a composite of the formula EQU A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c Ni.sub.d Co.sub.e Na.sub.f Fe.sub.g Bi.sub.h M.sub.i Mo.sub.j O.sub.x. wherein A is potassium, rubidium, cesium samarium, thallium, or mixture thereof; B is manganese, magnesium, strontium, calcium, barium, lanthanum, rare earth, or mixture thereof; C is phosphorus, arsenic, boron, antimony, chromium, or mixture thereof; M is tungsten, vanadium, or mixture thereof. The catalyst of the present invention is highly active and selective for preparing acrylonitrile, more specifically, is suitable for catalyzing the reaction between air and propylene at a rather low ratio hence to greatly enlarge the processing capacity of the reactor. By using the catalyst of the present invention, the processing capacity of the reactor increases by 10-15 percent compared with that using conventional catalysts.

Mo-Bi-Fe catalyst series is known as an oxidation catalyst series. The performance of this kind of catalyst such as activity and selectivity is not very satisfactory. Chinese Patent 87103455.7 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,234 disclosed a catalyst, in which alkali metals such as Na, K, Rb, Cs, etc. were added to improve the activity and abrasion-resistance of the catalyst. Only one alkali metal element was incorporated into the above-mentioned catalysts. Japanese Patent No. 58-2232 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,098) and Chinese Patent 86101301 disclosed a fluidized-bed catalyst for preparing acrylonitrile, in which a part of molybdenum component was replaced by tungsten component to improve the catalyst selectivity for acrylonitrile. The improvement in the activity and selectivity of the disclosed catalysts for preparing acrylonitrile is not significant and the processing capacity of the reactor is still limited.

Fluidized-bed catalyst for preparing acrylonitrile


A method and machine whereby two rigid packets, traveling in a first direction parallel to the longer longitudinal axes of the packets, are transferred to the inputs of respective conveyors, one of the two packets being rotated 180.degree. about its longitudinal axis, and the other packet being rotated 180.degree. about an axis crosswise to its longitudinal axis; and the two packets are fed along the respective conveyors in a second direction crosswise to the respective longer longitudinal axes and to the crosswise axis into a position wherein the two packets present a common longitudinal axis, are oppositely oriented along the common longitudinal axis, are rotated 180.degree. in relation to each other about the common longitudinal axis, and are connectable to form a twin packet.

The present invention relates to a method of producing twin packets of cigarettes.
Twin packets of cigarettes are known to be produced using the method described in Italian Patent Application n. BO93 A000061 filed by the present Applicant, U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,037, and whereby a first and second rigid packet traveling in a first direction parallel to the longer longitudinal axes of the packets are transferred to the inputs of respective feed channels, the second packet being rotated 180.degree. in relation to the first; the two packets so arranged are fed along the respective channels in a second direction crosswise to the respective longer longitudinal axes and into a position coaxial with but axially spaced in relation to each other; the bottom wall of one of the two packets is gummed; and the packets are then brought together so that the respective bottom walls adhere to each other to form a twin packet.
The above known method therefore provides for producing twin packets presenting, at opposite ends, two hinged lids both opening on the same side; which lid arrangement is unsatisfactory not only in appearance, due to the difference in the larger lateral surfaces of the twin packet, but also structurally, in that the resistance to deformation of the front wall of the twin packet is less than that of the rear wall, thus resulting in possible twisting of the twin packet as a whole.

Method and machine for producing twin packets of cigarettes


A phased array antenna system having a plurality of antenna elements arranged into an array is disclosed. Each of a plurality of amplifier circuitries has an output terminal coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of antenna elements and includes a power amplifier having a control terminal coupled to an input terminal. The power amplifier has a first current terminal coupled to the output terminal and a second current terminal coupled to a fixed voltage node. Further included in each of the plurality of amplifier circuitries is a current limiter having a bias terminal coupled to the control terminal of the power amplifier to adjust a bias point of the power amplifier to limit current flowing through the first current terminal and the second current terminal to within a predetermined current range. Some embodiments also include a voltage limiter to limit voltage amplitude at the output terminal.

Development of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks with higher modulation bandwidth and data rates has increased demands on cellular handset technology. For example, phased array antennas are envisioned as key components needed to meet these increased demands. However, a difficult problem has arisen in protecting power amplifiers that drive phased array antennas. The problem is at least caused in part by chaotic antenna impedance fluctuations as a user varies the placement of his body relative to a phased array antenna included in a cellular handset. The chaotic antenna impedance fluctuations may in turn cause voltage standing wave ratios (VSWRs) that are high enough to damage radio frequency power amplifiers driving the phased array antenna. What is needed is a phased array antenna system that protects radio frequency power amplifiers that drive phased array antennas from damage that may result from high VSWRs.


A hypocompatible biodegradable nonaqueous cold chemical sterilant capable of killing a challenge of a wide range of target organisms including bacterial spores within ten minutes comprising a composition of interactive constituents including a monohydric alcohol, a polyhydric alcohol, a saturated dialdehyde and a cationic surface active agent in proportion by weight to reduce the surface tension of the bacterial spore wall, penetrate the bacterial spore wall and kill the nuclei of the bacterial spores and other target organisms without the need of removing residue.

1. Field of the Invention
A hypocompatible biodegradable non-aqueous cold sterilant effective against a wide range of pathogenic organisms including bacterial spores.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Sterilants are used in many areas, such as in the sterilization of laboratory, surgical, dental and other equipment. It is customary in hospital practice to sterilize instruments overnight, using chemical sterilizing agents or other sterilizing methods.
The most common methods of sterilization involve either the use of pressurized steam, dry heat or ethylene oxide. However, some of these methods are cumbersome, tedious and time-consuming, often damage the sterilized material and require expensive equipment and skilled technicians.
Moreover, steam sterilization is impracticable for many plastic devices and delicate instruments which are sensitive to elevated temperatures.
Many chemical sterilization methods have been developed as substitutes for steam sterilization. Unfortunately most have shortcomings. Phenols and formaldehyde compositions have considerable sporicidal activity but have objectionable odors and extreme toxicity. Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and the quaternary ammonium compounds have been used, and though less odorous and toxic, lack the activity of the phenols and formaldehyde compositions.
Compositions comprising saturated dialdehydes with alkalinating agents have also been used. Though such compounds are satisfactory as chemical sterilization agents their sporicidal activity is limited to certain pH ranges, require up to ten (10) hours to work, and have certain limits on stability.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,775 shows a sporicidal composition including saturated dialdehydes containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a cationic surface active agent. More specifically, these compounds include malonaldehyde, succinaldehyde, oxaldehyde (glyoxal), adipaldehyde and preferably, glutaraldehyde. The quantity of saturated dialdehyde used may vary from about 0.1 percent to about 2 percent depending upon which particular dialdehyde is selected. Moreover, one may safely depart from this concentration without seriously detracting from its effectiveness. For example, if desired, the final concentration of dialdehyde may be increased up to as much as 10 percent or decreased as low as 0.05 percent. However, amounts in excess of 2 percent are unnecessary, extremely toxic and wasteful. In actual practice a range of from 0.1 percent to about 2 percent is preferred. The compounds may be diluted either with water or lower alkanols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and the like, or with combinations to form aqueous-alcohol solutions. The pH of the final solution may be either on the acid side or the alkaline side and may be varied over a wide range of from about 4.0 to about 9.0 though it is preferred to have the pH in the range of from about 5.0 to 8.0.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,977 describes a preservative and disinfecting composition for aqueous emulsions, suspensions and solutions which are obtained by reaction in water of a haloacetamide or thiocyanoacetamide or mixture thereof; an alcohol or mixture of alcohols; and formaldehyde.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,697,222 describes a sterilization process achieved by contacting a contaminated object with an aqueous acid glutaraldehyde solution at temperatures above about 45 degrees C. The sterilizing action may be enhanced by ultrasonic energy. Sterilization also may be achieved using ultrasonic energy and aqueous alkaline glutaraldehyde solution.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,744 teaches a means for killing spores on instruments and the like utilizing the combination of glutaraldehyde and a detergent selected from the group consisting of nonionic, anionic and ampholytic surface active agents. The sporicidal kill activity of glutaraldehyde is enhanced by the detergents.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,336 relates to a means for killing spores on instruments and the like utilizing the combination of 18 glutaraldehyde and a monoaldehyde, such as, for example, formaldehyde. The sporicidal kill activity of the composition is more rapid than previously possible and more effective than the use of either glutaraldehyde or monoaldehyde alone. Unfortunately, this composition is far more toxic than without glutaraldehyde.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,404 shows an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde of acid pH value with dissolved quantities of certain highly ionized salts to kill dormant spores at room temperature.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,797 describes a composition to sterilize medical instruments comprising an alcohol-aldehyde active substance combination in a proportion of 5 to 15 percent by weight. The preferred alcohol is isopropanol and the preferred aldehyde is formaldehyde or a succinic acid dialdehyde complex and the preferred ratio of alcohol to aldehyde is 1:1.
U.S. Pat. No.2,889,243 shows a chemical composition having antiviral activity comprising hydroxpyruvaldehyde ether.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,653 teaches an Oxydiacetaldehyde is used as an active antimicrobial agent in an aqueous solution for disinfecting or sterilizing. The activity against bacteria or spores can be improved by adding alkalinating agents or alcohols such as isopropanol, or by raising pH or by raising the temperature.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,899 describes an aqueous composition for killing bacteria, spores, fungi and viruses on nonabsorbent surfaces comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt, at least one aliphatic dialdehyde having from two to six carbon atoms, and at least one aliphatic hydroxyl compound having from one to eight atoms. Optionally, a chelating agent and an inorganic nitrite salt may be employed. This sterilant kills bacteria, spores, fungi and viruses over a pH range from about pH 4 to about pH 9.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,250 describes a method for disinfecting or sterilizing medical, surgical, dental instruments or other objects in liquid phase with improved sporicidal compositions by combining nonionic and anionic surfactants with aqueous or alcoholic glutaraldehyde solutions. The method can be used also with ultrasonic irradiation over a wide frequency range of from 10 to 850 kHz.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,248 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,450 teach similar methods.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,001 shows a room temperature aqueous sterilizing composition comprising from 0.75 percent by weight of glutaraldehyde and from 4-15 percent by weight of phenol and a metal phenate, preferably sodium phenate. Optionally present are 1-5 percent by weight of sodium tetraborate, 2-10 percent by weight of a humectant such as glycerol, di-ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and a surfactant. A preferred pH range is pH 7.0-7.4.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,024 describes a method for controlling bacteria, fungi and spores which comprises applying thereto a bacterially, fungicidally and sporicidally effective amount of a furan selected from 2-(R.sub.1 O)-5-(R.sub.20 O)-2,5-dihydrofuran and 2-(R.sub.1 O)-5-(R.sub.2 O)- tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof; a process for preparing a 2,5-bis(-R.sub.1 O)-2.5-tetrahydrofuran and 2.5-bis((R.sub.1 O)-tetrahydrofuran and 2.5-bis(benzyloxy)-tetrahydrofuran.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,754 describes a disinfecting and sterilizing composition comprising an aqueous solution containing a 2 to 6 carbon atom dialdehyde and may also contain formaldehyde and a diol or monosubstituted diol of the formula RO(CH.sub.2 YCH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH; where R is H or CH.sub.3 and n is an integer from 1 to about 22 with a wide range of pH from pH 2 to pH 9.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,072 a sporicide having a defined period of sporicidal activity comprising three components including a peroxide or peroxide generating material, a peroxidase and a salt of iodine which serves as a donor molecule, storing the three components in a nonreacting state to maintain the sporocide in an inactive state and admixing the three components in an aqueous based carrier to cause a catalyzed reaction by said peroxidase for generating free radicals and/or by-products from the iodide salt (donor molecule) and contacting the surface or object to be sterilized with the activated mixture. The concentration level of the three components can be selected such that an active sporocidal state is maintained for any desired period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,192 describes a solid composition for producing a disinfectant or sterilant comprising a disinfecting or sterilizing amount of saturated dialdehyde having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms absorbed on an inorganic or organic particulate carrier material and, in some cases, an alkalinating agent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,252 describes a disinfectant composition comprising a dialdehyde and an alkali metal salt of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid in aqueous solution and, optionally, an alcohol and/or a diol and/or a triol, and are as potent as, but substantially more stable than, known dialdehyde containing disinfectant compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,499 describes a germicidal, sporicidal and detergent composition which prevents coagulated blood from adhering to instruments during sterilization and used to decontaminate surgical items, such as needles and sponges comprising paraformaldehyde having an average molecular weight of about 360 free from polymer chains over a molecular weight of 3,000, alkali metal tripolyphosphate and a water soluble buffer, such as sodium carbonate, to give a final aqueous solution having a pH between about 10 and 11. If the materials are substantially anhydrous, the constituents can be mixed together in a powder and stored in a container hermetically sealed against the entrance of moisture. If the constituents or any of them are not substantially anhydrous, the composition must be in a two-part package separately sealed in waterproof pouches, one containing the paraformaldehyde and the other the polyphosphate and buffer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,530 describes a process for sanitizing, disinfecting and killing spores involving providing a tangible object made from polymeric material impregnated with an aqueous glutaraldehyde solution packaged in an air-tight enclosure, removing the impregnated tangible object from the enclosure and applying the impregnated tangible object to the surface to be sterilized and/or sanitized and disinfected so as to expose spores, bacteria, virus and other microorganisms present on the surface to the action of the glutaraldehyde solution. A sanitary attachment for a receiver or mouthpiece of a telephone made from plastic material incorporating a glutaraldehyde solution. A fabric made from cellulosic or plastic material having sporicidal and/or sanitizing and disinfectant activity as a result of being impregnated with a glutaraldehyde solution. A method for sanitizing and disinfecting and/or rendering fabric sporicidal involves impregnating a fabric with an aqueous glutaraldehyde solution prior to packaging the fabric in an air-impervious container until ready for use.
Various spray germicides for sanitizing such surfaces is typified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,564. U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,564 is directed to a method, compositions and articles for sanitizing public or communal facilities prior to individual use. The method consists of applying a thin layer of a rapidly drying liquid germicidal composition to a surface such as a toilet seat. The rapidly drying germicidal compositions consist essentially of a lower aliphatic alcohol and at least about 5 percent of a volatizing agent such as acetone. Isopropyl alcohol has excellent germicidal activity and is sufficiently volatile to give a satisfactory drying rate when blended with suitable proportions of a volatizing agent. Inasmuch as the lower aliphatic alcohols are not sufficiently volatile to afford usefully short drying times for practical purposes in the method and articles of the Kirschner invention it was necessary to include a volatizing agent in the germicidal composition. The proportion of volatizing agent to lower aliphatic alcohol in the rapidly drying germicidal compositions employed in the invention may vary widely depending upon a number of factors, which include among others, the volatility of the alcohol employed, the volatility of the volatilizing agent, the desired drying rate of the germicidal composition, the amount of germicidal agent applied to the surface to be treated and the method of application of the germicide, not to mention the prevailing conditions of temperature and relative humidity under which the product is to be employed.
Although the isopropyl alcohol-acetone composition of U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,564 has germicidal activity against bacteria, fungi and other lower organisms, additional antibacterial, antifungal or other active ingredients may be incorporated to enhance the overall germicidal effectiveness. Suitable germicidal additives include the well known antibacterial quaternary ammonium compound. In essence, U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,564 teaches the use of isopropyl alcohol to kill a limited number of germs on a dry toilet seat with the addition of acetone to volatize an already highly volatile chemical to rapidly dry the toilet seat for use within 30 seconds.
The use of a dye in a bactericidal solution as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,449,274 is employed to provide a visual indication of the effectiveness of such sprays.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,658 shows an aerosol spray for use in disinfecting a surface for personal use such as a public restroom facility or telephone. The composition and delivery of the compositions provides for the placement of a spray of disinfectant which includes a dye that disappears as the spray effects the germicidal activity of the disinfectant. The composition is also rapidly drying, so that the dye disappears as well as the disinfecting composition leaving the surface dry. However, the spray is corrosive and environmentally unsafe.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,413 discloses a formulation of materials which permits an effective, uniform rate of evaporation of glycols from an air circulator device to reduce airborne bacteria in the surrounding atmosphere. It was observed that the relative amounts and identities of the components of the invention are critical to the attainment of the desired continuous evaporation of glycols over a prolonged period of time.
The composition of U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,413 is a single phase liquid composition especially adapted for volatilization at a substantially uniform rate from the air circulator device. Generally speaking, the composition includes three essential components (1) a glycol, (2) an organic polar coupling compound for maintaining the homogeneity prevents the glycol from separating from the mixture during evaporation of the mixture into the atmosphere and (3) an organic, relatively non-polar compound for forming hydrophobic micelles with the glycol molecules in the resulting mixture for reducing the affinity of the glycol to atmospheric moisture and thereby increasing the rate at which the glycol may be evaporated into the atmosphere.
The composition contains the glycol germicide. If desired, other suitable germicides or antiseptic agents can be added provided, however, that the glycol concentration of the composition does not fall below 5 percent by weight of the total mixture. Such germicides include quaternary ammonium compounds, phenols, bisphenols, salicylanilides, carbanilides, formaldehyde and chloride.
The required glycol evaporation rate for attaining the desired air sanitizing performance depends on the satisfactory stability and uniform nature of the liquid composition during evaporation from the mixture. Accordingly, the compositions of the invention include from about 2 percent to about 40 percent by weight of an organic polar coupling compound for maintaining the homogeneity of the mixture to prevent the glycol from separating from the mixture during the evaporation process.
The affinity of glycols to attract atmospheric moisture significantly reduces their volatility and impairs their evaporation rate. Accordingly, the compositions of the invention include from about 5 percent to about 80 percent by weight of an organic, relatively non-polar compound for forming hydrophobic micelles surrounding the glycol molecules in the mixture for reducing the affinity of the glycol to atmospheric moisture and thereby increase the rate of evaporation of the glycol. Without this micelle formation, it was found that the glycol or mixture of glycols in the mixture cannot evaporate appreciably in an air circulator device containing a wick immersed in the liquid composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,593 is directed to an acne treatment medication applied to the skin for preventing the formation of acne or decreasing already established ache. An important factor for the occurrence of ache is the presence of bacteria in the sebaceous glands in the skin. It is known that the bacteria in the sebaceous glands form esterases which hydrolyze the sebum fats to alcohols and free fatty acids.
The medicinal ache-preventing or ache-diminishing composition of U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,593 is based on the bacterial esterase activity in the sebaceous glands which together with the water already present in the skin can hydrolyze an ester having a good penetration capacity into the sebaceous glands to form one and preferably two antibacterially active components, viz. an acid and an alcohol, which are harmless to the skin. The active compound in the composition is one or more esters chosen from the group consisting of ethyl lactate, isopropyl lactate and/or glycerol mono or dilactate. The esters hydrolyze in the sebaceous glands due to the esterases present in the glands to form the corresponding acids and alcohols. Lactic acid and the lower alcohols and also glycerol to a certain extent exert a good antibacterial activity when formed in situ in the sebaceous glands. The esters are lipophilic and can thus penetrate into the said glands. Even if a beneficial action can be achieved by application of the ester or esters per se, it, has been found to be suitable to apply the ester in the form of a solution in ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol prevents hydrolysis of the ester already in the composition, the alcohol moves the hydrolysis equilibrium towards ester formation. The alcohol can also facilitate the penetration of the ester into the skin.
As is well-known alcohol in high concentrations may cause a drying-out of the skin. To counteract this effect, the composition may include a moisture-retaining agent such as a lower, suitably water-free polyol, viz. propylene glycol or glycerol. The content of propylene glycol or glycerol in the composition according to the invention may be up to 25 percent, suitably not more than 10 percent by weight and preferably 1-5 percent. High levels of polyol tend to make the composition smeary upon application on the skin and should thus be avoided.
The preferred composition according to the invention consists of about 15 percent by weight of ethyl lactate, about 2 percent by weight of propylene glycol, the remainder being ethyl alcohol.
In summary, U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,593 relates to acne medication comprising esters that hydrolize in the sebaceous glands in combination with an alcohol to prevent hydrolysis of the esters as well as to facilitate the penetration of the ester into the skin, and propylene glycol or glycerol to prevent drying of the skin. The preferred ratio of the constituents is 15 percent to 83 percent to 2 percent respectively.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,909 discloses a stable, fast drying pituitous powder deodorant suspension in an alcohol media containing a minimal amount of water and a critical amount of the essential hydroxyethyl cellulose as the suspending agent.
The fast drying pituitous suspension of particulate material in an aqueous alcohol media contains hydroxyethyl cellulose at levels above its normal solubility limit by the polyhydric alcohol.
More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,909 relates to stable pituitous suspensions of particulate material, preferably about 1-20 percent, uniformly suspended in alcohol/aqueous media containing a high alcohol content and a lower water content. The alcohol media may be a lower monohydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and mixtures thereof. The use of polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol and polyols thereof, and glycerin decreases the critical water level required in the hydroxyethyl cellulose-containing alcohol media.
It has been unexpectedly found that powders can be suspended in alcoholic/aqueous media containing a high alcohol content and a lower water content by using the water soluble polymer hydroxyethyl cellulose at critical levels above its ethanol solubility range which may be broadened by specified polyhydric alcohols. This polymer is unique in its property to form stable suspensions.
Specifically, polyhydric alcohols can be partially substituted for the monohydric alcohol, not to exceed the monohydric alcohol content. The monohydric alcohol content, such as ethanol, must exceed the upper solubility level for the water soluble polymer hydroxyethyl cellulose in ethanol or other lower alkanol. The reported upper solubility level of this water soluble polymer in ethanol is 70 percent. Below this level and within normal soluble use ranges, a uniformly viscous liquid is obtained which pours evenly. Although, it appears aesthetically desirable, it will not support suspended powder and segregation occurs. However, at ethanol concentrations above its solubility range, the polymer becomes less soluble and forms the desired pititious type liquid. If ethanol is further increased resulting in very low water levels the polymer will precipitate out and its suspending properties are again lost. Accordingly, a 70:30 ratio of ethanol-water is optimum. However, it was found that this problem can be eliminated by the sufficient addition of a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol and polyglycols thereto.
Accordingly, it has been found that the monohydric alcohol constitutes about 55-85 percent; and the water content may be as low as 5 percent if at least 10 percent polyhydric alcohol is also present in the suspension. The combined water and polyhydric alcohol content is at least 15 percent and may be up to about 25 percent. Thus, it is apparent that the proportions of monohydric alcohol, water and polyhydric alcohol are interdependent.
In summary, U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,909 teaches a fast-drying deodorant comprising a critical amount of hydroxyethyl cellose as the deodorant to encapsulate or isolate bacteria to prevent growth of the bacteria, suspended in a solution of monohydric alcohol to provide the fast drying characteristics and polyhydric alcohol to improve the overall solubility of the solution to allow the use of increased levels of monohydric alcohol. The relative proportions of the monohydric alcohol, water and polyhydric alcohol are driven or determined by the desired solubility and therefore are interdependent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,966,902 disclosed various polymer complex carriers such as propylene glycol for use with an active ingredient such as a disinfectant or fragrance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,779 refers to the use of propylene glycol in combination with alcohol and fragrances. This composition is both toxic and non-biodegradable.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,500 teaches a composition suitable for use in aerosol sprays including an anhydrous alcohol and fragrance or perfume. This composition is corrosive, non-biodegradable and non-evaporative.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,168 describes a hard surface cleaning composition suitable for glass, chrome, plastic, enamel and other hard surfaces. The composition is applied to the hard surface as an emulsion of an aqueous phase and an oil phase. The bubbling action is caused by the evaporation of volatile constituents from the film or layer of applied compositions, as well as the desire for the aqueous and oil phase components to reform. The bubbling action, characterized by small bubbles of volatile components erupting from the surface of the composition film aids in lifting soil from the hard surface. As an apparent consequence, the rate of cleaning is accelerated. The composition comprises a polar organic solvent or mixture of solvents, a nonvolatile surfactant, a volatile surfactant such asn an acetylenic alcohol or diol, a volatile organosiloxane oligomer and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,317 teaches a liquid composition for cleaning a wide variety of hard surfaces, particularly metallic, plastic, tile, porcelain, glass and mirrored surfaces comprising a polyacrylic acid or a polyacrylate resin builder in combination with a hydrotrope which is an alkali metal salt of a C.sub.21 dicarboxylic acid. The organic solvent may be selected from the group consisting of alkylene and polyalkylene glycols of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and lower alkyl ethers of alkylene and polyalkylene glycols of from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, the alkyl ether having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. A lower aliphatic alcohol of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms may also be included in the composition to adjust evaporation rate of the composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,635 describes a mixture of one or more surfactants (detergents) with the pH sensitive dye. The surfactant can be diluted with water to give the desired cleaning strength. The surfactant can be an anionic, nonionic, amphoteric or mixtures of the three types. Typical anionic surfactants used are petroleum sulfonates, such as sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, alcohol sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ethoxylated higher fatty alcohol sulfates such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate. Typical nonionic surfactants are primary alcohol ethoxylates, secondary alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates and alkanolamides. The amphoteric surfactants include a number of types of carboxylates derived from fatty imidazolines such as sodium dicarboxyethylcoco phosphoethyl imidazoline or fatty proprionates such as cocoamphoproprionate or cocoamphodipropionate. The composition of a basic cleaner includes the surfactant or mixture of surfactants at about 0.1 percent to about 20.0 percentage by weight. This range of surfactant is for usage in a nondiluted product for household use. Thymolphthalein in the range of about 0.01 percent to about 1 percent by weight will give a broad range of blue color when varying intensity using an alkali system to adjust the pH of the composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,063 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,303 teach compositions similar to U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,635.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,334 shows a homogeneous liquid anionic-amphoteric based antimicrobial conditioning shampoo which includes about 0.5 to 2.5 percent of the antimicrobial agent, 1-imidazolyl-1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3, 3-dimethylbutan-2, one, solubilized in an aqueous solution of critical amounts of a mixture of the following specific ingredients: about 10-40 percent by weight of an anionic sulfate or sulfonate surface active agent; about 0.1-7.5 percent by weight of an amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of cocobetaine, cocosulfobetaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine, cocoamidopropylsulfobetaine or combinations thereof; a nonionic surface active agent selected from the group consisting of a tertiary amine oxide, a polyoxyethylene hexitan mono-higher fatty acid ester and mixtures thereof; and about 0.5-2 percent by weight of a lower aliphatic monohydric or polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof in certain critical amounts to avoid precipitation of the antimicrobial agent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,165 teaches a cleaner-sanitizer for use on telephone instruments including a fast-acting, penetrative, quick-drying bacteriocidal detergent solution which leaves a safe, active residue of selected proportions of sodium lauryl sulfate, dimethyl sulfone, isopropanol and iodine in solution.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,988 describes a composition for disinfecting a surface, such as a public restroom facility or telephone. The composition and delivery of the composition provides for the placement of a thin layer of disinfectant including a dye. The dye disappears as the thin layer effects the germicidal activity of the disinfectant. A sample of the germicidal composition was prepared with 400 mg of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 400 mg of octyl phenoxy polyethoxyethanol marketed as Triton X-100 and 100 mg of blue dye thymophthalein. This composition was tested for germicide effectiveness against Herpes simplex virus type 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli 011K58, Shingela sonnei, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,217 describes germicidal compositions for direct application to human skin including an organic acid, e.g., malic acid, and an anionic surfactant, e.g., a sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate, as active ingredients, and can optionally include an alcohol, e.g., specially denatured ethyl alcohol, as an additional active ingredient. When formulated as soaps and lotions, the compositions have been found to produce more than a 2.0 log reduction in bacteria applied to skin. Organic acids and anionic surfactants, e.g., malic acid and a sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate surfactant, are used as active ingredients in germicidal products which are applied directly to the skin, such as hand-washing soaps, skin-care lotions, soapy-lotions, or wipes containing these materials. Optionally, the products can include an alcohol, such as, specially denatured ethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol as an additional active ingredient. These formulations, in addition to killing viruses, also effectively kill bacteria and yeasts. In particular, the formulations have been found to kill a variety of microorganisms in both in vitro experiments performed in test tubes and, even more importantly, in in vivo experiments performed on human hands. Moreover, notwithstanding their germicidal activity, the formulations have been found to be non-irritating to human skin.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,046,706 shows a composition for cleaning contact lenses comprising a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer having a molecular weight between 1900 and 15,500, a water solubility in excess of about 10 gms per 100 nl, a cloud point in 1 percent aqueous solutions above about 30 degrees C., and a foam height in excess of 30 mm; a microbial growth inhibitor; ethyl or isopropyl alcohol; an amphoteric surfactant and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,578,499 teaches a powder composition containing a gelling agent, a neutral diluent, a wetting agent and a dye or coloring additive. The powder gelling composition when added to water forms a gel. Acid or alkaline materials are added for cleaning, biocidal agents for sanitizing or other materials to produce a desired effect. The significant advantage of this method is the increased residence time and hence contact time between agents in the gel and the surface to be acted on. A third component included in the gelling composition is a wetting agent exemplified by a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate type material wherein the alkyl group may include from about 12 to 14 carbon atoms. The wetting agent should be desirably characterized as a anionic agent although it is recognized that nonionic surfactants may also be employed. One wetting agent found useful herein is the commercially available sulfonate of dodecylbenzene.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,333,124 describes a method for sterilizing air laden with bacteria or other pathogenic organisms comprising contacting the air with a mixture of glycols in vapor form in proportions to provide about 1 gram of such glycols in vapor form to not more than about 5 to 7 million cubic centimeters of air.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,857,315 shows a stable anti-perspirant stick having a base comprising a sodium stearate-propylene glycol soap gel having an active anti-perspirant agent sodium zirconium lactate. The sodium stearate-propylene glycol soap gel may contain alcohol in an amount not substantially greater than the propylene glycol by weight.
Additional examples of the prior art are found in U.S. Pat. No. 580,213; U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,776; U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,764; U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,179; U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,899; U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,421; U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,515; U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,105, U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,431; U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,403; U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,206; U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,475; U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,732; U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,293; U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,887, U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,694; U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,762; U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,201; U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,505; U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,397 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,934.
Examination of the prior art reveals most existing compositions available are either toxic or non-biodegradable or both. Toxic chemicals that are not biodegradable contaminate our environment, the soil and the water supply.
In recognition of the dangers of existing disinfectants, health facilities are required to notify employees that toxic chemicals are in use and advise them of the possible hazards that result or could result as a consequence of misuse or a spills. Such notices must also be given to the community at large.
Other laws and regulations require users to document the use of toxic chemicals and require that the excess, the waste, or the residue be collected and properly stored. These materials must be collected by licensed and approved toxic waste companies, taken to an authorized disposal site and legally destroyed. The cost of disposing of such toxic material is often more expensive than the initial purchase price.
Sterilants today should be non-toxic or low in toxicity and biodegradable and capable of killing bacterial spores quickly and effectively. Further, such disinfectants and sterilants should be chemically compatible with the numerous aparatus and instruments found in modern healthcare facilities.
As described more fully hereinafter the instant invention is directed to an environmentally safe composition capable of killing anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, viruses including the HIV virus, mildew, mold, fungus and bacterial spores. The principal complementary sporicidal ingredients of the invention are selected from a group of monohydric alcohols, a group of polyhydric alcohols, a group of saturated dialdehydes and a group of cationic surface active agents.
In the past such alcohols have had limited use outside the laboratory due to various undesirable characteristics of alcohol. For example, it has been universally accepted that alcohol has very limited application as a widely used disinfectant because alcohol is unable to penetrate protein rich material, evaporates quickly, has limited stability and shelf life, has a pungent odor and tends to form a glaze on hard surfaces possibly hiding or covering visible contamination.
The instant invention has evolved from an extensive development program involving the unexpected formulation of certain chemicals to reduce or inhibit those undesirable features of alcohol and to make alcohol safe and effective for use outside the laboratory.


A wavelength-tunable semiconductor laser of distributed feedback (DFB) type wherein a diffraction grating having periodic corrugations along the direction of travel of light is formed on an active layer of at least one of layers adjacent thereto. An electrode on one side is separated into four or more electrodes in the direction of the cavity of the laser. Nonadjoining ones of them are electrically connected to form two electrode groups. The total length of first regions corresponding to a first one of the two electrode groups is larger than the total length of second regions corresponding to the second electrode group. The refractive indexes of the first regions are changed through current injection change to the first electrode group to vary the lasing wavelength and the gain of the second regions is controlled through current injection to the second electrode group, thereby generating output light of a constant output power and a variable single wavelength.

The present invention relates to a tunable semiconductor laser which has a wide tuning range and exhibits a narrow-linewidth characteristic.
A distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser with three electrodes has been studies for wavelength tuning and linewidth reduction. However, it has not realized to obtain a wave-length-tunable semiconductor laser which has necessarily and sufficiently a wide tuning range and a narrow line width.


A method for production planning includes receiving a first order quantity of a first device. A first yield estimate of the first device from a production line is determined. The first yield estimate is adjusted based on a first confidence factor associated with the first order quantity. A dispatch quantity for processing in the production line is determined based on the first order quantity and the adjusted first yield estimate.

The present invention relates generally to manufacturing and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for estimating yield fluctuation for back-end planning.
There is a constant drive within the semiconductor industry to increase the quality, reliability and throughput of integrated circuit devices, e.g., microprocessors, memory devices, and the like. This drive is fueled by consumer demands for higher quality computers and electronic devices that operate more reliably. These demands have resulted in a continual improvement in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, e.g., transistors, as well as in the manufacture of integrated circuit devices incorporating such transistors. Additionally, reducing the defects in the manufacture of the components of a typical transistor also lowers the overall cost per transistor as well as the cost of integrated circuit devices incorporating such transistors.
Generally, a set of processing steps is performed on a wafer using a variety of processing tools, including photolithography steppers, etch tools, deposition tools, polishing tools, rapid thermal processing tools, implantation tools, etc. During the fabrication process various events may take place that affect the performance of the devices being fabricated. That is, variations in the fabrication process steps result in device performance variations. Factors, such as feature critical dimensions, doping levels, contact resistance, particle contamination, etc., all may potentially affect the end performance of the device.
After fabrication of the devices is complete, each wafer is subjected to preliminary functional tests. Wafers that pass these tests are then cut to singulate the individual die, which are then packed in substrates. Packed dies are then subjected to additional tests against the specification of customers' orders to determine performance characteristics such as maximum operating speed, power, caches, etc.
Exemplary tests include initial class tests (ICL) that is a preliminary test for power and speed. ICL testing is usually followed by burn-in (BI) and post burn-in (PBI) tests that test packaged die under specified temperature and/or voltage stress, and automatic test equipment (ATE) tests that test die functionality. Then, packaged dies with different characteristics go through system-level tests (SLT) in which they are tested against customer requirements on specific electrical characteristics. In SLT, packaged dies are tested in an actual motherboard by running system-level tests (e.g., variance test programs). After completion of the testing, the devices are fused, marked, and packed to fill customer orders. This back-end processing is commonly referred to as the test, mark, pack (TMP) process.
Based on the results of the performance tests each device is assigned a grade, which effectively determines its market value. In general, the higher a device is graded, the more valuable the device. However, some applications do not require high-end devices. Accordingly, maximizing the profitability of the fabrication facility does not necessarily equate to maximizing the output of high-grade devices.
Because of the variation in performance of the end product devices, it is difficult to predict the throughput of the TMP line for devices meeting the requirement for a particular order part number (OPN). An OPN is associated with various parameters, such as speed and test requirements, that die must meet, which can be highly different for dies on the same wafer due to variance in process control during wafer fabrication. Hence, the supply of completed devices may not always result in desired number of outputs for a qualified OPN. For example, if a large number of high performing devices (i.e., more expensive devices) have been produced, but the current demand is for lower cost devices (i.e., slower), orders may not be able to be filled with the desired grade device. As a result, the manufacturer may be forced to sell devices of a higher grade at a lower price to fill the order. If the demand is for higher grade devices, and the supply of higher grade devices is diminished, the manufacturer may be unable to fill the order at all. Either situation results in lost profits for the manufacturer.
New product revisions typically have low yields and high yield variances over the test, mark, and pack (TMP) process. This fluctuation may result from design defects or narrow yield control limits. Also, new test process flows or new test programs typically result in increases in yield fluctuations. The testing process assigns devices to bins in accordance with their performance characteristics. Because TMP is the last process before finished packages are shipped to customers, the ability to accurately estimate the yield fluctuation during production planning and control is an important aspect of ensuring that commitments to customers may be met. Typically, fabrication personnel manually estimate the number of devices to dispatch into the TMP process to achieve output levels of a particular OPN sufficient to fill customer orders. This manual process relies heavily on planner experience and preferences. For example, different planners may add different buffers of additional devices to attempt to compensate for yield fluctuation. However, as the yield and yield fluctuation vary over time, such as with the product lifecycle, this approach may not reliably ensure that enough devices are available. Inconsistencies in yield prediction and buffering techniques impacts production inventories and production waste, reducing the overall efficiency of the production line. When more devices are completed than are needed to fill customer orders, the extra devices are stored in inventory for future demands, which results in week-to-week inventory costs. Overproduction also negatively impacts equipment capacity as equipment resources are consumed unnecessarily. If customer demand is not met, the unfinished portion rolls over to the following week, which increases production pressure for the following week and reduces customer satisfaction.
This section of this document is intended to introduce various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention described and/or claimed below. This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

Estimating yield fluctuation for back-end planning


A wheelchair having wheel track adjustability. The wheelchair including a frame, a seat situated within the frame, two drive wheels mounted to the frame at wheel axles and at least one steerable wheel. Each axle connected to a fitting removably coupled to the frame, with the fitting mounted to at least one support plate whose thickness varies around the circumference to position the fitting and axle at an angle. The support plate rotatable to change the angle of the fitting and axle and thereby correct wheel track error. The support plate mountable to a bracket pivotally mounted to the frame, such that pivoting movement of the bracket results in rotation of the support plates.

The frame of a wheelchair consists of two collateral frame sections which are each formed from pipe or tubular material and which are connected to each other via a cross beam. A fitting is inserted in each of the collateral frame sections, into which a rear wheel (drive gear) can be screwed with its axle. In order to improve the maneuverability and turning radius of the wheelchair, the wheel axles may not be arranged vertically (0° camber), but at an angle, so that the wheels are inclined from the vertical toward each other and assume a positive camber. The fitting is inserted into the collateral frame section diagonal to the angle forced by the camber angle using the support plates.
In order to be able to adjust the wheelchair to the individual requirements of the user, among other things the seat angle must be able to be changed. In the currently described wheelchair, the seat is rigidly connected to the collateral frame sections and the cross beams, so that an incline position can only be achieved if the frame is tilted, which can be done using wheels with a greater or smaller diameter or though attaching the wheels to the frame at a different height. If rear wheels with a smaller diameter are used, the frame will tilt backward in accordance with the smaller diameter and the seat tilts accordingly.
Through the tilt movement of the frame, the position of the longitudinal axis of the fittings changes as well as the position of the wheel axles and the camber lead to changing the track. The distance between the rear wheels is then greater or smaller in front of the axle than behind it. With the change of the track, the performance of the wheelchair will change. A tendency to wobble and increased tire wear are the results.
From DE 37 42 547 A1, a sport wheelchair is known, on which the collateral frame is equipped with protruding perforated plates for support of the axles for the rear wheels, for which the perforated plates are positioned to be able to pivot around an axle.
DE 296 05 439 U1 publishes a wheelchair with an undercarriage frame which consists of two collateral frame sections each with an upper and lower frame section, each being able to have a perforated plate to support and store a secure yet removable anchor for a wheel axle in the hub of the drive gear.
From GB 2 128 143 A, a wheelchair is known whose frame is made up of a bearing block, which has a number of bearing bores, in order to adjust the wheels selectively on various horizontal and/or vertical levels.
Starting from this problem, the wheelchair described at the beginning should be improved, so that the track of the rear wheels is adjustable.

Wheelchair with wheel track adjustability


An airborne substance sensing device is capable of blocking fluorescence that is not from an airborne substance and detecting faint fluorescence of an airborne substance with a high degree of accuracy through the use of a cartridge having an introduction plate in which micropores are formed through which a gas including an airborne substance can pass. A transparent collection plate opposes the introduction plate, and the airborne substance can be made to collide on the plate and be collected through the collision of the gas having passed through the micropores. In a main body, the introduction and collection plates are disposed in parallel, and a flow path for guiding the gas including the airborne substance to the micropores is formed. An opaque mask covers the collection plate and is provided with an opening window through which light can pass at a position corresponding to a collection area.

It is very important to prevent spread of an infection such as influenza or tuberculosis for a safe and secure social life. It is considered that these infections spread by suction of a splash containing a microorganism such as bacteria or viruses released from a body of a patient into the atmosphere into a body of another person. A powerful means for preventing spread of the infections is to find and isolate an infected person early. Various diagnostic methods are used in a medical site.
For example, in diagnosis of a respiratory infection such as influenza, a simple kit for sensing an antigen of a microorganism such as viruses or bacteria contained in a body fluid using an immunochromatography method is often used. However, the diagnosis using the simple kit requires collecting a body fluid by inserting a swab into the nasal cavity of a patient, and may be rejected, for example, by a very young patient due to pain. In general, a simple kit has a low sensitivity, and cannot necessarily secure a sufficient amount of antigen of a microorganism in a patient in an early stage of infection. When the amount of antigen of a collected microorganism is small, negative determination will be made. The activity of inserting a swab into the nasal cavity of a patient is a medical activity; therefore, the activity is limited to medical workers.
Therefore, a method for sensing a microorganism more simply has been demanded. With respect to this demand, a method for directly collecting a microorganism such as viruses or bacteria floating in the air from breath and sensing the microorganism optically has been proposed.
For example, PTL 1 describes a technique of a method for capturing a microorganism by a membrane method and sensing the microorganism. Specifically, a membrane (filter) having pores is disposed between two members of an upper surface part and a bottom part, and a microorganism included in a fluid and having a size larger than the pore is captured by this membrane. Thereafter, the captured microorganism is stained with a visualization reagent, and is imaged by a CCD camera for image processing, or is observed and analyzed using an electron microscope or the like.
In the method for directly collecting a microorganism in the air using such a membrane as described in PTL 1, a microorganism can be collected without giving pain to a patient, and the method is not a medical activity. Therefore, the method can be performed also by a person other than a medical worker. In addition, bacteria collected on the membrane is sensed directly. Therefore, collecting and sensing can be performed automatically and continuously.
PTL 2 describes a technique of an analyzer in which a target component is bonded to a spot on a chip by an antigen-antibody reaction or nucleic acid hybridization, a fluorescence dye is then bonded to the target component, and the fluorescence amount derived from the target component is measured with an optical system device. This analyzer includes a gap disposed for each spot on a stand for holding the chip in order to optically separate fluorescence derived from the target spot and fluorescence derived from an adjacent spot from each other. The gap functions as an optical mask.
In such a method for measuring the fluorescence amount of a measurement object such as DNA as described in PTL 2, it is possible to determine presence of the measurement object more rapidly than in image analysis. The measurement object can be sensed with high sensitivity by disposing a mask transmitting fluorescence derived from the measurement object and blocking fluorescence derived from a substance other than the measurement object.

Cartridge for airborne substance sensing device, and airborne substance sensing device


A door inner panel includes a front operation opening and a rear operation opening that communicate with the inside of a door main body. A seal portion is formed at an edge of each of the openings. The seal portion allows a hole seal that covers the openings to be attached thereto. In the door inner panel, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a third extension portion extend, toward the rear opening, from the lower rear portion of the seal portion formed at the edge of the rear opening. The top ends of the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and the third extension portion are connected together to form a connection portion. A displacement preventing portion is located in the connection portion and prevents displacement of a door trim urged by a side airbag toward the door inner panel.

Some ordinary vehicles, such as passenger automobiles, have a side airbag apparatus mounted therein. The side airbag apparatus inflates and deploys a side airbag in the side of a seat. A vehicle having a side airbag apparatus mounted therein is described in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-179820.
The side airbag apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-179820 includes an inflator that supplies gas to a side airbag (hereinafter simply referred to as a "bag") on the side of a seat in a compartment. A side door is disposed on an outboard side of the seat. The side door includes a door outer panel, a door inner panel, and a door trim made of plastic. The door trim includes an article container portion. When a vehicle collides with another object and if the side airbag apparatus operates, gas is supplied from the inflator to the bag and, therefore, the bag is inflated and deployed between the seat and the side door. A blocking member is provided at a point of the article receiving portion with which the bag is brought into contact. Thus, the deployed bag is blocked from entering a recess formed by the article container portion by the blocking member.
However, when the bag is deployed and if the bag is brought into contact with the door trim, a force that urges the door trim outwardly in the vehicle width direction is exerted. If the door trim is deformed outwardly in the vehicle width direction due to such a force, the bag bulges outwardly in the vehicle width direction. Even in such a case, the bag is required to be inflated into a shape that is optimum to protect an occupant. In particular, if a large operation opening used for attaching a window regulator is formed in a door inner panel, it is desirable that the door trim not be deformed and displaced to the inside of the operation opening due to the pressing force at a point of the door trim with which the bag is brought into contact. To more appropriately deploy a bag, further improvement is required.
Accordingly, the present application provides a technology that allows a side airbag to inflate into an optimum deployment shape.


A cassette for releasably holding a photosensitive film unit and locating the film unit at a film plane therein. The cassette includes base and cover sections coupled together in telescoping relation for movement toward and away from each other between releasably latched first and second closed positions. In the first closed position there is minimal pressure applied to the film unit to facilitate its removal from the cassette. When the case and cover sections are located in the second closed position sufficient pressure is applied to the film unit to urge it into intimate contact with a film plane defining bearing surface in the base section. In the illustrated embodiment the cassette is configured for radiographic applications and includes an intensifying screen that is urged into intimate contact with the film unit when the base and cover sections are located in the second closed positions.

The present invention relates to the field of photography and, more particularly, to a cassette for releasably holding a photosensitive film unit and locating the film unit at a film plane within the cassette in preparation for exposure.
The cassette embodying the present invention is particularly well suited for use with a large format (e.g. 8.times.10 or larger) film unit that forms a separate "negative" component of a self-developing film assemblage which also includes a "positive" component comprising an image receiving sheet having a rupturable container of fluid processing composition at one end thereof.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette is designed for radiographic applications and includes an interior bearing surface against which one side of the film unit is to bear in intimate contact to locate it at the film plane, and an intensifying screen that is adapted to be urged into intimate contact with the opposite photosensitive side of the film unit to enhance image formation when the intensifying screen emits visible light in response to impingement of X-ray radiation thereupon. Provisions are also made for daylight loading of an X-ray sensitive film unit that is initially provided with an opaque envelope covering the photosensitive portion thereof for protecting the film unit from ambient light until it is safely located within the light excluding environment of the cassette housing.
Cassettes of this type generally include some type of mechanism for selectively applying pressure to the film unit in a direction transverse to the film plane. Initially, after the film unit is loaded into the cassette it is desirable that this pressure be at a minimum so that the opaque envelope may be withdrawn through a light sealed passageway at one longitudinal end of the cassette by advancing it in a direction parallel to the film plane. However, before the cassette is mounted on an appropriate apparatus of film exposure, it is desirable that increased pressure be applied to the film unit so that one side thereof is urged into intimate contact with the film bearing surface while the intensifying screen is urged into intimate contact with the opposite side of the film unit. Following exposure, it is desirable to once again minimize this pressure to facilitate the advancement of the exposed film unit in a direction parallel to the film plane through a light seal passageway at the opposite end of the cassette so that it may be advanced into superposition with the image receiving sheet for processing whereby the superposed sheets are advanced between a pair of pressure applying rollers in a film processor for releasing the fluid from the rupturable container and distributing it between the superposed negative and positive sheets to initiate a well-known development and diffusion transfer process.
Cassettes designed for use with large format self-developing film units are, of course, well-known in the prior art.
One type of cassette includes a base section and a cover section that are coupled together for movement between an open position for film loading and a single closed position wherein structure associated with the cover section applies a given pressure, in a direction transverse to the film plane, for urging one side of the film unit into intimate contact with a film plane defining bearing surface and for urging the intensifying screen into intimate contact with the opposite side of the film unit. For representative examples of this type of cassette, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,689,306; 3,371,208; 3,383,507; and 3,804,625. However, these patents disclose that the amount of pressure applied is critical and must be balanced to provide enough pressure for good intimate contact and yet not so much as to inhibit the withdrawal of the opaque envelope or the subsequent advancement of the exposed film unit from the cassette for processing. While this type of structure may work well, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the individual piece parts of the cassette must be manufactured to relatively high tolerances to maintain the critical pressure thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of these cassettes. Also, one may expect that the normal wear and tear on the cassette inherent in extended use may adversely affect the cassette's ability to maintain a pressure in the critical range.
Another type of large format cassette includes a base section and cover section that are coupled together for movement between an open position for film loading and a closed position wherein the cassette is rendered light tight and a minimum of pressure is applied to the film unit in a direction transverse to the film plane to facilitate envelope withdrawal and the subsequent removal of the exposed film unit for processing. Additionally, these cassettes include a movable pressure mechanism and some type of actuating system which allows the pressure to be suitably increased for good intimate contact of the film unit with the bearing surface and the intensifying screen with the photosensitive side of the film unit. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,709,223 and 3,103,864 wherein the cover section of the cassette includes a rectangular frame having a movable pressure plate mounted therein and a cam and lever arrangement that is actuable to load the pressure plate and urge it toward the film plane to provide the required pressure. Also see U.S. Pat. No. 2,823,317 where the opening in the frame of the cover section is covered with a flexible diaphragm which is deflected by a platen and clamp mechanism to increase pressure in the direction transverse to the film plane. U.S. Pat. No. 3,174,039 discloses a cassette having a lever mechanism which is actuated to move a pressure plate associated with the cover section. Still another type of cassette, disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,327,155 and 3,330,953, utilizes an inflatable air bag for increasing the pressure in a direction transverse to the film plane. Also see commonly-assigned copending application U.S. Ser. No. 841,889 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,308 filed on Oct. 13, 1977 by Herman E. Erikson which discloses a cassette having a movable pressure plate disposed between fixed exterior cassette wall and an actuating cam system for moving the pressure plate toward and away from the base plate.
While these cassettes do provide the desirable feature of being able to vary the pressure for good intimate contact on one hand and withdrawal of the envelope and film unit on the other hand, the addition of the pressure plate or air bag and the required actuating mechanisms for these devices generally make these cassettes more mechanically complex and expensive to manufacture than is desirable.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cassette that is suitable for use with a large format film unit, allows pressure thereon in a direction transverse to the film plane to be varied, and yet is of simple construction and low cost.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a cassette that doesn't require the use of a movable pressure plate per se and its accompanying actuating mechanisms.
Other objects of the invention will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, appear hereinafter.


Apparatus for strapping articles, wherein the band channel (28) of the band guiding frame (13) is covered by profile strips, which consist of an elastic material, preferably an elastically curing polyurethane elastomer casting mass, into which are embedded wear and/or sliding elements in the form of metal helical spring elements (34), the helical spring axes of which run essentially parallel to the band channel (28), and the coils of which project a little bit from the elastic material into the interior (28) of the band channel and form curved sliding surfaces (35) running essentially transversely to the band channel, so that the strapping band essentially only comes into contact with the metallic sliding surfaces of the spring elements during the exit from the band channel, and thereby does not damage the elastic material of the profile strips.

The invention relates to an apparatus for strapping articles, with a band guiding frame which surrounds the article with a distance, and the band channel of which comprises a cover on the side facing the article, which can be opened over its entire length and which closes automatically, which consists of profile strips of an elastic material which are secured to the band guiding frame and which comprise a side wall and a front wall, which overlaps the side of the band channel facing the article at least partially with a distance from the channel base, wherein the profile strips are secured at the band guiding frame beyond the free edges and the base of the band channel and are provided with wear and/or sliding elements at least in the region of the band contact surfaces formed at the front wall. The invention is further directed to a profile strip, in particular for covering the band channel in the band guiding frame of an article strapping apparatus, wherein the profile strip comprises a side wall and a front wall, which are angled to one another and which are manufactured in one piece of an elastic material with a high fatigue strength under reversed bending, and which is provided with wear and/or sliding elements in the region of the band contact surfaces formed at the front wall.
Strapping apparatuses for articles which are to be surrounded with a metal or particularly a plastic band are known in different embodiments. In addition to so-called hand devices, stationary strapping machines are available, where the strapping band is first injected into the band channel at the band guiding frame surrounding the article to be strapped, and then exits from the band channel on the inner side facing the article during the manufacture of the strapping. The band channel is thereby covered by profile strips which are designed in a flexible manner, and can thereby clear the channel at the inner side facing the article, if a tensile force is exerted on the strapping band lying in the band channel during the lashing around the article.
With the strapping apparatuses used currently, the band channel is covered by angled metal strips having a short length, which are arranged at the two side walls of the band guiding frame in a jointed manner and are held pressed by helical springs in a resting position closing the band guiding channel, whereby they can tilt outwardly against the effect of the helical springs when the strapping band is drawn against the article and is tightened. As the covering profile flaps are in fact mounted in an elastic manner, but are inelastic themselves, they open and close by the tension of the strapping band directed inwardly not gradually but abruptly and along their entire length, whereby the exit of the strapping band from the band channel takes place in an irregular manner and with a large noise emission. As the spring tension at the mountings of the individual flaps can hardly be adjusted in an even manner, the covering flaps develop different clamping forces along the band guiding frame and let the strapping band leave the channel at different locations of the band guiding frame which cannot be determined beforehand during the band tensioning procedure. It is also often a problem that the side and face walls of the metal flaps are not in alignment at their abutting surfaces, but that stepped transitions are generated there, with which the strapping band, which is injected into the band channel, can abut with its front transverse edge, which results in failures.
For avoiding the above-mentioned disadvantages with the strapping apparatuses used up to now, it has been suggested in the generic DE 199 12 940 A1, to replace the covering flaps consisting of metal strips with a profile strip of an elastic material, which can cover the band channel at its inner side in respectively one piece, so that abutting surfaces are no longer present in the cover. As the profile strip itself is elastic, it respectively opens the band channel only immediately in the region in which the band has to leave the band channel during its tightening around the article, and closes it again immediately behind it.
The practical implementation of this basically excellent suggestion known from DE 199 12 940 has proved to be more difficult than expected. The strapping band which is drawn radially inwardly from the band channel during the strapping procedure, effected a high wear of the profile strips at the wall contact surfaces formed at their front faces, so that even reasonably acceptable service lives of the profile strip could not be achieved without wear and/or sliding elements provided there, which consist of a particularly wear-resistant material. The wear and sliding elements of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a coploymer therefor suggested by DE 199 12 940, which were to be produced with the remainder of the profile strip, had the disadvantage to reduce the flexibility of the profile strip considerably, so that a prompt closure of the band channel after the exit of the strapping band could not be achieved with this.

Apparatus for strapping articles and profile strip, in particular for covering the band channel of the article-strapping apparatus


A mass transit system. The system comprises a first platform for supporting a cargo compartment, a rotating platform having a center area, and a conveyor system for moving the cargo compartment from the first platform to the center area of the rotating platform, while the rotating platform is rotating. The system also includes apparatus for moving the cargo compartment from the center area of the rotating platform to a point relative to the rotating platform that is adjacent a perimeter of the rotating platform. Finally, the system may include apparatus for moving the cargo compartment from the center area to a point relative to the rotating platform that is adjacent a perimeter of the rotating platform.

The preferred embodiments relate to mass transit of compartments for goods and people and more particularly facilitate delivery and withdrawal of such compartments with respect to mass transit vehicles, such as railway systems.
The use of railway systems in mass transit has a long history and continues to evolve, with certain considerations for whether the transit is of goods or passengers. Railway transit has numerous benefits, including reliability, safety, speed, flexibility, limited ground consumption for rail lines, and the proven ability to transport millions of tons of goods and people in a wide variety of regions.
The present inventor has recognized, however, that preferred embodiments may facilitate a profound improvement in mass transit, such as in railway systems. Particularly, the preferred embodiments implement a system that permits controlled, systematic, and efficient delivery and withdrawal of compartments, for either goods or passengers, into a railway system by way of example. The preferred embodiment system may vastly reduce energy needs of existing railway systems in that the compartment movement may be achieved by allowing the railcars to continue to move at either an existing or reduced speed, but in any event without requiring the railcars in the railway system to come to a stop. As a result, considerable savings are anticipated in energy and other resources, where such savings otherwise are diminished or lost in current railway systems that are with some frequency required to stop, so as to load goods or passengers to/from the railway cars. Further, the preferred embodiment system may profoundly affect the manner in which persons or goods are distributed to and from the railway, so as also to provide greater efficiencies in travel and scheduling.
Still other benefits will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, given an understanding of the discussion below.

Mass transit facilitation system and method


A device for use in obtaining one or more calibration parameters of an array of two-dimensional sensors used in stereotactic localization of objects in a workspace. The device comprises a target array and a positioner capable of positioning the target array at a desired location in the workspace.

Stereotactic localization refers to the localization of an object in a three-dimensional workspace by means of two or more two-dimensional sensors viewing the object along different sight lines. A three-dimensional coordinate system is established in the workspace and the three-dimensional coordinates of the object are calculated from the two-dimensional views obtained by the sensors. Stereotactic localization is important, for example, during invasive surgery when it is necessary to locate in the operating space, with a high degree of accuracy, part of a surgical instrument. For example, the location of the exposed handle of a probe in the operating space may be determined, from which the location of the tip of the probe inside the patient's body may be calculated. In such cases, the location of the tip may be registered in a displayed computerized image of the patient, such as an X-ray, sonogram, or CAT scan.
The sensors used in stereotactic localization may be cameras that sense light emitted by objects to be detected in the workspace. Devices utilizing video cameras as sensors are described in L. Adams, et al., IEEE Computer Graphics and Application Vol. 10 (1990), No. 3, pp. 43-51; M. P. Helibrun, et al., Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery 1992, No. 58, pp. 94-98; N. Meitland et al., Proceedings of the 5.sup.th British Machine Vision Conference, York, BMVA Press, 1994 pp. 609-618 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,603,318 and 5,792,147. Alternatively, the objects of interest may be modified to emit another form of energy detected by the sensors. The type of energy used may be radio-frequency radiation (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,635), sound waves (U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,588), or pulsed DC magnetic fields (U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,091). Devices based on the detection of pulsed infrared light radiation by video cameras are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,622,170, 5,197,476 and 5,792,147.
An array of two-dimensional sensors to be used in stereotactic localizing systems must be calibrated prior to use in order to establish the relative orientation of the sensors in the array and other parameters necessary for locating objects in space. In one calibration procedure, a plurality of target objects are placed in the workspace at points of known three-dimensional coordinates, and stereotactic views of the targets are obtained by the sensors. The resulting calibration data are then used to generate a localization function determining the three-dimensional coordinates of an object in the workspace from the two-dimensional stereotactic views of it obtained by the sensors. Computation of a localization function is described, for example, in Jain, R. et al., Machine Vision, McGraw-Hill, New York 1995. The localization function involves 14 parameters that are calculated from the calibration data. Six of these parameters characterize sensor positions and orientation, two characterize the sensor projections of the focal plane, four characterize optical distortion of the lens, and two characterize scaling factors and aspect ratio. The accuracy of the calculated camera parameters, and hence of the localization function, is limited by the number of target points used for obtaining the calibration data. For the localization function to be accurate in the entire workspace, calibration data must be obtained over a set of target points spanning as large a volume in the workspace as possible and being as dense as possible in that volume.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,318 discloses a device consisting of a small number of targets attached to the patient that serve for calibration of sensors in a medical stereotactic procedure. Since the number of targets used for the calibration is small, and is necessarily located outside the patient's body, the calibration data yielded are accurate only near the targets. The accuracy rapidly diminishes to intolerable levels at locations away from the targets including locations of medical interest (e.g. inside a patient's body). This calibration method necessitates that it be performed in the workspace and that the calibration device be present in the workspace during the medical procedure.
Alternative methods in the art use a fixed planar or box-type three-dimensional calibrating target that provides at least three surfaces as calibrating targets. These devices also do not have a sufficiently high target density to provide accurate calibration data for high accuracy localization during a medical procedure.

Device and method for calibration of a stereotactic localization system


A high voltage power supply (40) having a plurality of high voltage generators (50a, 50b, . . . 50j) that produce a controlled current in a load (24) having a capacitive component. Each high voltage generator consists of a pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) inverter, a high voltage transformer, and a high voltage full bridge rectifier. The high voltage generators are divided into three groups: Group I, Group II, and Group III. During a driving mode of power supply operation, the Group I, Group II, and Group III high voltage generators produce an output voltage (V.sub.gen) from the power supply which exceeds a voltage (V.sub.c) across the capacitive component of the load, causing the current in the load to increase. When the current in the load reaches a desired value, the power supply enters a tracking mode of operation. During the tracking mode, the Group I and Group II high voltage generators produce an output voltage (V.sub.gen) from the power supply which equals the voltage (V.sub.c) across the capacitive component of the load. The current through the load remains constant while the power supply tracks the voltage across the capacitive component of the load. The driving mode and the tracking mode are repeatedly performed, as the high voltage generators are driven by a square wave voltage (V.sub.sw) produced by a timing generator (66). A control circuit (56) is also provided in the power supply to enable or disable additional Group II high voltage generators in response to fluctuations in the voltage across the load.

High voltage power supplies often are used in applications where a load connected to the power supply includes a significant inductive or capacitive component. In many applications, inductive components comprise a major component of the load. For example, electrostatic precipitators contain electrode arrays connected to a high voltage power supply via high voltage cables and buses. The array, the cables, and the buses all contribute to the overall inductive value of the system. Even in applications that do not contain large inductive components, elements of the system may have non-negligible inductive values. For example, a load connected to a high voltage power supply may be connected to the power supply by a high voltage cable having an inherent inductance. As a general rule, therefore, all high-power electrical circuits can be modeled with resistive, inductive, and capacitive components.
The presence of capacitive and inductive load components often makes it difficult to maintain a desired current in the load because the components prevent the current in a load from quickly changing. This is a disadvantage because in many applications, it is beneficial to maintain the current in a high power circuit at a desired level. A constant current allows the transfer of a maximum amount of electrical energy in a minimum time. A limited amplitude also increases the safety of those exposed to the circuit. Finally, a limited amplitude is ideal for power supplies constructed of power transistors. Since power transistors are rated to handle a maximum current, transistors used in power supplies that generate current waveforms that may periodically exceed an average current level must be selected to handle the periodic spikes to a much higher current level. If the amplitude of a load current is controlled to remain around an average level, typically less expensive power transistors having a lower current carrying capability may be selected for use in the power supply.
Several different approaches exist for designing a power supply that produces a direct current (DC) high voltage. For example, a common approach is to convert a DC voltage to a high frequency alternating current (AC) square wave voltage with an inverter, step-up the square wave voltage using a high voltage transformer, and rectify the stepped-up output of the transformer to produce an approximately DC output voltage. A drawback to this generation method is that it does not allow simple control of the magnitude and waveform of the current generated in the transformer and in the load. The magnitude of the current in the load is affected by two changing voltages. First, fluctuations in the primary DC voltage source can cause the amplitude of the AC square wave voltage from the inverter to vary. Variance in the output from the inverter will have a direct effect on the output voltage from the power supply. Second, changes in the voltage drop across the inductive or capacitive components in the load will affect the current through the load if the output voltage from the power supply remains constant. For example, in precipitator applications, the voltage drop across the electrode array in the precipitator will fluctuate in response to varying amounts of pollutants passing through the precipitator. The two changing voltages, i.e., the magnitude of the output voltage generated by the high voltage power supply (hereinafter V.sub.gen) and the voltage across the capacitive components in the load (hereinafter V.sub.c), often change independently of each other. The variation of both V.sub.gen and V.sub.c effects the rate of change of current in the load. Because prior art power supplies were not successful in rapidly controlling the difference between the output voltage from the power supply and the voltage in the load, the magnitude and waveform of the current in the supply and load often went uncontrolled.
Generating a controlled current in an electrical circuit that includes inductive and capacitive components is therefore a difficult problem. Several solutions have been suggested, all of which limit the switching; speed of the power supply. For example, one solution is to convert the unstable DC input voltage to a stable current by adding a current regulator or limiter to the output of the power supply. While an added regulator will limit the output current from the high voltage power supply, a current regulator also contains reactive elements which store energy. When the power supply is turned off, the stored energy must dissipate through other components, preventing the output of the supply from rapidly decreasing to zero. Those techniques which allow the production of a regulated current from a high voltage power supply therefore have a tendency to prevent the rapid shut down of the power supply. It is an object of the present invention to create a power supply that produces a regulated current in a load and allows rapid power down.

High voltage power supply having multiple high voltage generators


An uncured, thermoset resin sheet is reinforced with oriented fibers and is slit to define a desired length for the fibers. A series of the sheets are cut and stacked to form integrated layers of the composite material for a structural panel. The panel has two outer layers that sandwich two shorter layers on each end, and syntactic or foamed resin layer in between. Each of the composite layers is formed from the same materials and by the same process, but may vary in the directional orientation of their fibers. The uncured panel is assembled into a flexible, substantially flat configuration is heated and formed to the contours of a tool having a undulated surface geometry. The panel is further heated to cure the combined composite and syntactic resins into a series of undulations that permeate each of its layers. In one embodiment, the undulations are in a smooth, sine wave-like pattern that allow the panel to maintain a planar configuration. Although the fibers themselves do not stretch, the short lengths of the fibers enable stretching of the material in the fiber direction so that deformation of the composite is possible in all directions. The panel is stiffened both by spacing its outer layers apart with the syntactic layer, and by its undulated surface.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to an improved structural panel, and in particular to an improved structural panel with an undulated surface. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to an undulated structural panel concurrently formed from composite materials and syntactic or foamed resins.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, structural panels are typically stiffened by attaching individual stiffening elements to the panels, such as hats, blades, xe2x80x9cJ""sxe2x80x9d, or xe2x80x9cC""sxe2x80x9d. These additional elements increase the cost of fabricating the panels and are limited in adaptability. Although stiffened structural panels have also been achieved by incorporating honeycomb core or similar materials between two laminate faces having the appropriate planar or smoothly curved profile, concurrent stiffening by this latter method has limitations on panel shape and can be costly to practice with control.
Similarly, stiffening via a geometry of corrugations or beads has not been practical. Simple, low-cost fabrication of composite structures with beaded or corrugated stiffening elements has been difficult because inextensible fibers cause bridging or wrinkling. This problem is often present even when laid layer by layer to the contour of the forming tool. Consequently, the corrugations or beads of such a structure cannot be readily stiffened in a direction normal to the corrugations by incorporating a layer of syntactic or foamed resins to create a sandwich effect.
An uncured, thermoset resin sheet is reinforced with oriented fibers and is slit to define a desired length or lengths for the fibers. A series of the sheets is cut and stacked to form integrated layers of the composite material for a structural panel. The panel has two such outer layers that sandwich two shorter layers on each end, and a syntactic or foamed resin layer in between. The two shorter layers are required for the condition where it is desirable to isolate and protect the syntactic resin from direct exposure to humidity or for some other such purpose. In many cases, the shorter layers may be omitted, leaving the syntactic resin visible at the ends. Each of the composite layers is formed from the same materials and by the same process, but may vary in the directional orientation of their fibers.
The uncured panel is assembled into a flexible, substantially flat configuration and then is heated and formed to the contours of a tool having an undulated surface geometry. The panel is further heated to cure the combined composite and syntactic resins into a series of rigid undulations that permeate each of its layers. In one embodiment, the undulations are in a smooth, sine wavelike pattern that allow the panel to maintain a planar configuration. Although the fibers themselves do not stretch, the short lengths of the fibers enable stretching of the material in the fiber direction so that deformation of the composite is possible in all directions. The panel is stiffened in one direction by spacing its outer layers apart with the syntactic layer, and in an orthogonal direction by its undulated surface.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved structural panel.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an improved structural panel with an undulated surface.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an undulated structural panel that is formed in one operation from a flat or appropriately contoured composite laminate.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an undulated structural panel concurrently formed from composite materials and syntactic or foamed resins.

Composite structural panel with undulated body