An assembly for defining a sealed back-up air gap, for use with a line protector comprising an over-voltage arrester housed within a canister and defining a back-up air gap therebetween, comprises an electrical contact and a sealing member. A mounting arrangement is disposed on the electrical contact for positively positioning and retaining the sealing member on the electrical contact. The sealing member is engagable with the canister to form a seal for the back-up air gap, and with the contact while also mounting the contact for electrically conductive engagement with one electrode of the arrester. In one embodiment, the sealing member is an elastomeric O-ring. In another embodiment, the O-ring mount is formed by deformation of the electrical contact. In yet another embodiment, the O-ring is replaced by a flat, annular washer-shaped insulator, which is positively retained on the electrical contact.

The present invention relates generally to an improved surge arrester assembly having a sealed back-up air gap. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel contact for use with an over-voltage arrester, and an arrangement for sealing the contact with a canister, which also receives the arrester.
Given the current and voltage sensitivity, and the high cost of most modern electric and electronic equipment, users of that equipment often employ line surge protectors connected electrically in-line with the equipment. These line protectors prohibit the flow of current in the presence of a voltage surge having a magnitude greater than the tolerance of the equipment. To this end, many of these line protectors contain voltage arrester assemblies means in the form of a surge voltage or over-voltage arrester, which shunts the line to ground in the presence of a voltage greater than that tolerable by the equipment. The construction and operation of protectors employing surge voltage arresters is well known in the relevant art, as is evident, for example, from the patent of Gilberts, U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,374, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by this reference.
Over-voltage arresters usually comprise a pair of spaced electrodes defining therebetween a spark gap which may be surrounded by air (as in a so-called carbon arrester) or by an appropriate, usually inert, gas (as in a so-called gas tube arrester). If an over-voltage (i.e. voltage exceeding the equipment tolerances) is present in the line to the equipment, that over-voltage will cause an arc across the spark gap continue to ground. This prevents the over-voltage condition damaging the equipment. The above-referenced Gilberts patent utilizes a gas tube arrester.
To prevent an over-current condition from damaging the equipment, a solder pellet is usually included in the protector, as part of the arrester assembly. When an over-current is present, the heat generated thereby melts the pellet. With the pellet melted, the arrangement is such that an electrical connection is made between the line and ground, again preventing damage to the equipment. One such arrangement is shown and described in the above-referenced Gilberts patent.
As shown in the referenced Gilberts patent, a secondary or back-up spark gap is defined between one electrode of the gas tube and a canister housing the arrester. To seal this back-up spark gap, a potted 0-ring is used. The O-ring is placed between the canister and an electrical contact, which forms the connection to ground, and a quantity of a potting compound is added above the O-ring.
While this type of seal works well in some employments, there is room for further improvements. The sealed back-up air gap construction of the present invention is intended to provide such an improvement.

Arrester assembly with sealed back-up air gap


Photocharge is integrated within a first plurality of pixels of an integrated-circuit image sensor during a first exposure interval. A read-out signal is output from each pixel of the first plurality of pixels upon conclusion of the first exposure interval, each read-out signal indicating a respective level of photocharge integrated within the corresponding pixel during the first exposure interval. Photocharge is also integrated within a second plurality of pixels during a second exposure interval that transpires concurrently with the first exposure interval and has a duration not more than half the duration of the first exposure interval. A read-out signal is output from each pixel of the second plurality of pixels at least twice with respect to the second exposure interval, with each such read-out signal indicating a respective level of photocharge integrated within the corresponding pixel during at least a portion of the second exposure interval.

A line-interleaved image sensor exposes odd rows and even rows of a pixel array for different intervals, one long and one short, to capture dark and bright parts of a scene. Pixel data is read out from both sets of rows at the conclusion of a frame interval and merged into a high dynamic range (HDR) image. Unfortunately, the short exposure tends to be noisy, yielding motion-induced artifacts (as it is difficult distinguish scene motion from noise) and noisy bright regions in the final image.


Coated pellets are produced by forming pellets having about 20% or more void space, contacting the pellets with a suspension of polymeric particles, reducing the temperature of the particles to create a pressure differential between the voids and the atmosphere to draw in liquid from the suspension and filter polymeric particles on the surface to form a coating.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the formation of polymeric coatings on the surface of pellets or other aggregates of particulate matter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many processes are known in the art for formation of various types of coatings on the surfaces of pellets. Such processes include dipping, rolling, brushing, air suspension, fluidized bed and spraying, to name a few. The present invention provides a method for coating pellets which contain void spaces from a suspension of thermoplastic polymeric particles in a liquid, by creating a pressure differential between the void spaces and the outside of the pellet while it is in contact with the suspension, to form a layer of polymeric particles on the surface of the pellet, and subsequently fusing or thermally adhering the particles to form a generally continuous coating.


A handheld wireless communication device having a defibrillator integrated therein to be employed in an emergency situation to supply electrical therapy to a victim who is experiencing cardiac distress. The defibrillator being powered by at least one thermally powered battery contained within the wireless communications device. The wireless communication device may also include a cardiac module which will determine whether the victim's heart beat has become irregular and whether defibrillation is necessary. The wireless communication device will guide the user through the use of the defibrillator/cardiac modules. The wireless device may also include a tracking unit that will provide the user's location and wireless two-way voice communication with emergency personnel upon activation of the defibrillator.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs in approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. each year. Half of all coronary heart disease deaths are sudden and unexpected; these include people at risk of dying from SCD while they are awaiting a heart transplant or immediately after they survive a heart attack. SCD is a direct result of cardiac arrhythmia (cardiac arrest) and may be reversible if responded to promptly through the administration of at least one electrical shock to the victim's heart. If left uncorrected, the irregular heartbeat can lead to irreversible brain damage and even death. It has been determined by the American Heart Association that for every minute that a person experiences cardiac arrhythmia without being defibrillated, the chance of survival decreases by about 10 percent.
Defibrillators have been used for years to restore normal heart rhythm to victims experiencing cardiac arrhythmia, these include external and implantable defibrillators. However, those patients who typically benefit from such implantable defibrillators face an increased risk of complications resulting from the implantation surgery. Thus, these patients are usually confined to extended hospitalization so that they may receive prompt defibrillation, if necessary. Doctors sometimes recommend home defibrillators for patients with chronic heart conditions (e.g., heart disease).
Portable external defibrillators have been in use for years and depend on bystanders to successfully administer the electrical therapy to the victim. Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator available from Lifecor, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa.), see U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,306. This defibrillator is strapped to the lower chest and shoulders of the user and must be continuously worn in order to detect and impart electrical therapy in response to cardiac arrhythmia in the patient. However, this wearable defibrillator is bulky and cumbersome, reducing the likelihood the user will continuously wear the device, thereby decreasing its effectiveness.
A basic defibrillator consists of a power source (i.e., battery), microprocessor, and electrodes interconnected by electrical circuitry. The defibrillator can include a cardiac module which utilizes the same or different electrodes than the defibrillator. These electrodes sense the heart's rhythm and the microprocessor interprets the rhythm to determine if a shock is needed to treat fibrillation. If the heart is in fibrillation, the defibrillator will charge in preparation to deliver the shock. The electrodes deliver an electric shock that travels through the victim's chest to stun the heart, momentarily stopping all activity. This momentary inactivity gives the heart a chance to restart normal electrical activity and resume beating. A successful defibrillation is one that causes the fibrillation to be converted to another rhythm, even if this rhythm is unshockable.
Public automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been in use for years. Most AEDs have been designed to require little to no training to operate. These AEDs are found in public places where groups of people congregate, such as, offices, airports, restaurants, hotels, schools, etc. Public AEDs are usually mounted inside brightly colored, protective cases to make them highly visible to the community. When these protective cases are opened and defibrillator removed, often an alarm will indicate their removal. However, most of these alarms do not summon emergency services and only some AEDs include a phone to contact emergency personnel. Those AEDs that do include a telephone depend upon fact that the person making the call is aware, or capable, of determining the exact location of the victim.
There are two types of automated external defibrillators: semi-automatic and fully-automatic. Both types approved in the United State will prompt and guide the operator through the use procedures visually, audibly or both. The semi-automatic AEDs will instruct the operator to stand clear of the victim and to push a shock button to defibrillate. The fully-automatic units will warn the operator to stand clear and then deliver the shock automatically without the user having to push a button.
Wireless communication devices (cellular telephones, PCS, personal digital assistants, pagers, etc.) have become virtually ubiquitous in many societies. These wireless devices are currently being developed for use over a wide swath of health care applications. These include, albeit not limited to, patient monitoring, equipment monitoring, telemedicine, prescriptions and patient record keeping. Given their ready accessibility it makes sense to integrate these wireless communication devices with equipment capable of providing emergency medical capabilities.
What has been heretofore lacking in the art is a wireless telecommunication device capable of normal everyday communication which is also capable of recognizing a cardiac irregularity and, if deemed necessary, defibrillates the victim. The present invention is particularly ideal for patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest and those who are not candidates or refuse an implantable defibrillator. The device utilizes a power supply that can retain a sufficient amount of electrical energy to power the defibrillator yet is small enough in both size and weight to be easily carried on one's person or inside a handbag.

Wireless communication device with integrated defibrillator


To fabricate a programmable read only memory cell an implant region is formed within a substrate. A first conductive layer is formed over the substrate. For example, the first conductive layer is polysilicon. The first conductive layer is etched to form a first electrode on the substrate in physical and electrical contact with the implant region and to form a gate region for a transistor. Atoms of a first conductivity type are implanted into the substrate into a first source/drain region on a first side of the gate region and into a second source/drain region on a second side of the gate region. The second source/drain region is electrically coupled to the implant region. An insulating layer is formed over the first electrode. The insulating layer has a link contact which extends to the first electrode region. The insulating layer also has a contact hole extending to the first source drain region. An amorphous silicon layer is formed within the link contact and in contact with the first electrode. A metal layer is deposited. The metal layer is etched to form a second electrode in contact with the amorphous silicon layer and electrically separated from the first electrode by the amorphous silicon layer, and to form a metal contact to the first source/drain region through the contact hole.

This invention relates generally to integrated circuits and more particularly to memory cells for programmable read-only memories (PROMs) and the like.
Field programmable gate arrays include a large number of logic elements, such as AND gates and OR gates, which can be selectively coupled together by means of fuses or anti-fuses to perform user designed functions. An unprogrammed fuse-type gate array is programmed by selectively blowing fuses within the device, while an unprogrammed anti-fuse type gate array is programmed by causing selected anti-fuses to become conductive.
There are many types of PROMs including standard, write-once PROMs, erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMS), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMS) etc. A PROM usually comprises an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns which can be programmed to store user data. PROMs are typically fuse-type devices.
Fuses for field programmable gate arrays, PROMs and the like are typically made from a titanium-tungsten (TiW) alloy and are shaped somewhat like a bow-tie having a narrow, central neck and wide ends. The neck of the fuse is typically about 2 microns wide, while the ends of the fuse are typically about 6 microns wide. When a sufficiently high voltage (usually on the order of 10 volts D.C.) is applied to the fuse, the current flowing through the fuse will cause it to heat-up and will eventually melt the fuse at its neck, thereby "blowing" the fuse.
Anti-fuses include a material which initially has a high resistance but which can be converted into a low resistance material by the application of a programming voltage. For example, amorphous silicon, which has an intrinsic resistivity of approximately 1 megohms-cm, can be fashioned into 1 micron wide link vias having a resistance of approximately 1-2 gigohms. These link vias can then be melted and re-crystallized by the application of a programming voltage in the range of 10-12 volts D.C. to form link vias having a resistance less than 200 ohms. These low resistance vias can couple together logic elements of a field programmable gate array so that the gate array will perform user-desired functions, or can serve as memory cells of a PROM. Herein, the term "fuses" is used generically to refer both to fuses (a material which initially has a low resistance but which can be converted into a high resistance material by the application of a programming voltage) and to anti-fuses (material which initially has a high resistance but which can be converted into a low resistance material by the application of a programming voltage).
Anti-fuse structures have the very desirable feature of being small in size. For example, a TiW fuse with a 2 micron neck and 6 micron end widths permits approximately 4,000 fuses to be provided on a typical device. In contrast, a 1 or 1.2 micron diameter anti-fuse via permits 80,000-100,000 fuses to be provided on a single device. Therefore, anti-fuses have the potentiality of providing vastly greater numbers of interconnections or of storing much greater amounts of information than devices using fuse technology. However, fuses in electronic devices are much more prevalent today than anti-fuses because they are easier to manufacture and have a better record of reliability. Improved manufacturing techniques have overcome several problems which formerly limited the use of anti-fuse structures.
However, in the prior art, the anti-fuse was typically built between metal one and metal two layers. This requires several additional masking steps and etch steps. For example, an extra metal layer of Titanium Tungsten, a link via, link oxide and link spacer are all required. Additional layers increase the topology and leads to metal step coverage problems. Also, defect density is increased as rigorous cleansing is not possible after metal deposition. In addition, in prior art methods, programming voltage varies a lot due to the non-conformal nature of amorphous silicon film deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) techniques. See, for example, "Very High Speed FPGAs 1992 Data Book", from QuickLogic Corporation, pp. 1-1 through 2-4.

Method of making a field programmable read only memory (ROM) cell using an amorphous silicon fuse with buried contact polysilicon and metal electrodes


An impeller including: blades disposed in a circumferential direction of the impeller; a disk located close to a second end side of an axis of the impeller with respect to the blades, to which the blades are attached, and configured to be attached to a rotating shaft; and a shroud located close to a first end side of an axis of the impeller with respect to the blades, and to which the blades are attached. Flow passages are formed by the blades, the disk and the shroud. The blades, the shroud and a first portion of the disk close to the second end side of the axis of the impeller are integrated so as to form a first member. A second portion of the disk close to the first end side of the axis of the impeller forms a second member.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, generally, an impeller 101 used for rotary machines, such as a centrifugal compressor, has a fixed hub portion 112 of a rotating shaft S, a disc-shaped disc 107 that is provided integrally with the hub portion 112, a shroud 108 that is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the disc 107 in the axial direction of the central axis L, and a plurality of blades 106 that are provided in a circumferential direction and connect the disc 107 to the shroud 108. In this type of impeller, a portion surrounded by the side surfaces of the blades 106 and two mutually facing surfaces of the disc 107 and the shroud 108 formed a flow passage 103 for compressing air. Additionally, by shrink-fitting the hub portion 112 to the rotating shaft S of the rotary machine, the impeller 101 is fixed to the rotating shaft S.
The flow passage 103 opens toward a first end side of the central axis L on the inner peripheral side, curves gradually so as to be directed to a radial outer peripheral side, and opens toward the radial direction on outer peripheral side. That is, the flow passage 103 is formed in a curved shape as viewed from the circumferential direction in order to direct a fluid, which is introduced from the first end side along a second end side, to the radial outer peripheral side (particularly, refer to FIG. 14). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, as the blades 106 are obliquely connected to the disc 107, the compression performance of the impeller 101 is improved, and thereby, the flow passage 103 assumes a complicated three-dimensional shape.
As a method for manufacturing the impeller 101, a method in which the blades 106 and one of the disc 107 and the shroud 108 are integrally formed, the other of the disc and shroud is separately manufactured, and these disc and shroud are integrated by welding or brazing, is known. Additionally, since the impeller requires high rigidity, a one-piece impeller with high strength reliability is manufactured by shaving out the disc 107, the shroud 108, and the blade 106 from a single base material (for example, refer to PTL 1).

Impeller, rotary machine including the same, and method for manufacturing impeller

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION


A rigging system for dragline buckets includes a unitary adaptor having a hoist equalizer aperture at an upper end thereof and bucket hoist chain connectors extending from opposite sides adjacent a lower end of the adaptor. A connector for a dump block extends forwardly of the adaptor. The hoist equalizer aperture is circular and has transversely rounded bearing surfaces which engage with a cross sectionally rounded support surface of a hoist equalizer to permit relative angular movement between the adaptor and the equalizer. The contact surfaces of the adpator and equalizer are hard faced to reduce wear.

Dragline excavators are commonly employed in tasks such as the removal of overburden in preparation for open cut coal mining. In these, a bucket capable of scooping typically 50 cubic meters of soil is actioned off a boom, which might be typically 50 meters in length. The draglines are sold rated at a particular suspended load for operating purposes. The suspended load is the total of the weight of the load of overburden picked up, the weight of the bucket, and, additionally, the weight of the rigging which supports the bucket off the boom and couples to it to enable its action, the rigging being the assembly of elements and cable by which the bucket is suspended and operated.
The design of dragline rigging is well settled. It has remained in common use, largely unchanged, over a substantial number of years. The assembly supporting the bucket off its lifting cable, and interlinked with the drag line bucket, is typically an array of linkages between a hoist socket and a trunnion link, respective elements being interconnected by swivel pins of the like. The bearing surfaces between these elements wear over time, and they require regular servicing. Normally the dragline excavator is operated continuously, being shut down only every two to three weeks for a matter of hours, typically eight, in which to effect servicing. The down time represents a significant operational cost and management seeks to minimise it. Servicing the wear points is pre-planned. An inspection of expected wear points is made during a short stoppage, some days before a service is expected. This enables acquisition of what replacement parts might be needed in preparation for their being installed.
Either or both of a reduction in weight of the rigging, or the down time taken in servicing it, will have a significant impact on the overall economics of drag line operation.


A wireless transmitter device is configurable and operable to transfer energy to multiple receiver devices at the same time. The transmitter device includes at least one layer of discrete transmitter coils. The wireless transmitter device is configured to enable one or more sections of a charging surface to transfer energy by selectively choosing one or more discrete transmitter coils in the wireless transmitter device based on the position of the receiver device on the charging surface. The size and shape of each section of the charging surface that is used to transfer energy to a receiver device can change dynamically based on each receiver device. Additionally, the process of transferring energy to each receiver device may be adjusted during energy transfer based on conditions specific to each receiver device.

Some electronic devices are configured to receive energy or power wirelessly. The user may place the electronic device on a charging surface of a wireless charging or transmitter device to transfer energy from the transmitter device to the electronic device. The transmitter device transfers energy to the electronic device through inductively coupling between a transmitter coil in the transmitter device and a receiver coil in the electronic device.
In some instances, a wireless transmitter device is constructed to only transfer energy to a particular receiver device. This can increase the cost to a user who uses wireless energy transfer for multiple electronic devices. Because each electronic device may operate only with a particular charging device, a user may be required to purchase multiple charging devices.

Selective activation of a wireless transmitter device


Described are preferred processes for producing linear polyvinylpyridines. The processes involve the use of hydrogen peroxide to initiate polymerization of vinylpyridine monomers in an alcohol/water solvent. Processes of the invention provide good reaction rates and conversions, and are particularly advantageous in achieving control of the M.sub.w 's of the final product polymers.

The present invention resides generally in the field of polymers of vinylpyridines. More particularly, the present invention relates to solution polymerizations of vinylpyridine monomers to prepare linear vinyl pyridine polymers.
As further background, linear polyvinylpyridines and functionalized derivatives and copolymers thereof are useful in a wide variety of applications. For example, conductive polymers prepared from linear polyvinylpyridine and molecular iodine have been utilized as cathode materials in small solid-state batteries in which long life under low current strain is required, such as batteries used in implantable cardiac pacemakers. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,660,163 (1972) and 3,773,557 (1973). Quaternary salts of polyvinylpyridines (e.g. poly(1-alkylvinylpyridinium halides)) have proven to be good negative electron beam resists for microlithography. See, K. I. Lee et al., Proc. SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., 333, 15 (1982).
Polyvinylpyridines have been used extensively in the repographic and lithographic fields because of the combination of properties ranging from adhesive to electrical properties. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,041,204 (1977); 3,942,988 (1976); Ger. Offen. 3,040,047 (1981); Japan KOKAI 76 30,741 (1976); U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,339 (1977); Ger. Offen. 2,701,144 (1977); and Japan KOKAI 75 124,648 (1975). Polyvinylpyridines have also found applications in the film and photographic area. For example, solutions of polyvinylpyridine or their quaternary salts form thin films that protect the image surface of instant film prints. See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,874,045 (1959); 2,830,900 (1958); and 3,459,580 (1969).
Polyvinylpyridines are compatible with synthetic and natural polymers such as polyolefins (including polypropylene), polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and cellulose, and thus find applications in plastics, alloys and blends. Fibers incorporating polyvinylpyridines show excellent dyeing intensity and are color fast [see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,361,843 (1968)] and polyvinylpyridiniumphosphate imparts permanent fire retardancy to cellulose textiles [see U.S. Pat. No. 2,992,942 (1961)] and thus polyvinylpyridines find uses in the textile industry as well.
Polyvinylpyridines further find utility in the treatment of bleached Kraft paper to increase titanium dioxide retention in pulp slurries, and electroplating applications (in particular quaternary salts), as corrosion inhibitors for metals including iron, aluminium, copper, brass, magnesium and solders, as polymerization inhibitors in Li/TiS.sub.2 current-producing electrochemical cells, as emulsion stabilizers and dispersing agents (in particular acid salt and quaternary salt forms), as flocculating agents (particularly acid salt and quaternary ethylhalide forms), in ion exchange membrane preparation and many other applications. These and other uses for linear polyvinylpyridines are reviewed extensively in product literature available from Reilly Industries, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind. U.S.A., entitled "Linear Polyvinylpyridine: Properties and Applications" (1983 and 1989), to which reference can be made for additional information.
As to their preparation, linear polyvinylpyridines have been prepared by various general polymerization techniques. These have included radiation initiated, Ziegler-Natta initiated, free radical initiated and anionic initiated polymerizations. Radiation initiated polymerizations have usually been used for the preparation of graft copolymers. Ziegler-Natta initiated systems usually do not work well for the vinylpyridine systems.
Free radical (addition) polymerizations of vinylpyridines are common in the literature. Generally, there are three differing types of free radical catalyzed polymerizations, those being solution, emulsion and bulk. They are carried out more commonly using initiators such as benzoyl peroxide, cummene hydroperoxide and azobis (isobutyronitrile). Bulk polymerization of vinylpyridine catalyzed by benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide and certain other per compounds has been reported (French Pat. 849,126 (1939); CA:35:6358.sup.6 (1941)), as has suspension polymerization of vinylpyridine catalyzed by water-soluble free radical initiator in the presence of small particles of solid polyolefin (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,828,016, 3,947,526 and 4,824,910). Generally speaking, however, in known free radical-catalyzed processes it has often proven highly difficult to control the molecular weight of the vinylpyridine polymers using free radical initiators.
Anionic low temperature (-78.degree. C.) homopolymerization of 4-vinylpyridine initiated with certain monofunctional alkalai-metal based carbanionic species have been studied in tetrahydrofuran and other solvent mixtures as reported by S. K. Varshney et al. in Macromolecules (26) 701 (1993). A significant disadvantage of this and other anionic polymerizations (see e.g. G. E. Molan et al., J. Polym. Sci. Part A-1, 4, 2336 (1966)) is the requirement of extreme dry conditions for the polymerizations which are directly related to the M.sub.w control of the product polymer. Thus, historically, anionic polymerizations of vinylpyridines have been somewhat difficult to control, making it complicated to obtain linear polyvinylpyridines of desired molecular weights, especially at lower molecular weights.
In addition to conventional polymerization methods, vinylpyridines have been reported to spontaneously polymerize upon salt formation with acids or alkyl halides. J. C. Salamone et al., Polymer Letters, 9, 13 (1971); I. Mielke et al., Macromol. Chem. 153, 307 (1972); J. C. Salamone et al, Macromolecules, 6, 475 (1973); J. C. Salamone et al., Polymer Letters, 15, 487 (1977). Such spontaneous polymerizations are relatively disadvantageous because they give rise to a mixture of the normal linear polyvinylpyridines and ionene type polymers.
In light of this background, there are needs for improved methods for polymerizing vinylpyridine monomers so as to achieve the production of linear polyvinylpyridines of controlled molecular weight. Such improved methods would also desirably be facile to conduct using readily available and inexpensive equipment and starting materials, while providing good reaction rates and product yields. The present invention addresses these needs.

H2O2-catalyzed solution polymerizations for linear polyvinylpyridines


A wireless power transfer circuit can include an interphase transformer operatively coupled to a receiver coil, a rectifier, and a load. The receiver coil can be configured to have an alternating current induced therein by a transmitter coil. The interphase transformer can be configured to deliver a current to the load that is twice the current induced in the receiver coil, and the rectifier can be configured to rectify the current delivered to the load. The interphase transformer may be constructed with a center tapped winding structure or a bifilar winding structure, and may be constructed as a planar transformer. The rectifier may be made up of diodes (which may be Schottky diodes) or may be a synchronous rectifier comprised of switching devices such as MOSFETs.

Interest in wireless (i.e., inductively coupled) battery charging for consumer electronic devices has been increasing. Wireless power transfer circuits (e.g., wireless battery chargers) have often been designed with a high DC voltage input, e.g., (20V to 200V or more). However, the output voltage level of these wireless power transfer circuits may be much lower, although with a relatively high output current. As a result, conduction losses on the receiver side of the wireless power transfer circuit become more and more important as output power levels increases. (Conduction losses are proportional to the square of the current.)
Conventional wireless power transfer circuits often use a full bridge rectifier on the receiver side of the circuit. At low power levels, a full bridge rectifier constructed using conventional diodes may be adequate. As power levels increase, other solutions may be appropriate, such as full bridge rectifiers constructed from Schottky diodes or a full bridge synchronous rectifier constructed using metal-oxide field effect transistors (MOSFETs). Both of these arrangements can reduce the voltage drop across the rectifier components, leading to an associated reduction in conduction losses. In some cases, the synchronous rectifier control circuitry and the MOSFETs may be available as a single integrated package.
However, as output power levels increase even further, discrete external MOSFETs may required because of thermal issues associated with integrating high power switches with the associated controller circuitry. Additionally, high voltage driver circuitry may be required because the gate driving voltage of the MOSFETs must be higher than the output voltage level. This high voltage driver circuitry can include charge pumps, boot strapping, or other means of deriving the increased voltage necessary to drive the high side switching devices. Additionally, controlling the short dead time required between high side and low side turn on (to prevent cross conduction) can be more difficult with external devices (as opposed to devices integrated in the controller silicon itself.) As a result, the receiver circuitry of higher power wireless power transfer systems becomes more complex and more costly.
Thus, a more efficient, simplified wireless power transfer receiver circuit would be a desirable addition to the art.

Interphase transformer based rectifier for wireless power transfer


A support ski for mounting to a line trimmer to support a trimmer in a spaced relationship to a ground surface. The ski is attachable to a line guard typically present on conventional trimmers and extends from a rearward position thereof to a forward position underneath the rotating line. The ski includes a pointed tip for permitting a forward sliding motion of the trimmer over the ground, and further includes upwardly curved side edges for allowing a lateral motion of the associated trimmer. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustment means for selectively adjusting a relative height of the trimmer to the ground surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to trimmer supports and more particularly pertains to a line trimmer support ski for mounting to a line trimmer to support the trimmer in a spaced relationship to a ground surface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of trimmer supports is known in the prior art. More specifically, trimmer supports heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of supporting a trimmer are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
For example, an adjustable carriage for electric string trimmers is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,376 in which a light weight tubular frame has a central resilient housing-clamping mechanism adapted for holding a string trimmer. A plurality of castors are mounted to the tubular frame and quick detach forward/quick attach features enable the string trimmer to be used conveniently by itself or when desired. In addition, the carriage is provided with two height adjustment provisions and a convenient tilt adjustment for positioning the spring trimmer relative to the ground.
A weed and grass trimmer is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,615 in which three wheels are used to support the weight of the trimmer. Cutting height is adjusted by way of an adjustable height arm and a secondary handle is provided to receive and translate an upward urging force into a tipping motion of the trimmer. The cutting head can be easily removed and a brush, snowblade, or blower can be installed thereto for accommodating a plurality of long care tasks.
Another patent of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,694 which discloses a wheeled support for a line trimmer that allows the trimmer to be used as a wheeled lawnmower or a wheeled edger. The lightweight, two wheeled support is adjustable for use with substantially all line trimmers.
Other known prior art trimmer supports are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,687, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,191.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a line trimmer support ski for mounting to a line trimmer to support the trimmer in a spaced relationship to a ground surface in which the ski is attachable to the trimmer line guard and extends from a rearward position thereof to a forward position underneath the rotating line and which further includes a pointed tip for permitting a forward sliding motion and upwardly curved side edges for allowing a lateral motion of the associated trimmer. Furthermore, none of the known prior art trimmer supports teach or suggest a line trimmer support ski which still further includes an adjustment means for selectively adjusting a relative height of the trimmer to the ground surface therebeneath.
In these respects, the line trimmer support ski according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of mounting to a line trimmer to support the trimmer in a spaced relationship to a ground surface.


An assembly line for mounting tires on wheels, for inflating the tire mounted on a wheel, for placement of the bead heels of the tire and for balancing which also includes apparatus for checking the conformity of the diameter of the tire to be mounted and for checking the conformity of the dimensions of the wheel.

The invention concerns an assembly line of tires on their mounting wheels, with a view to obtaining mounted assemblies ready to be delivered at the right time to customers, generally motor vehicle manufacturers. It concerns, in particular, the means designed to use said assembly process and the product quality control means.
Such an assembly line contains, in the manner known through use, conveying means, such as conveyor belts or metal rollers making it possible to route the tires, wheels and mounted assemblies, respectively, from one point to another on the assembly line, said tires and said wheels coming from a supply warehouse by means of suitable pallets. The seats of each wheel rim, said wheel having been centered, as well as the beads of the tire are lubricated to facilitate, in known fashion, the mounting of the tire on the wheel rim, mounting being carried out by means of a mounting machine or mounter and the two beads of the tire being set in place by pressure with the aid of pressure arms and a roller. An inflation bell makes possible the introduction of gas for inflating the assembly by intervals between bead heels of the tire and the wheels.
Various documents describe machines for mounting or assembling tires on their rims. One example of such a machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,661,053. A more advanced machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,079 and consists of an apparatus for mounting tires on their rims without concern about the rim dimensions, whatever the diameter or overall width, the dimensions being detected before mounting.
The mounted assembly, inflated to the pressure recommended by the customer, is then conveyed to a machine for placement of the tire heels, which machine, by pressure on the sidewalls of said tire, makes possible a slight rotation of the beads and their repositioning under the effect of the inflation pressure. The mounted assembly, balanced on a balancing machine, is then conveyed on conveyor belts to a storage warehouse, where it will be picked up for delivery to the manufacturers.
The tires and wheels, on their arrival on the conveying means at the beginning of the assembly line, are not totally examined as to their dimensional conformity; only photoelectric cells signal their presence or absence.
The delivery of quality mounted assemblies to a manufacturer requires matching of the tire to the wheel to conform to the manufacturing customer's demand, that is, it requires a good tire to be mounted on a good wheel. The mounted assembly will likewise be a quality product if it matches dimensionally what is requested and if it is inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

Assembly line of mounted assemblies with means for verification

Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin-Michelin & Cie


Three-layer, low color purity, anti-reflection coatings reduce the reflection of visible light rays and display a low color purity when glazings carrying such coatings are oriented at high angles of incidence with respect to a source of visible light. The reflectances are comparable and the color purity values are lower for such glazings, when compared with conventional glazings coated with 1/4-178 -174 wavelength anti-reflection coatings.

It is well known that the visible reflection of light rays from the surface of a planar substrate may be reduced by the deposition thereon of various singular or multiple layer coatings. In the optics and vision glazings fields, the primary emphasis has been directed toward reducing the observable coloration of the glazing as well as the reflection of light in the visible spectrum in the range from 4,000 to 7,000 Angstroms. Manufacturers and purchasers of anti-reflection glazings are particularly concerned with the color purity of such products, realizing that a lower color purity glazing appears more color-neutral than a high color purity product. Therefore, low color purity glazings are much more desirable for use as automotive and architectural windows.
Single layer anti-reflection coatings are well known. However, since the visible spectrum extends over a relatively wide wavelength band, and a single anti-reflection layer is principally designed to nullify reflection at a single wavelength, its use does not provided satisfactory results over the entire visual region. This limitation is particularly critical for optical elements and vision glazings made from transparent materials having refractive indices in the range from about 1.45 to about 1.9.
Three-layer anti-reflection coatings have greatly improved optical and vision characteristics over the known single layer coatings. Generally, the third layer which is the outer layer exposed to the atmosphere is designed to minimize the reflectance, and has a low refractive index with an optical thickness of one-quarter wavelength. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the optical thickness is the physical thickness multiplied by the index of refraction of the material. The optical thickness is normally designated as a fraction of the wavelength of the design light ray passing through the coating. Generally speaking, the design wavelength useful for designing anti-reflection coatings for optical elements and vision glazings is about 5,500 Angstroms.
In the conventional three-layer anti-reflection coatings known in the prior art, the second or middle layer has a high refractive index and an optical thickness of one-half wavelength. A one-half wavelength optical thickness coating does not alter the optical characteristics of the other layers, and therefore has no effect on the residual reflectance. However, it will augment the anti-reflection effect of the multiple layer coating for light rays having a range of wavelengths on either side of the design wavelength.
The first layer of the three layer anti-reflection coatings of the prior art, positioned between the middle layer and the substrate, generally has a medium refractive index and an optical thickness of one-quarter of a design wavelength. Generally, this layer acts as a matching layer between the other two layers and the substrate.
The individual anti-reflection layers generally comprise dielectric materials which are deposited as discrete laminae by conventional methods such as, for example, sol-gel coating, sputtering, or chemical vapor deposition. It is also known to employ two different dielectric materials having different refractive indicies which are co-deposited to achieve an arithmetic mean refractive index, or a continuously varying refractive index normal to the coated surface. The continuously varying refractive index may be achieved by varying the deposition rate of the two dielectrics with respect to the thickness of the deposited layer. Optical interference caused by these multiple layer dielectric materials generally produces transmitted and reflected colors which vary in color purity or intensity, frequently making the coated glazing unusable as an automotive or architectural window.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,167 to Boulos et al. discloses a three layer anti-reflection coating which is deposited on one of the inner surfaces of a laminated electrically heatable vehicle windshield. The coating reduces the reflectance and increases the visible transmittance of the windshield, to enable the electrically heatable windshield to meet U.S. federal regulations requiring an Illuminant A visible light transmittance greater than 70%. The disclosed layers which are sequentially deposited onto the glass substrate are, consecutively: SiO.sub.2 -TiO.sub.2, 787 Angstroms thick; TiO.sub.2, 635 Angstroms thick; and SiO.sub.2, 934 Angstroms thick. This coating, however, is not designed to minimize the total reflectance of the coated and uncoated surfaces of the windshield when installed at a high angle of incidence while at the same time reducing the color purity or intensity of the perceived coloration of the coated windshield.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,478,385 to Gaiser discloses a three layer anti-reflection film for glass surfaces based upon the aforementioned 1/4-1/2-1/4 wavelength theory. The disclosed layers comprise: SnO.sub.2, 1,400 Angstroms; TiO.sub.2, 2,800 Angstroms; and SiO.sub.2, 1,400 Angstroms. Likewise, the anti-reflection layers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,020 to Thelen are based upon the 1/4-1/2-1/4 wavelength theory, and comprise a third layer of MgF.sub.2 (refractive index=1.38), a second layer of ZrO.sub.2 (refractive index=1.9-2.3), and a first layer adjacent the glass surface of CeF.sub.2 (refractive index=1.8-1.85).
U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,961 to Itoh et al. discloses a three-layer anti-reflection film based upon the 1/4-1/2-1/4 wavelength theory, wherein the third and second layers consist of conventional dielectrics and the first layer adjacent the glass surface consists of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -ZrO.sub.2.
The aforementioned prior art, in which the three-layer anti-reflection coatings are based upon the 1/4-1/2-1/4 wavelength theory, is directed toward reducing or eliminating the reflection from only that surface of the substrate to which the coating is adhered. The prior art does not teach nor suggest three-layer anti-reflection coatings which would be useful for reducing the reflection from both the coated and uncoated surfaces of a transparent sheet, or the multiple coated and uncoated surfaces of laminated transparent sheets (which sheet or sheets are oriented at high angles of incidence), while at the same time reducing the color purity to an almost visually undetectable level. The 1/4-1/2-1/4 wavelength theory of optics is applicable only to light reflected from a single surface, and cannot predict the color purity of a multi-layered structure. In fact, it is well-known that most multi-layered structures display intense iridescence characterized by very high color purity values.
Other three-layer anti-reflection coatings are known which do not conform to the 1/4-1/2-1/4 wavelength theory, but which are effective in reducing reflected light from single surfaces. Such coatings are generally produced by experimenting with various combinations and permutations of dielectric materials, refractive indices, and thicknesses, and cannot be derived by resorting to any particular theory of optics. One such coating is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,711 to Adachi, wherein the first layer is a material of 0.3 wavelength thickness and a refractive index of 1.36, the second layer is a material of 1/30 wavelength thickness having a refractive index of 2.4-2.7, and the third layer is a material of 0.4 wavelength thickness and a refractive index of 1.65-1.75. As in the previously cited prior art, however, this coating is designed to reduce the reflection only from a single surface of the substrate oriented at a zero angle of incidence, and is not designed to minimize the color purity of the resultant article. The recited materials of construction, thicknesses, and refractive indices would not be useful for reducing the reflection of light from both the coated and uncoated surfaces of a transparent sheet oriented at a high angle of incidence while at the same time minimizing the color purity thereof.
Several publications recite mathematical formulae for determining the refractive indicies and thicknesses required for the individual laminae of three-layer, anti-reflection coatings useful for reducing the reflection of light rays from a singular coated surface of a planar substrate. See for example Thetford, A., "A Method of Designing Three-Layer Anti-Reflection Coatings," Optica Acta, v. 16, n. 1 (1969) 37-43. Other publications such as, for example, Turbadar, T., "Equi-Reflectance Contours of Triple-Layer Anti-Reflection Coatings," Applied Optics Section, Imperial College, London (1964) 195-205, disclose similar formulae, including factors for determining the path lengths of light traveling through the anti-reflection coating laminae, which at high angles of incidence are naturally greater than the path lengths of light rays which would otherwise travel normal to the coated surface. However, Turbadar only discloses actual laminae thicknesses which are derived from the 1/4-1/2-1/4 wave theory. Furthermore, Thetford and Turbadar do not disclose three-layer anti-reflection coatings which account for the reflectance contributions of surfaces other than the one to which the coating is adhered, such as would be encountered in a vision glazing having a first coated surface and a second coplanar uncoated surface. Finally, the two articles do not disclose coated structures having minimized color purity values.
It would be desirable to deposit a three-layer, anti-reflection coating on a surface of a transparent glazing, which coating would minimize the total reflection of visible light from the coated and uncoated surfaces when the transparent glazing is oriented at a high angle of incidence with respect to a source of the visible light while at the same time minimizing the color purity thereof to a level acceptable for use as an automotive or architectural glazing.
It must be noted that the prior art referred to hereinabove has been collected and examined only in light of the present invention as a guide. It is not to be inferred that such diverse art would otherwise be assembled absent the motivation provided by the present invention, nor that the cited prior art when considered in combination suggests the present invention absent the teachings herein.

Low color purity, anti-reflection coatings for transparent glazings oriented at high angles of incidence


The invention relates to a tool holding assembly with an adjustment means capable of causing the tool holding end of the assembly to bend in relation to the opposite attachment end of the assembly. This is accomplished by providing first and second contact surfaces longitudinally spaced from each other along the assembly, and providing an adjustment means having at least one adjustment screw, wherein by adjusting the screw, pressure can be simultaneously applied by the adjustment means onto the first and second contact surfaces, such that an axis of one end of the assembly can be displaced by bending in relation to the other.

The present invention relates to a tool holder which is used with being attached to a rotary part of a working machine, and more particularly to a tool holder which is used with attaching the basal side of a shaft of the tool holder to a rotary part of a working machine, which has a holding portion for holding a tool such as a cutting tool, in the tip end side of the shaft, and which can correct runout of a tip end portion of the tool such as a cutting tool attached to the holding portion.
When a hole is to be opened in a workpiece or the inner face of a hole is to be ground by using a working machine or the like, a tool such as a cutting tool is attached to the tip end side of a tool holder mounted on a rotary part of the working machine. The tool in the tip end side of the tool holder is rotated at a high speed by rotating the rotary part of the working machine, whereby desired working can be performed on the workpiece for a short time period.
As described above, the tool holder is used in a high speed state. When the tip end of the tool attached to the tip end of the tool holder deflects even at a small degree as a result of the high speed rotation, there arises a problem in that the dimensional accuracy of the hole is lowered or the inner peripheral face of the hole is roughened to disable the hole from being accurately worked.
In order to solve the problem, conventionally, means for correcting vibrations of a shaft of a tool holder is disposed on the tool holder (see Japanese published unexamined Patent application No. 11-104931).
FIG. 12 shows the conventional art example. With reference to the figure, the conventional art example will be described. In a tool holder 1, the basal side 2 of a shaft 3 is formed as a shank portion 2 which is tapered as well known in the art, in order to fit the basal side into a tapered hole 1b of the main shaft 1a of a working machine which is not shown and has a well-known configuration. A holding portion 4 for a tool 4a is disposed in the tip end side of the shaft 3. (Usually, in order to fasteningly fix the tool 4a an example of which is a cutting tool such as a drill, a chuck 4 having a clamping hole which is expandable and contractable is disposed as the holding portion 4. In a well-known configuration, the cutting tool 4a may be attached directly integrally to the shaft 3 in the position of the chuck 4.) A large-diameter flange 5 which is used in the case where a grasping operation is to be performed by a grasping portion of a robot as well known in the art is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft 3 and on the side of the shank portion 2. The reference numeral 5adenotes a groove for engagement.
In the tool holder 1 shown in FIG. 12, plural radial holes 6 are threadedly formed in a bottom of the groove 5aof the flange 5, and a male screw 7 which is a screw member serving as a mass is screwed into each of the holes 6. A hexagonal hole 8 for a hexagonal wrench is formed in the head of each of the male screws 7. Each male screw 7 is adjusted so as to advance or retract in the corresponding hole 6 by using a wrench, so that, when the tool holder 1 is rotated at a high speed, the positional change in a radial direction appears as a change of the mass, whereby vibrations of the shaft 3 of the tool holder 1 can be corrected.
Even when vibrations of the shaft are corrected in a portion of the shaft 3 of the tool holder 1 the shaft center may sometimes deflect in a position closer to the tool attaching portion 4 in the tip end. Therefore, male screws 9 which similarly serve as a mass are attached to a tip end portion 3a so as to be advanceable and retractable, so that vibrations of the shaft in the tip end portion 3a can be corrected by advancing or retracting each of the male screws 9.
In the conventional art described above, however, the means for correcting vibrations of a shaft can correct vibrations of the shaft, only in a place where the correcting means is disposed and in the vicinity of the place.
In the case of a long tool such as a drill 4a which protrudes by a large distance from the tool attaching portion 4, the portion where correction of runout of the shaft center with respect to the rotation center is required at the highest degree is a blade edge 4b which is in the tip end of the drill. In the conventional art described above, however, it is impossible to correct runout of the shaft center with respect to the rotation center in a portion which largely protrudes from the tool attaching portion 4, such as the blade edge 4b in the tip end of the drill.
It is an object of the invention to provide a tool holder having runout correcting means for displacing an axis C of a tip end side of a shaft by a simple operation of rotating a screw member for pressurizing a part of the shaft, whereby a center of a tip end of a tool attached to a protruding tip end portion is made coincident with the rotation center Ca of the tool holder.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tool holder in which a screw member for displacing the axis C of the tip end side of a shaft is disposed in at least three or more uniform positions in the periphery of the main shaft of the tool holder, whereby, even when the shaft center of a cutting tool serving as a tool deflects in any direction, the tip end of the cutting tool can be moved to the rotation center of the tool holder irrespective of the direction.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a tool holder in which, even in a case where a screw member is disposed in one place, the position of the tip end of the cutting tool can be freely changed in either of leftward and rightward directions in accordance with the direction of rotation of the screw member.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a runout correcting tool which is requested only to be attached to the periphery of a shaft of a tool holder that is already completed, whereby the tool holder can be changed to a tool holder having runout correcting means for displacing the axis C of the tip end side of the shaft to make the center of the tip end of a tool attached to a holding portion with largely protruding therefrom, coincident with the rotation center Ca of the tool holder.
Other objects and advantages will easily become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description relating to the drawings.
The invention has the following feature. A tool is attached to a holding portion at a tip end portion of a shaft. In the case where a drilling or cutting work is to be conducted, even when the position of the tip end of the tool is laterally shifted to deviate from the rotation center of a tool holder, a screw member is rotated to generate a force of displacing the axis of the tip end side of the shaft, between two contact portions of the tool holder, whereby the position of a blade edge of the tool can be easily moved toward the rotation center of the tool holder so as to coincide therewith. According to this configuration, it is possible to attain an effect that, in the case where a drilling or cutting work is to be conducted by rotating the tool holder at a high speed, precision working can be accurately performed.

Tool holder and a runout correcting tool for a tool holder


A support for an article of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer includes plural bolsters pressurized with a gas, and which provide pneumatic springs in surrounding relation with side edges of the article, the bolsters being comprising of an inflatable bladder and a constraining non-expansible slave which acts as a corset for the bladder and permits inflation of the bladder to a pressure in excess of that which would cause ballooning of the bladder.

It is well-known that electronic equipment, such as a lap-top personal computer commonly is transported by the owner in a portfolio or briefcase.
It is also well-known that cases for transporting articles, such as camcorders, cameras, lap-top computers, and also portable electronic scientific instruments, commonly are padded with a shock-absorbing material, typically, padded velvet, or a foamed plastics material.
Commonly, in addition to providing a shock-absorbent padding for the article to be carried, such cases commonly are provided with straps for retaining the article against displacement within the padding.
Materials such as velvet or foamed plastics material tend to build up electrostatic charges, particularly in the event that the article being carried can rub or slide relative to the padding, and in turn, tend to attract and become contaminated with dust and other air-borne particulate materials. Further, such electrostatic charges can have disastrous effects on information stored within a computer, or data stored in other articles of electronic equipment.
There has been prior proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,217,131, 4,793,123, 4,826,329, and 4,551,370, to provide a pneumatic cushion within a box or within an item of luggage, in the form of an inflatable liner that can be pressurized with air, thus to provide a pneumatic cushion for supporting the articles contained therein, and, which will act as a pneumatic spring protecting the article in the event that the box or item of luggage is accidentally dropped.
It has, however, been found that such pneumatic cushions can only absorb relatively limited force before they rupture, and further, that such pneumatic cushions occupy, when in the inflated condition, a very considerable portion of the interior volume of the box or item of luggage. Further, such pneumatic cushions can rupture when in a low pressure environment, such as an aircraft.
Experimentation has established that dropping a weight of approximately 5.9 pounds from a height of 30 inches can produce a G force in excess of 1200G. A force of this magnitude causes displacement of the stored article within the pressurized liner, and, unless the liner is made of thick and heavy material, easily can cause rupturing of the liner, and total collapse of the pressurization thereof.
Attempts to strengthen the liner have taken resort to either increasing the volume of the liner, with a consequential decrease in the available storage area within the box or the item of luggage, or, thickening of the membrane of the liner, with a consequential increase in the weight of the liner. Both approaches have disadvantages, either in reducing the interior volume of the box or item of luggage, or, increasing the weight thereof.
The major problem is that the liner can only be inflated to a relatively low pressure. If inflated to a higher pressure, this caused ballooning of the liner, with a consequential further decrease in the available storage volume of the box or item of luggage, and even greater risk of the liner rapturing when the box or item of luggage is subjected to a substantial impact. Additionally, there is a tendency for the stored article to shift within the storage volume, with an increased possibility of impaction on a comer of the stored article, this being due to the air contained within the liner being free to move randomly to a region of lower pressure within the liner.


A vestibular electronic orthodontic appliance expediter constituted of a lingual sub-member and a buccal sub-member, the lingual sub-member arranged to fit a lingual contour of a gum of a patient, the buccal sub-member arranged to fit a buccal contour of a gum of the patient; a control circuitry; a power supply; a plurality of lingual electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket; and a plurality of buccal electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket. Either a first or a second type current is generated between lingual and buccal electrodes responsive to the control circuitry. Biochemical molecules involved in bone remodeling, augmented by the electric currents, may be applied to the expediter as a layer of gel containing those molecules on the expediter surface facing the gum tissue. Temperature control enhances the gel effects. pH measurement, as indicators of the cellular response to the combined treatment is further provided.

Over the past 25 centuries, orthodontists have been engaged in the process of repositioning teeth from faulty arrangements, or "malocclusions," into healthier and more esthetic arrangements. In order to move teeth, three elements are generally required: 1) force, 2) time and 3) space. The mouth responds to a sustained force placed on a tooth by rearranging, or "remodeling," the alveolar bone around the root of the tooth. Particularly, osteoclasts break down bone in the area where the tooth is being moved to in order to create space for the tooth. As a result, the tooth is able to move in the direction of the force applied thereto. Additionally, osteoblasts form new bone tissue in the area where the tooth is being moved from.
In further detail, FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a "remodeling" of the alveolar bone. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a tooth is comprised of a crown 0 and a root 1. The crown is visible in the mouth, while the root is not, because it is encased in soft connective tissue fibrous mesh known as the periodontal ligament (PDL) 3, and PDL 3 is surrounded by alveolar bone 4. Alveolar bone 4 faces PDL 3 on one side, and is covered by gingival and mucosal tissue (gum) 5 on the other. PDL 3, alveolar bone 4 and gum 5 contain living cells which are responsible for the remodeling of all these tissues in response to orthodontic forces. This remodeling process is the mechanism that facilitates orthodontic tooth movement. The cells are attached to the matrix that surrounds them, and when they become subjected to orthodontic forces that stretch or compress them, the strain is transmitted directly to the cell nucleus and nucleolus, activating the production of multiple molecules including membrane receptors, which interact with signal molecules derived from the nervous, immune, vascular and skeletal systems.
As illustrated in FIG. 1B, physical changes result from application of an orthodontic force to crown 0 of the tooth. The mechanical forces and moments are applied to affect the desired type of tooth movement. Accordingly, a tooth may be extruded, intruded, rotated, tipped, or translated. FIG. 1B illustrates a translatory movement which results from a translational force 7 and a rotation 6 of crown 0 around a center of rotation, or fulcrum, located near the apex of root 1. In order to insure a translatory movement, a force couple is created opposite to rotational force 6. This force couple (generated by the interaction between the bracket and the arch wire for braces, and attachments and aligners for aligner devices) creates a moment that moves root 1 along with crown 0 extending the center of rotation from the apex to infinity. Translational force 7 pushes root 1 against alveolar bone 4, opposite to the point of force application, compressing a portion 9 of PDL 3. Likewise, on the side of the tooth where force 7 is being applied, a portion 8 of PDL 3 is being stretched. Root 1 is displaced within the tooth socket of alveolar bone 4, and the PDL 3 responds by widening portion 8 and compressing portion 9. The compressed portion 9 undergoes removal (resorption), while in the stretched portion 8 new layers of bone are deposited on the surface of the old alveolar bone 4. Over time, alveolar bone 4 remodels, allowing the tooth to assume a new position in the place that translational force 7 caused it to move. This remodeling is a direct result of, and consistent with, the compression/resorption and stretching/deposition activity in PDL 3 and juxtaposed alveolar bone 4. When alveolar bone 4 is pressed upon, as occurs when translational force 7 presses on a tooth and PDL 3 compresses, a short-lived electrical spike can be measured across alveolar bone's 4 matrix. This is known as a piezoelectric effect, characterized by the negative side of the potential being detected on the concave side of the flexed bone and the positive side of the potential being detected on the convex side. In addition, the mechanical stress causes movement of tissue fluids. These fluids contain electrical charges that change the cellular electric polarity, stimulating the cells to remodel their surrounding matrices. These stress-generated streaming potentials (SGP) last about 20-30 minutes. When the bone is held in a flexed state, the concave side experiences bone deposition and the convex side experiences bone resorption. As long as the bone remains flexed, this process continues over time until the previously flexed bone appears unflexed or straight.
Over the years, orthodontists have invented devices, generally referred to as "appliances", that allow clinicians to deliver sustained forces to the teeth. Braces, or "orthodontic brackets and arch wires," are the classic appliances that most, if not all orthodontists use. These forces are applied to the crowns of the teeth, then transferred to the dental roots, and from there to the tissues that surround the roots, consisting of the periodontal ligament, a thin soft tissue sleeve that embraces each root, separating it from the surrounding alveolar bone. On the outside, the alveolar bone is covered by the gum. All these tissues must remodel, in order to enable the orthodontically treated teeth to move to new positions in the jaw. Braces consist of small brackets that are glued, or "bonded," to the crowns of teeth, and a wire is then inserted into slots in the brackets and held in place with a ligature or clip. The brackets do not generate forces themselves, but rather transfer forces to the teeth from the deflected wire, when it is inserted into the slot in the bracket and held in place by the ligature. The wire has a "memory," i.e., a characteristic by which the wire tends to return to its original shape, and in doing so, exerts a force on the bracket that is in turn transmitted to the tooth. Through the application of various types, shapes and sizes of wires, the teeth eventually align themselves into the desired position in the dental arch. The technical term used among orthodontists to describe braces is "comprehensive fixed appliance". The tooth movement is clarified by Wolff s Law, which states, in effect, that bone under mechanical stress is remodeled to accommodate and reduce the stress.
Bone cells are responsive to various physical and chemical agents, amongst them: mechanical force and electricity. When direct current, in the order of 20 μA, is applied to bone, deposition of new bone matrix occurs near the cathode, while destruction of old bone is found near the anode. This feature, as well as the ability of bone cells to respond simultaneously to force and electricity, create a favorable environment for acceleration of the rate of bone remodeling and, consequently, the speed of tooth movement. Due to a synergistic relationship between applied force and applied electricity, when both force and electricity are applied simultaneously less of each are necessary to achieve an optimally enhanced osteogenic response from the bone.
Typical orthodontic appliances must be worn by the patient for extended periods of time, often several years or more, in order to achieve the desired results. The classic orthodontic treatment that requires the continuous application of forces to attain the planned tooth movement is expensive, as it requires frequent modifications of the magnitude and direction of forces applied to different teeth, to achieve the necessary progress, requiring frequent adjustments by the treating orthodontist. Moreover, wearing the mechanical fixtures known as "braces" creates a considerable discomfort for the patient, and at the same time this condition will cause an aesthetic concern to the patient as the metallic fixtures (Braces) are visible to other people. In addition, the braces promote the accumulation of bacteria and viruses, harmful to the teeth and their surrounding tissues.
In order to overcome some of the above disadvantages, orthodontic appliances have been developed that can be inserted and removed by the patient, and worn part-time. A myriad of removable appliances have been developed over the years, but the vast majority are not "comprehensive" in nature, i.e. the removable appliances address specific movements or malocclusions, and are only used for a certain limited period of time. Treatment with removable appliances is often used in conjunction with braces or other appliances. The wish to shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment is universal, for obvious reasons. It has led to the development of surgical procedures, which are invasive in nature, and aimed at causing wide-spread inflammation and wound healing, leading to rapid tooth movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,060, issued on May 8, 1979 to Korostoff et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a method and apparatus for electrically stimulating alveolar bone remodeling and tooth movement in the mouths of humans. A positive electrode is placed on the gum surface adjacent the bone structure which is to be resorbed. A negative electrode is placed on the gum surface adjacent the bone tissue which is to be accreted or built up. A current source is connected, such that a small current flows between the electrodes, which have the effect of stimulating bone growth in a specific direction. In a particular arrangement, the electrodes are placed on the gum surface adjacent a tooth, the positive electrode on the side towards which the tooth should move, and the negative on the side from which the tooth will move. Application of a small current to the electrodes will enhance the repositioning of the tooth in conjunction with normal orthodontic practices. However, Korostoff fails to provide a comprehensive and effective system for reducing orthodontic treatment time. Additionally, the electrodes of Korostoff tend to cause excessive irritation of the gums. Although several decades have passed, the method of Korostoff has not achieved wide use by orthodontists.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,865, issued Aug. 8, 1989 to Beard et al., teaches an improved method of orthodontic electro-osteogenesis using a biocompatible anode in contact with an electrolytic gel between the anode and epithelial gingiva at an area of osteoclastic or osteoblastic activity, and a biocompatible cathode in contact with a different type of electrolytic gel between the cathode and epithelial gingiva at an area of osteoclastic or osteoblastic activity. Current is then applied across the anode and cathode to stimulate osteogenesis. This method stimulates osteogenesis, which is an important element in tooth movement, but is unable to demonstrate how to achieve desirable results, or to enable to complete orthodontic treatment in a shorter amount of time.
U.S. patent application publication US 2014/0023983, published Jan. 23, 2014 to Lowe et al., the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to an electro-orthodontic appliance which helps accelerate orthodontic tooth movement through the application of a controlled electric current to gum and teeth, thus stimulating osteogenesis. Lowe does not provide a comprehensive solution for enhancing orthodontic tooth movement in a plurality of treatment situations, including a combination of bodily and tipping movements of a plurality of teeth. Additionally, the system of Lowe evokes root resorption due to stimulation of cells residing on the surface of the dental root, which is undesirable.
U.S. patent application publication US 2009/0117513, published May 7, 2009 to Nemeh et al., the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to a method and apparatus for concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity applied to the gingival tissues of the mouth. Nemeh does not provide a system or method of utilizing this electricity for improvement of orthodontic treatment. It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to overcome at least part of the disadvantages of the prior art.

Method of expediting orthodontic remodeling


The present invention is directed to a cuff link for attaching to a shirtsleeve. The cuff link includes a holder and at least one insert member. The insert member is relesably retained in the holder by a pivotal latch member of the holder. The insert member can include an insert of various materials such as gems or precious metals.

The present invention relates to a cuff link, and more particularly to a cuff link with interchangeable insert members and the components of such cuff links.
All conventional shirt cuffs fully encircle the wrist of the wearer so that they may be fastened. Shirts for men""s use are largely classified into two types depending on the fastener used. In one type, the overlapped cuff ends are fastened usually by a button. In the other type, often called xe2x80x9cFrench cuffxe2x80x9d, the overlapped cuff ends are fastened by a cuff link instead of a button. Some cuffs of the former type are made to be xe2x80x9cconvertiblexe2x80x9d so that, if desired, they may be fastened with a cuff link instead of a button.
Conventional shirt cuffs and cuff links often have a uniformity of appearance. Thus, someone who desires to change the look of their cuff links would need to have a number of sets of cuff links with various styles, which can be expensive.
Attempts have been made to solve this problem by providing cuff links with interchangeable parts. For example, JP Patent No.10276806 to Super Planning:KK discloses a cuff link with two different types of ornament pieces. The first piece includes a spring member rotatably connected to a holder for retaining a pattern part. The spring member is releasably connectable to a base A with the pattern part in the open position. Once the spring member is connected to the base, the pattern part covers a base plate. The second piece includes a holder for retaining a pattern part. The holder further includes projections that releasably connect the second piece by snapping the projections about a base plate.
Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,747 to Benn. This patent discloses a cuff link, which in one embodiment, includes a head with a pivotal spring clip connected thereto. The spring clip is received in slot of the link post to secure the head to the post.
Although both of these patents disclose interchangeable cuff links these assemblies may be difficult or costly to manufacture or difficult to use. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved cuff link that has interchangeable members but is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and user friendly.
The present invention is directed to a cuff link comprising an insert member and a holder. The insert member includes an insert coupled to a catch member. The holder includes a base and a post. The base defines a slot for selectively receiving the catch member, and the base includes a latch member pivotally coupled thereto. The latch member cooperates with the catch member in a closed position to secure the insert member to the holder.
In one embodiment, the latch member is coupled to a bottom surface of the base.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the insert may be made from materials such as onyx, sterling silver, pearl, gold, platinum, bronze, sterling silver, a base material covered by another material, fabric, skins such a leather, wood, coins, precious gems, or simulated gems, among others. These materials can be of various colors.
According to one embodiment, the holder further includes a cup member with the base and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the base to define a cavity for receiving the insert member.
According to yet another embodiment, the insert member further includes a cup member with a base and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the base to define a cavity for receiving the insert.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the post may further include a toggle member rotatably connected to the post and rotatable between a first position and a second position.
Preferably, at least two insert members are provided for each cuff link. The first insert member has the first insert, and the second insert member has the second insert, wherein the first and second inserts have different material properties. In such a cuff link, the material properties may be based on color, material type, and material composition.
The present invention is also directed to a cuff link holder that can be sold separately from the insert members. The cuff link holder comprises base and a post. The base includes a latch member pivotally coupled thereto for cooperating with an insert member in a closed position to secure the insert member to the holder.
The present invention is also directed to an insert member that can be sold separately from the cuff link holder. These insert members can be sold in pairs, individually or in sets with any number of pairs of matching insert members. Each insert member comprises an insert and a cup member configured and designed to receive the insert.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the insert may be made from materials such as onyx, sterling silver, pearl, gold, platinum, bronze, sterling silver, a base material covered by another material, fabric, skins such a leather, wood, coins, precious gems, or simulated gems, among others. These materials can be of various colors.

Cuff links with interchangeable insert members and components thereof


A method and system for automatically converting forms generated using a desktop forms development tool to be compatible with mobile devices, for deploying the converted forms to the mobile devices, and for running converted forms on the mobile devices is provided. A forms system provides a conversion component, a deployment component, and a device component. A forms file is generated to be processed by a forms display program on a variety of devices. The forms system transforms the forms file to a target form file designed for execution by a target forms display program on a device of the target device type.

Many organizations have developed extensive forms for desktop computers to support the functions of the organizations. For example, medical service providers have developed and use forms to support virtually every aspect of medical services, including forms to support patient registration, medical record-keeping, insurance claim processing, inventory control, appointment scheduling, and so on. Many products are available to facilitate the process of creating a form for a desktop computer. One popular forms development tool is InfoPath by Microsoft Corporation. An organization can use a forms development tool to generate forms that include various form controls, such as radio buttons, textboxes, and drop-down lists. The forms development tools may allow validation and allow an organization to provide business logic to be performed as a user interacts with the form. The forms development tools also allow rules and conditional formatting to guide the user in completing a form, including the ability to show or hide optional form sections based on information entered. The forms development tools also allow forms to access various data sources, such as a database server or a web service provider.
After a form is created, forms development tools create a forms file that contains the information needed to run the form on virtually any desktop computer. For example, InfoPath creates a forms file in an XSN format that contains a manifest file, a view file, a template file, and a schema definition file. The manifest file contains a listing of all other files in the forms file and several other details including metadata, information on toolbars and menus associated with each view, information on external data sources, and error messages. A view file is an eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformation ("XSLT") transform that presents an editable view of a portion of data in an eXtensible Markup Language ("XML") format. Each view file accepts XML data as input and produces an output format similar to a HyperText Markup Language ("HTML") format. The schema file is an XML Schema Definition ("XSD") file that defines the XML format of the XML data that can be processed by the view file. If the XML data does not conform to the schema, the view file will not process the form. The template file contains initial data for the form in XML format. A forms file may also include a script file that contains scripts specified by the form developer for performing business logic and other validation.
The workforces of organizations are increasingly using mobile devices (e.g., smart phones and PDAs) to collect and access the data of the organization. For example, a medical service provider may carry a handheld device to collect physiological information about the patient. Unfortunately, mobile devices may not have the software to directly execute forms generated for a desktop computer, may not have the computation power to effectively process the forms, and may not be able to effectively display such forms on their small screens. It can be very expensive, however, to port desktop forms to mobile devices. It is expensive to support the manpower to develop and maintain the forms for the mobile devices and the infrastructure to support the deployment of such forms to the mobile devices.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Forms conversion and deployment system for mobile devices


A direct memory access controller for computer systems in which the data may be manipulated and acted upon during a transfer to and from locations in memory, or from locations in memory to and from input/output devices. For computer systems having data word widths of two or more bytes of data fewer bus cycles are required for data transfers to and from odd address locations in memory.

This invention relates to sub-systems in computers for transferring data from one memory location to another, or from or to a memory location to or from an input/output (I/O) device. In particular, the present invention relates to direct memory access (DMA) subsystems having data word widths of 2 or more bytes of data, each byte comprising 8 bits, in which the data may be manipulated and acted upon during the transfer.
In the past, computer systems have been designed to transfer data to the central processing unit (CPU) as quickly as possible so that the CPU could perform all of the operations necessary to achieve the desired results, including large scale iterative scientific computations, on-line business transactions processing, graphics interfaces, accounting programs, and a myriad of other data manipulation intensive operations. DMA became one of the leading methods for providing faster data transfers, particularly in bus-oriented computer system architectures. Even so, DMA subsystems take finite time periods, usually referred to as "bus cycles", or simply "cycles", to complete a data transfer operation. While cycle times have become shorter as the speed of semiconductor device technology becomes faster, the fact remains that no operations on the data could be performed until the transfers were complete.
In a related consideration, early computers were configured to operate on data word widths of 8 bits. As more complex functions were computerized, 8-bit bytes quickly limited the speed of computations and therefore, the throughput of data operations. Thus, wider word widths of 16, 32, 64 bits, and more, arranged into 8-bit wide bytes, were introduced.
Wider word widths are generally encountered in large scale, main frame systems, but may also be found in process control systems and the like which are driven by intermediate size computers also known as mini-computers. In addition to the general advancement of the level of competence of the individual user, much of the present day commercial and industrial business transactions are being implemented on personal computers (P/C) or P/C-based systems. Since it has become desirable to perform complex functions on P/C-based systems, such systems are being configured to operate on word widths wider than 8 bits to efficiently perform such complex operations. While the vast majority of installed P/C's are limited to 8-bit data word widths, microprocessors becoming commonly available for use in designing the next generation of P/C's have data widths of 16 and 32 bits. Thus, since peripheral devices and memory subsystems to which such microprocessors must interface can have data widths of 8, 16 or 32 bits, DMA subsystems must be compatible with such data widths to anticipate advances in software products and growth in the technology generally.
In the prior art, memory in an 8-bit data word system is directly addressed from the address bus. The memory is organized into 8-bit words, and each address signal decoded from the address bus points to a different and unique word (in this case, also equal to a byte) in the memory. In a system designed for 16-bit data words, the memory is organized into 16-bit words. As long as the DMA subsystem is only required to transfer data from a 16-bit memory or I/O device to or from a 16-bit I/O device or memory, each transfer comprises a word and the data is written or read to or from even numbered addresses. In the prior art, there are systems that provide both 8-bit and 16-bit memory-to-memory and memory-to-I/O device accesses.
If compatibility with 8-bit word I/O devices is desired, some provision for directing flow of data to and from the memory word locations is required. Therefore, typically, 16-bit memory words are further organized into two 8-bit bytes of data. Bits 0-7 and 8-15 are designated the low byte and high byte, respectively. Thus, in a 16-bit data word system, each word comprises two 8-bit bytes.
The method for directing the data to and from the individual bytes locations requires additional address signals called byte enables. In a 16-bit word system, the first address line which addresses the first low byte, i.e. the A0 address line, is replaced with two byte enable lines called "BE0N" and "BE1N". When the BE0N signal line is active, the lower byte of the data word is transferred; when the BE1N signal is active, the upper byte of the data word is transferred. When both BE0N and BE1N lines are active at the same time, both bytes, i.e. the complete word, is transferred at the same time.
Similarly, in a 32-bit word system having a 32-bit DMA subsystem, each word is organized into four, 8-bit bytes. In such a system, both address lines A0 and A1 are replaced with four byte enable lines, BE0N and BE1N, BE2N and BE3N, respectively. Likewise, in a 64-bit system with a 64-bit DMA subsystem, each data word is organized into eight, 8-bit bytes per word and address lines A0, A1 and A2, are replaced with eight byte enables BE0N through BE7N. In all cases, the byte enable lines are said to "point" to the bytes of the word that are to be transferred.
In prior art DMA subsystems, three bus cycles are required for a 16-bit data word transfer to and from an odd address in a P/C system compatible with 8-bit data word bytes. In such systems, the memory is organized into 16-bit words, (i.e. two 8-bit bytes) so that the word boundaries are on even addresses. Referring now to FIG. 1A, during cycle 1 for a 16-bit odd address location memory read cycle, the address points to an even memory location and an 8-bit read of the upper byte is performed in response to the byte one enable. The data read (byte A) is stored in a register associated with bits 7-0 comprising byte A. After the first memory read cycle, the memory address is incremented by two to the next even address, and the byte pointer is activated to point to the lower byte of data to be read (byte B). The lower byte of data is read and steered into another register during the second cycle. During the third cycle, the entire word, bits 15-8 and 7-0, i.e. bytes B and A, are assembled serially and driven onto the bus for transmission to the I/O device. Thus, it requires three cycles to transfer each word using this technique. If this technique is extrapolated for transferring words comprising more than two bytes, the number of cycles required would be (a+1)N, where a is the number of bytes per word and N is the number of words to be transferred. Thus, for a 4-byte word, 5 cycles/word would be required.
Referring to FIG. 1B, a 16-bit odd memory write operation is similar to the 16-bit odd memory read operation. Again, three bus cycles per transfer are required. In the first cycle, one word, i.e. two 8-bit bytes B and A, is read from the I/O device and stored in a latch. During cycle two, lower byte A in the latch is written to the upper byte memory location in response to byte enable BE1N. The memory address is incremented, BE1N is driven inactive and the upper byte in the latch is written to the lower byte memory location in response to byte enable signal BE0N.
It should be noted that, in the prior art, the memory address may be decremented in all 8-bit accesses and 16-bit accesses from an even address. However, for a 16-bit access from an odd address, the memory address may be incremented only.
As already noted, most computer systems, whether large scale main frame computers or modern day P/C's, transfer data to registers in or near the CPU or microprocessor, respectively, before manipulations including simple arithmetic operations, exclusive-OR and barrel shifting, are performed on it. However, the advent of very large scale integration (VLSI) semiconductor technology has provided the opportunity to implement previously impractical computing system architectures. See for example "VLSI: The Challenge to Innovate", VLSI systems Design, November, 1988 at p. 6. Thus, it is now practical to design systems which do many things faster or many more things in the same time, or both, than was previously possible. In particular, it is now possible to implement a practical DMA subsystem which transfers data faster, and which can manipulate data during the transfer, i.e. on-the-fly.