A high-pressure separator with improved efficiency is provided. The separator comprises a centrifugal separator located inside of a gravity separator. The centrifugal separator has an enclosed upper portion and desirably comprises a single cylinder. The high-pressure separator is particularly suitable for use in the production of low-density polyethylene under high pressure.

In a continuous high-pressure polyolefin polymerization process, polyethylene product and low-molecular weight waxes are dissolved in the carrier ethylene exiting the reactor. As pressures and temperatures are decreased through various pressure letdown and cooling steps, the product and waxes come out of solution resulting in two distinct phases, one gas and one liquid.
The liquids are subsequently separated from the gas via various separation technologies and equipment. One such device, shown in FIG. 1, includes a vertical cylindrical vessel 10 into which the gas/liquid mixture 11 is fed, a trumpet entry 12 which directs the gas/liquid mixture 11 towards the liquid surface 13 where liquid droplets impinge on and adhere to the liquid surface 13. The separated liquid phase exits the vessel 10 through a liquid outlet 14 located at the bottom of the vessel 10, and the separated gas phase exits the vessel through a gas outlet 15 located at the top of the vessel 10. The separation efficiency of such a device is dependent upon the relative densities and viscosities of the gas and liquid components, droplet sizes, throughputs, and the configuration of the vessel 10 and trumpet 12.
The conventional separation devices are not 100% efficient and some product and waxes pass out of the separation vessels, entrained in the ethylene carrier gas. Entrained liquids increase fouling of downstream heat exchangers resulting in more frequent "burn-outs." Entrainment of the liquids into compressors and piping where they potentially solidify lowers plant on-stream factors and operating rates, and increases cleaning and maintenance time and costs. In extreme cases, entrained liquids can cause piping blockages and premature failure of mechanical components.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a high-pressure separator with improved separation efficiency to reduce the amount of liquids passing out of the separator with the gas stream and into downstream processes and equipment.


A work apparatus has an internal combustion engine for driving a work tool of the work apparatus and a fuel pump which is driven by the engine and delivers fuel from a fuel tank to the engine. The work apparatus has a feed pump which is to be actuated manually by the operator. The fuel pump and the feed pump form one assembly which is arranged outside the fuel tank. The fuel tank has a tank wall which delimits the tank interior. An advantageous arrangement and satisfactory cooling of the assembly are achieved if the assembly is arranged at least partially on the tank wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,500 discloses a hand-held work apparatus having a diaphragm carburetor. A fuel pump, which is driven by the varying crankcase pressure, and a delivery pump, which is to foe actuated manually, are integrated into the diaphragm carburetor. Carburetors of this type are usually arranged on the internal combustion engine or directly adjacently to the internal combustion engine.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,553 also discloses feeding the fuel to an internal combustion engine via an injection valve. The fuel is delivered by a fuel pump to the injection valve.


Metal binding polypeptides which include an amino acid sequence coding for a variable region of a monoclonal antibody which immunoreacts with a mercury cation and nucleotides which include a nucleic acid sequence coding for the variable region are provided. The invention is also directed to fusion proteins which include a phage coat protein or portion thereof and the monoclonal antibody heavy chain variable region. The invention also provides bacteriophages which include the fusion protein in their coat. In addition, methods for detecting, removing, adding, or neutralizing mercuric cations in biological or inanimate systems through the use of the mercury binding polypeptides are provided.

Small chemical moieties, such as heavy metal ions, can and often do affect the environment and biological systems. These effects become astounding when it is realized that minute quantities of these small moieties are involved. Moreover, the presence or absence of low concentrations of small moieties in the environment can have long term consequences. Minute quantities of metallic cations, such as mercury cations, can regulate, influence, change or toxify the environment or biological systems.
The detection, removal, addition or neutralization of such minute quantities constitutes a focal point for continued research in many fields. For example, many efforts have been made to detect and remove minute, toxic amounts of heavy metal ions such as cadmium or mercury from the environment. The efforts often have not been successful or economical for widespread application. On the other hand, minute concentrations of other heavy metals are important for the proper function of biological organisms. Zinc, for example, plays a major role in wound healing. The function of magnesium in plant photosynthesis is another.
Heavy metal can exhibit dual roles. Mercury is used in diuretics, topical anti-bacterial agents, skin antiseptics, ointments, and in chemical manufacturing operations. Yet when ingested by mammals, such as from drinking water, it is highly toxic in very small amounts. Hence, detection and quantification of minute concentrations of heavy metals in drinking water and other media would serve exploratory, safety and regulatory goals.
It would, therefore, be highly desirable to identify and control minute quantities of heavy metals, e.g., mercury cations, in aqueous biological or inanimate systems. In most contexts, however, the detection, removal, addition or neutralization of heavy metals, is a difficult and expensive and often unfeasible if not impossible task. Other metallic contaminants often mimic the heavy metal of interest. Measurement interference will result. Moreover, the detection methods employed today are usually not sufficiently sensitive at the minute quantities under consideration. Consequently, it is desirable to develop reliable and economic methods for accurately identifying and controlling minute quantities of heavy metals in aqueous systems.
Antibodies would seem to be uniquely suited for this task. Their high degree of specificity for a known antigen would avoid the interference caused by contaminants. The sensitivity of antibodies in the picomolar or lower range would permit accurate and efficient targeting and detection of such minute levels.
Monoclonal antibodies, of course, come to mind as especially suited agents for practice of this technique. Since Kohler and Milstein published their article on the use of somatic cell hybridization to produce monoclonal antibodies (Nature 256:495 (1974)), immunologists have developed many monoclonal antibodies which strongly and specifically immunoreact with antigens.
Notwithstanding this suggestion, the conventional understanding about immunology teaches that antibodies against small moieties, such as heavy metals, cannot be developed. The mammal immunization step, which is key for the production of monoclonal antibodies, typically requires a molecule that is large enough to cause antigenic reaction. Medium sized molecules (haptens), which are not of themselves immunogenic, can induce immune reaction by binding to an immunogenic carrier. Nevertheless, immunologists view small moieties such as metallic cations, as not large or structurally complex enough to elicit an antibody response. One theory appears to hold that electron rich rings such as those associated with benzene and carbohydrates are needed at a minimum to cause immunogenicity. V. Butler, S. Beiser, Adv. Immunol., 17, 255 (1973). The molecular size and lack of complexity of an inorganic moiety is thought to render it insufficient for eliciting an antibody response. To date, therefore, no monoclonal antibodies which immunoreact with mercury cations per se have been reported in the literature.
Several immunologists have reported production of monoclonal antibodies to metallic ion chelates. For. example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,892, monoclonal antibodies are disclosed which immunoreact with a complex of a chelating agent, such as ethylene diamine tetracetate (EDTA), and a heavy metal such as indium. In EPO Patent Application 0235457, monoclonal antibodies that immunoreact with a chelate of gold cyanate and carbonate coating are disclosed. In these instances, however, the monoclonal antibodies bind with the metal chelate complex rather than the bare metallic ion itself. Disadvantages of these methods include: the complicated reagents involved in detection, lack of simple tests that discriminate among antigens, cross-reactivity with chelates of other antigens and cross-reactivity with the chelate itself.
Other instances of monoclonal antibody combinations with metals involve metal tags. The metal chelates are bound to the antibody at a site remote from the antigen binding site or sites. The metal or metal chelate is not the antigen. Instead, it is a tag to indicate the presence of the monoclonal antibody when it reacts with its specific antigen. See for example, V. P. Torchilian et al., Hybridoma, 6, 229 (1987); and C. F. Meares, Nuclear Medical Biology, 13, 311-318 (1986).
It is therefore, an object of the invention to develop polypeptides that immunoreact with heavy metals per se and with mercury ions in particular. It is another object of the invention to develop methods for detecting or neutralizing heavy metals within, adding heavy metals to, or removing heavy metals from biological or inanimate systems through the use of the monoclonal antibodies. Further objects include the development of nucleic acid sequences coding for polypeptides which immunoreact with mercury cations and the development of methods of expressing these nucleic acid sequences to produce metal binding polypeptides.

Mercury binding polypeptides and nucleotides coding therefore


A cyanine dye for using in optical disc recording medium, having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein R represents 4-methoxycarbonyl benzyl group, X.sup.- represents an acid anion, and n represents am integer of 2 or 3. This cyanine dye is suitable for use as a near infrared light-absorbing organic dye useful as an optical disc recording medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to cyanine dyes mixture for optical recording media.
2. Description of the Related Art
A storage medium with higher storage density, smaller size and lower cost is extremely required now-a-days. As magnetic storage medium is not able to satisfy these requirements, optical storage material is greatly sought for as an alternative. It is found that organic dye which combines the advantages and characters of both the photosensitizer and photorecording medium, is highly developed and adopted for optoelectronic industry. The applications of organic dye include in the fields of, for example, nonlinear optical device, recording and displaying of optical disc data, photoresist, sensor and indicator for heat, light, and electron, during the transfer and storage of energy, medicine and biology, etc. The cyanine dyes mixture of this invention has high absorption coefficient in the infrared region which implies that the cyanine dye has high recording sensitivity and signal to noise ratio (S/N) value. Therefore, cyanine dyes mixture is an ideal optical memory storage material.
An organic dye, cyanine blue, was first synthesized by Greville Williams in 1856 (K. Venkataraman (ed.), The Chemistry of Synthetic Dyes, Vol.II, p.1143-1186, Academic Press, New York, 1952). In 1875, Vogel discovered that cyanine blue has special photosensitizing properties. Therefore, cyanine blue, which was originally used as colorant, turned to be a photosensitizer with higher added value. Different structures of cyanine dye have different .lambda.max which varies from UV to IR. Therefore, cyanine dye can also serve as photosensitizer for photoresist or optical storage medium in electronic industry besides a colorant.
Cyanine dye, 3,3'-diethyl-12-acetyl-thiatetracyanine perchlorate, was first proposed for application in optical disc fabrication by Law et al. (K. Y. Law, P. S. Vincett, and G. E. Johnson, Appl. Phys. Lett., 39, 718 (1981)). The cyanine dye and PVAc (poly(vinyl acetate)) were first mixed and then spin-coated to form an optical recording medium. After this successful application, several kinds of cyanine dye were developed for optical disc applications, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,476, 5,292,615, 5,328,802, 5,332,608, 5,424,171 and 5,455,094, etc. As to the method of fabrication, it is found that spin coating of the dye on the substrate can shorten the process and reduce the cost as compared to the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process; therefore spin coating is accepted as the standard procedure, and the stability of the organic dye and its solubility to organic solvent are critical factors for successful applications.

Cyanine dyes mixture as optical recording media

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A chassis for receiving a plurality of disk drives includes a plurality of disk drive receiving stations. Each station is configured to carry out testing and/or servo writing operations on a received disk drive. Each station includes a base, a nest assembly and a plurality of elastomeric mounts that elastically couple the nest assembly to the base to enable movement of the nest assembly relative to the base. The nest assembly includes a nest configured to receive and mate with the disk drive and a printed circuit board. Each station includes a separate vibration isolating mass that is coupled to the nest. The vibration isolating mass at least partially isolates vibrations originating within the nest from being transmitted through the elastomeric mounts to other nests in the chassis and at least partially isolates vibrations originating outside the nest from being transmitted through the elastomeric mounts to the nest assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to disk drives. More particularly, the present invention relates to vibration isolating disk drive receiving stations and chassis used in the manufacture and/or testing of disk drives.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 shows the principal components of a magnetic disk drive 100 with which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. The disk drive 100 comprises a head disk assembly (HDA) 144 and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 141. The elements shown and described in FIG. 1 may be at least partially incorporated within the PCBA 141. The HDA 144 includes a base 161 and a cover 171 attached to the base 161 that collectively house one or more disks 200 (only one disk 102 is shown in FIG. 1), a spindle motor 113 attached to the base 161 for rotating the disk 102, a head stack assembly (HSA) 150, and a pivot bearing cartridge 184 that rotatably supports the HSA 150 on the base 161. The spindle motor 113 rotates the disk 102 at a constant angular velocity, subject to the above-described variations. The HSA 150 comprises a swing-type or rotary actuator assembly 152, at least one head gimbal assembly that includes the suspension assembly 154, a flex circuit cable assembly 180 and a flex bracket 159. The rotary actuator assembly 152 includes a body portion 145, at least one actuator arm cantilevered from the body portion 145, and a coil assembly including a coil 156 cantilevered from the body portion 145 in an opposite direction from the actuator arm(s). A bobbin 158 may be attached to the inner periphery of the coil assembly to stiffen the coil assembly. The actuator arm(s) support respective suspension assembly(ies) that, in turn, support the head that includes the read/write transducer(s) for reading and writing to the disk 102. The HSA 150 is pivotally secured to the base 161 via the pivot-bearing cartridge 184 so that the read/write transducer(s) at the distal end of the suspension assembly(ies) may be moved over the recording surface(s) of the disk(s) 200. The pivot-bearing cartridge 184 enables the HSA 150 to pivot about its pivot axis. The "rotary" or "swing-type" actuator assembly rotates on the pivot bearing cartridge 184 between limited positions, and the coil assembly that extends from one side of the body portion 145 interacts with one or more permanent magnets 190 mounted to back irons 170, 172 to form a voice coil motor (VCM). When a driving voltage is applied to the VCM, torque is developed that causes the HSA 150 to pivot about the actuator pivot axis and causes the read/write transducer(s) to sweep radially over the disk 102.
Thereafter, the PCBA 141 may be mated to the HDA 144 and a variety of tests and procedures may be carried out to configure, validate and test the proper operation of the disk drive. Such testing may be carried out in a "single plug tester", which is a test platform that includes a chassis that includes a bank of slots or bays into which the disk drives may be loaded and unloaded. A sequential series of tests and operations are then carried out on the loaded disk drives. Conventionally, the drives remain in the same bay during the administration of the entire sequence of configurations, validations and tests, and are removed at the conclusion of the sequence of operations and/or tests.
One of the first such operations may include loading necessary firmware and software into the drives. The next operations on the drive may include a seeded self-servo write procedure, in which servo information is written to the disk or disks of the drive. During this procedure, servo sector information is written to the drive without using a servo track writer. As servo track writing is a time consuming process that is directly proportional to the areal density of the disk, reducing the number of servo sectors the servo track writer lays down on the disk saves manufacturing time and costs.
Further operations may include a microcode download to the drive, which may be followed by an initial bum in self-test (IBI self-test), in which a lengthy calibration of the drive is performed, as well as procedures to discover, map and manage the defects on the media. The length of time necessary to complete this test is roughly proportional to the storage capacity of the drive under test.
The next and final operations may include administering final configurations and tests. During these operations, the drive communicates with a host computer, so as to verify the proper operation of host commands and to enable the host to analyze and validate the results of the IBI self-test. Other tests and procedures may be carried out on the drives under test, in addition or in place of the tests discussed above, such as a debug process when a fault is found during testing. Such debug tests may be performed to isolate faults, so as to facilitate the correction thereof.
Increasing aerial densities bring about a number of concerns that must be addressed during the administration of these operations and tests. For example, as the number of Tracks per Inch (TPI) of modern drives continues to increase, the drives become increasingly susceptible to vibrations during, for example, the seeded self servo write operations. Such vibrations may originate, for example, from outside of the chassis of the test platform on which these operations are carried out. While the chassis itself may be equipped with structures to mitigate the effects of such vibrations, such structures do not protect the individual drives loaded therein from vibrations that originate from within the chassis. Such vibrations may be generated from adjacent drives within the chassis, as they are subjected to the above-listed operations and tests.
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that there is a need for vibration reducing structures that mitigate the effects of vibrations that could negatively affect the drive during these operations and test, whether such vibrations originate from within or outside of the chassis in which these operations are carried out.

Vibration isolating disk drive receiving stations and chassis used in the manufacture and/or testing of hard disk drives


A jewelry system is provided with interchangeable components including at least one jewelry portion comprised of beads on a wire with first and second free ends. The first and second free ends of the wire pass through holes in corresponding first and second threaded caps; and corresponding findings are permanently affixed to the first and second free ends of the wire after passage of the wire through the holes in the caps to hold the beads on the wire between the threaded caps. First and second main body portions, each closed on one end and open on the opposite end with a threaded chamber therein, receive the first and second caps, respectively, with the findings located in the chambers in the main body portions. The fixed loops on the closed end of each of the main body portions are attached to additional jewelry components to allow interchangeability between the first jewelry portions and the additional jewelry components by interconnecting the caps of different first jewelry portions with different body portions attached to various jewelry components.

Jewelry has always been considered an important element of a well-dressed individual, reflecting the personalities and taste of the wearer. Beaded jewelry started in ancient times as a craft using a series of artistic stones or metal pieces placed end-to-end on a string in various formations. Today, we have factories that arrange beads on various stringing materials to form bracelets, necklaces, watch bands, ankle bracelets, belts, handbag straps, waist jewelry or the like.
Stringing materials used today are predominately string, wire or chord. The type of material, size, weight and quality of the jewelry article usually determines the stringing mechanism, be it wire, chord, string that is selected by the designers.
Bead wire, made exclusively for the jewelry trade, comes in many diameters, is usually made of stainless steel wires woven together and then coated. It is typically strong, light and allows for a supple drape.
Beadwork assemblies are typically connected to a clasp, chain, or cable using string or wire.
String beadwork typically is finished by knotting the string and placing the end knot into some type of bead where the final bead or a metal finding holds and conceals the final knot.
Wire is preferred by designers when the application requires heavy beads and where the bead hole is abrasive. Abrasive bead holes can act like razors on a string or chord. The allure of stringing many different beads or stones and creating limitless design possibilities without having to worry about abrasive beads, makes using the bead wire versus string very attractive for jewelry assemblies by designers.
String beadwork is feasible due to the ability to knot a string. This remedy is not feasible for designs that use a wire for beadwork. Tying a knot in the bead wire weakens the wire. Consequently, wires are typically finished with metal findings, called crimps.
Crimps are small tubes of metal that are crushed with pliers or a specific crimping tool to hold wires together. Crimps fasten the wire to itself to form a loop that attaches to the clasp, chain or cable assemblies. This is accomplished by threading the wire through the crimp tube around a clasp or other article, and then back through the crimp tube. To close the loop, the crimp is then crushed with a crimp pliers or a needle nose pliers to hold the wire securely. Crimps of varying sizes are used depending on the size of the wire, the weight and size of the beads.
Additional problems with using bead wire are that a metal finding, such as a crimp, is exposed and raw beading wire is exposed. Metal findings are typically not very strong and often times will break causing the loss of the jewelry.
Metal findings become a piece of hardware as opposed to an element of design and are typically not found in high-priced jewelry since this would be considered not appealing by those that appreciate the art, since aesthetics are important factors in the value of the jewelry. One of the primary problems in trying to attach a bead wire to either a clasp, chain or cable is how to attach the wire without detracting from the overall appearance of the jewelry article.
Some jewelry designers use what is called French wire or bullion to cover over the raw bead wire which creates the loop. French wire is a spring-like coil of silver tint that is cut to length and placed over the exposed portion of the beading wire. French wire is a temporary solution, at best, as it soon frays and discolors and detracts from the overall appearance of the article of jewelry. The value of the pieces of jewelry often depends largely upon how the piece is put together.
While many of the prior connector elements may be suitable for low-end jewelry, they are not desirable solutions for high-end jewelry. How it is put together is an important factor for success in the high-end jewelry market.
Although the relevant body of art discloses devices for use with an article of jewelry, most all are directed towards either connecting to chain, cable or an improved clasp. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,919 refers to connecting to chain, U.S Pat. No. 6,681,598 refers to connecting beads that are wired from eyelet to eyelet and are not a continuous wire strand. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,559 is a clasp appended to a knotted pearl necklace. U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,884, is still another clasp designed to be soldered to a chain. In most instances, particularly with the foregoing, the strand ends in prior art have loops that are either glued into the last bead for engagement to a clasp, or soldered to the end of a chain, or glued to a cord. None of the prior art addresses how to attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like and overcome the exposed metal findings and/or the exposed wire that detracts from the appearance of the article of jewelry. U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,391 refers to connecting a bead wire to a clasp. This patent eliminates the unsightly crimp, but does not eliminate the exposed raw bead wire that detracts from the appearance of the article of jewelry. None of the prior art addresses how to attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like without detracting from the appearance of the article of jewelry.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved jewelry system, which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides a significant contribution to the jewelry industry.
It is an object of this invention to provide a jewelry system suitable for higher-end jewelry.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a jewelry system with a connector which is easily installed on the ends of the bead portions and linkable components.
Another object is to provide a connector device for a jewelry system that minimizes the need for a high level of manual dexterity in assembly.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry connector for a jewelry system that may incorporate a variety of styles, shapes, designs, decorative features. The shape of the connector may be of any jewelry type shape including cubical, spherical, cylindrical and other geometric shapes.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a connector for a jewelry system that can be sized to allow for different amounts of holding power.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device that is easily manufactured and simple to use.
These and other objects of the invention are provided by a jewelry system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.


An improved hydrogel reservoir for use in two-compartment iontophoretic patches is described. The hydrogel reservoir contains a water soluble polyelectrolyte and a fluid. The reservoir may also contain a matrix forming material such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. A preferred water-soluble polyelectrolyte is sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an iontophoretic patch for the transdermal delivery of drugs, with an improved hydrogel reservoir.
Administration of medicaments using iontophoresis is known. Simply defined, iontophoresis is the introduction by means of electric current, of ions of soluble salts into the tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. In presently known iontophoretic devices, at least two electrodes are used. Both of these electrodes are positioned to be in intimate electrical contact with some portion of the skin of the body. One electrode, called the active or donor electrode, is the electrode from which the ionic substance, medicament, drug precursor or drug is delivered into the body by iontophoresis. The other electrode, called the counter or return electrode, serves to close the electrical circuit through the body. In conjunction with the patient's skin contacted by the electrodes, the circuit is completed by connection of the electrodes to a source of electrical energy, e.g., a battery. For example, if the ionic substance to be delivered into the body is positively charged, i.e. a cation, then the anode will be the active electrode and the cathode will serve to complete the circuit. If the ionic substance to be delivered is negatively charged, i.e. an anion, then the cathode will be the active electrode and the anode will be the counter electrode.
Alternatively, both the anode and cathode may be used to deliver drugs of opposite charge into the body. In such a case, both electrodes are considered to be active or donor electrodes. For example, the anode can deliver a positively charged ionic substance into the body while the cathode can deliver a negatively charged ionic substance into the body.
It is also known that iontophoretic delivery devices can be used to deliver an uncharged drug or agent into the body. This is accomplished by a process called electroosmosis. Electroosmosis is transdermal flux of a liquid solvent (e.g., the liquid solvent containing the uncharged drug or agent) which is induced by the presence of an electric field imposed across the skin by the donor electrode. As used herein, the terms "iontophoresis" and "iontophoretic" apply equally to electrically powered devices which deliver charged/ionic agents by iontophoresis as well as to electrically powered devices which deliver uncharged/nonionic agents by electroosmosis.
In the typical iontophoretic patch, a matrix of reservoirs to hold the drug or medicament, or beneficial agent is provided. A reservoir can be of any material adapted to absorb and hold a sufficient quantity of liquid therein in order to permit transport of agent therethrough by iontophoresis. Preferably, a matrix of reservoirs is used, which is composed at least in part of a hydrophilic polymer.
In order to conduct electrical current the reservoirs must be sufficiently hydrated to allow ions to flow therethrough. In most cases the liquids used to hydrate the matrices of the reservoirs will be water, but other liquids can also be used to activate the matrices of the reservoirs.
The combination of water soluble polymer and water or liquid results in the reservoir containing a hydrogel. Electrical current is applied to the reservoir by means of a current distributing member. This member can take the form of a metal plate, a foil layer, a screen or a dispersion of particles. Use of sacrificial current distributing members which are oxidized or reduced during drug delivery are preferred. However, such devices produce ions, such as silver ions, which cannot be permitted to be transferred to the skin due to adverse affects. Nor can a significant build-up of ions be permitted because the efficiency of the iontophoresis device may be impeded due to competition with the drug ion.
Therefore it is necessary for the reservoir also to contain a counter-ion to react with the electrochemically generated ion. However, many drug salts do not possess the proper ion for reacting with the electrochemically generated ion. For example, in some instances, water soluble salts would be produced, which would remain in their ionized state in the reservoir. Therefore, it is important to provide a counter-ion in the reservoir which can effectively eliminate the ion generated by the electrode.
Since the drug to be delivered is also charged, precautions must be taken to prevent the drug from coming into contact with counter-ions which are incorporated to eliminate the ion generated by the electrode. Methods of accomplishing this are known in the art. A two compartment model is typically used, comprising a drug reservoir which must be isolated from the second reservoir containing the active electrode by a membrane that prevents direct contact between the drug and the ion exchange media.
Membranes, typically size exclusion membranes, are used to separate the two reservoir compartments. The membrane must be selected to prevent the drug ion from migrating into the reservoir containing the active electrode, and also to prevent the ion exchange means from drifting into the drug reservoir. An example of such a two compartment device is shown in FIG. 1. A two compartment reservoir 1, is divided into an upper reservoir 2 containing an active electrode 3. The reservoirs are situated in a foam ring 6. The upper reservoir is separated from a lower reservoir 4 by a separator membrane 5. In this instance the drug is stored in the lower reservoir. The bottom of the lower reservoir is sealed by a release liner 7, which is removed prior to application of the iontophoretic device to a patient. Examples of other two compartment membranes may be found in Haak, U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,408 and Phipps, U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,008.
In Phipps, it is the drug containing reservoir which is equipped with the counter ion. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by constructing an electrode having a conductive, current distributing member; means for coupling the current distributing member to a source of electrical current; a reservoir containing an ionic or ionizable drug; an ion source layer in intimate contact with the current distributing member; and a layer of selectively permeable material applied to the ion source layer which is between the current distributing member and the reservoir. Examples of ion source layers include salt layers, ion exchange resins or chelating agents. Also useful are salts in thin hydrogel material or a substantially dehydrated layer which would absorb a solvent. The selectively permeable material is capable of separating materials by charge and/or size. The construction of this device is complex, involving many different layers, thus increasing the cost and time for their manufacture.
Haak discloses a construction where the drug reservoir is in contact with a membrane, including a hydrogel, which is loaded with an ion exchange resin or a chelating agent. However, such a device brings the drug into contact with ion exchange media, such as a membrane or resin, and this can lead to some portion of the drug becoming immobilized. Further, restricting the ion exchange capacity of the device to a thin membrane, rather than a large volume of material, limits its ion exchange capacity.
Phipps U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,739 discloses a two layer iontophoretic device, wherein the top layer is referred to as the carrier layer and the bottom layer is the skin-contacting layer. The skin contacting layer contains an ionic polymer component. In Phipps, the carrier layer includes the drug or active agent, and few or no mobile ionizable substances. In one embodiment, the mobile ions of the hydrogel in the skin contacting layer have a charge opposite from that of the ionized active agent. This means that the ionized active agent and the polymer backbone have the same charge. The two layers are separated by an impermeable carrier and the device only becomes active when this impermeable barrier is breached. Once the impermeable barrier is broken, the ionized active agent and the mobile counter ions are in direct contact with each other. This contact can lead to unwanted interaction between these two elements and adversely affect drug delivery.
Phipps also suggests that the relatively small counter ion of the ionomeric component in the skin contacting layer can be selected to interact with the electrochemically generated species at the anode or the cathode. However, this arrangement relies on the mobile counter ions being able to come into contact with the electrochemically generated ions in a very complex matrix system. Due to the complexities of various hydrogel systems, one cannot always be assured that the mobile counter ions will encounter and react with the electrochemically generated ions. Further, the unwanted interactions between the ionized active agent and the mobile counter ion also exist in this arrangement.
Additionally, Phipps shows examples where the active agent and the ionic polymer backbone are oppositely charged. However, in these instances, the active agent and the ionic polymer are in direct contact with each other in order to convert the active agent to a cationic state.
Additionally, the reservoirs containing the active electrode have been known to include water-insoluble, cross-linked ion-exchange resins which serve to bind the ion generated during the iontophoretic process. An example of the use of a non-water soluble ion-exchange resin in a iontophoretic patch reservoir is found in Chien, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,022.
Ion-exchange resins, which are included in the hydrogel in the reservoir in the prior art, such as those disclosed in Chien, result in the hydrogel reservoir having a non-uniform consistency. The resins often settle out of the matrix. Very high concentrations of ion exchange resin at the bottom of the reservoir can hinder ion mobility, which can seriously affect the operation of the iontophoretic patch.
Uniform reservoirs are also difficult to achieve when processing the ion-exchange resins due to the fact that the cross-linked particles behave as a filler, so viscosity increases hyperbolically with particle concentration. The matrix can often become very dough-like in preparation. This results in production difficulties, and consequently increases the cost of the product, due to lengthy production times and a high rejection rate of finished product. The high viscosity also limits formulation possibilities in designing the drug reservoir.
Ion-exchange membranes, on the other hand, are physical barriers which are not only susceptible to flaws, they can also be damaged, thus potentially greatly diminishing their effectiveness.
It is therefore an object of this invention to produce a hydrogel reservoir matrix for a two compartment iontophoretic patch which is homogeneous and not susceptible to separation.
It is another object of this invention to provide a hydrogel reservoir matrix for a two compartment iontophoretic device which can be processed easily, and which does not have an excessive viscosity.
Yet another object of this invention is a hydrogel reservoir matrix for a two compartment iontophoretic patch which is not dependent on a thin physical barrier for ion exchange.
Higher ion exchange capacity per unit volume in a hydrogel reservoir matrix for an iontophoretic patch is also a desired object of this invention.
Increased reliability of the capture of electrochemically generated ions is another feature of the present invention.

Iontophoretic patch with hydrogel reservoir


A method, device and system of prediction of a state of an object in the environment using an action model of a neural network. In accordance with one aspect, a control system for a object comprises a processor, a plurality of sensors coupled to the processor for sensing a current state of the object and an environment in which the object is located, and a first neural network coupled to the processor. One or more predicted subsequent states of the object in the environment are determined using an action model of the neural network and a current state of the object in the environment and an plurality of action sequences. The action model comprises a mapping of states of the object in the environment and actions performed by the object for each state to predicted subsequent states of the object in the environment.

Vehicle driver assistance systems enhance the awareness and safety of human drivers and autonomous (e.g., self-driving) vehicles increase driver safety and convenience. Autonomous driving is an important aspect of autonomous vehicles. However, as with other aspects of autonomous vehicles, autonomous driving remains a developing field and improvements in autonomous driving are desirable. For example, vehicle dynamics are often based on the bicycle model is used. The bicycle model describes the state of the vehicle using a few variables including the position, orientation, orientation change velocity, etc. The bicycle model consists of a few equations that update the vehicle's state given the vehicle's action including throttle (or acceleration), brake and steering angle. The bicycle model used by a given vehicle control system is based on experience from vehicle system design of vehicle designers. Current models of vehicle dynamics, such as the bicycle model, have various limitations and improvements are desirable.

Method of prediction of a state of an object in the environment using an action model of a neural network


Computer-implemented methods for providing a single notification for display in an application from multiple received notifications are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first notification for an application and receiving a second notification for the application subsequent to the first notification, and analyzing content of the first notification and content of the second notification. The method also includes determining, based on the analysis, whether the second notification is related to the first notification, and providing, for display, a single notification includes at least a portion of the content of the first notification and at least a portion of the content of the second notification when the second notification is related to the first notification. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

The present disclosure generally relates to processing data transmitted over a network, and more particularly to the use of a computing device to process notification data.
When a person purchases an item or service online, or is scheduled to attend an event, the person often receives multiple electronic notifications for the item, service, or event. For instance, a person who is invited to a meeting might first receive a notification email requesting attendance at the meeting, followed by a second notification email confirming acceptance of the meeting request, a third notification email when another user proposes a new time for the meeting, a fourth notification email when another user changes the location of the meeting, and a fifth notification email when the meeting organizer has canceled the meeting. This results in five notification emails for the same meeting in the person's email inbox, which can be burdensome for the person to read and can congest the person's inbox.


A cryogenic fluid offloading system, having a tanker vessel (2) moored in line with an offshore mooring construction (4, 8) and connected to a processing unit, such as regasification plant (13). The degasification plant (13) has no large storage facilities, the tanker (2) being unloaded in dependence on onshore demand for gas.

The invention relates to a cryogenic fluid offloading system comprising:                an offshore mooring structure, connected to the seabed,        a connecting member that is attached to the mooring structure with a first end to be displaceable around a vertical axis,        a tanker vessel for loading cryogenic fluid at a first location, transporting it and offloading the cryogenic fluid at a second location, the tanker vessel being connected to the mooring structure via the connecting member,        a first fluid duct connected to the mooring structure, for supplying fluid away from the mooring structure,        a second fluid duct connected to the mooring structure, for transporting fluid coming from the tanker vessel to the mooring structure,        a processing unit for receiving a cryogenic fluid in liquid phase from the tanker vessel and for supplying a gaseous phase of the fluid to the first fluid duct, and        fluid supply means for controlling supply of cryogenic fluid from the tanker vessel to the processing unit.


A tag storing unit stores, in a plurality of entries, a plurality of tags corresponding to a plurality of addresses, a parity bit of each of the tags, and a reverse bit obtained by reversing the parity bit. A data storing unit stores a plurality of data corresponding to the tags in a plurality of entries. A comparing unit compares an address for search with a tag of each of the entries. A determining unit performs an OR-operation on contents stored in a plurality of entries when a multiple hit occurs from a comparison by the comparing unit, and determines a cause of the multiple hit based on a parity bit and a reverse bit obtained after the OR-operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technology for specifying a cause of occurrence of multiple hits with a small-scale and simple configuration in a content addressable memory (CAM).
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an application example of a conventional cache memory device 11. The cache memory device 11 is a storage device, for example, a CAM device used to compensate for a speed difference between a central processing unit (CPU) 10 and a main memory 13. The CAM mentioned here is a memory in which a location of data stored in a memory area is indicated not by an address but by a content.
The CPU 10 accesses the cache memory device 11 or the main memory 13 to perform data read/write.
The main memory 13 has such characteristics that it has a large capacity and access time is slow as compared with that of the cache memory device 11. As shown in FIG. 18, the main memory 13 stores all the data used in the CPU 10.
More specifically, the main memory 13 stores 64-bit data<63:0> coupled to respective 64-bit addresses<63:0> (0 bit to 63 bits).
Referring back to FIG. 17, the cache memory device 11 has characteristics such that the access time is short as compared with that of the main memory 13.
Furthermore, the storage capacity of the main memory 13 is larger than that of the cache memory device 11.
FIG. 19 is a diagram of the cache memory device 11 of FIG. 17. A tag random access memory (RAM) 12a stores up to 32 addresses <63:0> (see FIG. 18) at maximum, each as TAG<63:0> (tag) stored in the main memory 13.
A data RAM 12b also stores up to 32 data at maximum, each as DATA<63:0>, coupled to the respective tags TAG<63:0> stored in the tag RAM 12a.
More specifically, the tag RAM 12a has Entries 0 to 31 as memory locations. The address<63:0> (see FIG. 18) stored in the main memory 13 as TAG<63:0> (tag) is stored in each of the Entries 0 to 31.
Similarly to the tag RAM 12a, the data RAM 12b also has Entries 0 to 31 as memory locations. The Entries 0 to 31 of the tag RAM 12a are coupled to the respective Entries 0 to 31 of the data RAM 12b.
Respectively stored in the Entries 0 to 31 of the data RAM 12b are data<63:0> (see FIG. 18) that are stored in the main memory 13, each as DATA<63:0>.
Comparators 200 to 2031 are provided corresponding to the respective Entries 0 to 31 of the tag RAM 12a, and each of them compares a 64-bit search address "ACCS_ADRS <63:0>" output from the CPU 10 (see FIG. 17) with a tag "TAG<63:0>" stored in each of the Entries 0 to 31. If the search address and the tag coincide with each other, a relevant comparator outputs the result of comparison indicating tag hit as "TAG_HIT".
During normal operation, any one of the comparators 200 to 2031 outputs one TAG_HIT (tag hit).
However, when the same TAG<63:0> (tag) is stored in a plurality of entries of the tag RAM 12a, the TAG_HIT (tag hit) is output from the comparators, and it is thereby determined as a multi-hit error. When the multi-hit error occurs, the comparators 200 to 2031 output the result of determination indicating multiple hits as "MULTI-HIT".
A selector 30 selects DATA<63:0> (data) stored in an entry corresponding to the TAG_HIT (tag hit), out of DATA<63:0> (data) stored in the respective Entries 0 to 31 of the data RAM 12b, and outputs the data selected.
The data "DATA<63:0>" output from the selector 30 is the search result corresponding to the search address "ACCS_ADRS <63:0>", and is input to the CPU 10.
Referring to FIG. 19, it is necessary to check an error due to bit reversed or the like on the tags TAG<63:0> stored in the Entries 0 to 31 of the tag RAM 12a.
FIG. 20 is a diagram of a cache memory device 40 having a parity check function as a function for the check. In FIG. 20, the same reference numerals are assigned to those corresponding to the portions of FIG. 19.
A selector 41 and a parity check unit 42 are newly provided in the configuration of FIG. 20. The selector 41 selects a tag TAG<63:0> stored in an entry corresponding to the TAG_HIT (tag hit), out of the tags TAG<63:0> stored in the respective Entries 0 to 31 of the tag RAM 12a, and outputs the tag.
The parity check mentioned here indicates checking using a parity bit whether there is any error (bit is reversed or so) in data. To perform a parity check, a parity bit (0 or 1) is previously added to original data to be checked so that the number of "1" becomes an even number.
Furthermore, the parity check is performed in the following manner. That is, if the number of "1" is the even number, then it is determined that no error occurs, but if the number of "1" is an odd number, then it is determined that a parity error occurs due to a bit reversed or so.
For example, when the original data has an 8-bit structure such as "00101000", the number of "1" is the even number, and hence, a parity bit of "0" is added to the structure to be a 9-bit structure such as "00101000"+"0".
If "00101000"+"0" is changed to "10101000"+"0" due to the bit reversed or so, the number of "1" is an odd number (=3), and hence, it is determined that the parity error occurs.
When the original data has an 8-bit structure such as "00101100", the number of "1" is an odd number, and hence, a parity bit of "1" is added to be a 9-bit structure such as "00101100"+"1".
If "00101100"+"1" is changed to "10101100"+"1" due to a bit reversed or so, the number of "1" is an odd number (=5), and hence, it is determined that the parity error occurs.
In the cache memory device 40 of FIG. 20, each of the Entries 0 to 31 of the tag RAM 12a stores the tag TAG<63:0> and a parity bit "TAG_P<7:0>".
The parity check unit 42 executes a parity check to TAG<63:0> (tag) selected by the selector 41. If a parity check error occurs, the parity check unit 42 outputs the result of check indicating a party check error as "TAG_PE". When the TAG_PE (party check error) is output, the DATA<63:0> (data) selected by the selector 30 is made invalid.
However, in the cache memory device 40 shown in FIG. 20, when multiple hits MULTI-HIT occur, a cause (and the following first cause and second cause) of the multiple hits cannot be uniquely identified.
More specifically, the first cause of the multiple hits includes a case where the same tag TAG<63:0> is simply stored in the entries of the tag RAM 12a to cause MULTI-HIT (multiple hits).
The second cause includes a case where different tags TAG<63:0> are stored in the entries of the tag RAM 12a, but the two tags TAG<63:0> are determined as the same tag TAG<63:0> due to the error such as a bit reversed, to cause MULTI-HIT (multiple hits).
To resolve the problems in the conventional technology, as shown in a cache memory device 50 of FIG. 21, parity check (PC) units 510 to 5131 are provided corresponding to the respective Entries 0 to 31 of the tag RAM 12a, and the parity check is executed for each entry.
However, in the cache memory device 50, the parity check units 510 to 5131, which perform parity checks on 64 bits for 32 entries, respectively, cause an increased circuit scale and a complicated configuration.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-95856.

Analysis for a multiple tag hit in a content addressable memory (CAM)


A shoe cushion system integrated in a heel portion of a shoe includes a cavity in the heel of the sole for housing a honeycomb cushion and a strike pad to reduce foot fatigue. A spring is located directly above the strike pad and directs force from the impact of a foot on the heel portion of the shoe. An extendable portion of the spring is positioned within a lasting board aperture, while a flat portion overlaps the lasting board. This spring is made from a gel-like substance, which allows the extendable portion to project through the aperture when force is applied to the heel portion of the shoe. The extendable portion of the spring transfers force onto the strike pad, which in turn presses down on the honeycomb cushion. This honeycomb cushion compresses under the pressure of the strike pad to absorb some of the force.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to footwear and more particularly to a heel cushioning system.
2. Description of the Background Art
A conventional shoe (or boot, hereinafter xe2x80x9cshoexe2x80x9d) heel is a solid block located at the back of the sole of the shoe. Heels elevate the wearer, and receive the brunt of the shocks of walking on the shoes. Heels are also often designed to be fashionable.
Consumer demands have induced manufacturers to make shoes more comfortable. For example, some sport shoes include air pumps which inflate bladders in the sides, heel or mid sole of the shoe to absorb pressure on a foot when taking a step and to cushion the arch and heel of the wearer""s foot. Although air pumps and bladders can cushion a foot, they do not minimize forces on the wearer""s heel. Meanwhile, in taking a step, a person""s heel typically hits the ground first and supports most of the person""s weight. The repeated stress may injure the heel. Therefore, there is a need for a shoe cushion system integrated in the heel portion of a shoe to minimize stress on a wearer""s foot.
The present invention provides a cushioning system integrated in the heel of a shoe. This system advantageously reduces foot fatigue associated with non-cushioned shoes. The shoe cushioning system preferably includes a cavity in a shoe heel which houses a strike pad and, beneath it, a honeycomb cushion. A shoe lasting board, including a shank, is positioned over the strike pad and the outsole, and has a hole in the heel portion. A heel spring, capable of directing force from the impact of a foot on the heel portion of the shoe, is located over the lasting board and directly above the strike pad. An extendable portion of the heel spring projects downwardly through the hole in the lasting board. Because the heel spring is made from a gel-like substance, a person""s heel forcing down on the shoe tends to project the extendable portion of the heel spring through the hole in the lasting board. The extendable portion of the spring transfers force from the wearer""s heel onto the strike pad, which in turn presses down on the honeycomb cushion. The design of the honeycomb cushion allows it to compress under, and absorb some of, the pressure on the strike pad.


Alkyl lactyllactate and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactate compounds that are useful as solvents in a variety of applications are disclosed. The compounds are derived from a hydroxyl containing compound and a lactide or lactic acid source that has a specific chirality. The alkyl lactyllactate and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactate compounds are particularly suitable for use as solvents in applications requiring cold tolerance performance without inclusion of additional volatile components.

The presently described technology relates generally to alkyl lactyllactate and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactate compounds that can be used as solvents in a variety of applications. In particular, the alkyl lactyllactate and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactate compounds, and compositions comprising or incorporating such compounds, are suitable for use in oil field applications, gypsum foamers, paints and coatings, adhesives, or other applications requiring the use of a solvent to, for example, improve cold tolerance performance (e.g., applications requiring cold weather performance without inclusion of additional volatile components) or effect the coalescent of a polymer film. The alkyl lactyllactate compounds of the present technology are also suitable for use in compositions for degreasing and stain removal.
Solvents are used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Success of the operation in which the solvent is used is highly dependent upon proper solvent selection. Thus, the characteristics of a solvent are an important consideration in determining whether a solvent will be suitable for a particular application. For many industrial processes, it is desirable that the solvent be non-hazardous, have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and have a high flash point. Other desirable characteristics, depending upon the end use, include the ability to control solvent polarity to enable the solvent to dissolve in oils and/or water, pour point depression, and support high loading of solids.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,350,388 and 2,371,281 (Claborn) (the "Claborn patents") generally describe that an alkyl lactyllactate can allegedly be produced by heating a mixture of a dry lactide and a desired anhydrous alcohol at a temperature of about from 70° to 90° C. for a period of about from 6 to 8 hours in the presence of an acid catalyst under anhydrous conditions. The Claborn patents also generally describe that alkyl lactyllactates have properties asserted to be desirable for solvents and plasticizers and also have properties that are said to be desirable for use in the preparation of other plasticizers.
The process to prepare alkyl lactyllactates as described in the Claborn patents, however, requires a solvent in the reaction mixture, which is either an excess amount of the alcohol or an inert organic liquid, such as benzene. The Claborn patents also require a reaction temperature of above 70° C. It is desirable, however, to eliminate the use of solvents in the reaction process and/or to have a process that can run at a lower reaction temperature. Further, the Claborn patents do not appreciate the effect of chirality of the alkyl lactyllactate on its properties and do not teach how to make alkyl lactyllactate with different chiralities. Nor do the Claborn patents appreciate the effects of the choice of alcohol (or another hydroxyl containing compound), and in particular the effects of alkoxylation, on the product yield, purity of the product, and properties of the product. It is desirable, however, to have a process that can produce a better yield of a higher purity alkyl lactyllactate product without distillation or other purification. It is also desirable to make and use an alkyl lactyllactate with a selected chirality to achieve or improve certain desired product properties.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,341 (Thompson) (the "Thompson patent") discloses stearyl lactyllactate and cetyl lactyllactate produced by reacting stearyl alcohol or cetyl alcohol with lactic acid. The stearyl lactyllactate and cetyl lactyllactate so produced are generally described as emulsifying agents particularly suitable as shortening addition agents in cake mixes and the like. The Thompson patent states that the reaction product is a mixture of stearyl lactyllactate and stearyl lactate, which are referred to as stearyl lactoyl lactate and stearyl lactate, respectively. Col. 3, lines 29-31. The Thompson patent further states that stearyl lactate is less effective than the desired stearyl lactyllactate. Col. 3, lines 56-57.
The reference recommends the use of 2.1 moles of lactic acid per one mole of stearyl alcohol (or cetyl alcohol), col. 1, lines 31-54, but suggests that the reaction of stearyl lactyllactate with an additional mole of lactic acid offered no appreciable advantages. Col. 3, lines 57-59. The Thompson patent also does not teach or suggest the use of a catalyst for the reaction of the alcohol with lactic acid. Because it is believed that alkyl lactyllactates are more efficient and can provide better performance and stability than alkyl lactates, it is desirable to have an improved process that can produce an alkyl lactyllactate product via a lactic acid route that contains a higher ratio of the lactyllactate component over the lactate component.
The alkyl lactyllactates and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can meet one or more of the above and other desirable attributes.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Alkyl lactyllactate solvent compositions


A computer-implemented method for importing/attaching or exporting/detaching a file during a given e-mail operation. From a user's perspective, the method begins when the user elects to perform the import/attach or export/detach function with respect to a given file. If the file resides locally, the operation proceeds as usual by carrying out the function as if the file is on the local system and resides in a known place. If, however, the file does not reside locally, a panel or other user interface is displayed. Using this panel, the user may then attempt to log into a remote system on which the file is supported. Thus, for example, the user interface may require the user to enter a userid, password, hostname, or some combination thereof. If the user login is successful, the routine gets or puts the file (e.g., using an FTP operation) as required, preferably as a background process. Upon completion of the file transfer, the routine then automatically completes the import/attach or export/detach function as if the file is on the local system and resides in the known location.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to information delivery in a computer network. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for importing/exporting or detaching/attaching a file to or from a remote host or mail server in a distributed computer environment.
2. Description of the Related Art
E-mail has become the communication method of choice throughout the business world as well as for the general public. In a typical enterprise environment, a mail server (such as UNIX SendMail) has a local mail delivery agent or client (typically . . . /bin/mail on UNIX systems) that stores an incoming e-mail on a local file system and delivers it to an end user via POP, IMAP or a command line program. Such agents typically provide the basic functionality of logging in an e-mail message and copying that message to a client machine's mail spool. Internet-based client-server messaging systems include, for example, Lotus Notes, which provides e-mail, calendaring, group scheduling, Web access and information management, integrated in an easy-to-use and customizable environment.
Existing e-mail applications (such as a Lotus Notes client), UNIX sendmail or MS Internet Mail) do not allow a user to import ("attach") a file from a remote host or to export ("detach") a file to a remote host in the network. A "remote" host as used herein could be configured as either a client or a server. These functions, however, may only be performed for a file that resides on a local host. Thus, in the prior art, before a user may import a file, that file has to reside locally. If the file does not reside locally, the user must perform a file transfer (e.g., using a protocol such as ftp) to first retrieve the file from the remote server to the local system. Conversely, in the prior art, if the user desires to export a file received with a given e-mail, he or she must open the e-mail, detach the file, and then perform a separate file transfer (e.g., via ftp) from the local to the remote system.
It would be desirable to enable a user to remotely import/attach or export/detach a file residing in a remote host in an Internet-based e-mail client. The present invention addresses this deficiency in the art.

Method to import/export or detach/attach a file to/from a remote mail server

International Business Machines Corporation


An animal restraint system includes an arm clamp having a clamp body, a tether, a tether clamp, and a tether connector. The clamp body affixes to a securing arm at or below the animal's head and includes a tether anchor and a tether guide. The tether has a first tether end coupled to the tether anchor, a second tether end, and a middle section forming a loop, with a first loop side extending from the first tether end and a second loop side extending from the second tether end through the tether guide. The tether anchor and the tether guide are positioned to maintain substantial alignment between the first and second loop sides when the loop is tensioned. The tether clamp divides the loop into a primary and secondary loops and maintains a size of the primary loop, and the tether connector is slidably coupled to the primary loop.

Grooming loops have long been used by groomers to position and/or restrain animals, particularly dogs and cats, on a grooming table or platform while the animal is being groomed. The loop is typically connected to an eye-bolt hanging from the upper end of an L-shaped grooming arm, often by a swivel snap closure mechanism that engages the eye-bolt. In earlier versions of the grooming loop, the loop was simply placed over the animal's head to rest around its neck. With the animal's movement limited or restricted by the loop, the groomer would then cut and comb fur, remove fur from the body, paws, face, and head, pare toenails, dry and do all the procedures for proper grooming of the particular breed being groomed.
Restraint devices similar to groomers' loops have been used by animal handlers other than groomers, such as veterinarians who restrain animals during examination and minor surgery. Such restraint devices are often groomers' loops adapted by or for the animal handler to suit the needs of the particular circumstances.
Advances over the basic groomer's loop have been made to provide the animal handler with greater control over the animal and to increase the comfort level of the restrained animal, thereby reducing the incidence of handlers being bitten and injuries to the animals themselves. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,210, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes an adjustable lock device suitable for being clamped at one end to the vertical portion of a grooming arm. The other end can be attached by a snap closure mechanism to a training aid combination collar and muzzle. This type of solution does not work well since the animal is left with substantial freedom to move, and the more an improperly restrained animal feels free to move around, the greater the likelihood of injury to either the animal or the handler. Moreover, the limitations imposed by attachment to the vertical portion of the grooming arm and the muzzle tend to make the animal less accessible during grooming. In addition, when the animal is muzzled, its mouth area and some parts of the face cannot be groomed.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,685, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes an animal restraint system in which the animal is cross tied between a low point, at, below, or above the animal's head, and a high point above the animal's head. The low point may be an adjustable lock device secured to the vertical portion of the grooming arm, and the high point may be, for example, an eye bolt on the upper horizontal portion of the grooming arm. The animal restraint system incorporates a groomer's loop which includes a quick release buckle in-line with the loop and a clamp for adjusting the size of the loop about an animal's neck. This combination of features for the loop is advantageous because it is a fully adjustable system to define the animal's range of movement, thereby providing a comfortable fit for the animal and accommodating a wide range of animal sizes.
One of the deficiencies with the combination of the groomer's loop and the adjustable lock device is the complexity, primarily from a manufacturing point of view, of the adjustable lock device. This complexity results in a higher than desired cost to groomers and other users of the adjustable lock device. Therefore, a need exists for a simplified, and less complex, adjustable lock device.

Animal restraint system with adjustable tether


A method of manufacturing a non-woven fabric includes the steps of: (a.) providing a substrate, wherein the substrate is air permeable in at least a portion of its surface; (b.) providing a fiber transfer device adapted to transfer fibers onto the substrate; (c.) transferring a first plurality of fibers onto the substrate; and (d.) applying a pressure differential to the air permeable portion of the substrate, wherein the strength of the pressure differential is varied across the surface of the substrate.

Non-woven fabrics are made from fibers bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Different than woven or knitted fabrics, the fibers in non-woven fabrics are not present as yarns which are mechanically fixed by a mesh or loop structure. Non-woven fabrics are used for wide variety of products and articles including shoes, apparel and sports equipment.
For example, US 2006/0276095 A1 relates to an article of footwear of non-woven material and a method of manufacturing the same.
WO 2016/099687 A1 is directed to a non-woven material, method of making the same, and articles incorporating the non-woven material.
WO 2014/167420 A2 relates to an apparatus for producing non-woven product in a non-industrial environment.
GB 1 363 675 is directed to a method of making shoes.
EP 2 412 856 B1 relates to an apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional non-woven fabric structure.
The non-woven fabrics in such articles is often not very rigid and resistant.
It is therefore the technical problem underlying the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a stable and durable non-woven fabric in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Method of non-woven fabrics including a component


Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement session-specific URIs for allocating network resources by receiving a request from a user for at least one network resource; assigning a session-specific URI to the at least one network resource for use in identifying the at least one network resource and controlling access to the at least one network resource; updating a network directory service with the session-specific URI; and communicating the session-specific URI to the user. The user communicates the session-specific URI to other participants in the session during which the at least one network resource will be used. After a pre-determined time, the session ends and the at least one network resource is de-allocated by, for example, changing the URI of the at least one network resource. Frequent changes of URIs hinder efforts by unauthorized individuals to gain access to network resources.

As all manner of computer resources become networked to support collaborative work activities by parties that may be geographically distant from one another, network administrators are confronted with numerous and increasing security issues. "Hackers" and "hacking" have reached such levels that the terms are now well-known to the general public. "Hackers" are individuals who "hack into" networks to gain unauthorized access to networked computer resources. Those engaged in hacking have varied objectives—some seek access to confidential information for use in criminal activities while others are modern-day anarchists who seek to disrupt the activities of others merely for "the thrill of it". In any case, hacking, if left unchallenged, can seriously interfere with networked-based collaborations.
A conventional response to network security is to issue passwords that control access to networked resources. There are well-known problems with passwords. Passwords may be implemented in such a simple-minded manner that it makes it easy for hackers to break the password using computer programs. Instances where individuals have used easily-guessed terms for passwords have significantly facilitated the hacking activities of unauthorized individuals. In addition, substantial resources must be dedicated to assigning, managing and changing passwords. Other more complex access control methods like biometrics similarly have significant resource and management requirements.
Thus, those skilled in the art seek methods, apparatus and computer program products that enhance network security while reducing resource and management requirements. In particular, those skilled in the art seek methods, apparatus and computer program products that capitalize on aspects of collaboration that may be used to simplify access control. For instance, collaborations may involve a limited group of individuals for a short period of time. Methods, apparatus and computer program products that implement network security based on these features of typical collaborations are of particular interest to those skilled in the art.

Method, apparatus and computer program product implementing session-specific URLs and resources


In an example, a semiconductor device includes an insulated gate transistor cell, a first region (e.g., a drain region and/or a drift region), a cathode region, a second region (e.g., an anode region and/or a separation region), and a source electrode. The insulated gate transistor cell includes a source region and a gate electrode. The source region and the cathode region are in a silicon carbide body. The gate electrode and the cathode region are electrically connected. The cathode region, the source region, and the first region have a first conductivity type. The second region has a second conductivity type and is between the cathode region and the first region. The source electrode and the source region are electrically connected. The source electrode and the second region are in contact with each other. A rectifying junction is electrically coupled between the source electrode and the cathode region.

One aspect to be considered for MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors) is the drift of gate threshold voltage VGS(th) under long-term operation. A dynamic component of the gate threshold voltage drift may depend on the switching frequency and the selected gate-to-source voltage for turn-off VGS(off). For example, negative voltages at the gate terminal may accelerate a gate threshold voltage drift. Design guidelines aiming at limiting the increase of SiC MOSFET on-state resistance RDS(on) recommend a certain operating area for the minimum turn-off voltage VGS(off), the switching frequency and the turn-on voltage VGS(on).
There is a need for reducing long-term gate threshold voltage drift of semiconductor devices at low circuit complexity.

Semiconductor device with insulated gate transistor cell and rectifying junction


A food slicing system for slicing a food article into a plurality of pieces of equal thickness includes a base having a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of end walls extending between the front and rear walls. A catch aperture is defined by the front wall, the rear wall and the end walls. The front wall, the rear wall and the end walls extend upwardly from a bottom face. A cutting assembly is hingedly coupled to the base. The cutting assembly is pivoted towards the base to slice food articles on the base into a plurality of slices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to food cutters and more particularly pertains to a new food cutter for slicing a food article simultaneously into a plurality of pieces of equal thickness.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of food cutters is known in the prior art. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a system that has certain improved features to allow an adjustment of the system to allow a food article to be sliced into plurality of slices of a desired thickness. Additionally, the system should engage the food article to maintain positioning of the food article during slicing of the food article.


The invention relates to a method and a device for treatment of glaucoma, wherein by means of an elongated catheter provided with a distal portion and a proximal portion, a tube-shaped implant is inserted and released in a Schlemm's canal with two opposite openings exposed by an incision and a folded up scleral flap. In a first phase, the distal portion inserted into the Schlemm's canal through the first opening, while a fluid or gaseous medium is injected at the same time, and exited through the second opening, which is, in circumferential direction, oppositely located. The implant detachably disposed at the protruding distal portion and, in a second phase, inserted, in circumferential direction, into the expanded Schlemm's canal up to the first opening. Subsequently, the distal portion, which protrudes from the first opening, is detached from the implant and, together with the catheter, removed.

In a healthy eye, the drainage of the circulating aqueous humor takes place from the rear chamber to the front chamber. The aqueous humor drains in the irido-corneal angle (angulus irido-cornealis) via the trabecular tissue into the circular Schlemm's canal and from there into the blood stream via the episcleral vein system. In pathological conditions of the eye, in particular in the case of resistance due to, for example, a closed Schlemm's canal caused by blockage or some such, continuous drainage of the aqueous humor, which is generated by the epithelial layer of the ciliary body and renewed on an ongoing basis, is oftentimes no longer realized or substantially reduced. As a result, the eye's interior pressure (IOP) can be elevated to such a level that the blood circulation of the optical nerves and, thus, their function is diminished which can lead to the eye disease known as glaucoma and can then lead to blindness of the afflicted eye.

Method and device for the treatment of glaucoma

GRIESHABER OPHTHALMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION


A radar can detect target azimuths located outside and adjacent to a scanning angular range of a beam by determining changes in received signal strength (a signal-strength profile) in the azimuthal direction as a function of a beam azimuth in a predetermined scanning angular range, and estimating the target azimuth causing the signal-strength profile from the signal-strength profile, which is portion of a convex located adjacent to the outermost angle in the scanning angular range. For example, the target azimuth is estimated by a ratio between the received signal strength at the outermost angle of about 10.0° and the received signal strength at about 9.5°, which is one beam inside the outermost position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radar for scanning a beam over a predetermined scanning range.
2. Description of the Related Art
A millimeter-wave type of car-mounted radar that varies the beam azimuth over a predetermined scanning range has been developed. This type of radar transmits and receives a detection signal, and scans a beam to detect the azimuth of a target from changes in received signal strength. For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-180532, changes in received signal strength in the azimuthal direction are determined. When the pattern of the changes in the received signal strength includes a chevron, the azimuth at which a peak of the received signal strength occurs is detected as the target azimuth.
However, this detecting method of the target azimuth based on the chevron pattern of the changes in the received signal strength (a signal-strength profile) generated by the beam scanning cannot detect the azimuth of a target that does not produce a chevron in the signal-strength profile. For example, when a target exists at an azimuth of the outermost angle in the scanning angular range of the beam, only one side of a chevron is formed. Moreover, when a target exists outside and adjacent to the outermost angle where the azimuth can be detected in a beam width, only a portion of a chevron is formed in the signal-strength profile. In both cases, however, only a "shadow" of the target located outside the scanning angular range is cast in the scanning angular range, and the position of the peak in the signal-strength profile cannot be detected. As a result, the target azimuth cannot be detected.


A shuttered adapter for a communications connector is formed of two pieces in the form of a retainer and a door. The retainer is formed of plastic and includes facing resilient lips for snap-on attachment to a connector body. A resilient tab and a first hinge portion are integrally formed as features of the retainer during an initial molding process of the retainer. The door is formed of plastic and includes a second hinge portion integrally formed therewith during an initial molding process of the door. The second hinge portion is attached to the first hinge portion to permit the door to pivot relative to the retainer. The resilient tab contacts a top of the door to urge the door into a position covering an opening in the connector for receiving a mating connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shuttered adapter. More precisely, the present invention relates to a cover or door (and a mounting device or retainer to hold the door to a connector) which blocks access to the connector (e.g., a jack or an adapter or other piece of equipment) when a mating connector (e.g. a plug) is not present in the connector. Shuttered jacks or adapters are especially useful with a fiber optic connector to prevent debris from entering into the fiber optic connector and to prevent dangerous laser light from escaping from an unmated connector, which could potentially damage the eyesight of a person. However, a shuttered adapter may be used with other types of connectors, such as connectors for twisted pair cables (e.g. RJ-type jacks) by keeping an unmated connector clean in a dusty environment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typical shuttered adapters, in accordance with the prior art, are complex to manufacture and assemble due to multiple parts. A typical shuttered adapter has a plastic door with molded-in hinges that receive a separate metal axle and a separate spring. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a shuttered adapter 1 which has been offered for sale by the assignee of the present application for more than one year.
The shuttered adapter 1 in FIG. 1 is a duplex LC adapter formed of a plastic body 2. A metal retainer 3 wraps around a perimeter of the plastic body 2 and may be held onto the plastic body by one or more spring clips 4.
First and second metal loops 5 are formed as a part of the metal retainer 3. A metal hinge pin 6 passes through the first and second metal loops 5. The metal hinge pin 6 also passes though first and second plastic hooks or loops 7. The plastic loops 7 are integrally molded with a plastic door 8. By the stated arrangement, the plastic door 8 is pivotably mounted to the metal retainer 3, which is in turn fixed to the plastic body 2 of the adapter 1.
A metal spring 12 is helically wound about the metal hinge pin 6 between the first and second metal loops 5. A first end of the metal spring 12 is fixed to, or abuts, the metal retainer 3. An opposite end 14 of the metal spring 12 abuts the plastic door 8. The metal spring 12 applies a resilient force to the plastic door 8, which tends to keep the plastic door 8 in its closed state, as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, a user may manually open the door 8 against the biasing force of the spring 12 to insert a mating connector into the adapter 1.
An additional metal retainer 10 with additional clips 9 may optionally be attached to the plastic body 2 of the adapter 1. The additional clips 9 permit the adapter 1 to be secured to a secondary object, like a patch panel or an opening of an I/O port of a piece of equipment.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,716,224; 6,425,694; 6,715,930 and 7,340,146, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, illustrate various constructions for typical shuttered adapters.


A micro- or nanoparticular vesicle comprises at least a crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA), wherein the crosslinked hyaluronic acid is crosslinked by a chemical crosslinking agent, and wherein the degree of modification of said crosslinked hyaluronic acid with said chemical crosslinking agent is less than 1.9 mole %. Also disclosed are a method of manufacturing such vesicles, compositions comprising such vesicles and their uses.

Ageing process occurs in every tissues in the human body, including skin, which is the most obvious indicator of age.
There are two distinct types of ageing. Ageing caused by the genes we inherit and depending on the passage of time is called chronological or intrinsic ageing. The other type of ageing is known as extrinsic ageing and is caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure (UV radiations), chemicals, microorganisms, food or environmental pollutants that can accelerate the ageing process. Age is not the determining factor in the condition of mature skin. Environmental factors that influence ageing of the skin play a central role. Tone, elasticity and epidermal regeneration capacity do not decline until advanced age in areas not exposed to light, whereas they do so prematurely in areas exposed to light. Young people who are exposed to a great amount of UV rays appear prematurely aged.
Intrinsic ageing, also known as the natural ageing process, is a continuous process that normally begins in the mid-twenties. Within the skin, collagen production slows down and elastin has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in the twenties, the signs of intrinsic ageing are typically not visible for decades. The signs of intrinsic ageing are fine wrinkles, thin and transparent skin, loss of underlying fat, loss of density and firmness, which causes sagging skin, dry skin, and more dark spots.
With ageing, the loss of extracellular matrix and its major component hyaluronic acid (HA), which stabilizes the intracellular structures by forming viscoelastic network in which collagen and elastin fibers are embedded, induces loss of the skin mechanical functions. HA provides a cushion effect to the skin structures including the epidermis. Solidity of the skin is provided by the extracellular matrix and the loss of HA and consequently of the viscoelastic buffering system would contribute to easy tearing resulting in skin disruptions and skin dehydration leading to visible wrinkles on stratum corneum.
Viable epidermis and dermis are the essence of the skin. Structural destruction and loss of dermal collagen fiber bundles lead to wrinkling and increased appearance of muscular attachments. Irregular melanization leads to the apparition of lentigines, dark spots and melasma.
Most premature ageing is caused by sun exposure. Unlike chronological ageing, which depends on the passage of time, photoageing is directly correlated to the quantity of UV rays received during the course of lifetime. The effects of photodamage are often evident many years before intrinsic ageing is apparent. Individuals who have outdoor lifestyles, live in sunny climates and are lightly pigmented will experience the greatest degree of photoageing. All this factors influence extrinsic skin ageing process and can be distinguished from chronological ageing.
Ageing leads to a progressive decline in many biological functions in skin, eventually hindering cell division and growth. The biological signs of ageing involve both the epidermis and dermis layers characterized by decrease of epidermal thickness (that correlates with the reduced keratinocyte proliferation), reduction and disorganization of major key components, such as HA, collagens and other elastic fibers (proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans), simultaneous increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) production and flattening of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). Collagens I and III, are the most abundant proteins in the dermis. They polymerize to form extended mechanically stiff fibrils, which confer tensile strength to the tissue. In addition to the fibrillar collagens, collagen VII is localized to perpendicularly oriented anchoring fibrils, which play a key role in securing the dermis to the DEJ. Skin ageing is associated to structural and compositional remodeling of dermal extracellular matrix and basement membrane proteins. Histologic changes in skin associated with ageing are a reduced epidermal thickness and a flattened DEJ.
With age, skin homeostasis is disrupted, metabolic activities are slowed, and endogenous production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative cellular stress and secretion of inflammatory mediators leading to more reactive and sensitive skin.
Many contributions have been published focusing on the role of HA during epidermal homeostasis, in fibroblast physiology and ageing, during tumorigenesis and tumor progression and reflecting the impact of HA in cosmetics or regenerative medicine.
More particularly, an important function of HA is to hold water in the intercellular matrix of the connective tissue. This water-binding capacity significantly contributes to the elasticity of the skin, serving as a water reservoir. With ageing and UV-B damage, the quantity and quality of HA in the skin decreases, which leads a loss of elasticity and the increase of wrinkles. HA is then a skin hydrating agent that can help restore water to dehydrated skin.
HA is naturally found in the human body.
In the epidermis, HA content is especially high in proliferating basal regions. Histological findings suggest that basal layer keratinocytes contain intracellular HA, whereas extracellular HA prevails in upper epidermal layers. Extracellular HA is thought to maintain diffusion and to open up spaces to facilitate cell migration.
The main source of HA in the dermis is fibroblasts with higher HA synthesis activity in the papillary dermis. The high flexibility of HA strands and their hydrophilicity enable these molecules to fill in any gaps within the extracellular matrix. The large hydrodynamic volume of HA is mainly explained by multiple hydrogen bonds between adjacent disaccharides but may also rely on the close interaction of HA with highly glycosylated proteoglycans. The resulting viscoelastic properties of HA in the dermis account for its support of tissue architecture and possibly function as a kind of 'hydraulic shock absorber' in the dermis.
Endogenous HA in skin exhibits a high cellular turnover rate and its amount is regulated and balanced by synthesis and degradation process. In dermis, HA has a half-life of less than one day and the turnover in epidermis is reported to be more rapid with a half time of two to three hours. Production of HA quantities as high as 12-60 pg/cell/24 h has been reported in dermal fibroblasts, whereas keratinocytes produce about 10-fold less. Moreover, cutaneous HA concentration varies at different anatomical sites, for example, forearm skin contains twice as much HA as back skin.
Synthesis of HA in the skin is accomplished by three HA synthases (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3) that incorporate uridine diphosphate (UDP) sugars into the non-reducing end of the growing sugar chains. They produce different sizes of polysaccharide chains. HAS2 is considered as the main HA synthase in fibroblasts while HAS2 and HAS3 show comparable degrees of activity in keratinocytes. HAS activity depends on post-translational modifications such as precise ubiquitination, phosphorylation or N-glycosylation. HA degradation is achieved either enzymatically by hyaluronidases (HYAL) or non-enzymatically by mechanisms such as free-radical-related depolymerization occurring in the presence of reactive oxygen species. HYAL1 and HYAL2 are considered to be the main active HYALs in tissues. In skin, HA catabolism/degradation is thought to differ in epidermis and dermis. Extracellular HA degradation is thought to be initiated through liberation from the ECM network by non-enzymatic mechanisms.
Human cells do not always produce HA efficiently lifelong. By age and following menopause, HA production declines in skin resulting in joint pain, mycofacial rigidity, loss of elasticity, ageing, dryness and development of wrinkles. Topically applied, HA can complement the deficiencies in endogenous HA and can contribute to reduce signs of skin ageing.
A large number of cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid are available on the market such as for example, HA5™ (from SKIN MEDICA) cream or lotion which is a mix of five types of HA that smoothes the skin, thereby decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, more recently, combination products such as SKIN3™ have been developed.
SKIN3™ is a line of products featuring, based on a technology, registered under the tradename DERMATRIPLEX™, composed with more than twenty ingredients which integrates three particular technologies, notably:
a drug delivery system composed of seven bilayer membrane used to increase penetration of insoluble drugs and to incorporated water soluble) registered as NOVASOMES™,
a gel consisting of hyaluronic acid long chains stabilized by natural and mobile interactions supported by a lower crosslinker rate (1.9-4.0%) registered under the tradename RHA resilient Hyaluronic Acid™, and
a specific amino acid sequence of collagen, registered as TRUCOLLAGEN™.
Clinical studies have recently confirmed that topically applied HA on the skin reduces signs of skin ageing. HA, especially of high molecular weight, hydrate the skin by forming a film on the skin surface and preventing water loss. Whereas, low molecular weight of HA can penetrate skin to protect and support the epidermal hydration, to moisturize the Stratum Corneum continuously to assure high quality of the epidermal texture. Recent investigations about HA size and its effect on skin ageing have shown that low molecular weight HA of approximately 50 kDa, has revealed significantly higher skin penetration rates than larger sized HA («Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy», Essendoubi M et al.; Skin Res Technol; 2015; 0: 1-8). Indeed, low molecular weight HA can influence the expression of many genes including those contributing to keratinocyte differentiation and formation of intercellular tight junction complexes (ZO-1, claudin-1 makers) which are reported to be reduced in aged and photodamaged skin, thereby improving the skin quality. However, the benefits of topical applied HA are limited by its molecular size interfering with efficient skin penetration for better effect.
Considering the above, there is a need to develop improved cosmetic compositions notably for use in skin care, that are stable, easy and fast to apply, which are simple to use, which do not require excessive applications and which present a long-lasting effect.

Micro- or nanoparticular vesicles comprising crosslinked hyaluronic acid, compositions comprising the same and method for their use in skin care


A high speed rotary cutter assembly for cutting sheets of elastomeric materials wherein a rotary blade is affixedly mounted on one end of a spindle and rotates therewith at a rotational speed greater than 2000 rpm. The rotary blade includes a generally planar cutting surface and a tapered back surface to provide a clean cut and minimize abrasion of the cut surface. The rotary blade further includes between 4 and 40 peripheral lobes, each having an attack surface and a trailing surface. The trailing surface is cut more sharply than the attack surface to provide relief to the cut elastomeric material. The spindle includes a spindle bore which communicates cooling air to the rotary blade. The rotary cutter assembly also includes preloaded, permanently lubricated, angular contact ball bearings and a labyrinth seal to provide high speed operation without heat build-up. The cutter assembly includes a replacement means, which comprises a frame and gib lock, for quickly replacing worn shoe inserts and the insert assembly without the necessity for adjusting of the shoe or blade. The shoe insert has a top surface in the same plane as the top surface of the shoe and further includes grooves in the cutting face to relieve the surface.

1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to the art of apparatus for cutting sheet-like materials, and more specifically to an apparatus for cutting reinforced elastomeric fabric such as that used in the manufacture of tires.
2. Description of the Related Art
Methods and apparatus for cutting elastomeric material in sheet form are known in the art.
Although the prior art methods and apparatus were generally effective, increasing demands for quality in the product such as tires have created a need for higher and higher quality in the cut materials. More specifically, the edge variation created by the different cutting methods and apparatus lead directly to performance improvements or performance problems in the finished product such as tires. For this reason, it has become important to develop methods and apparatus which minimize the edge variation in the cut materials as much as possible.
The present invention provides improved edge quality and precision, as well as other better and more advantageous overall results.

Apparatus having angle blade lobes for high speed cutting of elastomeric materials