The individual performance of various transistors is optimized by tailoring the thickness of the gate oxide layer to a particular operating voltage. Embodiments include forming transistors with different gate oxide thicknesses by initially depositing one or more gate oxide layers with intermediate etching to remove the deposited oxide from active regions wherein transistors with relatively thinner gate oxides are to be formed, and then implementing one or more thermal oxidation steps. Embodiments include forming semiconductor devices comprising transistors with two different gate oxide thicknesses by initially depositing an oxide film, selectively removing the deposited oxide film from active areas in which low voltage transistors having a relatively thin gate oxide are to be formed, and then implementing thermal oxidation.

The relentless pursuit of ever shrinking semiconductor devices continues to challenge the limitations of conventional semiconductor materials and fabrication techniques. Conventional semiconductor devices typically comprise a plurality of active devices in or on a common semiconductor substrate. The various transistors are designed for different operating voltages. Conventional practices, therefore, seek to provide transistors having different gate oxide thicknesses depending upon the performance of a particular transistor. Such different performance characteristics typically involve different operating voltages and, consequently, different gate oxide thickness. Typically, transistors operating at a high voltage require a relatively thick gate oxide layer; whereas, transistors designed for relatively lower operating voltages require a relatively thinner gate oxide layer.
Conventional methodology for fabricating semiconductor devices with transistors having different gate oxide thicknesses results in relatively poor quality thin gate oxide layers having defects. These defects cannot usually be removed by annealing and, hence, generate reliability problems, such as gate leakage or gate oxide breakdown. Such conventional methodology employed to fabricate transistors having different gate oxide thicknesses typically involves an excessive number of processing steps, adversely impacts impurity doping profiles with an attendant impact on operating voltage, requires modification of assembly line equipment and adversely impacts the critical gate oxide, i.e., the thin gate oxide for standard CMOS processes or the tunnel oxide for EEPROM processes. Such conventional practices include formation of a thin silicon nitride layer, nitrogen implantation and plasma exposure.
Accordingly, there exists a need for efficient methodology enabling the fabrication of semiconductor devices containing transistors having multiple gate oxide thicknesses with a low thermal budget, minimized dopant diffusion, negligible shift in the electrical parameters of existing transistors, wide flexibility as to the gate oxide thickness and without the need for specialized equipment or techniques, such as nitrogen implantation or plasma processes. There exists a particular need for such methodology enabling the fabrication of semiconductor devices containing various transistors with gate oxides having a thickness accurately tailored to different operating voltages.

Method of fabricating a semiconductor device with multiple gate oxide thicknesses


A search engine receives a query from an end-user. The search engine executes the query on a content database and identifies a set of matching content. The search engine utilizes the matching content to generate a query vector describing the end-user query. The search engine searches a repository of other vectors, called “centroids,” to produce a ranked set of centroids matching the query vector. These centroids are converted into search queries and form a set of candidate queries. The search engine filters the candidate queries to identify ones that are likely to be meaningful to the end-user. The selected candidate queries are returned to the end-user as query suggestions.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains in general to content search engines and in particular to generating alternative queries to suggest to the searcher.
2. Description of the Related Art
People looking for information on the Internet often use a search engine to further their research. In order to execute queries on the search engine, people typically search using a set of keywords that they think are likely to produce the desired information. For various reasons, people often do not choose the best keywords for their searches.
Language difficulties might cause a person to search using the wrong keywords. A person who lacks familiarity with the language of the content being searched might use the wrong keywords. Even a person who is familiar with the language of the content might make mistakes. For example, a British citizen who seeks information about temporarily obtaining a car in the United States might search "car for hire" rather than "car for rent." The latter query more accurately reflects conventional usage in United States English and is likely to produce better search results.
In order to assist the person conducting the search, a search engine can suggest additional queries to the searcher. There are a variety of technologies the search engine can use to identify the additional queries, and each of these technologies will typically result in a large set of queries that the engine can potentially suggest. Presenting the entire set is often not helpful because many of the queries are likely to produce substantially the same results as the initial query.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a way to suggest queries that are likely to provide meaningful results to the person conducting the search.

Generating query suggestions using contextual information


A sheet post-processing apparatus includes first rollers that convey a sheet, a waiting tray that includes a pair of sheet supporting units movable in a direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet and on which the sheet conveyed via the first rollers is stacked, second rollers that are provided downstream the waiting tray along the conveying direction of the sheet and are suspended, when projection of a leading end of the sheet from the waiting tray reaches a predetermined projection amount according to the conveyance of the sheet, simultaneously with the first rollers disposed upstream the waiting tray, and an aligning unit that stacks the sheet and continuously-conveyed plural sheets dropped after a trailing end of the sheet is discharged onto the waiting tray by the first rollers and the second rollers and aligns a bundle of the plural sheets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheet aligning method in a sheet post-processing apparatus provided at a post stage of an image forming apparatus and a sheet post-processing apparatus including an aligning device.
2. Description of the Related Art
As it is well known, in recent years, an image forming apparatus having plural functions is spread. A sheet post-processing apparatus including a stapler for stapling sheets and a saddle unit for performing sheet center folding and center binding is set adjacent to such an image forming apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,187 discloses a sheet post-processing apparatus having a waiting tray for moving a pair of tray parts in a sheet width direction to drop sheets. In the waiting tray, every time a sheet is conveyed to the waiting tray, waiting tray rollers align the sheet to a rear end of the waiting tray. The speed of supply rollers provided immediately before the waiting tray is adjusted according to a sheet size to fix a sheet standby position in the waiting tray with respect to a sheet feeding direction. Depending on the length of a conveyed sheet, when the sheet is conveyed from a conveying path to the waiting tray, a portion in the center of the waiting tray not supported by the pair of tray parts bends downward in a U shape and a alignment disorder phenomenon of a trailing end of the sheet occasionally occurs on the waiting tray. This leads to an alignment failure phenomenon in a processing tray.
In order to vertically align, on the processing tray, sheets dropped onto the processing tray through the waiting tray, plural aligning member may be provided in such a processing tray to come into contact with an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface of the sheets (a bundle). For example, in JP-A-63-180673, a waiting tray includes a fixed section and a moving section and sheets are discharged from the waiting tray to a processing tray by the moving section. When the sheets are discharged to the processing tray, in the processing tray, an upper surface and a lower surface of the sheets are aligned by an aligning belt and a segmental roller, respectively.
Aligning member provided to come into contact with a lower surface of a bundle of sheets stacked on the processing tray acts on only a first (bottom) sheet. However, there is a disadvantage that, when the aligning member is actuated consecutively, a trace is left on the surface of sheets or the surface of a print is stained. Moreover, when it is attempted to increase the speed of post-processing, because of the influence of collision with a dropped sheet, vibration of an apparatus, an air flow in the apparatus, and the like, upper sheets in stacked sheets move or a bottom sheet gradually moves when the sheets are consecutively discharged and stacked.
According to a request for an increase in speed of sheet post-processing, it is desired to improve and stabilize alignment accuracy of an aligning device. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus including an aligning device that aligns sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus on a waiting tray and a processing tray without being disorderly stacked.

Sheet aligning method and sheet post-processing apparatus including aligning device


In a method, magnetic resonance system and a reconstruction device for generation of magnetic resonance image data of an examination subject, raw magnetic resonance data are acquired in k-space, the raw magnetic resonance data including measurement values at multiple readout points that are arranged along multiple different trajectories in k-space. A displacement value is determined for each trajectory on the basis of the measurement values of a collection of multiple trajectories. Readout points of the raw magnetic resonance data are displaced by the displacement value, and image data are reconstructed from the displaced raw magnetic resonance data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a method to generate magnetic resonance image data of an examination subject with the use of a magnetic resonance imaging system, as well as a corresponding reconstruction device and a magnetic resonance imaging system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Imaging systems that are based on detection of magnetic resonance signals produced by nuclear spins, known as magnetic resonance tomography systems, have been successfully established and proven in a multitude of applications. In this manner of image acquisition, a static basic magnetic field B0 that serves for the initial alignment and homogenization of magnetic dipoles in material to be examined, is superimposed with a rapidly switched magnetic field (known as a gradient field) for spatial resolution of the imaging signal. To determine material properties of an examination subject to be imaged, the dephasing or relaxation time after a deflection of the magnetization out of the initial alignment is determined, such that various relaxation mechanisms or relaxation times that are typical to the material can be identified. The deflection typically takes place with a number of RF pulses, and the spatial resolution is based on a temporally established manipulation of the deflected magnetization with the use of the gradient field, in a series of pulses known as a measurement sequence that establishes a precise chronological order of RF pulses, modification of the gradient field (by a switching sequence of gradient pulses), and the acquisition of measurement values.
If a switching sequence of the gradient field in a measurement sequence experiences a time deviation relative to an expected point in time of the switching (which is designated in the following as a "switching dilatation"), this leads to inaccuracies in the spatial resolution of the magnetic resonance signal that cause distortions and other errors in the magnetic resonance imaging of an examination subject.
An association between measured magnetization—from which the aforementioned material properties can be derived—and a spatial coordinate of the measured magnetization typically takes place with the implementation of an intermediate step. In this intermediate step, acquired raw magnetic resonance data are entered into a storage format known as "k-space", wherein the coordinates of k-space are coded as a function of the gradient field. The gradient field modifies the resonance frequency (Larmor frequency) and, for example, also the phase position of the magnetization deflected by an RF pulse in a spatially dependent manner, such that a spatial information is obtained via identification of phase position and resonance frequency of the measured magnetization. In other words, spatial information is based on the coordinate system of k-space (spatial frequency) with phase and frequency coding, and is determined as a function of the gradient field. The magnitude of the magnetization (in particular of the transverse magnetization in a plane defined transverse to the previously described basic magnetic field) at a defined location of the examination subject can be determined from the readout point with a Fourier transformation that calculates the signal strength of the signal in the spatial domain from a signal strength (magnitude of the magnetization) that is associated with a specific frequency (the spatial frequency).
K-space thus forms an inverse Fourier space relative to the spatial domain of the examination subject, such that the magnetic resonance signals are transformed into the spatial domain through a Fourier transformation, in order to create the magnetic resonance image. The gradient field thus defines a point in k-space, and the curve of the change of the gradient field establishes a series of k-space points that can be designated as a "trajectory" through k-space, or as a "projection".
In a disadvantageous case, the aforementioned switching dilatation in current magnetic resonance imaging systems can reach an order of microseconds, and therefore markedly exceed the switching delay of an RF pulse to deflect the magnetization. If this is the case, the gradient field assumes a different value than the expected one at a readout point in time of the raw magnetic resonance data, and a gradient field or a phase position of the spins that corresponds to an expected k-space coordinate is achieved only at a later point in time. This results in the measured magnetic resonance signal being associated with a displaced coordinate in k-space, since the gradient field or the required phase position of the spins at the measurement point in time does not have the expected value.
If a shift of the k-space coordinates of the trajectory takes place due to the switching dilatation so that an approximately coherent shift (explained in more detail later) is present for all trajectories (for example given line-by-line Cartesian sampling of k-space), the switching dilatation has nearly no effect on the quality of the imaging of the examination subject since the additionally arising phase is the same for all k-space points. However, if this is not the case—such as if the sampling of k-space is selected in a particular path through k-space and takes place radially, for example—this inevitably leads to severe artifacts in the imaging. In this case, a correction of the k-space points of the trajectories should take place in order to be able to implement a transformation of the magnetic resonance signals in the positional space of the examination subject while avoiding distortions and image artifacts.
For example, for this a method for correction is known that corrects the k-space points of the trajectories with the aid of a correction value in order to thus avoid image artifacts. The correction value is added by entering the correction method as an input, wherein the input can take place manually or from a database, for example. However, this method is time-consuming or based on general models for the shift due to the switching dilatation, such that significant cost arises in the acquisition of the magnetic resonance imaging and, moreover, the correction does not always occur optimally.

Method and device to generate magnetic resonance image data of an examination subject


A driver (100) supplies power to drive at least one light source (130). The driver includes: a current regulator (140) connected in series with the at least one light source; and a conditioning circuit (120) configured to receive an AC supply voltage (110) having a primary frequency of between about 50 Hz to 60 Hz, and further configured to condition the received AC supply voltage to supply power to the at least one light source, wherein the conditioned voltage has a non-zero DC component and an AC component, and wherein a magnitude of the AC component at a frequency that is four times the primary frequency is greater than a magnitude of the AC component at the primary frequency, and is also greater than a magnitude of the AC component at a second harmonic of the primary frequency.

Illumination devices based on semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer a viable alternative to traditional fluorescent, HID, and incandescent lamps. Functional advantages and benefits of LEDs include high energy conversion and optical efficiency, durability, lower operating costs, and many others. Recent advances in LED technology have provided efficient and robust full-spectrum lighting units that enable a variety of lighting effects in many applications. Some lighting units feature one or more light sources, including one or more LEDs capable of producing different colors, e.g. red, green, and blue, as well as a processor for independently controlling the output of the LEDs in order to generate a variety of colors and color-changing lighting effects.
Because of their small size and low-cost, simple linear driver circuits have generated considerable interest in field of the LED drivers. One of the biggest concerns regarding LED lighting is light flicker that can be perceived by the human eye. Because LEDs have a very fast dynamic response, energy storage is often employed to bridge the fluctuation in the instantaneous input power (50 Hz or 60 Hz "mains" voltage), in order to reduce flicker. This is typically achieved by adding large electrolytic capacitors at the primary and/or secondary side of the driver. In view of the fact that the dynamic resistance of an LED reduces as the LED efficiency improves, flicker reduction becomes more challenging for a space-constrained driver. Most existing LED drivers have a predominant frequency component in the LED light/current at twice the mains frequency (i.e., at 100 Hz or 120 Hz), where the human eye is sensitive to the modulated light.
On the other hand, at frequencies above 200 Hz, the human eye is much less sensitive to the modulated light (10 Hz being the most sensitive). Therefore, if a driver can be made with predominant AC component in the light output at 200 Hz or above, the perceived light flicker will be substantially reduced or eliminated, though light modulation still occurs.
Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a driver for a light source, and particularly an LED light source, which can reduce or eliminate visible flicker.

Linear driver for reduced perceived light flicker


A peptide has at least an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 and it has an osteogenetic activity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a peptide having osteogenetic activity and an osteogenetic accelerator containing the same as an active ingredient.
The peptide and osteogenetic accelerator containing the same as an active ingredient provided by the present invention, which have the osteogenetic activity, is useful for treatment of fractures, for inhibition of decrease in bone substance related to osteoporosis and periodontic diseases, and for prevention of fractures associated with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis and the like.
2. Description of Related Art
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β family (Wozney, J. M. et al, Science, 242, 1528 (1988)), and its active form exists as a homodimer having a molecular weight of about 18 kD. BMP has the function of acting on undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, inducing differentiation to chondroblasts and osteoblasts and effecting chondrogenesis and osteogenesis (Wang, E. A. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, 2220 (1990)). For this reason, BMP is expected to be effective in treatment of fractures, inhibition of decrease in the bone substance related to osteoporosis and periodontic diseases, and in prevention of fractures associated with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis and the like.
However, the above-described BMP is not absorbed in an effective amount internally when it is administered orally or endermatically, and disappears from blood or tissue within a few minutes when it is administered directly into blood vessels and tissue. However, if administered in a large amount, BMP might possibly cause various adverse effects, including toxic effects on livers and kidneys. Further, BMP has immunogenicity because of its large molecular weight, and might possibly cause anaphylactic shock when administered repeatedly. Furthermore, where BMP is impregnated in matrices of decalcificated bone or collagen for use, osteogenetic activity is expressed, but there may be another problem of antigenicity or infection attributed to the matrices.

Peptide having osteogenetic activity and osteogenetic accelerator containing the same


A branch prediction method, capable of predicting a first taken branch instruction within a plurality of fetched instructions, includes: determining whether one of the fetched instructions is the first taken branch instruction to be predicted according to hint instruction(s) or according to latest statistics of whether respective fetched instructions have been taken. The branch prediction method further includes: if one of the fetched instructions is determined to be the first taken branch instruction, performing branch prediction on the first taken branch instruction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to branch prediction of central processing units (CPUs), and more particularly, to branch prediction methods and devices capable of predicting a first taken branch instruction within a plurality of fetched instructions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a branch prediction mechanism 100 utilized in a conventional single-issue processor that fetches only one instruction per clock cycle, where a portion of a program counter (PC) PC0 is utilized for indexing an entry in a branch target buffer (BTB) 110, so a branch predictor 120 performs branch prediction according to the entry's elements Tag0, Hist0, and TA0 outputted from the BTB 110, in order to predict the next PC.
FIG. 2 illustrates a branch prediction mechanism 200 utilized in a conventional multi-issue processor that fetches multiple instructions per clock cycle, where a portion of each PC (e.g. PC0, PC1, PC2, and PC3) is utilized for indexing an entry in a BTB 210. In the combinational module 220 shown in FIG. 2, four comparison and directional prediction circuits (CDPCs) 222-0, 222-1, 222-2, and 222-3, which are four copies of a set of comparator 122 and direction predictor 124, are required for performing branch prediction according to four sets of elements (Tag0, Hist0, TA0), (Tag1, Hist1, TA1), (Tag2, Hist2, TA2), and (Tag3, Hist3, TA3) of four entries corresponding to the PCs PC0, PC1, PC2, and PC3, respectively. In addition, complicated architecture such as a logic circuit 226 and a control circuit (not shown) of the BTB 210 should be properly designed to predict a first taken branch instruction, so as to predict the next PC. As a result, material and design costs of the branch prediction mechanism 200 are significantly high, and the overall chip area required for implementing the multi-issue processor is quite large.

Branch prediction methods and devices capable of predicting first taken branch instruction within plurality of fetched instructions


A privacy and light shade accessory for the screen member of a laptop computer in its viewing position having a base member directly or indirectly mountable on the laptop computer provided with pivotal shade panels movable between a folded storage position and an unfolded operative screen shielding position. In two embodiments of the invention, the shade panels are pivotally attached directly to a base member comprising a cover of a laptop computer carrying case. In a third embodiment, the base member and shade panels are releasably attached to an outer rear surface of the screen member of the computer.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to computer accessories, and more specifically to a privacy and light shade accessory to provide privacy and shade for the screen of a laptop, notebook, or subnotebook computer (herein referred to collectively as a laptop computer) in its viewing position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The inventor is unaware of any accessory devices for a laptop computer for providing privacy and/or shade for the screen when it is in its viewing position.

Computer screen privacy and light shade accessory

Forsites Software Development Corporation


An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided which includes: a sheath 2 having electrical insulating properties; a pair of arm portions 3A and 3B which are disposed opposite to each other, which protrude and retract with respect to the sheath 2, and which accordingly open and close to thereby hold an object to be treated; a cutting electrode 5 which is protruded from and fixed to the distal end of the sheath 2 and which supplies a high-frequency electric current when it touches the object to be treated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an endoscopic treatment instrument.
Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-184366, filed Jul. 4, 2006, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, an endoscopic treatment instrument is used in which it is inserted in a body cavity through a channel of an endoscope to incise or cut an affected part, which is an object to be treated, of living tissue. As an example, there has been proposed an endoscopic treatment instrument in which an affected part of a patient's body is held by means of an opening and closing operation of a pair of arm portions extendable and retractable relative to an insulating sheath and then the thus-held affected part is excised or fixed by supplying thereto a high-frequency electric current or energy (see, e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 5-42167).
With this endoscopic treatment instrument, even if the affected part is too large to be held by a snare or the like, by holding the affected part with the pair of the arm portions and by subsequently supplying a high-frequency electric current to the pair of the arm portions, it is possible to efficiently carry out treatment of the thus-held part.
In the aforesaid conventional endoscopic treatment instrument, by slenderizing or thinning the arm portions, the contact area with respect to an object to be treated can be minimized and the current density can be raised. However, the force required for holding the object to be treated is inevitably decreased.


A system and method for redistribution of the flow of fuel under faulted conditions in a fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack; a fuel tank for storing fuel; fuel injectors that sequentially supply fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel cell stack; and a controller for determining whether a fault condition exists in one of the fuel injectors. If a fault condition exists in the first injector, the controller is capable of redistributing the flow of fuel from a first injector to a second injector.

In a typical fuel cell system, each fuel cell stack has multiple H2 supply valves or injectors to supply hydrogen to the anode side of the PEM fuel cell stack. Multiple injectors are used to accurately control the flow and pressure of hydrogen from idle to full power. If all injectors are closed, no H2 will flow, and the fuel cell power output is zero. If all injectors are open, the maximum amount of H2 will flow and the fuel cell will output maximum power. In the case where the fuel cell system has five injectors and all injectors are sized the same, the next injector is opened when the previous injector(s) are at 100% open. Each injector thus accounts for 20% of full power. The desired H2 flow is checked against a maximum possible flow upper limit based on current temperature and pressure conditions. The minimum value of the desired setpoint and the maximum possible flow is used for the first injector, and the rest of the flow is assigned to the other injectors. The same procedure is used to assign the flow for the second injector and so on.
If one of the injectors fails, the system performance is highly dependent on which of the five injectors fails. If the first injector fails and is not able to open any longer, then any requested flow under 20% will result in no flow. This will cause the fuel cell to cease generating power. If the second injector fails, then operation will be limited between 0-20% and 40%-100%. Likewise, if the third injector fails, then operation will be limited between 0-40% and 60%-100%. Thus, there is a desire to provide a method for the redistribution of H2 flow that overcomes the inherent problems associated with failure of one or more injectors in a fuel cell system, and the limitation of power associated therewith.

System and method for redistribution of the flow of fuel under faulted conditions in a fuel cell system


A jumping mechanism includes a support frame and a swing arm pivoted to the support frame. A U-shaped leg has a pair of vertically extending parts which are mounted pivotally to the swing arm. The support frame is movable relative to the vertically extending parts in a vertical direction. A jumping control unit has a rotary cam plate which is mounted on the support frame and which rotates in a predetermined direction. The cam plate is disposed below and has a periphery which abuts with an outward projection of the swing arm. One end of a tension spring is hooked to an upper rear end of the swing arm, while the other end thereof is hooked to an upper front end of the support frame. Rotation of the cam plate initially causes the cam plate to urge the outward projection upward so as to cause the swing arm to pivot upwardly from a first position relative to the support frame. Pivoting movement of the swing arm causes the tension spring to stretch and further causes the support frame to move vertically downward relative to the U-shaped leg. Further rotation of the cam plate eventually causes the cam plate to cease upward urging of the outward projection, thereby causing the tension spring to contract instantaneously. The swing arm pivots instantaneously back to the first position and lifts the U-shaped leg so as to enable the jumping mechanism to execute a jumping movement.

The invention relates to a movement generating mechanism, more particularly to a jumping mechanism which can generate a forward jumping action and which has provisions for controlling the direction of forward movement.
The objective of the present invention is to provide a jumping mechanism which includes a jumping control unit for causing forward jumping movement of the jumping mechanism and a direction control unit for controlling the direction of forward movement by the jumping mechanism.


A dehydrocyclo-oligomerization process is provided for converting aliphatic hydrocarbons to aromatics by contacting the feedstock under conversion conditions which a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst. The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst comprises first zeolite crystals which are bound together by second zeolite crystals. If the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst is selectivated, the process can produce greater than equilibrium amounts of paraxylene.

Dehydrocyclo-oligomerization is a process in which aliphatic hydrocarbons are reacted over a catalyst to produce a high yield of aromatics and hydrogen and certain byproducts. This process is distinct from the more conventional reforming where C.sub.6 and higher carbon number reactants, primarily paraffins and naphthenes, are converted to aromatics. The aromatics produced by conventional reforming contain the same or a lesser number of carbon atoms per molecule than the reactants from which they were formed, indicating the absence of reactant oligomerization reactions. In contrast, the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization reaction results in an aromatic product that almost always contains more carbon atoms per molecule than the reactants, thus indicating that the oligomerization reaction is an important step in the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization process. Typically, the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization reaction is carried out at temperatures in excess of 260.degree. C. using dual functional catalysts containing acidic and dehydrogenation components.
Aromatics, hydrogen, a C.sub.4 + nonaromatics byproduct, and a light ends byproduct are all products of the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization process. The aromatics are the desired product of the reaction as they can be utilized as gasoline blending components or for the production of petrochemicals. Hydrogen is also a desirable product of the process. The hydrogen can be efficiently utilized in hydrogen-consuming refinery processes such as hydrotreating or hydrocracking processes. The least desirable product of the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization process is light ends byproducts. The light ends byproducts consist primarily of C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 hydrocarbons produced as a result of the hydrocracking side reactions.
Zeolites are crystalline microporous molecular sieves comprised of a lattice of silica and optionally alumina combined with exchangeable cations such as alkali or alkaline earth metal ions. Although the term "zeolites" includes materials containing silica and optionally alumina, it is recognized that the silica and alumina portions may be replaced in whole or in part with other oxides. For example, germanium oxide, tin oxide, phosphorous oxide, and mixtures thereof can replace the silica portion. Boron oxide, iron oxide, gallium oxide, indium oxide, and mixtures thereof can replace the alumina portion. Accordingly, the terms "zeolite", "zeolites" and "zeolite material", as used herein, shall mean not only materials containing silicon and, optionally, aluminum atoms in the crystalline lattice structure thereof, but also materials which contain suitable replacement atoms for such silicon and aluminum, such as galliumsilicates, silicoaluminophosphates (SAPO) and aluminophosphates (ALPO). The term "aluminosilicate zeolite", as used herein, shall mean crystalline zeolite materials consisting essentially of silicon and aluminum atoms in the crystalline lattice structure thereof.
Zeolites have been used in the past as a catalyst for the production of aromatic hydrocarbons by the dehydrocylco-oligomerization of aliphatic hydrocarbons. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,455 involves the production of aromatic hydrocarbons by the dehydrocylco-oligomerization of aliphatic hydrocarbons using a zeolite catalyst which contains gallium and an alumina binding material.
Synthetic zeolites are normally prepared by the crystallization of zeolites from a supersaturated synthesis mixture. The resulting crystalline product is then dried and calcined to produce a zeolite powder. Although the zeolite powder has good adsorptive properties, its practical applications are severely limited because it is difficult to operate fixed beds with zeolite powder. Therefore, prior to using in commercial processes, the zeolite crystals are usually bound.
The zeolite is typically bound by forming a zeolite aggregate such as a pill, sphere, or extrudate. The extrudate is usually formed by extruding the zeolite in the presence of a non-zeolitic binder and drying and calcining the resulting extrudate. The binder materials used are resistant to the temperatures and other conditions, e.g., mechanical attrition, which occur in various hydrocarbon conversion processes. Examples of binder materials include amorphous materials such as alumina, silica, titania, and various types of clays. It is generally necessary that the zeolite be resistant to mechanical attrition, that is, the formation of fines which are small particles, e.g., particles having a size of less than 20 microns.
Although such bound zeolite aggregates have much better mechanical strength than the zeolite powder, when such a bound zeolite is used for the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization of aliphatic hydrocarbons, the performance of the catalyst, e.g., activity, selectivity, activity maintenance, or combinations thereof, can be reduced because of the binder. For instance, since the amorphorous binder is typically present in an amount of up to about 50 wt. % of zeolite, the binder dilutes the adsorptive properties of the zeolite aggregate. In addition, since the bound zeolite is prepared by extruding or otherwise forming the zeolite with the binder and subsequently drying and calcining the extrudate, the amorphous binder can penetrate the pores of the zeolite or otherwise block access to the pores of the zeolite, or slow the rate of mass transfer to the pores of the zeolite which can reduce the effectiveness of the zeolite when used in hydrocarbon conversion processes. Furthermore, when such a bound zeolite is used in catalytic conversions processes such as the dehydrocyclo-oligomerization of aliphatic hydrocarbon, the binder may affect the chemical reactions that are taking place within the zeolite and also may itself catalyze undesirable reactions which can result in the formation of undesirable products.

Process for producing aromatic compounds from aliphatic hydrocarbons


A method for estimating an ear geometry of an ear of a user with a hearing device, the hearing device comprising an ear canal microphone, an external microphone, and a receiver, includes: obtaining an external input signal using the external microphone; providing an output signal by the receiver; obtaining an ear canal microphone input signal using the ear canal microphone; and estimating the ear geometry based on the external input signal and the ear canal microphone input signal.

Hearing device manufacturers have adopted laser scanning of traditional impressions as the method of obtaining representations of the ear geometry. A dispenser acquires the impression from the patient and sends the impression directly to the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the impression can become distorted during the mailing process due to uncured material and excessive temperatures in the delivery trucks. This results an inaccurate impression of the patient's ear geometry, which in turn leads to a hearing device that does not fit properly mechanically and acoustically.

Methods of estimating ear geometry and related hearing devices


A piece of furniture having at least a first furniture part and a second furniture part. One furniture past is mounted un a stationary manner, and the other furniture part is mounted in a movable manner, on the basic furniture structure, and can be moved relative to one another. A lockable pushing-out device is arranged on the first furniture part and is intended for moving the movable furniture part from a closed end position into an open position. An engagement element is arranged on the second furniture part and engages with the pushing-out device at least over a part of the opening/closing path (OR/SR) of the movable furniture part. The engagement element is mounted on the second furniture part such that it can be adjusted preferably in linear fashion in relation to the first furniture part.

The invention concerns a furniture item having at least a first and a second furniture portion, in which one of the furniture portions is stationary and the other furniture portion is mounted movably to the furniture carcass (i.e., the stationary furniture portion) and which are movable relative to each other. A lockable ejection device is arranged on the first' furniture portion for moving the movable furniture portion out of a closed end position into an open position, and an engagement element is arranged on the second furniture portion. At least in a part of the opening/closing path of the movable furniture portion, the engagement element is in engagement with the ejection device.
Furniture items comprising a movable furniture portion and a lockable ejection device for moving the movable furniture portion out of a closed end position into an open position are known per se. In those arrangements, the lockable ejection device permits opening of a handle-less movable furniture portion at least to such an extent that it is possible to grip behind the front panel and open the drawer even without the presence of a handle fitment. In that case, unlocking of the ejection device can be effected for example by way of a button or, in the case of what are referred to as touch-latch fitments, by applying a pressure to the front panel in the closing direction of the movable furniture portion.
In order in that case to be able to adjust the front gap which exists in the closed position of a drawer between the inside of its front panel and the front end faces of the carcass walls of a furniture item, it is further known from DE 20 2004 019 738 U1 for the housing of the opening and closing device which is in the form of a touch-latch mechanism and which is integrated in the extension guide system to be formed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction and fixable in selectable longitudinal adjusted positions.

Furniture item having at least a first and a second furniture portion


A mould for vulcanizing a blank tire has an overall shape that is annular about an axis of revolution and includes a configuration for channelling a heat-transfer liquid in a substantially circular path about the axis. The channelling configuration includes an annular wall around the axis, separating at least two chambers in which the heat-transfer liquid circulates. Furthermore, a downstream end (respectively an upstream end) of one of the chambers has substantially the same angular position with respect to the substantially circular path as the downstream (respectively upstream) end of the other of the chambers. The mould is additionally configured for circulating the liquid in opposite directions in the two chambers.

A tire conventionally has a generally toroidal shape and includes two lateral parts forming sidewalls joined by a crown part forming a tread.
The thickness of the tire generally varies according to the part concerned. For example, in the case of a tire intended to be fitted to a roadwork type vehicle, the crown part forming the tread may have a thickness of 30 cm while the lateral parts forming the sidewalls each have a thickness of approximately 2 to 3 cm.
It is known to fabricate a tire by heating a blank tire in a mould of annular general shape around an axis of revolution. Heating the blank tire causes its vulcanization. As the tread is thicker than each of the sidewalls, it is necessary to distribute the heat appropriately in the mould in order to transfer more calories into the tread than into a sidewall. It is known to master this heat distribution by evacuating excess calories in the parts of the mould in contact with the sidewalls. The excess calories are evacuated by means of a cooling heat-transfer liquid circulating in the parts of the mould in contact with the sidewalls, more particularly in an annular passage of the mould extending around the axis of the mould. The passage includes a liquid admission inlet and a liquid discharge outlet situated angularly in the vicinity of the admission inlet so that the liquid travels a substantially complete turn in the passage.
Because it exchanges heat with the mould, the temperature of the heat-transfer liquid increases along its circular path in the passage with the result that the cooling of the mould by the heat-transfer liquid is less effective at the end of the travel of the liquid in the passage than at the beginning. There is therefore a relatively large temperature difference of the heat-transfer liquid between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the passage.
It is possible to reduce the temperature difference between the liquid entry into the passage and the liquid outlet from the passage by increasing the flow rate at which the liquid is admitted. This limits the duration of the heat transfer between the mould and the liquid as the liquid circulates and thus reduces the temperature difference of the liquid between the inlet and the outlet.
However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory.

Mould for vulcanizing a tire, installation and method for regulating the temperature of the mould

COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN


A process for hydrogenating aromatic di- and polyamines is provided comprising the steps of reacting the aromatic amine with hydrogen in the presence of a catalytic system, wherein the catalytic system comprises a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd and/or Pt and a support, and wherein the catalyst system further comprises an organic nitro compound. Hydrogenation of aromatic di- and polyamines having two or more amino groups bound to the aromatic ring produces cycloaliphatic di- and polyamines, which are useful chemical intermediates, e.g., for further reaction with epoxides or isocyanates. The amino groups may also be converted to isocyanates via reaction with phosgene. The resulting cycloaliphatic di- and polyisocyanates may also be used as monomers for making polymers.

Hydrogenation of aromatic rings having two or more amino groups bound to the aromatic ring produces amino-substituted hydrogenated rings, such as cycloaliphatic di- or polyamines, which are useful chemical intermediates, e.g., for further reaction with epoxides or isocyanates. The amino groups may also be converted to isocyanate groups e.g. via reaction with phosgene or through known phosgene free methods. The resulting cycloaliphatic di- or higher functional isocyanates may also be used as monomers for making polymers, in particular, polyurethanes.
Until now, many polyurethane materials are made based on aromatic di- and polyamines as starting materials. A disadvantage of using aromatic di- and polyamines is that the amines, the corresponding aromatic di- and polyisocyanates and the resulting products darken with time and gradually turn brown or black e.g. due to oxidation upon contact with air. Products derived from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic isocyanates behave differently and are known as "light stable" after conversion to polyisocyanates or polyurethanes. The stability of compounds derived from di- and polyamines may be improved by hydrogenating the aromatic ring to the corresponding cycloaliphatic di- and polyamines. Known heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts, however, lack in sufficient activity for the core-hydrogenation of amino-substituted aromatic rings and lack in chemoselectivity towards primary amines. Frequently observed side reactions include the condensation of primary amino groups to secondary or tertiary amino groups and/or the hydrogenolytic cleavage of the C—N bond between the aromatic ring and the amino group.
Moreover, many applications of di- and polyamines, such as for making active ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry or use as a monomer for making polymers, require a high degree of stereomeric selectivity with regard to the position of the substituents relative to each other on the hydrogenated ring, such as the resulting cycloaliphatic ring. When incorporated into a polymer chain, e.g., by conversion to the corresponding diisocyanate and subsequent reaction with a diol, trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane results in a polymer chain with linear connections, while cis-1,4-diaminocyclohexane results in a polymer chain with non-linear connections. Materials made from polymers with such linear or non-linear connections display different macroscopic properties, such as a different glass transition temperature. The properties of materials made from diastereomeric mixtures of 1,4-diaminocyclohexanes vary in their properties with the content of the different diastereomers. Therefore, control of the ratio of the diastereomers is essential for controlling the properties of such materials. Diastereomers also may have different reactivities, so that compositions having a high proportion of one diastereomer can improve the uniformity of reaction rates when used in subsequent reactions, such as polyaddition or phosgenation reactions.
1,2-Diaminocyclohexanes with two amino groups attached to the same cycloaliphatic ring system in the 1,2-positions, as represented by formulas (I), which contain a high proportion of amino groups in cis position to each other, are advantageous for the reaction with phosgene. This is because the cis isomers are less prone than the trans isomers to form cyclic urea compounds, which are undesired by-products in the synthesis of isocyanates.

1,3-Diaminocyclohexanes with two amino groups attached to the same cycloaliphatic ring system in the 1,3-positions, as represented by formulas (II), which contain a high proportion of amino groups in trans position to each other are advantageous for the reaction with phosgene. This is because the trans isomers cannot form cyclic urea compounds, which are undesired by-products in the synthesis of isocyanates.

1,4-Diaminocyclohexanes with the two amino groups attached to the same cycloaliphatic ring system in the 1,4-positions, as represented by formulas (III), which contain a high proportion of amino groups in trans position to each other are advantageous for the reaction with phosgene. This is because the trans isomers cannot form cyclic urea compounds, which are undesired by-products in the synthesis of isocyanates.

Among the methyl substituted 2,4-diaminocyclohexane derivatives represented by formulas (IV) trans-cis-2,4-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane and cis-trans-2,4-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane, whereby cis and trans each refer to the position of the respective amino group relative to the methyl group, obtained by hydrogenating 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4-TDA), are particularly advantageous for phosgenation, since these diastereomers do not form cyclic compounds, and trans-trans-2,4-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane, another diastereomer obtained by hydrogenating 2,4-TDA, is considered acceptable, since this diastereomer is less prone to form cyclic compounds, while cis-cis-2,4-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane is particularly prone to forming cyclic urea compounds during phosgenation.

Analogously, among the methyl substituted 2,6-diaminocyclohexane derivative as represented by formulas (V), cis-trans-2,6-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane, obtained by hydrogenating 2,6-diaminotoluene (2,6-TDA), is particularly advantageous for phosgenation, since this diastereomer does not form cyclic compounds, and trans-trans-2,6-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane, another diastereomer obtained by hydrogenating 2,6-TDA, is considered acceptable, since this diastereomer is less prone to form cyclic compounds, while cis-cis-2,6-diamino-1-methyl-cyclohexane is particularly prone to forming cyclic urea compounds during phosgenation.

The phosgenation of such cycloaliphatic 1,2- or 1,3-diamines is known, see EP-B 1078918. Independent from ease of phosgenation, the preferred diastereomers are advantageous for the modification (oligomerisation) of the synthesized diisocyanates.
The use of conventional catalysts for the hydrogenation of 2,4-TDA or 2,6-TDA tends to provide diastereomer mixtures having a high proportion of undesired isomers, such as the cis-cis isomer.
An example of a hydrogenation of aromatic amines is given in EP 0 630 882 A1. Ring hydrogenation is effected by reacting the aromatic amine with H2 in the presence of a catalyst comprising Rh on kappa-alumina. Also claimed is a process for hydrogenating crude methylene-dianiline (MDA) to produce 4,4′-methylene-dicyclohexylamine (PACM) in the presence of a 7:1 mixture of a Rh catalyst and a Ru catalyst, where at least the Rh catalyst is supported on kappa-alumina. The obtained product comprised 1 to 3% deaminated products and 13 to 19% secondary amines. It would be desirable to have access to catalytic systems having a lower rhodium content and displaying a higher reaction rate also for less reactive aromatic amines.
An example of the use of additives in the hydrogenation of aromatic amines is given in Kim et al., J. Mol. Catal. A: Chem. 132 (1998) 267-276. The influence of added alkali metal salts on the performance of ruthenium catalysts has been examined. It was found that the cations of the metal salts interac with the supporting material. NaOCH(CH3)2 was identified as the active species. The product obtained in the hydrogenation of methylene-dianiline (MDA) and 1,4-phenylenediamine comprised 2 to 99% of products with partially hydrogenated aromatic rings, 1 to 5% deaminated products, as well as 2 to 7% secondary amines. It would be desirable to have access to catalytic systems having an improved reaction rate also for less reactive aromatic amines.
US 2010/292510 A1 relates to a process for preparing cycloaliphatic amines comprising performing hydrogenation of corresponding aromatic compounds with hydrogen-comprising gas at a temperature of from 30 to 280° C. and a pressure of 50-350 bar, in the presence of ruthenium catalysts, and from 1% by weight to 500% by weight, based on the catalyst (calculated as elemental ruthenium (Ru)), of suspended inorganic additives.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,212 teaches the addition of metal salts as promoters in a process for hydrogenating aromatic amines. According to the disclosure, the addition of promoters leads to an improvement in the reaction rate and to a reduction in by-product formation. To maintain high activity of the catalyst system in the hydrogenation process, a transition and/or lanthanide metal salt promoter is added to the reaction system in an effective amount to increase the hydrogenation rate, eliminate the induction period of the hydrogenation reaction, and decrease the amount of higher boiling by-products. By way of illustration, an effective amount of the transition or lanthanide metal salt promoter is in the range from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight based on the starting aromatic amine. The preferred range is from about 0.3% to about 10.0%. These metal salt promoters can be used alone or in combination with other additives. Counter-ions such as the sulfate and phosphate can be used because they do not have non-bonded electrons on the sulfur and phosphorus, respectively. Thus, ferrous and cerous sulfates (either as the anhydrous salt or as a hydrate) are illustrative. Other anions that satisfy these criteria such as carboxylates (e.g. acetates) can be used.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,995 teaches a process for the catalytic hydrogenation of di(4-aminophenyl)methane to a liquid di(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane containing from 15 to 40% by weight of the trans-trans isomer comprising hydrogenating di(4-aminophenyl)methane at a hydrogen pressure of at least 500 psi and at a temperature of from 100 to 300° C., in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst supported on an inert carrier, said catalyst being moderated with from 65 to 700% by weight, based on the weight of the ruthenium, of a compound selected from the group consisting of nitrates and sulfates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. According to one embodiment, the catalyst is moderated with a compound selected from the group consisting of lithium nitrate and magnesium nitrate.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,167 relates to a method of preparing cycloaliphatic diamines by hydrogenating an aromatic diamine in an organic solvent in the presence of a supported ruthenium catalyst, wherein a metal nitrite is used as a catalyst promoter. In one embodiment, the metal nitrite is selected from the group consisting of Ba(NO2)2, NaNO2, KNO2 and AgNO2.

Process for hydrogenating aromatic di- and polyamines to cycloaliphatic di- and polyamines


A disconnecting switch with improved contacts in the form of a spool contact having one or more circumferential V-grooves and a finger contact having fingers which are provided internally with spring members for maintaining contact pressure. Spaced plastic inserts provide a maintenance free bearing for rotation of switch members.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to disconnecting switches. More particularly, the invention relates to high voltage air break disconnecting switches and to improvements in their electrical contacts and the bearing used for rotating members.
2. State of the Art
There is a wide variety of high voltage air break disconnecting switches designed for outdoor use. These switches have been given current and voltage ratings along with various other specifications according to construction classifications in American National Standards. Commonly used constructions include single and double side break, vertical break and center break switches.
In all the various constructions, one or both of the contacts making and breaking the circuit are mounted for rotation or pivoting to swing between an open and a closed position. For example, with a single side break switch, one contact is fixed to the end of an arm or switch blade mounted on a rotating insulator to be rotated or swung into contact with a contact on a fixed insulator. The contact on the fixed insulator may pivot or be stationary depending on additional motion that may be imparted to the rotating arm contact.
In the case of a center break switch, both contacts are fixed on arms mounted on insulators which are rotated.
Many innovations have been made over the years in each of the various switch constructions, usually with the improvement applying only to a specific switch construction.
Little has been done in the area of improved bearing support for the rotating members as evidenced by the fact that a large number of switches still use roller bearings which often fuse or melt in a stationary position under current surge/contact corrosion conditions.
Likewise, there has been very little improvements in the area of insuring the maintenance of contact pressure where one of the contact are configured to supply spring pressure. The phosphorus bronze or other spring material used in such contacts losses its spring resilience when overheated due to arcing and heavy momentary current flow thus losing the effectiveness of the contact to further aggravate the arcing and consequent corrosion of the contact.
While multiple contact elements have been used on one or both of the contacts, each element provides only a single point of contact, which if misaligned, breaks the connection causing arcing.


The invention provides a method and system for containing software faults in a computer processing environment. The method for containing software faults comprises allocating memory for a software module instance; allocating memory for at least one object assigned to the software module instance; identifying at least on object assigned to the software module instance in memory; and restricting access to the memory to the software module instance.

A software module instance executing on a computer may occasionally become unstable. Generally a software module instance refers to a specific set of state structures, queues, control memory, etc. Such instability, commonly referred to as a "software fault," may be caused by any variety of factors including, for example, incorrect logic, divide-by-zero and other software coding errors or "bugs."
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a typical prior memory configuration in which software module instances A 110 and software module instance B 115 store, access, and update object A 125, object B 130 and object C 135 in an area of shared memory 120. In some systems, access to the contents of a shared memory may be controlled using one or more locking mechanisms in order to coordinate non-overlapping access between multiple software module instances. For example, software module instance A 110 could use the POSIX pthread_mutex_lock( ) to acquire a mutex lock protecting object A 125. If software module instance B 115 were to also use pthread_mutex_lock( ) to subsequently acquire the same mutex, software module instance B 115 would be held back until software module instance A 110 called pthread_mutex_unlock( ) to release control of the mutex.
In systems employing shared memory among software module instances, software faults may not be contained. Once a software module instance becomes unstable, it may corrupt data stored in the shared memory. Corruption of data is not limited to data typically stored, accessed or changed by the unstable software module instance. All data stored in the shared memory is at risk due to the unpredictable execution of the unstable software module instance.
Further, once an unstable software module instance corrupts data used by other software module instances, the corruption may spread and cause the other software module instances to become unstable. This cascading of software faults can lead to a complete system failure or crash. Even if other software module instances do not become unstable, user data can be corrupted by any failing instances in ways that are very difficult to detect.

Method and system for containing software faults

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A mobile communication terminal for efficient digital broadcasting conditional access and a method of the mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal includes a digital broadcasting receiver for receiving a scrambled digital broadcasting transport stream, a Subscriber Identify Module (SIM) card unit for generating a decoding key for descrambling the scrambled digital broadcasting transport stream, a multimedia unit for extracting from the scrambled digital broadcasting transport stream broadcasting viewing restriction information and broadcasting viewing entitlement information and descrambling the scrambled digital broadcasting transport stream using the decoding key generated by the smart card unit, and a controller for transmitting to the smart card unit the broadcasting viewing restriction information and broadcasting viewing entitlement information extracted by the multimedia unit in a digital broadcasting reception mode to control the smart card unit to generate the decoding key and transmitting the decoding key generated by the smart card unit to the multimedia unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a mobile communication terminal having a smart card and being capable of receiving digital broadcasting, and in particular, to a digital broadcasting conditional access terminal and method for implementing a digital broadcasting Conditional Access System (CAS).
2. Description of the Related Art
A CAS indicates a system for authorizing an access to pay broadcasting services. A broadcasting station providing pay broadcasting services scrambles a broadcasting signal before transmission and a receiver descrambles the received broadcasting signal, thereby allowing only an authorized subscriber to enjoy the provided pay broadcasting services.
When a broadcasting station takes free broadcasting as a fundamental policy, the CAS cannot be used. However, when such a broadcasting station requires billing for some reasons (e.g., broadcasting subscription in shadow areas or subscription for contents requiring billing), an appropriate CAS should be implemented.
A mobile communication terminal equipped with a smart card has recently been developed, and user data and other data are stored in a flash memory of the smart card.
One of the representative uses of the smart card is to provide a roaming service of the mobile communication terminal with a mobile communication terminal user identity module embedded in the smart card. Examples of the mobile communication terminal user identity module include a Subscriber Identify-Module (SIM) card of a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, and a User Identity Module (UIM) card, a Removal User Identity Module (RUIM) of a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, and a Surface Mount Device (SMD). The smart card having the mobile communication terminal user identity module embedded therein is basically used in a contact manner to share data with the mobile communication terminal.
For example, a GSM mobile communication terminal adopting European mobile communication standards uses the SIM card as the mobile communication terminal user identity module that serves as an interface between a mobile communication terminal and a network to deal with a situation, such as the replacement of the mobile communication terminal or the change of a common carrier. The SIM card has a processor and a memory chip mounted therein to store information for operation of the mobile communication terminal and includes user information and related information, such as telephone numbers and network numbers.
However, the mobile communication terminal having the smart card does not include a structure for implementing a digital broadcasting CAS, resulting in a need to consider a counterplan.

Digital broadcasting conditional access terminal and method


A brush tipped applicator includes an applicator tip having a body defining an external surface and an internal conduit. The applicator tip body can have a proximal end defining a proximal opening of the internal conduit and a distal end. The proximal end of the applicator tip body can have a first fastener that is configured for being coupled to a fastener (i.e., second fastener) of a member containing the dental bleaching composition such that the internal conduit of the applicator tip body is capable of being fluidly coupled with the dental bleaching composition. Additionally, the brush tip includes at least one filament disposed on the external surface of the applicator tip body. A dental bleach activator disposed within the filament in an amount sufficient for activating the dental bleaching composition for whitening the teeth.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dental bleach applicator that includes a brush tip configured to activate a dental bleach. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dental bleach applicator that contains a substantially inactive or partially activated dental bleach composition, and that includes a brush tip having brush filaments impregnated with an activator that can activate the dental bleach.
2. The Relevant Technology
Teeth generally become more darkly pigmented with age and exposure to materials such as tea, coffee and the like. It has long been a goal of dentistry to provide a means to safely and effectively reverse this darkening process and increase the whiteness of teeth. Historically, there are two approaches to the problem. The first involves removing pigmentation that has adhered onto the surface of the teeth. This is commonly achieved through the use of abrasives, which can be augmented with solvents. While rapidly effective, these techniques have the disadvantage of only being able to remove extrinsic stains, leaving all internal pigmentation unchanged. Thus, the whitening effect is extremely limited.
A more recent innovation involves a method of using oxidizing agents to penetrate into the tooth structure and bleach out the undesired pigmentation. Typical tooth bleaching agents release active oxygen radicals. Such bleaching agents include peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide, percarbonates and perborates of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, or complex compounds containing hydrogen peroxide. It is also known that peroxide salts of the alkali or alkaline earth metals and peroxyacetic acid are useful in whitening teeth.
Commonly used dental bleaching agents include carbamide peroxide, also called urea hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide carbamide, and perhydrol-urea. Carbamide peroxide has been used by dental clinicians for several decades as an oral antiseptic. Tooth bleaching was an observed side effect of extended contact time. Over-the-counter compositions of 10% carbamide peroxide are available as GLY-OXIDE® by Marion Laboratories and PROXIGEL® by Reed and Carnrick. A sticky bleaching gel, able to hold a comfortable-fitting dental tray in position for an extended time period, is available under the trademark OPALESCENCE® from Ultradent Products, Inc. in South Jordan, Utah.
In-office bleaching compositions can be presently categorized as being either a one-part or two-part system. The distinction is based upon whether all of the components of the bleaching composition are self-contained in a desired pre-mixed proportion or if the active ingredients are isolated and need to be mixed and proportioned before use. In the two-part system the components which would otherwise interact with the peroxide bleaching agent are physically separated from one another. The one-part system may be more attractive based upon convenience of application in contrast to the two-part system, which requires both mixing and proportioning the isolated components prior to use. Another problem with the two part systems of prior art is that the concentration of the peroxide is reduced by 50% when a 1:1 ratio is mixed together. However, in reality, the distinction between a one-part and two-part system has no significance clinically or upon the end result. Accordingly, what should be of concern is the ability to independently control the activity of the peroxide bleaching agent to minimize the need for repeated applications and/or office visits, while at the same time achieving extended shelf life.
In view of the foregoing, there is an ongoing need for improved bleaching compositions, systems, and methods that are simple and easy to use. Such improvements would be expected to improve or encourage compliance by the user. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a dental bleach applicator that incorporates the benefits of a one-part system and a two-part system. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have a dental bleach applicator that includes a single bleaching composition and an activator separated from the bleaching composition, such that the activator can be admixed into the bleaching composition during use.

Activating brush tip applicators for dental bleaching compositions


An aqueous polishing slurry having enhanced wettability comprises a detergent blend which includes an anionic alkyl sulfate-based detergent and an alkylbenzene sulfonate detergent together with particulate polishing abrasive.

It is desirable to keep exposed hard surfaces of automobiles clean and polished, as well as to minimize surface tarnishing. To that end, a wide variety of compositions is commercially available. Inorganic polishing agents/abrasives due to their desired particle size for mechanically producing gloss on automotive finishes or remove stains and scratches, can contaminate surrounding or hard to reach areas, however. Abrasive concentration and current dispersion chemistries in finished product do not prevent the adhesion of unsightly residual materials to porous paint, plastic and other automotive materials. Porous plastic and rubber automotive absorb polish/abrasive materials embedding them below the surface plastic making them difficult or impossible to remove. Usually a white residue remains in paint scratches, chips, and on plastic and rubber trim of vehicles. The present liquid polishing composition obviates the aforesaid shortcoming of traditional liquid polishing compositions, and can be applied easily by hand or a power buffing device, as desired.


A multilayer core board 10 includes tapered first via hole conductors 51 extending from the outer surface of a first insulating layer 24 to conductive portions 42a of a power source layer 42, second via hole conductors 52 extending from the outer surface of a second insulating layer 26 to the conductive portions 42a of the power source layer 42, tapered third via hole conductors 53 extending form the outer surface of the second insulating layer 26 to conductive portions 40a of a ground layer 40, and fourth via hole conductors 54 extending from the outer surface of a center insulating layer 22 to the conductive portions 40a of the ground layer 40. The first via hole conductors 51 are tapered, and thus the interval distance to the adjacent first via hole conductor 51 is shorter than straight-shaped first via hole conductors, and thus the pitch of the first via hole conductor 51 at the positive pole side and the fourth via hole conductor 54 at the negative pole side can be sufficiently reduced. This point is applicable to the third via hole conductors 53.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multilayer core board and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For example, a structure disclosed in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2004-134724 (FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 and FIG. 19) is known as a multilayer core board. As shown in FIG. 16, in a multilayer core board 200, a ground layer 206 having a conductive portion 206a and a non-conductive portion 206b is provided on the surface of a center insulating layer 202 containing a metal core 204, a power source layer 208 having a conductive portion 208a and a non-conductive portion 208b is provided on the back surface of the center insulating layer 202, a first insulating layer 214 is provided between the ground layer 206 and first conductive layers 210 and 212 disposed so as to face the ground layer 206, and a second insulating layer 208 is provided between the power source layer 208 and second conductive layers 216 and 218 disposed so as to face the power source layer 208. The first conductor layer 210 and the second conductive layer 216 are electrically connected to each other by a via hole conductor 222 penetrating through the multilayer core board 200 in the vertical direction thereof. The via hole conductor 222 is formed so as to pass through the non-conductive portion 206b without coming into contact with the conductor portion 206a of the ground layer 206 and pass through the conductive portion 208a of the power source layer 208. The first conductive layer 212 and the second conductive layer 218 are electrically connected to each other through a via hole conductor 224 penetrating through the multilayer core board 200 in the vertical direction. The via hole conductor 224 is formed so as to pass through the non-conductive portion 208b without coming into contact with the conductor portion 208a of the power source layer 208, and pass through the conductor portion 206a of the ground layer 206.

Multilayer core board and manufacturing method thereof


The present invention relates to an integrated method and system for preventing and solving problems relating to pests of any kind on a site, in a building, in a process, installation or in an area. The system involves complete digitalizing and automation of all functions necessary in order to control the pests such as surveillance, registration, alarms, regulation and remedial actions as well as generating reports etc. The aim is to make the overall effort against the pests more effective by means of fully automating all processes to the furthest possible extent.

The present invention relates to an integrated method and system for preventing and solving problems relating to pests of any kind on a site, in a building, in a process, installation or in an area. The system involves complete digitalising and automation of all functions necessary in order to control the pests such as surveillance, registration, alarms, regulation and remedial actions as well as generating reports etc. The aim is to make the overall effort against the pests more effective by means of fully automating all processes to the furthest possible extent.
The effort against pests is necessary in that pests often pose a threat against the health and welfare of humans and livestock and may impose serious inconveniences as well as large material and cultural losses to society, households and industry.
The problems relating to pests arise especially when the pests are present in large numbers in forestry, agriculture or gardening. Especially when the pests are present in industry and institutions, in particular in the food stuff, pharmaceutical, health care or other high hygiene demanding sectors as well as in and around our houses.
The effort against pests must be effective, carried out in a systematic manner and be based on a wide spectre of experience and knowledge.
The Need for Pest Control in and Around Buildings
In a large number of establishments and institutions in sectors highly dependent on hygiene and therefore sensitive to pests, the problems of safeguarding against pests are far more complex than they are for plant crops. Besides economic consequences created by the presence of pests in items such as food, food containers, pharmaceuticals and the like, there is a serious risk of diseases being spread. In the industrialized world, pest-control is therefore a part of the statutory demands for, among others, theses lines of businesses. The purpose is to protect the population through among other things, a high degree of food safety.
This is compounded by a much greater species variation, from rodents, such as rats and mice, to thousands of various flying and crawling insects, a majority of which poses a safety risk. Feces from rats and mice may, for example, contain as much as a quarter of a million pathogenic bacteria per gram. The risk is serious, if infected foods end up on the dining table. Likewise, many of the highly mobile insects, including flies and wasps, act as carriers of pathogenic microorganisms from for example contaminated drains for food and other high-risk products.
Pollution prevention requires either the elimination of the source of pollution or the carrier, or the establishment of safe barriers between the source of pollution and sensitive products. The solution to pest problems must necessarily involve all levels of the product chain, i.e. when food is concerned, from farmers to retail stores via the processing industry, transport, storage and handling.
In many buildings, most of year or the whole year is pest season because a year-round climate, so to speak, is maintained, the easy access to food, water, as well as breeding areas is easy, and many pest species are almost omnivorous. Especially small pests will get in, in spite of all preventive measures, or they are brought in by infected deliveries coming from near or far.
Ensuring maintenance, cleanliness and tidiness, and, not least, remembering to keep a watchful eye are the key preventive elements.
Many establishments and institutions, e.g. in the food, health and nursing sectors, must adhere to stringent pest-control requirements, and are at the same time prohibited by law to use chemical pesticides indoors. Requirements regarding traceability and documentation are a key feature of intensified pest control.
Experience has shown that no preventive efforts will fully remove pest infestations, but by taking immediate action, the damage can be greatly limited.
In principle, "minute-by-minute" monitoring is needed in order to limit damages caused by pest infestation in an optimal way, whereby the need for more time-consuming and expensive remedies will be curtailed.
As with all other types of monitoring (e.g., monitoring of production processes and regarding theft and fire prevention), it is important to find means and methods that will increase the safety and unambiguity of collecting monitoring data, and that, on the other hand, will remove or minimize the need for a continuous human presence. Furthermore, when dealing with pest and hygiene control, experience has shown that the need for improving the quality of operations and the integrity of documentation required by authorities and customers is great.
An examination, analysis and evaluation of the actual situation at the site should precede any pest-control program, as should information about the location, previous pest activity, and users' preferences and requirements, objectives and critical limitations related to pest control.
In summary, in highly hygiene-dependent and pest-sensitive establishments and institutions, where problems are a lot more complex than in agriculture and gardening, effective pest control will require easy access to a broader span of professional expertise and methods, and making "zero-tolerance," early warning and immediate relief the key elements, when preparing operations.


A connector for releasably securing a shaft and a head having a hosel with a bore of standard size. The connector includes a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, and a compression nut. The shaft adapter has a shaft bore sized to receive the shaft, a first threaded coupling member, and a axial shaft. The hosel adapter has a hosel bore and a main body portion. The hosel bore is sized to receive the axial shaft. The compression nut has a second coupling member. The shaft is secured within the shaft bore and the main body portion is secured within the bore of the hosel using an adhesive and the axial shaft is inserted within the hosel bore. Thereafter, the compression nut is rotated to couple the first and second coupling members together thereby securing the shaft and head together without the shaft being received within the bore of the hosel.

The typical way to connect a golf club shaft and a golf club head is to epoxy the tip end of the golf club shaft into a bore formed within the hosel portion of the golf club head. Many golf shops offer a broad range of exotic shafts and club heads to meet the standards of today's demanding golfer.
To facilitate the ease in which various combinations of shafts and heads may be evaluated by the golfer, some golf equipment makers, such as Callaway, Nike Golf, Alpha Golf, Taylor Made, Nakashima, and Versus Golf have devised connectors that rapidly secure a shaft and a club head together. Because these connectors are releasable, if the customer doesn't like the existing shaft and head combination the connector is simply released and a different shaft and head combination is secured for evaluation by the golfer.
Unfortunately, the known connectors designed by the companies mentioned above have significant deficiencies. For example, with the known connectors both the connector itself and the tip end of the shaft are received within the bore in the hosel portion of the golf club head. In order to accommodate the connector and the tip end of the shaft, these manufactures must design a specific golf club head with a hosel portion and bore that are significantly larger than industry standard. Therefore, industry standard components cannot be used to assemble a golf club without adopting the connection system of a particular company. In addition, any golf club head that has been designed as noted above will not receive connection devices designed by other manufactures.
There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a connector for shafts and heads that does not require the use of a custom golf club head with a larger hosel portion. The invention provides such a connector. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.


A filter comprising a polymer material comprising a polymer matrix such as polyacrylonitrile containing dispersed metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles are for example ferric oxide particles, and the polymer material contains generally 0.25-3% by weight of these particles. The filters are resistant to thermo-oxidation and have reduced shrinkage or degradation.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is an acrylic polymer commonly used in many forms. It is manufactured by polymerisation of acrylonitrile monomer (CH2.CHCN) using the solution, suspension or emulsion methods. Typically, a small percentage of co-monomer (such as methacrylate —CH2:CHCOOCH3, or vinyl acetate —CH2:CH—O—CO—CH3) is incorporated into the polymer chain to control crystallinity and hence to modify some physical properties of the polymer. The amount of co-monomer in PAN usually ranges from 0 to 15%. Generally PAN is considered to be a homopolymer (ie: (CH2.CHCN)n) when it contains less than 2% co-monomer.
Molecular weight of PAN can range from 10,000 to 500,000 or more and is closely controlled within the polymerisation process as it has a strong effect on both the efficiency of the polymer production process and the physical properties of the end product.
The basic form of PAN is a fine white powder. In manufacturing PAN materials, this powder is usually dissolved in a solvent (eg, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide or water-based sodium rhodamide) and the resulting polymer solution (or "dope") is either cast in the form of a film or spun as a fine fibre. Fibres based on a copolymer PAN are used for a wide variety of textile applications—as knitwear or as a woven fabric for clothing or home textiles. The fibrous form of homopolymer PAN is commonly used for manufacturing a wide variety of woven or felted materials for technical end uses or as a reinforcing element in composite materials (such as brake linings or concrete).
Because of its high level of chemical resistance, homopolymer PAN is also used in various industrial processes and products. Filter materials for both dry and wet applications are commonly made out of PAN.
Fabric filters using PAN fibres for particle collection are seeing widespread use for gas cleaning in many industrial processes. They have a high collection efficiency and produce a gas stream with a very low level of particulates. Operating costs may, however, be considerable as the filter bags must be replaced when either the pressure drop across the filter, or the rate of bag failures, or the level of dust emissions become excessive. The removal of particles of unburnt ash from coal-fired power station exhaust gases is one specific example. Depending on the design of the plant, such a filter material might have to operate at temperatures of up to 135° C. in a flue gas environment containing gaseous oxides of nitrogen and sulphur as well as water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen. PAN filter material is well suited to this purpose and has been widely employed in the filters of large power stations of Australia, South Africa, and elsewhere.
One disadvantage of polyacrylonitrile is its susceptibility to shrinkage. The shrinkage of polyacrylonitrile and other polymers used in high extreme conditions (such as high temperature and oxidative conditions) is generally a consequence of oxidation of the polymer. Even in the reduced oxygen environment of combustion flue gas, the rate of PAN oxidation is significant at temperatures above 115° C. Such oxidation causes the PAN to shrink and to become brittle and lose strength. It frequently leads to premature physical failure of the filter media under the combined effects of growing tensile forces and reduced tensile strength.
While it is possible to introduce standard organic antioxidants into PAN, these are quickly decomposed or migrate out of the crystalline structures in the polymer matrix at high temperatures.
Filters for use in high temperature environments are also made from other polymer materials that are, to a greater or lesser degree, also prone to shrinkage due to oxidation. These include polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyaramids such as Nomex™, fluorocarbon fibres such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyphenylene-based polymers such as polyphenylene sulphide.

Methods of reducing thermo-oxidation of polymers such as polyacrylonitrile

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation


A combined dental whitening, polishing, and re-mineralizing liquid formula includes an oxidizer; an abrasive; mineral salt; and a catalyst.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to dental whitening systems, and more specifically, to a combined system for simultaneously bleaching, polishing, and re-mineralizing teeth.
2. Description of Related Art
Dental whitening systems are well known in the art and are effective means to bleach, whiten, or re-mineralize teeth. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional dental whitening system 101 having an aqueous mixture 103 applied to one or more teeth 105, via an applicator 107. Among a variety of other compounds, aqueous mixture 103 generally includes one or more of an oxidizer (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), abrasives (e.g., silicon dioxide), or a mineral salt (e.g., sodium fluoride), not shown. In use, the presence of the oxidizer, abrasive, or mineral respectively serve to bleach, polish, or re-mineralize the teeth 105.
One of the problems commonly associated with system 101 is that aqueous mixture 103 is not stable, limiting use. For example, hydrogen peroxide is very reactive and must therefore be cooled long term to prevent the chemical from breaking down and losing its potency for bleaching teeth. However, cooling aqueous mixture 103 to stabilize the peroxide also slows down the chemical reactions that would result in the desired bleaching effect. This is seen as a disadvantage of conventional dental whitening systems.
Another disadvantage of conventional dental whitening systems is that the compounds necessary to re-mineralize and polish the teeth do not readily dissolve into aqueous mixture 103. For example, calcium fluoride, a relatively benign compound, does not dissolve readily into aqueous mixture 103 so the significantly more toxic sodium fluoride is often used. Alternatively, conventional dental whitening systems forgo the steps of re-mineralization or polishing the teeth 105 such that these steps must be completed separately.
Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of dental whitening systems, many shortcomings remain.
While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

Combined dental whitening, polishing, and re-mineralizing system


Systems of the present disclosure include an electronic device with a chassis and a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly can include a speaker support surrounding a speaker and coupled to the chassis via a spring element. The spring element can be monolithically formed with a main body of the speaker support and be configured to reduce transmission of vibrations from the speaker to the chassis. For example, the spring element can include an arm that extends within an opening of the main body to connect the main body to a fastener secured to the chassis. The spring element can be provided with features that facilitate wide distribution of loads and relative movement between the speaker assembly and the chassis.

Design, heft, ease of portability, and overall aesthetic appearance are factors that many users consider when choosing an electronic device for personal use. At the same time, the assembly and overall functionality of the electronic device are also important to the user, since a durable assembly can extend the overall life of the device and thus increase its value to the user. Various factors that can be considered in the design of electronic device components can include weight, strength, durability, cosmetic appearance, manufacturability, and performance, among others.
One design challenge associated with the manufacture of electronic devices is the assembly of parts that provide different functions into a compact form factor. This design challenge generally arises from a number of conflicting design goals that include the performance of separate components and the user experience while interacting with the electronic device. While many designs and techniques used to provide assemblies for electronic devices have generally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to provide further designs and techniques for alternative aesthetically pleasing yet mechanically strong and lightweight electronic device assemblies.


Provided are a crystal form A of a compound having the structure as represented by formula I, and preparation method and use thereof. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) chart of the crystal form A has characteristic peaks at the following diffraction angles: 2.9±0.2°, 13.6±0.2°, 17.3±0.2° and 18.6±0.2°.

Treprostinil (UT15) is a class of novel drugs for treating pulmonary hypertension with the structure of formula I:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease mainly characterized in pulmonary arteriola vasospasm, intimal hyperplasia and remodeling. Vascular proliferation of pulmonary arteriola and remodeling will lead to progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, and ultimately right ventricular failure and death.
Epoprostenol (Flolan) is the first prostacyclin drug approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating PAH. Half-life of Epoprostenol in circulation is about 3-5 mins, continuous intravenous administration is necessary, and it should be cryopreserved before infusion.
Treprostinil is an epoprostenol analog. The compound is stable under physiological conditions, and was the first developed drug for continuous subcutaneous injection. Compared with intravenous administration of epoprostenol, subcutaneous injection of treprostinil appears safer and more convenient. Inhaled formulations thereof has also been approved by FDA. Treprostinil was described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,075 for the first time. Treprostinil and other prostacyclin derivatives have been prepared according to Moriarty et al., J. Org. Chem. 2004, 69, 1890-1902, Drug of the Future, 2001, 26 (4), 364-374, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,441,245, 6,528,688, 6,765,117, 6,809,223 and 6,756,117.
It is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,222 that treprostinil is applicable to treat pulmonary hypertension. Treprostinil was approved for intravenous and subcutaneous injection, and the latter avoids continuous intravenous catheter-related sepsis events. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,521,212 and 6,756,033 describe the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, as well as other diseases and symptoms by inhalation of treprostinil. U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,386 discloses the treatment of cancer by administrating treprostinil. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0165111 discloses the treatment of ischemic lesions by using treprostinil. U.S. Pat. No. 7,199,157 discloses the improvement of renal function by using treprostinil. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0282903 discloses the treatment of neuropathic foot ulcers by using treprostinil. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/028,471 discloses the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis by using treprostinil. U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,486 discloses the use of treprostinil for treating peripheral vascular disease. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/873,645 discloses a combination therapy including treprostinil. U.S. Application Publication No. 2008/0200449 discloses the delivery of treprostinil by using a dose-metered inhaler. U.S. Application Publication No. 2008/0280986 discloses the treatment of interstitial lung disease by using treprostinil. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/028,471 discloses the treatment of asthma by using treprostinil. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,417,070, 7,384,978 and U.S. Application Publication No. 2007/0078095, 2005/0282901 and 2008/0249167 describe the oral dosage form of treprostinil and other prostacyclin analogues.
In the prior art, there are few reports regarding the crystals and purification of Treprostinil, wherein the literature (J. Org Chern 2004, 69, 1890-1902) reported a ethanol-water system for recrystallization of UT15; WO2009137066 reported a monohydrate treprostinil; and both of crystallization methods are similar and employ ethanol-water system. The inventors have prepared the crude compound I according to the method reported in the literature (J. Org. Chern. 2004, 69, 1890-1902) and obtained a slightly yellow gummy solid, however, the reaction liquids are difficult to be filtered and the residual solvent can not be completely removed under reduced pressure. Then, the obtained product was recrystallized using ethanol-water system, and dried under reduced pressure to give an extremely viscous substance. Such substance remains viscous after being stored at low-temperature (−20° C. to 0° C.), and no solidification or crystallization occurs at all.
Generally, prostaglandins have poor stability, and should be stored below −20° C. In view of the stability and purity of the compound, there is an urgent need in the art to obtain a stable crystal form of compound I.

Crystal form of prostaglandin analogue, and preparation method and use thereof

Shanghai Techwell Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd.