In accordance with the present invention, the rear roll-up, truck-door indicator is a magnetically operated indicator which is visible to the truck driver by simply looking into the driver's rear view mirror. The invention relates to a rear roll-up, truck-door open-or-closed indicator. The indicator will be located on the outside of the left side of the truck box body. There will be a clear tube placed through the truck box and will extend outside of the body. This tube will be placed at a slight upward angle from the outside of the truck to the inside of the truck box. A colorful indicator piston will be placed inside of this tube. The indicator will be colorful when the door is open; conversely, the indicator will not be colorful when the door is closed.

There is a serious need for an easy to install, inexpensive, simple, trouble free, indicator, mounted on the side of the truck body, which is easily seen from the driver's seat, simply by looking into the rear view mirror. Currently the only way one can check that door, is by stopping the truck, leaving the cab and walking to the back of the truck. This takes time and can be dangerous. We have been in many trucking activities and have had, and witnessed other truckers having serious problems when something is stolen or something accidentally falls from the open rear door of their truck because the driver forgot to close that door. There are many reasons why a driver may accidentally leave the rear roll-up door open. The most common one happens when the driver is in a hurry and his concentration is interrupted just before he is ready to drive off. The driver will then be driving down the road wondering if the door is open or closed. This happens often and worrying about this adds a great deal of stress to the driver, to the point that it can detract the driver from driving safely. We have searched far and wide for a practical indicator to solve this problem with no success.
In defiance of the maxim "keep it simple", prior art comprises of more and more elaborate and complex mechanisms.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,388 (reissued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,664) issued to Kambic, shows an interesting door monitor unit, which is capable of indicating a door position. However, this design requires a complex combination of levers, electrical wiring, and switches that would be a maintenance problem if used on a truck with a roll-up rear door.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,905 issued to Lasier, et al, discloses a device with complicated parts and actions. This invention requires hydraulics, valves and switches all working together. This requires a difficult installation, which would be cost prohibitive to the truck owners.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,548 issued to Stephens, Jr., et al, discloses use of a magnetic field in part of its design. This design also requires electronic sensors and electrical wiring. These components would not be good to use on a truck where vibration and electrical maintenance would be required. This invention is designed for, and would work well in, a home system.
Truck owners are very concerned about corrosion and other maintenance costs. They don't want to add mechanically operated things that cause extra maintenance and they don't like to add electrically operated devices to their trucks because wiring or battery problems are a real headache for them.
No current approach addresses the need for a low maintenance, rear roll-up, truck-door indicator that needs no electrical hookups, no levers, no springs or other mechanical contacts. Our system is very easy to install and is close to maintenance free.
Our invention is made of plastic to make it weather tight and corrosion resistant.
Our invention has only one moving part and that is moved magnetically with no mechanical parts making contact.
Our invention needs no electrical wiring and no batteries to operate.
Our invention has a colorful indicator that is easily seen by the driver, simply by looking into the mirror.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a convenient roll-up, rear-door, open-or-closed indicator.
It is another object of the invention to provide a reduction of driver stress.
It is another object of the invention to provide time saved.
It is another object of the invention to provide a means of reducing accidents.
It is another object of the invention to provide an indicator that is clearly visible.
It is another object of the invention to provide an indicator that needs no mechanical or electrical connections.
It is another object of the invention to provide an indicator that has only one moving part, magnetically activated.
It is another object of the invention to provide an indicator that is corrosive-proof and needs no maintenance.
Further objects and advantages are to prevent loss of all or part of the truck's load and provide theft protection. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from considerations of the ensuing description and drawings.

Magnetically operated door-open indicator


A demodulator for demodulating an MSK signal constituted by a sequence of MSK modulated symbols is disclosed. An exclusive OR signal obtained by delay detection is delayed by delay times shorter than one symbol time. The delayed signals thus obtained are logically processed in parallel. Each symbol thus can be recovered by demodulation in one symbol time.

The present invention relates to a demodulator for demodulating signals obtained by MSK (minimum shift keying) modulating digital signals.
MSK demodulators of this type serve to receive an MSK modulation signal (hereinafter referred to as MSK signal), which is obtained by MSK modulating symbols represented by digital signals, and demodulates the MSK signal to restore the symbols. In MSK modulation, for instance representing each symbol with binary signal "1" or "0", the binary signal "1" is expressed by one cycle of frequency f, and the binary signal "0" is expressed by half cycle of frequency f/2. This means that a binary signal is assigned to each predetermined time slot. It will be seen that where modulation signals of frequencies f and f/2 are corresponded by the binary signals "1" and "0", respectively, each of these modulation signals can take two different states. Where the binary signal "0" is expressed by half cycle of frequency f/2, the modulation signal may take either positive or negative half cycle in one time slot. This also applies to the binary signal "1".
Transition from a binary signal to the next one is either from "1" to "1", from "1" to "0", from "0" to "0" or from "0" to "1". Where the above frequencies are assigned to binary signals which present the above transitions, waveform discontinuities may arise at transition instants of modulation signal. In an actual MSK demodulator, usually each binary signal is sampled a plurality of times during one time slot to provide a sample signal.
In a usual MSK demodulator, an exclusive OR signal which represents the relation between adjacent modulation signals, is obtained by exclusively ORing a binary signal sequence and a delay signal obtained by delaying each binary signal by one symbol time (i.e., one time slot), and each binary signal is demodulated by passing the pertinent exclusive OR signal through a low-pass filter. This means that each binary signal is demodulated by utilizing the relation between adjacent modulation signals.
However, it is difficult to realize an MSK demodulator, which includes such a low-pass filter as analog element, in the form of a chip by using semiconductor integrated circuit techniques. Such an MSK demodulator, therefore, cannot meed the size reduction demand. It is conceivable to construct the low-pass filter as a digital filter. The digital filter construction, however, requires complicated design and is therefore not practical from the economical standpoint.
An MSK demodulator which does not employ any low-pass filter is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 6-214143 (hereinafter referred to as Reference 1). In this MSK demodulator, a demodulation symbol in one symbol time is determined by monitoring a delay detection signal, which is obtained by delay detection of one time slot sampling result, in a waveform shaper. In this case, the waveform shaper includes a delay circuit for further delaying the delay detection signal by one symbol time. With this construction, the demodulation of MSK modulation signal can be realized in sole digital signal processing. It is thus possible to readily obtain demodulation symbols using general-purpose microcomputer software.
In the meantime, as a result of researches and investigations conducted by the inventors, it was found that where an MSK signal is digitally processed by sampling an exclusive OR signal obtained by exclusively Oring the MSK signal and a delayed signal obtained by delaying the MSK signal by one time slot, chattering is readily generated between adjacent symbols.
Reference 1 teaches nothing about the chattering that is generated at the moment of transition between adjacent symbols, although it shows the digital processing of the exclusive OR signal. Such chattering disables accurate demodulation to recover symbols. Besides, according to Reference 1 the delay detection signal obtained by the delay detection is further delayed in the waveform shaper by two symbol times to recover symbols. This means that the waveform shaper requires a flip-flop or like circuit element as a delay circuit, which provides a long delay time for symbol-by-symbol delaying. Therefore, the construction is complicated, and long time is required to recover demodulation symbols.


The present invention relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a method and a system for dynamically upgrading a chip and a baseboard management controller. The method includes: obtaining an upgrade file that is used for upgrading a chip; upgrading, based on the upgrade file, data in a flash memory that is used for storing data of the chip, and not performing a reset operation on the chip at this time; and when it is acquired through detection that the state of a service system that is connected to the chip is a service idle state, replicating the upgraded data in the flash memory to a random access memory in the chip, and performing a reset operation on the chip. According to the present invention, the availability and maintainability of the system are improved.

A complex programmable logic device (CPLD) of a fault-tolerant computer system is located between a service system and a baseboard management controller (BMC) system, and is mainly used for extending peripheral functions of a master chip of the BMC system, thereby acting as a bridge between the BMC system and the service system. The CPLD in the system is responsible for critical tasks such as power-up and power-down time sequence control of the service system, acquisition of various state parameters of the CPU, and peripheral bus simulation.
Due to reasons such as the improvement of functions and system maintenance, a demand for upgrading logics inside the CPLD exists. FIG. 1 shows an existing solution for performing online upgrade on the CPLD through an ordinary In System Program (ISP). As shown in FIG. 1, in this solution, at a hardware level, four general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfaces of an embedded CPU are respectively connected to TDI, TDO, TCK and TMS signal pins of a joint test action group (JTAG) module on the CPLD; while at a software level, an ISP service software is run on the embedded CPU, for parsing an upgrade file. On the foregoing software and hardware basis, the online upgrade of logics inside the CPLD is implemented through a single upgrade file.
Online load of upgrade software can be achieved by adopting this solution; however, in a procedure of performing an upgrade operation on the CPLD, the upgrade operation cannot be interrupted, and once the upgrade operation is started, the existing logics of the CPLD become invalid. Therefore, the service system is inevitably forced to power down first, and then the upgrade operation is completed till the upgrade ends. In this way, the system downtime is increased, and the system availability is lowered.

Method and system for upgrading a firmware of a chip and baseboard management controller by waiting until an idle state of a connected system to finish upgrade


A dynamoelectric device operable as a generator for generating electricity and as a starter motor for starting an associated primary engine in a vehicle. The generator provides 270 Volt DC power during a generating mode while the primary engine is operating and may be used to restart the primary engine in the event that the primary engine is disabled. The dynamoelectric apparatus includes a main generator having a main generator field and a main generator armature. An exciter generator is included which has an exciter armature and an exciter generator field. A rectifier assembly is coupled between the exciter armature and the main generator field. A field shorting switch is coupled to the rectifier assembly and the main generator field for selectively coupling and uncoupling the rectifier assembly during a start-up mode to protect the rectifier assembly against high voltages and voltage spikes. A device for motorizing the primary generator to function as an induction motor includes a secondary engine, a power and current limited auxiliary power unit generator operated by the secondary engine and a starter contactor coupled to the auxiliary power unit generator and the main generator field. The starter contactor selectively couples and uncouples the auxiliary power unit generator and the main generator field for motorizing the main generator to function as an induction motor. The present invention transforms a 270 Volt DC generator driven by the primary engine into a starter motor to start the primary engine by combining it with the secondary engine and the associated auxiliary power unit generator by way of a few relatively simple modifications.

A variety of vehicles, whether airborne or land-based, include a primary power plant or engine which is operated under a variable speed regime and capable of generating upwards of 1500 h.p. Many of the vehicles also have a much smaller secondary power plant or engine which is operated to generate electrical power to operate systems when the primary engine is shut down (i.e. in order to save fuel, "run silently", or prevent detection). Such a secondary engine may only produce 100 h.p.
Many of the electrical systems used in such vehicles require constant frequency electrical power. In order to provide such electrical power, generators have been included with such primary engines in the form of either a constant speed drive (CSD) or a variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) converter. The constant speed drive regulates the speed at which a primary engine-driven AC generator is rotated and thus delivers constant frequency. The variable speed constant frequency converter regulates the frequency that a generator delivers while being rotated at variable speeds by the primary engine. These speed or frequency conversion devices are relatively expensive and reduce the overall efficiency and reliability of the generating system.
In order to eliminate the above devices and desensitize the system from the effects of frequency, other vehicle systems implement high voltage DC power for operation. Such devices are more frequently found in state-of-the-art vehicles such as high technology aircraft and land-based vehicles such as tanks. Some of these vehicles further require that the generator used to generate the high voltage DC power (typically 270 Volts DC) should be capable of starting the primary engine as a back-up feature. In other words, once the primary engine is started, it runs the generator to satisfy the power requirements. Additionally, when necessary, the generator can be employed as a starter motor to restart the primary engine.
One way to satisfy the operating requirements for such applications is to provide a second 270 Volt DC generator, mounted on and driven by an auxiliary power unit (APU) which is carried on the vehicle for running the generator as a starter motor. A problem arises in that in order to motorize the salient-pole brushless DC generator from the available 270 Volt DC power, a complex inverter is needed, which defeats the purpose of adapting the 270 Volt DC power.
For example, a device as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,776 to Baehler et al. issued May 10, 1988 shows a device which attempts to overcome the aforementioned problems. However, the device in Baehler et al. is highly complex requiring a torque converter, two overrunning clutches, a field shorting switch and a torque converter pump. Such complexities create dramatic inefficiencies in the system, additional failure points, added costs, as well as substantial increases in added space and weight. It should be noted that the space and weight factors are extremely important in high technology vehicles such as aircraft and tanks since these factors have a critical effect on payload, mission range, and speed.
Two devices as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,777 to Shilling et al. issued May 10, 1988 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,700 to Dhyanchand issued Oct. 8, 1991 include the complexities as discussed above with reference to Baehler et al. as well as variable voltage, variable frequency inverters. More specifically, Shilling et al. is highly complex including dual exciter windings, a rotor position sensor, complex microprocessor logic devices, as well as the converter/inverter mentioned hereinabove. The device as shown in Dhyanchand uses a variable voltage, variable frequency inverter which results in a reduction in the efficiency of the operation of the device. Further, the field shorting switch as shown in Dhyanchand requires a deliberate action in order to actuate the switch. Additionally, Dhyanchand uses an additional squirrel-cage circuit which clearly requires additional elements, space, and weight.
The problem of electrically starting the primary engine by using the engine-mounted main generator as a starter motor has been addressed by various means with varying levels of success as discussed hereinabove. When dealing with available DC power and a brushless DC generator, one solution is to motorize the device like a brushless DC motor. This starting method, however, has not been considered to be the best solution because it was thought to require extensive modifications in the engine-mounted generator. Also, such a system was thought to require use of inverters and other power conversion devices. Use of these additional devices would appear to defeat the purpose of using a 270 Volt DC power system because one of the advantages of implementing such a power system is to eliminate inverters and other power conversion devices.

DC generator and back-up engine starting apparatus


A magnetic storage system is disclosed that includes a magnetic storage layer associated with a soft magnetic saturable keeper layer. A transducer is spaced from the storage layer and the keeper layer in flying relationship thereto, with an MR element contained therein to provide high sensitivity detection along with the reduced spacing loss available from the keepered storage layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved magnetic recording system having a magnetic storage layer and an associated saturable, high permeability magnetic layer, both of which are arranged in cooperative relationship with relatively movable head detection means. More particularly, the invention concerns such a system where the high permeability, saturable layer provides significantly reduced reproduce spacing loss at low head flying heights, and an improved overall sensitivity permitting increased linear or areal recording density through the use of an MR detection element within the head.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wideband, high density magnetic storage systems with flying heads are well known in the prior art. Such systems include a storage layer of hard magnetic material capable of efficiently storing magnetic flux written into and reproduced from the layer in high density configuration by a flying head of high sensitivity, such as a ferrite head, a thin film inductive head, or an MR head. In such systems, one of the major factors in achieving ever higher recording densities is the capability of eliminating or minimizing the effect of various losses that occur during the transducing operations within such systems.
One of the more significant transducing losses, usually called "spacing loss", results from the physical dimension or spacing that must occur between the magnetic storage medium and the head. It is well recognized that the effect of spacing loss is more significant during the reproduce stage of storage operations. In addition to spacing loss, signal quality is affected by poor efficiency in signal transfer, as for example, that caused by reproduce gap loss. Reproduce gap loss is generally characterized as the loss in efficiency that results from the finite length of the physical gap associated with the head during transfer operations, and is of particularly noticeable impact at shorter wavelengths.
Many attempts to reduce spacing loss and reproduce loss directly, for example by reducing flying height, have met with only partial success. Collision damage, excessive transducer wear and storage medium wear still exist as limiting factors in determining transducer flying height, with substantial transducing losses still remaining in such systems.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,717,592 and 4,657,819 describe two film vertical recording media incorporating a layer of soft magnetic material, to suppress thermal degradation in the one case, and to reduce magnetic anisotropy-induced signal fluctuations, in the other case.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,922 and a related technical paper entitled "A High Resolution Flying Magnetic Disk Recording System with Zero Reproduce Spacing Loss", presented at the June 1991 IEEE Intermag Conference, describe a technique for reducing spacing and reproduce gap losses by deposition of a soft magnetic layer upon the magnetic storage layer of a storage system. The '922 patent is assigned to the same assignee as is the present application.
In an unsaturated state, the soft magnetic layer acts as a shunt path that prevents signal flux from reaching the head. However, when a saturating bias signal is applied selectively to such a soft magnetic layer, the permeability of the saturated region is lowered to the extent that signal flux from bits of information stored in the storage layer readily permeates the saturated region. At the same time, the reluctance between the head poles and the unsaturated regions of the soft layer remains relatively low. Thus, the permeability of the saturated region is near that of air, while the adjacent unsaturated zones retain high permeability.
In effect, this results in formation of a "virtual" gap in the "keeper" layer. With the virtual gap, the signal flux from the storage layer is no longer shunted by the keeper. Instead, signal flux is directed to the pole pieces of the head through the unsaturated regions of the keeper on either side of the virtual gap. Since the unsaturated regions of the keeper are in direct contact with the storage layer, the impact of physical spacing between the virtual head structure and the storage layer is greatly reduced, if not effectively eliminated.
At that time, the sections of the keeper on either side of the virtual gap can be characterized as extensions of the core structure of the system. Thus, the addition of a keeper layer in the system might be characterized as adding a "pseudo" layer of magnetic material to the head when saturation occurs. This, in turn, results in the effective elimination of spacing losses since the head spacing, although not physically changed, can be considered as an air gap that in an "equivalent" magnetic head structure increases the reluctance of the head magnetic circuit and thereby causes a small loss in head efficiency, but does not contribute the large frequency sensitive spacing loss that previously existed. The reproduce gap losses of the system are reduced, as well, through reduction in the effective length of the physical gap of the head.
A publication titled "Magnetic Recording Media Employing Soft Magnetic Material" was published Jul. 8, 1993 under International Publication No. WO 93/12928, from International Application No. PCT/U.S. 92/10485 dated Dec. 7, 1992, assigned to Connor Peripherals, Inc. The Connor application discloses and claims an improvement in a system such as that described in the '922 patent through use of a non-magnetic layer located between the storage layer of the system and the keeper layer.
The purpose of the non-magnetic layer in the Connor application is to interrupt magnetic exchange coupling between the recording layer and the soft magnetic layer of the system. It is believed the use of a layer such as that proposed by the Connor application clearly falls within the purview of the '922 patent. For example, see lines 7-10 of column 7 of the patent wherein it is disclosed that durable overcoats, or conducting coats, may be used in conjunction with the recording layer.
Indeed, such an isolation layer might well occur inherently in such a structure due to oxidation of the magnetic layers such as might occur between processing stages, during fabrication of the layered system. Moreover, one of the co-inventors of the present application is also a co-inventor with respect to the '922 patent. Since issuance of the '922 patent he has conducted additional investigation to evaluate possible benefit of using a separation layer in a structure such as that disclosed in the '922 patent. That investigation was not conclusive. However, it must be noted that the use of break layers for the purpose of reducing molecular and atomic migration across active layer boundaries is acknowledged to be a well recognized technique in the prior art, long prior to the filing date of the '922 patent.
A U.S. Patent Application titled Two-Gap Magnetic Read/Write Head, assigned to the same assignee as is the present application, by Beverley R. Gooch and George Varian was filed on the same day as the present application, disclosing an improved magnetic storage system including a saturable keeper layer associated with the magnetic recording layer and further including an improved two-gap inductive head which eliminates the need for separate read and write heads within the system.
While inductive heads used in connection with keepered disk technology are believed to represent useful gains in recording technology, and particularly in increased recording density, certain limitations exist that impede their use for the achievement of very high recording density, as measured by current standards. Since the output voltage of inductive heads is a function of disk velocity and the number of turns on the head, as recording densities increase, the operating frequency also increases, and hence noise increases. Because of resonant effects and head noise factors, the number of turns that can be placed upon a head is limited. This, in turn, limits the signal to noise performance that can be attained from an inductive head such as a ferrite head, and that factor eventually limits the potential recording density.

Magnetic recording system having a saturable layer and detection using MR element


A tire, the tread of which comprises a rubber composition comprising at least a diene elastomer, such as for example, an SBR or BR elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate of EPDM and polypropylene, at a content preferably of greater than 5 phr, and a reinforcing filler, such as silica and/or carbon black. Such a composition confers, on the tire, an improvement in the wet grip.

In a known way, a tire has to meet a large number of often conflicting technical requirements, including a high wear resistance, a low rolling resistance and both a high dry grip and a high wet grip.
This compromise in properties, in particular from the viewpoint of the rolling resistance and the grip, was able to be improved in recent years with regard to energy-saving Green Tires, intended in particular for passenger vehicles, by virtue in particular of the use of novel weakly hysteretic rubber compositions having a characteristic of being reinforced predominantly with specific inorganic fillers, described as reinforcing, in particular of highly dispersible silicas, referred to as "HDS" (Highly Dispersible Silica), capable of rivalling, from the viewpoint of the reinforcing power, conventional tire-grade carbon blacks.
Improving the wet grip properties of tires remains, however, a constant preoccupation of designers of tires.

Tire of which the tread comprises a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) elastomer

COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN


An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack for absorbing a liquid discharged from a patient. The absorbent pad and thermal pad comprises an outer sheet made of a liquid impermeable material and an inner sheet of a liquid permeable material. An absorbent sheet is disposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. A flexible liquid impermeable container having a chemical mixture which undergoes an thermal reaction upon activation thereof is interposed between the outer and inner sheets to enable the thermal source to be applied to the patient and to enable any liquid from the patient to permeate through the inner sheet to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet. The inner sheet of a liquid permeable material provides a moderate insulation barrier whereas the absorbent pad provides a substantial insulation barrier for directing the thermal source to the patient.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack for absorbing a liquid discharged from a patient and with improved insulation capabilities for the thermal pack.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art has known various types of bandages, gauze and other types of absorbing material for absorbing blood and other fluids discharged from the body of the patient. These devices range in size and type from very large wraps of gauze material to small bandage type absorbent material with attached adhesive material for securing the absorbent material in a fixed position relative to the area of recovery of the patient.
A specific use of these types of absorbent bandages is in the area of obstetrics and gynecology. The prior art has known bandages which have been specifically contoured for comfortable positioning within the area of recovery of a obstetric or gynecological patient. Obstetric and gynecological bandages are formed to be generally rectangular with indentations or recesses on the opposed sides of the bandage midpoint between the opposed ends having a general hourglass shape for a comfortable fit for the recovering obstetric or gynecological patient. Typically, the obstetric and gynecological bandages were worn within an undergarment which positioned and maintained the absorbent material proximate the recovering area of the patient.
Others in the prior art have utilized a thermal pack proximate a recovering area for cooling or heating the recovery area thus providing substantial relief from pain and discomfort for the patient. One type of thermal pack is formed from a flexible plastic container having a plurality of distinct chemical substances. Upon mixing of the chemical substances, a chemical reaction took place which underwent an endothermic or an exothermic reaction. Thermal packs which undergo an endothermic reaction are generally referred to as cold packs whereas thermal packs which undergo an exothermic reaction are generally referred to as hot packs. In a cold pack, heat is absorbed during the reaction of the two distinct chemical substances. Accordingly, the container and the chemical mixture within the container became cool relative to an ambient temperature thus absorbing heat from the recovering area to provide a cooling comfort and relief for the patient. The cold packs were generally positioned relative to the patient under a conventional bandage and were retained in place by an adhesive strip material or a strap device.
In a similar manner, a hot pack is formed from a flexible plastic container having a plurality of distinct chemical substances therein. Upon mixing of the chemical substances, a chemical reaction took place which underwent an exothermic reaction. The exothermic reaction produced heat during the reaction of the two distinct chemical substances. Accordingly, the container and the chemical mixture within the container became warm relative to an ambient temperature thus adding heat to the recovering area of the patient.
Unfortunately, in some cases the endothermic or exothermic reaction of the thermal pack made the thermal pack container too cold or too hot and uncomfortable for the patient. Furthermore, when a bandage was used simultaneously with the thermal pack, the thermal pack and the bandage became misaligned upon movement of the patient. In other cases, the thermal pack was retained in place by a resilient strap which was affixed about an extremity of the patient. However, the use of the resilient strap did not solve the problem of movement of the thermal pack relative to the absorbent pad.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack with improved capabilities and which provides a significant advance in the bandage art.
Another object of this invention to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack which eliminates the problems of alignment of the absorbent pad and the thermal pack on a recovering region of a patient.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack which may be manufactured at a cost commensurate with a separate absorbent pad and a thermal pack.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack which may be easily fitted and attached to a patient.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack wherein the unit may be shipped as an integral unit.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack which provides a moderate insulating layer interposed between the thermal pack and the skin of the patient for providing a moderate thermal barrier between the thermal pack and the skin of the patient.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack which provides a substantial insulating layer between the thermal pack and the ambient for directing the thermal pack to the skin of the patient.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved insulation for a thermal pack wherein a moderate insulating layer is interposed between the thermal pack and the skin of the patient for providing a moderate thermal barrier and a substantial insulating layer is interposed between the thermal pack and the ambient.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved insulation for a thermal pack wherein a moderate insulating layer is interposed between the thermal pack and the skin of the patient and a substantial insulating layer is interposed between the thermal pack and the ambient for extending the useful life of the thermal pack.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention with in the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full under standing of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


An interconnection assembly for the transport of a fluid between an external fluidic means and a mounting block of a modular fluid distribution system, comprising: a cylindrical cavity formed through a face of the mounting block; a cylindrical flow element, a fluid passage formed therethrough, at least one retaining groove being formed on the outer surface; a retaining means; wherein the cylindrical flow element is inserted into the cylindrical cavity, the annular sealing means being compressed, the annular sealing means forming a hermetic seal between the fluid passage and the fluid port, the retaining means engaging retaining groove, the retaining means being braced against the mounting block; and wherein said fluid is transported between said external fluidic component and said mounting block via said cylindrical flow element.

This invention relates generally to fluid control systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a modular mounting system for chemical fluid control components of a chemical fluid control system.
Fluid control components are used to control the delivery of a fluid (i.e., a gas or liquid) in industrial processes. These components are arranged so that fluid is carried through each of the components. Chemical delivery systems are used in numerous industries to control the flow of fluids, including gas reactants and other chemicals (e.g., liquids). In general, process control of fluid production requires the selection, conditioning, and metering of specific fluids, which are then routed to analytical equipment. The fluid control system is known as a sampling system, reflecting its main function of drawing a small portion of the main fluid being produced and returning it the main stream after analysis is complete.
In the production of petrochemicals, a fluid is sampled on demand and analyzed to identify the presence and quantity of its constituents. This sampling analysis is used as process control in a feedback manner to keep desired results constants.
In other industries, it is required that a mixture of precisely metered amounts of chemicals be delivered to a reactor vessel. A variety of fluid control components are configured to control the delivery of various fluids during processing. In these industries the fluid control system is known as a gas panel containing a plurality of gas sticks, or components linked together to process each gas species or constituent.
Filtering, pressure regulation, flow metering, valving, and other flow control functions are needed to design a fluid flow control systems. It is common practice to link discrete components performing each of these functions using piping and fluid connectors. Most of these systems require custom design, welding, and machining. FIG. 1 illustrates an existing fluid control assembly 20. The fluid control assembly 20 includes a set of fluid control components joined by multiple welds and fittings. One fluid-control component depicted in FIG. 1 is a shut-off valve 22. A pipe section 26 links the shut-off valve 22 to a sleeve or fitting 28 associated with a pressure regulator 24. The pressure regulator 24 has a fitting 30 on its opposite side for connection with a pipe section 32. Pipe section 32 is connected to a fitting 36 associated with a pressure transducer 34. The opposite side of the pressure transducer 34 also has a fitting 38 for connection with another pipe section. Check valve 40 is connected to fitting 38, followed by component 42, mass flow controller 44, and finally valve 46. The fluid control assembly 20 is attached to a substrate 50.
Those skilled in the art recognize a number of problems associated with prior art gas sticks of the type illustrated in FIG. 1. First, the multiple fittings and pipe sections need to be welded or otherwise secured to one another. The assembly of these components can be relatively labor intensive. Similarly, the disassembly of these components for repair or replacement can be labor-intensive and costly.
Another problem associated with fluid control assembly is that the numerous fittings and pipe sections produce a relatively long and heavy device. The attachment of the fluid control assembly to a substrate also produces problems since the entire fluid assembly must be removed from the substrate in order to repair the gas stick.
In addition, for each part of the substrate assembly, a distinctly different substrate component is often required for each type of function required for the process. This forces the user to purchase many different types of fluid control components in preparation for multiple options at the time of assembly. This increases the amount of in-house stock required for daily operation, resulting in higher operation costs and an increase in the complexity of the assembled system.
Another problem experienced with existing systems is the inability to purge individual components and fluid passages without purging the surrounding components and fluid passages. Purging is necessary when dealing with reactive chemicals that need to be removed from the system before introducing an additional fluid.
Additionally, when face seal or compression-type fittings are utilized to connect the various fluid control components, undesirable torque can be transmitted throughout the gas stick. The operator can "chase" a leak in the gas stick by tightening one fitting, only to find that the resulting torque has loosened another fitting, causing it to leak. This process is lengthy and often ineffective.
What is needed is a fluid control system that is relatively easy to configure and assemble, lightweight, minimizes the required number of parts, does not substantially transmit torque throughout the system, allows for purging between sticks, allows purging of specific component assemblies while avoiding surrounding components, and requires no welding for assembly.


A method for enhancing surface characteristics of a fingerprint sensor and a protective structure made according to the method are disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a fingerprint sensor having a number of detecting elements beneath a top surface of the fingerprint sensor, the detecting element is used to detect changes of capacitance over a portion of a finger; forming a metal mesh layer over the top surface of the fingerprint sensor, wherein metal lines of the metal mesh layer are formed periodically and each of them is located between two adjacent detecting elements; forming a passivation layer on the metal mesh layer to shape a concave-convex top surface; and filling concave portions of the passivation layer with a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) material. A convex portion of the passivation layer is substantially above the metal line of the metal mesh layer.

A fingerprint sensor is an electronic device used to capture a digital image of the fingerprint pattern. There are many types of fingerprint sensors, such as optical type, ultrasonic type and capacitance type. Among all of them, the capacitance type fingerprint sensor is getting popular recently for its compact size, workability and good cost structure.
Capacitance type fingerprint sensors use principles associated with capacitance in order to form fingerprint images. They are packaged semiconductors with one side exposed to the external environment. The exposed side is used to fetch the fingerprint images. The surface of the fingerprint sensor therefore may lead electrostatics around itself and cause Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) inside and bears pressure from the fingers.
In order to settle the mentioned problems, there are many prior arts providing practical method to form protective structures for the fingerprint sensor. For ESD protection, please refer to FIG. 1. U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,082 discloses a structure and method for creating a passivation to protect an integrated circuit. The structure includes a circuit 1, a dielectric 2, and metal plates 3 over which an insulating layer 4 is disposed that electrically and hermetically isolates the circuit 1. A discharge layer 5 is deposited to form a passivation 6 that protects the circuit 1 from ESD caused by a finger. Although the structure can provide ESD protection, the passivation 6 is not rigid enough to resist scratches. Meanwhile, oil and water can easily attach to the passivation 6 to cause residual of the fingerprint.
Another improvement for ESD protection is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,371. Please refer to FIG. 2. The invention provides a fingerprint sensor chip 11 formed on a first dielectric layer 12 of a semiconductor wafer 13. The fingerprint sensor chip 11 includes a number of rectangular sensor areas 17 arranged in a matrix format which are surrounded by conductors 14, a second dielectric layer 15 covering the sensor areas 17 and the conductors 14 where the surface of the second dielectric layer 15 positioned above each of the sensor areas 17 is formed as a protruding rectangular platform 16 with a shallow trench around the platform 16, a rectangular metal plate 18 positioned on top of each of the rectangular platforms 16 which is used as a sensor plate of the fingerprint sensor chip 11, and a protective layer 19 positioned on the surface of the semiconductor wafer 13 to cover and protect the underlying circuitry. Although '371 has better ESD protection, concaveness of protective layer 19 may stick dusts. This results in poor performance of the fingerprint sensor chip 11 after it is used for a period of time.
As to resistance against pressure, U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,200 discloses a fingerprint detection device. Please refer to FIG. 3. The fingerprint detection device 20 has a fingerprint sensor chip 21 and a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film 22 covering the outermost surface of the sensor chip. The DLC film 22 provides sufficient strength and enhanced electrostatic discharge withstand voltage to the fingerprint sensor chip 21. Thus, the DLC film protects the fingerprint sensor chip 21 without any conventional protective cover. The DLC film 22 is less scratchable and less stainable. Since the fingerprint detection device 20 has no protective cover, the device can be provided in a thin and compact form. In addition, the device has high reliability. However, the DLC film 22 might not be easily attached to the fingerprint sensor chip 21. In addition, the DLC film 22 may crack due to external compact or temperature difference between itself and the fingerprint sensor chip 21.
After the introduction of prior arts for protection of fingerprint sensors is illustrated, it is necessary to provide a protective structure for fingerprint sensors with good ESD protection, excellent resistance against pressure, and stain-proof and water-proof surface. Most of all, the protective structure is free from cracking of its compositions.

Method for enhancing surface characteristics of a fingerprint sensor and structure made of the same


An improved carpet extractor is provided having powered brushes for scrubbing cleaning solution on a floor surface and a floor nozzle for extracting soiled cleaning solution from the floor surface in a floor cleaning mode. The extractor may be converted from the floor cleaning mode to an above the floor cleaning mode for cleaning upholstery, stairs, spots on carpet, or the like, with an attached hand held wand having a cleaning solution applicator and an upholstery and stair cleaning nozzle. A pair of motors are provided, one for driving the floor scrubbing brushes when in the floor cleaning mode and one for driving a cleaning solution supply pump and providing pressurized cleaning solution to the wand in the above floor cleaning mode. An automatic conversion mechanism is provided for automatically energizing and de-energizing the motors depending upon the operative position of the handle portion of the extractor.

In the prior art, it is known to provide carpet extractors with a hand held wand having a cleaning solution applicator and suction nozzle attached to a flexible suction hose that is permanently attached or attachable to the extractor for above floor cleaning. Such an arrangement provides for convenient above floor cleaning of upholstery, stairs and the like and for convenient cleaning of small spots on carpeting with the hand held wand.
In existing extractors having a selectively attachable suction hose and hand held wand, the end of the suction hose commonly has a convertor on the end of the hose for attaching the suction hose to the extractor. In some existing extractors a removable element, such as a removable floor nozzle or a removable section of suction duct, is removed from the extractor and the convertor on the suction hose is attached to the extractor in place of the removable element. In other existing extractors, the convertor is inserted into a port in the suction duct into fluid communication with the suction duct. In either case, when the convertor is attached to the extractor, suction is diverted from the extractor's floor nozzle to the suction hose and hand held wand for above floor cleaning. It is also known to simply attach a converter to the floor nozzle itself, such that the floor nozzle draws air through the suction hose for above floor cleaning.
In existing extractors with a permanently attached hose and hand held wand, it is typically necessary to manually activate a valve in the suction line via a lever, knob, or the like, in order to divert the suction from the floor nozzle to the suction hose for above floor cleaning.

Carpet extractor with automatic conversion


A new massaging bedrest cushion for providing a vibrating back massage as well as other conveniences. The inventive device includes a back portion having a contoured forward surface and a planar rear surface. The back portion includes a padded interior. The back portion has recesses formed in lower outer edges thereof. A plurality of vibrating transducers are disposed within the padded interior of the back portion. The transducers has an electrical cord extending outwardly therefrom for coupling with a standard electrical outlet. A first armrest is pivotally coupled with one of the recesses of the back portion. A second armrest is pivotally coupled with one of the recesses opposed from the first armrest. A control panel is disposed within an interior surface of the second armrest. The control panel is in electrical communication with the vibrating transducers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to back massagers and more particularly pertains to a new massaging bedrest cushion for providing a vibrating back massage as well as other conveniences.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of back massagers is known in the prior art. More specifically, back massagers heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art back massagers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,064 to Cohen; U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,739 to Wahl; U.S. Pat. Des. No. 354,876 to Pace; U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,848 to Grinnell; U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,135 to Forcier et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,543 to Feldman.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new massaging bedrest cushion. The inventive device includes a back portion having a contoured forward surface and a planar rear surface. The back portion includes a padded interior. The back portion has recesses formed in lower outer edges thereof. A plurality of vibrating transducers are disposed within the padded interior of the back portion. The transducers has an electrical cord extending outwardly therefrom for coupling with a standard electrical outlet. A first armrest is pivotally coupled with one of the recesses of the back portion. A second armrest is pivotally coupled with one of the recesses opposed from the first armrest. A control panel is disposed within an interior surface of the second armrest. The control panel is in electrical communication with the vibrating transducers.
In these respects, the massaging bedrest cushion according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a vibrating back massage as well as other conveniences.


An operating element that can be actuated by pressure and rotation, comprising an actuating rotatably mounted on a bearing block by a bearing shaft, at least one switch that can be actuated by a pressure actuation of the actuator, a sensor for detecting a rotational actuation of the actuator, a detent wheel connected to the bearing shaft, and a spring-loaded detent element which interacts with a detent contour of the detent wheel and which blocks the rotational mobility of the detent wheel upon a pressure actuation of the actuator. The detent element is a lever which can pivot about a pivot bearing and which has a detent pin that sits against the detent contour. A pressure actuation of the actuator brings a portion of the lever closer to an object thereby limiting the pivoting range of the lever.

DE 197 15 360 A1 describes an operating device including an actuator formed as a knurled roller rotatably mounted on a bearing block. The bearing block and a printed circuit board (PCB) clipped thereto are immovably connected to one another. The actuator is rigidly arranged with respect to motions perpendicular to its axis of rotation with respect to the bearing block and a substrate. A switch arranged on the substrate is supported against a separate housing such that a pressure actuation of the actuator is transmittable to the switch. The mounted assembly made up of the actuator, the bearing block, and the PCB is movably supported with respect to the housing.
The operating device further includes a detent wheel and a spring-loaded detent. The detent wheel is connected with the actuator and includes recesses into which the detent penetrates. In the absence of pressure actuation, the rotational motion of the detent wheel is not affected by the actuator.
For many applications it is desirable that a rotationally actuated operating element have perceptible detent levels. A detent wheel with an undulating detent contour is provided for this purpose against which a spring-loaded detent pin presses.
A rotational actuation of the operating element with detent steps does not follow from DE 197 15 360 A1 since the detent that penetrates into the openings of the detent wheel here allows only a blockage or release of the actuator. Additional means would thus be required to achieve interrupted rotation of the operating element. Such additional means would require additional cost expenditures and a larger installation space.

Operating element that can be actuated by pressure and rotation


A joint terminal mounting structure for an electric junction box incorporates a junction box body having at least one terminal portion connected to at least one joint terminal; a joint terminal accommodating box having at least one joint terminal accommodating cavity; and a cover adapted to cover the joint terminal accommodating box. Since the present device uses a joint terminal accommodating box, joint terminals can be securely connected with ease, resulting in improved work efficiency and reliable electrical connections. Further, since the present device has a structure in which the cover is incorporated in the joint terminal accommodating box, the projecting height of the cover is suppressed to improve resin moldability, thereby resulting in improved mold life and yield.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structure of an electric junction box accommodating joint terminals.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 8 shows a joint terminal mounting structure for an electric junction box for connecting plug-in-type fuses. In the figure, reference numeral 62 shows a junction box body. On the junction box body 62 are accumulated a plurality of circuit boards 63, and a bus bar terminal (tab terminal portion) 65 of each circuit board 64 projects on the surface of the circuit board 63. To the bus bar terminal 65 is connected an electric contact portion 67 of a female-to-female joint terminal 66.
Further, reference numeral 69 shows a cover made of synthetic resin and a fuse block 71 is integrally formed with the cover 69. In the fuse block 71 is formed an accommodating cavity (not shown) for the female-to-female joint terminals 66, and on the block is formed fuse insertion openings 70. Then, the junction box body 62 is covered by the cover 69 and a fuse 72 is mounted to connect a fuse terminal 73 to an upper electric contact portion 68 of the female-to-female joint terminal 66.
Then, in consideration of work efficiency to draw out the fuse, it is necessary to increase the height h in accordance with the mounting place of the electric junction box E. In such a case, a long female-to-female joint terminal 74, which is illustrated by the two dot chain line, is used.
However, in the conventional structure described above, connecting work for the bus bar terminal 65 to the female-to-female joint terminal 66 is troublesome. Besides, there is a problem that the female-to-female joint terminal 66 is apt to be insufficiently inserted, resulting in imperfect contact between the joint terminal 66 and the bus bar terminal 65. Further, in case that the long female-to-female joint terminal 74 is used, as shown in FIG. 9, when the angle between the joint terminal and the bus bar terminal 65 does not become substantially a right angle, there is a problem that the tip 75 of the contact portion is considerably inclined to interfering with the fuse block 71. This causes the cover 69 not to be assembled. Moreover, increasing the height of the fuse block 71 makes it difficult to carry out resin molding.

Joint terminal mounting structure for electric junction box


Machine comprising a main frame (1), machine bed (2), headstock (3) and tailstock (4) with means (17, 18) for mounting of the work for rotation about a work axis (C2), the means being disposed on the machine bed, with the headstock being movable in a direction (Z-axis) parallel to the work axis (C2). The machine also includes a slide system supported by the main frame (1) comprising two controlled-drive slides (7, 10), of which one (10) is displaceable in a direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the work axis (C2), and the other (7) in a direction (X-axis) perpendicular to the Y and Z axes. Further included is a cradle (12) supported by the slide system (7, 10) and holding a tool head (13) for angular setting about an axis (A) perpendicular to the work axis (C2), the tool head being disposed between the headstock and tailstock. An internal gear tool is mounted in the tool head (13) for rotation about a tool axis (C1), with a controlled relative movement being provided in the Z-direction between the tool and the work. The inventive machine is characterized by the inclusion of a first horizontal slide (5) arranged on the main frame and movable in the Z-direction, the first horizontal slide (5) supporting a vertical slide (7) arranged for displacement in the X-direction. The vertical slide (7) supports a second horizontal slide (10), movable in the Y-direction, and the second horizontal slide (10) supports the cradle accommodating the tool head in a manner swivelable about the A-axis parallel to the X-direction. The tailstock is arranged fixedly on the machine bed.

A machine for finishing the tooth flanks of gear-shaped workpieces with an internal gear tool is known to comprise:
a) a main frame with a machine bed, PA1 b) a headstock and a tailstock with devices for rotatably driven mounting of the work to be machined, said devices being disposed on the machine bed, with the headstock adapted for controlled driving for movement in a Z-direction, that is, in the direction of the work axis, PA1 c) a slide system supported by the main frame and comprising two controlled-drive slides, of which the one is displaceable in a Y-direction, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of the work being machined, and the other in an X-direction, i.e., perpendicular to the Y- and Z-direction, PA1 d) a cradle supported by the slide system and holding a tool head adapted for angular setting about an axis perpendicular to the work axis, the tool head being disposed between the headstock and the tailstock, and PA1 e) an internal gear tool mounted in the tool head and allowing rotatable driving, with a controlled relative movement being provided in the Z-direction between the tool and the work.
The above machine is described in DE 43 23 935 C1 which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,338 to Huber et al. the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This prior machine possesses a main frame having approximately the shape of a flat-lying T. The region corresponding to the cross bar of the T, on the machine front, forms a machine bed on which are disposed a headstock and a tailstock, both adapted for controlled driving to move in the direction of the work axis. Arranged in the other area of the main frame, extending to the rear, is a horizontal slide adapted for displacement and to be driven perpendicularly to the work axis. Arranged on the side of the horizontal slide facing the machine bed is a displaceable, driven vertical slide. On its side facing the machine bed, the vertical slide features a cradle accommodating a tool head in a manner allowing angular adjustment about a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the work axis.
This prior machine is very rigid and, therefore, suited particularly for machining large workpieces. For mounting a workpiece, the headstock and the tailstock are displaced jointly on the machine bed. For reason of accessibility, the mounting or release position is located outside the work space, beyond the main frame region extending toward the rear. The clearance between the receiving/release position and the working position inside the machine amounts to approximately 700 mm. This displacement travel of the headstock makes itself felt with respect to the work changing time and requires an appropriate machine bed and, thus, an appropriate floor space for the machine.
The objective underlying the present invention is to create a machine suited for smaller workpieces, with the clearance between the workpiece receiving/releasing position and the working position being as short as possible so as to achieve a favorable ratio of work change times to machining times.
The inventional machine allows the arrangement of the receiving and releasing position of a workpiece in the machine within a relatively short distance from the machining position. The time required for the work movement between these two positions, therefore, is short and the machine bed can be configured relatively short.

Machine for finishing the tooth flanks of gear-shaped workpieces with an internal gear tool


An x-ray fluorescence apparatus for measuring properties of a sample fluid, the apparatus comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a test chamber disposed within the housing, the test chamber comprising an injection port in fluid communication with the inlet; a slide disposed within the test chamber, the slide comprising a sample cavity; and a test port; an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer disposed within the housing, and at least one motor operatively coupled to the slide of the test chamber. Also, a method of testing a fluid, the method comprising injecting a fluid through an injection port of a test chamber into a sample cavity of a slide; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to an intermediate position; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to a test position; and actuating an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer to sample the fluid within the sample cavity when the slide is in the test position.

1. Field of the Invention
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 13/578,274, filed Aug. 10, 2012, which is a 371 of International Application PCT/US2011/024358, filed Feb. 10, 2011, both of which claim priority to and the benefit of provisional application U.S. 61/303,207 filed Feb. 10, 2010, provisional application US 61/308,076, filed Feb. 25, 2010, provisional application U.S. 61/308,137, filed Feb. 25, 2010 and provisional application U.S. 61/370,541, filed Aug. 4, 2010, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an x-ray fluorescence analyzer for use in determining drilling fluid properties. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an x-ray fluorescence analyzer for use in determining drilling fluid properties at a drilling location in real-time. More specifically still, embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for determining drilling fluid properties that include automation and remote control.
2. Background Art
Wellbore drilling fluids serve many functions throughout the process of drilling for oil and gas. Primary functions include controlling subsurface pressures, transporting to the surface "cuttings" created by the drill bit, and cooling and lubricating the drill bit as it grinds through the earth's crust. Most of the cuttings are removed at the surface by different types of solids-removal equipment, by small bits of formation, such as clays and shales, are invariably incorporated into the drilling fluid as "low-gravity" solids. These low-gravity solids are generally undesirable in that they can contribute to excess viscosity and can adversely impact chemical treatment of the drilling fluid so that it can satisfy other critical functions. The low-gravity solids also are distinguished from high-gravity solids that are added intentionally to increase the density of the drilling fluid.
Fluid density, or mass per unit volume, controls subsurface pressures and contributes to the stability of the borehole by increasing the pressure exerted by the drilling fluid onto the surface of the formation downhole. The column of fluid in the borehole exerts hydrostatic pressure proportional to the true vertical depth of the hole and density of the fluid. Therefore, one can stabilize the borehole and prevent the undesirable inflow of formation fluids by maintaining a proper density of the drilling fluid to ensure that an adequate amount of hydrostatic pressure is maintained.
Several methods of controlling the density of wellbore fluids exist. One method adds dissolved salts such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride in the form of an aqueous brine to drilling fluids. Another method involves adding inert, high specific gravity particulates to drilling fluids to form a suspension of increased density. These inert high-density particulates are often referred to as "weighting agents" and typically include particulate minerals of barite, calcite, or hematite.
While maintaining the density of a drilling fluid is important, other factors also influence the effectiveness of specific drilling fluids in certain drilling operations. Such other factors may include viscosity and composition of the drilling fluid, as well as the fluids ability to cool and lubricate the drill bit. To determine the most effective drilling fluid for a given drilling operation, it is necessary to measure the chemical and physical properties of the drilling fluid as a returns from downhole.
Presently, the standard method for determining the liquid and solids content of the drilling fluid is to conduct a retort analysis. In a retort analysis, a drilling fluid sample is heated at sufficient temperature to vaporize contained liquids, including water, oil, or synthetics. The liquids are condensed, after which the specific volumes can be measured directly in a graduated cylinder. Oil and synthetics have a lower specific gravity than the water and will separate naturally in the measuring container. The total volume of liquids then is subtracted from the starting drilling volume to determine the total solids content. Appropriate mathematical functions are then applied in context of the general composition of the drilling fluid to estimate the fraction of high-gravity and low-gravity solids.
Due to the heating requirements, current retort practices are known to be potentially dangerous, and subject to inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Furthermore, the retort method does not provide means to characterize and differentiate the different solid components beyond the general categorization by gross specific gravity.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an automated method for determining drilling fluid properties.


This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, and agricultural compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of certain alkylated aminoether compounds of the structure

The invention relates to the use of alkylated aminoethers to reduce the surface tension in water-based systems.
The ability to reduce the surface tension of water is of great importance in waterborne coatings, inks, adhesives, and agricultural formulations because decreased surface tension translates to enhanced substrate wetting in actual formulations. Surface tension reduction in water-based systems is generally achieved through the addition of surfactants. Performance attributes resulting from the addition of surfactants include enhanced surface coverage, fewer defects, and more uniform distribution. Equilibrium surface tension performance is important when the system is at rest. However, the ability to reduce surface tension under dynamic conditions is of great importance in applications where high surface creation rates are utilized. Such applications include spraying, rolling and brushing of coatings or spraying of agricultural formulations, or high speed gravure or ink-jet printing. Dynamic surface tension is a fundamental quantity which provides a measure of the ability of a surfactant to reduce surface tension and provide wetting under such high speed application conditions.
Traditional nonionic surfactants such as alkylphenol or alcohol ethoxylates, and ethylene oxide (EO)/propylene oxide (PO) copolymers have excellent equilibrium surface tension performance but are generally characterized as having poor dynamic surface tension reduction. In contrast, certain anionic surfactants such as sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinates can provide good dynamic results, but these are very foamy and impart water sensitivity to the finished coating.
There is a need for a family of surfactants which provide good equilibrium and dynamic surface tension properties, are low-foaming, are liquids at room temperature to facilitate handling and are stable under basic conditions and thus would be widely accepted in the coating, ink, adhesive, and agricultural formulation industries.
The importance of reducing equilibrium and dynamic surface tension in applications such as coatings, inks, and agricultural formulations is well-appreciated in the art.
Low dynamic surface tension is of great importance in the application of waterborne coatings. In an article, Schwartz, J. xe2x80x9cThe Importance of Low Dynamic Surface Tension in Waterborne Coatingsxe2x80x9d, Journal of Coatings Technology, September 1992, there is a discussion of surface tension properties in waterborne coatings and a discussion of dynamic surface tension in such coatings. Equilibrium and dynamic surface tension were evaluated for several surface active agents. It is pointed out that low dynamic surface tension is an important factor in achieving superior film formation in waterborne coatings. Dynamic coating application methods require surfactants with low dynamic surface tensions in order to prevent defects such as retraction, craters, and foam.
Efficient application of agricultural products is also highly dependent on the dynamic surface tension properties of the formulation. In an article, Wirth, W.; Storp, S.; Jacobsen, W. xe2x80x9cMechanisms Controlling Leaf Retention of Agricultural Spray Solutionsxe2x80x9d; Pestic. Sci. 1991, 33, 411-420, the relationship between the dynamic surface tension of agricultural formulations and the ability of these formulations to be retained on a leaf was studied. These workers observed a good correlation between retention values and dynamic surface tension, with more effective retention of formulations exhibiting low dynamic surface tension.
Low dynamic surface tension is also important in high-speed printing as discussed in the article xe2x80x9cUsing Surfactants to Formulate VOC Compliant Waterbased Inksxe2x80x9d, Medina, S. W.; Sutovich, M. N. Am. Ink Maker 1994, 72 (2), 32-38. In this article, it is stated that equilibrium surface tensions (EST""s) are pertinent only to ink systems at rest. EST values, however, are not good indicators of performance in the dynamic, high speed printing environment under which the ink is used. Dynamic surface tension is a more appropriate property. This dynamic measurement is an indicator of the ability of the surfactant to migrate to a newly created ink/substrate interface to provide wetting during high speed printing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,478 discloses water-based ink compositions comprising water, a pigment, a nonionic surfactant and a solubilizing agent for the nonionic surfactant. Dynamic surface tension in ink compositions for publication gravure printing must be reduced to a level of about 25 to 40 dynes/cm to assure that printability problems will not be encountered.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,762 discloses an aqueous jet ink of water, dissolved dyes and a tertiary amine having two polyethoxylate substituents and that low dynamic surface tension is important in ink jet printing.
Gatto, et al., j. Org. Chem. 1986, 51, 5373-5383; Tetrahedron Letters 1986, 27, 327-330, describe several alkylated aminoethers of the form
in which Rxe2x95x90Rxe2x80x2=CH2CH2OCH3, CH2Ph, CH2C6H4-2-OCH3, and CH2-2-furanyl. These compounds were used as intermediates for the synthesis of bibracchial lariat ethers.
Also described in the foregoing paper are compounds of the form
where Rxe2x95x90Rxe2x80x2=(CH2)3CH3, (CH2)5CH3, CH2CH2OCH3, CH2Ph, and CH2-2-furanyl. These compounds were also used as intermediates for the synthesis of bibracchial lariat ethers.
Anelli and coworkers, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1983, 194-195; J. Org. Chem. 1984, 49, 4197-4203, describe alkylated aminoethers of the form
where R=(CH2)3CH3. Also described by these workers are alkylated aminoethers of the form
where R=(CH2)3CH3 or R=(CH2)7CH3. These materials were used for the preparation of double and triple bridged polyoxapolyazaheterophanes.
Bradshaw, Krakowiak and coworkers, J. Org. Chem. 1989, 54, 4061-4067; Tetrahedron Letters 1988, 29, 3521-3524; and J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1989, 26, 565-569, also describe aminoethers of the form
where R=(CH2)3CH3 or CH2Ph. The benzyl derivatives were also described by Petranek and Ryba, Tetrahedron Letters 1977, 48, 4249-4250. The compounds were used as intermediates in the synthesis of polyaza crown compounds or other macrocycles.
Bradshaw and coworkers, Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 1163-1170, describe an alkylated aminoether of the form
The N,Nxe2x80x2-dibenzyl derivative is also described here and by Duriez, et al., Tetrahedron 1992, 4347-4358. They are used as intermediates for the preparation of lariat ethers or other macrocyclic materials.
Hosgoren, et al., Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 1996, 61, 622-626, describe compounds of the type
where R=CH3(CH2)6, CH3(CH2)7, CH3(CH2)8, or CH3(CH2)11. These compounds were used for the preparation of N,Nxe2x80x2-dialkyldiaza crown compounds.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,924 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,912 disclose compositions of the form
wherein R is the nucleus of an oxyalkylation-susceptible polyhydric alcohol containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups, and Rxe2x80x2 is hydrogen or methyl, at least one of Rxe2x80x3 is isopropyl and the remainder of Rxe2x80x3 is hydrogen or isopropyl, n is a number sufficient to impart a molecular weight of about 200 to 400 to the molecule, and m is a positive integer having a value of 2 or 3. These amines are useful as curing agents for epoxy resins.
GB 2,191,419 discloses a structure of the form
This material is reported to be useful in wash solutions for the selective removal of H2S and other S-containing compounds (e.g. COS, CS2, and mercaptans) from CO2-containing gases, especially natural gas and synthesis gas.
The alkylated aminoether of the form
is reported in Acta Pol. Pharm. 1987, 44, 473-475, Acta Pol. Pharm. 1983, 40, 431 -434, and Acta Pol. Pharm. 1983, 40, 313-318 where it is used as a synthetic intermediate.
This invention provides water-based compositions containing an organic compound, particularly organic coating, ink, and agricultural compositions, having reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by incorporation of an effective amount of an alkylated aminoether compound of the following structure:
Rxe2x80x94HN(CH2)p[O(CH2)n]mO(CH2)qNHxe2x80x94Rxe2x80x2
where n is 2-6, m is 0-4, and p and q are 2-6, and R and Rxe2x80x2 independently are an alkyl group comprising 5 to 18 carbons, preferably which is branched or in which the point of attachment to nitrogen is on a nonterminal carbon. Also provided is a method for lowering the equilibrium and dynamic surface tension of aqueous compositions by the incorporation of these alkylated aminoether compounds.
Also provided is a method for applying a water-based organic compound-containing composition to a surface to partially or fully coat the surface with the water-based composition, the composition containing an effective amount of an alkylated aminoether compound of the above structure for reducing the dynamic surface tension of the water-based composition.
There are significant advantages associated with the use of these alkylated aminoethers in water-based organic coatings, inks, and agricultural compositions and these advantages include:
an ability to formulate water-borne coatings, inks, and agricultural compositions which may be applied to a variety of substrates with excellent wetting of substrate surfaces including contaminated and low energy surfaces;
an ability to provide a reduction in coating or printing defects such as orange peel and flow/leveling deficiencies;
an ability to produce water-borne coatings and inks which have low volatile organic content, thus making these surfactants environmentally favorable;
an ability to formulate coating and ink compositions capable of high speed application;
an ability to formulate compositions which retain dynamic surface tension properties under strongly basic, high temperature environments.
an ability to formulate coatings, inks, and adhesives in which the surfactant is reactive during cure, reducing water sensitivity in the final products which arises from the presence of free surfactant.
Because of their excellent surfactant properties and low foam characteristics, these materials are likely to find use in many applications in which reduction in dynamic and equilibrium surface tension and low foam are important. Such applications include various wet-processing textile operations, such as dyeing of fibers, fiber souring, and kier boiling, where low-foaming properties would be particularly advantageous; they may also have applicability in soaps, water-based perfumes, shampoos, and various detergents where their marked ability to lower surface tension while simultaneously producing substantially no foam would be highly desirable.
This invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula
Rxe2x80x94HN(CH2)p[O(CH2)n]mO(CH2)qNHxe2x80x94Rxe2x80x2
where n is 2-6, preferably 2-4; m is 0-4, preferably 0-2; and p and q are 2-6, preferably 2 or 3; and R and Rxe2x80x2 independently are an alkyl group comprising 5 to 18 carbons, preferably 5 to 8 carbons which is branched or in which the point of attachment to nitrogen is on a nonterminal carbon, for the reduction of equilibrium and dynamic surface tension in water-based compositions containing an organic compound, particularly coating, ink, and agricultural compositions containing organic compounds such as polymeric resins, herbicides, pesticides or plant growth modifying agents. It is desirable that an aqueous solution of the alkylated aminoether demonstrates a dynamic surface tension of less than 45 dynes/cm at a concentration of xe2x89xa65 wt % in water at 23xc2x0 C. and 1 bubble/second according to the maximum-bubble-pressure method. The maximum-bubble-pressure method of measuring surface tension is described in Langmuir 1986, 2, 428-432, which is incorporated by reference.
The alkylated aminoethers can be prepared by reductive alkylation of the parent aminoethers with aldehydes and ketones using well-established procedures. The essential aspects of the preparation are the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with the aminoether to make an imine or enamine intermediate which then reacts with hydrogen in the presence of a suitable hydrogenation catalyst to form the corresponding saturated derivative.
The imine or enamine derivative may be preformed or may be prepared in situ.
The products could also be prepared by reductive amination of a suitable dinitrile. This reaction is illustrated for the cyanoethylated derivative of ethylene glycol:
The reductive alkylation and reductive amination procedures are the methods of choice for the production of these materials, but the products may also be prepared by reaction of an amine with a chloralkylether. This reaction is illustrated for chloroethyl ether and an amine:
Aminoether starting materials which are suitable for use in the reductive alkylation reaction include compounds of the form
where n is 2-6, m is 0-4, and p and q are 2-6. Specific examples include aminoethyl ether; 1,2-bis-aminoethoxyethane; 2-aminoethoxyethyl ether; aminopropyl ether; 1,2-bis-aminopropoxyethane; 3-aminopropoxyethyl ether; and the like. The aminopropoxy compounds may be prepared by reaction of a diol with acrylonitrile, followed by hydrogenation:
Suitable diols for use in the aminopropylation reaction include 1,2-ethanediol; 1,3-propanediol; 1,4-butanediol; 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and the like; diethylene glycol; triethyleneglycol; tetraethyleneglycol, and the like; dipropyleneglycol, tripropyleneglycol, and the like.
Alkyl groups which are suitable for use on the aminoethers should have sufficient carbon atoms to confer surface activity (i.e. an ability to reduce the surface tension of water) to the material but not enough carbon atoms to decrease the solubility to the extent that the ability of the material to reduce surface tension is insufficient for a particular application. In general, an increase in the carbon number increases the efficiency of the resulting alkylated aminoether surfactant (i.e., less surfactant is required to obtain a given decrease in surface tension) but decreases its ability to reduce surface tension at high surface creation rates (i.e., less effective for reducing dynamic surface tension). The latter effect is a result of the fact that increased carbon number generally decreases the water solubility of the material, and consequently, diminishes the diffusive flux of surfactant to newly-created surface. Generally, in the practice of this invention, it is desirable to use alkylated aminoethers having a solubility in water of at least 0.005 wt %, preferably from 0.01 to 2 wt %, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5 wt %.
The alkyl groups may be the same or different. They may be branched or the point of attachment to the nitrogen of the diamine may be on an internal carbon. Suitable alkyl groups are derived from reductive alkylation reactions of a C5 to C8 aldehyde or ketone, preferably derived from reductive alkylation reactions of methyl isobutyl ketone or methyl isoamyl ketone. Specific examples of suitable C5 to C8 aldehydes and ketones include 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone, pivaldehyde, methyl isopropyl ketone, 2-hexanone, 3-hexanone, methyl tert-butyl ketone, ethyl isopropyl ketone, 2-methylhexanal, 2-heptanone, 3-heptanone, 4-heptanone, 2-octanone, 3-octanone, 4-octanone, 2-ethylhexanal, and so on. The specific carbonyl compound and aminoether chosen will depend on the surfactant properties required for a particular application.
The alkylated aminoethers are suitable for use in an aqueous composition comprising in water an inorganic compound which is a mineral ore or a pigment or an organic compound which is a pigment, a polymerizable monomer, such as addition, condensation and vinyl monomers, an oligomeric resin, a polymeric resin, a detergent, a herbicide, a pesticide, or a plant growth modifying agent. An amount of the alkylated aminoether compound that is effective to reduce the equilibrium and/or dynamic surface tension of the water-based inorganic and/or organic compound-containing composition is added. Such effective amount may range from 0.001 to 20 g/100 ml, preferably 0.01 to 2 g/100 ml, of the aqueous composition. Naturally, the most effective amount will depend on the particular application and the solubility of the alkylated aminoether.
In the following water-based organic coating, ink, and agricultural compositions containing an alkylated aminoether according to the invention, the other listed components of such compositions are those materials well known to the workers in the relevant art.
A typical water-based organic coating composition to which the alkylated aminoether surfactants of the invention may be added would comprise the following components in an aqueous medium at 30 to 80% solids:
A typical water-based ink composition to which the alkylated aminoether surfactants of the invention may be added would comprise the following components in an aqueous medium at 20 to 60% solids:
A typical water-based agricultural composition to which the alkylated aminoether surfactants of the invention may be added would comprise the following components in an aqueous medium at 0.1 to 80% ingredients:


An integrated circuit system is provided that includes a circuit function in and on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. First and second portions of an inductor overlie the surface of the semiconductor substrate and each is coupled to the first circuit function. A third portion of the inductor is positioned on a second substrate. A first through substrate via (TSV) extends through the semiconductor substrate and electrically couples the first portion to the third portion and a second TSV extends through the semiconductor substrate and electrically couples the second portion to the third portion.

Integrated circuits (ICs), especially analog or linear circuits such as phase lock loop circuits or voltage controlled oscillators, as well as radio frequency (RF) circuits often include an inductor. Such circuits are often combined with other circuits such as microprocessors to form an integrated circuit system. The various circuits may each be realized as a separate semiconductor chip or die, and as such may be combined on a circuit board, in either a planar or stacked array, to form the integrated circuit system.
Inductors having a high quality factor ("Q") have been difficult to achieve in an integrated form on an IC, especially in view of the trend toward including more and more complexity on the IC. The quality factor of an inductor is the ratio of its inductive reactance to its resistance at a given frequency and is a measure of the efficiency of the inductor. The higher the Q factor, the closer the inductor approaches the behavior of an ideal, lossless inductor. Inductance of an inductor is proportional to loop area (the area circumscribed by the inductor) times the number of turns (the number of times the inductor circumscribes that area). Integrated inductors having a high inductance generally require a large surface area (i.e., a large loop area) on a semiconductor chip, and the need for a large surface area runs counter to the trend toward more complexity with more devices on a chip. If the inductor is fabricated as a multi-level loop to save surface area, the Q of the inductor suffers because of the high resistance of vias between metal levels combined with an increase in parasitic capacitance.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide integrated circuit systems having high inductance, high Q inductors. In addition, it is desirable to provide integrated circuit systems that include vertical inductors realized through the use of through substrate vias (TSVs). Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Integrated circuit systems including vertical inductors


In an embodiment, a pressure sensor system includes a pressure sensor element with a flexible plate, wherein the pressure sensor element is a piezoresistive sensor element and a support element on which the pressure sensor element is arranged, wherein a flow channel configured to supply a medium to the flexible plate runs in the support element, wherein the flow channel has at least one sub-section, a longitudinal direction of which running perpendicularly below the flexible plate, and wherein a channel cross section of the at least one sub-section of the flow channel is at no point within the sub-section of the flow channel smaller than an area of the flexible plate.

In order to measure pressures in an aqueous solution, for example, in water or a urea solution, a pressure sensor system can include a piezoresistive pressure sensor element. A pressure sensor element of this type comprises a membrane in the shape of a flexible plate. The pressure sensor element is coupled to a flow channel in such a way that a medium, for example, the above-mentioned aqueous solutions, flow to the membrane/flexible plate. Depending on the pressure of the medium, the flexible plate is deflected. Depending on the pressure of the medium or the bending of the flexible plate, a change in resistance can be measured at connecting contacts of the pressure sensor element.
In the piezoresistive pressure sensor system described above, the flexible plate or membrane can be formed as a thin layer. If the pressure sensor system is in a cold environment, there is a risk that the medium in the flow channel, which is coupled to the flexible plate/membrane, will freeze. It is therefore necessary to prevent the freezing medium from splitting or damaging the thin membrane, which would lead to the pressure sensor system being destroyed.

Pressure sensor system having protection against freezing medium


A resin composition for sealing liquid crystal cells which contains as essential components a rubber-modified unsaturated compound obtained by grafting a monomer having at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bond in a molecule with at least one rubber selected from acrylic rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber and conjugated diene rubber, and a coupling agent, a filler and a photopolymerization initiator. The rubber contained in the rubber modified unsaturated compound has a particle diameter of 0.2-5 .mu.m and a number average molecular weight of 1000-100,000, and the rubber content in the compound is 0.5-45% by weight based on the rubber modified unsaturated compound.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a resin composition for sealing liquid crystal cells, more specifically to a novel UV-curing type resin composition for sealing liquid crystal cells, which can be used under diversification of displays in recent years and severe environment and which is suited for sealing liquid crystal displays to which high reliability is required.
(2) Description of the Related Art
In recent years, improvements in electronics has rapidly been advanced mainly in personal computers, sound equipment, measuring instruments and color televisions. As a result, display systems using liquid crystals have widely been adopted. This is considered as being due to characteristics such as very small power consumption, low driving power, sufficient sharpness even under sun light and sharp contrast between light and shade, and due to the facts that miniaturization and light weight have been effectuated and low prices have been achievable and that a coloring technique using liquid crystals has reached such level as excels a Braun tube (CRT). Because of such advantages, the application fields of liquid crystal displays (LCD) have been going to a phase of increasing expansion.
This phase has been followed by active investigations on an elevation in the quality of LCD and an enhancement in productivity. Above all, a reduction in curing temperatures in a production process of a liquid crystal cell and maintenance of high reliability as well as shortening of a curing time have strongly been desired. This contributes largely to energy saving in producing liquid crystal cells and a reduction in production costs and prices of the products.
Epoxy resins are usually used for resins for sealing liquid crystal. In former times, two liquid hot-setting type epoxy resins were used, and used at present are single liquid hot-setting type epoxy resins (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 57-137317, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 59-157330, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-75231 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-73164). On the other hand, in recent years, UV-setting type acrylic adhesives and epoxy adhesives have been investigated, and, for example, UV-setting type acrylic adhesives are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 59-137929, Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 1-243029 and Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 3-188186, and UV-setting type epoxy adhesives are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 61-34477 and Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 1-254786.
However, the fact is that any of these adhesives can not sufficiently satisfy requirements such as a reduction in a curing temperature, shortening of a curing time and high reliability. That is, in the case of two liquid epoxy resins, since the pot life is short and the viscosity is liable to increase, the workability, yield and productivity are inferior. Even in the case of currently prevailing single liquid hot-setting type epoxy resins, a curing time of 60 minutes or longer at a temperature of 150.degree. C. is usually needed, and when they are cured at a further lower temperature of 130.degree. C., it takes a long time of 2 hours or more until needed performances are revealed. Accordingly, they are not suited for shortening of a curing time.
In the case of existing UV-curing type acrylic adhesives, a reduction in the curing temperature and shortening of the curing time are possible, but the workability and the pattern maintenance are inferior. Further, as revealed in a reliability test is the problem that the moisture resistance and the adhesive property are not sufficient. UV-curing type epoxy adhesives have hardly been put into practical use because of the problem of electrode corrosion as well as almost the same reasons as described above.

Resin composition for sealing liquid crystal cells