A new technique is described which provides realtime visual feedback to the user while scrolling in standard windowing environments. This visual scrolling technique makes use of a transient overlay which provides direct visual cues to the user about the new areas of the scrolled document that have been exposed to view by the scrolling action. After a predetermined period of time or as soon as the user stops scrolling, the overlay fades from view. This feedback can substantially enhance the user""s ability to maintain spatial context while the document moves, reducing error and strain, and enhancing ease of use and productivity. The visual scrolling technique can be used for both one-dimensional scrolling such as in long galleys of text, and two-dimensional scrolling and zooming such as in maps and technical drawings. It is especially useful for small displays, such as in handheld devices.

The present invention relates to the field of data processing. Particularly, this invention relates to a realtime graphical overlay that provides visual scrolling feedback for a display window that offers a view into a presentation space or a viewport. The graphical feedback overlay is transient and provides direct visual guidance to the user about new areas being exposed to view by the scrolling action. The feedback overlay fades from view within a predetermined or programmable period of time, or when the scrolling action is stopped. The feedback overlay substantially enhances the user""s ability to maintain spatial context while the document is being scrolled, reducing error and strain, and enhancing ease of use and productivity.
In the early days of the personal computer, browsing a document was difficult to do. The document would often take up several screens worth of information, and it was difficult for the user to find specific sections of the document. The user would often have to scroll through an entire document one screen at a time, by pressing function keys assigned to xe2x80x9cscroll upxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cscroll downxe2x80x9d functions in an often futile attempt to find a specific section. This was slow and cumbersome, and resulted in many users printing the entire document instead of trying to view it on the display. This constituted a significant waste of valuable manpower and natural resources.
The advent of the xe2x80x9cgraphical user interfacexe2x80x9d (GUI) programs ushered an optimistic outlook to addressing the above problem. Scrolling the content in a GUI window is one of the most frequent tasks in interacting with today""s computers. The content of the GUI window scrolled, also referred to herein as xe2x80x9cdocument,xe2x80x9d can be a file directory, a word processing file, a computer program source code, a spreadsheet, a two-dimensional map or image, an engineering drawing, a world wide web page, and so forth.
Traditionally, there are three ways to scroll through a document. One is by pressing on the cursor keys in the computer board. The second is by pressing the xe2x80x9cpage upxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cpage downxe2x80x9d keys. The third is a feature of the GUI programs and is referred to as a xe2x80x9cscroll barxe2x80x9d. The scroll bar is commonly associated with a display window, and is most useful when only a small portion of a document can be displayed in a display window at any one time. The scroll bar contains what is known as a xe2x80x9csliderxe2x80x9d. The slider""s relative position in the scroll bar graphically indicates the position of the display window relative to the entire document being displayed. One scroll bar is often used to indicate the relative vertical position, while another scroll bar can be used to indicate the relative horizontal position.
A scroll bar is normally used in conjunction with an input device such as a mouse, track ball, or light pen. When a user wants to move to a different section of a document, he or she can either move the mouse cursor to a new position on the scroll bar (click operation), or place the mouse cursor on the slider, press and hold one of the mouse buttons, and move the mouse cursor either one side or the other of the slider (drag operation). While both of these operations are helpful in rapidly moving from one section of a document to another section, they do not sufficiently help the user to find the specific section of the document he or she is looking for.
A standard technique often used in representing scroll bars is to make the slider on the scroll bar of proportional length, representing the portion of the full document which is in view. This places the viewed section in context with respect to the entire document, but does not directly relate to the newly exposed document portion after a scrolling action. If the document is very large relative to the portion currently being viewed in the window (e.g., as in a very long galley of text, or at high magnification of a two-dimensional image), the size of the slider becomes too small to interpret or use.
Another technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,532,715 to Bates et al., titled xe2x80x9cVisually Aging Scroll Barxe2x80x9d, where a visually aging scroll bar is associated with a window or viewport on a computer display, and contains a slider to indicate relative positioning in the window of a document. After a first predetermined sampling period has elapsed, a first region matching the current position of the scroll bar slider is created. The visual appearance of the region is determined by a predetermined region heating rate. For example, a newly created region starts at xe2x80x9ccoldxe2x80x9d, which can be indicated by a violet-indigo color. After a second sampling period has elapsed, the computer system again checks the current position of the scroll bar slider. If the current position still matches the first region, the visual appearance of the first region symbolically xe2x80x9cwarms upxe2x80x9d as indicated by the region heating rate. This incrementally changing visual appearance continues for as long as the current slider position matches the first region, up until a maximum region symbolic xe2x80x9ctemperaturexe2x80x9d is reached.
Some techniques adopt an input device that offers a dedicated scrolling mechanism to enhance the operation of the scroll bar, by making it easier for a user to find a specific section he or she is looking. One such scrolling mechanism is the ScrollPoint(copyright) stick which is incorporated in the IBM ScrollPoint(copyright) mouse. Another mechanism is a scroll wheel described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,455 to Gillick et al. and titled xe2x80x9cRoller Mouse for Implementing Scrolling in Windows Applicationsxe2x80x9d. Another scrolling mechanism is IBM""s TrackPoint(copyright) that includes a button, which, when pressed, enables scrolling in IBM""s Thinkpad(copyright) TrackPoint(copyright) notebook computers. Yet another mechanism is the touchpad where scroll areas are used for examples in notebook and keyboards.
The relative input control performance of the above scrolling mechanisms has been studied in Zhai, S., Smith, B. A., Selker, T., xe2x80x9cImproving Browsing Performance: A Study of Four Input Devices for Scrolling and Pointing Tasks,xe2x80x9d Proceedings of INTERACT: the Sixth IFIP conference on Human Computer Interaction, pages 286-292 (1997). While these scrolling mechanisms may have realized their intended purposes, scrolling through documents is often confusing and causes a loss of context for the user, regardless of the input devices used, particularly since conventional scrolling mechanisms do not offer spatial clues or visual scrolling feedback, especially if the document consists of visually similar sections of material such as a continuous text.
For example, when using a page up or page down key, many applications scroll by one window length of document, so that the user can expect where the last read sentence should appear after the operation. A common frustrating experience with page keys, however, occurs when the user reaches the end of the document, where the remaining document is arbitrary in relation to a window""s length which depends on the user""s setting and resizing. The remaining document is scrolled into the window, but the user has to search through the document to locate the last read sentence.
The lack of visual scrolling feedback is evident in both one-dimension, such as when scrolling through long galleys of material (i.e., web pages), and in two-dimensions, such as when panning or zooming through maps and engineering drawings. It is aggravated on small-display devices, such as handheld devices, where loss of context requires extensive mental effort, eye motion and time to re-acquire the context, reducing productivity and increasing the user""s strain and fatigue level.
In most conventional GUI software applications xe2x80x9cwindowingxe2x80x9d occurs when the user""s physical scrolling action causes the viewing window to xe2x80x9cmovexe2x80x9d in the same direction. However, the viewing window does not actually move in relation to the computer physical monitor or the user""s body. What moves is the document although in the opposite direction to the user""s input. Reference is made to Bury, K. F., Boyle, J. M., Evey, R. J., and Neal, A. S., 1982, xe2x80x9cWindowing vs Scrolling on a Visual Display Terminalxe2x80x9d, Proceedings of Conference on Human Factors in Computer Systems, pages 41-44 (1982).
Another scrolling input technique which is more direct in perception-motor correspondence is the xe2x80x9cgrabber hand,xe2x80x9d according to which a pointing cursor is transformed into a hand symbol that xe2x80x9cgrabsxe2x80x9d the underlying document. Moving the cursor drags the document in direct correspondence to the movement of the cursor. Though this motion is intuitive, scrolling is limited to movements that are a fraction of a screen size, and it becomes tedious if a large, multi-screen movement is desired. It also cannot be used for smooth, continuous scrolling.
Certain applications, such as the Lotus Notes(trademark) client application uses a xe2x80x9cticxe2x80x9d mark in the margin to mark the boundary of the newly exposed text when scrolling documents. This approach requires eye motion to find the mark and then to use the mark to re-acquire the reader""s position in the text. Other software applications, such as Microsoft(copyright) Word(trademark), displays a box of text with the page number and headings of the document when the user clicks and drag the slider in the scrollbar. While this may provide useful information, the information is not directly integrated with the context of the document. The granularity of the information feedback is also low as it is limited to page numbers and headings, and does not provide the user with a direct and continuous visual feedback that overlays the scrolled image and that corresponds exactly to the scrolling action.
Other graphic applications show a thumbnail view of the page being, which is effectively a two-dimensional version of proportional scrollbars. While this technique helps with two-dimensional scrolling, it is not very useful where the visual landmarks in the document disappear at the scale of the thumbnail image, or where the aspect ratio of the document is large (i.e., much longer than wide).
One GUI application uses semi-transparent graphics as a user interface, and is described for example in the following publications: Bier, E. A., M. C. Stone, Buxton, W., Baudel, T., xe2x80x9cA Taxonomy of See-Through Tools,xe2x80x9d CHI ""94 Conference Proceedings, pages 358-364 (1994); Zhai, S., Buxton, W., Milgram, P., xe2x80x9cThe xe2x80x9cSilk Cursorxe2x80x9d: Investigating Transparency for 3D Target Acquisition,xe2x80x9d CHI ""94: Conference Proceedings (1994); Zhai, S., Buxton, B., Milgram, P., xe2x80x9cThe Partial Occlusion Effect: Utilizing Semi-transparency in 3D Human Computer Interaction,xe2x80x9d ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction 3(3), pages 254-284 (1996); Harrison, B. and K. Vicente, J., xe2x80x9cAn Experimental Evaluation of Transparent Menu Usage,xe2x80x9d ACM CHI 96: Human Factors in Computing Systems, pages 391-398 (1996); and Hinckley, K., Sinclair, M., xe2x80x9cTouch-Sensitive Input Device,xe2x80x9d CHI 99: ACM Conference in Human Factors in Computing Systems, pages 223-230 (1999).
However, none of these references directly associates a transient semi-transparent visual feedback layer with the scrolling action in a display window, for providing direct visual guidance to the user about new areas being exposed to view, such that the feedback layer fades from view so that it does not affect the legibility or permanent appearance of the source image.
In accordance with the present invention, a software package is provided as a new technique that provides realtime visual feedback to the user while scrolling in windowing environments. This technique is accomplished by a transient overlay that provides direct visual cues or guidance to the user about the new areas of the scrolled document that have been exposed to view by the scrolling action. After a predetermined period of time such as a fraction of a second, or as soon as the user stops scrolling, the overlay fades from view. This feedback substantially enhances the user""s ability to maintain spatial context while the document moves, reducing error and strain, and enhancing ease of use and productivity.
One feature of the present visual scrolling feedback technique is its ability to be used for both one-dimensional scrolling documents such as long galleys of text, and multi-dimensional scrolling, panning, and zooming out of documents such as maps and technical drawings. The visual scrolling feedback technique is well suited for two dimensional scrolling and at arbitrary angles other than horizontal or vertical, and is particularly suited for small displays such as handheld devices.
The technique of the present invention provides the user with temporary visual feedback in a form which is not distracting, which is directly embedded in the document itself, which does not obscure the source material, and which conforms to an intuitively understood and adapted physical process, thus requiring no prior training. As the user moves the document through the GUI window, by for example scrolling, panning or zooming, the newly exposed portions xe2x80x9cdevelopxe2x80x9d or are transformed from a muted state (e.g., lower contrast, painted with semi-transparent overlay color or pattern, or distinguished by some image transformation such as a shift in hue or color balance) to a normal contrast and brightness state in a second or two after the user stops scrolling. Many combinations of overlay color, pattern and image transformations are possible, depending on the nature of the document being viewed.
As new pointing and scroll control devices are becoming available, the user""s ability to smoothly scroll at high speed may exceed his or her ability to maintain visual context. The present visual scrolling feedback technique reduces the user""s effort significantly, and improves the user""s scrolling speed without losing position context. Some important aspects of the present technique include:
Superimposing graphical overlay information, represented by a visual feedback layer on a document, helps the user track scrolling movement. The graphical information is transient, and fades away after the user stops scrolling. The graphical overlay information can be an outline or semi-transparent by means of standard image combination (xe2x80x9ccompositingxe2x80x9d) techniques with the base document, such as alpha-blending, or image multiplication.
The graphical overlay information may include a periodic, spatially-repetitive pattern or color. The period of the pattern can be selected to perform various functions: to the size of the window to convey how far the user has scrolled by the number of pattern cells that have passed; to a size appropriate to the document, e.g., to a page size for text documents; or to a scale appropriate to the underlying data, e.g., to a map scale.

Visual scrolling feedback and method of achieving the same

International Business Machine Corporation


A joint compound composition comprising a filler, a binder and a hydrocarbon substituted sulfate, sulfonate, sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid is disclosed. The composition of the present invention produces a joint compound that shrinks less and is resistant to cracking and cratering.

This invention relates to a composition for a joint compound for use in filling and coating the joints between adjacent panels of gypsum wallboard. More specifically, it relates to a joint compound composition including a surfactant additive that reduces shrinkage, increases crack resistance and increases crater resistance in a joint compound, without destroying the ability of the joint compound to bond with substrates or decorative applications such as paint.
In the construction of buildings, one of the most common elements is gypsum wallboard, often known as drywall, used in the construction of walls and/or ceilings. Walls made from gypsum wallboard are conventionally constructed by affixing the panels to studs or joists, and then filling and coating the joints between panels with a specially prepared composition called a joint compound. This process generally proceeds by placing a taping grade joint compound within the joint formed by the abutted edges of the wallboards and embedding a liquid-permeable tape within the taping compound. When dry (or set), a second coating comprising a topping grade joint compound is applied over the joint. This is sanded lightly, then a third coat applied and conventionally finished. Another grade of joint compound is an all-purpose grade that is used both for embedding the tape and for applying the finish coats. A patterned effect may be given to the finished wall and joint with the all-purpose joint compound to provide a textured finish.
There are two general types of joint compound, setting type and drying type. Joint compound of the setting type sets up and becomes firm when hydration reactions convert calcium sulfate hemihydrate and water into an interlocking matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals. Excess water evaporates. Drying type compound becomes firm upon the loss of water by evaporation.
Common problems with joint compounds include cracking, shrinkage and cratering. Cracking and shrinkage occur during the drying process, while craters or surface defects occur during application. Cracking is most likely under harsh environmental conditions or when large amounts of joint compound are applied at once, rather than being applied in several thin layers. Shrinkage and cracking are generally less of a problem with setting type base joint compounds, because some of the water is being absorbed by hydration reactions instead of being driven off by evaporation and because in setting type compounds, the matrix of gypsum crystals formed before drying provides strength to resist shrinkage during drying. Craters are pock marks noticeable on the otherwise smooth surface of the joint compound. It is believed that the factors involved with cratering include rheology, air management and surface tension of the compound.
It is generally known that drywall contractors, in applying joint compounds, sometimes add liquid soap to joint compound immediately before application to improve the finished surface of the joint compound. A soap, or detergent, is a complex mixture of ingredients including, but not limited to acids, bases, antimicrobal agents, antiredeposition agents, colorants, fragrances, defoamers, foamers, hydrotropes, moisturizers, preservatives, solvents, thickeners and surfactants, selected from many possible functional groups. However, soap or detergent addition has also been known to cause a number of problems. Some multicomponent soaps lose effectiveness if they are added at the time of manufacture of the joint compound, making it necessary to measure, add and mix in the soap or detergent immediately before use. It is inconvenient to carry the joint compound, the soap or detergent, a measuring device and a mixer, all to a job site, particularly if it is in a remote location. Use of soaps or detergents also contributes to paint flashing whereby poor paint coverage is obtained.
Two references to O""Connell et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,039 and 4,504,602, teach the use of sodium sulfonates as additives to a sprayable acoustical composition to promote foaming. The composition contains mineral wool fillers containing polyolefin fibers. This reference is directed to a sprayable, textured coating and is not useful as a joint compound.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,568, to Bounini, discloses the addition of an aqueous solution of ligno sulfonates to make healed stucco for use in gypsum slurries to produce gypsum board. Addition of the ligno sulfate increases the flowability of the stucco and reduces the power required to grind it. There is no claim, teaching or example that such a compound is useful in a joint compound.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved joint compound composition that reduces shrinkage and cracking in drying type joint compounds.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved joint compound whose additives are all included at the time of manufacture.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved joint compound composition with fewer surface craters.
The above-listed objects are met or exceeded by the present invention that features a joint compound composition that exhibits reduced shrinkage and increases resistance to cracking and cratering.
More specifically, the invention relates to a composition that includes a joint compound, which includes a binder and a filler, and a surfactant additive. The surfactant additive consists essentially of a hydrocarbon substituted sulfate, sulfonate, sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid. The hydrocarbon substituent group is an aliphatic, olefinic, alicyclic or aromatic group, or combinations thereof. Further, the substituent group has from 12 to 24 carbon atoms. Preferably, the substituent group includes an aromatic ring. When used in a drying type joint compound, this composition produces a better quality surface compared to traditional joint compounds. The composition of this invention exhibits less cracking and cratering than prior art compositions without several of the drawbacks that are associated with multicomponent soap or detergent addition.
The joint compound of the present invention also shrinks less than conventional joint compounds. When there is less shrinkage, there are several benefits. Fewer layers of joint compound need be applied to obtain a smooth, monolithic surface. Less joint compound will be required to complete the job. Time will be saved by less waiting for the layers to be applied and less waiting for the compound to dry between coats.
Addition of the hydrocarbon substituted sulfonates sulfates, sulfuric acids or sulfonic acids of the present invention is completed during the manufacture of the joint compound. This eliminates the need to separately carry the additive and a measuring device to a remote job site. Use of the instant additive also minimizes paint flashing.
Another benefit of this composition is a decrease in density when used in a lightweight joint compound. All other properties being equal, lightweight joint compounds are preferred over heavier products. Contractors who apply these compounds in large quantity become fatigued less quickly when handling light products. Low density products are also less expensive to ship than their traditional counterparts. The composition of the present invention also produces a reduction in density in lightweight joint compounds, making it easier to apply and less costly to ship.
The composition of the present invention is a blend of a joint compound with a surfactant additive. The surfactant additive includes a hydrocarbon substituted sulfate, sulfonate, sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid. When the sulfate or sulfonate salt is used, potassium or sodium is the preferred cationic component. In the preferred embodiment, the surfactant is blended with a ready-mix, drying-type joint compound. The surfactant additive preferably is added to a joint compound when it is manufactured.
The first component of the present invention is the surfactant additive, which is a hydrocarbon substituted sulfate, sulfonate, sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid. The surface of the joint compound made with one of these compounds has fewer flaws, such as cracks or craters. Although sulfonates are preferred, sulfates sulfuric acids, and sulfonic acids are also useful.
The surfactant additive is variable as to what cationic portion is used. The acids, sodium or potassium salts of the hydrocarbon substituted sulfates or sulfonates are the preferred compounds. Cationic portions that do not readily disassociate, such as isopropyl amines, are generally not effective in this invention. Choice of a cationic portion will, of course, result in a change in the molecular weight of the sulfonate salt. Use of a different cationic portion, other than sodium, will lead to over or under-representation of the anionic portion in calculation of the weight % of surfactant additive present. Therefore, for purposes of description herein, the quantity of surfactant additive is calculated on the basis of the sodium salt, and should be recalculated if other than sodium is employed so that the concentration of the anionic portion is the same.
The overall chain length of the hydrocarbon substituent group is variable from about C12 to about C24. A preferred carbon number range is from C12 to C18. Another preferred range is from C16 to C20. A more preferred range is from about C16 to about C18. The most preferred hydrocarbon substituent contains 18 carbon atoms. Preferably, the substituent group includes an aromatic ring. Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (xe2x80x9cDDBSAxe2x80x9d) is the most preferred surfactant additive for several reasons. The eighteen-carbon chain length efficiently produces the desired results, and is also available at a reasonable cost, and in commercial quantities. Substituent groups of longer chain length, in the range of C19-C24, are also contemplated for use in this invention. The surfactant additive should be added in a concentration (calculated in regard to the sodium salts) from about 0.03 to about 0.5% weight % based on the dry weight of the total inventive composition, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 0.2%.
The second component of the present invention is a base joint compound. The term xe2x80x9cbase joint compoundxe2x80x9d is used to refer to any joint compound before the surfactant additive of the present invention is added. Either setting or drying type joint compounds are suitable, although the results will be more evident in a base joint compound of the drying type. Both dry powder formulas, where water is added at the time of use, or ready-mix formulations, with the water mixed in at the time of manufacture, are suitable for use with this invention. It is also contemplated that the present invention will be used with lightweight formulations as well as traditional base joint compounds. The preferred base joint compound is a conventional weight, ready-mix compound of the drying type.
The base joint compound generally includes one or more binders, one or more fillers and other additives as required by the particular application to be used. Any conventional binder that is used in joint compounds may be utilized in this invention. Binders that are particularly suitable include polyvinyl acetates, acrylics, polyvinyl alcohols, redispersible powders, such as polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetates, and starches. Latex binders are the preferred binders. Examples of suitable latex emulsion binders include ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer latex or polyvinyl acetate latex. Combinations of binders are also contemplated.
Certain fillers will be present depending on the type of joint compound to be prepared. Setting type joint compounds are generally based on calcium sulfate hemihydrate, also known as calcined gypsum or Plaster of Paris. Drying type joint compounds generally include either calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate dihydrate, also known as gypsum or landplaster, as fillers. The preferred filler is finely ground calcium carbonate. It is a dry powder that usually comprises at least about 50% by dry weight of the joint compound composition and generally falls within the range of about 50-95% of the dry weight. The ratio of the fillers to the binders are preferably in the range of about 100:1 to about 10:1.
Other fillers, such as perlite, expanded perlite, magnesium carbonate, glass or resin microbeads are also suitable fillers, depending on the type of joint compound desired. Dolomite, a mixture of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, is also a preferred filler. Perlite or expanded perlite is preferred when a lightweight filler is desired. Often, several different fillers are used in combination to obtain a specific set of properties. Use of expanded perlite in a lightweight joint compound is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,267, which is herein incorporated by reference. Expanded perlite is a very lightweight material that contains many cracks and fissures. It is preferably treated according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,388, which is hereby incorporated by reference, so that the material does not increase in weight due to water absorbed by capillary action. The treated, expanded perlite is preferably present in amounts of from about 8% to about 18% based on the dry weight. Lightweight fillers, as used in joint compounds, are taught in co-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 09/724,736, filed concurrently herewith, for a Lightweight Joint Compound, which is herein incorporated by reference. A combination of resin microbeads and expanded perlite is the preferred filler for lightweight joint compounds.
Thickeners are optionally added to the joint compound to achieve a desired consistency. Cellulosic compounds, associative thickeners or starches are the preferred thickeners, with cellulosic thickeners being most preferred. Conventional cellulosic thickeners, such as ethylhydroxy ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydoxypropyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose, are also suitable in the joint compounds of this invention. The amount of cellulosic thickener ranges from about 0.05% to about 2% of the weight of the total joint compound ingredients, excluding water.
Preservatives are optionally added to ready-mix formulations to prevent bacteria and fungi from attacking the organic components over a period of time. Both a bactericide and a fungicide are recommended. TROYSAN(copyright) 174 by Troy Chemical Company is the bactericide of choice, while the preferred fungicide is FUNGITROL(copyright) 158, made by Huls America, Inc. These ingredients are used in minor amounts, generally ranging from about 0.05 to about 1% of the total dry weight.
Finally, suspending agents are preferably included to keep the heavier components of the composition from settling out. Clays, such as bentonite, kaolin, sepeolite or attapulgite clay are particularly preferred suspending agents, with attapulgite clay being the most preferred. Suspending agents are generally present in amounts from about 0.5% to about 5% of the dry weight.
Water is added to the joint compound at the time of manufacture or just before use to achieve the correct viscosity. Generally, water is added to the joint compound until the desired viscosity is obtained, depending on the specific application for which it is used. Preferably, water is added until the Brabender viscosity reaches 350-850. A Brabender viscosity of 350-550 is most preferred when the viscosity is measured at the mixer. For ready-mix joint compound, viscosity of the final product as packaged will vary greatly depending on final product processing. Down-stream handling of the product often results in an increase in viscosity. The target viscosity of the packaged ready-mix product is preferably from about 400-700 Brabender units.
A number of optional ingredients are also suitable to optimize the formulation for a particular application. Pigments are added to control the color of the finished joint compound. Mica or talc optionally are also added to the joint compound to modify the rheology of the slurry.
Any known joint compound components may be added except additional surfactants. The surfactant additive of the present invention is most effective when there are no additional surfactants present in major amounts. Other surfactants may be present as long as the nature and/or concentration do not seriously disadvantageously affect performance. The surfactant additive of the present invention preferably comprises at least 90% by weight of all surfactants present in the joint compound.
Manufacture of the ready mixed joint compound includes combining of wet with dry components in a mixer. Some ingredients, including the preferred surfactant additive, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, are available in either dry or liquid form. The preferred binder, a latex binder, is a liquid, but other binders are available as powders. All components are grouped as to their physical form. The wet components are generally blended directly in the mixer. Water is placed in the mixer and first blended with the other wet components, such as the surfactant additive and the binder, if they are in liquid form. The dry components generally include the fillers, suspending agents and thickeners. It provided as a powder, the binder and surfactant additive are also mixed with the dry components. These components are blended together before addition to the mixer using any technique known in the art to blend dry ingredients together. Powder feeders are optionally used to disperse the suspending agents or thickeners in with the fillers as they are moved to the mixer by conveyor.
After the wet ingredients have been combined, the dry components are mixed in with the wet components in the mixer. Mixing continues until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Additional water is added, if necessary, to achieve a desired viscosity. This viscosity will vary depending on exactly what type of joint compound is being prepared, but the target viscosity is generally between 350-850 Brabender units.

Joint compound additive for reduction of cracking, cratering and shrinkage


A spray device (10, 56, 58) for a window or glass washing system has a spray nozzle (14) that has a nozzle bore (50) and is supported in a nozzle housing (12) with a water connection and has a device that prevents a returm flow and an uncontrolled escape of spraying water. The spray nozzle (14) is retained axially movably in the nozzle housing (12) and in the spraying operation is subjected to water pressure at a face end (24) toward the water connection (60), while with its other face end (26), it contacts a closure part (16, 38), which sealingly covers the nozzle bore (50) until it is brought, by an axial displacement of the spray nozzle (14), into an open position and uncovers the nozzle bore (50).

The invention is based on a spray device for a window or glass washer system as generically defined by the preamble to claim 1.
As a rule, known window or glass washer systems for vehicles are used in conjunction with wipers. For headlights, it is sufficient in some cases to use them without wipers, but with a higher pressure. These systems are actuated if the moisture from precipitation is insufficient to clean the vehicle glass. They include a water tank, spray nozzles, and a pump that pumps water, with which cleaning and antifreeze agents are mixed under some circumstances, under pressure out of the water tank via water lines to the spray nozzles. As a rule, the spray nozzles are secured to some part of a vehicle body, such as a hood over the engine compartment, a window frame, or the like.
To prevent the spray nozzles from freezing up at temperatures below the freezing point, heating elements are integrated with the spray nozzles; these elements are connected to an electrical power supply via plugs located on the outside. The heating elements make for a relatively high cost of production for the spray nozzles and complicate the tasks of assembly, laying the electrical lines and providing electrical contact for the plugs. However, heating devices are also known that are passed through a water supply line and are embodied as heating coils in the nozzle body.
It is also already known to secure spray nozzles as additional components on the wiper blade and thus to distribute the spraying water over the wiping region directly with a short stream length. Since the spraying water is concentrated on a region in the vicinity of the wiper blade and is wiped off again in the briefest time by the wiping motion, the view is hindered only briefly by the spraying water applied. A disadvantage of such systems is that the effects of weather, especially hail and extreme sunshine, have a major effect on the flexible parts of this arrangement, which are required for spanning the jointed regions between the wiper arm and the wiper blade. The spray nozzles and water lines that are exposed to the relative wind also freeze up quickly at temperatures below the freezing point, unless enough antifreeze is added to the water. As a rule, thawing the frozen water lines and spray nozzles again can be done only with major effort.
In an earlier German patent application, DE 198 15 171.3, a wiper arm is described on whose hinge element, or on a wiper rod integrally joined to the hinge element, spray nozzles are disposed. The spray nozzles are located in a nozzle body. The nozzle body is accommodated in a bulge of the hinge element with a spray opening for the spray stream, or is clipped, protruding downward, in a lateral mount on the wiper rod. It is also possible for two nozzle bodies to be provided, which are joined together by a rigid or flexible connecting piece. The nozzle bodies can be replaced easily and are well protected against environmental factors.
Expediently, the spray nozzle has an outward-opening check valve, which prevents the water line from running empty if the washer system goes unused for relatively long periods. These check valves for the most part operate on the order of the spring and ball system. They are intended to prevent the water line from becoming only partly filled, impeding the heat transfer from the heating element to the water. Furthermore, water residues can become locally overheated and can evaporate. This causes calcium deposits that over the course of time plug up the narrow conduits in the spray nozzle.
There are also simple versions in which the nozzle bodies are produced integrally and as an injection molded plastic part. The spray nozzles are either supported fixedly in the nozzle body or are adjustably supported via a ball seat. By means of the nozzle bodies distributed on the wiper arm, the spraying water is well distributed over the wiping region, especially if a spray stream is aimed directly in front of the wiper blade in a lower region. Because as a result of the arrangement the stream lengths are short, the relative wind can have only little effect on the spraying water distribution even at a relatively high vehicle speed.
Window or glass washer systems that are used without wipers are also known, where the geometry of the surface to be cleaned precludes the use of wipers. This pertains to washer systems for the panes of headlights.
According to the invention, the spray nozzle is retained axially movably in the nozzle housing. In the spraying operation, it is acted upon by water pressure on a face end toward the water connection, while with its other face end it contacts a closure part. The closure part sealingly covers the nozzle bore until it is brought into an open position by the axial displacement of the spray nozzle and uncovers the nozzle bore. The closure part is opened and kept open not by the emerging washing water but rather mechanically by the spray nozzle; the force that acts on the closure part to open it is determined by the level of the spray pressure and by the size of the effective end face, oriented toward the water connection, of the spray nozzle. At even a slight spray pressure, an adequate opening force can be generated by means of suitable dimensioning of the effective end face.
The closure part is expediently made from plastic and has a support ring, with which it is retained in the nozzle housing and/or in a nozzle body placed in the nozzle housing. The support ring is adjoined by a rubber-elastic diaphragm with a central, expandable opening and sealing lips, which are opened and closed by the axial motion of the spray nozzle and which in the open state permit an unhindered passage through them of the spray stream. Upon closure, they act as a sealing element. This arrangement and the design of the closure part make it possible for all the water-carrying components and conduits of the spray device to be closed in the phases of repose between washing phases. As a result, in wiper operation without a washing function, no washing water escapes, even at high wiping frequencies or in stroke- controlled wiper arms in which increased forces of acceleration act on the washing water. Consequently, less washing water is consumed. Since under some circumstances cleaning and antifreeze agents are also admixed with the water, their consumption is also reduced.
In the winter, the spray device has to be heated to assure proper function. To that end, a heating line is provided, which extends through the water connection and the nozzle housing to the vicinity of the spray nozzle. Since the water-carrying conduits remain filled until immediately before the emergence, on the one hand a good heat transfer between the heating line and the washing water and the spray nozzle is always assured. At the same time, the washing water is prevented from becoming overheated and evaporating, which could lead to harmful deposits in the water conduits and in the nozzle bore.
The closure part with its diaphragm and its sealing lips is designed structurally, and its elasticity is selected such, that upon opening it simultaneously generates a restoring force, which pushes the spray nozzle back into the position of repose. A spring mechanism can thus be dispensed with. The result is a simple design with only a few components, requiring little effort in assembly and with low costs. To provide that the elastic closure part is not overstressed by a high spray pressure, its opening motion is limited by a stop. This assures a defined opening geometry that does not hinder the spray stream, so that the spray stream, even at a relatively slight pump pressure, is capable of readily loosening the dirt and effectively cleaning the window or pane. This also prevents a high spray pressure from forcing the spray nozzle through the opening of the closure part.
The stop is expediently formed by a ring which at the same time restrains the closure part in the nozzle housing. A further variant is obtained by a design of the closure part that takes the form of a cap and is secured to the outer diameter of the nozzle housing. The stop is formed by a bead formed onto the closure part. In this inexpensive variant, the ring is omitted. In addition, the spray nozzle is well insulated in terms of heat by the caplike closure part made of plastic.
To enable optimally adjusting the spray stream, the spray nozzle is axially movably supported in a nozzle body that in turn is adjustably supported within a limited angular range via a ball seat in the nozzle housing. All the variants of the closure part can also be employed here. The compact design of the spray device is especially well suited to installation on a wiper arm.

Spray device for a windshield washer system


A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.

Not Applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices that provide a means to support and/or reinforce and/or stabilize a diseased mammalian spinal intervertebral disc.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is recognized that the spinal disc consists of three parts: first, the nucleus, a central portion that is a compression-resisting cushion; second, the annulus, a peripheral rim portion that is a tension-resisting hoop; and third, the end plate, the superior and inferior borders of the disc, consisting of the up and down borders of the vertebral body bones.
Many studies have concluded that mechanical back pain is the most common and costly musculoskeletal condition affecting middle-aged humans in modem societies. Mechanical back pain may be caused by several factors, but overwhelming evidence suggests that degeneration of the spinal intervertebral disc, such as may be caused by Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is the most common condition causing back pain symptoms.
The inventor, in a previously published work entitled The tissue origin of low back pain and sciatica: A report of pain response to tissue stimulation during operations on the lumbar spine using local anesthesia. (Orthop. Clin. North Amer. 1991; 22(2):181-187.), demonstrated that the diseased disc rim or annulus is the principle pain generator responsible for mechanical back pain.
Many devices have been invented for the purpose of stabilizing and/or replacing parts of the disc in an effort to ease the pain associated with disc disease. Indeed, one of the author""s prior inventions, the BAK has been used in more than 80,000 humans, with generally good results (See generally: the Bagby and Kuslich Method of Lumbar Interbody Fusion. History, Techniques, and 2-year Follow-up Results of a United States Prospective, Multicenter Trial. Kuslich S. D., Ulstrom C. L., Griffith S. L., Ahem J. W., Dowdle J. D., Spine 1998;23:1267-1279; Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Of the BAK Interbody Fusion System, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (PMA 950002), PMA Document Mail Center (HFZ-401), Center for Disease and Radiological Health, Washington D.C., Sep. 20, 1996; and Lumbar Interbody Cage Fusion for Back Pain: an Update on The BAK (Bagby and Kuslich) System, Kuslich S. D., Spine: State of the Art Reviews 1999;13(2):295-311). Unfortunately, the BAK and many similarly structured rigid metallic implants suffer from several less than ideal features such as: the need to create fairly large surgical exposures, the need for fairly large entrance holes through the annulus of the disc, and the presence of fairly large volumes of metal that reduce bone graft surface contact at the end plate.
Any device that would more easily, and/or more effectively, and/or more safely treat degenerative disc disease would be useful in the management of hundreds of thousands of suffering individuals.
Previous patents involving intervertebral devices designed to treat DDD fall generally into the following four classes:
The first class includes rigid, three-dimensional geometric solid devices, either impervious or porous, that function as support struts. When placed in the area of the disc between adjacent vertebral bodies, they allow and/or encourage bone to grow through and/or around the device to cause a bony fusion between two adjacent vertebral bodies. Examples of such devices have been described in the following references:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,436 to Schxc3x6nhxc3x6ffer
U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,502 to Bagby
U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,031 to Biedermann et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,427 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,899 to Schwartz et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,748 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,683 to Bagby
U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,291 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,909 to Zdeblick
U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,180 to Heggeness et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,235 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,308 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,307 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,391 to Henderson et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,953 to Bagby
U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,193 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,255 to Kuslich
U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247 to Michelson
U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,458 to Harms et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,848 to Bagby
U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,757 to Bantigan
U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,305 both to Harms et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,269 to Bagby
U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,112 to Rezaian
The second class involves the use of semi-rigid artificial joints that allow motion in one or more planes. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,769 to Kostuik, U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,763 to Shelokov, and commercially available examples such as the Link device or Charite Intervertebral Disc Endoprosthesis.
The third class is directed to non-rigid cushions designed to replace the nucleus of the disc. Examples of artificial discs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,260 to Ray, U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,287 to Ray and U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,326 to Boa.
Finally, the fourth class is the relatively new area of initially flexible, expandable bags or balloons that become rigid when injected with materials that can support loads. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,571,189 and 5,549,679 to Kuslich, each of which describe expandable, porous balloons or bags, useful in stabilizing a deteriorating spinal disc. In this fourth class, a porous bag or balloon is used which is closed except for a mouth through which bone graft or other graft material is inserted. The bag is placed into a reamed out intervertebral space and is expanded by the introduction of graft material. Recent research and development in the inventor""s laboratory established the fact that a thin walled band or hoop, either porous or non-porous, can be placed in the region of the annulus by means of several techniques. Such a band or bands as described in detail below effectively reinforce the annulus and thereby support spinal motion segment strain deflections resulting from stresses applied in all vector directions: rotation, flexion-extension, side bending, compression and distraction. Furthermore, the inventor""s experiments show that these radially applied bands or hoops can effectively contain and retain inserted or injected materials that are placed in the central region of a reamed-out disc.
The current invention teaches a technique for building and using a simple band to perform many of the functions of the prior art described above. For instance, if compared to metal cylindrical implants such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247 to Michelson and metal-walled or plastic-walled rectangular shaped implants such as may be described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,915 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,256 both to Brantigan, the bands of this invention are softer, lighter, more pliable, and without hard sharp edges, thereby offering greater safety during passage next to delicate structures such as the great vessels or the spinal cord. Also, the completely open structure at the Polar Regions adjacent to cancellous bone of the vertebral bodies, would allow for a more intimate fit between inserted graft material and living bone. This intimacy of contact, without any intervening implant material, may reasonably lead to a faster and more complete biological ingrowth through the central portion of the implant.
It is well known that greater surface area contact between graft and living bone is conducive to higher fusion rates and conversely, lower non-union rates. Thus, the current invention provides for several unique advantages over prior art in the field of interbody fusion devices.
In addition to its uses and advantages in the form of improved interbody fusion devices, the attributes of the current invention would provide a new and potentially superior technology in two other categories of treatment for degenerative disc disease: one, soft tissue reinforcement of diseased discs, and two, disc replacement.
In regard to soft tissue reinforcement of diseased discs, several new techniques have recently become available to treat early and mid-stage disc degeneration by methods less invasive and less drastic than fusion surgery. Examples include: annular tissue modulation by heat application (See generally: Saal J. et al. North American Spine Society presentations 1999, 2000); the use of a polyester tension band placed around and between pedicle screws above and below the involved disc such as, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,266 to Graf; and combined tension and distraction devices placed between pedicle screws, such as may be seen in the commercially available DyneSyS(trademark) device from Sulzer Orthopedics Ltd. While early results from the above technologies appear promising, the current invention would obviate some of the potential dangers and drawbacks of these systems. For example:
In the case of annular tissue modulation by heat application, the current invention does not require heat. Heat can be injurious to local spinal nerves and vessels, possibly leading to paralysis or even death by hemorrhage. The current invention immediately stabilizes the annulus, rather than having to wait until the heat-damaged tissue heals and shrinks.
In the case of a polymeric tension band placed between pedicle screws above and below the involved disc, the current invention does not require the placement of pedicle screws. The placement of pedicle screws requires a significant surgical exposure with attendant bleeding and injury to local muscular, ligamentous, vascular and nervous tissues. The current invention can be installed through much smaller, microsurgical exposures that would have less likelihood of causing collateral damage.
In the case of combined tension and distraction devices placed between pedicle screws, the current invention directly stabilizes the very tissue that is causing the discogenic pain, the annulus, rather than attempting to stabilize the annulus by an external, cantilevered system that has all of the risks and disadvantages of using polyester tension bands and pedicle screws.
The current invention is a basic departure from the prior art at a very fundamental level. The core element of the invention is the simple but broad concept of applying a tension-resisting circumferential band at or near the mid or outer circumference of the annulus. A careful review of the patent and medical literature and prior art did not provide an instance of this fundamental concept having been previously described. Once conceived, the core idea of using a circumferential tension band to reinforce an injured disc annulus led to a number of alternative embodiments, spanning the treatment options all the way from simple reinforcement, to containment of graft material for interbody fusion, to radial containment of a centrally placed compressible or incompressible nuclear replacement material. In other words, the basic concept of the current invention could provide the critical element that would allow a developer and/or a surgeon a new means to structure a new and potentially better annular support for a less invasive early to mid-stage degenerative disc disease treatment method. The invention would also provide an improved means of graft support for a less invasive interbody fusion method. Finally, the invention would provide an improved means of support for nuclear material (biological or non-biological, bioactive or inert, hydrophilic or non-hydrophilic, granular or amorphous)xe2x80x94for nuclear replacement or so-called artificial disc replacement.
The entire content of each and all patents, patent applications, articles and additional references, mentioned herein, are respectively incorporated herein by reference.
The art described in this section is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is xe2x80x9cprior artxe2x80x9d with respect to this invention, unless specifically designated as such. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. xc2xa7 1.56(a) exists.
The invention provides for an expandable tubular member or band which has side walls and may include a fill opening. However, the expandable band does not require either a bottom or a top as it has been found that a suitable enclosure is created by placing such a band within a reamed out intervertebral space. Pressure within the interior of the band is exerted primarily against the side walls and the adjacent vertebrae surfaces. The pressure exerted by the bone graft material at the top and bottom is exerted against the exposed bone of the adjacent vertebrae which encourages bone growth through the band interior. The bone graft material is contained within the tube by a combination of the natural bony top and bottom together with the sidewall of the band.
The current invention provides a novel means to support the diseased and/or weakened annulus of the disc. This support would offer improved resistance to stresses placed on the spine and therefore would reasonably result in decreased pain and improved function to any individual suffering from the degenerated disc disease condition.
In addition to simply reinforcing the diseased annulus of the disc, the devices based on the invention herein described could also provide a means to retain and contain materials that might be inserted or injected into the disc in an attempt to heal the annulus, to replace the natural nucleus, or to create a bony fusion between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a flexible implant that may be inserted into a cavity formed in a degenerating disc. The flexibility of the band allows it to be inserted through a relatively small opening in a disc or vertebral space. The band is then positioned so its fill opening, if any, may receive biological fill material. This material is packed into the interior flexible band, causing the band to expand and conform to the cavity formed in the disc or vertebrae. Fill material is added until enough material is present to expand the disc to the desired position. At this time, the band fill opening is closed to prevent egress of the fill material.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the invention provides for a pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.
As long as the width of the band is approximately equal to the annulus height (or stated another way, the distance from one vertebral peripheral end-plate to its neighbor) the band serves well to contain particulate material inserted into the center of the disc cavity, without the need for a complete spherical enclosure, as would be provided by a balloon. Since in the case of the reamed out interdiscal cavity, the top opening and bottom opening of the band would be covered by dense vertebral bone, it is not necessary to enclose inserted particulate graft or other material in these regions.
Pressure within the cavity, as would occur when a surgeon injects material into its central region interior to the band, is exerted radially against the band and the adjacent vertebral surfaces. As the internal cavity is filled with incompressible material, such as bone graft or bioceramic beads or granules, radial displacement beyond the circumference of the band is restricted. Therefore, any additional injected material would be directed north and south against the vertebral bodies. This action would increase the distance between the vertebral bodies, and produce a so-called disc distraction. This distraction is known to have three salutary results. First, it stabilizes the motion segment by tightening the ligamentous structures. Second, it opens the exiting holes for spinal nerves -the so-called neural foramina- and thus relieves certain types of nerve compression disorders. Third, this improved stability is necessary to allow for bony ingrowth and through-growth, to produce an interbody fusion. The pressure exerted by the bone graft material at the top and bottom is directed against the exposed bone of the adjacent vertebra. This produces an intimate contact that encourages bone growth through the interior of the cavity.
In at least one embodiment, the invention consists of any continuous band or ring that would be placed around and near the outer margin of the intervertebral disc. A suture or preferably a flattened, braided or woven strand or cord, for instance, that was placed circumferentially about a disc and tied to make a tension-resisting ring, would qualify. Modern endoscopic surgical tools, combined with sophisticated surgical navigation systems make this option more practical and safer than would have been possible a few years ago.
In yet another embodiment, the band would be pre-formed to match the anatomy of the patient. It would also be available in a variety of circumferences, plies, thicknesses, widths (in the superior-inferior dimensions), weave patterns, materials and filament diameters. The band would be flexible enough to fit through a small hole made in the annulus, such as during a routine disc hernia removal operation. After removal of the disc hernia, the surgeon would introduce an expandable reamer and thereby remove the degenerated nucleus, the cartilage end plate, and the inner annulus, leaving the outer annulus intact. Examples of such a procedure and expandable reamers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,639 to Kuslich et al. and co-pending U.S. Pat. App. No. 60/182,610 to Kuslich et al., filed Feb. 15, 2000, the entire contents of both being incorporated herein by reference.
The properly sized band would be pushed through the disc portal, whereupon, owing to its inherent springiness, or as a result of material being injected in the interior of the disc, the hoop or band would expand radially against the outer annulus. Perforating the mesh fabric of the band, by means of a pointed fill tube, would allow the surgeon to fill the cavity with significant pressure using graft material; perhaps by the use of a graft injection system such as described in a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/738,726 filed Dec. 15, 2000 and entitled Tool to Direct Bone Replacement Material, to Kuslich et al., and is a continuation in part application of U.S. pat. app. Ser. No. 09/608,079 the entire contents of both being incorporated herein by reference. The resulting compressed graft, held from further expansion by the vertebral bone above and below, and the band or hoop radially, would change phase from liquid-like to solid-like, as is known to occur when granular materials are subjected to compression loading (See: Friction in Granular Flows, by H. M. Jaeger, Chu-heng Liu, S. R. Nagel and T. A. Witten, Europhysics Lett. 11, 619 (1990); Granular Solids, Liquids, and Gases, by H. M. Jaeger, S. R. Nagel and R. P. Behringer, Rev. Mod. Phys. 68, 1259 (1996); and IUTAM Symposium on Segregation in Granular Flows (Solid Mechanics and its Applications), Vol. 81, October 2000). This phase change has been observed and scientifically characterized by our laboratory experiments and by the work described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,975 to Bonutti (see also Formation of Structural Grafts From Cancellous Bone Fragment, by P. M. Bonutti, M. J. Cremens, and B. J. Miller, Am. J. Ortop. Jul. 27, 1998: 499-502); each of the above references being incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. This phase change would result in a construct that is capable of both stabilizing the motion segment in the short run, and would foster the development of a solid bony fusion over the long run.
To state the process in another way: the invention provides a pliable implant that may be inserted into a cavity formed in a degenerating disc. The flexibility of the band allows it to be inserted through a relatively small opening in a disc or vertebral space. The band is then positioned so its fill opening may receive fill material. This material is packed into the region interior to the band, causing the band to expand and conform to the cavity formed in the disc or vertebrae. Fill material is added until enough material is present to expand the disc to the desired position. At this time, the band fill opening is closed, or allowed to self-seal to prevent egress of the fill material.
All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The invention in various of its embodiment is summarized below. Additional details of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
The abstract provided herewith is intended to comply with 37 CFR 1.72 and is not intended be used in determining the scope of the claimed invention.


A backlight module includes a light guide plate and a flexible illuminating bar. The light guide plate has a light emitting top surface and a plurality of light incident side surfaces. Each of the light incident side surfaces is connected to the light emitting top surface. The flexible illuminating bar includes a circuit board module and a plurality of point light sources. The circuit board module includes a plurality of circuit boards and at least one flexible electrical connection member. The circuit boards are disposed at the light incident side surfaces, respectively. The flexible electrical connection member electrically connects two of the circuit boards and is bendingly disposed between corresponding two of the circuit boards. The point light sources are electrically disposed on the circuit boards and suitable for emitting light towards the light incident side surfaces. In addition, another backlight module is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a backlight module and particularly to a backlight module including a light guide plate having a plurality of side surfaces for light incidence.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, due to the global trend of energy-saving and environmental protection, light emitting diode (LED) elements gradually replace cold cathode fluorescence lamps (CCFL) in illumination applications such that mercury free and energy-saving light sources are produced.
Backlight modules can be categorized into direct type and edge type. However, the thickness of each of the conventional direct-type backlight modules is relatively large. In addition, light emitting diode elements can be used together with a light guide plate to form an edge-type backlight module. Single-edge-type backlight modules are common in edge-type backlight modules. In a single-edge-type backlight module, a plurality of light emitting diode elements are disposed at a side surface of a light guide plate. The side surface of the light guide plate which is corresponding to the light emitting diodes is the light incident surface and a top surface of the light guide plate is the light emitting surface. When the single-edge-type backlight module operates, the light emitted from the light emitting diode elements passes through the light incident surface to enter into the light guide plate. After affected by the light guide plate, the light is emitted out from the top surface.
However, in the single-edge-type backlight module, because the light only enters into the light guide plate from one side surface, the light guide plate is very thin and the number of the light emitting diode elements is limited, thus the brightness of the light emitting surface of single-edge-type backlight module can not be efficiently improved. Therefore, there is a desire to provide an edge-type backlight module of which the brightness is relatively high.


Embodiments of present invention relate to a bearing assembly, and a bearing apparatus and motor assembly that employs such a bearing assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly comprises a support ring including a plurality of recesses and at least one opening. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of bearing elements, each of which is positioned generally within a corresponding one of the recesses. At least one of the bearing elements includes at least one groove. At least one retention element may be positioned generally within the at least one opening and adjacent to the at least one groove. Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to a thrust-bearing apparatus, a radial bearing apparatus, and a downhole motor that may utilize any of the disclosed thrust-bearing assemblies and radial bearing assemblies.

Conventional thrust-bearing apparatuses and radial bearing apparatuses may comprise bearing elements including bearing surfaces that at least partially contact and move or slide relative to one another during use. Such bearing elements may include a superhard material (e.g., polycrystalline diamond) for resisting wear during use of the bearing apparatus.
One application for bearing apparatuses is in a subterranean drilling system configured to drill a borehole into a subterranean formation for oil or gas exploration. In a typical subterranean drilling system, a downhole drilling motor is suspended at the lower end of a drill string of drill pipe comprising a series of connected pipe sections. A rotary drill bit (e.g., a fixed cutter drill bit, roller cone drill bit, a reamer, etc.) may be supported below the drilling motor (via pipe sections, drill collars, or other structural members) or may be directly connected to the downhole motor. Drilling fluid (also commonly known as drilling mud) may be circulated through the drill string and the downhole drilling motor to generate torque therewithin to rotate the rotary drill bit and drill a borehole in the subterranean formation. During drilling, the drilling fluid may be returned to the surface through the annular space between the drilled borehole and the drill string and may carry the cuttings of the subterranean formation to the surface. Thrust-bearing apparatuses may be employed in the subterranean drilling system for carrying thrust loads generated during the drilling process.
Radial bearing apparatuses are used in conventional downhole drilling components, such as roller cones. Such radial bearing apparatuses include an inner and outer race, each which may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements (e.g., polycrystalline diamond compacts). The races are positioned adjacent one another so that bearing surfaces of the bearing elements contact one another during use. For example, the inner race may be mounted or affixed to a spindle of a roller cone and the outer race may be affixed to an inner bore formed within the roller cone to enable rotation of the roller cone.

Bearing assembly, and bearing apparatus and motor assembly using same


An Aircraft Ground Power Unit (xe2x80x9cAGPUxe2x80x9d) is a mobile vehicle, preferably self-propelled, on which is mounted an enclosure. Within the enclosure are a number of subsystems, each of which provides a service required by a stationary aircraft for servicing and diagnostic testing prior to flight. Such services include electrical power, hydraulic power, engine-start capability (bleed-air), conditioned air (hot or cold) for the aircraft""s equipment recesses or interior, and nitrogen to inflate struts and operate power tools. The control, status, configuration, and automation of all of the subsystems contained within the enclosure are consolidated under computer control. The enclosure and the subsystems contained therein can be readily mounted on and dismounted from the vehicle.

1. Technical field
This invention relates to the field of aircraft ground servicing, specifically, to the provision of electrical, fluidic, and gaseous inputs to fixed and rotary wing aircraft at the airfield and on the flightline. An aircraft on the ground whose engine is not functioning requires a number of services to determine whether the aircraft is in a condition to fly or taxi. These services include: electrical power, hydraulic power, engine-start capability (bleed-air), air conditioning or heating of the aircraft""s interior, and nitrogen to inflate struts and operate power tools.
2. Background Art
Aircraft Ground Power Units (AGPUs) have been in existence for nearly as long as piston- and turbine-powered aircraft. The shrinking of the defense budget, combined with the increasing projection of U.S. military power throughout the world, requires the armed forces to do more with less equipment and fewer personnel. Thus labor-intensive tasks are increasingly burdensome to today""s leaner military. Thus there is concern that employing older flightline equipment, such as the prior art AGPUs, is incompatible with present-day military manpower and logistics.
The prior art has substantial limitations. Currently, a separate AGPU is required for each requirement (hydraulics, conditioned air, nitrogen, electricity, air start, etc.). Each AGPU must be towed into place adjacent the aircraft to be serviced. Towing each separate AGPU takes time, tying up equipment, the tow vehicle itself, and the people required to operate both the power unit and the tow vehicle. Wartime conditions make servicing each aircraft more difficult.
No currently available AGPU provides all the outputs necessary to service a wide variety of aircraft. Thus each flightline must maintain a multiplicity of separate AGPUs for each aircraft type. Further because no currently available AGPU is self-powered, each must be manually connected to a tow vehicle and brought adjacent to the aircraft to be serviced. For example, the U.S. Army currently uses an AGPU (NSN 1730-01-144-1897, produced by Engineered Systems, Inc.; see Army Technical Manual TN 55-1730-229-12 or Air Force Technical Order TO 35C2-3-473-1) that is very heavy, hard to move (because it is not self-propelled), and that does not provide the voltages and frequencies required by all aircraft the Any employs.
A prior attempt to sol the logistics problems associated with multiple, towed, AGPUs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,100 to Smith et al. Smith et al. discloses a system of servicing islands that furnish compressed air, electricity, and conditioned air from a common source. While Smith et al. discloses how to supply a plurality of servicing inputs to an aircraft, the aircraft itself must be towed to the island.
Thus Smith et al. fails to solve the problem addressed by the present invention for at least three reasons. First, a tow vehicle is still required to bring the aircraft to the service island. If multiple aircraft must be moved into position simultaneously for servicing, as Smith et al. suggests, then multiple tow vehicles are required. Thus Smith et al. teaches away from the present invention, which eliminates multiple towing. Second, not all aircraft can be towed. Rotary-wing aircraft (e.g., helicopters) may not have wheels and therefore cannot be towed. It is therefore not clear how helicopters could utilize the island disclosed by Smith et al. In contrast, the present invention teaches how to service all aircraft (both fixed and rotary-wing) by bringing a unitary servicing apparatus to the aircraft. Third, the present invention discloses means for aircraft servicing in forward-deployed areas of the world, encompassing makeshift airfields over unimproved terrain. Smith et al requires installation into an airfield, even if the installation be temporary rather than permanent. The present invention, on the other hand, requires no installation. It is inherently portable and thus best addresses rapid deployment to remote, unimproved regions.
Prior-art AGPUs also require manual configuration and monitoring each time they are employed to service an aircraft. That is, each AGPU must be manually set up each time it services an aircraftxe2x80x94even if the same type of aircraft is being serviced repetitively.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art in ground servicing of aircraft.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a single, self-powered unit that combines all the components necessary to service a variety of aircraft without requiring power from the aircraft itself.
It is another object of this invention to automate the process of aircraft servicing.
It is a still further object of this invention to control through a computer the components necessary to service an aircraft.
It is yet a further object of this invention to provide computer programs that recognize different aircraft and automatically configure all of the components necessary to service a particular aircraft.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a mountable and demountable air cycle machine for producing conditioned air for servicing an aircraft.
It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide a valve to divert bleed air from a subsystem power unit to either an air cycle machine, a buddy start system, or a deicing system.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide at least one access point on an AGPU from which to make all connections to the aircraft to be serviced.
A further additional object of the present invention is to achieve operation over varying terrain to permit forward deployment in remote areas.
The present invention achieves these and other objects through a single, self-powered, self-moving vehicle on which is detachably mounted a self-contained, self-powered,, and computer-controlled service unit that supplies all inputs required to service an aircraft. The present invention eliminates separate tow vehicles and co-locates all of the aircraft servicing outputs in a single unit.
The present invention reduces the number of servicing units required on the flightline. For example, to start the Comanche helicopter requires 30-35 kw of 270 volt DC power, about 40 lbs./minute of cooling air, about 12 gals./minute hydraulic power at 3,000 psi,, and about 40 lbs./minute bleed-air. So, to service the Comanche, one or more AGPUs must have mounted on them units that provide each of these services. The Apache Longbow helicopter, however, requires about 75 kw of 120 volts, 400 Hz AC power and about 100 w of 28 volt DC power. So, to service the Apache, the one or more AGPUs require different generators than to service the Comanche. (Cooling requirements are approximately the same for both aircraft.) Given the plethora of aircraft in the military inventory, the present invention eliminates maintaining a large number of AGPUs, one for each type of aircraft.
A computer inside the enclosed service unit of the present invention monitors the components that service an aircraft through software programs and an operator interface. The type of aircraft is chosen from a menu-driven display. The computer responds to the operator""s selections and rapidly configures the AGPU of the present invention to supply the correct servicing outputs in the correct quantities for that particular aircraft. This simple method of configuring contrasts with the prior-art devices that require the operator to manually configure each separate (and separately towed) servicing unit. Configuring the prior-art servicing units can require an operator either to page through extensive operation manuals or to be trained extensively to apply specialized knowledge. At best, the prior-art device depends upon a highly skilled operator; at worst, it may fail for lack of an experienced operator.
Nothing in the prior art teaches or suggests this aspect of the present invention. In the prior art, there is no built-in database for servicing aircraft. The data exist in separate servicing manuals for each type of aircraft and, perhaps, in the operator""s memory. Furthermore, once the operator decides upon the parameters of the servicing outputs to supply the aircraft, he must manually configure the unit by rotating knobs, throwing switches, reading dials and gauges to successfully service the aircraft. The present invention reduces the labor required and minimizes the possibility of operator error.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air cycle machine is mounted atop the enclosure, and its input is coupled, through the enclosure, to the bleed air output of the prime mover. The air cycle machine thus benefits from the self-containment and self-mobility of the AGPU of the present invention. In the prior art, the air cycle machine must be separately towed into position. Alternatively, in the present invention the air cycle machine can be removed and made independent of the AGPU. At the point where the air cycle machine would otherwise directly connect, a duct may be connected to the bleed air exit from the AGPU. This duct can be coupled to an air cycle machine, a deicing system, or a buddy-start system, any of which may be located remotely from the AGPU.
Rough terrain presents a significant obstacle to the towed units of the prior art.
Rotary-wing aircraft (e.g., helicopters) and certain fixed-wing aircraft (e.g., Harrier jets and V-22 Osprey) operate in forward deployment, and they must be serviced by AGPUs. The prior-art units would be wholly ineffective in such environments. This deficiency is overcome by the present invention.
Briefly stated, an AGPU is a mobile vehicle, preferably self-propelled, on which is mounted an enclosure. Within the enclosure are a number of subsystems, each of which provides a service required by a stationary aircraft for servicing and diagnostic testing prior to flight. Such services include electrical power, hydraulic power, engine-start capability (bleed-air), conditioned air (hot or cold) for the aircraft""s equipment recesses or interior, and nitrogen to inflate struts and operate power tools. The control, status, configuration, and automation of all of the subsystems contained within the enclosure are consolidated under computer control. The enclosure and the subsystems contained therein can be readily mounted on and dismounted from the vehicle.
According to an embodiment of the invention, apparatus for servicing an aircraft comprises: a self-propelled vehicle; a service unit detachably mounted to the vehicle; the service unit being controllable by a computer; and the service unit being effective for providing a plurality of outputs.
According to a feature of the invention, a method for servicing an aircraft, comprises the steps of: installing at least one program in at least one computer; storing an aircraft servicing database in the at least one computer; configuring a service unit according to the database to service a chosen aircraft; and applying the service unit to service the chosen aircraft as directed by the at least one program.
According to another feature of the invention, apparatus for servicing an aircraft comprises: at least one program installed in at least one computer; an aircraft servicing database stored in the at least one computer; a service unit configured according to the database to service a chosen aircraft in response to instructions in the at least one program; and the service unit being mounted on a self-propelled vehicle.
These and many other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the related drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


Magnetic recording media comprising an ordered, ultra-high density array of 500 .ANG. diameter circular magnetic thin film islands on a substrate. The magnetic material supports magnetization perpendicular to the film plan, and each circular island comprises a single magnetic domain and a single information storage bit. An areal bit density of 10.sup.11 bits/in.sup.2 can be achieved by such an array. The magnetic array is generated using a single level mask comprised of a self-ordering polymer array, either an array of polymer spheres or a regular array of polymeric blocks in a phase-separating polymer film.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to information storage media and, more particularly, to high density magnetic information storage media which comprises a plurality of discrete islands of magnetic material.
2. Background of the Invention
Present day high density magnetic information storage media contain small magnetic grains, usually in a thin metallic film. In this media, it is usual for one information storage bit to be stored in a region of the film which contains a large number of magnetic grains and which is magnetized coherently in one of two preferred directions--usually referred to as "up" and "down," even though the actual direction of magnetization may not be perpendicular to the film or other form of media on which the magnetic grains are deposited.
The demands of high density information storage have led to magnetic grains in the metal films with dimensions as small as 100 to 150 .ANG. (10 to 15 nm) which, in turn, has resulted in a large number of grains, on the order of thousands or tens of thousands, being contained within each individual information storage bit. Nonetheless, the recording medium remains fundamentally granular and the grains have a large dispersion (by a factor of two) in size. This granularity leads to media noise in the magnetic switching process, which gets worse as the bit size, hence the number of grains in a bit, becomes smaller. Although an ideal medium (with a constant grain size and containing N number of particles in each bit) results in a signal-to-noise ratio proportional to (N).sup. 1/2, the actual practical situation is much worse because of the irregularity in particle size, particle packing and particle interactions due to exchange coupling and demagnetization fields. Present day commercial hard disk storage media have a bit density of roughly 100 Mb/in.sup.2. Today's technology reaches physical limitation at 10.sup.8 and 10.sup.9 Mb/in.sup.2.
From the above, then, it appears that the contiguous granular media approach provides significant limitations to pushing the media significantly farther in the direction of smaller bit size and higher areal density, and therefore the need is for a different approach to high density magnetic storage media.

High density magnetic information storage medium

Board of Trustees Leland Stanford, Jr. University


A mounting arrangement for removably mounting a conveyor belt cleaner scraping member to a support member. The mounting arrangement includes first and second mounting members adapted to be attached to the support member. Each mounting member includes one or more apertures. A base member is adapted to be attached to the scraping member. The base member includes one or more bores adapted to be aligned with a respective aperture in each mounting member. The bore includes inwardly projecting first and second annular ribs. A mounting pin having a shank is adapted to be inserted into the apertures of the first and second mounting members and into the bore of the base member to thereby connect the base member to the mounting members. The shank of the pin includes a first annular groove adapted to receive and interlock with the first rib of the base member and a second annular groove adapted to receive and interlock with the second annular rib of the base member. The interlocking of the ribs of the base member with the grooves of the mounting pin resists removal of the pin from the bore of the base member while allowing removal of the pin from the bore upon application of sufficient force to the pin.

The present invention is directed to a self-locking pin mounting arrangement for removably mounting conveyor belt cleaner scraper blades to a cross-shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner, and in particular to a mounting arrangement which includes a pin having a shank with one or more annular grooves which is adapted to be inserted into a bore in a base member of a scraper blade.
Threaded fasteners, such as threaded bolts and threaded nuts, are often used to mount rubber or elastomeric conveyor belt scraper blades to the cross-shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner. Conveyor belt cleaners are used in hostile environments wherein the fasteners become corroded and are often impossible to be removed without the use of a cutting torch. Even when threaded fasteners can be removed without the use of a cutting torch, it is often a difficult and time consuming process due to the conditions found in and around conveyors.
Other types of scraper blade mounting arrangements which do not utilize threaded fasteners have been used to removably mount scraper blades to cross-shafts. One such mounting arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,689 of Martin Engineering. This mounting arrangement utilizes a track in which the scraper blade is slidably inserted. Over long periods of time fines from the conveyed material can build up in the track and make removal of scraper blades difficult. In addition, even in track mounting arrangements some type of fastener is needed to prevent horizontal sliding movement of the scraper blades. Other mounting arrangements, known as cartridge systems, use a single cylindrical pin at each end of the scraper blade to prevent removal of the blades. The cartridge type of mounting arrangement is useful in connection with conveyor belt cleaners that are used with conveyor belts having a small to medium width, and for conveyor belt cleaners that include a one-piece scraper blade.
A mounting arrangement for removably connecting a scraping member to a support member. The mounting arrangement includes a first mounting member and a second mounting member adapted to be attached to the support member. The first mounting member includes one or more first apertures and the second mounting member includes one or more second apertures. The mounting arrangement includes a base member adapted to be attached to the scraping member. The base member includes a bore including an inwardly projecting first annular rib and a spaced apart inwardly projecting second annular rib. Each annular rib includes a generally cylindrical side wall located between a first generally conical side wall and a second generally conical side wall. The bore also includes a generally cylindrical side wall located between the first and second ribs that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical side walls of the first and second ribs.
The mounting arrangement includes a mounting pin having a shank that is adapted to be inserted into the first and second apertures of the first and second mounting members and the bore of the base member. The mounting pin includes a first annular groove and a spaced apart second annular groove. Each annular groove includes a generally cylindrical surface located between first and second generally conical surfaces. The first annular groove of the shank is adapted to receive and interlock with the first annular rib of the base member and the second annular groove of the shank is adapted to receive and interlock with the second annular rib of the base member. The first rib of the base member interlocks with the first groove of the pin and the second rib of the base member interlocks with the second groove of the pin such that the ribs resist removal of the pin from the bore of the base member while allowing removal of the pin from the bore of the base member upon application of sufficient force to the pin.

Self-locking pin mounting arrangement for conveyor belt cleaner scraper blades