The present invention relates to a composition containing zeolite, ethoxylated nonionic surfactant and an alkali metal carbonate.

The present invention relates to a free flowing granular cleaning composition for use in fabric care, wherein the composition contains a nonionic surfactant and a zeolite MAP.
In recent years the use of zeolite in fabric cleaning compositions as a replacement for phosphate as a detergent builder has increased because of the ability of the zeolite (crystalline alkali metal aluminosilicate) to sequester calcium ions from the aqueous wash solution.
More recently the use of the traditional Zeolite A has been replaced by the use of zeolite MAP (maximum aluminum zeolite P which has a silicon to aluminum ratio of less than 1.33).
Zeolite MAP has been previously disclosed in the literature. EP384070A discloses the use of zeolite MAP in a cleaning composition. EP0448297A, EP0502675A, EP0533392B1 and EP0695341B1 teaches the use of zeolite MAP in combination with a bleach system for use in cleaning compositions. PCT W097/34979 also teaches the use of zeolite MAP in combination with a bleaching system. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,238,594; 5,259,981; 5,259,982 and 5,498,342 are also directed to cleaning compositions containing Zeolite MAP.
The present invention relates to a free flowing granular, low foaming fabric cleaning composition which comprises a zeolite MAP builder, a nonionic surfactant, less than 2.5 wt. % of an anionic surfactant, a polyacrylate polymer, at least one nonphosphate supplemental builder, which is not a zeolite and enzymes.
An object of the instant invention is to provide a free flowing granular, low foaming fabric cleaning composition which has a foam height at the end of the wash cycle in a top load washing machine at a dose level of 92 ml of less than 3 inches.
PCT Wo94/28109, EP0714432B1 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,490,954 and 5,518,649 teach cleaning compositions using zeolite MAP in combination with high levels of anionic surfactant as well as salts of fatty acids.
The aforementioned patents fail to provide a bleach free cleaning composition which has a low foam profile of less than 3 inches such that the cleaning composition can be used in either a front or top load washing machine.
The present invention relates to a free flowing granular, low foaming fabric cleaning composition having a bulk density of 0.4 to 0.85, more preferably 0.60 to 0.65 grams/cc which comprises approximately by weight:
(a) 5% to 20%, more preferably 7% to 11% of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant;
(b) 2.5% to 30%, more preferably 12% to 18% of a zeolite on active basis or express as anhydrosis zeolite having a silicon to aluminum weight ratio of less than 1.33;
(c) 20% to 40%, preferably 32% to 38% of a supplemental detergent builder salt such as an alkali metal carbonate such as sodium carbonate;
(d) 0 to 2.5%, more preferably 0.5% to 2% of a sulfate or sulfonate anionic surfactant;
(e) 0.5% to 5.0%, more preferably 1.0% to 3.0% of a polyacrylate type polymer which functions as an agglomerating aid as well as a chelating agent for calcium and/or magnesium ions as well as an antiredeposition agent;
(f) 0.5% to 35%, more preferably 15% to 25% of sodium sulfate;
(g) 0.5% to 7%, more preferably 1% to 6% of an alkali metal silicate such as sodium silicate or potassium silicate; and
(h) 0 to 3%, more preferably 0.05% to 1.5% of at least one enzyme, wherein the composition does not contain an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid or a bleach compound.
The present invention also relates to a composition having a bulk density of 0.75 to 0.85 grams/cc comprising approximately by weight:
(a) 5% to 60%, more preferably 10% to 45% of a zeolite having a silicon to aluminum ratio of less than 1.33;
(b) 0 to 55%, more preferably 5% to 50% of an alkali metal carbonate;
(c) 0 to 10%, more preferably 0.1% to 6% of a polyacrylate type polymer;
(d) 0 to 2%, more preferably 0.1% to 1% of a brightener; and
(e) 10% to 40% of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, wherein said ethoxylated nonionic surfactant is adsorbed on said zeolite and said alkali metal carbonate, wherein the composition does not contain a bleach compound or an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid or more than 6 wt. % of a sulfate or sulfonated surfactant and the composition does not contain a defloculating polymer containing a mercapto moiety attached to a hydrophilic polymeric chain nor does the composition contain a Zeolite HS (hydroxy zeolite), a Zeolite A, a Zeolite X, a Zeolite Y, a Zeolite B or a Zeolite P or a Zeolite B having a three dimensional channel system.
Suitable anionic surfactants used in the instant compositions at less than 6 wt. % include the water-soluble alkali metal salts having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyl being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and potassium alkyl sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating higher (C8-C18) alcohols produced, for example, from tallow or coconut oil; sodium and potassium alkyl (C9-C20) benzene sulfonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl (C10-C15) benzene sulfonates; sodium alkyl glycerol ether sulfates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum; sodium coconut oil fatty monoglyceride sulfates and sulfonates; sodium and potassium salts of sulfuric acid esters of higher (C8-C8) fatty alcohol-alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide reaction products; the reaction products of fatty acids such as coconut fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide; sodium and potassium salts of fatty acid amides of methyl taurine; alkane monosulfonates such as those derived from reacting alpha-olefins (C8-C20) with sodium bisulfite and those derived from reacting paraffins with SO2 and Cl2 and then hydrolyzing with a base to produce a random sulfonate; and olefin sulfonates which term is used to describe the material made by reacting olefins, particularly C10-C20 alpha-olefins, with SO3 and then neutralizing and hydrolyzing the reaction product. The preferred anionic surfactants are (C10-C18) alkyl polyethoxy (1-11 Eo) sulfates and mixtures thereof having differing water solubilities.
Suitable nonionic surfactants used in the instant compositions include, in particular, the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides and alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide, either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic surfactant compounds are alkyl (C6-C18) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols condensed with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. [Other so-called nonionic surfactant compounds include long chain tertiary amine oxides, long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulfoxides, fatty (C8-C18) esters of glycerol, sorbitan and the like, alkyl polyglycosides, ethoxylated glycerol esters, ethyoxylated sorbitans and ethoxylated phosphate esters.]
The preferred non-ionic surfactant compounds are those of the ethoxylated and mixed ethyoxylated-propyloxylated (C12-C15), (C12-C14) (C14-C16) fatty alcohol or synthetic alcohol, containing 6 to 11 ethylene oxide (EO) groups.
The Zeolite MAP used in the instant compositions is defined as an alkali metal aluminosilicate having a silicon to aluminum ratio not greater than 1.33, preferably within the range of from 0.9 to 1.33, and more preferably within the range of 0.9 to 1.2 and the Zeolite MAP has a two dimensional channel system and elliptical shaped pore openings. Of especial interest is zeolite MAP having a silicon to aluminum ratio not greater than 1.15; and zeolite MAP having a silicon to aluminum ratio not greater than 1.07 is especially preferred. Although zeolite MAP like other zeolites contains water of hydration, for the purposes of the present invention amounts and percentages of zeolite are generally expressed in terms of the notional anhydrous material. The amount of water present in hydrated zeolite MAP at ambient temperature and humidity is normally about 20 wt. %. Zeolite MAP generally has a calcium binding capacity of at least 150 mg CaO per g of anhydrous aluminosilicate, as measured by the standard method described in GB1473201 (Henkel) and also described, as xe2x80x9cMethod Ixe2x80x9d in EP384070A (Unilever). The calcium binding capacity is normally at least 160 mg CaO/g and may be as high as 170 mg CaO/g. Zeolite MAP also generally has an xe2x80x9ceffective calcium binding capacityxe2x80x9d measured as described under xe2x80x9cMethod IIxe2x80x9d in EP384070A (Unilever) of at least 145 mg CaO/g, preferably at least 150 mg CaO/g.
Preferred zeolite MAP for use in the present invention is especially finely divided and has a d50 (as defined below) within the range of from 1.0 to 5.0 micrometers, more preferably at least 2.0 micrometer, more preferably at least 2.4 micrometers. The quantity xe2x80x9cd50xe2x80x9d indicates that 50 wt. % of the particles have a diameter smaller than that figure.
Various methods of measuring particle size are known, and all give slightly different results. In the present specification, the particle size distributions and average values (by weight) quoted were measured by means of a Sedigraph 5100.
Advantageously, but not essentially, the zeolite MAP may have not only a small average particle size, but may also contain a low proportion, or even be substantially free, of large particles. Thus the particle size distribution may advantageously be such that at least 90 wt. % and preferably at least 95 wt. % are smaller than 10 micrometers; at least 85 wt. % and preferably at least 90 wt. % are smaller than 6 micrometers; and at least 80 wt. % and preferably at least 85 wt. % are smaller than 5 micrometers.
The zeolite MAP in the instant composition is used in conjunction with other inorganic or organic builders. Inorganic builders that may be present include the sodium carbonate. Organic builders that may be present include polycarboxylate polymers such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates; monomeric polycarboxylates such as citrates, gluconates, oxydisuccinates, glycerol mono-, di- and trisuccinates, carboxymethyloxysuccinates, carboxymmethyloxymalonates, dipicolinates, hydroxyethyliminodiacetates, alkyl- and alkenylmalonates and succinates; and sulphonated fatty acid salts. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Builders, both inorganic and organic, are preferably present in alkali metal salt, especially sodium salt, form.
The alkali metal silicate such as sodium or potassium silicate used in the instant compositions are generally added in the form of an aqueous solution, preferably having Na2O:SiO2 ratios of about 1:1.3 to about 1.28 and K2O:SiO2 ratios of about 1:2.0 to about 1:2.6.
The polyacrylate type polymer used in the instant compositions as a calcium sequestering agent is selected from the group consisting of a sodium or potassium salt of a copolymer of polyacrylic acid and maleic anhydride having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 5,000 such as Alco(trademark) AR978 sold by Alco Chemical and Alcosperse(trademark) 412 sold by Alco Chemical which is a terpolymer of polyacrylic acid, maleic anhydride and polyacrylamide. This terpolymer which has a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 6,000 is characterized by the formula:
wherein a+b+c=1; axe2x89xa7b+c; and cxe2x89xa60.1
The detergent composition may also contain one or more enzymes which are active against biodegradable stains, e.g., starches, vegetable and blood, and which are also active at a pH of about 5 to about 12. Preferred enzymes which may be used include amylolytic enzymes (alpha amylases), alkaline and neutral proteases, lipolases, cellulases and the like, and mixtures thereof.
Alkaline or neutral proteolytic enzymes suitable for the present composition include the various commercial liquid enzyme preparations which have been adapted for use in detergent compositions. Enzyme preparations in powdered form are also useful although, as a general rule, less convenient for incorporation into a built liquid detergent composition. Thus, suitable liquid enzyme preparations include xe2x80x9cAlcalasexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cSavinasexe2x80x9d, trademarked products sold by Novo Industries, Copenhagen, Denmark, and xe2x80x9cPurafectxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cProperasexe2x80x9d sold by Genencor, Rochester, N.Y.
Other suitable alpha-amylase liquid enzyme preparations are those sold by Novo Industries and Genencor under the tradenames xe2x80x9cTermamylxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cPurastarxe2x80x9d, respectively. Another enzyme preparation which may be used is a powdered enzyme preparation containing alpha-amylase and a mixture of alkaline and neutral proteases available as CRD-Protease from the Monsanto Co of St. Louis, Mo.
The enzymes are normally present in the detergent composition at a level of from about 0 up to about 3 wt. %, more preferably from about 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %.
The detergent composition may also contain one or more softening components known in the art. Suitable softeners include swelling bentonite clays such as sodium and calcium montmorillonites, sodium saponites and sodium hectorites. These may be present in the detergent composition at levels of from about 0.5 to 20 wt. %, more preferably from about 5 to 15 wt. %.
Other conventional materials may also be present in the liquid detergent compositions of the invention, for example, soil-suspending agent, silicon antifoaming agents and cationic antifoaming agents. Typical cationic antifoaming agents are dimethyl dialkyl (C8-22) ammonium chloride, methyl benzyl dialkyl (C12-18) ammonium chloride and C12-C22 alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof. Typical silicon antifoaming agents are sold by Dow Corning are Q2-3302, 2-3485, 2-4248S and 2200. The composition can also contain sequesterants such as salts of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid or analogous phosphonic acid salts, hydrotropes, corrosion inhibitors, dyes, perfumes, germicides, e.g., preservatives, e.g., quaternium 15, anti-tarnishing agents, buffers and the like. Such other conventional materials may be used in the amounts they are normally used generally up to about 5% by weight, more preferably up to about 3% by weight.
As necessary, pH modifiers, such as water soluble bases, e.g., NaOH, KOH, amines, or ammonia, will be added to obtain the desired pH level. The preferred pH will range from about 8 up to 11, more preferably from about 9 up to less than 11.
The instant compositions are made by an agglomeration process. In the agglomeration process, liquid components can be added to the powder components in several ways. In some cases, the entire liquid portion of the formulation can be added to the powder components in the agglomerator itself (Method 1). In other cases, some of the liquids can be pre-loaded on to a portion or all of the powder components before the final liquid constituents are added in the agglomerator device (Method 2). For this invention, both methods have been employed successfully. Method 2 is preferred.
Using the preferred methods, all or part of the nonionic surfactant mix is loaded onto either zeolite or a combination zeolite and sodium carbonate mix in a suitable liquid/solids mixing device. Examples of such mixing equipment are Ross mixers, Lodige, ribbon or paddle mixers, and Schugi contactors, etc. Surfactant loading can range from 0.1 to 60% of the powder weight. This step allows the surfactant material to be adsorbed by the powder material. Adsorption is a function of time, temperature, porosity, pore size, surfactant size, surface area, mixing energy and capillary action. After application of the surfactant, additional powder materials such as zeolite, sodium carbonate, or other type materials can be added to the mix. In addition, if the entire surfactant component was not initially added, part or all of the remaining surfactant component or other liquid compotents can be added at this time. The powder/surfactant mix is then mechanically or pneumatically conveyed to a small holding bin or directly into an agglomerator.
In the preferred method, the material is conveyed into a small bin. From this bin, the surfactant/zeolite/carbonate mix is metered and fed into a Schugi type agglomerator, In addition to the surfactant/zeolite/carbonate mix additional powder components can be added to the Schugi other suitable agglomerator. Examples of such materials are: brighteners and polymers. In the Schugi agglomerator, liquid polymers, of potentially differing types, and water are added as binders. These materials are added in the appropriate amount to generate the chemical composition and physical properties, i.e., particle size, desired.
From the Schugi agglormerator, the material is conveyed via mechanical device or by gravity to a fluid bed dryer. In this dryer, a combination of hot and cold air is used to dry and condition the material. From the fluid bed dryer, the free flowing material can be used as is or mixed with a variety of materials to form detergents of any composition. Examples of such materials are: detergent or detergent components made via the conventional spray dry process, enzymes, flow aids, perfumes or brighteners.
The detergent compositions of this invention are suitable for use as laundry detergents, dishwasher detergents, shampoos, body lotions and the like and may be modified by inclusion of specific known ingredients to accommodate these applications, e.g., dispersing agents, skin conditioning agents, antidandruff agents and the like.
The detergents of the invention are generally added to wash water at levels in the range of about 0.05 to 0.30 wt. %. For conventional washing machines; powder detergents are preferably used at levels of about 60 to 300 grams per load.

Fabric cleaning composition containing zeolite


The present invention relates to a novel use of polysaccharides (PL) from Phellinus linteus for treating diabetes mellitus, which provides medicine or food comprising polysaccharide as active components.

The present invention relates to a novel polysaccharide as an active component from Phellinus linteus for treating diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus and its complications are diseases with a high fatality rate in the world, together with cancer and cardiovascular diseases. According to a report issued by the National Commission on Diabetes, the fatality rate of diabetes is still continuously increasing. Diabetic patients, compared to normal persons, are highly susceptible to suffer from such complications as blindness, kidney disease and heart disease. Now, by the insulin therapy the acute or fatal symptoms of diabetes can be controlled, but the long-term complications reduce life expectancy.
Diabetes mellitus is classified into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 1) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2). Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is caused by damage of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, which leads to decrease of the amount of insulin and finally results in hyperglycemia.
Most insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is the consequence of progressive beta-cell destruction during an asymptomatic period, often extending over many years. In the prediabetic period, circulating islet-cell autoantibodies and insulin autoantibodies may be detected. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has been regarded as an autoimmune disease, and this hypothesis has been strengthened by the studies on the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and the BioBreeding (BB) rats. Both of these animals develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus spontaneously and their diabetic syndromes share many pathological features with that of humans with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. NOD mice, which can naturally fall into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, may usually start to expose the symptoms of diabetes in 12xcx9c14 weeks, and 80% of all mice have the symptoms. Immunocytes may be activated by unknown factors, and permeate into pancreatic ducts. In the islet, the immunocytes destroy beta cells and then bring about diabetes. Insulin acts on muscle, liver or fat cells to promote glucose metabolism and to lessen the level of glucose in blood. The diminution of insulin in blood by destruction of beta cells leads to deactivation of glucose metabolism in muscle or liver cell, resulting in diabetes mellitus. It has been reported in many studies that beta cell antigen, macrophages, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), and the like are concerned with the outbreak of diabetes mellitus, and that oxygen free radicals or cytokines from inmiunocytes are responsible for destruction of beta cells.
Polysaccharide (PL) is a substance isolated from Phellinus linteus. Extraction of PL has been already disclosed (Chem. Pharm. Bull., 43(12), 2105-2108, 1995). PL can be extracted by the methods such as hydrothermal extraction, ethanol extraction method, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and gel-permeation chromatography. PL comprise of 13.2% proteins and 82.5% saccharides, wherein 6.8% of the saccharides is uronic acid. MW of PL is definitely 153 KD, determined by gel-permeation chromatography. It was confirmed from neutral glucose composition analysis that PL consists of 7.0% of Ala, 3.7% of Xyl, 21.1% of glucose, 24.1% of Gal and 44.2% of Man, and from gas chromatography that uronic acid is a glucuronic acid 10 kinds of amino acids have been found in PL and Asp and Glu are major constituents. Saccharide parts and complete structure of PL play an important role on physiological activity of PL, but its protein parts are less significant. It has been found out that PL is polymer comprising O-type linkage (Chem. Pharm. Bull., 44(5), 1093-1095, 1996) and that PL is an immunoregulator for immunological enhancement (Int. J. Immunopharmacol 18(5), 295-303, 1996). PL improves entirely immune response. It has been confirmed by cell experiment and animal test that PL enhances the immunological function of T cells, macrophages, NK cells and B cells. Immunological enhancement of PL is effective to suppression of cancer growth or metastasis (Immunopharmacol, 41, 157-164, 1999). PL controlled the growth and transference of animal""s cancer cell, B16F10, and the growth of human solid cancer cell, NCI-H23.
Diabetes research has been directed toward prevention and cure of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Studies on prevention of insulitis and treatment of diabetes has mainly utilized the experimental models of diseases in laboratory animals such as NOD mice, and most therapeutic strategies for treatment of diabetes mellitus are directed to suppression and regulation of autoimmune response in order to prevent beta-cell destruction. Autoimmune disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus results from increasing abnormalities of cellular immunity.
Various immunotherapies for preventing destruction of pancreatic beta-cells have been attempted. Neonatal thymectomy is the method of suppressing the outbreak of diabetes mellitus in NOD mice by killing T lymphocytes. Also, it has been known that depletion of macrophages or T cells using antibodies to T cell-dependent antigens represses diabetes. Some reports discloses that diabetes mellitus can be prevented by controlling production and reaction of free radical, for example, NO released from immunocytes by antioxidants such as nicotinamide, vitamin E, probucol, MDL29311, and U78518F, as has been reported.
To date, researches on immunosuppressive therapy are continued. However, treatment of diabetes mellitus utilizing glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide has proved to be largely unsuccessful. Although studies on the use of cyclosporin A, rapamycin, and FK506 in diabetes appear to be encouraging, generalized immunosuppression involves potential complications including infections and drug-induced kidney and liver damage. Furthermore, curing with long-term administration can occasionally induce cancer. Studies on immunosuppressive therapy for diabetes mellitus is progressing, and the suppression of diabetes of NOD mice using cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 has been reported. Also, such immuno-regulatory agents as OK-432, LZ-8, BCG, and CFA have been reported to control diabetes mellitus of NOD mice, but their mechanism has yet to be established.
The present inventors achieved this invention, proving that polysaccharides (PL) from Phellinus linteus prevent destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, resulting in prevention and cure of diabetes mellitus.
The present invention provides a novel use of polysaccharide (PL) as active components from Phellinus linteus for treating diabetes mellitus.
The purpose of this invention was achieved by demonstrating effects of PL on prevention and cure of diabetes mellitus by administering PL from Phellinus linteus to NOD mice; examining inhibition of production of cytokine and suppression of streptozotosin-induced diabetes; and confirming that the diabetes-suppressing effect of PL originates from its selective regulation of immune response like above mentioned manners.
The present invention consists of following steps:
the step of comparing the urine glucose level of PL-injected NOD mice with that of control group, not receiving PL, in order to verify the diabetes-suppressive effect of PL from Phellinus linteus;
the step of observing the transition of pancreatitis to insulitis in PL-injected NOD mice, comparing to the case of control group, to verify the insulitis-suppressive effect of PL;
the step of measuring the expression level of cytokine MRNA in the separated spleen of NOD mice after a two-day intraperitoneal injection of the inventive PL, to confirm the diabetes-suppressive activity of PL based on its regulation of the cytokine production;
the step of transplanting lienal cells of non-PL-injected mice to NOD.Scid mice and measuring the occuring level of diabetes, to confirm that the inventive PL regulates immune responses and suppresses the outbreak of diabetes;
the step of checking it by analyzing difference between the blood glucose level of ICR mice with and without intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin that PL cannot inhibit the beta cell destruction by streptozotocin, to confirm that the inventive PL has selective regulation of immune, responses resulting in suppression of diabetes mellitus; and
the step of examining their weight and mortality to investigate the side effects of PL on NOD mice.
Doses of the inventive PL were 100 mg/kg/day every other day with intraperitoneal injection. The dose level, route, and schedule of administration, however may vary depending on the condition of the subject.
PL suppressed completely crisis of diabetes mellitus of NOD mice. Prevention and cure of diabetes mellitus by PL was examined by the test, in which the urine or blood glucose level had been compared to that of control and significant drop was observed. PL inhibited lymphocyte infiltration into pancreatic ducts, to suppress insulitis.
Activation of T lymphocytes and macrophages plays an important role in autoimmune disease system. IL-2 and IFN-gamma, which are cytokine from Th1 cells, enhance autoimmune responses. IL-2 promotes destruction of beta cells by activating cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). IFN-gamma can activate macrophages, and the activated macrophages amplify the antigen presenting function to increase autoimmune responses. Simultaneously, free radicals such as activated oxygen may be increased, resulting in destruction of beta cells. Increase of IL-10 or IL-4 cytokine expression by cytokines from Th2 leads to inhibition of function of Th1 cell and consequently decline in autoimmune responses. IL-6 and IL12 are cytokines expressed by macrophages. Particularly, IL-12, which stimulates Th1 cells to enhance the production of IL-2, performs an important function in inducing autoimmune diseases such as diabetes mellitus. PL inhibited expression of such cytokines as IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-6 or IL-12, which play an important part in the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Although the increment of secretion of IL-4 from Th2 is thought to have been a significant reason of the decline of Th1 cell function, nothing is supposed to do with decrease in the expression of IL-10. PL""s regulating function works as a major factor of suppressing diabetes mellitus.
The important feature of this invention is that PL has a curing effect on diabetes mellitus without any negative effect. Since NOD mice receiving PL showed no drop of their weight and were never led to death, PL is expected to have no side effect.
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus can be induced by streptozotocin. Streptozotocin destroys selectively pancreatic beta cells, and diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin is similar with diabetes naturally occurring in NOD mice. NOD mice mediate the autoimmune responses to break the beta cells, whereas streptozotocin does not do that. PL could not suppress the destruction of beta cells occurring by streptozotocin. This result shows PL is a substance which regulates selectively the immune responses to suppress the outbreak of diabetes mellitus.
NOD mice are the best disease animal models in studies on insulin-dependent diabetes. NOD mice can naturally fall into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the symptoms are very similar with those of human. The effects of PL on preventing and treating of diabetes were proved with NOD mouse model and following examples is presenting more detailed description.

Compositions containing polysaccharides from phellinus linteus and methods for treating diabetes mellitus using same

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology


An improved method of cast molding contact lenses, wherein a lens forming mixture is cured in the lens-shaped cavity formed between molding surfaces of a male and female mold sections, wherein the improvement comprises at least one of sections is injection molded from a metallocene-catalyzed thermoplastic polyolefin.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improvements in cast molding of contact lenses.
2. Background Art
Contact lenses are increasingly manufactured by cast molding, rather than by lathing, or by other processes. Cast molding has the advantages of reproducibility, speed, flexibility, and economy. In general, molded lenses are formed by depositing a curable liquid, such as a polymerizable monomer into a mold cavity, curing the liquid into a solid state, opening the mold cavity, and removing the lens. Other processing steps, for example, hydration, may be performed.
Various materials have been proposed for use in forming the molds. The most common method of formation of the mold is injection molding of either a polyolefin (i.e., polypropylene) or polystyrene. However, various problems have been associated with injection molding of such materials. For example, many grades of polypropylene exhibit poor processibility; while others, although having excellent processibility, result in an unsatisfactory mold due to surface distortions and the like.
It has generally been understood in the art that polyolefin polymers having a broad molecular weigh distribution (high polydispersity index) allow high processing speeds while improving surface properties. See, e.g., WO 94/12568 and references cited therein. It was observed in the art that surface quality of final products decreased as the polydispersity of the polyolefin blend increased. This was assumed to be a result of the diffusion of low molecular weight species and filling of microscopic voids produced so as to prevent cavitation. However, through the use of polyolefin blends of this type, performance, flexibility and consistency are sometimes sacrificed.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved method of cast molding contact lenses with molds formed from materials that allow fast and economical processing of the molds and provide consistently superior qualities in the molded lenses.
According, the present invention provides an improved method of cast molding contact lenses, wherein a lens forming mixture is cured in the lens-shaped cavity formed between molding surfaces of a male and female mold sections, wherein the improvement comprises at least one of sections is injection molded from a metallocene-catalyzed thermoplastic polyolefin.
In the present mold, the male and female sections combine to form a mold assembly, where in the male section detachably combines with the female section. When combined, the inside surfaces of the two sections form a mold cavity between the two surfaces that define the shape of the contact lenses. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the surfaces will define the optics and peripheral curves desired in the contact lens.
In the process of the present invention, a lens forming mixture is deposited into the female section of the mold. The mold is then assembled, by inserting the male section into the female sections of the mold. The lens forming mixture is polymerized in the lens-shaped cavity formed between molding surfaces of a male and female mold sections by exposure to UV light and/or heat. After the lens if formed, the mold is disassembled and the lens removed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional processing steps, such as sterilization, hydration, inspection, and surface treatment may then be performed on the lens.
The lenses cast molded by the method of the present invention include both soft contact lenses, and rigid, gas permeable lenses (RGP). Representative RGP materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,152,508; 3,808,178; 4,686,267; and 4,780,515. Soft contact lenses have been traditionally formed from polymers and copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). More recently, siloxane-containing macromers have been developed and lenses formed from such materials are now becoming commercially available. Those skilled in the art will recognize other materials suitable for use in the method of the present invention.
According to the invention, at least one of the male and female mold sections is injection molded from a metallocene-catalyzed thermoplastic polyolefin resin. According to the preferred embodiment, both mold sections are molded from this class of resins.
Metallocene polymers are produced through the metallocene process and have properties different than those produced through traditional Ziegler-Natta and other systems. Such metallocene-catalyzed systems and polymers are disclosed in e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,530,914 and 5,846,896. Although based on transition metals such as titanium and zirconiumxe2x80x94as are Ziegler-Natta catalystsxe2x80x94metallocenes differ in that they have well-defined single catalytic sites and produce a single type of polymer chain. Typically, they consist of a transition-metal atom sandwiched between ring structures to form a sterically hindered site. The preferred metallocenes are commercially available from Exxon Corp. under the trade names EXXPOL(copyright) and ACHIEVE(trademark) for polypropylene based polymers and EXACT(copyright) and EXCEED(trademark) for polyethylene based polymers. Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich. has polymers commercially available under the name ENGAGE(copyright). These materials are believed to be produced using non-stereo selective metallocene catalysts. Exxon generally refers to their metallocene catalyst technology as xe2x80x9csingle sitexe2x80x9d catalysts while Dow refers to theirs as xe2x80x9cconstrained geometryxe2x80x9d catalysts under the name INSITE(copyright) to distinguish them from traditional Ziegler-Natta catalysts which have multiple reaction sites. Other manufacturers such as Fina Oil, BASF, Amoco, Hoechst and Mobil are active in this area and it is believed that the availability of polymers produced according to this technology will grow substantially in the next decade. In the practice of the instant invention, polyolefins like polypropylene and polyethylene are suitable.
The primary feature that makes metallocene-catalyzed polymers preferable to conventional polymers is structural uniformity. This feature eliminates very low and very high molecular weigh polymer components present in polymers catalyzed with conventional catalysts. As a result of this uniformity, the polymers exhibit narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD), narrow composition distribution, and narrow tacticity distribution.
MWD refers to the breadth of variation in the length of molecules in a given polymer or resin. The broader the variation, the broader the molecular weight distribution. While it has been known that a narrow MWD improves puncture, tensile, and impact performance, it was thought to increase surface defects in finished products. Contrary to the teachings of the prior art, Applicant has found that metallocene-catalyzed polymers result in excellent processability and surface quality despite the narrow molecular weight distribution.
Composition distribution refers to the amount of comonomer in each individual polymer chain. More narrow composition distribution results in better clarity and sealing performance. Tacticity distribution refers to the amount of a tactic polymer present. Commercial isotactic polypropylene is made from conventional catalysts is actually a mixture of isotactic and atactic polypropylene. This mixture is known as a broad tacticity distribution rein. The presence of atactic polypropylene reduces desirable qualities such as stiffness, heat distortion temperature and cleanliness. By contrast, isotactic polypropylene made from metallocene catalysts contains no atactic polypropylene. Metallocene isotactic polypropylene has a higher stiffness and use temperature than similar molecular weight isotactic polypropylene made from conventional catalysts.
The absence of atactic polypropylene also means that metallocene isotactic polypropylene has a lower extractable content, resulting in cleaner resins
The mold sections may be injection molded from the thermoplastic polyolefin resin by methods which are otherwise known in the art. One skilled in the art will recognize methods and processing conditions best suited for formation of the molds. A desired surface is machined and polished on the tools to achieve precision surface quality so that no surface imperfections are transferred to the mold section being injection molded therefrom.


A nuclear decay laser that produces a stream of nuclear decay particles and/or photons of electromagnetic radiation. The stream of nuclear decay particles and/or photons is produced by subjecting radioactive materials to an external magnetic field which causes the radioactive nuclei to align with and precess around the external magnetic field vector. The precessing radioactive nuclei are then subjected to Radio Frequency (RF) pulses tuned to the Larmor frequency of the precessing nuclei which causes the nuclei to flip out of the plane of the external magnetic field vector into the X-Y plane. A refocusing RF pulse is then applied to the radioactive material which brings all of the magnetic moments of the flipped radioactive nuclei into phase. This can also be achieved with MRI gradient echo technology. When the initial RF pulse is discontinued, the flipped radioactive nuclei undergo T1 or spin-lattice relaxation which occurs when the radioactive nuclei relax back into phase with the external magnetic field vector during the process of T1 relaxation. The radioactive nuclei undergo accelerated coordinated decay with emission of a laser type pulse of electromagnetic radiation or particles according to the decay scheme of the radioactive nucleus. Alternatively, a ray of energy and/or particles is released when radioactive nuclei capable of undergoing fission experience a coordinated, accelerated fission reaction achieved when the refocusing RF pulse or gradient echo brings the radioactive nuclei into a coherent phase. The release of energy and/or particles can be focused and used in medical treatment and imaging, industrial and military applications, and for the production of energy. In addition, these methods of accelerating nuclear decay can be used to treat unwanted radioactive materials to background radiation levels providing for a way of disposing of unwanted nuclear waste.

a. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to laser devices and methods and more specifically to laser devices and methods used in medical imaging, diagnostics and treatment, various industrial applications such as etching, military applications, and is also useful for treatment of nuclear waste and energy production.
b. Description of Related Art
Laser technology has experienced widespread acceptance and has been put to numerous uses in many aspects of everyday life. Lasers have found their way into the medical industry and their use is expanding rapidly. Lasers are also used in industrial applications such as etching, welding and the like. Similarly, with the intense energy output that lasers provide, there has also been interest in military applications and uses of lasers. Despite the state of laser technology there is a need for new and improved laser technology. Moreover, conventional laser technology, although useful, has proven inefficient, requiring much higher amounts of energy to achieve the laser effect which has often proven impracticable.
With the unlocking of atomic secrets and the advent of nuclear technology humanity has received many benefits. However, through the use of nuclear technology problems have arisen that even advancing technology has been incapable of handling, namely how to deal with the radioactive waste created through the nuclear process. Currently, nuclear waste is essentially put into storage until the radioactive waste can be moved to a more proper location or the radioactivity lessens to background levels. Both pose a multitude of problems. In the first instance, to date there have been few promising ways of safely locking nuclear waste in a form that does not degrade and contaminate the environment. One technology for the safe storage of nuclear waste is a process called vitrification which essentially locks the waste into glassy medium which is then stored in containers. However, this process is extremely expensive and the long-term stability of such waste is unknown. Likewise, although governments have spent billions of dollars in a search for a suitable permanent nuclear waste repository the efforts so far have been fruitless. Other methods of treating nuclear waste have been proposed but none has proven to be sufficiently cost effective and safe to meet the ever-increasing demand to deal with nuclear waste.
Thus there is a need to effectively, safely and cost-effectively dispose of nuclear waste.


A signal transmitting means, in particular relates to a self-contained apparatuses for transmitting digital signals and remote control systems on their basis. Said apparatuses enables the creation of self-contained digital signal transmitters with efficient circuit of supplying power from charge generators, such as piezoelectric cells, triboelectric cells or radioactive sources of charged particles, which do not need periodical replacement or recharging in contrast to traditional power sources, batteries, this in turn enabling the creation of remote control systems for electric apparatuses, data acquisition systems and warning systems with the possibility of long-term integration of remote control signal transmitters in unmanned constructions and structures. In particular, a remote control system for lighting fixtures may be designed in which wall-board switches are in the form of self-contained on/off signal transmitters for respective lighting units. To attain the technical result, a charge generator (1), when activated, generates a batch of electric charges q with high electric potential Uin, which is provided to input of a converter (2). The converter function is to significantly increase the initial magnitude of charges q to magnitude Q and store them at the converter output with potential Unot having a smaller value than Uin. Operation of a digital signal generation and transmission unit (3) is supplied by charge Q produced as the result of the conversion and provided to input of the unit (3).

The present invention relates to signal transmitting means, in particular to self-contained apparatuses for transmitting digital signals and remote control (RC) systems on their basis.
The invention may be used to create self-contained maintenance-free signal transmitters, beakons, signaling and transmitting devices in safety systems, wireless sensors in industrial automation systems, and remote control systems of consumer and industrial equipment.
A known self-contained coded radio-frequency signal transmitter for safety systems comprises a piezoelectric cell for generating electric charges under the application of mechanical stress thereto, a unit for generating and transmitting radio-frequency signals on air and a circuit for supplying power to said unit from the piezoelectric cell (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,190, published Nov. 5, 1996).
A deficiency of the known transmitter is that a relatively small electric charge generated by the piezoelectric cell when exposed to mechanical stress flows virtually unchanged to a low-frequency filter capacity which serves as a peculiar kind of buffer charge storage to supply the following unit for generating and transmitting coded radio-frequency signals. Low voltage (5-12V) at output of the low-frequency filter, suitable to supply said signal transmission unit, is generated owing to a significant voltage drop across active component of the filter, this in turn reducing the output power of the circuit. A threshold element and a silicon rectifier in this circuit affect only the shape and polarity of the current pulse from the piezoelectric cell without increasing the total charge in initial current pulse. Non-ideal nature of the silicon rectifier used in the circuit, specifically, a low diode breakdown voltage (several thousand volts) and electrical leaks from back-biased diodes, reduces a permissible operating voltage magnitude at its input and restricts thereby the possibility of obtaining sufficiently great current pulses in the circuit. As the result, the charge stored in the low-frequency filter capacity will be relatively small, this reducing efficiency of the electric supply circuit of the known radio-frequency signal transmitter as a whole.
Also known in the art are various RC devices and systems for electric apparatuses, including a lighting fixture RC system (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,028, published Jul. 20, 1976), a suspended fan RC system (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,814, published Feb. 1, 1983), TV and audio receiver RC system (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,760, published Dec. 23, 1975), a transmitter for a car lock RC system (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,169, published Jan. 7, 1997).
In particular, the car lock RC system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,169, comprises a self-contained coded RC signal transmitter, a receiver and a lock control unit. The receiver in the RC system receives energy from the same electric circuit as the load controlled thereby, the lock, and the self-contained RC signal transmitter is provided with an independent electric power supply, a battery or rechargeable battery.
The necessity of periodic expenditures for buying batteries, recharging rechargeable batteries and providing timely service to the self-contained transmitter, along with economic and environmental problems involved in utilization of spent batteries, are basic disadvantages of such RC systems that restrict their wide use.
Attempts have been taken to design control systems wherein a transmitter is supplied from piezoelectric cells, e.g. an electronic toy control unit (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,472, published Sep. 16, 1986). In the device, however, the transmitted signal has no digital coding of information which is required to control different functions of an actuator of a controlled object, and the charge from the piezoelectric cell is directly used by the transmitting apparatus without any preliminary processing, i.e. very inefficiently.
DE 4034100 teaches an apparatus for storing energy of natural lightning. The apparatus uses a reducing transformer connected, via a bridge rectifier, to a accumulation capacitor. However, the application of such design of the secondary transformer coil and the bridge rectifier is not quite efficient because, when charging the accumulation capacitor, the current pulse energy of the secondary coil is lost at two series-connected forward-biased diodes.
Furthermore, the use of natural lightning as the charge generator for compact remote control transmitters is infeasible.
Numerous documents teach various embodiments of charge generators, information generation and transmission units, and information transmission channels (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,223; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,600; SU 1,003,129; GB 2164219; GB 2177527 and EPO 513443). The aforementioned documents, however, are lacking information of the possibility to use the features disclosed in them, either individually or in combination, for providing battery-free self-contained remote control signal transmitters, and information of ways of designing and technical embodiments of battery-free self-contained remote control signal transmitters and remote control systems on their basis.
The inventors are unaware of employment of piezoelectric cells or other charge generators to provide RC systems for consumer or industrial apparatuses.
The object of the present invention is to provide a self-contained digital signal transmitter which would not need periodic replacement or recharging of electric power supply, and would have an efficient circuit supplied from a charge generator, which in turn would enable the creation of RC systems for electric apparatuses, data acquisition systems and warning systems, with the possibility of long-term integration of RC signal transmitters, like traditional wall-board switches, in unmanned structures and constructions.
The above object is attained in a self-contained digital signal transmitter comprising: an electric power supply including an electric charge generator with an actuation means, and a digital signal generation and transmission unit; the signal transmitter further comprising an electric charge energy converter having an input connected to an output of the charge generator, and an output connected to an input of the digital signal generation and transmission unit; the electric charge energy converter being adapted to increase initial number of electric charges provided from the generator, and reduce potential of electric charges stored at the output of the converter.
The output of the converter may further include an electric charge storage in the form of, for example, a capacitor, for buffering the electric power from the digital signal generation and transmission unit.
In an embodiment of the self-contained transmitter, the electric charge energy converter is a reducing transformer, a primary coil of which is connected to an output of the electric charge generator, and a secondary coil comprises two coils and is connected, via a full-wave rectifier, to the electric charge storage, which is more efficient than the design of the converter taught in DE 4034100. The converter is efficient when the charge generator produces short high-energy current pulses.
In another embodiment of the self-contained transmitter, the electric charge energy converter is a semiconductor converter having an input region coupled to an output of the electric charge generator, formed by a back-biased p-n-junction and intended for storing charges from the electric charge generator and producing an avalanche breakdown process when a threshold voltage is exceeded across said p-n-junction, and an output region of the semiconductor converter, formed by a region for separating and storing secondary charges produced as the result of the avalanche breakdown, and connected, via a rectifier, to the electric charge storage. The input region of the semiconductor converter may be formed by other structures different from said p-n-junction, for example, by a transistor or thyristor structure which would provide a more pronounced electric charge avalanche multiplication process.
The self-contained transmitter may further comprise an electric charge energy converter formed by a battery of capacitors and provided with a switching device to switch the capacitors from series connection required to store charges from the charge generator, to parallel connection enabling the reduction in the charge potential at the converter output, and the use, in full measure, of the total charge stored in each capacitor separately. In this embodiment electric charge energy generated by the charge generator is used most efficiently.
The electric charge generator may be a piezoelectric cell, a triboelectric cell. It is also advantageous to use such an electric charge generator with high electric potential and practically unexhaustable capacity, as e.g. a radioactive source of charged particles which may be in the form of a capacitor, one plate of which comprises a radioactive material emitting charged xcex2-particles, and another plate is a collector of the charged xcex2-particles.
The latter two electric charge generators generate charges relatively slow, so the series of the described above converters may be advantageously supplemented with a short pulse former connected between the output of the electric charge generator and an input of the electric charge energy converter, said short pulse former being in the form of a gas-discharge tube, or a semiconductor threshold element, for example, a thyristor.
The digital signal generation and transmission unit in a self-contained transmitter in accordance with the invention may be adapted to transmit a radio-frequency signal, an optical signal, and an acoustic signal. In a number of systems for transmitting digital codes over great distances, the optical embodiment of the self-contained transmitter is rather efficient with the use of a laser signal emitter.
The present invention permits designing self-supporting beakons in which the electric charge generator may be a radioactive source of charged particles, so that such apparatuses may be operated, substantially service-free, in space and in marine navigation systems.
In part of a remote control system the above technical result is attained also due to the fact that in the RC system comprising an RC signal transmitter and a control unit for controlling at least one electric apparatus including a signal receiver connected with said transmitter through a communication channel, in accordance with the invention, the RC signal transmitter is a self-contained digital signal transmitter according to any one of the above-described embodiments.
The communication channel in the RC system may be provided by galvanic wire coupling, wire communication with various types of galvanic isolation, or a radio-frequency channel, an optical channel or an acoustic channel.
In the RC system, the controlled electric apparatuses may include lighting fixtures, apparatuses with an electrical actuator, home electronics apparatuses, predominantly heaters, refrigerators and air conditioners, warning and alarm apparatuses, and in particular a computer for processing and storing information received from self-contained digital signal transmitters.
An important feature of such RC system is that the RC signal transmitter may be adapted to be integrated in walls of constructions and other unmanned engineering structures, because such charge generators as, for example, piezoelectric cells, triboelectric cells, radioactive sources of charged particle do not require service such as periodic replacement or recharging of electrolytic cells.
The principle possibility of attaining the aforementioned result may be explained on the premise that the energy conservation law is observed for the conversion corresponding to the invention, which looks, in ideal form, as q*Uin=Q*Uout, where q and Uin are, respectively, the charge and its potential at input of the converter, and Q and Uout are, respectively, the charge and its potential at output of the converter. On the basis of this condition it may be assessed that to increase (multiply) the number of charges at the converter output, i.e. for condition Q greater than q, it is required that the potential Uin at the converter input would exceed the potential Uout at its output. Condition Uin greater than Uout can be rather easily realized technically since the potential of charges produced by a charge generator, such as a piezoelectric cell or a triboelectric cell, is inversely related to the self-capacity or load capacity, and may reach several thousand volts, whereas the potential needed to supply circuitry of the transmitter is only a few volts. Efficiency of the charge number multiplication process will be defined by efficiency of the converter in the process of transporting the initial charge electric energy from the converter input to its output.

Self-contained digital signal transmitter and a remote control system on its basis


An improved new type pyrometer and a method for fusing an alumina pipe having a high purity are disclosed. The temperature-measuring portion of the pyrometer includes a protective pipe made of alumina having a purity of at least 99.9% and a temperature-measuring resistance element of a platinum or platinum-rhodium resistance wire and a holding portion made of alumina having a purity of at least 99.9%. Owing to the use of high purity alumina, the platinum or platinum-rhodium resistance wire is not contaminated and has stable temperature characteristics at high temperatures. According to the method of this invention, an end of an alumina pipe having a purity of at least 99.9% can be fused without the aid of any binder by fusing the end while evacuating air from the alumina pipe through its opposite end.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved pyrometer which is utilizable for the precise measurement of temperatures of materials heated at a temperature higher than 1000.degree. C., such as a molten metal or glass and to a method of fusing a terminal end of an alumina pipe of high purity used, for example, for a pyrometer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art protective pipes for a platinum or platinum-rhodium wire used for an ordinary pyrometer are predominantly alumina having a purity of at most about 99.7%. In general, the protective pipe is fused on one terminal end to form a closed-end pipe, like a test tube, into which a temperature-measuring resistance element comprising the platinum or platinum-rhodium wire is inserted. Such a conventional alumina protective pipe is formed using silica or the like as a binder. On heating such a pipe at a temperature above 800.degree. C., therefore, a gas is evolved from impurities contained in the alumina and/or the binder, which contaminates the platinum or platinum-rhodium wire to deteriorate its temperature characteristics. If alumina has a purity as high as 99.9% or more, no contaminating gas will be evolved therefrom even on heating it at a temperature above 800.degree. C. On the other hand, when a protective pipe for the temperature-measuring element is to be manufactured from such highly pure alumina, a pipe (tube) having both terminal ends open can easily be manufactured but a pipe having one terminal end closed can hardly be obtained because of lack of any binder incorporated into the alumina. In the event a binder is incorporated into such highly pure alumina, the pipe manufactured therefrom tends to bend at a high temperature and may be broken on rapid heating or cooling. Furthermore, external air intrudes into the pipe creating the possibility that the temperature-measuring element will become contaminated with impurities contained in the air. Even if this problem is overcome by carrying out the process under vacuum, there is a detrimental drawback in that a pipe of a uniform quality with either terminal end closed by fusing cannot be obtained with good reproducibility.
Under the circumstances, there is a great demand to develop a new type pyrometer which overcomes all the drawbacks in the prior art pyrometers by using a highly pure alumina protective pipe free from the fear of contamination.

Pyrometer and a method for fusing an alumina pipe having a high purity


A tea/coffee pot includes a pot body designed to be filled with a liquid, and a strainer body which is arranged therein and is pivotable by way of a handling device between a submerged position and an emerged position. The strainer body includes at least one compartment for receiving an additional substance, such as tea leaves, ground coffee. The handling device includes a pull element for pivoting the strainer body, and the pot body has a guiding device in which the pull element is displaceably guided along a predetermined path for pivoting the strainer body.

The present invention relates to a tea/coffee pot comprising a pot body designed to be filled with a liquid, and a strainer body which is arranged therein and is pivotable by means of a handling device between a submerged position and an emerged position and which comprises at least one compartment for receiving an additional substance, such as tea leaves, ground coffee, or the like.
A generic tea pot comprising a tea receiving device is known from DE 44 32 547 A1. Said hollow semispherical pot is provided in the area of its handle with a pivot bearing in the form of an upwardly oriented, projecting flat body. The pivot bearing is arranged at the upper end of the handle and serves to receive an opening of a pivot lever whose one end has arranged thereon a spherical strainer body. The opening inside the pivot lever is positioned in the central area of the pivot lever, but at a greater distance relative to the strainer body than to the opposite end. The lever portion which is designed as a handling device at the other side of the opening is adapted to the contour of the handle and can be locked thereonto. In the non-locked state, the strainer body is in a downwardly pivoted position so that the body can be submerged, for instance into hot water, if necessary (submerged position). The strainer body is located in this position near the bottom of the pot body. The strainer body is pivoted upwards into a position substantially above the water surface (emerged position) by a user pressing onto the upper side of the handling portion of the pivot lever. As soon as the handling area has come into contact with the outer contour of the handle, a locking operation is performed by means of an arresting device, so that the strainer body is held in this lifted position.
Such a configuration has the drawback that a relatively long lever arm section must be present between the pivot bearing and the strainer body to sufficiently lift and lower the same. However, to prevent any disturbing action of the handling area of the lever arm, the arm must not exceed a specific length in practice. This results in disadvantageous lever ratios, whereby the force to be applied must be relatively high on the one hand. On the other hand, the force cannot be applied in very accurately metered amounts, so that the strainer body is sometimes virtually flung out of the liquid and is suddenly stopped by the abutment of the handling area on the handle. That is why an anti-splash means must be provided at any rate so that no liquid is thrown out of the pot. If the lid has been forgotten by mistake, this might have unpleasant consequences. Furthermore, such a solution is only suited for relatively flat and very broad pots because only with such pots can the desired distances be covered by the pivotal movement.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a pot of the above-mentioned type such that the handling of the strainer body is improved.
In a generic pot this object is achieved in that the handling device comprises a pull element and that the pot body has provided thereon a guiding device in which the pull element is displaceably guided along a predetermined path for pivoting the strainer body.
Although it is already known in the prior art that in particular chain-like pull elements are used for transferring a strainer body from a submerged position into an emerged position, these elements were most of the time passed centrally through the lid of the pot and then dangled downwards on the outside, thereby presenting an obstacle in part. According to further constructions the handling device was additionally locked onto the pot so that the pull means was under a permanent tension. However, with these designs, an unlocking of the lid and serious scalds were observed in part because of the tensile stress of the pull element.
By contrast, the present invention has the advantage that the pull element is exactly guided in a guiding device and is displaceably guided along an exactly predetermined path. This means that the pull element is only displaceable along said predetermined path and does not freely dangle from the pot in the emerged position of the strainer body. Especially with children, freely dangling pull elements or pull elements that could freely be gripped outside the pot have so far been popular toys in the prior art, which partly resulted in accidents by the pot being knocked over due to pulling on the pull element.
Thanks to a diverse design of the guiding device, the invention makes it possible to predetermine the most different paths for movably guiding the pull element. Furthermore, a pulling force on a pull element can be dosed much better, and because of the fact that there is no gearingxe2x80x94in contrast to a pivot lever system, the displacement movement of the pull element can be converted into a direct vertical displacement of the strainer body. The risk of an accident is thereby reduced considerably.
A further essential advantage of the invention is of course the fact that no storage place has to be provided for the strainer body because said body can preferably be moved into a position which is within the pot and above the liquid level. Thus during the whole preparing and subsequent serving process the strainer body remains within the pot body so that the drinking pleasure is not lastingly marred by the cumbersome removal of a strainer body from the pot.
To avoid excessive loads on the pull element, for instance by a sliding movement along an edge, the pull element according to one variant is guided in longitudinally displaceable fashion in the guiding device along a curved path which is in particular convex relative to a pot axis. Thanks to the convexly curved path relative to the pot axis, the pull element remains near the pot so that guiding devices projecting to a superfluously wide extent need not be provided. A guiding along the outer contour of the pot is also possible with such a design. Furthermore, advantageous frictional conditions are created in the guiding device because in the case of a curved path there will be no abrupt rise in frictional forces.
Advantageously, the pull element may be a component which is substantially rigid and adapted to the path predetermined by the guiding device. The term xe2x80x9crigid componentxe2x80x9d is just to rule out entirely flexible pull elements, such as bands, cords, chains, or the like. The component should be designed such that it does not change its shape in the unloaded state. All of the disadvantages inherent to such flexible pull elements are thereby eliminated. The pull element and the guiding device may be designed as components which can be telescoped into one another, so that a substantially hidden displacement of the pull element takes place, or a displacement adapted to the contour of the pot. Since the pull element is rigid, it can additionally receive bending forces, so that the element can freely project beyond a specific area in a direction transverse to its longitudinal extension. This is e.g. the case when the pull element in the submerged position of the strainer body is mainly moved out of the guiding device. It is thereby possible to assume the most different positions of the strainer body inside the pot body, even if the guiding device is arranged laterally on the pot.
Advantageously, the pull element in an emerged position of the strainer body can mainly be withdrawn into the guiding device and held therein. The bending load which, for instance, a rigid pull element is subjected to in the emerged position is thereby reduced to a very considerable extent. It should be borne in mind that in the emerged position the strainer body with its wet filling has a much greater weight than prior to submersion into the liquid.
As a rule, the prior-art pots have a lid which is detachably mounted on an upper pot opening. The lid can e.g. be inserted into the pot opening and screwed into or onto the pot opening. Furthermore, hinged lids are known that are e.g. pivotably supported at one side on the pot body. To be able to fill the pot body with liquid as much as possible and, nevertheless, to arrange at least the compartment filled with the additional substance outside the liquid, the lid may comprise an interior which is open towards the pot opening and in which the strainer body in the emerged position is arranged at least in part. This results in an additional displacement path for the strainer body and the filling level of the pot is thereby increased. Of course, the strainer body can be fully pivoted into the interior of the lid as well.
For an easier handling of the pot a handle may be arranged on the pot body, the handle forming at least part of the guiding device. Since the handle normally projects laterally from the pot body, there are enough possibilities of arrangement for accommodating a suitable guiding device which provides the desired displacement length of the pull element.
Advantageously, the path which is predetermined by the guiding device can therefore be adapted to the shape of the handle. Such a design is very well compatible with a curved design (sickle shape) of the pull element.
To displace the pull element in an easy way in the area of the handle and to simultaneously shift the strainer body between the submerged and emerged position, the handle may comprise a guide groove as part of the guiding device that substantially extends along the longitudinal extension of said handle and has displaceably supported therein the pull element, which is molded thereon accordingly, between a first position assigned to the submerged position of the strainer body and a second position assigned to the emerged position of the strainer body. The guide groove may e.g. also be provided in the interior of the handle, and in such a case access to the pull element must be provided for. This is a very compact embodiment because the same does not necessarily differ on the outside from conventional pots without a strainer body.
According to a variant the handle, the guide groove and the pull element may be curved substantially in the form of a circular arc and may be insertable into one another. A curved design in the form of a circular arc yields, on the one hand, an advantageous handle which can safely be gripped and, on the other hand, a e.g. rigid pull element can be displaced very easily along a circular path. It goes without saying that due to the displacement along a circular path the strainer body is displaceable not only in its vertical position, but also in its horizontal position.
The pot may be designed such that the upper pot opening is directly formed at the upper end of the pot body. The lid is directly mounted on the pot body. A corresponding spout can also directly be formed in the pot body. In a pot body of glass this can easily be accomplished with a corresponding shape. However, a drawback of such a glass body might be that when the lid is mounted or removed or upon contact of the glass spout with a vessel there might be some damage. To avoid such a damage, an attachment member may be mounted on an upper end of the pot body and may be formed at least with a spout and an upper pot opening. This attachment member may e.g. be made from plastics. Furthermore, the attachment member can be screwed, locked or glued to the pot body made, in particular, of glass. A sealing ring of rubber or the like may be arranged between attachment member and pot body for improved sealing.
For easier handling and manufacture of the pot the handle may be molded onto the attachment member.
In the case of a pot body without attachment member or also with attachment member, the handle can be also directly fastened to the pot body in a detachable manner.
In particular upon use of easily adhesive materials, such as glass, as the material for the pot body, the handle may also be glued to the pot body. This joining technique can be controlled very easily even at the temperatures prevailing in such a case.
To guide the pull element easily from the strainer body towards the handle, an opening for the pull element may be formed between lid and pot body or attachment member or in the attachment member, the opening being part of the guiding device.
A simple embodiment of the pull element, which is easily displaceable along the guide groove at the same time, may be a pull element made from a flat section having at least one slide surface which is movable along the guide groove.
For a simple manufacture of the handle with a corresponding guide groove, the groove may be formed from the outside of the handle. The flat section may e.g. be embedded in such a guide groove to be flush therewith. To this end, the guide groove in the handle may advantageously be substantially V-shaped in cross section and the flat section of the pull element may have a correspondingly adapted cross-section so that the pull element is substantially guided in the guide groove to be substantially flush with the outer contour of the handle.
It must here be regarded as an advantage when the pull element in the area of the handle comprises at least one handling device. Such a handling device may e.g. be a cam projecting from the flat section or an outwardly protruding eyelet or ring. Such a handling device can also be inserted at a later time into a corresponding bore in the flat section, in particular after passage of the pull element, through the above-mentioned opening. Moreover, the handling device can be secured in a detachable way.
To be able to secure the strainer body in a simple manner to the pull element, the element may be designed as a holding hook at its end assigned to the strainer body. Said holding hook can engage into a corresponding holding opening on the strainer body and can be detachably secured thereto.
In particular, in order to safely hold the strainer body in its emerged position and to prevent an automatic return movement into the submerged position, the guiding device and/or the handle may have assigned thereto an arresting device for fixing the pull element at least in its second position. Such an arresting device can be designed in different ways. It could for instance be a locking opening provided in the guiding device, which is engaged by a corresponding locking projection when the second position has been reached. A second locking opening may also be provided for fixing the submerged position.
For easily producing a corresponding arresting device, which automatically fixes the pull element in a second position, the arresting device may be designed as a constricted portion of the guiding device. Thanks to a simple frictional engagement between guiding device and pull element, the latter is thereby held in its second position and can nevertheless be displaced towards the first position by applying just a small force.
It is also possible to design the arresting device in the form of a locking hook on the pull element and of an associated locking nose in the guiding device. A specific position of the strainer body is then assigned to each locking position. In particular, the locking hook can be formed on the end portion of the pull element and the locking nose can be formed in the guide groove of the handle. The locking action is then performed in integrated fashion in the area surrounded by the handle and thus at a hidden place.
Advantageously, a separate locking nose may be arranged in the guide groove for each position of the pull element so that the pull element must just comprise a locking hook to occupy the different positions.
In particular in the case of a pot body made from glass, it is an advantage when the pot body comprises a lower base member connected to the handle and/or the attachment member. This base member may be a detachable part of the pot body and e.g. be made from plastics or metal in the case of a pot body made of glass.
The base member can be made detachable by the measure that the member is detachably clamped via a clamping mechanism to the lower portion of the pot body. Thus, for hygienic reasons the base member can be removed for cleaning purposes. As a rule, the pot body can also be put down without the base member so that a base member can alternatively be used for decorative purposes. The base member can also be designed differently with different decorations.
Furthermore, it is possible that the base member consists of a thermally stable material, in particular of metal. Stainless steel is here particularly suited. This embodiment has the additional advantage that such a pot can be put with its metal base on a pot warmer because the latter develops a considerable amount of heat which can easily be endured by the base member material.
To securely fasten the handle relative to the pot body, the pot body may be provided on its outside with at least one circumferential groove for receiving a wire secured with both of its ends to the handle. Such a wire surrounds the pot body along the circumferential groove, thereby securing the handle to the pot body thanks to the fastening of the two wire ends to the handle. Of course, two wires of this type may also surround the pot body in spaced-apart relationship with one another and be secured to the handle. The handle can be fixed in an improved way relative to the pot body when the two ends of the wire are guided laterally along the guide groove for the pull element in the handle into the vicinity of the lid.
The contact of the handle with the pot body can further be improved thereby and the pot can be carried more safely when the handle comprises an outer leg formed with the guiding device and an inner leg resting on the outside of the pot body, the legs being interconnected at their ends such that they enclose a grip opening. The grip opening is used for carrying the pot, and the outer leg can be gripped around with the grip opening.
To be able to connect the base member to the handle or on the attachment member, the base member may comprise a connection carrier extending towards handle or lid or attachment member along the outside.
To be able to fill and also to clean and empty the strainer body in a simple way, the body may be foldable and/or dividable into about two halves. As a rule, the strainer body is round or oval and unfoldable or dividable approximately along its equator. Preferably, the strainer body can be divided into a left and right strainer body half substantially in parallel with or in a plane formed by the pull element. In particular when a strainer body half is removed and the other one is still connected to the pull element, the pull element can be used together with the one strainer body half as a metering spoon or a scoop when a detachable connection has been chosen between guiding device and pull element.
The end of the pull element which is assigned to the strainer body may have arranged thereon a ring on which at least one of the two strainer body halves can be mounted and connected to the strainer body for the formation thereof. The strainer body halves can thereby be connected very easily to the pull element. Such a connection can be provided with an elegant design and is very interesting, especially with respect to hygienic reasons, because the transition between ring and pull element can be designed such that deposits cannot collect at said place.
To this end the at least one strainer body half can be connected by means of a bayonet-like catch either to the other half or to the ring. Such a connection can very easily be opened for filling the strainer body with additional substances.
In most cases an embodiment is adequate in which the one strainer body half is firmly connected to the pull element and the other strainer body half is detachably connected or connectable to the pull element. This if of particular advantage when the strainer body half which is firmly connected to the pull element is to be used together with said element as a metering spoon or a scoop. Moreover, the fixed strainer body half can be gripped in an improved way for detaching the other strainer body half and therefore serves as a handling device for opening and closing the strainer body.
For optical reasons and for an improved control of the interior of the pot, the pot body may be made from a transparent heat-resistant material, in particular glass.
For an easy displacement of the strainer body, in particular, along a curved path, it is advantageous when the pot body is bulged.
A plastic material is normally also used for the material of the lid, and the plastic material may be electroplated for an improved optical appearance. The lid can also be made from a thin metal.
As a rule, the pull element is madexe2x80x94like the above-mentioned wiresxe2x80x94from a metal, such as aluminum, steel, or the like. This is also applicable as a rule to the strainer body. A design of plastics is also possible.
Like the handle, the base member may be made from plastics or also metal.


A personal mobility vehicle includes an base unit having a frame and front and rear pivot arms pivotally mounted at respective front and rear pivot points. The front and rear pivot arms support casters. A drive unit having a ground engaging mid-wheel drive wheel is connected to the frame. A linkage connects the front and rear pivot arms to each other in a manner such that an upward or downward rotation of one of the pivot arms about its pivot point causes rotation of the other pivot arm about its pivot point in an opposite rotational direction. The base unit may also include a drive unit that is pivotally supported on the base unit by a torque arm and a suspension system that includes a suspension stop. The torque arm selectively disengages the suspension stop to allow movement of the front caster wheel in response to the terrain traversed.

This invention relates in general to suspension systems for use with personal mobility vehicles. In particular, this invention relates to a pivoting suspension system having a torque actuated suspension release mechanism for use with a powered wheelchair.
Power-driven personal mobility vehicles are known in the art and may include vehicles such as, for example, scooters and wheelchairs. Some power-driven personal mobility vehicles, particularly certain configurations of power-driven wheelchairs, are known to include suspension systems to improve ride and stability characteristics. One type of power-driven, personal mobility vehicle is a center drive wheelchair that typically includes a base unit having a frame, two spaced-apart drive wheels, and a plurality of caster wheels. The drive wheels are located generally near the longitudinal center of the base. The caster wheels are usually supported on longitudinally extending suspension arms that may be mounted for pivotal movement relative to the frame. The base may include a suspension system to control the relative movement of the drive wheels and the caster wheels in reaction to obstacles or uneven terrain. In some center drive wheelchair configurations, the drive motor is connected to the caster suspension arm in order to urge the arm and caster wheel over an obstacle. Such drive motor and suspension arm arrangements rely on the torque reaction of the motor to lift the caster wheel over the obstacle. The lifting movement of the suspension arm is typically in an upward direction toward the wheelchair seat. The motor engages the suspension arm and transfers the torque reaction load to the suspension arm, to urge it in an upward direction by the reaction force of the motor.

Personal mobility vehicle having a pivoting suspension with a torque activated release mechanism


A holographic sensor comprising a thin film polymer matrix that undergoes a change in response to a substance to be sensed, the matrix containing within its volume a set of two or more holographic recordings, each recording providing a holographic image when the sensor is illuminated, wherein the presence or appearance of each image is visible to the eye as a function of the response of the sensor to the substance to be sensed. The images provide the dynamic range of the sensor. Such a sensor can be used to provide a visible image that changes or appears to the eye in response to an analyte.

Chemical sensors and biosensors in the form of volume holograms made in specially made polymer layers are known. WO-A-95/26499 discloses a sensor which comprises a reflection hologram made in a thin film of polymeric material where the polymer interacts with a substance to be detected so as to alter the optical properties of the hologram, thereby providing a means for detecting or quantifying that substance. More generally, this reference and also WO-A-99/64308 disclose the concept of a volume hologram sensor which provides a measurable or observable optical change.
Within the art of holography, multiple holographic images and methods for creating them in a single holographic recording material are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,818 discloses a method of making a three-dimensional holographic multiplexed image from a series of two-dimensional images. U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,325 discloses a method of holographically recording a series of two-dimensional images such that the viewed holographic images are observed separately and distinctly from each other. U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,485 discloses a method of producing three-dimensional still or moving scene holograms including recordings of computer-generated scenes.
These known systems produce sets of holographic images which are multiplexed in a degree-of-freedom which is only spatial, where the images are intended to be viewable by an observer as an artificially-produced three-dimensional image or as a set of images separated in space over a corresponding set of angles of view. The optical properties of the material in which these holograms are made are intended to be invariant in time and they are not intended to be altered chemically when functioning normally.

Sensor with holographic multiplexed image display


The invention relates to a musical-instrument stand, in particular for guitars, and comprises a first side and a second side, each of which defines a lower part and an upper part. The lower parts of the first and the second sides each comprises foot elements or setting the stand on a floor surface. In their upper parts, the first and the second sides respectively comprises a first and a second joint element, which together define a pivot joint in order that the sides can be pivoted with respect to one another about a predetermined axis of rotation. A releasable catch is also provided in the region of the joint elements to lock the guitar stand in at least one pivot position.

Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates to a stand for a musical instrument, in particular for a guitar.
A musical-instrument stand of this kind has previously been disclosed in the patent GB 2 276 314 A. This known guitar stand is relatively complicated, being designed with a large number of parts that can move with respect to one another. It would be desirable for a novel guitar stand to be easier to set up than is the known stand, while simultaneously ensuring that the erected stand will remain stable.
Another guitar stand of this generic kind is known from the patent DE 44 37 200 C2. The procedure required to set up this guitar stand is also cumbersome, because after first and second sides have been pivoted so as to be in position for erection, a connecting iron in the region of a foot elements must be put into an effective position between the first and second sides. This introduces an additional complication into the erection process.
The object of the present invention is to provide a musical-instrument stand which, in comparison to the known state of the art, can be set up considerably more simply and moreover is comparatively easy to manufacture.
Hence, according to the present invention there is provided a musical-instrument stand, in particular for a guitar, comprising a first side and a second side, each of which defines a lower part and an upper part; foot elements provided on the lower part of the first and the second sides for supporting the stand on a floor surface; first and second joint elements located in the upper parts of the first and the second sides respectively and together defining a pivot joint that allows the first and the second sides to be pivoted with respect to one another about a predetermined axis of rotation; and a releasable catch located in the region of the first and second joint elements and operable to lock the stand in at least one pivot position.
Preferably, the two sides of the musical-instrument stand are arrested in a predetermined rotational position solely by the catch, which is disposed in the region of the joint elements. A musical-instrument stand so constructed can be set up and folded together in a considerably less complicated manner than those of the prior art and nevertheless remains simple to manufacture.
In an advantageous further development musical-instrument stand in the form of a guitar stand designed as proposed in the invention can also be fixed in a plurality of different rotational positions. This is achieved by constructing the catch so that a plurality of engagement positions is defined, which are preferably spaced equal distances apart, so that the apparatus can be fixed in corresponding angular positions.
With the measures proposed in the invention a guitar stand can be created that is especially easily transported, is lightweight and can be rapidly set up and taken down. It can be made particularly compact for transport by rotating the first and second sides into a position such that they are substantially parallel to one another in a resting position and at the same time a minimal distance apart. The result is an extremely flat unit that can readily be stored in order to be transported.
In a further embodiment there are provided, in addition to the catch, means for limiting the angle of rotation in the region of the joint elements, in particular at the catch or at the bearing elements of the pivot joint, which make it impossible for the stand to be opened out beyond a predetermined maximal opening angle. In principle the construction of the catch in itself ensures that the musical-instrument stand is sufficiently stable when arrested in a selected pivot-angle position. The pivot-angle-limiting means provides an additional, insurmountable barrier to opening beyond a specified maximal angle of rotation.
Preferably, the catch comprises a latch which is constructed and oriented such that it extends along an arc of a circle concentric with the axis of rotation. In this case the catch can define several engagement positions, each of which can be accessed by means of an associated catch counterpart when the sides are pivoted.
Preferably also, the catch comprises a first part defining a channel with latch recesses and a second part comprising a latch that is guided in the channel and provided with latch projections.
In an especially preferred embodiment the catch comprises a first part defining a channel with latch recesses and a second part comprising a latch that is guided in the channel and provided with latch projections. This design achieves a very well-defined engagement. Furthermore, such a design can reinforce the stability of the joint.
Preferably also, the catch is spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the pivot joint by less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm. The result is a relatively simple, ergonomic structure of the musical-instrument stand. The musical-instrument stand requires fewer movable parts than are provided in the state of the art as presented above. In a specific embodiment the latch projections engage in the recesses of the channel in a direction radial to the axis of rotation of the pivot joint.
In addition or in the alternative, latch projections are provided that engage in the latch recesses of the channel in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
In one embodiment, latch recesses are provided at two side surfaces of the channel so that corresponding latch projections at associated side surfaces of the latch can engage in the said recesses. With appropriate dimensioning of the channel, the force tending to press the latch projections at the side surfaces of the latch towards the recesses in the channel is always substantially the same, so that in this embodiment, which involves an inserting or enclosing engagement of the latch projections in the recesses, well-defined holding forces are ensured even after the musical-instrument stand has been in use for many years.
Preferably also, the catch is made predominantly or entirely of plastics material. To construct the catch of plastics material proves to be useful and economical during manufacture. At the same time, a catch made of plastic provides simple and reliable handling.
Preferably also, each of the first and second sides defines an indented region, the two of which indented regions together define a support on which a musical instrument may be stood. Therefore, even to support the instrument no additional, separate components are needed, so that the musical-instrument stand is altogether handy to use, lightweight and reliable in construction and employment.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the attached drawings.