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Aluminum alloy, cast article of aluminum alloy, and method for producing cast article of aluminum alloy
An aluminum alloy according to the present invention includes from 4.0 to 6.0% Mg, from 0.3 to 0.6% Mn, from 0.5 to 0.9% Fe, and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. By appropriately selecting the composition range of Mg, Mn and Fe, it has been possible to micro-finely crystallize Al (Mn, Fe) compounds while inhibiting the growth of primary-crystal Al. As a result, the resulting aluminum alloy is good in terms of the castability, and shows high strength as well as high ductility.
1. An aluminum alloy for cast products, comprising: from 4.0 to 6.0% magnesium (Mg); from 0.3 to 0.5% manganese (Mn); from 0.5 to 0.9% iron (Fe); from 0.1 to 0.2% titanium (Ti); and the balance of aluminum (Al) and inevitable impurities when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass (mass percentage). 2. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1 further comprising from 0.1 to 0.7% chromium (Cr) when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. 3. (Cancelled). 4. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1 further comprising from 0.01 to 0.05% boron (B) when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. 5. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1 further comprising from 0.001 to 0.01% beryllium (Be) when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. 6. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1 further comprising from 0.05 to 0.3% molybdenum (Mo) when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. 7. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1, wherein said inevitable impurities comprise 0.50 or less silicon (Si) and 0.3% or less copper (Cu) when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. 8. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1 wherein said Fe is from 0.5 to 0.8% by mass. 9. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1, further comprising primary-crystal aluminum and compounds which are dispersed uniformly, the primary-crystal aluminum having a dendritic cell size of 10 μm or less, the compounds having a grain diameter of 5 μm or less. 10. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1, which exhibits a tensile strength of 250 MPa or more as cast being free from being subjected to a heat treatment after casting. 11. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1, which exhibits a 0.2% proof stress of 130 MPa or more as cast being free from being subjected to a heat treatment after casting. 12. The aluminum alloy for cast products set forth in claim 1, which exhibits a fracture elongation of 13% or more as cast being free from being subjected to a heat treatment after casting. 13. A cast product made of an aluminum alloy, the cast product comprising: from 4.0 to 6.0% magnesium (Mg); from 0.3 to 0.5% manganese (Mn); from 0.5 to 0.9% iron (Fe); from 0.1 to 0.2% titanium (Ti); and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. 14. A process for producing a cast product made of an aluminum alloy, the process comprising the steps of: pouring an aluminum alloy molten metal into a die, the aluminum alloy molten metal comprising: from 4.0 to 6.0% magnesium (Mg); from 0.3 to 0.5% manganese (Mn); from 0.5 to 0.9% iron (Fe); from 0.1 to 0.2% titanium (Ti); and the balance of Al and inevitable impurities when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass; and solidifying the aluminum alloy molten metal by cooling it after the pouring step. 15. The process for producing a cast product made of an aluminum alloy set forth in claim 14, wherein said solidifying step is a step being solidified by cooling at a cooling rate of 20° C./sec. or more.
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Recently, it has been required to lightweight various products, conventional cast-iron products are about to give way to light aluminum alloy products rapidly. For example, in the case of automobiles, it is possible to expect mileage improvement by lightweighting, and the lightweighting is effective in environmental improvement as well. By the way, high strength and high ductility have come to be required even for thin-thickness cast products (die-cast products especially), to which the requirements for strength and ductility have been moderate relatively. As a method for producing high-strength and high-ductility thin-thickness cast products, it has been proposed such a method that the resulting cast products are heat treated after casting while vacuuming the inside of dies, or after casting while filling the inside of dies with oxygen contrarily, for example. However, in such a method, heat treatments are needed to result in the increment of production costs. Moreover, the thinner and larger cast products are, the more the heat treatments cause strains of the cast products (swelling, deformations, and the like), and accordingly it takes more costs for the correction. Hence, in order to solve such problems, the development of aluminum alloys which reveal high strength and high ductility even as cast has been carried out extensively. For example, in {circle over (1)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-3582, {circle over (2)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 11-293375, {circle over (3)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 11-193434, and {circle over (4)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-268340, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-316581 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 11-80872, and the like, there are disclosures on such aluminum alloys. Hereinafter, the aluminum alloys set forth in the respective publications will be described in detail. In {circle over (1)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-3582, an aluminum alloy cast product is disclosed which contains Mg: 3.0-5.5% (% by mass: being the same hereinafter), Zn: 1.0-2.0% (Mg/Zn: 1.5-5.5), Mn: 0.05-1.0%, Cu: 0.05-0.8%, and Fe: 0.1-0.8%. This Al—Mg-Mn—Zn—Cu system alloy contains Zn and Cu falling in a predetermined range as essential elements. When the present inventors tested and studied cast products made of this alloy, intermediate phases, such as MgZn 2 and Mg 32 (Al, Zn) 49 , are precipitated in the cast products, strength characteristic change by natural aging, and stress corrosion cracks appeared. Moreover, it was also understood that this alloy was such that hot tearing is likely to occur so that it was not suitable for casing thin-thickness members. In {circle over (2)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 11-293375, a highly ductile aluminum alloy die cast is disclosed which is characterized in that it comprises Mg: 2.5-7.0%, Mn: 0.2-1.0%, and Ti: 0.05-0.2%, and Fe in an amount of 0.3% and Si in an amount of 0.5% or less, a porosity is 0.5% or less at a heavy-thickness part ranging from 1 to 5 mm, the average circle-equivalent diameter of crystallized substances is 1.1 μm or less, and the areal ratio of crystallized substances is 5% or less. This Al—Mg—Mn—Ti system alloy is such that Fe is treated as an inevitable impurity and the content is limited to less than 0.3%. When the present inventors tested and studied thin-thickness die-cast products using this alloy, they were such that hot tearing was likely to occur. Moreover, when the Mg content increased, shrinkage cavities were likely to occur at the heavy-thickness center. The occurrence of hot tearing and shrinkage cavities is not preferable, because it enlarges the fluctuation of strength characteristic and elongation. In {circle over (3)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 11-193434, an aluminum alloy for high-toughness die-cast products is disclosed, aluminum alloy which comprises Mg: 3.0-5.5%, Mn: 1.5-2.0%, and Ni: 0.5-0.9%. In this Al—Mg-Mn—Ni system alloy, Ni is an essential constituent element, and the toughness of die-cast products are improved by adjusting the content appropriately. Moreover, since the Mn content is much, the crystallized amount of its compounds is so much that the elongation is 10% approximately as indicated by the examples. In {circle over (4)} (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-268340, a highly ductile aluminum alloy is disclosed which comprises Mg: 0.01 to 1.2%, Mn: 0.5 to 2.5%; and Fe: 0.1-1.5%. In this Al—Mg—Mn—Fe system alloy, defects such as hot tearing and shrinkage cavities, are inhibited from occurring by decreasing the Mg content so as to merely improve the castability and elongation. Accordingly, it is seen from the examples as well that the alloys are not satisfactory in view of the strength because the tensile strength is even less than 190 MPa. Note that the aluminum alloys, disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-316581 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 11-80872, are as poor as this alloy.
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating avertical die-casting machine equipped with a die for assessing hot tearing, die which is capable of varying the constriction length. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line “A-A” in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a bar graph for illustrating the relationship between the constriction length and castability on each test sample. FIG. 4 is a graph for illustrating the relationship between the hot tearing characteristics and the Fe content. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Motor generator
A permanent magnet embedded type concentrated winding motor generator, wherein of the mechanically and electrically independent first and second winding groups (4, 5), the plurality of first teeth (2) wound with the first winding groups (4) are divided into three groups (I, II, III) for example, and the winding directions of the windings of adjacent first teeth (2) within the same group (I, II, III) are opposite. Furthermore, one second tooth (3) wound with a second winding group (5) with a different winding specification from the first winding groups (4) is provided between each of the groups (I, II, III). Accordingly, the relative sizes of the generated voltages in the first winding groups (4) and the second winding groups (5) differ each other, allowing the realization of a compact and low cost construction capable of charging two different electric potentials from a single unit, which also enables a reduction in distortion of the waveform of the counter electromotive force, a reduction in iron loss, and an improvement in the efficiency of the motor, and enables the efficient charging of power sources with two different electric potentials.
1. (Canceled) 2. A motor generator, comprising: a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets (7, 61, 62, 64, 65); a stator having a plurality of teeth (2, 32, 52, 3, 33, 53); and two or more winding groups (4, 34, 54, 5, 35, 55) having a plurality of windings in each group, the windings of the winding groups are wound separately around the plurality of teeth (2, 32, 52, 3, 33, 53) in a mechanically and electrically mutually independent configuration, wherein the plurality of teeth (2, 32, 52, 3, 33, 53) are classified into first teeth (2, 32, 52) and second teeth (3, 33, 53), the winding groups (4, 34, 54, 5, 35, 55) are classified into first winding groups (4, 34, 54) and second winding groups (5, 35, 55), and a plurality of groups (I, II, III) comprising a plurality of the first teeth (2, 32, 52) wound with the windings of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54) are provided in the entire stator; and windings of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54) to which voltage of the same phase is applied are wound around the plurality of first teeth (2, 32, 52) within the same group (I, II, III) in the manner of that the winding direction is opposite in adjacent first teeth (2, 32, 52), different phases of voltage are applied to the adjacent plurality of groups (I, II, III), and the second teeth (3, 33, 53) wound with windings of the second winding groups (5, 35, 55) are provided between the groups (I, II, III). 3. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of groups (I, II, III) comprise n (where n is an integer≧2) first teeth (2, 32, 52) each wound with the windings of the first winding group (4, 34, 54). 4. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein the relationships: p=2×s×(±1+3×k) and p>t (k is an integer≧0) are satisfied, where the number of poles of the rotor is p, the total number of the first teeth (2, 32, 52) is t, and the number of sets of windings, wherein a set of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54) with the three phases of U, V and W constitutes one set, is s (where p, t and s are all positive integers). 5. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein for each group (I, II, III) composed of the first teeth (52) wound with the windings of the first winding groups (54), one or more concave sections (56, 58a, 58b, 59) are provided at the tips of one or more of the first teeth (52) within the group (I, II, III). 6. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein one or more concave sections (56, 58a, 58b, 59) are provided at the tips of the second teeth (53) wound with the windings of the second winding groups (55). 7. The motor generator according to claim 5, wherein the shape of the concave sections (56, 58a, 58b, 59) is any one of rectangular shape and circular arc shape. 8. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of second teeth (3, 33, 53) wound with the windings of the second winding groups (5, 35, 55) are provided between the groups (I, II, III) formed of the plurality of first teeth (2, 32, 52) wound with the windings of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54). 9. The motor generator according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second teeth (3, 33, 53) are provided between the groups (I, II, III) formed of the plurality of first teeth (2, 32, 52) wound with the windings of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54), at an interval which matches the pole pitch of the rotor. 10. The motor generator according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second teeth (3, 33, 53) wound with the windings of the second winding groups (5, 35, 55) are arranged at equal intervals between the groups (I, II, III) composed of the plurality of first teeth (2, 32, 52) wound with the windings of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54). 11. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein notches (43, 44) which are angled away from the surface (42) of the rotor (36) that opposes the stator, are provided near the circumferential ends of the tips (41) of the plurality of first teeth (32), opposing the surface of the rotor that opposes the stator. 12. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein when the number of rotor poles is 10q, the total number of slots formed between the first teeth (2, 32, 53) is 9q, the total number of slots formed between the second teeth (3, 33, 53) is 3q (where q is a positive integer in each case), the angle of a section of the first teeth (2, 32, 52) that opposes the rotor is θ1 [rad], and the angle of a section of the second teeth (3, 33, 53) that opposes the rotor is θ2 [rad], relationships of π/10q<θ1<π/5q and π/45q<θ2<π/10q are satisfied. 13. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein 3n groups (I, II, III) in the entire stator (where n is a positive integer), each group comprising n first teeth (2, 32, 52) wound with the windings of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54), and 3m second teeth (3, 33, 53) wound with the windings of the second winding groups (5, 35, 55) are provided. 14. The motor generator according to claim 13, wherein 3m groups (where m is a positive integer) in the entire stator, each group comprising m second teeth (3, 33, 53) wound with the windings of the second winding groups (5, 35, 55) are provided. 15. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein the rotor is configured such that a plurality of permanent magnets (7, 61, 62, 64, 65) are embedded. 16. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein the rotor is configured such that a plurality of permanent magnets (7, 61, 62, 64, 65) are arranged on the surface of the rotor. 17. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein the rotor comprises the plurality of permanent magnets (65), and a rotor core (63), in which a plurality of slits (66) of substantially the same shape as the permanent magnets (65) and of a width that is narrower than that of the permanent magnets (65) are provided on the opposite side to the stator side of the plurality of permanent magnets (65). 18. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein a space between the stator side surfaces of the plurality of permanent magnets (7, 61, 62, 64, 65) provided in the rotor and the surface of the rotor that opposes the stator is shaped so as to be larger in the center than at the ends of each of the plurality of permanent magnets (7, 61, 62, 64, 65). 19. The motor generator according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets (7, 65) which constitute the rotor are each formed as an approximate V shape protruding away from the surface of the rotor that opposes the stator. 20. The motor generator according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets (61) which constitute the rotor are each formed as a straight line shape that is perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor. 21. The motor generator according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets (62) which constitute the rotor are each formed as a circular arc shape which protrudes in the direction opposite to the surface of the rotor that opposes the stator. 22. The motor generator according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets (64) which constitute the rotor are each formed as a circular arc shape which has a larger radius than the radius of the rotor and protrudes in the direction to the surface of the rotor that opposes the stator. 23. The motor generator according to claim 2, wherein each of output terminals of the two or more winding groups (4, 5) is separately connected to a power source (70, 90, 130, 190) having a different electric potential and an electric load via an independent power conversion device (121, 122, 126, 127). 24. The motor generator according to claim 23, comprising the two or more winding groups (4, 5), and wherein two or more of the independent power conversion devices (126, 127) comprise an inverter (141, 142) composed of switching elements, a gate drive circuit (151, 152) which drives the switching elements of the inverter (141, 142), a control section (160) which controls the inverter (141, 142), a current detection sensor (171, 172) which detects the motor current, a magnetic pole position detection sensor (180) which detects the position of the magnetic poles of the motor, and a power source (190), and the two or more power conversion devices (126, 127) share the control section (160), the magnetic pole position detection sensor (180), and the power source (190). 25. The motor generator according to claim 23, comprising the two or more winding groups (4, 5), and wherein, with respect to one or more winding groups (4), a generated voltage produced at an output terminal of the one of the winding groups (4) is set so that a rated voltage is generated at maximum rotations, and the power conversion device connected to the output terminal of each winding is driven in boost mode. 26. The motor generator according to claim 23, comprising the two or more winding groups (4, 5), and wherein, with respect to one or more the winding groups (5), a generated voltage produced at the one of the winding groups (5) is set so that a rated voltage is generated at approximately half of maximum rotations, and the power conversion device connected to the output terminal of each winding is driven by switching between field strengthening and field weakening. 27. The motor generator according to claim 23, comprising the two or more winding groups (4, 5), and wherein a generated voltage produced at the output terminal of one or more winding groups (5) is controlled by a control winding wound around a section which forms a magnetic path from the magnets. 28. The motor generator according to claim 23, comprising the two or more winding groups (4, 5), and wherein the rotating speed of the motor is controlled by adjusting a voltage applied to one or more winding groups (4), and a generated voltage produced at the output terminal of the other of the winding groups (5) is controlled in accordance with the controlled rotating speed. 29. A vehicle comprising the motor generator according to claim 2 as an electric motor generator. 30. The motor generator according to claim 3, wherein the relationships: p=2×s×(1+3×k) and p>t (k is an integer≧0) are satisfied, where the number of poles of the rotor is p, the total number of the first teeth (2, 32, 52) is t, and the number of sets of windings, wherein a set of the first winding groups (4, 34, 54) with the three phases of U, V and W constitutes one set, is s (where p, t and s are all positive integers). 31. The motor generator according to claim 6, wherein the shape of the concave sections (56, 58a, 58b, 59) is any one of rectangular shape and circular arc shape. 32. A vehicle comprising the motor generator according to claim 23 as an electric motor generator.
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Conventionally, a hybrid electric vehicle that has an engine and an electric motor as the drive section comprises two types of battery, namely a high voltage battery for driving the electric motor, and an auxiliary low voltage battery for lamps and audio systems and the like. The batteries installed in the vehicle are constructed so that, taking maintenance into consideration, the batteries are charged by a motor generator installed in the vehicle. The construction of a conventional hybrid electric vehicle is shown in FIG. 16 . The reference numeral 8 indicates an engine and the reference numeral 9 indicates an electric motor, and power is transmitted from the engine or the electric motor, or from both the engine and the electric motor, to the tires via a power switching mechanism 10 . The electric motor 9 is controlled from a high voltage battery 70 , via a power conversion device 30 . The reference numeral 80 indicates an alternator, in a system configuration in which a low voltage battery 90 is charged by the rotation of the engine. The charging of the high voltage battery employs a setup in which the electric motor 9 operates as a generator, and charges the high voltage battery 70 via the power conversion device 30 . Furthermore, FIG. 17 is a structural diagram showing another conventional hybrid electric vehicle. The point of difference from the construction in FIG. 16 is that instead of being charged using the alternator 80 , the low voltage battery 90 is charged from the high voltage battery 70 via a DC-DC converter 100 (see “TOYOTA ESTIMA HYBRID new vehicle manual, product number 61994”, Toyota Motor Corporation Service Division, published June 2001, p0-9, p1-31). Moreover, regarding the motor generator, many motor generators with field winding systems have been proposed, including known motor generators which comprise two windings, namely a winding connected to the high voltage battery, and a winding connected to the low voltage battery (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-105512, pages 1 and 3, FIG. 1). In a conventional electric vehicle drive system such as those described above, it is necessary to either provide two types of motor generator, for the main high voltage system and for the auxiliary low voltage system, or to provide one type of motor generator and a separate DC-DC converter. Accordingly, problems arise in that more mounting space is required, and in that the associated costs increase. If the motor generator is configured with a two winding field winding system, a problem occurs in that when winding the windings that are to provide power for the vehicle, the physical size of the motor generator becomes extremely large, and it cannot be installed in a vehicle. In addition, another problem arises in that because a field winding system is used, it is difficult to control the respective windings at the same time. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a compact and low cost electric vehicle drive system using a magnetic field system which integrates two types of motor generator.
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view describing the main elements of a motor generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic development view describing the winding direction of the windings in the same embodiment; FIG. 3 is a connection diagram showing the connection state between winding groups in the same embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main elements of the motor generator, showing an example of a combination of teeth numbers; FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view describing the main elements of a motor generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view describing the stator core according to the same embodiment; FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view describing the stator core according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7B is a partial view showing an example of a method of forming the concave sections according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 7C is a partial view showing an example of the shape of the concave sections according to the same embodiment; FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotor, describing an example of the shape of the permanent magnets according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotor, describing an alternative shape of the permanent magnets according to the same embodiment, FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotor, describing yet another shape of the permanent magnets according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotor, showing an example of the shape of the rotor core according to the same embodiment; FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view describing the main elements of an outer rotor type motor generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a hybrid vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of another hybrid vehicle according to the same embodiment; FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a hybrid vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the construction of a power conversion device according to the same embodiment; FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the construction of a power conversion device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the connection status of the winding groups according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a conventional hybrid vehicle equipped with a motor generator; and FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a conventional hybrid vehicle equipped with a motor generator and a DC-DC converter. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Connector block configured to induce a bend in shock tubes retained therein
The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.
1. A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with said percussion-actuation end of said detonator present in said bore, said slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of said at least one shock tube into said slot; wherein at least one of said housing and said shock tube retention means adjacent to said slot is configured to induce a single, shallow bend in said at least one shock tube passing within said slot, said single, shallow bend comprising a non-reversing smooth arcuate curve within said slot, said curve having a centre of focus located outside the region of the slot. 2. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein said bend is so shallow that it defines a curve having a centre of focus located a distance from said at least one shock tube that is at least half the length of the connector block. 3. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein said bend is so shallow that it defines a curve having a centre of focus located a distance from said at least one shock tube that is longer than the connector block. 4. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein in use said bend induced in said at least one shock tube causes said at least one shock tube to contact a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore. 5. A connector block according to claim 1 having a positioning membrane for contacting and positioning a percussion-actuation end of a detonator in said housing, wherein in use said bend in said at least one shock tube causes said at least one shock tube to contact said positioning membrane. 6. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein in use said bend induced in said at least one shock tube is sufficiently sharp to prevent said connector block from sliding along said at least one shock tube located within said slot. 7. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein in use said bend in said at least one shock tube induces said at least one shock tube to bend away from a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore. 8. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein in use said bend in said at least one shock tube induces said at least one shock tube to bend towards a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore. 9. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the slot has a substantially arcuate cross-section relative to a longitudinal axis of said at least one shock tube retained therein. 10. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein said connector block accommodates two or more shock tubes, and said connector block is further configured to prevent interference of said two or more shock tubes upon exiting the slot. 11. A connector block according to any one of the preceding claims claim 1, wherein at east one of the housing and the shock tube retention means includes at least one projection facing the slot, which projection induces said at least one shock tube, when positioned in the slot, to adopt said bend. 12. A connector block according to claim 11, wherein two projections are positioned on opposite sides of a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore. 13. A connector block according to claim 11, wherein said housing incorporates said at least one projection facing said slot, and said region of said at least one shock tube passing through said slot is bent away from a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore. 14. A connector block according to claim 13, wherein two projections are arranged on opposite sides of a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore. 15. A connector block according to claim 11 for retaining two or more shock tubes, wherein first and second projections face said slot, said first projection being located on said shock tube retention means and configured to bend said shock tubes towards a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore, and said second projection being located on said housing opposite said first projection, and configured to bend said shock tubes away from a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore upon exiting said slot, thereby preventing interference of said shock tubes. 16. A connector block according to claim 15, wherein said connector block further comprises third and fourth projections facing said slot on a side of a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore opposite said first and second projections, said third projection being located on said shock tube retention means and configured to bend said shock tubes towards a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore, and said fourth projection being located on said housing opposite said third projection and configured to bend said shock tubes away from a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore upon exiting said slot, thereby preventing interference of said shock tubes. 17. A connector block according to claim 11 for retaining two or more shock tubes, wherein first and second projections face said slot, said first projection located on said housing, and configured to bend said shock tubes away from a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore, and said second projection located on said shock tube retention means opposite said first projection, and configured to bend said shock tubes towards a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore upon exiting said slot, thereby preventing interference of said shock tubes. 18. A connector block according to claim 17, wherein third and fourth projections face said slot on a side of a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore opposite said first and second projections, said third projection located on said housing, and configured to bend said shock tubes away from a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore, and said fourth projection located on said shock tube retention means opposite said third projection, and configured to bend said shock tubes towards a percussion-actuation end of a detonator located in said bore upon exiting said slot, thereby preventing interference of said shock tubes. 19. A detonator assembly comprising a connector block according to claim 1, a detonator positioned within said bore of the connector block housing and at least one shock tube retained within said slot of the connector block.
<SOH> BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION <EOH>Blasting operations frequently trigger a series of explosions in an exact order, with precise timing. For this purpose, blasting systems have been developed that employ shock tubes (also known as signal transmission lines) that transfer a blast initiation signal to an explosive charge. A signal from a single shock tube can be transferred to multiple shock tubes in a blasting system via the use of connector block/detonator assemblies, thereby permitting the initiation of multiple explosive charges in a controlled manner. Safety and reliability are paramount for any blasting system, and efficient shock tube initiation is an important factor in this regard. Shock tube initiation failure results in unexploded charges at the blast site, with inevitable safety concerns. Moreover, the reliable initiation of shock tubes ensures that the required blasting pattern is effected. The efficiency of shock tube initiation depends primarily upon connector block design. Reliable initiation of shock tubes requires sufficient energy to be transferred from the base charge of the detonator to the shock tubes, thereby compressing the shock tubes extremely rapidly to initiate them. The shock tube retention means of a connector block holds one or more shock tubes in contact with, or close proximity to, the percussion-actuation end of the detonator retained within the block. Importantly, the shock tube retention means ensures that the shock tubes are retained in signal transmission relationship with the detonator. Several examples of connector block designs are known in the art, which comprise a shock tube retention means for the arrangement of at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. These examples generally encompass the use of a clip-like member, integral with the connector block, for retaining the shock tubes within a slot formed between the clip-like member and the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. In this way, the shock tubes are retained in signal transmission relationship with the end of the detonator. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,492, issued to ICI Explosives USA Inc. on Apr. 20, 1993, discloses a detonator assembly for initiating up to eight transmission lines. The assembly comprises a connector block that houses a low strength detonator. The connector block comprises a confining wall surrounding the closed end of the low strength detonator. One or more signal transmission lines can be inserted through a gap in the confining wall and operatively confined adjacent to the percussion-actuation (closed) end of the low strength detonator. Corresponding U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,171,935 and 5,398,611, issued to the Ensign Bickford Company on Dec. 15, 1992 and Mar. 21, 1995 respectively, disclose a connector block having a housing with a channel formed therein for receiving a low energy detonator. The connector block further comprises a tube engaging member for holding transmission tubes adjacent an end of the channel, wherein the tube engaging member is attached to the connector block via a resiliently deformable segment. Transmission tubes may be inserted into a slot formed between the housing and the tube engaging member. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,319, issued to the Ensign Bickford Company on Dec. 30, 1997, discloses a connector block comprising a clip member. The clip member cooperates with the signal transmission end of a body member to define a slot for receiving one or more signal transmission lines in communication with the output end of a detonator. The clip member is characterized in that it comprises a section of continuously decreasing thickness to facilitate lateral insertion of signal transmission lines into the slot by deformation of the clip member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,581 issued to the Ensign-Bickford Company on Mar. 19, 1996, discloses a connector block design for connecting signal transmission lines in a blasting system. The patent discloses improved means for securing a detonator within the connector block via a displaceable locking member. The connector block may further comprise a flexible, cantilevered line retaining means to receive one or a plurality of outgoing signal transmission lines. In a final example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,149 issued to the Ensign-Bickford Company on Aug. 19, 1997, discloses a connector block including a slot configured to constrain just a single acceptor line retained therein in an undulate configuration i.e. a configuration having consecutive (multiple) bends or kinks including zig-zags. In this way the acceptor line is retained more securely within the slot by virtue of the multiple contortions introduced into the acceptor line, thereby preventing unwanted sliding or displacement of the connector block along the acceptor line. The connector blocks disclosed by the prior art generally retain at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator by confining the shock tube(s) within a slot. Preferably, the slot is dimensioned to retain the shock tubes in signal transmission relationship with the detonator, without unduly squeezing the shock tubes. In this way, the energy of detonator actuation compresses the shock tubes extremely rapidly, thereby resulting in their initiation. The inventor of the present application has determined that optimal energy transfer requires contact between the shock tubes and the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator (or the surface of a positioning surface, which is in contact with the detonator). However, the inventor has noted that dimensional tolerances in the manufacture of connector blocks and shock tubes can result in poor shock tube/detonator contact. For this reason, the insertion of an undersized shock tube into an oversized slot of a connector block can result in poor shock tube/detonator contact, and reduced transfer efficiency of actuation energy. Therefore, manufacturing tolerances can contribute significantly to shock tube initiation reliability. Furthermore, an undersized shock tube in an oversized slot would allow the block to slide uncontrollably to other undesirable locations along the shock tube. In addition, plastic connector blocks comprising flexible shock tube retention means can exhibit variations in slot dimensions. The connector blocks of the prior art generally comprise flexible and resilient shock tube retention means in the form of a clip, for holding the shock tubes in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The flexibility of the shock tube retention means can permit facile shock tube insertion. However, the inventor of the present application has determined that shock tube retention means of this kind may not properly reassume their original shape after distortion, thereby affecting the width of the shock tube retention slot. Moreover, the presence of one or more shock tubes within the slot can alter the configuration of the shock tube retention means, thereby affecting slot width for subsequent shock tube insertion. These factors may further increase the risk of improper shock tube detonator contact within the connector block. Accordingly, there is a need for improved connector block designs, wherein shock tubes are positioned in efficient signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator, and preferably in material contact with the detonator.
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An object of the present invention, at least in a preferred form thereof, is to provide a connector block, wherein shock tubes are preferably retained in firm contact with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. In this way, air gaps between the detonator and the shock tubes are essentially eliminated, thereby increasing the energy transfer efficiency from the detonator to the shock tubes. It is a further object of the present invention, at least in a preferred form thereof, to provide a connector block wherein shock tubes are positioned accurately in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator, wherein air gaps resulting from manufacturing tolerances are virtually eliminated. It is a further object of the present invention, at least in a preferred form thereof, to provide a connector block, wherein the connector block is substantially prevented from sliding along the shock tubes located within the slot of the connector block. Conventional connector block designs include a ‘straight’ slot for the retention of shock tubes. As will be apparent from the foregoing, a straight slot presents significant disadvantages with regard to the security of shock tube retention, and the possibility of the connector block being slidably displaced along the tubes. Moreover, previous attempts to address these issues have lead to the generation of connector blocks configured to constrain shock tubes in a contorted undulate configuration within the block, in which multiple bends or kinks are introduced into the shock tube(s) (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,149). However, the inventors have found that such contortions render the shock tubes difficult to insert into the connector blocks, and can present difficulties with maintaining optimal signal transmission. The inventors unexpectedly found that the connector blocks of the present invention, in which a single principle bend is introduced into the shock tube(s) allows for optimization of multiple connector block attributes. The connector blocks disclosed herein permit relatively facile shock tube insertion, excellent detonator-to-shock tube signal transfer efficiency, secure retention of shock tubes, and uptake of unwanted tolerances in connector block or shock tube manufacture. Moreover, unlike the connector block designs disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,149, the connector block of the present invention permit insertion of a plurality of shock tubes. Therefore, in a first embodiment there is provided a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means defining with the housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube and holding the shock tube(s) in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of the shock tube(s) into the bore, characterized in that at least one of the housing and the shock tube retention means adjacent to the slot is configured to induce a bend in the shock tube(s) passing through the slot. In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube and holding the shock tube(s) in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of the shock tube(s) into the slot, characterized in that at least one of the housing and the shock tube retention means includes at least one projection facing the slot, which projection causes the shock tube(s) positioned in the slot to bend in a region passing through the slot. The invention also relates to a detonator assembly comprising a connector block as defined above, a detonator positioned within the bore of the connector block housing and at least one shock tube retained within the slot of the connector block. Preferably, the connector blocks of the present invention induce the shock tubes to contact the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. In an alternative embodiment, the connector blocks of the present invention further comprise a positioning membrane for positioning the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transmission relationship with the slot. In this way, the slot may be defined in part by the positioning membrane. The corresponding connector blocks are preferably configured to ensure the shock tubes contact the positioning surface, which contacts the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. The positioning membrane may partially or completely enclose the signal transmission end of the bore. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the housing or the shock tube retention means comprise two projections configured to induce a bend in the shock tube or shock tubes deposited within the slot of the connector block. Preferably, the connector blocks of the present invention are suitable for housing a detonator with a hemispherical percussion-actuation end. In this way, the shock tubes may be arranged and retained within the slot equidistant from the initiation point of the hemispherical base charge within the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. In one embodiment, the shock tubes may be bent towards the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. In an alternative embodiment, the shock tubes may be bent away from the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. The present invention encompasses connector blocks that induce one or more shock tubes positioned therein, to bend either towards or away from the detonator, whilst preferably contacting the percussion-actuation end of the detonator (or a positioning membrane in contact with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator). The connector block configuration of the present invention induces a single principle bend (preferably a shallow arcuate curve) in one or several shock tubes as they pass within the slot, to improve the signal transmission and/or contact of the detonator with the shock tube(s). Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to retain a plurality of shock tubes in signal transmission relationship with a detonator.

Connector block with shock tube retention means and flexible and resilient closure member
A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance. The closure member and the shock tube retention means resiliently flex to allow entry of the at least one shock tube through the entrance and into the slot, the closure member flexing through a distance at least 30% the diameter of the shock tube.
1. A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end and a base charge disposed within the percussion-actuation end, the bore having an insertion end for receiving the detonator and a signal transmission end for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said at least one shock tube; a shock tube retention means integral with the housing and extending to project over the signal transmission end of said bore, to define with the housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube, and to hold said at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with said percussion-actuation end of said detonator present in said bore, said slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of each shock tube into said slot; and a flexible and resilient closure member integral with the housing and extending partially or fully into said entrance; wherein said shock tube retention means has limited flexibility, and said closure member resiliently flexes away from said entrance to allow entry of each shock tube through said entrance and into said slot, said closure member flexing through a distance at least 60% the diameter of the shock tube. 2. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein, upon insertion of said at least one shock tube, said closure member flexes through a distance at 90% the diameter of the shock tube. 3. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein said connector block is configured to permit entry of said at least one shock tube by applying an insertional force of less than about 45 Newtons. 4. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein said closure member prevents inadvertent removal of said at least one shock tube from said slot. 5. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein said closure member assists in the retention of a shock tube located within the slot adjacent the entrance by contacting said shock tube. 6. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the connector block comprises a plastic material. 7. A connector block according to claim 6, wherein the shock tube retention means comprises a first plastic material, and the flexible and resilient closure member comprises a second plastic material. 8. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the flexible and resilient closure member comprises a metal. 9. A connector block according to claim 8, wherein the metal is a metal insert, and the metal insert is partially or completely enveloped in a plastic material. 10. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein entry of said at least one shock tube into said slot induces an audible click. 11. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the closure member extends partially or fully into said entrance at an angle of from about 45° to about 135° relative to the axis of the bore. 12. A connector block according to claim 11, wherein the closure member extends partially or fully into said entrance at an angle of from about 45° to about 90° relative to the axis of the bore. 13. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the connector block further comprises: a positioning membrane for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said shock tubes located in said slot. 14. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the connector block further comprises: a shock tube insertion guide integral with the shock tube retention means, the shock tube insertion guide defining with said closure member a receiving space for guiding said at least one shock tube to said entrance of said slot. 15. A connector block according to claim 14, wherein the receiving space narrows at an end adjacent said opening of said slot. 16. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is hemispherical, and said at least one shock tube comprises at least two shock tubes arranged in use around the hemispherical percussion-actuation end of the detonator substantially equidistant from a base charge within the detonator. 17. A connector block according to claim 1, wherein the slot can accommodate up to six shock tubes. 18. A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, wherein the connector block comprises: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end and a base charge disposed within the percussion-actuation end, the bore having an insertion end for receiving the detonator and a signal transmission end for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said at least one shock tube; a substantially rigid shock tube retention means integral with the housing and extending to project over the signal transmission end of said bore, to define with said housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with said percussion-actuation end of said detonator present in said bore, said slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of said at least one shock tube into said slot; and a closure member extending partially or fully into said entrance and attached to said housing via a sprung hinge, said closure member being arranged relative to said entrance to allow entry of said at least one shock tube into said slot by movement of said closure member about said sprung hinge against a bias. 19. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein said connector block is configured to permit entry of said at least one shock tube by applying an insertional force of less than about 45 Newtons. 20. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein said closure member prevents inadvertent removal of said at least one shock tube from said slot. 21. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein said closure member assists in the retention of a shock tube located within the slot adjacent the entrance by contacting said shock tube. 22. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the connector block substantially comprises a plastic material. 23. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the flexible and resilient closure member comprises a metal. 24. A connector block according to claim 23, wherein the metal is a metal insert, and the metal insert is partially or completely enveloped in a plastic material. 25. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein entry of said at least one shock tube into said slot induces an audible click. 26. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the closure member extends partially or fully into said entrance at an angle of from about 45° to about 135° relative to the axis of the bore. 27. A connector block according to claim 26, wherein the closure member extends partially or fully into said entrance at an angle of from about 45° to about 90° relative to the axis of the bore. 28. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the connector block further comprises: a positioning membrane located within the bore for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said shock tubes in said slot. 29. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the connector block further comprises: a shock tube insertion guide integral with the shock tube retention means of limited flexibility, the shock tube insertion guide defining with said closure member a receiving space to guide said at least one shock tube to said entrance of said slot. 30. A connector block according to claim 29, wherein the receiving space narrows at an end adjacent said opening of said slot. 31. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is hemispherical, and said at least one shock tube comprises at least two shock tubes arranged in use around the hemispherical percussion-actuation end of the detonator substantially equidistant from a base charge within the detonator. 32. A connector block according to claim 18, wherein the slot can accommodate up to six shock tubes.
<SOH> BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION <EOH>Blasting operations frequently trigger a series of explosions in an exact order, with precise timing. For this purpose, blasting systems have been developed that employ shock tubes (also known as signal transmission lines) that transfer a blast initiation signal to an explosive charge. A signal from a single shock tube can be transferred to multiple shock tubes in a blasting system via the use of connector block/detonator assemblies, thereby permitting the initiation of multiple explosive charges in a controlled manner. Safety and reliability are paramount for any blasting system, and efficient shock tube initiation is an important factor in this regard. Shock tubes that fail to initiate result in unexploded charges at the blast site, with inevitable safety concerns. Moreover, the reliable initiation of shock tubes is imperative to ensure that the required blasting pattern is effected. The efficiency of shock tube initiation is dependent primarily upon connector block design. Reliable initiation of shock tubes requires the transfer of sufficient energy from the base charge of the detonator to the shock tubes, thereby compressing the shock tubes rapidly with sufficient energy and speed to initiate them. The shock tube retention means of a connector block holds one or more shock tubes in contact with, or close proximity to, the percussion-actuation end of the detonator retained within the block. Importantly, the shock tube retention means ensures that the shock tubes are retained in signal transmission relationship with the detonator. Several examples of connector block designs are known in the art, which comprise a shock tube retention means for holding at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. These examples generally encompass the use of a flexible clip-like member, integral to the connector block, for retaining the shock tubes within a slot formed between the clip-like member and the percussion-actuation end of the detonator. In this way, the shock tubes are retained in signal transmission relationship with the end of the detonator. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,492, issued to ICI Explosives USA Inc. on Apr. 20, 1993, discloses a detonator assembly for initiating up to eight transmission lines. The assembly comprises a connector block that houses a low strength detonator by means of a confining wall surrounding the closed end of the low strength detonator. One or more signal transmission lines can be inserted through a gap in the confining wall and operatively confined adjacent to the closed end of the low strength detonator. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,171,935 and 5,398,611, issued to the Ensign Bickford Company on Dec. 15, 1992 and Mar. 21, 1995 respectively, disclose a connector block having a housing with a channel formed therein for receiving a low energy detonator. The connector block further comprises a shock tube engaging member for holding shock tubes (referred to as transmission tubes) adjacent an end of the channel, wherein the tube engaging member is attached to the connector block via a resiliently deformable segment. Shock tubes may be inserted into a slot formed between the housing and the tube engaging member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,581 issued to the Ensign-Bickford Company on Mar. 19, 1996, discloses a connector block design for connecting signal transmission lines in a blasting system. The patent discloses improved means for securing a detonator within the connector block via a displaceable locking member. The connector block may further comprise a flexible, cantilevered line retaining means to receive one or a plurality of outgoing signal transmission lines. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,319, issued to the Ensign Bickford Company on Dec. 30, 1997, discloses a connector block comprising a clip member. The clip member cooperates with the signal transmission end of a body member to define a slot for receiving one or more signal transmission lines in communication with the output end of a detonator. The clip member is characterised in that it comprises a section of continuously reducing thickness to facilitate lateral insertion of signal transmission lines into the slot by deformation of the clip member. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,149 issued to the Ensign Bickford Company on Aug. 19, 1997 discloses connector blocks comprising a slot for retaining a single acceptor line in an undulate configuration therein (i.e. the single acceptor line is contorted to have multiple bends or links). In a preferred embodiment, the connector blocks may further include a moveable retainer member located on a side of the slot opposite the detonator end. The moveable retainer member is generally integral with the shock tube retention means, and includes a barb for retaining the single acceptor line in position adjacent the end of a detonator. In a final example, the so called Handidet™X405 provides for a connector block for retaining shock tubes in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The shock tubes are retained in a slot defined between a flexible shock tube retention means and the adjacent housing of the connector block. The entrance to the slot is formed between a semi-rigid member integral with the housing, and a flexible tip integral with the flexible shock tube retention means. Shock tubes may be inserted through the entrance of the slot by deformation of the flexible shock tube retention means (and, in particular, the flexible tip), and the semi-rigid member integral with the housing. Importantly, the access to the slot depends primarily upon the flexibility of the shock tube retention means and the flexible tip. Although the semi-rigid member exhibits a limited degree of flexibility, the principle function of this member is to retain the shock tubes within the connector block once inserted into the slot. The connector blocks disclosed in the prior art generally comprise shock tube retention means comprising a material with a significant degree of resilient flexibility. The flexibility of the shock tube retention means permits facile insertion of the shock tubes between the shock tube retention means and the percussion-actuation end of a detonator housed within the block. For this purpose, the shock tube retention means comprises a member that can be temporarily deformed by application of force by the user, thereby allowing access to a slot (or equivalent thereof) for insertion of the shock tubes therein. Release of the force permits the shock tube retention means to assume its original configuration, and retain the shock tubes in the slot. A variation on this theme is provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,149 (as previously described), in which a single acceptor line is retained by a resilient barbed member generally integral with the shock tube retention means. Nonetheless, the configuration of the disclosed connector blocks is such that only a single line may be retained, and the shock tube retention means comprises complex components that reduce the integrity of the connector block upon detonator initiation, thereby increasing the quantity of shrapnel.
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The inventors of the present application have encountered significant problems with the connector blocks of the prior art that include flexible or insubstantial shock tube retention means. Firstly, shock tube retention means that are at least partly flexible exhibit a measurable degree of residual plastic deformation. Consequently, such shock tube retention means sometimes fail to retain shock tubes with sufficient precision of placement adjacent the percussion actuation end of a detonator. Secondly, the shock tubes may be retained with insufficient friction, thereby resulting in the connector block sliding along the length of the shock tubes retained therein. Thirdly, connector blocks comprising at least partially flexible shock tube retention means can exhibit reduced integrity upon detonator actuation causing increased shrapnel. The present invention, at least in preferred forms, aims to provide a connector block for accurate positioning of shock tubes in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator, wherein the connector block prevents inadvertent removal of the shock tubes. A further object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, is to provide a connector block that does not normally fragment upon actuation of a detonator housed therein. In this way, the quantity of shrapnel is reduced. A further object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, is to provide a connector block wherein the force required to insert a shock tube into the connector block is suitable for facile manual operation, yet once inserted the shock tube is securely retained. A further object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, is to provide a connector block for retaining shock tubes in accurate energy communicating relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end and a base charge disposed within the percussion-actuation end, the bore having an insertion end for receiving the detonator and a signal transmission end for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said at least one shock tube; a shock tube retention means integral with the housing and extending to project over the signal transmission end of said bore, to define with the housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube, and to hold said at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with said percussion-actuation end of said detonator present in said bore, said slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of each shock tube into said slot; and a flexible and resilient closure member integral with the housing and extending partially or fully into said entrance; wherein said shock tube retention means has limited flexibility, and said closure member resiliently flexes away from said entrance to allow entry of each shock tube through said entrance and into said slot, said closure member flexing through a distance at least 60%, preferably at least 90%, of the diameter of the shock tube(s). Most preferably, the shock tube retention means is so rigid that it undergoes little or no flexing when a shock tube is inserted into the slot. Ideally, the shock tube retention means is so rigid and so firmly attached to the housing that it remains in place following actuation of the detonator. Preferably, the connector block comprises a substantially uniform material throughout, and differences in the relative thickness of the material comprising the shock tube retention means and the flexible and resilient closure member cause the relative flexibility of the closure member and the relatively inflexibility of the shock tube retention means necessary for the difference in flexibility mentioned above. Preferably, a shock tube may be inserted into the slot with a force of about 45 Newtons (about 10 pounds force) or less. In an alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator, wherein the connector block comprises: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving a detonator provided with a percussion-actuation end and a base charge disposed within the percussion-actuation end, the bore having an insertion end for receiving the detonator and a signal transmission end for positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said at least one shock tube; a substantially rigid shock tube retention means integral with the housing and extending to project over the signal transmission end of said bore, to define with said housing a slot for receiving therein at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with said percussion-actuation end of said detonator present in said bore, said slot having an entrance for allowing insertion of said at least one shock tube into said slot; and a closure member extending partially or fully into said entrance and attached to said housing via a sprung hinge, said closure member being arranged relative to said entrance to allow entry of said at least one shock tube into said slot by movement of said closure member about said sprung hinge against a bias. In accordance with the present invention, at least in a preferred form, the combined use of a shock tube retention means of limited flexibility, together with a flexible and resilient closure member permits significantly easier shock tube insertion, accurate shock tube positioning, and secure shock tube retention. Moreover, the limited flexibility of the shock tube retention means is expected to improve the resilience of the connector block to fragmentation upon detonator actuation, thereby reducing the amount of shrapnel generated. Preferably, the closure member extends partially or fully into the entrance of the slot at an angle of from about 45° to about 135° relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore. More preferably, the closure member extends partially or fully into the entrance of the slot at an angle of from about 45° to about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore. In this way, the closure member is configured to avoid interference with the housing upon flexing of the closure member away from the entrance to the slot. The connector blocks of the present invention may further comprise a shock tube insertion guide integral with the shock tube retention means, the shock tube insertion guide defining with the closure member a receiving space for guiding shock tubes to the entrance of the slot. Preferably, the receiving space narrows at an end adjacent the opening of said slot, thereby facilitating insertion of the shock tubes into the slot.

Connector block for shock tubes and method of securing a detonator therein
A method of producing an assembly of a connector block (1, 21, 40) and a detonator (5, 25,41) suitable for retaining at least one shock tube (4, 24) adjacent to a percussion-actuation end (15, 26) of the detonator, and to an assembly thus produced and a connector block therefor. The method comprising inserting a detonator into a connector block having a housing (2, 22, 40) provided with a bore (13, 31, 44), positioning the detonator in the bore of the housing so that the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is positioned adjacent to a slot (14, 35) for receiving the shock tubes; and fixing the detonator in the housing. The detonator is fixed in the housing by causing a body of material (10) to flow plastically into the recess in the detonator and to harden therein to form a locking element fixed to the housing, thereby preventing accidental movement of the detonator within the connector block.
1. A method of producing an assembly of a connector block and a detonator suitable for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of the detonator, the method comprising inserting a detonator into a connector block, said detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end, and said connector block having a housing provided with a bore for receiving said detonator, as well as a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; positioning the detonator in the bore of said housing so that the percussion-actuation end is positioned adjacent to said slot; and fixing the detonator in the housing; wherein the detonator is fixed in the housing by causing a body of material to flow plastically into said recess in the detonator and to harden therein to form a locking element fixed to said housing, thereby preventing accidental movement of said detonator within said connector block. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of causing the body of material to flow plastically into said recess comprises: applying ultrasonic or thermal energy to the region of the housing adjacent to the recess in the detonator, applying inwardly directed pressure to the said region to cause a part of the housing to flow as said body into said recess; and allowing said body of material to harden in said recess. 3. A method of claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic or thermal energy is applied using an ultrasonic or thermal device, said device comprising a probe for applying said ultrasonic or thermal energy to the housing. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said pressure is applied simultaneously with the ultrasonic or thermal energy. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said pressure is applied subsequently to the ultrasonic or thermal energy, before the body of material hardens. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of causing the body of material to flow plastically into said recess comprises injecting the body of material in a fluid state through at least one hole passing through a wall of the housing located adjacent to the recess of the detonator located therein, the body of material being injected into said recess; and hardening the body of material in said recess. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the body of material is injected through two holes on opposite sides of the housing. 8. An assembly of a connector block and a detonator suitable for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of the detonator, produced by a method according to claim 1. 9. A connector block and detonator assembly for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of a detonator, the assembly comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein; an elongated detonator inserted in the bore, the detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; and a locking element fixed to the housing and extending into said recess for securing the detonator within the connector block in a position for initiation of the shock tubes, wherein said locking element is a hardened body of material caused to flow plastically into and harden within said recess after insertion of said detonator in said bore. 10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the housing is made of a material that is mouldable and wherein the body of material is part of the housing. 11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the material of the housing is thermoplastic and said body results from heating and moulding part of the material of the housing. 12. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the material of the housing is mouldable upon exposure to ultrasonic energy, and said body results from exposure of part of said housing to ultrasonic energy followed by deformation of said part to cause said part to flow into said recess. 13. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein said locking element is a product of injection of a settable locking material in a fluid state into said recess through a wall of said housing, followed by setting of said settable locking material. 14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the bore is configured to include a recess adjacent to the recess of the detonator, said settable locking material engaging both the recess of the detonator and the recess of the bore, thereby locking said detonator in position upon setting of said settable locking material. 15. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the assembly further comprises a positioning member located at said end of said bore for accurately positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with said at least one shock tube located in the slot. 16. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the locking element comprises a deformed portion of the housing adjacent to said recess. 17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the thickness of the deformed portion of the housing is less than an average thickness of the housing. 18. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein the settable locking material comprises an epoxy adhesive. 19. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein the settable locking material comprises an anaerobic adhesive material. 20. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein said anaerobic adhesive material is a cyanoacrylate adhesive. 21. A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of a detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving an elongated detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; wherein said housing includes means for enabling a body of material to flow plastically into and harden within said bore at a position corresponding to said recess in said detonator when positioned in said bore to form a locking element for securing a detonator within the connector block. 22. A connector block according to claim 21, wherein said means comprises at least one recess in said housing for receiving an ultrasonic or thermal probe. 23. A connector block according to claim 22, wherein two recesses are provided in said housing for receiving an ultrasonic or thermal probe arranged on opposites sides of the housing. 24. A connector block according to claim 21, wherein the means for enabling said body of material to flow plastically and harden within said bore comprises a part of the housing that is made of a material that can be caused to flow plastically. 25. A connector block according to claim 21, wherein said means for enabling said body of material to flow plastically and harden within said bore comprises at least one hole passing through a wall of the housing to allow injection of said body of material. 26. A connector block according to claim 25, wherein said at least one hole comprises two holes arranged on opposite sides of the housing. 27. A method for securing a detonator within a connector block as defined in claim 21, wherein the method comprises the steps of: inserting a detonator into the bore of the housing; positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator at the signal transmission end of the bore, in a position for energy transmission from the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator to the slot and the shock tubes subsequently retained therein; and molding a body of material around the recess of the detonator, to secure the detonator within the connector block.
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In commercial blasting operations, a series of explosions is frequently triggered in an exact order with precise timing. For this purpose, blasting systems have been developed that employ shock tubes also known as signal transmission lines that transfer a blast initiation signal to a series of explosive charges. To facilitate this, a signal from a single shock tube can be transferred to multiple shock tubes in a blasting system via the use of connector block/detonator assemblies, thereby permitting the initiation of multiple explosive charges in a controlled manner. Safety and reliability are paramount for any blasting system, and efficient shock tube initiation is an important factor in this regard. Shock tubes that fail to initiate result in unexploded charges at the blast site, with inevitable safety concerns. Moreover, the reliable initiation of shock tubes is imperative to ensure the required blasting pattern is effected. The design of the connector block has a significant influence upon the efficiency of shock tube initiation. For reliable initiation, sufficient energy must be transferred from the base charge of a detonator to the shock tubes, thus compressing the shock tubes extremely rapidly in order to initiate them. Several connector block designs are known in the art, which have been developed to improve the efficiency of energy transfer from the base charge of the detonator to the shock tubes. The most efficient transfer of energy from the detonator base charge to the shock tubes occurs when the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is in direct contact with the shock tubes. If any gap is present between the detonator end and the shock tubes, the transfer of actuation energy may be less efficient, thus resulting in an increased failure rate of shock tube initiation. However, excess pressure from the percussion-actuation end of the detonator upon the shock tubes can result in the distortion of the shock tubes, and consequently the reduction of shock tube internal volume within the connector block. This in turn reduces the capacity of the shock tubes for efficient initiation, since their capacity for rapid compression is also reduced. Connector blocks and their components are generally manufactured by plastic molding techniques that are well understood in the art. Quality control during the manufacturing process can ensure a degree of uniformity in the dimensions and mechanical properties of the connector blocks produced. However, slight differences between connector blocks are unavoidable due to tolerances in the plastic resulting from both the manufacturing process, and from the properties of the plastic material. Slight differences may also occur in the dimensions of the detonator. Such tolerances can give rise to improper positioning of the detonator within the connector block, relative to the shock tubes. For example, upon actuation of the detonator, a slight gap between some of the shock tubes and the percussion-actuation end can result in a reduction in energy transfer to the shock tubes. Therefore, it is desirable to design a connector block wherein the detonator can be securely and optimally positioned to contact but not squeeze the shock tubes within the block. Previously, several attempts have been made to design connector blocks with improved reliability of shock tube initiation. However, it is important to note that previous designs generally involve the use of detonator retention means such as clips, latches, and collar locks to secure the detonator within the block. Typically, such detonator retention means employ elements that are integrally molded into the plastic of the block, or molded as a separate component. For this reason, the position of the detonator within the block is specifically governed by the position of the retention means, which locks the detonator into a fixed position relative to the shock tubes. Therefore, the distance between the retention means and the shock tubes is fixed at the point of manufacture of the connector block, and no allowance is subsequently made for tolerances in the plastic material of the block or the dimensions of the detonator. In one example of such a device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,382 issued Mar. 28, 1989, discloses a connector block comprising a plastic tube having a bore, with at least one transverse bore arranged perpendicular to the main bore. The main bore is designed to receive a detonator shell, and the transverse bores can receive a length of shock tube. The detonator shell may be fixed within the connector block by means of a circumferential lip on the inside wall of the main bore, which engages a circumferential crimp at the percussion-actuation end of the detonator shell. In this way, the detonator is secured within the plastic housing of the connector block. In another example, corresponding U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,171,935 and 5,398,611 issued Dec. 15, 1992 and Mar. 21, 1995 respectively, disclose a detonator block with a positioning means on the housing of the block, for positioning the detonator in juxtaposed signal transfer relationship with one or more shock tubes. In certain embodiments of the invention, there are also provided deformable tabs within the housing for snap-fit retention of the detonator within the connector block. Subsequent improvements in connector block design lead to the use of collar locks for detonator retention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,263, issued Jun. 13, 1995, discloses a connector block designed for transfer of explosive energy from the detonator for bi-directional initiation of shock tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the detonator may be held in the connector block by a collar lock device that secures the detonator at the closure crimp, present at the end of the detonator opposite the percussion-actuation end. The collar lock is slidably mounted within a groove in the block that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the detonator. An alternative design of connector block is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,581, issued Mar. 19, 1996, which comprises an integral slidably mounted locking member. Once the detonator is inserted into the connector block, the locking member is displaced to rupture a frangible web and engage the closure crimp of the detonator. Moreover, the displaced locking member itself becomes locked into the displaced position by engaging the connector block. In an alternative embodiment, various shapes for the locking member are disclosed, each to secure the detonator in a fixed position relative to the shock tubes, and ensure irreversible engagement of the locking member in the displaced position. An apparent modification to U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,581 is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,975, issued Aug. 11, 1998. In this regard, a similar connector block is provided comprising a slidably mounted locking member. The patent discloses an improvement in the configuration of the locking member, wherein the member comprises at least one wedge-shaped surface, so that upon displacement of the locking member towards its locking position, the wedge-shaped surface moves the detonator axially into position, adjacent to the shock tubes. In this way, the position of the detonator is biased towards the shock tubes. As will be apparent from the discussion above, the connector blocks of the prior art frequently include complex design features to lock the detonator in a desired position. Moreover, the corresponding manufacturing processes may require several molds to produce the multiple components for the block, followed by the precise assembly of the components. It is undesirable to produce complex connector blocks for several reasons. Design complexity, and the need for multiple manufacturing steps, can result in a reduction in the quality and reliability of the connector blocks. In addition, production costs also increase with design complexity. For practical use at the detonation site, connector blocks must be robust, reliable, and not prone to failure. The inclusion of intricate features in connector block design such as slidably mounted locking members can be detrimental to ease of handling in the field, as well as the functionality and the robustness of the blocks. There is therefore a need for connector blocks of improved design and improved methods of manufacture of such blocks.
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide a connector block capable of securing a detonator therein without the need for complex latches, clips or displaceable members. A further object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide a connector block that is simple to manufacture, robust and easy to handle in the field. It is a further object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide a connector block for initiation of shock tubes, wherein a detonator can be secured therein with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in optimal signal transfer relationship with the shock tubes. It is another object of the invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide an assembly of a connector block for initiation of shock tubes having a detonator secured therein, with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with the shock tubes, and the detonator secured to virtually eliminate incorrect positioning of the detonator resulting from tolerances in the dimensions of the connector block and detonator. It is a still further object of the invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide a connector block for securing a detonator therein for initiation of shock tubes, wherein a detonator may be secured therein with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in optimal signal transfer relationship with the shock tubes, such that the quantity of explosive material present in the base charge of the detonator can be reduced, thereby reducing the quantity and velocity of shrapnel generated upon actuation of the detonator, and the tendency for the block to disintegrate when the detonator is initiated, especially at low temperatures. It is yet another object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide a method for securing a detonator within a connector block of the present invention, wherein the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is positioned in optimal signal transfer relationship with shock tubes. It is yet another object of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, to provide a method for securing a detonator within a connector block, wherein the percussion-actuation end of the detonator is positioned in optimal signal transfer relationship with shock tubes, and the potential for incorrect positioning of the detonator resulting from tolerance in the dimensions of the connector block and detonator, is virtually eliminated. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector block and detonator assembly for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of a detonator, the assembly comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein; an elongated detonator inserted in the bore, the detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; a locking element fixed to the housing and extending into said recess for securing the detonator within the connector block in a position for initiation of the shock tubes, characterized in that said locking element is a hardened body of material caused to flow plastically into and harden within said recess after insertion of said detonator in said bore. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of the detonator, the connector block comprising: a housing having a bore formed therein for receiving an elongated detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end; and a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; characterized in that said housing includes means for enabling a body of material to flow plastically into and be retained within said bore, and harden at a position corresponding to said recess in said detonator when positioned in said bore to form a locking element for securing a detonator within the connector block. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an assembly of a connector block and detonator suitable for retaining at least one shock tube adjacent to a percussion-actuation end of the detonator, the method comprising: inserting a detonator into a connector block, said detonator having a percussion-actuation end and an outer wall provided with an inwardly directed recess at a position remote from said percussion-actuation end, and said connector block having a housing provided with a bore for receiving said detonator, as well as a shock tube retention means provided on the housing at an end of the bore adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, said shock tube retention means defining with said housing a slot for receiving at least one shock tube and holding said at least one shock tube adjacent to the percussion-actuation end of the detonator; positioning the detonator in the bore of said housing so that the percussion-actuation end is positioned adjacent to said slot; and fixing the detonator in the housing; characterized in that the detonator is fixed in the housing by causing a body of material to flow plastically into said recess in the detonator and to harden therein to form a locking element fixed to said housing, thereby preventing accidental movement of said detonator within said connector block. According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for securing a detonator within a connector block in accordance with the present invention, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: inserting a detonator into the bore of the housing; positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator at the signal transmission end of the bore, in a position for energy transmission from the surface of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator to the slot and the shock tubes subsequently retained therein; and molding a body of material around the recess of the detonator, to secure the detonator within the connector block. In this way, the present invention allows a detonator to be secured within a connector block without the need for clips, latches and similar retention devices. The term “bore” as used herein means either a hole (preferably, but not necessarily, cylindrical) running though the interior of the connector block of the present invention, or alternatively an open channel or groove formed in a side of the connector block, for the housing of a detonator therein. The connector block of the present invention may further comprise a membrane having positioning membrane located within the bore adjacent to the signal transmission end, for accurately positioning the percussion-actuation end of the detonator in signal transfer relationship with the shock tubes located in the slot. In this manner, the present invention allows a detonator to be secured within a connector block in a position that is optimal for energy transfer from the percussion-actuation end of the detonator to the shock tubes. Importantly, any incorrect positioning of the percussion-actuation end of the detonator, resulting from any divergence in the dimensions of the connector block or detonator due to tolerance, will preferably be virtually eliminated. In this way, the present invention discloses, in one embodiment, a method for the assembly of a detonator within a connector block, so that the percussion-actuation end of the detonator abuts the positioning membrane of a membrane within the bore, and is thereby optimally positioned for efficient energy transfer from the detonator base charge to the shock tubes. Therefore, the invention provides a method of producing a detonator connector block assembly, wherein the detonator is optimally positioned for actuation of shock tubes, regardless of the tolerance in the connector block or detonator.

Method and arrangement for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell
An arrangement is described for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of at least one magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device. In this arrangement, at least one compensation layer that is provided with a magnetization compensates for the bias field in the storage layer. A method is also described for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device. A step is provided for applying a ferromagnetic compensation layer. In another step, a bias field is measured in terms of magnitude and direction. In another step, the bias field is compensated by magnetization of the compensation layer.
1. An arrangement for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of at least one magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device, comprising: at least one compensation layer that is provided with a magnetization compensates for the bias field in the storage layer. 2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the compensation layer is situated within the semiconductor device. 3. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the compensation layer is situated outside the semiconductor device. 4. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the compensation layer is isolated from the memory cell by at least one insulation layer. 5. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generated by the compensation layer runs parallel to the storage layer and generally extends over the cross-sectional area of the semiconductor device. 6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the compensation layer is patterned for fine adjustment. 7. A method for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device, comprising: applying a ferromagnetic compensation layer; measuring a bias field in terms of magnitude and direction; and compensating the bias field by magnetization of the compensation layer. 8. The method as in claim 7, wherein the measurement and compensation of the bias field are repeated at least once in order to preclude an erroneous compensation due to a premagnetization of the compensation layer. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the compensation layer is applied within the semiconductor device. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the compensation layer is applied outside the semiconductor device. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the compensation layer is patterned. 12. A method for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device, comprising: measuring a bias field in terms of magnitude and direction, and compensating the bias field by application of a compensation layer, which has a magnetization that compensates for the bias field in the storage layer. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein measured values of a measurement variable that characterizes the magnitude and direction of the magnetic bias field are determined by a measuring apparatus in a test mode of the semiconductor device and are transmitted to a test apparatus. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the measuring apparatus controls two mutually orthogonal measurement currents parallel to the storage layer, which generate two magnetic measurement fields that are orthogonal to one another, and in that a magnetic-field-dependent characteristic variable of the memory cell is in each case determined for different pairs of values of the measurement fields by means of a measuring device. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the measuring apparatus is provided at least partially within the semiconductor device. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the compensation layer is applied as a film with which the semiconductor device is inscribed.
<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field Embodiments of the present invention relate to arrangements for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device. In addition, the invention relates to methods for compensation of such a bias field. 2. Background A memory cell based on the magnetoresistance effect conventionally has been realized by a stack of two thin ferromagnetic layers, with an intervening nonferromagnetic isolating layer having a thickness of a plurality of atomic layers. One of the two ferromagnetic layers is composed of a hard-magnetic material, typically a cobalt-iron alloy. With a magnetization which is constant in terms of magnitude and direction, it functions as a reference layer. The second ferromagnetic layer made of a soft-magnetic material, typically a nickel-iron alloy, forming a storage layer. Its magnetization is oriented unidirectionally, or in oppositely directed fashion with respect to the magnetization of the reference layer, corresponding to data content of the memory cell. When a unit of data is written to the memory cell, the direction of a write current in an address line of the memory cell determines the orientation of the magnetization in the storage layer with respect to the magnetization of the reference layer. The material of the isolating layer is a dielectric in the case of a memory cell configuration based on a tunneling effect (MTJ, magnetic tunnel junction). In this case, the effect underlying the read-out of the memory cell is that the frequency of electrons crossing through the isolating layer (tunnel barrier) is higher in the case of identical orientation of the magnetization of the two ferromagnetic layers than in the case of opposite orientation. The effect underlying the read-out of the memory cell is thus based on internal properties of the magnetized ferromagnetic layers, but not on a direct interaction of the magnetic fields generated by the two layers. Their interaction, or ferro- and antiferromagnetic coupling, influences the operating behavior of the memory cell. In this case, the term “ferromagnetic coupling” denotes that proportion of the interaction that promotes an orientation of the magnetization of the storage layer parallel to the orientation of the magnetization of the reference layer and inhibits a changeover of the magnetization of the storage layer in a direction opposite to the magnetization of the reference layer. The term “antiferromagnetic coupling” denotes that proportion of the interaction that inhibits a storage layer orientation parallel to the orientation of the magnetization of the reference layer and promotes a changeover of the magnetization direction of the storage layer in a direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the reference layer. The ferro- and antiferromagnetic couplings between the reference layer and storage layer of one and the same memory cell, but also of adjacent memory cells, make contributions to a magnetic bias field within and outside a semiconductor device having magnetoresistive memory cells. In a storage layer permeated by such a bias field, the bias field effects a shift in the field strengths required for changing over the magnetization direction, the so-called coercive field strengths. This shift requires an asymmetry in the magnetic fields required for writing and thus also in the write currents. This effect is illustrated by the two illustrations in FIG. 2 , which is reduced to a one-dimensional changeover of the storage layer for simplification. In this case, H C1 and H C2 designate magnitudes of coercive field strengths required for changing over the magnetization between the states M 0 and M 1 in the absence of a bias field, and H B denotes the magnitude of the magnetic bias field. The upper part of FIG. 2 illustrates the magnetization reversal curve of a storage layer for the case of an absent bias field. The specific coercive field strengths H C1 and −H C1 are symmetrical with respect to the magnetization axis. The lower part of FIG. 2 illustrates a magnetization curve relative to a magnetic field H(I) generated by the write current I in the case of superposition with a bias field acting oppositely to the magnetic field axis. For such a magnetic field, the magnetization curve appears to be shifted by the magnitude H B counter to the direction of H B . If the bias field and the magnetization of the storage layer are unidirectional, then a changeover of the magnetization requires a magnetic field whose magnitude results from the sum of the specific coercive field strength of the storage layer and the magnetic field strength of the bias field. In this case, the bias field, given a predetermined maximum write current, reduces reserves with regard to a reliable changeover of the magnetization in the storage layer of the memory cell. If the bias field is directed oppositely to the magnetization of the storage layer, then a magnetic field having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the specific coercive field strength of the storage layer reduced by the magnitude of the magnetic field strength of the bias field already suffices for changing over the magnetization. In this case, even smaller magnetic fields may compel a changeover of the magnetization. A reserve with respect to an undesired changeover of the magnetization is thus reduced. Such magnetic fields may be caused on the one hand by extreme interference fields with a source outside the semiconductor device. A second source of such magnetic fields is, for instance, magnetic fields generated by write currents of adjacent memory cells within the semiconductor device. The ferromagnetic coupling which underlies the bias field in the storage layer is determined by the distance between the two ferromagnetic layers, the thickness of the storage layer, and also the roughness of the layers forming the memory cell. In this respect, reference is made to L. Néel, Comptes Rendus Acad. Sci. 255, 1676 (1962) and, in particular, formula (1) in A. Anguelouch et al., Two-dimensional magnetic switching of micron-size films in magnetic tunnel junctions, Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 76, No. 5, 2000. In this case, the orientation of the bias field is not necessarily effected in a direction parallel to the orientation of the magnetic fields generated by the write currents, but rather may also have a component which is orthogonal thereto and parallel to the storage layer. In this respect, reference is made in particular to FIG. 2 a in A. Anguelouch et al., Two-dimensional magnetic switching of micron-size films in magnetic tunnel junctions, Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 76, No. 5, 2000. The physical causes of this effect are not completely known, but the bias field does not change in terms of magnitude and direction during a lifetime of the memory cell. In particular, the roughness of the layers yields variable and at the same time difficult-to-predict proportions with respect to the bias field. In this case, the roughness contribution varies between semiconductor devices, even of identical designs, which are produced from different wafers, while it is similar in the case of semiconductor devices which are produced from the same wafer. FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic cross section through a magnetoresistive memory cell. An isolating layer 2 lies between a reference layer 3 and a storage layer 1 . Dividing the reference layer 3 into a lower and an upper reference sublayer 3 a , 3 c with a nonmagnetic intermediate layer 3 b produces a magnetic leakage field, which may produce an antiferromagnetic coupling indicated by the arrow 5 . The causes of the ferromagnetic coupling, that is to say the roughness of the layers, and also the thickness of isolating layer and storage layer, are indicated by the arrow 4 . In order to reduce the bias field, at the present time attempts are being made, on the one hand, to reduce the ferromagnetic coupling. On the other hand, attempts are being made to set the antiferromagnetic coupling toward a compensation of the bias field. A reduction of the ferromagnetic coupling by using a thicker storage layer is confronted with the obstacle of the larger switching currents which are then necessary for changing over the magnetization. Equally, the distance between the ferromagnetic layers is prescribed by the requirements made of the electrical resistance of the memory cell and by thermodynamic requirements. Limits are imposed on compensation by means of the antiferromagnetic coupling since the latter exhibits a stable behavior only given low net moment. For a maximum effect, one of the reference sublayers would have to be dispensed with, as a result of which the stability of the reference layer would also be impaired. Furthermore, it cannot be used to effect compensation of a ferromagnetic coupling which is brought about for instance as a result of magnetorestriction during a patterning operation of the memory cell or the semiconductor device and is rotated with respect to the magnetization direction of the storage layer. Furthermore, the antiferromagnetic coupling is unsuitable, in the case of semiconductor devices produced from different wafers, for compensating for contributions of the ferromagnetic coupling—brought about by the roughness of the layers—which regularly deviate from one another.
<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An arrangement is disclosed that enables a compensation of a bias field in the storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device and in which the geometry of the memory cell remains unchanged. Methods also are obtained that enable said compensation to be obtained. An arrangement is disclosed for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of at least one magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device. In this arrangement, at least one compensation layer is provided with a magnetization that compensates for the bias field in the storage layer. A method is described for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device. A step is provided for applying a ferromagnetic compensation layer. In another step, a bias field is measured in terms of magnitude and direction. In another step, the bias field is compensated by magnetization of the compensation layer. Another method also is described for compensation of a magnetic bias field in a storage layer of a magnetoresistive memory cell provided in a semiconductor device. A bias field is measured in terms of magnitude and direction. The bias field is compensated by application of a compensation layer, which has a magnetization that compensates for the bias field in the storage layer. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, the same reference symbols being used for mutually corresponding components.

Method for the deposition of silicon nitride
A process is described for depositing silicon nitride, in which the temperature in a furnace is set to from 600° C. to 645° C. The silicon nitride formed in this way is permeable to small molecules, such as in particular hydrogen molecules, yet nevertheless retains its etching selectivity with respect to silicon dioxide.
1. A method for depositing silicon nitride on a silicon substrate in which the silicon substrate is exposed, in a furnace and under the action of heat, comprising: setting a temperature in the furnace to approximately 600° C. to 645° C.; and providing a flow comprising a dichlorosilane silicon component and a nitrogen component. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature in the furnace is set to approximately 620° C. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen component is ammonia. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the nitrogen-containing component used is ammonia. 5. The method of claim 1, whereby the silicon nitride that is formed is permeable to small molecules. 6. The method of claim 5, whereby the silicon nitride that is formed is permeable to hydrogen molecules. 7. The method of claim 1, whereby the silicon nitride that is formed retains etching selectivity with respect to silicon dioxide. 8. A method for depositing silicon nitride on a silicon substrate in which the silicon substrate is exposed, in a furnace and under the action of heat, comprising: setting a temperature in the furnace to approximately 600° C. to 645° C.; and providing a flow comprising a silicon component and a nitrogen component. 9. The method of claim 8, whereby the silicon nitride that is formed is permeable to small molecules. 10. The method of claim 9, whereby the silicon nitride that is formed is permeable to hydrogen molecules. 11. The method of claim 8, whereby the silicon nitride that is formed retains etching selectivity with respect to silicon dioxide.
<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field The present invention relates to a process for depositing silicon nitride on an exposed substrate. 2. Background Silicon nitride has long been in widespread use in semiconductor technology. Two primary applications for silicon nitride in this context are for forming diffusion barriers, even to very small molecules such as hydrogen molecules, and for use as a mask in etching processes, on account of its etching selectivity with respect to silicon dioxide. Silicon nitride usually is deposited on a substrate by the substrate being exposed, in a furnace, to a flow which substantially contains nitrogen and silicon, with simultaneous heating. It is typical to maintain temperatures of well over 700° C. in the furnace. On account of these high temperatures, the heat budget for the production or deposition of silicon nitride layers is relatively great. In this context, the term “heat budget” is to be understood as meaning the integral of the heat quantity over time. Further description in this regard is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,043. Another problem associated with the use of silicon nitride is the high thermal budget caused by the high deposition temperature. A high thermal budget of this nature is undesirable in the development of many new types of semiconductor modules, since it can damage or destroy the results of preceding steps which already have been carried out. For the abovementioned reasons, for some time there has been an ongoing search for new types of materials that allow the heat budget to be reduced while maintaining the other advantages associated with silicon nitride. Suitable candidates for materials of this type include RTCVD nitrides (RT=Rapid Thermal; CVD=Chemical Vapor Deposition). However, these materials are extremely expensive on account of high production and storage costs. Other materials that have been considered are based on new types of precursors, such as BTBAS (BTBAS=Bis-tertiary-butylamino-silane). Although a precursor of this nature can be used in a furnace process, like the RTCVD nitrides it is extremely expensive. Problem to be solved.
<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>A process is disclosed for depositing silicon nitride that can be carried out in a simplified manner, and in which the silicon nitride is permeable to small molecules, such as hydrogen, without losing its etching selectivity with respect in particular to silicon nitride. As an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is described for depositing silicon nitride on a silicon substrate in which the silicon substrate is exposed, in a furnace and under the action of heat. A step is provided for setting a temperature in the furnace to approximately 600° C. to 645° C. A step is also provided for providing a flow comprising a silicon component and a nitrogen component. As further embodiments, the silicon component is selected as dichlorosilane, or the nitrogen component is selected as ammonia. Embodiments and aspects of the invention are explained in further detail below with reference to a drawing that diagrammatically depicts a silicon nitride furnace.

Planetary gear reduction mechanism in particular for motor vehicle starter and starter equipped with same
This invention relates to a reduction gearbox with an epicyclic gear train, especially for a motor vehicle starter. This gearbox is of the type including a crown (30) which comprises a fixed outer crown part (31) and an inner crown part (32) which carries an internal set of teeth (33), together with shock absorbing elements (34). The reduction gearbox is characterised in that the damping elements (34) are made in the form of plates disposed in seatings which consist of recesses (36, 37) of complementary form, formed respectively in the outer peripheral face (38) of the inner crown part (32) and in the inner peripheral face (39) of the outer crown part (31), each recess having a depth which increases in a direction of relative angular displacement between the two crown parts, considered from the peripheral surface, over a length (a) which corresponds to the length of the plate, to a value (b) which is substantially equal to the thickness of the plate. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle starters.
1. A reduction gearbox with an epicyclic gear train, especially for a motor vehicle starter, of the type including a crown which comprises an outer crown part fixed in the carcass of the starter, and an inner crown part which is mounted coaxially in the outer part and which carries an internal set of teeth in mesh with the planet wheels of the reduction gear train, together with shock-absorbing damping elements which are interposed between the abutment faces formed on the inner peripheral face of the outer crown part and the outer peripheral face of the inner crown part, characterised in that the damping elements (34) are made in the form of plates disposed in seatings which consist of recesses (36, 37) of complementary form, formed respectively in the outer peripheral face (38) of the inner crown part (32) and in the inner peripheral face (39) of the outer crown part (31), each recess having a depth which increases in a direction of relative angular displacement between the two crown parts, considered from the peripheral surface, over a length (a) which corresponds to the length of the plate, to a value (b) which is substantially equal to the thickness of the plate. 2. A reduction gearbox according to claim 1, characterised in that there are as many recesses (36, 37) and plates (34) oriented in one direction of relative angular displacement as there are recesses and plates oriented in the other direction of angular displacement. 3. A reduction gearbox according to claim 1, characterised in that the damping plates (34) have the same said length (a). 4. A reduction gearbox according to claim 1, characterised in that the damping plates (34) which are oriented in a common peripheral direction have a said length (a) different from that of plates (34) oriented in the other direction, the greater of the said lengths being attributed to the plates oriented in the reverse direction of rotation of the electric motor of the starter. 5. A motor vehicle starter, characterised in that it is equipped with a reduction gearbox according to claim 1.
<SOH> TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates to a reduction gearbox with an epicyclic gear train, especially for a motor vehicle starter, of the type including a crown which comprises an outer crown part fixed in the carcass of the starter, and an inner crown part which is mounted coaxially in the outer part and which carries an internal set of teeth in mesh with the planet wheels of the reduction gear train, together with shock-absorbing damping elements which are interposed between the abutment faces formed on the inner peripheral face of the outer crown part and the outer peripheral face of the inner crown part, and a starter equipped with such a reduction gearbox.
<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The invention will be understood more clearly, and other objects, features, details and advantages of it will appear more clearly in the following explanatory description with reference to the attached diagrammatic drawings, which are given by way of example only and which illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and in which: FIG. 1 is a view in partial axial cross section of a starter of the type having an epicyclic reduction gearbox in the state of the art; FIGS. 2A and 2B show a reduction gearbox according to the invention, in an exploded perspective view and in the assembled state, respectively. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Collagen casing
Extruded tubular casing for food-products (such as sausages) is made from an extrudable gel. The gel comprises collagen, fat and a humectant. The collagen content consists essentially of porcine collagen, and the fat content is reduced below that of natural porcine skin or hide. Generally, the ratio of collagen to fat is at least 2.0 to 1 and especially above 10 to 1.
1. An extruded tubular food-product casing made from an extrudable gel; the casing, on a dry weight basis, comprising collagen, fat, and a humectant, and wherein the collagen content of the casing consists essentially of porcine collagen and the fat content of the casing is below that of natural porcine skin or hide. 2. A casing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the humectant is glycerol which is present in the range of 14 to 25, preferably 16-22% on a dry weight basis. 3. A casing as claimed in claim 2 wherein a proportion of the glycerol is replaced by the same weight of a food grade polyol, such as sorbitol or mannitol or mixtures thereof. 4. A Casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the casing includes an agent for modifying the shrink tension of the casing. 5. A casing as claimed in claim 4 wherein the agent is cellulose. 6. A casing as claimed in claim 3 wherein the agent is selected from the group comprising methyl cellulose methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, non-ionic alginates (preferably propylene glycol alignate), gums or starches or combinations thereof. 7. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collagen content of the casing is free of bovine collagen. 8. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collagen content of the casing consists of only porcine collagen. 9. A casing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the collagen content of the casing consists of a mixture of porcine collagen and other collagen which is non-bovine collagen. 10. A casing as claimed in claim 9 wherein porcine collagen forms at least 85% of the gel, preferably at least 90% of the gel. 11. A casing as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the non-bovine collagen is derived from sheep, goats, poultry, birds or fish. 12. A casing as claimed in preceding claim wherein the porcine collagen is derived from pig hide or intestine. 13. A casing as claimed in claim 11 wherein the hides are full hides. 14. A casing as claimed in claim 11 wherein the sow hides and young pig hides are split hides. 15. A casing as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the pig hide is sow hide. 16. A casing as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 wherein at least 85%, and preferably at least 90%, of the porcine collagen content of the casing is derived from pig hide. 17. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fat content is less than or equal to 30%, preferably less or equal to 25% and more preferably less than or equal to 20%, and most preferably less than 10% on a dry weight basis. 18. A casing as claimed in claim 17 wherein the fat content is not less than 3% and preferably not less than 1%. 19. A casing according to any of claims 1 to 16 wherein the ratio of collagen to fat is at least 2.0 to 1, preferably 2.5 to 1, more preferably at least 3, particularly at least 3.5 especially at least 4 to 1, and most especially above 10 to 1. 20. A casing according to claim 19 wherein the ratio of collagen to fat is in the range 2.5:1 to 20:1 or in the range 15:1 to 25:1. 21. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the porcine collagen is derived from alkaline treated sow hides or alkaline treated young pig hides. 22. A casing as claimed in claim 21 wherein the porcine collagen is derived from limed sow hides or limed young pig hides. 23. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the collagen solids content, on a dry weight basis, in the extrudable gel is 3.5 to 10% of the gel. 24. A casing as claimed in claim 23 wherein the collagen solids content on a dry weight basis is in the range 4% to 7% of the extrudable mixture. 25. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cold wet tensile strength of the casing in the longitudinal direction is at least 2.0 Kg, and preferably 2.5 Kg. 26. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the burst strength of the casing is at least 0.5 Kg, and preferably at least 0.6 Kg and more preferably at least 0.8 Kg. 27. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said casing includes a cross-linking agent. 28. A casing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the casing includes a colouring and/or flavoring agent. 29. A porcine collagen casing derived from split sow hides, the collagen casing having a fat content less than that of natural porcine skin or hide. 30. A sow hide for use in a process of manufacturing casing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29. 31. A split sow hide for use in a process of manufacturing casing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29. 32. A pork sausage having a porcine collagen casing. 33. A method of manufacturing a tubular food-product casing comprising the steps of: obtaining a source of porcine collagen, processing the collagen including partially defatting the collagen and acidifying and homogenising the collagen to produce a substantially fibrous paste; processing the paste to form an extrudable gel having a collagen solids content in the range of 4% to 7% dry weight of the gel, and extruding the gel to form a tubular casing and coagulating the extruded casing to produce a tubular casing with a fat content of the casing below that of natural porcine skin or hide.



Device appliances and methods for the diffusion billing payment and playback of digital media contents
Mobile device for transmitting and/or storing and/or displaying data, having a two-part structure composed of a display and operator control part and a wearable computer, it being possible to connect the display and operator control part and operator control part and wearable computer via a wirebound or wirefree data connection, and it being possible to use the display and operator control part as an independent terminal (for example telephone, PDA, media player or remote control).
1-42. cancel 43. A mobile device for transmitting and/or storing and/or displaying data, having a two-part structure composed of a display and operator control part and a portable wearable computer, it being possible to connect the display and operator control part and wearable computer via a wirebound or wirefree data connection (for example Bluetooth), and it being possible to use the display and operator control part as an independent terminal (for example as a telephone, as a PDA, as a media player and/or as a remote control). 44. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the wearable computer has a memory for storing digital items. 45. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the wearable computer has a memory for storing PDA-typical data such as addresses, telephone numbers, appointments, tasks and the like. 46. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the display and operator control part has a memory for storing PDA typical data such as addresses, telephone numbers, appointments, tasks and the like, the content of which memory is synchronized with the memory of the wearable computer when a data connection is set up to the wearable computer. 47. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the display and operator control part and/or the wearable computer has a connection module for connecting to mobile or fixed playback devices. 48. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the display and operator control part and/or the wearable computer have a smartcard reader. 49. The mobile device as claimed in claim 48, wherein the smartcard reader has the purpose of holding a PCMCIA module which has at least a data memory for storing at least a license and/or a decoder and/or a limiter and/or a use history and/or a credit and/or a player and/or a browser and/or a multimedia item. 50. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the display and operator control part and/or the wearable computer have a clock module or can be connected to one. 51. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the display and operator control part and/or the wearable computer can be connected, for data transmission purposes, to a mobile radio network or to a fixed network. 52. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein when the display and operator control part is used as a remote control it communicates with different types of terminals. 53. The mobile device as claimed in claim 52, wherein the display and operator control part displays, on a display, symbols of the terminals in whose range it is located. 54. The mobile device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the display and operator control part can be alternatively or simultaneously connected to a fixed station, which can also have all the features of the wearable computer. 55. The mobile device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the fixed station is provided with a memory and a connection interface for a DRM module for managing access rights for digital media content. 56. A mobile device according to claim 43, further comprising a data processing device, the data processing device having a data carrier having a memory area for storing user-specific data, at least one further memory area for storing use times and/or use data quantities of media items which are used online or offline, and at least one data terminal having a device for holding the data carrier, having at least one data input device and at least one data output device and having a connection device for connecting to a digital data network. 57. The mobile device as claimed in claim 56, wherein the data terminal has at least one memory for storing a media item. 58. The mobile device as claimed in claim 56, wherein the data carrier contains a memory area for storing user-specific charge scheme data. 59. The mobile device as claimed in claim 56, wherein the data carrier has a memory area for storing at least one address of an online portal. 60. A display and operator control part for a mobile device, where the mobile device is for transmitting and/or storing and/or displaying data, the display and control part comprising a two-part housing which has a housing lower part and a housing upper part, at least one of the housing parts having a display, and it being possible to activate different operator control functions by moving the two housing parts in relation to one another from a closed position into an opened position, wherein one of the housing parts has an opening which permits the display in the other housing part also to be used in the closed position. 61. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the housing parts are arranged so as to be pivotable with respect to one another. 62. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein in the closed position the housing upper part leaves at least one operator control element on the housing lower part uncovered. 63. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the opening in the housing upper part is covered by a transparent panel. 64. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein operator control elements are arranged on the inside of the housing upper part. 65. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the housing upper part can be fastened in different positions on the housing lower part for right-handed or left-handed operation. 66. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the housing upper part has the functions of a mobile telephone. 67. The mobile device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the housing lower part has the functions of a PDA and/or of a universal remote control. 68. A method for displaying, for requesting, transmitting and/or billing digital media content, according to the following method steps: providing a two-part structure comprised of a display and operator control part and a portable wearable computer part, connecting the display and operator control part and wearable computer part via a wire-bound or wire-free data connection, a media directory and/or a search engine for selecting items is made available via an online portal, an item or a plurality of desired items are selected by the user via the online portal, the item or the items are transmitted to the user for direct online use and/or for storage for later offline use, the online uses and the offline uses are registered by an electronic data processing device at the user end, the recorded use data is transmitted to a billing portal. 69. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the item or items are transmitted to the user via an online data line. 70. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the item or items are transmitted to the user in encrypted form, and in that the electronic data processing device has a decryption program or decryption module. 71. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the transmission of recorded use data to the billing portal from the data processing device is carried out when the media directory and/or the search engine is next selected. 72. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the electronic data processing device has a data carrier which can be inserted and removed, preferably in the form of a card which is provided with an electronic memory. 73. The method as claimed in claim 72, wherein the data carrier has a memory area for the preferred selection of a specific online portal with a provider-specific media directory and/or a provider-specific search engine. 74. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the online portal has at least one connection to a further online portal and/or to the billing portal. 75. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein when billing data is transmitted the use of items in terms of time and/or quantity is used by the billing portal to calculate a charge scheme which is adapted to the scope of use, and the new charge scheme data is transmitted to the data processing device and/or to the removable data carrier which interacts with said device. 76. The method of claim 68, further comprising the following method steps: providing a data carrier having a memory area for storing user-specific data, at least one further memory area for storing use times and/or use data quantities of media items which are used online or offline, and providing at least one data terminal having a device for holding the data carrier, having at least one data input device and at least one data output device and having a connection device for connecting to a digital data network. 77. The method as claimed in claim 76, wherein the data terminal has at least one memory for storing a media item. 78. The method as claimed in claim 76, wherein the data carrier contains a memory area for storing user-specific charge scheme data. 79. The method as claimed in claim 76, wherein the data carrier has a memory area for storing at least one address of an online portal. 80. A data carrier having a memory area for storing user-specific data and having at least one further memory area for storing use times and/or use data quantities of media items which are used online or offline. 81. A data processing device having a memory card which changes its status as a result of use. 82. A data processing device having a memory card which contains charge scheme rules for the transmission and/or use of digital media content. 83. The data processing device as claimed in claim 82, wherein the charge scheme rules on the memory card are superimposed on or erase other rules which are stored in the digital item. 84. A device for distributing and using digital media content, comprising: a) at least one content server for storing and making available digital media content, b) at least one client for using digital media contents, c) the content server being capable of transmitting digital media content to the client via a data network, d) the server having an identification and authentication component with which it is possible for a user to be identified and authenticated with respect to the server, e) the server having an item list memory in which in each case at least one user-specific item list for at least one user is stored, f) the user-specific item list containing characteristic data of items which can be transmitted to the client by the content server. 85. A device for distributing and using digital media content, comprising: a) at least one content server for storing and making available digital media content, b) at least one client for using digital media contents, c) the content server being capable of transmitting digital media content to the client via a data network, d) the client having an identification and authentication component with which it is possible for a user to be identified and authenticated with respect to the server, e) the client having an item list memory in which in each case at least one user-specific item list for at least one user is stored, f) the user-specific item list containing characteristic data of items which can be transmitted to the client by the content server. 86. A method for selling data carriers having digitally coded items recorded on them, comprising the following steps: a) the digitally coded items are provided for paid online use by at least one user, b) at least one digitally coded item is used by the at least one user, c) at least one reproduction element of the data carrier is sold to the at least one user, d) the purchase price of the reproduction element of the data carrier being reduced as a function of the paid online use which has taken place before the purchase. 87. A method for the online use of digitally coded items, comprising the following steps: a) reproduction elements of data carriers having at least one digitally coded item recorded thereon are provided, b) at least one data carrier is sold, c) a specific, uniquely defined identifier being assigned to each purchasing transaction, d) the uniquely defined identifier is assigned to an online user, e) the digitally coded items are provided for paid online use, the use by that online user to whom the uniquely defined identifier is assigned being at a reduced rate or being free of charge. 88. A method for distributing digital content in the broadcast mode via a data channel, comprising the following steps: a) a sequence of trailer blocks is output on the data channel during a first time window, each trailer block being assigned a specific digital item in advance; b) individual trailer blocks are marked interactively by a user; c) a sequence of digital items is output on the data channel during a second time window which is discontinuous with respect to the first time window, each item for which a trailer has been output during the first time window being output at least once in the broadcast mode; d) all those digital items which are associated with one of the trailer blocks which are marked interactively by the user are selectively filtered out, downloaded and stored locally; and e) the downloaded digital items are played back.



Sprayable o/w emulsions of a low viscosity
This invention relates to sprayable low-viscous O/W emulsions which can be prepared from at least two phases by using a hydrophobic phase comprising gemini surfactants and a hydrophilic phase comprising gemini surfactants with addition of solid particles, a foaming surfactant, or an antitranspirant.
1. (canceled) 2. The O/W emulsion of claim 24, wherein the gemini surfactant compound (a.1) and the detergent component (a.2) with poor foaming characteristics are employed at a weight ratio of gemini surfactant compound (a.1) to detergent component (a.2) from 1:10 to 4:1. 3. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24 or 2, wherein the components (a.1) and (a.2) as a total of gemini surfactant compound (a.1) and detergent component (a.2) are employed in quantities from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %. 4. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24 or 2, wherein water (a.3) is used in quantities from 2 to 10 wt %. 5. The O/W emulsion of claim 24, wherein the gemini surfactant compound (b.1) and the co-amphiphile (b.2) are employed at a weight ratio of gemini surfactant compound (b.1) to co-amphiphile (b.2) from 1:20 to 1:2. 6. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the components (b.1) and (b.2) as a total of gemini surfactant compound (b.1) and co-amphiphile (b.2) are employed in quantities from 0.1 to 8.0 wt %. 7. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein 10 to 40 wt % of the hydrophobic component (b.3) is added. 8. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein 0.01 to 10 wt % of one or more nonionic surfactant(s) (b.4), preferably 0.5 to 3 wt % is(are) additionally added to phase (b). 9. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises 15 to 45 wt % water which is preferably added to phase (a) or after combining the phases (a) and (b). 10. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises a total of 0.1 to 50 wt % alcohols (c.2.1), polyglycols (c.2.2) and/or polyols (c.2.3), preferably 5 to 30 wt %. 11. An O/W emulsion according to any one of the claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein preferably 0.1 to 10 wt % polyols (c.2.3) are added to phase (a). 12. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises 0.01 to 3 wt % viscosity regulator (c.4), preferably added to phase (a) or after combining the phases (a) and (b). 13. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises 0.1 to 1 wt % cross-linked polymers (c.5), preferably added after combining the phases (a) and (b). 14. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises 1 to 8 wt % solid particles (d.1). 15. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises 0.5 to 2 wt % foaming surfactant (d.2). 16. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises a metal chlorohydrate as antitranspirant (d.3), preferably in quantities from 2 to 8 wt %. 17. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the components (d.1), (d.2) or (d.3) are added after combining the phases (a) and (b), optionally in conjunction with one or more of components (c). 18. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises 0.1 to 20 wt % ethanol, preferably 0.1 to 8 wt %, preferably added to phase (a). 19. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W/emulsion comprises 0.1% to 25 wt % oil-soluble sun protection filter (d.4) added to phase (b) or 0.1% to 25 wt % water-soluble sun protection filter or the salt thereof (d.4) added to the water which is added after combining the phases (a) and (b). 20. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises as a co-amphiphile (b.2) or the co-amphiphile (b.2) consists of a C6 to C40 alcohol, preferably a C8 to C24 alcohol, a C6 to C24 carboxylic acid, preferably a C8 to C22 carboxylic acid, a sorbitan (C6- to C22-) ester, A methylglucoside (C6- to C22-) ester, a sugar (C6- to C22-) ester, a mono-, di-, and triglyceride of a C6- to C22-carboxylic acid, a derivative esterified with lactic acid or citric acid of the mono- and diglycerides of a C6- to C22-carboxylic acid, a polyglycerol (C6- to C22-ester, a propyleneglycol (C6- to C22-) ester, a vitamin ester, salicylic acid, benzoic acid and/or lecithin. 21. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises as a detergent component (a.2) or the detergent component (a.2) consists of sulphosuccinates, acyllactylates, alkylpolyglucosides, alkylisethionates, acylated protein condensates, betains and/or acylglutamates or the derivatives thereof. 22. An O/W emulsion according to any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the O/W emulsion comprises as a detergent component (a.2) or the detergent component (a.2) consists of sodium-, potassium-, magnesium- or calcium salts of monomeric lactic acid esterified on the hydroxyl group with linear or branched, saturated or mono- to tri-unsaturated if non-adjacent, cyclic or acyclic C6- to C24-carboxylic acids, or the oligomers thereof, and wherein the oligomerisation degree of the lactic acid is 1.1 to 10, preferably 1.1 to 4. 23. A process for preparing an O/W emulsion as claimed in any one of claims 24, 2 or 5, wherein the phases (a) and (b) are added to 50 to 80° C., preferably 60 to 70° C., with homogenisation by mixing until the average particle size of the oil droplets is <1 mm as determined by a light scattering method. 24. An oil-in-water emulsion (O/W emulsion) having a viscosity of less than 2,000 mPas, measured at 298 K, which is preparable by combining (a) a hydrophilic phase comprising (a.1) one or more gemini surfactant compound(s) and (a.2) a detergent component with poor foaming characteristics, at a ratio of gemini surfactant compound (a.1) to detergent component (a.2) from 1:100 to 10:1 and (a.3) 1 to 15 wt % water, (b) with a hydrophobic phase comprising (b.1) one or more gemini surfactant compound(s) and (b.2) one or more co-amphiphile(s) having an HLB value of less than 6, at a weight ratio of gemini surfactant compound (b.1) to co-amphiphile (b.2) from 1:100 to 3:1 parts by weight, (b.3) 1 to 65 wt % of a hydrophobic component, and furthermore comprising (c. 1) water in such quantity that the resultant whole composition comprises 15 to 45 wt % water, (c.2) alcohols (c.2.1), polyglycols (c.2.2) and/or polyols (c.2.3) such that the whole composition comprises a total of 0.1 to 50 wt % alcohols (c.2.1), polyglycols (c.2.2) and/or polyols (c.2.3), and one or more of the components (d.1) through (d.3) added after combining the phases (a) and (b), optionally in conjunction with one or more of the components(c), (d.1) 0.1 to 30 wt % solid particles, (d.2) 0.1 to 3 wt % foaming surfactant or (d.3) 0.1 to 15 wt % antitranspirant, with the proviso that when adding the foaming surfactant (d.2), additional water be added such that the proportion of the O/W emulsion comprised of components (a) through (c) to the additional water quantity including the foaming surfactant (d.2), is from 90:10 to 40:60 parts by weight and wherein the gemini surfactants comprise at least two surfactant units, comprising each at least one hydrophilic head group and at least one hydrophobic group, and the surfactant units are interlinked through at least one spacer in proximity to the head group.



Conformable vehicle display
A conformable vehicle display includes a flexible display screen coupled to a substrate. The substrate is a curved transparent substrate that is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle component having a curved exterior surface. The flexible display screen is at least partially separate from the exterior surface of the vehicle component and has a luminescent display. The exterior surface of the vehicle component is visible through the flexible display screen and the substrate when the flexible display screen is not activated. The flexible display screen may be a transparent organic light emitting diode display device.
1. A conformable vehicle display, comprising: a curved transparent substrate adapted to be coupled to a vehicle component having a curved exterior surface; and a flexible display screen coupled to the substrate, at least a portion of the display screen being separate from the exterior surface of the vehicle component, the flexible display screen having a luminescent display; wherein the exterior surface is visible through the flexible display screen and the substrate when the flexible display screen is not activated. 2. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the flexible display screen is a matrix display. 3. The conformable vehicle display of claim 2, wherein the flexible display screen comprises an organic light emitting diode display. 4. The conformable vehicle display of claim 3, wherein the flexible display screen comprises a transparent organic light emitting diode display. 5. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the vehicle component comprises a fabric. 6. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, further comprising a trim layer incorporated into the substrate between the vehicle component and the flexible display screen. 7. The conformable vehicle display of claim 6, wherein the trim layer is molded into the substrate. 8. The conformable vehicle display of claim 7, wherein the trim layer is a fabric material. 9. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component is an instrument panel, a door, a pillar, or a side trim panel. 10. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises acrylic. 11. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the flexible display screen is coupled to a surface of the substrate facing the vehicle interior. 12. The conformable vehicle display of claim 11, wherein the flexible display screen is fastened to the substrate. 13. The conformable vehicle display of claim 1, wherein the flexible display screen is incorporated into the substrate. 14. The conformable vehicle display of claim 13, wherein the flexible display screen is disposed in a recess in the substrate. 15. The conformable vehicle display of claim 13, wherein the flexible display screen is insert molded into the substrate. 16. A vehicle instrument panel, comprising: a curved base surface; a fabric layer coupled to the base surface; a transparent curved substrate coupled to the base surface above the fabric layer; and a flexible transparent organic light emitting diode display screen coupled to and matching the curvature of the substrate above the fabric layer, wherein the fabric layer is visible when the display screen is off. 17. The vehicle instrument panel of claim 16, wherein the organic light emitting diode display is incorporated into the substrate. 18. The vehicle instrument panel of claim 17, wherein the organic light emitting diode display is disposed in a recess in the substrate. 19. The vehicle instrument panel of claim 16, wherein the organic light emitting diode display is insert molded into the substrate. 20. The vehicle instrument panel of claim 16, wherein the organic light emitting diode display is coupled to a surface of the substrate facing an interior compartment of a vehicle. 21. The vehicle instrument panel of claim 20, wherein the organic light emitting diode display is fastened to the substrate. 22. A method of making a vehicle display, comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle component, a transparent curved substrate, and a flexible light emitting display; coupling the light emitting display to the substrate; and coupling the substrate to a textured exterior surface of the vehicle component. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of molding the light emitting display into the substrate. 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of molding a fabric layer into the substrate between the flexible light emitting display and the exterior surface. 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of creating a recess in the substrate, wherein the light emitting display is coupled to the substrate by placement into the recess. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the light emitting display comprises an organic light emitting diode display. 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the exterior surface of the vehicle component is fabric. 28. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of providing a fabric layer incorporated into the substrate between the vehicle component and the flexible display screen. 29. The method of claim 22, wherein the vehicle component is an instrument panel.
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A wide variety of information about a vehicle, its performance, maintenance, orientation, and the condition of its numerous systems (fuel, door closure, temperature) and the like have been collected and displayed within vehicle interiors for many years. In recent years, with technology developments accelerating at heretofore unbelievable rates, the types of information collected, the accuracy thereof and the methods for displaying the information have also been increasing. Examples include compass and mirror technology and the combination thereof, where compass headings are displayed on the surface of the vehicle interior. These various examples of information collection and/or display are provided purely for purposes of establishing a general background from which the display improvement of the present invention can be appreciated. At present, the displays themselves, wherever they have been located, involve hardware and systems which are typically designed for specific applications for reasons of size, attachment, supplying power thereto or the like. Little flexibility currently exists for using conformable display surfaces in a variety of vehicle locations. Further, other conventional display technology (e.g., liquid crystal display (“LCD”), light emitting diode (“LED”), etc.) incorporate a lens and is located in a module (e.g., wherein the lens is a first or exterior surface and the display is a second or inner surface). (The lens is typically used to cover or obscure circuit boards and the like.) Additionally, conventional display technology (particularly LCD displays) are only used in a flat and/or non-flexible surface application. To provide a reliable, widely adaptable, self-illuminating vehicle display that is less expensive, has higher contrast, and uses less energy than conventional displays (e.g., LCDs, and the like) and avoids the above-referenced and other problems would represent a significant advance in the art.
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A primary feature of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display which provides interior designers with enhanced flexibility and aesthetics. Another feature of the present inventions is to provide a display system which requires little space and which may be located in a wide variety of locations within a vehicle interior. Another feature of the present inventions is to move the display to the first surface and provide a vehicle display that does not require a lens. A different feature of the present inventions is to provide a display which may be placed over, rather than within, a vehicle interior component and may resemble a contoured surface profile. Yet another feature of the present inventions is to provide a display surface which yields a high quality display of any one or more kinds of data, including but not limited to safety, vehicle condition, entertainment, educational and status data. Another feature of the present inventions is to provide a display which may be installed using assembly techniques which are commonly used to install trim covers, including installation on curved surfaces, whether they be convex or concave. How these and other objects of the present inventions are accomplished, individually, collectively or in various subcombinations will be described in the following detailed description of preferred and alternate embodiments, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished by using a thin, flexible display screen or sheet (such as organic light emitting diode (“OLED”), LCD material, flexible LCD, thin film electro-luminescent (“TFEL”), or other suitable display technology, and preferably organic sheet of light-emitting diode material. The display may be in any shape (e.g., square, circular, oval, etc.) and may be applied over a variety of interior surfaces, including but not limited to the instrument panel, consoles, door, pillar, side trim panels, etc. More than one such display sheet may be employed for displaying the same or different information. The display screen can be the first surface (e.g., the exterior surface exposed to the passenger compartment), recessed behind a plastic (protective) substrate, sprayed or poured into a recess (e.g., OLED), insert molded, etc. The information displays can be fixed in place using the same trim hardware as is currently used to cover the pillar with leather, vinyl, fabric, foam and other cover materials. Alternatively, the display sheet may be attached using mechanical fasteners (such as snaps, screws, clips, etc.), other fasteners (such as Velcro® hook and loop fasteners), sewing, adhesives, etc. Also, the display sheet can be insert molded along with a fabric material or other aesthetic or functional article. This ease of assembly makes adoption of the display to different types or sizes of vehicles much easier than would be the case in conventional applications (e.g., if deep recesses, holes, apertures, etc. were required to receive thicker display devices). Also, protecting the display is intended to enhance reliability and reduce cost associated with damaged displays. The color of the display sheet can also be coordinated with the remainder of the vehicle interior. Other ways in which the various features of present invention can be accomplished will be described later herein, and still others will appear to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention, if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow. Additionally, the displayed image may be provided by ultraviolet (“UV”) light being projected through a substrate with or without an insert or over-molded fabric. The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification.

Coal-burning boiler's ignition burner
The present application disclosed an ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler, comprising one or more combustion-enhancing miniature oil guns and a pulverized coal burner, wherein the combustion-enhancing miniature oil gun comprises an atomizing nozzle, a cyclone, an oil burner, an air supplying cylinder and an ignition device, and the pulverized coal burner comprises ail external nozzle, a window type air film cooler and an expansion channel. During the combustion of the pulverized coal, a certain amount of dry steam may be added for generating carbon monoxide and hydrogen for further enhancing the combustion of the pulverized coal. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler according to the present invention may save more than 90% of oil and demonstrates excellent economic performance.
1. An ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler, comprising one ore more miniature oil guns (14) and a pulverized coal burner (3), wherein the miniature oil gun (14) comprises an atomizing nozzle (17), an oil burner (15), an ignition device (18), first air supplying cylinders (9, 10), and an air intake (19), the pulverized coal burner (3) comprises a cooling structure, an air intake (22), an expansion channel (1), a support (4), an external nozzle (2), a cooling air cylinder (21) and a second air supplying cylinder (11). 2. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that said oil burner (15) comprises a cyclone (16), a corrugated sheet cooler (13), deep oxygen-adding holes (12) and a housing (20). 3. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 2, characterized in that the cyclone (16) has 6-16 whirl plates with angle of 30-60 degrees. 4. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 2, characterized in that the size and number of the deep oxygen-adding holes (12) are selected depending on the whirling force and the flow rate. 5. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that the cooling structure of the pulverized coal burner (3) comprises multi-stage window-type air film cooling rings and a cooling jacket (5). 6. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that the cooling structure of the pulverized coal burner (3) comprises a corrugated sheet cooler. 7. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that the atomizing nozzle (17) of the miniature oil gun (14) adopts mechanical atomization. 8. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that the atomizing nozzle (17) of the miniature oil gun (14) adopts vapor atomization. 9. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that the atomizing nozzle (17) of the miniature oil gun (14) adopts air atomization. 10. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that, depending on the operating condition, air or dry steam is introduced via the air intake (11) of the pulverized coal burner (3) to improve the enhanced combustion of the pulverized coal. 11. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that, there is only one miniature oil gun, which dips with respect to the pulverized coal burner (3). 12. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that, the miniature oil gun(s) (14) is(are) inserted into the pulverized coal burner in the axial direction at the bending portion(s) of the pulverized-coal-feeding tubes. 13. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that, there are two or more miniature oil guns (14), which are arranged symmetrical about and inclined with respect to the pulverized coal burner (3). 14. The ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of claim 1, characterized in that, a cooling gap is provided between the air-supplying cylinder (10) of the miniature oil gun (14) and the outer wall of the oil burner (15).
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>The starting ignition and low-load stable combustion of the conventional industrial coal boiler will consume a great amount of burning oil. For example, in the year of 1999, the electric power industry of China consumed about 13.65 million tons of oil. Research and development of pre-combustion chamber have been conducted since more than ten years, and great success has been made in the technique of multi-fuel combustion of coal and oil near the nozzle of the pulverized coal burner by means of a miniature oil gun. The oil-saving effect of said technique is prominent. However, so far, there is no combustion-enhancing miniature oil gun and combustion-enhancing pulverized coal burner having the function of internal combustion of pulverized coal. Consequently, the oil-saving effect is limited and the economic performance of the electric power industry is affected adversely.
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide an ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler and capable of saving oil considerably. Said object is realized by the following ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler. An ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler, comprises one or more combustion-enhancing miniature oil guns and a pulverized coal burner, wherein the combustion-enhancing miniature oil gun comprises an atomizing nozzle, an air intake, an oil burner, a first air supplying cylinder and an ignition device, and the pulverized coal burner comprises cooling means, an air intake, an expansion channel, a support, an external nozzle, a cooling air cylinder and a second air supplying cylinder. In the ignition and burning apparatus used in coal boiler of the present invention, the pulverized coal in the burner is fired by the combustion-enhancing miniature oil gun, and in turn, the pulverized coal boiler is started by the heat generated by the enhanced combustion of the pulverized and enters into a stable combustion state. As a result, a great amount of oil, up to more than 90%, may be saved and the economic performance is excellent.

Method of diagnosing nephrotic syndrome
This invention provides organic biomolecule markers (e.g., proteins) useful for differentiating minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FCS), membranous nephrothropy (MN), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). This invention also provides organic biomolecule markers useful for evaluating the therapeutic value of agents for treating kidney disease.
1. A method for aiding the diagnosis of a kidney disease, the method comprising: (a) detecting at least one protein marker in a sample, wherein the protein marker is selected from: Marker DA-1: about 2955.3 Da; Marker DA-2: about 6116.6 Da; Marker DA-3: about 5910.0 Da; Marker DB-1: about 2962.5 Da; Marker DB-2: about 6130.8 Da; and Marker DB-3: about 3161.5 Da; and (b) correlating the detection of the marker or markers with a probable diagnosis of a kidney disease. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the correlation takes into account the presence or absence of the marker or markers in the sample and the frequency of detection of the same marker or markers in a control. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the correlation further takes into account the amount of the marker or markers in the sample compared to a control amount of the marker or markers. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises detecting a plurality of the markers. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample is serum. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein gas phase ion spectrometry is used for detecting the marker or markers. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the gas phase ion spectrometry is laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry comprises: (a) providing a substrate comprising an adsorbent attached thereto; (b) contacting the sample with the adsorbent; and (c) desorbing and ionizing the marker or markers from the substrate and detecting the desorbed/ionized marker or markers with the mass spectrometer. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the substrate is a probe adapted for use with the mass spectrometer. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the substrate is suitable for being placed on a probe which is adapted for use with the mass spectrometer. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the adsorbent is an antibody that specifically binds to the marker. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the adsorbent is a cationic adsorbent. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the adsorbent is a metal chelating adsorbent. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein an immunoassay is used for detecting the marker or markers. 15. The method of claim 7, the method further comprising: (a) generating data on the sample with the mass spectrometer indicating intensity of signal for mass/charge ratios; (b) transforming the data into computer-readable form; and (c) operating a computer to execute an algorithm, wherein the algorithm determines closeness-of-fit between the computer-readable data and data indicating a diagnosis of a kidney disease or a negative diagnosis. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the algorithm comprises an artificial intelligence program. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the artificial intelligence program is a fuzzy logic, cluster analysis or neural network. 18. A kit comprising: (a) a substrate comprising an adsorbent attached thereto, wherein the adsorbent is capable of retaining at least one protein marker selected from: Marker DA-1: about 2955.3 Da; Marker DA-2: about 6116.6 Da; Marker DA-3: about 5910.0 Da; Marker DB-1: about 2962.5 Da; Marker DB-2: about 6130.8 Da; and Marker DB-3: about 3161.5 Da; and (b) instructions to detect the marker or markers by contacting a sample with the adsorbent and detecting the marker or markers retained by the adsorbent. 19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the substrate is a probe adapted for use with a gas phase ion spectrometer, the probe having a surface onto which the adsorbent is attached. 20. The kit of claim 18, wherein the substrate is suitable for being placed on a probe adapted for use with a gas phase ion spectrometer. 21. The kit of claim 20, the kit further comprising the probe adapted for use with a gas phase ion spectrometer. 22. The kit of claim 18, wherein the adsorbent is a metal chelate adsorbent. 23. The kit of claim 18, wherein the adsorbent comprises a cationic group. 24. The kit of claim 18, wherein the adsorbent is an antibody that specifically binds to the marker or markers. 25. The kit of claim 18, wherein the kit further comprises a reference. 26. The kit of claim 18, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of different types of adsorbents. 27. The method of claim 18, the kit further comprising (1) an eluant wherein the marker or markers are retained on the adsorbent when washed with the eluant, or (2) instructions to wash adsorbent with the eluant after contacting the adsorbent with marker or markers. 28. A method for aiding a kidney disease diagnosis, the method comprising: determining a test amount of a marker in a sample from a subject, wherein the marker is a polypeptide which is differentially present in a sample of a minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) patient and a sample of at least one of a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FGS) patient, a membranous nephropathy (MN) patient, and a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) patient; and determining whether the test amount is a diagnostic amount consistent with a diagnosis of MCNS. 29. A method for evaluating the therapeutic value of an agent for treating kidney disease, the method comprising: (a) detecting at least one protein marker in a sample before and after treatment, wherein the protein marker is selected from: Marker TA-1: about 2952.3 Da; Marker TA-2: about 5910.0 Da; Marker TB-1: about 5922.6 Da; Marker TB-2: about 10224.4 Da; Marker TB-3: about 10793.3 Da; Marker TC-1: about 13672.1 Da; Marker TC-2: about 13980.1 Da; Marker TC-3: about 13895.6 Da; Marker TC-4: about 13788.5 Da; and Marker TC-5: about 13965.4 Da; and (b) evaluating the therapeutic value based on the difference of the marker amount before and after treatment. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the evaluation takes into account the presence or absence of the marker or markers in the sample and the frequency of detection of the same marker or markers in a control. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the evaluation further takes into account the amount of the marker or markers in the sample compared to a control amount of the marker or markers. 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the method comprises detecting a plurality of the markers. 33. The method of claim 29, wherein the sample is serum. 34. The method of claim 29, wherein gas phase ion spectrometry is used for detecting the marker or markers. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the gas phase ion spectrometry is laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry comprises: (a) providing a substrate comprising an adsorbent attached thereto; (b) contacting the sample with the adsorbent; and (c) desorbing and ionizing the marker or markers from the substrate and detecting the desorbed/ionized marker or markers with the mass spectrometer. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the substrate is a probe adapted for use with the mass spectrometer. 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the substrate is suitable for being placed on a probe which is adapted for use with the mass spectrometer. 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the adsorbent is an antibody that specifically binds to the marker. 40. The method of claim 36, wherein the adsorbent is a cationic adsorbent. 41. The method of claim 36, wherein the adsorbent is a metal chelating adsorbent. 42. The method of claim 29, wherein an immunoassay is used for detecting the marker or markers. 43. The method of claim 35, the method further comprising: (a) generating data on the sample with the mass spectrometer indicating intensity of signal for mass/charge ratios; (b) transforming the data into computer-readable form; and (c) operating a computer to execute an algorithm, wherein the algorithm determines closeness-of-fit between the computer-readable data and data indicating a diagnosis of a kidney disease or a negative diagnosis. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the algorithm comprises an artificial intelligence program. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the artificial intelligence program is a fuzzy logic, cluster analysis or neural network. 46. A kit comprising: (a) a substrate comprising an adsorbent attached thereto, wherein the adsorbent is capable of retaining at least one protein marker selected from: Marker TA-1: about 2952.3 Da; Marker TA-2: about 5910.0 Da; Marker TB-1: about 5922.6 Da; Marker TB-2: about 10224.4 Da; Marker TB-3: about 10793.3 Da; Marker TC-1: about 13672.1 Da; Marker TC-2: about 13980.1 Da; Marker TC-3: about 13895.6 Da; Marker TC-4: about 13788.5 Da; and Marker TC-5: about 13965.4 Da; and (b) instructions to detect the marker or markers by contacting a sample with the adsorbent and detecting the marker or markers retained by the adsorbent. 47. The kit of claim 46, wherein the substrate is a probe adapted for use with a gas phase ion spectrometer, the probe having a surface onto which the adsorbent is attached. 48. The kit of claim 46, wherein the substrate is suitable for being placed on a probe adapted for use with a gas phase ion spectrometer. 49. The kit of claim 48, the kit further comprising the probe adapted for use with a gas phase ion spectrometer. 50. The kit of claim 46, wherein the adsorbent is a metal chelate adsorbent. 51. The kit of claim 46, wherein the adsorbent comprises a cationic group. 52. The kit of claim 46, wherein the adsorbent is an antibody that specifically binds to the marker or markers. 53. The kit of claim 46, wherein the kit further comprises a reference. 54. The kit of claim 46, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of different types of adsorbents. 55. The kit of claim 46, the kit further comprising (1) an eluant wherein the marker or markers are retained on the adsorbent when washed with the eluant, or (2) instructions to wash adsorbent with the eluant after contacting the adsorbent with marker or markers. 56. A method of evaluating the therapeutic value of an agent for treating kidney disease, the method comprising: determining a test amount of a marker in a sample from a subject, the marker amount being different before and after MCNS treatment; and evaluating the therapeutic value based on the difference of marker amount before and after treatment. 57. The method of claim 1, wherein the marker is Marker DA-3: about 5910 Da. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the marker is detected in an immunoassay. 59. The method of claim 29, wherein the marker is Marker TA-2: about 5910.0 Da 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the marker is detected in an immunoassay. 61. A method for aiding the diagnosis of a kidney disease, the method comprising: (a) detecting alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain in a sample; and (b) correlating the detection of the marker or markers with a probable diagnosis of a kidney disease. 62. The method of claim 61, wherein detection is performed by immunoassay. 63. The method of claim 61, wherein detection is performed by SELDI MS mass spectrometry. 64. A kit comprising: (a) an MS SELDI probe comprising a surface-bound agent capable of binding an antibody; (b) an antibody that specifically binds alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain; and (c) instructions to detect alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by contacting a sample with the probe having the antibody bound thereto and detecting alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by mass spectrometry. 65. The kit of claim 64 further comprising a wash solution that removes unbound material from the probe surface. 66. The kit of claim 64 further comprising instructions to correlate the detection of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain with nephrotic disease. 67. A kit comprising: (a) an ELISA substrate; (b) an antibody that specifically binds alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain; and (c) instructions to detect alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by contacting a sample with the ELISA substrate having the antibody bound thereto and detecting alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by ELISA. 68. The kit of claim 67 further comprising a second, labeled antibody that specifically binds alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain. 69. The kit of claim 67 further comprising instructions to correlate the detection of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain with nephrotic disease.
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Idiopathic nephrotic syndromes due to primary glomerular diseases include the minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FGS), the membranous nephropathy (MN), and the membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). Patients with these diseases fall into hypoproteinemia due to the loss of substantial amounts of protein in the urine during the nephrotic stage, and in order to compensate for the loss, protein synthesis is accelerated in the liver. The four disease types above are finally diagnosed by taking a sample of the kidney (renal biopsy), and testing the sample with a light microscope and an electron microscope, and also testing the sample through the immunofluorescent antibody method. This diagnostic process is a large burden on the patient and requires time and labor for the histological examination. Therefore, there has been a demand for a diagnosis method for the nephrotic syndromes by using blood serum or urine, which are relatively easily available. The present invention aims at providing a new diagnosis method. Through this method, the patient can be relieved of the biopsy. At the same time, this method enables the distinction between the MCNS and the FGS, in which the clinical feature is similar to MCNS.
<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides, for the first time, sensitive and quick methods and kits that can be used as an aid for diagnosis of MCNS by measuring markers that are differentially present in samples of a MCNS patient and a subject who does not have MCNS (e.g., MN, FGS, IgA nephropathy, or MPGN patients). By monitoring the amount of one or more of these markers, the methods and kits of the invention can determine the subject's pathological status using minute quantities of crude samples. In particular, it has been found that alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain, a protein detected from serum samples as a 5910 Da peak by SELDI mass spectrometry, is a marker for MCNS. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for aiding the diagnosis of a kidney disease which comprises detecting alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain in a sample; and correlating the detection of the marker or markers with a probable diagnosis of a kidney disease. In one embodiment, the detection is performed by any one of a variety of immunoassays. In a second embodiment, the detection is performed by SELDI MS mass spectrometry. In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for aiding in the diagnosis of kidney disease, wherein the kit comprises an MS SELDI probe comprising a surface-bound agent capable of binding an antibody; an antibody that specifically binds alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain; and instructions to detect alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by contacting a sample with the probe having the antibody bound thereto and detecting alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by mass spectrometry. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a wash solution that removes unbound material from the probe surface. In another embodiment, the kit comprises instructions to correlate the detection of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain with nephrotic disease. In still another aspect, the invention provides a kit for aiding in the diagnosis of kidney disease, wherein the kit comprises an ELISA substrate, an antibody that specifically binds alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain; and instructions to detect alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by contacting a sample with the ELISA substrate having the antibody bound thereto and detecting alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain by ELISA. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a second, labeled antibody that specifically binds alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions to correlate the detection of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein beta chain with nephrotic disease. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for aiding a MCNS diagnosis, which comprises determining a test amount of a marker in a sample from a subject and determining whether the test amount is a diagnostic amount consistent with a diagnosis of MCNS. A test amount of a single marker or a plurality of markers can be determined in this aspect of the invention. The markers can have any suitable characteristics, including any apparent molecular weight. For example, these diagnostic markers include polypeptides having an apparent molecular weight of about 2955.3 Da (DA-1), 6116.6 Da (DA-2), 5910.0 Da (DA-3), 2962.5 Da (DB-1), 6130.8 Da (DB-2), or 3161.5 Da (DB-3). In yet another embodiment, a sample being tested is taken from a subject's blood, serum, urine, semen, seminal fluid, seminal plasma, or tissue extracts. Preferably, the sample is serum or urine. In yet another embodiment, the methods for diagnosis comprises determining a test amount of a marker in a sample using immunoassay or gas phase ion spectrometry wherein the markers are selected from the group consisting of polypeptides having an apparent molecular weight of about 2955.3 Da (DA-1), 6116.6 Da (DA-2), 5910.0 Da (DA-3), 2962.5 Da (DB-1), 6130.8 Da (DB-2), or 3161.5 Da (DB-3). Preferably, laser desorption mass spectrometry is used. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting a marker, the method comprising contacting a sample from a subject with a substrate comprising an adsorbent thereon under conditions to allow binding between a marker and the adsorbent, wherein the marker is a polypeptide which is differentially present in samples of a MCNS and a subject who does not have MCNS (e.g., MN, FGS, IgA nephropathy, or MPGN patients), and detecting the marker bound to the adsorbent by gas phase ion spectrometry. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises determining the test amount of the marker bound on the probe substrate, and determining whether the test amount is a diagnostic amount consistent with a diagnosis of MCNS. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting a marker in a sample, the method comprising: providing an antibody that specifically binds to the marker, wherein the marker is a polypeptide which is differentially present in samples of a MCNS patient and a subject who does not have MCNS (e.g., a MN, FGS, IgA nephropathy, or MPGN patient), and contacting the sample with the antibody, and detecting the presence of a complex of the antibody bound to the marker. Markers that are differentially present in samples from MCNS patients include polypeptides having an apparent molecular weight of about 2955.3 Da (DA-1), 6116.6 Da (DA-2), 5910.0 Da (DA-3), 2962.5 Da (DB-1), 6130.8 Da (DB-2), or 3161.5 Da (DB-3). In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises determining the test amount of the marker bound on the probe substrate, and determining whether the test amount is a diagnostic amount consistent with a diagnosis of MCNS. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a kit for aiding a diagnosis of MCNS, wherein the kit comprises a substrate comprising an adsorbent thereon, wherein the adsorbent is suitable for binding a marker and a washing solution or instructions for making a washing solution, wherein the combination of the adsorbent and the washing solution allows detection of the marker using gas phase ion spectrometry. The kit is capable of allowing determination of a test amount of a marker, wherein the marker is a polypeptide which is differentially present in samples of a MCNS patient and a subject who does not have MCNS (e.g., a MN, FGS, IgA nephropathy, or MPGN patient). In one embodiment, the substrate in the kit is in the form of a probe which is removably insertable into a gas phase ion spectrometer. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises another substrate which can be used together with the substrate comprising the adsorbent to form a probe which is removably insertable into a gas phase ion spectrometer. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for suitable operational parameters. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a hydrophobic group and an anionic group as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a hydrophobic group as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a metal chelating group. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a metal chelating group complexed with a metal ion as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises an antibody that specifically binds to a marker as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the washing solution is an aqueous solution. In yet another embodiment, the kit comprises an antibody that specifically binds to the marker, and a detection reagent. Optionally, the antibody can be immobilized on a solid support. In yet another embodiment, the kits can further comprise a standard indicating a diagnostic amount of the marker. While the absolute identity of many markers is not yet known, such knowledge is not necessary to measure them in a patient sample, because they are sufficiently characterized by, e.g., mass and by affinity characteristics. It is noted that molecular weight and binding properties are characteristic properties of these markers and not limitations on means of detection or isolation. Furthermore, using the methods described herein or other methods known in the art, the absolute identity of the markers can be determined. The present invention provides a method for evaluating the progress of kidney disease and the therapeutic value of agents used to treat kidney disease by comparing the results of measurement of markers conducted with samples taken from the same patient before and after MCNS treatment. In the measurement graph, there is a high peak and low peak after treatment. By using these peaks as markers, it is possible to evaluate the progress of the disease and the therapeutic value of agents used to treat the disease. The markers can have any suitable characteristics, including any apparent molecular weight. For example, these therapeutic markers include polypeptides having an apparent molecular weight of about 2952.3 Da (TA-1), 5910.0 Da (TA-2), 5922.6 Da (TB-1), 10224.4 Da (TB-2), 10793.3 Da (TB-3), 13672.1 Da (TC-1), 13980.1 Da (TC-2), 13895.6 Da (TC-3), 13788.5 Da (TC-4), or 13965.4 Da (TC-5). In another embodiment, the sample being tested is taken from a subject's blood, serum, urine, semen, seminal fluid, seminal plasma, or tissue extracts. Preferably, the sample is serum or urine. In yet another embodiment, the methods for evaluating the progress of kidney disease and the therapeutic value of agents used to treat kidney disease comprises determining a test amount of a marker in a sample using immunoassay or gas phase ion spectrometry wherein the markers are selected from the group consisting of polypeptides having an apparent molecular weight of about 2952.3 Da (TA-1), 5910.0 Da (TA-2), 5922.6 Da (TB-1), 10224.4 Da (TB-2), 10793.3 Da (TB-3), 13672.1 Da (TC-1), 13980.1 Da (TC-2), 13895.6 Da (TC-3), 13788.5 Da (TC-4), or 13965.4 Da (TC-5). Preferably, laser desorption mass spectrometry is used. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a kit for aiding in evaluating the progress of the disease and the therapeutic value of agents used to treat kidney disease, wherein the kit comprises a substrate comprising an adsorbent thereon, wherein the adsorbent is suitable for binding a marker and a washing solution or instructions for making a washing solution, wherein the combination of the adsorbent and the washing solution allows detection of the marker using gas phase ion spectrometry. The kit is capable of allowing determination of a test amount of a marker, wherein the marker is a polypeptide which is differentially present in samples of a kidney disease patient before and after treatment. In one embodiment, the substrate in the kit is in the form of a probe which is removably insertable into a gas phase ion spectrometer. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises another substrate which can be used together with the substrate comprising the adsorbent to form a probe which is removably insertable into a gas phase ion spectrometer. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for suitable operational parameters. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a hydrophobic group and an anionic group as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a hydrophobic group as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a metal chelating group. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises a metal chelating group complexed with a metal ion as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the substrate comprises an antibody that specifically binds to a marker as an adsorbent. In yet another embodiment, the washing solution is an aqueous solution. In yet another embodiment, the kit comprises an antibody that specifically binds to the marker, and a detection reagent. Optionally, the antibody can be immobilized on a solid support. In yet another embodiment, the kits can further comprise a standard indicating a treatment amount of the marker. While the absolute identity of many markers is not yet known, such knowledge is not necessary to measure them in a patient sample, because they are sufficiently characterized by, e.g., mass and by affinity characteristics. It is noted that molecular weight and binding properties are characteristic properties of these markers and not limitations on means of detection or isolation. Furthermore, using the methods described herein or other methods known in the art, the absolute identity of the markers can be determined. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and attached drawings.

Clamp holder for fixing connecting rods and/or slide rails with sliding elements guided thereon
The clamping holder engages around the slide rail or rod with a slide rail receptacle by more than half of the circumference in a frictional engagement. A hollow-cylindrical continuation of the slide rail receptacle engages over an adjusting bearing and a fastening member on the outside. The hollow-cylindrical continuation is secured to the adjusting bearing so as to be fixed with respect to displacement axially and is secured to a cup-like fastening bushing of the fastening member so as to be fixed with respect to rotation.
1-8. (cancelled). 9. A clamping holder for a slide rail, the clamping holder comprising: a one-piece slide rail receptacle comprising a rail clamping section and a continuation having an axial bore facing away from the rail clamping section; an adjusting bearing received in the axial bore and fixed against axial displacement relative to the continuation, the adjusting bearing having an external thread; and a fastening member having a base for mounting on a substrate and a cup-like fastening bushing received in the axial bore of the continuation, the fastening bushing having an internal thread which engages the external thread of the adjusting bearing, the fastening bushing being fixed against rotation with respect to the continuation, whereby, the distance between the rail clamping section and the base can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting bearing relative to the fastening member. 10. A clamping holder as in claim 9 further comprising means for locking the adjusting bearing with respect to the slide rail receptacle. 11. A clamping holder as in claim 10 wherein the locking means comprises a circumferential groove in the adjusting bearing. 12. A clamping holder as in claim 11 wherein said continuation has a wall provided with a threaded radial bore communicating with the axial bore, the clamping holder further comprising a stud screw received in the threaded radial bore in alignment with the circumferential groove. 13. A clamping holder as in claim 9 wherein the cup-like fastening bushing has an external wall provided axially extending knurling. 14. A clamping holder as in claim 13 wherein said continuation has a wall provided with a threaded radial bore communicating with the axial bore, the clamping holder further comprising a stud screw received in the threaded radial bore in alignment with the knurling. 15. A clamping holder as in claim 9 wherein the rail clamping section is designed to grasp a rail around at least half the circumference of the rail. 16. A clamping holder as in claim 9 wherein the rail clamping section has a threaded bore hole for receiving a stud screw.



Method of producing electric power generating element and cell using volcanic ash, cell using volcanic ash, and aparatus for controlling cells
The present invention provides a zero-emission electric power generating element using volcanic ash which is needless to treat waste batteries and is capable of regenerating electric energy and further provides an apparatus for controlling a group of batteries formed by the elements while seeking the best use of static electricity of volcanic ash. According to the present invention, a static electricity generating member (17b) comprising fine hollow powder (10a) made out of volcanic ash (10), other mineral ores (11c) and activated mineral water (11b) containing minus ion and a electrically conductive wet pulverulent body (30) comprising active carbon, fullerene or nanotube are filled into a insulative and sealable cylindrical container (31). The filled container is capped with an anode (15a) and a cathode (15b) and sealed so as to prevent gas or moisture from permeating.
1. A method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash wherein said element is composed of a static electricity generating member formed out of volcanic ash dampened with a minus ion aqueous solution, and an anode and a cathode sandwiching said member. 2. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein said static electricity generating member is formed out of volcanic ash treated to be hollow particles added with a proper amount of a minus ion aqueous solution and kneaded into kneaded-clay like state. 3. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein said static electricity generating member is an unglazed plate-like pottery made of volcanic ash impregnated with a minus ion aqueous solution. 4. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 2, wherein said cathode and anode are inserted into said kneaded-clay like static electricity generating member. 5. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein an electrically conductive powder containing water intervenes between said anode and static electricity generating member. 6. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 5, wherein said electrically conductive powder containing water comprises active carbon, fullererse, or nanotube. 7. The method of producing a electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein a mineral other than the volcanic ash is mixed into said static electricity generating member. 8. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 7, wherein said mineral comprises tourmaline, quartz, diatomaceous earth, or zeolite. 9. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein said cathode and anode are made of nickel, silver, aluminum, P- or N-type silicon plate. 10. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein said cathode and anode contain corrosion inhibitor. 11. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 9, wherein said cathode and anode are formed so that their polarity can be recognized. 12. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein said minus ion aqueous solution is an activated mineral water containing minus ion. 13. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 1, wherein said electric power generating element is a hermetically sealed structure enclosed with an insulation container with the cathode and anode located at both ends thereof. 14. The method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to claim 13, wherein said sealed structure is a moisture-proof one to prevent permeation of water and gas. 15. An electric cell utilizing volcanic ash comprising a plurality of electric power generating elements combined properly by electrical wiring to configure a group of electric power generating elements which is adapted to required voltage and current capacity, and a terminal board for external connection provided for connecting said group to an external load, wherein each of said electric-power generating elements is composed of a static electricity generating member formed out of volcanic ash dampened with a minus ion aqueous solution and an anode and a cathode sandwiching said member, or wherein said electricity generating member is formed out of volcanic ash mixed with minerals other than the volcanic ash, or wherein an electrically conductive powder containing water intervenes between said anode and static electricity generating member, or wherein each of said electric power generating elements comprises a hermetically sealed structure enclosed with an insulation container with the cathode and anode located at both ends thereof. 16. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 15, wherein said group of electric power generating elements is formed by stacking each element connected with each other with wiring, and on the uppermost and lowermost element of the stacked elements connected in series are provided terminal boards for connecting them to an external load. 17. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 15, wherein said group of electric power generating elements is composed of a plurality of the elements in series connection, the elements contacting with each other successively at the different polarity electrode of each element, and terminal boards for external connection are provided to be connected with the ends of the cathode and anode not connected with each other. 18. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 15, wherein said group of electric power generating elements is composed of a plurality of the elements in parallel connection, connecting the electrodes of the same polarity, and terminal boards for external connection are provided to be connected with each end of connecting means connecting the electrodes of the same polarity. 19. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 15, wherein said group of electric power generating elements is composed of a plurality of the elements in series and parallel connection, and terminal boards for external connection are provided to be connected with the beginning and end of the connecting means. 20. An electric cell utilizing volcanic ash comprising an insulation container board having small holes, electric power generating elements, and terminal boards for external connection, said electric power generating elements being encapsulated into the small holes of said insulation container board to compose an electric power generating board, a group of anodes and a group of cathodes that are exposed on the upper and lower surface of the electric power generating board being connected together or separately to said terminal boards for external connection. 21. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 20, wherein volcanic ash containing minus ion aqueous solution and electrically conductive powder containing water are filled into the small holes of said container board to form an electric power generating board baying unit layer cells, and an anode board having anodes and a cathode board having cathodes are attached onto both surfaces of the board to hermetically seal said cells. 22. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 20, wherein volcanic ash containing minus ion aqueous solution and electrically conductive powder containing water are filled into the small holes of said container board, an anode board having anodes and a cathode board having cathodes are attached onto both surface of the board to hermetically seal said cells and form an electric power generating board having unit layer cells, each cathode and anode having a protrusion and recess to be fitted when said boards are stacked, and a plurality o the electric power generating boards having unit layer cells are stacked to compose the electric power generating board. 23. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 20, wherein said container board has a thickness, which is a times the thickness of an electric power generating board having unit layer cells minus the thickness of a cathode plate and an anode plate to be attached onto both surfaces of the container board, and provided with a plurality of small holes arranged in proper alignment, the electric power generating board is composed so that n pieces of electric power generating elements are inserted in series connection into each of the small holes, a cathode plate and an anode plate are attached onto both surfaces of the board to hermetically seal the n-layer cells, the insertion of said electric power generating elements being carried out in such a manner that n laminated plates having a cathode plate, a layer of volcanic ash containing minus ion aqueous solution coated on said cathode plate, a layer of electrically conductive powder coated on said layer of volcanic ash containing minus ion aqueous solution, and an anode plate attached onto the layer of electrically conductive powder, are prepared, one of the plate is laid on said container board and punched to insert the punched pieces into the small holes of the container board, this operation being repeated for another laminated plate until laminated plate are punched to allow n layer of cells to be formed in each of the small holes of the board, and a cathode plate and an anode plate are attached onto both surfaces of the board to hermetically seal the cells. 24. The electric cell utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 20, wherein volcanic ash containing minus ion aqueous solution and electrically conductive powder containing water are filled into the small boles of said container board, a cathode is attached onto the upper end of each of the small holes, and an anode is attached onto the lower end of each of the small boles to hermetically seal the hole. 25. An apparatus for controlling electric cells utilizing volcanic ash in an electric energy supply system comprising a plurality of groups of cells, each cell being composed of a static electricity generating member formed out of volcanic ash dampened with a minus ion aqueous solution and an anode and a cathode sandwich said member, and a switching means to switch between each load and said cell groups, wherein each time when the output voltage of a live cell group decreases below the prescribed voltage, switching is done to another cell group to maintain stable supply of electric energy to the load side, and the number of said cell groups is determined so that the period can be secured for the recovery of electromotive force of the cell group reduced in voltage and switched off. 26. The apparatus for controlling electric cells utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 25, wherein said switching means switches on and off said plurality of cell groups periodically and sequentially without detecting the output voltage of the live group of cells. 27. The apparatus for controlling electric cells utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 25, wherein the on-off switching of said plurality of groups of cells is conducted by activating a signal generator through a clock pulse sent from an oscillator provided separately. 28. An apparatus for controlling electric cells utilizing volcanic ash in an output circuit having a switching control apparatus for switching a plurality of cell groups of at least three or more groups, each cell being composed of a static electricity generating member formed out of fine, hollow, sphere-like particles of volcanic ash dampened with a minus ion aqueous solution, electrically conductive powder containing water, and an anode and a cathode sandwiching said member, wherein a charging-discharging circuit comprising a condenser is provided at the output terminal of said output circuit in order to charge and discharge in accordance with the condition of load, each cell group is switched with a load switching signal to be connected to the load to output electric energy in a sequential pulse at a definite time interval via a switching circuit board. 29. The apparatus for controlling electric cells utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 28, wherein said load switching signal is variable in its pulse width. 30. The apparatus for controlling electric cells utilizing volcanic ash according to claim 28, wherein said switching circuit board uses a plurality of groups of cells utilizing volcanic ash, and said groups of cells are switched by switching gate signals.
<SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a method of Producing electric power generating element using volcanic ash and minus ion solution capable of generating electromotive force, a cell produced by said method and an apparatus for controlling the cells.
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In view of the aforementioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a zero-emission electric power generating element using volcanic ash which is needless to treat waste batteries and capable of regenerating electric energy and to provide an apparatus for controlling a group of batteries formed by the elements and further to seek the best use of static electricity of volcanic ash. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash wherein said element is composed of a static electricity generating member formed out of volcanic ash dampened with a minus ion aqueous solution, and an anode and a cathode sandwiching said member. The first aspect of the present invention describes essential configurations of an electric power generating element using volcanic ash. Volcanic ash erupts from volcanoes and forms an amorphous clay mineral, allophane. The attention is directed to the ion exchange property of allophane. A static electricity generating member which efficiently and continuously generates static electricity to generate electromotive force is formed by impregnating a secondary deposit, which has a plenty of static electricity above all the volcanic ashes, with an appropriate amount of minus ion aqueous solution. The electric power generating element comprises the static electricity generating member, an anode and a cathode which take the static electricity out as an electromotive force. In this connection, the volcanic ash is used in various health goods and has effect to purify environment. Therefore, treatment of the wasted electric power generating elements does not contain causes of environmental pollution. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash, a static electricity generating member preferably is a clay form produced by kneading hollow volcanic ash particles (balloon shaped particles) with an appropriate amount of minus ion aqueous solution, hollow volcanic ash particles being formed by treating volcanic ash particles. The above invention describes essential configurations of a static electricity generating member. Secondary deposit of volcanic ash is pulverized to fine particles which is converted to hollow particles by high temperature treatment; an appropriate amount of the minus ion aqueous solution is added to the hollow particles to form clay which is molded to a prescribed water retainable form to form a battery material. Electro conductivity of lamination is enhanced by the molding because of a good fitness of the material inserted between the anode and the cathode. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash, another static electricity generating member may be formed by adding the minus ion aqueous solution to an unglazed board form molded matter made of volcanic ash. The above invention describes essential configurations of another static electricity generating member. Secondary deposit of volcanic ash is pulverized to fine particles which is converted to hollow particles by high temperature treatment; an unglazed board form molded matter is made of the hollow particles to which an appropriate amount of the minus ion aqueous solution is added and impregnated. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash, it is preferable to form an electric power generating element by inserting a cathode and an anode into a static electricity generating member having the clay form. The static electricity generating member has a plurality of inserted needle shaped cathodes and anodes into the static electricity generating member having a form of clay, which enables to miniaturize the electric power generating element. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash, it is preferable that an anode has an electrically conductive pulverulent body containing water on the side contacting a static electricity generating member. The above invention describes another method of producing an electric power generating member comprising sandwiching an electrically conductive pulverulent body containing water between an anode and volcanic ash containing minus ion solution in an electric power generating element which is formed by sandwiching volcanic ash between a cathode and an anode in order to obtain an effective electric power generating element by increasing electrical conductivity of static electricity generated in the volcanic ash containing minus ion solution. In another method of producing an electric power generating element according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electrically conductive pulverulent body containing water preferably comprises active carbon, fullerene or nanotube, or a mixture thereof. In a method of producing an electric power generating element according to the first aspect of the present invention, the static electricity generating member is preferably made of a mixture of volcanic ash and other mineral ores to form the electric power generating element. The above invention describes another configuration of a static electricity generating member comprising volcanic ash containing minus ion solution (hereinafter referred to as wet volcanic ash) wherein volcanic ash is blended with other mineral ores. Other mineral ores are preferably tourmaline, quartz, diatomaceous earth or zeolite. In a method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to the first aspect of the present invention, a member used as a cathode or an anode is preferably a plate of nickel, gold, silver, aluminum, or P- or N-type silicon. These cathodes and anodes preferably contain corrosion inhibitor. In a method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to the first aspect of the present invention, cathodes and anodes have means for detecting polarity thereof whereby detecting their polarity in the case of forming a group of small electric power generating elements is made accurately. In a method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to the first aspect of the present invention, minus ion solution to be impregnated in volcanic ash is preferably an activated mineral water having minus ion. For example, a unit cell electric power generating element is prepared by galvanizing a cylindrical iron container of the diameter of 10 mm and the height of 7 mm with zinc metal to make a cathode, filling volcanic ash soaked with the minus ion aqueous solution (activated mineral water), and inserting an anode into the middle thereof. The terminal voltage of 1.25 volts is detected for a unit cell. When the anode and the cathode are connected externally through a load resistance of 1000 ohm to flow the current, the initial terminal voltage of 1.1 volts gradually lowers ton 0.8 volts for 10 minutes. However, when stopping the current, the voltage of the cell gradually increases to approximately 1.15 volts after 10 minutes; thus the cell has a property of recovering the electromotive force. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash in various cases such as in the case of using volcanic ash alone, in the case of using a mixture of volcanic ash and other mineral ores, or in the case of contacting anode with electrically conductive wet pulverulent body containing minus ion solution, the electric power generating element preferably has an insulative container and has a sealed construction with a cathode and an anode located in the both end of the container. The electric power generating element of the present invention is composed so as to obtain the durability whereby preventing water and gas produced by respiration action when generating static electricity from escaping out of the container. In the above invention, the sealed construction is preferably a moisture proof construction preventing permeation of water and gas. According to a second aspect of the present invention concerning a cell having a configuration which is appropriate for application to an external load of the electric power generating element prepared by the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an electric power generating elements in the case of comprising a static electricity generating member, and an anode and a cathode between which said member is sandwiched, wherein the static electricity generating member comprising a member made of volcanic ash with minus ion aqueous solution impregnated or in the case using a static electricity generating member using a mixture of volcanic ash and mineral ores or in the case of contacting an anode with electrically conductive wet pulverulent body or in the case of having sealed construction with a cathode and an anode, a group of electric power generating members is formed by wiring a plurality of the elements in accordance with a prescribed voltage and current capacity and thus formed group of the elements is disposed on an external connecting terminal board for connecting to an external load. The second aspect of the invention described above concerns a configuration which is appropriate for application to an external load of a group of the electric power generating elements prepared by the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to the first aspect of the present invention. According to the above second invention, a cell construction for utilizing static electricity of volcanic ash which forms electromotive force that enables to flow electric current a little and for a short time and enables to flow electric current again at a short period after stop of current using volcanic ash is described wherein the power generating elements are integrated for supplying electric power to an external load and a connecting means is provided for connecting integrated electrode terminals of small elements to an external load. In a configuration of the cell using volcanic ash according to a second aspect of the present invention, a group of elements preferably have a multi-layer construction and external connecting terminal boards at electrodes of the elements of upper and lower end of series connection for connecting to an external load. The above invention describes the configuration for obtaining a high voltage cell for an external load wherein unit elements each of which comprises an anode, an electrically conductive wet pulverulent body, volcanic ash containing water and cathode are stacked to a multi-layer and connected in series and a group of the stacked elements has external connecting terminals to connect to an external load at the anode and the cathode of upper and lower end layer. According to the above invention, the multi-layer structure preferably comprises cathodes having protruded parts and anodes having recessed parts which fit to the protruded parts wherein each layer of elements is engaged to another layer of elements with the protruded parts and the recessed parts when stacked so as to prevent from deteriorating seal construction. Misalignment between elements of an upper layer and elements of a lower layer is perfectly avoided by the fitting structure of electrodes; thereby seal construction of elements by the container is not deteriorated. In the configuration of the cell using volcanic ash according to the second aspect of the present invention, a group of electric power generating elements preferably constructed in such a manner that different electrodes of different elements are serially connected and external connecting terminal boards are provided at the unconnected anode and cathode of the elements of upper and lower end of series connection. The above invention is described for constructing the cell for a high voltage load consisting of electric power generating elements according to the first aspect of the present invention wherein a high voltage is obtained by connecting serially cathodes to anodes of a plurality of groups of elements. In the configuration of the cell using volcanic ash according to the second aspect of the present invention, a group of elements preferably constructed in such a manner that electrodes of the same polarity of different elements are connected in parallel and external connecting terminal boards are provided at the connecting ends in order to apply for high current load by means of parallel connection. In a configuration of the cell using volcanic ash according to a second aspect of the present invention, a group of elements preferably constructed in such a manner that cathodes and anodes of elements are connected serially and in parallel and external connecting terminal boards are provided at the connecting ends wherein appropriate number of elements are connected in parallel and a plurality of groups of the elements thus connected in parallel are serially connected in order to apply for a voltage and current of an external load. According to a third aspect of the present invention concerning a cell having a construction which is appropriate for application to an external load of the electric power generating element prepared by the method of producing an electric power generating element using volcanic ash according to the first aspect of the present invention, a cell comprises an insulation container board having small holes, electric power generating elements, and terminal boards for external connection, said electric power generating elements being encapsulated into the small holes of said insulation container board to compose an electric power generating board, a group of anodes and a group of cathodes that are exposed on the upside and downside surface of the electric power generating board being connected together or separately to said terminal boards for external connection. Two groups, three groups or multi groups of electric power generating boards can be connected by means of the above external connecting terminal boards. In the third aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the container board has small holes into which volcanic ash containing minus ion solution and electrically conductive pulverulent body containing water are filled; anodes and cathodes are hermetically attached at the both ends of the filled holes to form an electric power generating board having a unit layer cell. In the above invention, electric power generating elements hermetically disposed into many holes of the container board are connected in parallel with the terminal board to form an electric power generating board having a unit layer cell. In the third aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the container board has small holes into which volcanic ash containing minus ion solution and electrically conductive pulverulent body containing water are filled; anodes and cathodes are hermetically attached at the both ends of the filled holes to form a unit layer cell; and an electric power generating board is formed by stacking a plurality of unit layer cells wherein the cathodes have protruded parts and anodes have recessed parts which are fit to the protruded parts and each electric power generating board is engaged to another electric power generating board with the protruded parts and the recessed parts. In the case of the above invention, a plurality of unit layer cells are prepared and stacked serially so as to increase output voltage in accordance with stacked number of unit layer cells. In the third aspect of the invention, a container board preferably has a thickness of n time the thickness of an unit layer cell minus a thickness of a cathode and an anode and has a plurality of arrayed holes. An electric power generating board is constructed preferably in such a manner that every hole is filled with a n-layer elements built serially and the both ends of the hole are hermetically sealed with a cathode and an anode of the end elements. More particularly, a cutout member having a layer of element is prepared by coating volcanic ash containing minus ion solution on a cathode sheet, then coating electrically conductive wet pulverulent body thereon and finally laminating an anode sheet on it. N seats of the member having a layer of element (cut-out member) are stacked and cut out so as to fit the hole while the cut out n-layer elements is mounted in the hole. Both ends of the hole are hermetically sealed with a cathode and an anode of each element. In the case of the above invention, a thickness of a container board is n times the thickness of an unit layer unit layer element minus a thickness of an end cathode and an end anode and small holes of the container board are mounted serially with the n times of electric power generating element and both ends of holes are hermetically sealed with cathodes and anodes. N pieces of cut-out member comprising a cathode sheet and an anode sheet of the approximately the same size as the container board, a cathode and an anode, and a coated layer of volcanic ash containing water and a coated layer of electrically conductive wet pulverulent body therebetween are prepared for the above mounting. Arrayed holes are provided on to the container board. A cutout die having the same arrangement as the arrayed holes and for cutting out cylindrical blanks of the same size as the hole is prepared. Since the cylindrical blanks are filled into all of the arrayed holes of the container board at the same time of cutting-out, n pieces of elements are serially filled with pressure on to the container board by an operation of cutting-out, which results in forming an electric power generating board having n-layer elements. Thus, the above electric power generating board has groups of the power generating elements having n time the output voltage of the unit layer cell as many as a number of small holes. When the small holes are divided into groups, a group having m holes, and external connecting terminal boards are provided, the board being connected to electrodes of m holes, a electric power generating body having n time the output voltage of an unit layer cell and m time the output current of an unit layer cell can be formed. In the third aspect of the invention, the container board has preferably very small holes provided on the board of a unit thickness. The very small holes are filled with volcanic ash containing minus ion solution and electrically conductive pulverulent body. A cathode is hermetically attached to the lower end of the filled hole and an anode is hermetically attached to the upper end. According to the above invention, a small electric power generating body is formed using the container board. According to a forth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling volcanic ash cells in an electric energy supplying system, which enables to continuously supply electrical energy to a load by switching sequentially a plurality of cells using volcanic ash formed by the second or the third aspect of the present invention comprises a means for switching the connection between a plurality of cells and a load, the cell being formed by an power generation element or a plurality of power generation elements, the element having a static electricity generating member comprising an anode, cathode and volcanic ash impregnated with minus ion solution and being sandwiched by the anode and the cathode wherein every time an output voltage of a connected group of cells decreases to or under a prescribed value, the connection is switched to another group of cells to supply a stable electric energy to the load and number of the groups of cells are set so as to be able to maintain a period of time for recovering an electromotive force of the group of cells which is cut the connection by switching. The above invention describes the fourth of the apparatus for controlling volcanic ash cells in an electric energy supplying system. In the embodiment, a plurality of cells, each cell comprising a plurality of the power generation elements having the static electricity generating members, are prepared and are switched sequentially to a load to supply continuously a stable electric energy. Hence, the means for switching the connection of each group of the cells for discharge through a load is provided. Every time the detected voltage of the discharging group of cells decreases to or under a prescribed value, the connection is switched to another group of cells to supply a stable electric energy to the load and number of the groups of cells are provided in order to switch the connection sequentially so as to be able to maintain a period of time for recovering an electromotive force of the group of cells stopped to discharge while the discharge stop period. As for the means for switching the connection of each group of the cells for discharge through a load, it is also preferable that a plurality of groups of cells are switched periodically on and off sequentially repeatedly without detecting the output voltage of the cells being in use. The on off switching of a plurality of cells may be conducted by action of a signal generator through a clock pulse of an oscillator provided separately. According to another aspect of the apparatus for controlling a plurality of volcanic ash cells, the apparatus for controlling the volcanic ash cell comprises an output circuit having a switching controlling device for switching at least three groups of cells wherein a charge discharge circuit having a condenser is provided at the output terminal of the circuit in order to charge and discharge in accordance with a state of load and each voltage of cell is output in pulse by connecting a plurality of cells to a load by switching with a switching signal for load through a switching circuit board at a definite time interval. The above invention concerns a control device for switching output power of at least three groups of cells of at least three groups. The switching device have a condenser for a buffer at the output terminal and a switching circuit which activates by automatic operation of volcanic ash cells whereby switching output power of a plurality of cells of at least three groups by sending a switching signal from the circuit. The switching signal for a load is preferably variable with regard to a pulse width. The above invention is a measure for a case of different output power capacity of volcanic ash cells which supplies electric energy to an external load where time period of power supplying by a pulse width is set to an appropriate value. The switching circuit board preferably have a power source of a separately prepared group of volcanic ash cells which are switched by switching gate signal.

Semiconductor device structural body and electronic device
A semiconductor device, in which a solder layer bonding chip parts and wiring members are enclosed with the resin layer, and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder is distributed in the matrix metal, is disclosed. When a semiconductor device in which the chip parts are installed in the wiring member with the solders, the soldering part is sealed with the resin is mounted secondly on the external wiring member, the outflow of the solders and the short circuit due to the outflow, the disconnections, and the displacement of the chip parts can be prevented.
1. A semiconductor device in which a solder layer bonding chip parts and wiring members are enclosed with the resin layer, and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder is distributed in the matrix metal. 2. A semiconductor device in which a solder layer bonding chip parts and wiring members are enclosed with the resin layer, and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder different from said matrix metal is distributed in the matrix metal. 3. A semiconductor device in which a solder layer bonding chip parts and wiring members are enclosed with the resin layer, and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder which has a higher melting point than the melting point of said matrix metal is distributed in the matrix metal. 4. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said matrix metal is the metal of which the principal ingredient is Sn, or alloy which contains two kinds or more selected from a group of Sn, Sb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Au, Ag, P, Bi, In, M n, Mg, Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, V, Hf, and Pd, and wherein said metal powder is one metal selected from a group of Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Si, W, Zn, Ti, Pd, Ta, Pt, and Ag, or alloy which contains at least one selected from a group of Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Si, W, Zn, Ti, Pd, Ta, Pt, Ag, C, and P. 5. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said metal powder of particle size 0.05 to 60 μm is added to said matrix metal by 3-75 vol %. 6. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said resin layer has Young's modules of 90 Pa-50 GPa or coefficient of thermal expansion of 5-9600 ppm/° C. 7. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said resin layer is at least one selected from a group of epoxy resin, silicone resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, poly penylene sulfide resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, silicon gel resin, silicone rubber resin, polyurethane resin, and phenol resin. 8. A semiconductor according to claim 1 wherein said wiring member is one in which metal wiring is provided on the matrix comprises of ceramics, resin or semiconductor. 9. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein a matrix of said wiring member is one kind of ceramics selected from a group of glass ceramics, alumina, nitride aluminum, nitride silicon, glass, and beryllia; or compound resin in which one kind of resin selected from a group of epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyimide resin, bismarade resin, and triazine resin is soaked into one kind of base selected from a group of glass fabric, glass nonwoven cloth, aramid nonwoven cloth, and paper; or film resin selected from a group of polyester, polyimide, and polyimide amid. 10. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said wiring member is alloy or metal which contains Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Al as principal ingredient. 11. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said wiring member is formed like the lead frame. 12. A structural body in which a semiconductor device, in which a solder layer boding chip parts and wiring members are sealed with the resin layer and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder is distributed in the matrix metal, is bonded to an external wiring member through a connection layer. 13. A structural body including a wiring member which has the wiring pattern, chip parts bonded on said wiring pattern of and said wiring member through the solder layer, a resin layer provided to seal said solder layer, an external electrode layer provided to said wiring member, and an external wiring member bonded electrically with said outside electrode layer, wherein said solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder is distributed in the matrix metal. 14. a structural body according to claim 12 wherein the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder different from said matrix metal is distributed in the matrix metal. 15. A structural body according to claim 12, wherein the melting point of said connection layer is lower than that of said solder layer. 16. A structural body according to claim 12, wherein the material of said connection layer is solders. 17. A structural body according to claim 16, wherein the materials of said solder layer and said connection layer are Pb free solders. 18. A structural body according to claim 12, wherein said outside wiring member is board member of glass epoxy in which epoxy resin is soaked into glass fabric or glass nonwoven cloth; paper phenol in which phenol resin is soaked into paper; paper epoxy in which epoxy resin is soaked into paper; or glass polyimide material in which polyimide is soaked into glass fabric; or composite material in which the external wiring is formed on any one film member of polyester, polyimide and polyimide amid, and wherein said outside wiring is metal comprised of at least one selected from a group of Ni, Cu, Sn, Sb, Zn, Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd. 19. A structural body according to claim 12, wherein the matrix of said outside wiring member is glass material. 20. A structural body according to claim 12 wherein said matrix metal is metal comprised of Sn, or alloy comprised of two kinds or more selected from a group of Sn, Sb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Au, Ag, P, Bi, In, Mn, Mg, Si, Ge, Ti, Zr, V, Hf, and Pd, and wherein said metal powder is one kind of metal selected from a group of Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Si, W, Zn, Ti, Pd, Ta, Pt, and Ag, or alloy which contains at least one selected from a group of Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Si, W, Zn, Ti, Pd, Ta, Pt, Ag, C, and P. 21. A structural body according to claim 12, wherein said metal powder of particle size 0.05 to 60 μm is added to said matrix metal by 3-75 vol %. 22. An electric equipment in which a semiconductor device, in which a solder layer bonding chip parts and wiring members are enclosed with the resin layer and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder is distributed in the matrix metal, is installed. 23. An electronic equipment in which a structural body in which a semiconductor device, in which a solder layer bonding chip parts and wiring members are sealed with the resin layer and the solder layer is comprised of a compound body in which metal powder is distributed in the matrix metal, is bonded to an external wiring member through a connection layer, is built. 24. An electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein said metal powder is the alloy which contains Ag or Cu as the principal ingredient, and one or more metals selected from a group of Sn, Au, Fe, Ge, Mn, Ni, Sb, Si, Zn, Pd, Pt, P, Pb, and Al.

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