GIAN Abondoned Patents Database

A system for dispensing carbonated beverages into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container when dispensing is initiated. Specialized valve configurations and operation techniques are implemented in order to achieve enhanced flow characteristics of the carbonated beverage dispensing into the open container. Preferably, the valve head has a distribution surface in which a portion of the distribution surface near a proximal end of the valve head slopes more steeply downward than the portion of the distribution surface that is located towards the distal end of the valve head. With this configuration, the valve head gently redirects the flow trajectory of the carbonated beverage existing the nozzle from a substantially downward trajectory to a more horizontal umbrella like trajectory. It has been found that such a trajectory provides particularly favorable results. In order to maintain a symmetrical umbrella flow pattern, a hub is provided within the flow nozzle to support and align that valve stem.

A stump chipper for at least partially removing a stump and the like from the ground, by means of chipping, comprises a subframe that can be positioned on the ground and that supports a movable arm at the end of which a chipping wheel is mounted such that it is rotatable about its axis. The chipping wheel is also rotatable with respect to the arm about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the axis of the chipping wheel.

A modular carry-all assembly typically comprising two containers, one of which is connected by emplacement upon the other, each suitable for independent or separate carrying. Examples include a purse, baby supply bag, briefcase and rucksack. Bearing straps of one of the assembly members are extended through a slider band of the other such that the latter pends loosely from the former in a non-integral manner.

In a device for applying labels to a flat mail item that is conveyed standing on one edge, having a conveyor for conveying the individual items along a predetermined conveying path; a label conveyor for conveying the individual labels, the device being controlled by a sensor device for determining the position of the front edge of the item; a pressing device for pressing the labels onto the item surface; a label holder, which is disposed in a region in front of the pressing device, with respect to the conveying direction of the item, and into which the labels are conveyed by the label conveyor, the label holder is embodied such that the labels can be positioned perpendicularly to the conveying direction and oriented with their adhesive side counter to the conveying direction in the conveying path of the items; as soon as the front edge of an item falls short of a predetermined distance from the label holder, the sensor device controls the conveyor device such that it conveys a label to the label holder, so the front edge of the item impacts the label and the label is moved on both sides in the direction of the item surface, and, simultaneously, in the direction of the pressing device, effecting the release of the label from the label holder and the pressing of the label against the item surface by the pressing device.

A heat sink comprising: a body having an envelope including a flexible portion for thermal contact with a heat source, the envelope being filled with a thermally conductive liquid; and a thermosyphon having one end disposed at least partly within the liquid in the body to absorb heat from the heat source and another end disposed outside the envelope to dissipate heat.

The invention concerns a combined support, in particular for an extinguisher, comprising a frame (11), a housing (12) for said extinguisher, handle (13) integral with said frame, catching surface (14) and legs (114, 152) for resting on a plane surface. The extinguisher housing is formed by several concentric rings (121 to 124), the top ring (121) comprising an open sector (8). In order to constitute a support for a torch nozzle (20) the device comprises an additional ring (17) fixed under the top ring (121), a V-shaped notch provided on said additional ring top edge and an inverted V-shaped notch provided on the top ring (121) bottom edge opposite the V-shaped notch. Said device improves safety conditions when a torch is being used on a work site.

Rotary drag bits with enhanced formation cuttings removal achieved by apportioning drilling fluid flow in relationship to cuttings volume generated by various groups of cutters on the bit, each cutter group being located on a different blade of the bit. The flow apportionment may be effected by selective placement of nozzles on the bit face, employing different sized nozzles, by varying the orientation of similarly-sized nozzles, or by a combination of approaches. In addition, the transverse cross-sectional areas of the junk slots associated with each of the various blades are sized in similar proportion to the formation cuttings volume removed by each of the cutter groups. Finally, cuttings volumes from each blade of a particular type or category, such as primary, secondary, tertiary, are substantially mutually balanced with the volumes of the other blades of the same type or category.

A motorcycle modification kit, primarily for Harley Davidson frames, having an oversized wide swing arm for pivotal mounting to a motorcycle frame for supporting a rear wheel having a wide series rear tire. The invention uses offset spacers for the transmission pulley and brake rotor such that the tire remains aligned along the center line of the motorcycle.

A mobile phone battery charger with a power cord winding mechanism is disclosed. The battery charger is formed with a power cord receiving chamber in which a winding reel is disposed. An upper end surface of the winding reel is disposed with two contacts connected with the power cord. One contact is disposed at the center of the upper end surface of the winding reel, while the other contact is formed as a circumferential contact around the central contact. A pair of inner terminals of the power cord are respectively soldered at the two contacts, and a pair of outer terminals of the power cord are extended through a passage out of the battery charger. Two resilient plates extend from a diaphragm of the battery charger into the receiving chamber. The resilient plates respectively contact with the two contacts. The winding reel is fitted around a projecting shaft formed on the bottom of the receiving chamber. A coil spring is arranged between the winding reel and the projecting shaft to provide a rotating force for the winding reel to wind up the power cord.

A safety package is disclosed which includes a tubular member having first and second opposed end openings, a layer of heat insulative material inside the tubular member and a layer of heat insensitive material overlying the insulative material. Explosives or other volatile materials are placed in a depression in the heat insulative material and covered with the heat insensitive material to protect them from heat and fire to make transportation of such materials safer. In the event that the explosive materials are ignited, the gasses generated by the ensuing explosion will be vented in a non-unidirectional manner through the end openings and optional vent openings.

A name cards box which includes a bottom box, a top cover, a sliding piece and a spring. The top cover includes a downwardly extending circumferential edge and an opening within one of the sides of the circumferential edge. An indented opening is located at a corner next to the side opening and is indented with respect to the side opening, for receiving a bent stopping piece of the sliding piece. A trough opening is located near the indented opening and includes stops at each end thereof. The bottom box includes a circumferential frame and an opening in a side of the frame which corresponds to the opening in the circumferential edge of the top cover to permit card removal. An additional opening in the box bottom frame corresponds to the trough opening in the top cover to movably receive a block of the sliding piece. Movement of the block is limited by the stops of the trough opening The bottom box also includes a hole and a recessed areas for slidably receiving the sliding piece. The sliding piece has hooks for pushing the cards out of the box. Upon pushing the of the sliding piece to permit removal of certain cards from the box, the spring urges the sliding piece back to its original position.

A method for packaging a hot melt adhesive mass comprises providing a hot melt adhesive having a predetermined viscosity and finite size and shape, and encapsulating the hot melt adhesive in a polymeric shrink wrap which forms a hermetic seal thereon. An packaged adhesive mass comprises a hot melt adhesive having a predetermined viscosity and a finite size and shape; and a polymeric shrink wrap film which encapsulates the hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is hermetically sealed.

A hanger package and display assembly is disclosed that can be used to both package and ship hangers and also display the hangers. With this assembly, the hangers can be displayed in their own packaging in an aesthetically-pleasing manner. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises top and bottom platforms and at least two spaced-apart rods vertically disposed between the platforms. The rods are spaced-apart from each other by a sufficient distance that when a hanger is placed flat on the bottom platform, the rods are situated in the framed-space of the hanger on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the hanger. In this way, the hanger is retained on the bottom platform by the rods. The two rods should be of sufficient height that a plurality of hangers can be stacked and retained by the rods between the top and bottom platforms.

The invention concerns a packaging case, comprising a closed crown (5) provided with at least two opposite transverse windows (6), a thermoformed base (1) and a thermoformed lid (2) mounted removable on the base (1). The base (1) or the lid (2) has a peripheral opening provided with an extremity (3) projecting outwards with which the lid (2) or base (1) peripheral edge co-operates respectively for closing the packaging case, the crown (5) is arranged along the outer wall of the part, base (1) or lid (2) provided with said extremity (3), the crown (5) being locked in position by means of locking members (7, 8) co-operating with said windows (6). The invention is applicable to packaging cases for food products.

A bag for storing, carrying or holding on top of a vehicle a surfboard, wakeboard or snowboard that protects, stores, displays and travels all in one comprehensive product. The bag can be carried by handle or by an attachable shoulder strap. The bag can be displayed/stored on a wall, ceiling or garage rafters in both parallel or vertical positions using just two or all four straps. Due to its features, the bag is also capable of being strapped to the top of a vehicle (or in the bed of a truck) without any soft or hard racks being required on the vehicle or truck.

A paper container is made of a paper blank on which folding lines are formed for dividing the paper blank into a central section and four side sections. The side sections intersect each other with two first triangular sections formed therebetween. A second triangular section is connected to each intersection and a third triangular section is connected to and symmetrical with respect to each second triangular section. A fourth triangular section is connected to each third triangular section. In forming the paper container, two opposite side sections and the first triangular sections are folded up first and the remaining side sections are folded up thereafter. The first triangular sections are then folded inward to overlap the corresponding side sections. The second sections and corresponding third triangular sections overlap each other and are folded down to overlap the first triangular sections. The fourth triangular sections are folded and inserted between the first triangular sections and the side sections to form and maintain the paper container. No staple or glue is needed in fixing and maintaining the paper container. The folding lines reinforce the structure of the paper container.

A food container having a sauce container coupled thereto is disclosed. The food container includes an open top adapted for received food articles. The sauce container also includes an open top. Coupling structure suited for yielding either a detachable or permanent coupling of the two containers is mechanically associated with the two containers.

A fuel injector comprises an injector body that defines a high pressure passage and a nozzle outlet. The injector body includes a nozzle valve member that is positioned between the high pressure passage and the nozzle outlet. The nozzle valve member is rotatable between a closed position in which the nozzle outlet is blocked and an open position in which the nozzle outlet is open.

A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.

A sun visor extension for a vehicle sun visor having a distal edge and a distal end thereof. The visor extension includes an elongated substantially flat sleeve formed of two generally rectangular panels attached together along each common side margin and open at each end of the sleeve. The sleeve has a width substantially wider than that of the sun visor and a length substantially no greater than that of the sun visor whereby the extension is adjustably slidable lengthwise on the sun visor and is laterally slidable to extend the distal edge of the sun visor downwardly when in use to increase eye shading for the driver or passenger of the vehicle. Mating two-part VELCRO along one side margin provides releasable attachment between the corresponding side margins of the panels to facilitate installation.

A rear window is provided as a curved window, curved with an arc-like shape in the car width direction, with flexible frames disposed parallel along the upper side and the lower side of the curved window, mounted to a convertible top or hood. The flexible frames regain the straight shape at the time of folding the rear window so as to eliminate the curvature of the rear window in the car width direction as well as a linear fold can be formed in this direction without forming disadvantageous folds.

A fifth wheel travel trailer having an improved chassis, the chassis comprising a rear section, a mid-section, and a front section disposed in vertically offset horizontal planes. The trailer further comprises a carriage member having a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted underneath the rear section of the chassis and a housing member having an interior living space formed therein mounted above the chassis. The rear section of the chassis comprises a pair of main longitudinal members each having a pair of stacked I-beams such that upper surfaces of the main longitudinal members define a first horizontal mounting plane suitably elevated above the wheels of the carriage assembly so as to enable a rear section of a floor assembly to mount directly to the rear section of the chassis in the first mounting plane to thereby increase the rigidity of the rear section of the chassis. The rear section of the chassis further comprises a plurality of inner cross members that interconnect the main longitudinal members in a perpendicular manner such that upper surfaces of the inner cross members define a second horizontal mounting plane so as to enable a lower horizontal wall to mount to the chassis in the second mounting plane to thereby define a plurality of channels disposed between the rear section of the floor assembly, the lower horizontal mounting plane, and the main longitudinal members. The rear section of the chassis further comprises a plurality of inner longitudinal members disposed between the main longitudinal members and mounted to the chassis in the second mounting plane such that upper surfaces of the inner longitudinal members are disposed in the first mounting plane so as to enable the rear section of floor assembly to mount thereto and so as to longitudinally extend the channels.

The on-site assembly work can thus be minimized with a device for supplying ink to at least one compartment of an ink reservoir of a printer having at least one supply channel which extends beyond the respective ink reservoir area and is provided with outlet orifices assigned to the ink reservoir, the supply channel being connected to an ink supply line which is provided with a valve arrangement, and having at least one filling level sensor whose signals can be processed by means of a control unit to yield switching commands for an operating device assigned to the valve arrangement; this is accomplished by providing a multifunction rail that spans the respective ink reservoir area, having at least the supply channel with the respective outlet orifices and at least one insertion channel which is open at the bottom to accommodate at least one filling level sensor and being provided with covers at the ends, with at least one cover having at least one end area of an ink supply line and the valve arrangement assigned to it with the respective operating device.

A prescription capable sunglasses for enhancing protection from light penetration leading to improved visual acuity. The prescription capable sunglasses includes a pair of ultraviolet lens, a metal frame having a pair of lens retaining portions, a first and second side portions, and a first and second temple ear pieces, and further includes a first and second light-blocking members removably attached to the first and second side portions respectively, and also includes a shield member compressively attached to and extending along the top of the frame and having a padded member at an outer edge thereof for cushioning the user forehead, and further includes a padded nose bridge member attachable between the lens retaining portions.

An apparatus for diagnosing or treating a neurological disorder, usually associated with a lack of attentiveness, in a subject by detecting the subject's eye movement. The apparatus includes a helmet for blocking visual stimuli from the subject's visual field; at least three visual cues disposed inside the helmet within the visual field of the subject when the helmet is placed on the subject's head, the visual cues capable of being switched from on to off states; at least two electrodes for attaching to the subject's face, the electrodes producing electrical signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; signal processing means for controlling on and off states of the visual cues, receiving and processing electrical signals produced by the electrodes, and producing output signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; and means for displaying output signals produced by the signal processing means. Methods are provided for diagnosing and treating a neurological disorder in a subject, using an apparatus according to the invention, comprising determining, in accordance with a selected test, whether the direction of the subject's eye movement in response to the switching on of either the left or the right visual cue is correct. After a prescribed number of trials, a score corresponding to the total number of correct eye movements is obtained, wherein the score is diagnostic of the neurological disorder. Treatment involves providing appropriate reinforcement in response to correct and/or incorrect eye movements.

An azimuth sensor unit 15 and an altitude sensor unit 16 have pairs of optical sensors 18 and 20, respectively, disposed along their respective directions, which pair of optical sensors are disposed toward the sun in the form of a tapered section narrower to the front end and broader to the rear end with their light-receiving surfaces outward, and the azimuth sensor unit and the altitude sensor unit themselves rotate so as to balance light-receiving amounts of their respective pairs of optical sensors and send signals for rotating a concave mirror 10 in the same directions by half the amounts of the rotations of the azimuth sensor unit and the altitude sensor unit to a drive mechanism.

An apparatus for connecting a lantern and a fuel source for a lantern to a boat for attracting fish to the boat, the apparatus including an elongated pipe for conveying fuel from a fuel reservoir to a fuel-burning lantern, the elongated pipe having a first end and a second end, first end of pipe being adapted to receive a lantern, the second end of the elongated pipe being adapted to receive fuel from a fuel reservoir, and a pipe holder connected to boat for holding the elongated pipe and lantern, the pipe holder being adapted to position the lantern at a distance away from the side of the boat over the water in which the boat may be floating to attract fish to the area beneath said lantern.

A cradle for holding a flashlight in a glovebox of an automobile and for facilitating the use of the flashlight as a light for the glovebox. The cradle has an opening to allow the flashlight to slide in and out of the cradle and a light opening to allow light from the flashlight to shine through the cradle. The cradle includes a reflector to cause light from the flashlight to be reflected in a different direction. The cradle can have a tapered inner surface on a side adjacent the insertion opening. The tapered inner surface is to increase the snugness of the fit of the flashlight and, when the flashlight has a push button switch, the tapered inner surface can serve to deactivate the flashlight when the flashlight is inserted into the cradle. A light assembly includes a flashlight and a cradle for holding the flashlight and for mounting the light assembly in a glovebox of an automobile.

An outlet device for a flow machine, comprising a channel for a flow from the machine and a guide vane arrangement provided downstream of the channel and connecting the channel with an outlet housing. The guide vane arrangement is arranged to redirect outwardly a first part flow of the flow from the channel into the first chamber of the outlet housing. The outlet device comprises at least one bypass channel extending from the channel through the guide vane arrangement and arranged to guide a second part flow of the flow to bypass the guide vane arrangement to a second chamber of the outlet housing.

An in-tank fuel pump reservoir assembly for drawing fuel from a fuel supply tank and discharging the fuel under pressure to an engine. The assembly includes a reservoir canister that partially defines a reservoir chamber and is mounted within a fuel tank. A reservoir inlet admits fluid into the reservoir chamber from the fuel tank. A reservoir outlet allows fuel to flow from the reservoir chamber to an engine through a fuel line. A reservoir filling device draws fuel into the reservoir chamber from the fuel supply tank through the reservoir inlet. A fuel pump assembly disposed within the canister draws fuel from the reservoir chamber and discharges at least a portion of that fuel to the engine through the reservoir outlet. A modular fuel delivery pod includes the fuel pump assembly, the reservoir filling device, and the inlet check valve. The pod connects to the canister to cooperatively define the reservoir chamber. The assembly is readily adaptable to multiple fuel tank applications by selecting respective canisters and fuel pump assemblies that are compatible with such applications.

A memory card adapter comprises a board, a frame for holding the board, and an elastic member. The elastic member contacts a memory card and applies pressing force to the memory card for suppressing the ejection of the memory card. The above structure prevents damage or less of the memory card during ejection of the memory card.

An electrical connector includes a dielectric base plate in which steel and copper strips are embedded. The steel and copper strips are respectively arranged in opposite sides of the base plate substantially perpendicular to and interconnected to each other whereby when the base is subject to a heating process, the steel and copper strips limit and control thermal expansion in different directions of the base plate and reduce differences in thermal expansion between the base plate and a circuit board to which the connector is mounted. Furthermore, a method for achieving substantially uniform thermal expansion of a dielectric plate is also provided and comprises the steps of (1) providing a dielectric plate made by injection molding and (2) fixing steel and copper strips thereto for limiting and controlling the expansion of the plate in different directions to achieve substantially uniform thermal expansion of the plate.

In a combined-type connector 20, a plurality of terminal storage chambers 23, each receiving a terminal 26 therein, are formed in an upper connector housing 21, and a plurality of partition walls 24, separating the terminal storage chambers 23 from one another, are formed on the upper connector housing. A plurality of partition walls are formed on the lower connector housing so as to be opposed to the partition walls 24, respectively. In accordance with the movement of the two connector housings 21 and 22 toward a connecting position, the partition walls 24 are moved respectively toward the mating partition walls, and in the connecting position of the two connector housings, distal end surfaces of said partition walls 24 are substantially abutted respectively against distal end surfaces of the mating partition walls. A positioning lock projection portion 36 is formed on a connecting surface 22a of the lower connector housing 22, and continuously extends in a direction of extending of the partition walls 24, and a positioning recess 29, in which the positioning lock projection portion 36 can be fitted, is formed in a connecting surface 21a of the upper connector housing 21.

A pen cap that has a propeller attached to the shirt clip found on many pens. The propeller is designed to rotate about a fixed shaft as an amusing diversion for small children or bored executives. An alternative design has a hinge mounted at the top of the clip that allows the clip and propeller to rotate 90 degrees. This increases the range of amusement for the device.

A hula ring includes a ring-shaped body and a plurality of recesses defined in an inside of the ring-shaped body. Each recess receives a roller therein which rolls on a user's body when the hula ring contacts the user's body.

An efficient integrated electronic method and system apparatus for tracking the carcass of a slaughtered animal through a processing plant so that quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking are provided for individual animals throughout the production cycle. The preferred embodiment includes a trolley, a unique trolley code, a hole pattern vision recognition system with an integrated data logger, an industrial tag reader, a unique animal code, an electronic identification transponder, an electronic identification transponder reader, an electronic identification transponder reader antenna, a reclamation barrel and a plastic funnel.

An unidirectional ball clutch (100) includes a locking collar (102), a bearing support collar (120), and a coil assembly (132) all disposed on a shaft (110). stablished between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120) is a bearing channel (127). Preferably, the bearing channel (127) is formed with a constant width portion (129) that leads to a decreasing width portion (131). At least one ball bearing (126) is disposed within the bearing channel (127) between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120). When the coil assembly (132) is energized, the bearing support collar (120) is magnetically coupled to the coil assembly (132). Accordingly, if the locking collar (102) is rotated in one direction relative to the bearing support collar (120) the bearing wedges itself in the decreasing width portion (131) of the bearing channel (127) and prevents any relative torsional motion between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120). However, the locking collar (102) may rotate in the opposite direction with respect to the bearing support collar (120). When the brakes are applied, the power flow to the coil assembly (132) is interrupted, releasing the support collar (120) such that the locking collar (102) can move torsionally in either direction with respect to the bearing support collar (120). The ball clutch (100) therefore prevents an automatic transmission (164) from being shifted out of park unless the brake pedal (160) is depressed.

A surgical biopsy instrument for the extraction of at least one tissue sample from a body is disclosed having a piercing needle for penetrating the body. The piercing needle has a distal piercing tip and an open proximal end and a passageway extending therebetween. The piercing needle has at least one tissue receiving port adjacent to the piercing tip, and the tissue receiving port communicates with the passageway for the reception of a tissue sample therein. A cutting member is removably disposed within the passageway of the piercing needle and the cutting member has a proximal end and a distal sampling segment. The distal sampling segment has a distal cutting edge and a bore extending therein. The distal sampling segment is moveable across the tissue receiving port of the piercing needle for the cutting of a tissue sample and the tissue sample is received within the bore of the distal sampling segment. The distal sampling segment is breakable from the elongated cutting member.

An ink composition including water as the principal solvent, a pigment dispersion or dye, and a polyoxyalkylenated polyfluoro-isopropylidene glycerol compound. The composition may be formed by using a pigment dispersion having a pigment and a pigment dispersant. The pigment dispersant may be a derivative of a polyuronic acid in which a hydrophobic polymer is covalently attached to the reducing terminus of the polyuronic acid. The polyuronic acid may be composed primarily of 1,4-linked polygalacturonic acid, polyguluronic acid, polyiduronic acid, or mixed polymers thereof.

This invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating deposition on the edge of a wafer supported on a pedestal in a processing chamber. Process gas flow onto the wafer surface is inhibited from reaching the wafer edge and backside, by means of a shadow ring placed over the wafer without touching it. Deposition on the edge and backside of the wafer are therefore substantially eliminated. The shadow ring defines a cavity which circumscribes the wafer edge, into which purge gas is flowed. This purge gas flows out from the cavity through the gap between the shadow ring and the upper surface of the wafer. Alignment pins are placed on the wafer supporting surface of the pedestal. These pins have sloping surfaces and are arranged to guide the wafer to a centered position on the pedestal when the wafer is placed on the pedestal. These pins also serve to align the shadow ring to the pedestal and thence to the wafer. The shadow ring has a plurality of keyed formations which mate to the pins, and as the shadow ring and pedestal are brought together, the pins serve to align the shadow ring. This precise rotational alignment and centering of the shadow ring results in substantial elimination of edge deposition. The keyed formations have elliptical cross-sections to provide for radial movement of the pins with respect to the keyed formations due to thermal expansion.

A method for cleaning a surface by flooding and thereby cleaning a surface contaminated with deposits with a mixture containing water, wood chippings, and optionally, polyaspartic acid or a derivative of a polyaspartic acid.

A wastewater filtration system with a housing provided by a cylindrical conduit forming a filter chamber and having an inlet end and an outlet. A shutoff valve assembly is connected to an inlet end of the housing, and includes a closure element movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element is biased to the closed position in the absence of a filter in the chamber and positioned near the inlet such that the shutoff valve opens when a filter is installed. The closure element may be hinged to the housing, and may be counterweighted or spring biased to the closed position.

A system for pumping effluent out of a septic tank contains an electric pump unit disposed coaxially within a tube. A rotary self-cleaning strainer has a cylindrical filter screen that filters certain solid material from the effluent flow through the tube upstream of the pump inlet port. Effluent is conveyed out of the septic tank through a pipe connected to the pump outlet port. A portion of the pumped effluent is conveyed to one or more nozzles arranged to wash the filter screen. In certain embodiments, the cylindrical screen is stationary and the nozzles rotate, while in other embodiments, the nozzles are stationary and the screen rotates. Depending on particular embodiment, the nozzles may be either inside or outside the screen. Effluent flow through the screen is opposite the direction of spray from the nozzles.

In the fluorinated azoles of the formula (I) EQU R.sup.1 (--A.sup.1).sub.a --T--(A.sup.2 --).sub.b (M--A.sup.3 --).sub.c R.sup.2 (I) the symbols and indices have -the following meanings: PA1 T is undirected and is PA2 4-fluorothiazole-2,5-diyl, 5-fluorothiazole-2,4-diyl, 4-fluorooxazole-2,5-diyl, 5-fluorooxazole-2,4-diyl or 4-fluoroisoxazole-2,5-diyl; PA1 R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are PA2 hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched C.sub.1-20 -alkyl or C.sub.2-20 -alkenyl radical (with or without asymmetrical carbon atoms); PA1 A.sup.1, A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 are identical or different and are, for example, PA2 phenylene-1,4-diyl or cyclohexane-1,4-diyl; PA1 M is undirected and is PA2 --OC(.dbd.O)--, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --OC(.dbd.O)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --C.tbd.C--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- or a single bond; PA1 a, b and c, independently of one another, are 0 or 1, with the proviso that the sum a+b+c is 1 or 2.

Carbon fiber-filled PC-ABS resin compositions which have improved electrical properties at a given level of carbon fibers, and which do not suffer from as significant a decrease in impact strength as would result from the introduction of generic carbon fibers are achieved using carbon fibers treated with a polyamide terpolymer binder. The bundles are dispersed within the PC-ABS blend. The compositions can be used for injection molding of articles for use as components in applications requiring static dissipation and/or EMI shielding. Such articles include, but are not limited to electronic devices, dust handling equipment and notebook computer enclosures.

This invention provides a ruminant feedstock with a content of non-protein nitrogen supplement which yields a safe controlled-release generation of ammonia under rumen incubation conditions. In another embodiment, this invention provides a ruminant feedstock supplement for controlled-release of non-protein nitrogen which comprises urea particles encapsulated with a rumen-degradable polymeric coating.

A structural reinforcement in the form of an open gridwork which is advantageously used, for example, as part of a shoe sole. The structural reinforcement provides and/or enhances spring-like characteristics of the member it is reinforcing, propels and encourages the natural foot strike of the user to length the user's stride, increases the stride speed, and stabilizes the user's foot to prevent permanent compression of the midsole as a result of creep. The gridwork is impregnated throughout with a fully cured or B-stage thermosettable resin. The gridwork includes at least one continuous filament selected from the group consisting of glass, carbon, and aramid. The open gridwork is flat, corrugated, or double corrugated. The corrugated gridwork may be sinusoidal. The open gridwork may be part of a shoe midsole or may constitute a shoe midsole.

Methods for reducing degradation of polymerase extension products in the presence of formamide, where the polymerase extension products comprise a nonradioactive detection moiety, are disclosed. The methods comprise adding a base, a buffer or a reducing agent to the polymerase extension products. Sequencing methods which generate polymerase extension products comprising a nonradioactive detection moiety are also disclosed, wherein the degradation of the extension products is reduced or eliminated by the addition of a base, a buffer, or a reducing agent. Compositions for reducing degradation of the above polymerase extension products are also disclosed, where the compositions comprise a base, a buffer, or a reducing agent. Kits for performing sequencing methods are also disclosed, wherein the degradation of polymerase extension products is reduced or eliminated. The kits comprise a base, a buffer, or a reducing agent, and instructions.

Proteinase inhibitors comprising a Kunitz domain are disclosed. The Kunitz domain comprises a sequence of amino acid residues as shown in SEQ ID NO:5, wherein the sequence is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2. Also disclosed are methods for making the proteinase inhibitors, and expression vectors and cultured cells that are useful within the methods. The proteinase inhibitors may be used as components of cell culture media, in protein purification, and in certain therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

A method for objectively assessing the severity of scars, which method comprises: PA1 (i) classifying cell nuclei in scar tissue into different types of nuclei such that one of the types is elongated nuclei which is different from other nuclei in that the elongated nuclei has a ratio of length to breadth which exceeds a predetermined number; PA1 (ii) measuring the angle that the longest axis of the elongated nuclei makes with the surface of tissue surrounding the scar; and PA1 (iii) ranking the severity of the scar on the basis of the degree of alignment of the elongated nuclei with the surface of the tissue surrounding the scar.

A method and apparatus for characterizing processing operations is presented. Following exposure of a wafer to plasma, the surface charge distribution pattern on the wafer is measured. The surface charge distribution pattern on the wafer is then compared with known surface charge distribution patterns to determine if the measured charge distribution pattern correlates to desirable patterns associated with successful performance of one or more processing steps. In some embodiments, the comparison of the measured charge distribution pattern can be used to detect specific problems in one or more processing steps such that corrective action can be taken in a timely manner. The comparison between the measured charge distribution pattern and known charge distribution patterns may be performed using image comparison or using quantitative comparisons based on charge levels measured within each pattern.

Temporary connections to spring contact elements extending from an electronic component such as a semiconductor device are made by urging the electronic component, consequently the ends of the spring contact elements, vertically against terminals of an interconnection substrate, or by horizontally urging terminals of an interconnection substrate against end portions of the spring contact elements. A variety of terminal configurations are disclosed.

Source/drain diffusion regions are formed on the silicon substrate such that the source/drain diffusion regions sandwich a gate electrode from both sides on the silicon substrate. Sidewall oxide films are formed, one on each side surface of the gate electrode. Recessed portions are formed in the extension portions E beneath the sidewall oxide films. Source/drain electrodes are formed to fill the recessed portions. Thus, the sheet resistance of the respective regions including a pair of source/drain diffusion regions and source/drain electrodes is reduced, and a semiconductor device with a field-effect transistor having an improved current drivability is obtained.

In this method, metal film to be subject to silicidation includes impurity to have the same conductivity mechanism as an element that is in advance ion-implanted into abase layer, therefore the absorption of impurity into the metal film is difficult to incur during the silicidation reaction. Even after forming the silicide self-aligned, the surface impurity concentration at the gate or diffusion layer can be kept high, thus preventing the device characteristic from deteriorating.

The present invention relates to benzazepine derivatives and their use as .alpha.v integrin receptor antagonists. More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are antagonists of the integrin receptors .alpha.v.beta.3, .alpha.v.beta.5, and/or .alpha.v.beta.6 and are useful for inhibiting bone resorption, treating and preventing osteoporosis, and inhibiting vascular restenosis, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, inflammation, wound healing, viral disease, tumor growth, and metastasis.

The present invention relates to fused 1,4-thiazine-2-carbonitrile derivatives, compositions thereof and methods for preparing the compounds. The compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the gastrointestinal system and the endocrinological system.

Imino-substituted phenyl compounds of the formula I ##STR1## where the substituents have the following meanings: PA0 z is a group A or B ##STR2## PA0 where PA0 # denotes the bond with the phenyl ring and PA0 R.sup.a is halogen, alkyl or alkoxy; PA0 y is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or alkoxy; PA0 n is 0, 1 or 2, it being possible for the radicals Y to be different if n=2; PA0 R.sup.1 is halogen, haloalkyl or alkoxy; PA0 R.sup.2 is alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl or haloalkynyl; PA0 R.sup.3 is cyano, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, alkoxyalkyl; PA0 unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy or arylmethylene, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, PA0 C(R.sup.3a).dbd.N--OR.sup.3b or C(R.sup.3a).dbd.CR.sup.3c R.sup.3d, where PA1 R.sup.3a, R.sup.3b, R.sup.3c, R.sup.3d independently of one another are hydrogen, alkyl or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, processes for their preparation, and their use.

Methods of preparing new taxoids of general formula (I) are presented: ##STR1## in which: PA1 R.sub.4 represents an alkanoyloxy radical in which the alkanoyl portion contains 2 to 6 carbon atoms in an unbranched or branched chain, this radical unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms, an alkoxy radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or alternatively R.sub.4 represents a cycloalkanoyloxy radical in which the cycloalkanoyl portion contains 4 to 8 carbon atoms, or alternatively R.sub.4 represents a benzoyloxy radical; PA1 R.sub.5 represents an alkoxy radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, substituted by an alkylthio radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and PA1 Z represents a hydrogen atom or a radical of general formula: ##STR2##

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of chiral 3,4-epoxybutyric acid expressed by formula (1) and the salt thereof, wherein (S)-3-activated-hydroxybutyrolactone expressed by formula (2) is subjected to a ring-opening reaction to obtain 4-hydroxy-3-activated hydroxybutyric acid expressed by formula (3), which is subjected to an epoxydation with an inversion of the chiral center.

A process for producing ethyl aromatics using a transalkylation reaction zone and an alkylation reaction zone is disclosed. Portions of the transalkylation reaction zone effluent pass to a multibed alkylation reaction zone where aromatics in the transalkylation reaction zone effluent are alkylated to the desired ethyl aromatics. At least a portion of the transalkylation reaction zone effluent passes to an alkylation bed other than the first alkylation bed of the multibed alkylation reaction zone. This process decreases the capital and operating costs of recycling the aromatics in the transalkylation reaction zone effluent. This process is well suited for solid transalkylation and alkylation catalysts. Ethylbenzene may be produced by this process.

In a method of manufacturing a solar cell, a phase A is deposited in the form of stacks on an electrically conductive substrate, wherein the stacks are covalently and electrically interconnected and also connected to the substrate, and any spaces between the stacks are filled with a phase B, which is electrically connected to a counter electrode, wherein the phases A and B are so selected that they form a photovoltaic active transition structure or an injection contact. The invention also resides in a solar cell made in accordance with this method.

An electrical connector forms a permanent electrical connection between a flat cable having multiple conductors and a plurality of round wires. The connector comprises a first connector half and a second connector half. The first connector half has a flat cable channel and at least one flat cable access window in communication with the flat cable channel. The second connector half has a plurality of wire channels for receiving round wires, and at least one wire access window in communication with one of the wire channels. Each cable access window is aligned with at least one wire access window to facilitate a permanent connection between a conducting strip of the multiple conductor flat cable and a conducting core of the round wire.

An apparatus for determining an incremental angular position of a rotating member of an induction motor. A sensor assembly is positioned adjacent a target wheel attached to the rotating member, the target wheel having a plurality of teeth, separated by slots, angularly spaced around the periphery of the target wheel. The sensor assembly is located proximate the periphery of the target wheel, and includes a plurality of sensors each configured to generate a respective output signal that transitions between first and second states at the passage thereby of each leading and trailing edge of the teeth. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit configured to generate an incremental position signal in response to the output signals. Each sensor is spaced from an adjacent sensor by a predetermined distance equal to 180 degrees divided by n, where n is the number of sensors, and 360 degrees is a tooth-to-tooth distance. The processing circuit has a first mode of operation wherein all of the sensor output signals are used to generate the position signal. The processing circuit also includes a second mode of operation wherein a second number less than all of the output signals are used to generate the position signal. The processing circuit is configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode when the rotating member reaches a predetermined speed.

A battery is rapidly charged utilizing a bipolar waveform (21, 22). The voltage, current, duration and frequency parameters of the bipolar waveform are selected to perform a number of actions: enhancing the mixing action at the battery electrodes; measuring the battery's capacitance, condition, and level of impedance; modifying the mass transport process inside the battery; and reducing the concentration of the diffusion layer, the polarization concentration, and the overpotential. This reduces internal heat generation by providing for more efficient ion transport, reduced concentration gradients, and increased diffusion rates and intercalation speeds. A bipolar waveform can be in the form of sine waves, or other wave shapes. A charge pulse (11) is preferably followed by a small technical rest period (12), after which a discharge pulse (13) is applied followed, in turn, by a rest period (14). The bipolar waveform (21) is superimposed on one or more of the above. A second discharge pulse (15) is then applied followed by another rest period (16). A second bipolar waveform (22) is superimposed on either the second discharge pulse (15) or the second rest period (16). The second bipolar waveform (22) allows a measurement of the battery capacitance to be obtained and an evaluation of the charge of the battery to be derived. The charge cycle is repeated until a measured battery parameter attains a desired value indicative of a charged battery.

The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.

A dynamic logic circuit where a duality logic tree is connected to a sense amplifier through a switch, which reduces the power consumption and suppresses coupling noise by controlling the connection of the logic tree and the sense amplifier by the voltages of the input and output nodes of the sense amplifier.

Each of a first series element, a second series element, a third series element, and a fourth series element includes a trimming fuse having a small resistance and a resistor serially connected to each other. A first reference voltage is applied to a first end of the first series element, a first end of the second series element is connected to a second end of the first series element, a second end of the second series element is grounded, a first end of the third series element is connected to the first end of the first series element, a first end of the fourth series element is connected to a second end of the third series element, a second end of the fourth series element is connected to the second end of the second series element, a first independent resistor connects the first end of the first series element and the second end of the third series element, and a voltage at the second end of the third series element is output. Therefore, the choices in the output voltage can be increased while suppressing an increase in the area occupied by the resistors.

A molded case circuit breaker assembly using auxiliary switches to perform indication and control functions. The circuit breaker assembly having at least one pole comprising a stationary and a moveable contact where the moveable contact is connected to a moveable contact arm which is activated by a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is affixed to an operating handle. A trip device, housed in a mid-cover of the molded case, separates the stationary and moveable contacts when a fault is sensed. The mid-cover comprises at least one auxiliary switch compartment, where a single auxiliary switch compartment is capable of housing multiple compatible auxiliary switches.

An ignition coil for a spark ignition engine generally includes primary and secondary windings disposed about a magnetic core. The secondary winding is wound around a spool. The spool includes a cylindrical body having opposite first and second ends and a winding section between the ends. A conical winding surface at one of the ends tapers from a large diameter at the one end to a smaller diameter. A grooved surface extends axially toward another of the ends of the body and extends to adjacent the smaller diameter of the conical surface. The grooved surface contains longitudinally spaced continuous circular grooves that have unequally angled sides. The sides toward the one end are sloped at a greater angle relative to a radial direction than are the sides toward the other end. The secondary winding is wound around the winding section forming a plurality of turns of wire wound one over the other at a desired angle. The grooves are sized such that only one turn of the wire is disposed within each groove.

A water activated power supply for signaling a control device of a detection of a body of water or other ionized liquid, and for triggering a bistate device upon the detection of a body of water or other ionized liquid. The water activated power supply comprises a power source, and a buffering circuit. The power source is operable to generate a first electrical power. The buffering circuit includes a buffer operable to provide a second electrical power. The buffering circuit further includes a water activated switch to conduct a portion of the first electrical power to the buffer when a body of water contacts the water activated switch. The buffer provides the second electrical power in response to the portion of the first electrical power. The buffer further isolates the power source from any external load device, e.g. a control device or a bistate device, electrically coupled to the buffering circuit to receive the second electrical power to prevent any increase in the magnitude of the first electrical power. Receipt of the second electrical power by an external load device indicates the detection of the body of water by the buffering circuit.

Antenna mounting bracket assembly having a spine, an upper bracket, a lower bracket and a cam bracket for mounting an antenna on a support structure, such as a vertical pole and for providing adjustment of the antenna's downwards tilt position. The spine provides for the proper spacing and rotational alignment between the upper and lower ends of the accompanying antenna. The cam bracket can allow either analog or digital adjustment of the downwards tilt position of the antenna. The assembly can allow for the installation of the antenna upon the support structure by a single technician.

The present invention is directed to a flat display device and the driving method thereof having a plurality of display picture elements which are defined by liquid crystal cell portions formed between the scanning and the signal electrodes arranged in the form of a matrix wherein at least scanning electrodes of said scanning and signal electrodes are driven from both terminals of the electrodes by individual driving circuits. A circuit is also included that creates a short circuit across the electrode thus protecting the flat display panel from degradation due to excessive current flowing across the panel before the voltage waveform is stabilized.

The exposure surface of a wafer to be exposed is formed with a wafer mark having edges for scattering incident light. The edge of the wafer mark has a curved portion whose image vertically projected upon a plane in parallel to the exposure surface has a curved shape. The surface of an exposure mask is formed with a mask mark having edges for scattering incident light. The edge of the exposure mask has a curved portion whose image vertically projected upon a plane in parallel to the surface of the exposure mask has a curved shape. The wafer and exposure mask are juxtaposed with and spaced apart by a gap from the exposure surface of the wafer. Illumination light is applied to the curved portions of the edges of the wafer and mask marks. Light scattered from the wafer and mask marks is observed along a direction oblique to the exposure surface to thereby detect a relative position of the wafer and exposure mask.

A light-signal transfer apparatus capable of continuously reproducing signals even if the transfer passage is temporarily intercepted, the apparatus being structured in such a manner that a delay memory delays time-sequential digital data to generate digital data, a multiplexer multiplexes two digital data items to transfer the data items as infrared rays. An error correction circuit corrects the transmitted signals to output multiplexed data and outputs error detection signal indicating a fact that correction cannot be performed because of interception of the transfer passage or the like. A demultiplexer separates transmitted multiplexed data into two digital data items, and a delay memory delays one of the digital data items to make coincide the time bases of the two data items. A data selector selects either of the two digital data items in accordance with information of the error detection signal.

A temperature control unit provides means for observing samples under microscopy at greatly elevated and greatly reduced temperatures. The temperature control unit is constructed to insulate a sample from ambient temperatures while providing a highly heat conductive substrate for the sample that provides for rapid heat transfer to/from the sample. A dry gas provided a positive pressure around the sample, as compared to atmospheric pressure to help prevent atmospheric contract with the sample.

A disk recording device has inside a cabinet a mechanical deck comprising an inner holder for horizontally holding therein a cartridge containing a disk, a chassis movable toward and away from the inner holder and provided with a pickup for projecting a beam on the disk, and an outer holder provided over the inner holder and slidable along the direction of insertion of the cartridge. The inner holder is fixed to the cabinet through holes and cutouts formed in the chassis, and the chassis is movable upward and downward relative to the inner holder. A space for accommodating the pickup is formed between the lower surface of the chassis and the bottom surface of the cabinet when the chassis is in a completely lowered position.

A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, comprising a video circuit including a cylinder with a magnetic head and a power circuit provided with a transformer having a core with a gap formed in it. The transformer is positioned so that a direction for connecting a S pole with a N pole created by a leakage magnetic flux from the gap of the core and a direction for connecting a central portion of the cylinder, where the magnetic head is provided, with the central portion of the gap of the transformer together defining a substantially horizontal plane, and the cylinder and the transformer are positioned at a distance so that a reading signal read by the magnetic head is hardly influenced by the leakage magnetic flux.

The present invention of a water and dust-proof control box structure mainly comprises a semi-box and a side cover. The semi-box having a panel board, a side board, an upper board and a lower board. The panel board having few holes and mounting spaces for inserting a turning knob and a sliding button. The control box can accommodate few IC boards. A back board is disposed at the back of the side cover, the side cover also having an upper board and a lower board. Few positioning blocks are disposed on the inner wall of the panel board, screw holes are disposed inside the positioning blocks for fixing a positioning board. A control knob and a switch are mounted on the positioning board, the control knob and the switch are capped by a water-proof cap or a water-proof pad. The water-proof cap or the water-proof pad are pressed against to the inner wall of the panel board by the turning knob and the switch. A water-proof piece is stuck on outside the panel board. To finish assembling, a water-proof frame pad is placed on the back of the panel board and on the top of the control box for preventing water and dust from getting inside, also for preventing the control knob and the switch from falling off.

A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

A thermal compensation package for an optical fiber having a Bragg grating is provided. The package includes a support member adapted to support the optical fiber which is in contact with the optical fiber along substantially the entire length of the Bragg grating. At least one retaining member is provided for attaching the optical fiber to the support member. The support member is formed from a material having a first CTE that is negative in a first direction and a second CTE in a second direction that is different from the first CTE. The material is selected so that the first CTE has a sufficiently negative value to compensate for temperature fluctuations such that a reflection wavelength of the Bragg grating is substantially temperature independent over a given operating range.

A battery powered computer system determines when the system is not in use by monitoring various events associated with the operation of the system. The system preferably monitors the number of cache read misses and write operations, i.e., the cache hit rate, and reduces the system clock frequency when the cache hit rate rises above a certain level. When the cache hit rate is above a certain level, then it can be assumed that the processor is executing a tight loop, such as when the processor is waiting for a key to be pressed and then the frequency can be reduced without affecting system performance. Alternatively, the apparatus monitors the occurrence of memory page misses, I/O write cycles or other events to determine the level of activity of the computer system.

A ballistic vest having a front panel and a rear panel having mating side edge configured in a ball and socket configuration. The front panel has either a concave or convex waistline. The front and rear panels are connected by stretchable neoprene straps with hook and loop fasteners at the end of the straps and on the front and rear panels.

A necktie with an attaching outwardly concealed eyeglass wiping device and method for making the same are disclosed. The method for making the necktie of the present invention includes providing an outer shell having a decorative side, a back side opposite the decorative side, a large end, a small end opposite the large end, and two sides extending substantially from the large end to the small end. The method further includes placing an lining on the back side of the outer shell for providing shape and body to the necktie, the lining having a large end, a small end, and a lengthwise portion connecting the large end to the small end, wherein the large end is disposed substantially adjacent the large end of the outer shell, and wherein at least one end of the lining includes at least one friction layer. According to the method, two sides of the outer shell are folded towards the back side of the outer shell to create an envelope, and the lengthwise portion of the lining is disposed substantially within the envelope. Additionally, tipping material is fixed to the rear side of the necktie. According to the method of the present invention, the at least one friction layer facilitates the movement of the tipping material in conjunction with movement of the outer shell such that when the tipping material is placed against glass and the outer shell is moved, the tipping material will move relative to the glass.

A toilet flushing and seat lifting system for lifting a toilet seat and flushing the toilet seat without having to touch the toilet seat or handle. The toilet flushing and seat lifting system includes a lifting means for lifting the seat and lid of a toilet. The lifting means has a foot pedal. The foot pedal is elongate and has a first and second end. The foot pedal is generally positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the toilet. A pivoting means pivots the foot pedal with respect to floor. An elongate member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongate member is hingedly coupled to the second end of the foot pedal. A rod has a first end coupled to the second end of the elongate member and a second end extending toward the toilet. A securing means hingedly secures the second end of the rod to a bottom side of the seat. A toilet flushing means for flushing the toilet comprises an elongate flexible member having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the handle, and the second end has a ring thereon.

A cylinder sizer and method includes a base, a slide cooperating with the base and movable relative thereto and a lock fastener to extend through a central aperture of a cylinder for a gun and engaging the slide. The cylinder sizer also includes an alignment member to extend through a chamber of the cylinder and operatively engaging the base for aligning the cylinder relative to the base. The cylinder sizer further includes a cutting tool to extend into the chamber of the cylinder and operatively engaging the base for enlarging at least a portion of the chamber of the cylinder.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a riveting device. The riveting device is provided with a body defined by a body longitudinal axis and having a pressure port formed therein. The riveting device is further provided with a jaw defined by a jaw plane. The jaw has first and second jaw extensions with the first jaw extension having a jaw plunger orifice extending therethrough. The riveting device is further provided with an angular attachment having an attachment plunger orifice extending therethrough. The angular attachment is attached to the first jaw extension with the attachment plunger orifice being axially aligned with the jaw plunger orifice. The angular attachment is further attached to the body and formed to maintain the jaw plane at an angular orientation relative to the body longitudinal axis. The riveting device is further provided with a rivet plunger having opposing rivet and base ends. The rivet plunger is engaged in slidable communication with the attachment plunger orifice and the jaw plunger orifice with the rivet end extending towards the second jaw extension and the base end in mechanical communication with the pressure port for moving the rivet plunger towards the second jaw extension.

A balanced free-standing juvenile safety gate characterized by its facile placement and displacement in a passageway wherein adjustably connected frame sections include a hinge frame and frame supporting platform with a hinge standpost being fixed to the platform; an extendible latch frame attached to the hinge frame with a latch handle atop said frame section, said latch handle having intermediate pivot connection to the frame section by pivoted connectors which in turn join the latch handle to a lever yoke, the lever yoke being connected at a lower end to a moveable bracket, whereby, upon closure of the latch handle transverse movement of bracket and pressure bar is forced into registry with one extreme of the passageway, against resistance of the standpost on an opposite extreme of the passageway; a caster supports the latch frame in extension of the hinge frame, during positions of passageway closure and opening.

A fabric made up of multiple cables and multiple panels is provided for roofs, ceilings, and wall hangings. The cables are arranged in sets of three over the area to be covered, and the panels are suspended between the cable sets to complete the fabric. Specifically, each panel has four attachment points and is suspended between two adjacent cable sets such that it attaches to two of the three cables in each set on either side of it. More specifically, each panel attaches to the middle cable of the two sets on either side, and to the top cable in one set and the bottom cable in the other set. This particular arrangement creates overlapping rows of overlapping panels that viewed from one perspective resembles overlapping shingles on a conventional roof, but when viewed from another perspective reveals that the individual panels are held apart by the cable sets to allow air and light to diffuse through. Multiple sections, each comprising a separate fabric, can also be configured together to form roofs, ceilings, and wall hangings. As a roof, the panels can include photovoltaic cells or water heating cells to collect solar energy, and the fabric can further be configured to track the sun. As a ceiling or wall hanging, the panels of the fabric can be configured with lights or sound damping materials.

A substantially rectangular reinforcement assembly for concrete castings, having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The assembly comprises a frame, a first set of longitudinal runners, a second set of transverse runners, and a third set of transverse runners. Each individual runner has two short ends, and each short end has a frame holding means. The runners are arranged in a hatch pattern, where the longitudinal runners are arranged substantially perpendicular to the transverse runners. The frame comprises a first leg member, a second leg member, and a shoulder member. The first leg member has a plurality of through holes and the second leg member has a corresponding number of through holes, which are substantially concentric with the corresponding through holes of the first leg member. Runner end mounting means are arranged in a pair of corresponding through holes of the first and second leg members, respectively, and the frame holding means of each short end of a runner is arranged to engage with an individual runner end mounting means of the frame.

Oppositely disposed case introduction and ejection stations (A, C), and oppositely disposed first and second insertion space forming stations (B, B') are spaced equally along the circumference around a turret (T). A developed case (10), prior to inserting a title sheet (P) therein, is introduced into the case introduction station (A). A developed case (10), after inserting a title sheet (P) therein, is ejected into the case ejection station (C). At the first and second insertion space forming stations, (B, B'), a case body (11) is deflected into a flat, reversed V-shape to form a title sheet insertion space (S) between the case body (11) and a transparent cover (12). The turret (T) is rotatable by 90 degrees in forward and reverse directions and has first to fourth suction heads (71 to 74) corresponding to each of the stations. At each of the first and second insertion space forming stations (B, B'), there is also provided a mounting stand (79) on which a case (10) having the title sheet insertion space (S) formed therein is mounted. With each successive 90.degree. rotation of the turret, a successive case without a title sheet is moved into one of the title sheet insertion space forming stations, and a case with a title sheet inserted therein is transferred to the ejection station.

A fully hydraulic brake power generator/master cylinder unit (10) for a vehicle brake system has a housing (12) with a bore (14) which is formed therein and in which a primary piston (16) is arranged sealingly and displaceably. Located in the bore (14) is a first pressure chamber (22), one boundary wall of which is formed by one end wall (20) of the primary piston (16). In order to actuate the unit (10), there is an input member (60) which is displaced during actuation. A hydraulic booster stage (38), which has a booster chamber (44) with an inlet for hydraulic fluid under pressure, acts on the primary piston (16). In order to improve the simulation of brake pressure feedback via the input member (60), a spring arrangement (70) is provided, with a first spring (72) and a second spring (74) which are connected in series. The spring force of the second spring (74) is detectably greater than the spring force of the first spring (72). When the unit (10) is actuated, if the hydraulic booster stage (38) fails essentially only the force of the first spring (72) determines the brake pressure feedback.

A coupling lock having a base, a catch provided on the base, a restraining member on a free end of the catch. A matching cover is also provided on the base, having a channel with a through hole provided through the channel. The through hole is located so that when the cover is closed upon the base, the catch is inserted into the channel while the restraining member on the catch is deformed to penetrate into the through hole due to the compression by the cover. Such penetration secures the base and the cover together. A locking coil chamber member containing a plurality of pins located in multiple rows is provided on the base.

An easy mode pipe-diameter reducing device provided for feeding a metallic pipe into the hole confined by the wall surfaces of a conical spring mounted in the die bodies of the device, wherein, wall sections of the die bodies with constant diameter guides the metallic. pipe, and wall sections of the die bodies with tapering shapes contract the wall of the metallic pipe. Thereby, the peripheral pipe wall is gradually contracted under confining of the tapering wall surfaces of the die bodies. Wherein, the pipe-diameter reducing device is comprised of an upper die body and a lower die body having a conical spring provided therebetween, the inner diameter of the conical spring forms the wall surfaces extending from the wall sections with constant diameter to the tapered wall sections thereof. Therefore, when the metallic pipe is fed till it contacts the tapered wall sections, it can be contracted thereby into the shape of a tapered pipe. Hence easiness of pipe reducing can be achieved.

An antitheft device is provided for locking a motor vehicle steering column against rotation. The steering column includes a gear wheel which is fixed coaxially to the steering column shaft, and a pinion with an axis parallel to the steering column axis. The pinion is mounted for rotation in a moveable pinion support which is displaceable between a disengaged position, in which the pinion is disengaged from the gear wheel, and an engaged position in which the pinion is in mesh with the gear wheel. The steering lock also includes a clutch for preventing rotation of the pinion about its axis on the pinion support below a specific torque.

An improved shallow water fishing boat hull includes a generally S-shaped chine segment having a sloped intermediate portion that is intersected by the mean waterline. One or more generally Shaped strake elements may be formed along the hull adjacent to the chine segment. Due to the chine configuration, the bottom of the hull intersects the plane of the water at an increased angle so that unwanted and fish distracting hull noise is reduced. The chine segment and the strakes also form spray deflectors.

A fuel system has a pump which supplies fuel under pressure to a fuel rail for distribution by fuel injectors to the cylinders of an engine. A fuel accumulator, having a volume greater than the volume of fuel required to start the engine, is disposed in fluid communication with the fuel rail to supply a charge of fuel thereto during engine start-up at a pressure level sufficient to cause fuel atomization within the cylinder. The fuel in the accumulator is stored at the ambient pressure. A spring force or a solenoid force is applied to the fuel in the accumulator such that the fuel is ejected into the fuel rail at the required pressure level. A check valve is positioned to prevent fuel flow from the fuel rail to the pump during the initial discharge from the accumulator. The accumulator is refilled by fuel from the pump during normal operation and the fuel therein is reduced to ambient pressure when the engine operation is discontinued.

A noise reducing oil pan assembly for a motor vehicle engine, adapted for attachment to the engine block underside, includes outer and inner nested pan units supported in spaced relation defining an oil chamber between the units. An inflow gap between the upper opposed edge portions of the units upstanding walls is positioned subjacent the outflow of engine block return oil passages. With the engine running, the return oil flow fills the chamber and thereafter the overflow is received by the inner unit reservoir for re-circulation to the engine. The chamber oil provides a barrier that dampens engine noise radiating from the oil pan assembly.

Disclosed is a new bow nock device for use with a conventional release aid for extending the useful life of a bowstring by eliminating wear caused by the release aid and additionally for improving accuracy by aligning an arrow directly in front of the release aid to maintain the arrow at a 90 degree angle relative the longitudinal axis of the bow during the entire arrow release process. The bow nock device comprises a U-shaped member attachable to the bowstring for gripping by the release aid and for positioning a nocked end of the arrow between the ends thereof. The U-shaped member has a bowstring receiving groove formed on each end, each groove having a flared mouth for preventing bowstring chafing, and internal facing protrusions co-pending with the end of the arrow for stabilizing the same. Two fastening plates, attached to the U-shaped member with flat head machine screws, hold the bowstring within the bowstring receiving grooves whereby clampedly retaining the bowstring within the grooves.

If something goes wrong with a wire saw, a personal computer outputs a dial signal to a modem, which dials a calling number of a pager carried by an operator through a telephone system. The sound of the pager notifies the operator of the abnormality of the wire saw even if he or she is not in the vicinity of the wire saw.

The rouge powder brush structure which can be more simply used and conveniently carried. The rouge powder is contained inside the rouge powder brush so that it is no more necessary to carry a rouge cake case outdoors. The rouge powder brush structure including an upper fitting cap, a press key cap, a linking key cap, a large spring, an upper ventilating sleeve, a stopper block, a ball valve, a small spring, a lower ventilating sleeve, a receiving barrel, a movable binding collar, a locking sleeve and a cap body.

A mixing adaptor enables a material to be transferred from a first delivery means to a second delivery means and enables another material to be transferred from the second syringe to the first delivery means. The adaptor has (i) a hollow main body having a first end, a second end, an interior surface and an exterior surface; and (ii) a septum positioned within the interior surface of the main body. A first channel is defined by a first portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a first side of the septum. The first channel has a primary opening at the first end of the main body and a secondary opening at the second end of the main body. A second channel is defined by a second portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a second side of the septum. The second channel has a primary opening at the second end of the main body and a secondary opening at the first end of the main body. First and second substantially flexible members extend from opposing sides of the septum for selectively closing the secondary openings of the first and second channels. In one embodiment, the septum is movable between a first position and a second position. A rupturable membrane is mounted on the adaptor so as to cover an opening of the first channel and an opening of the second channel a material is delivered against the rupturable membrane with a force sufficient to rupture the rupturable membrane.

Dust proof clothing is made of a given fabric structure defined by multiple first fiber groups which are each composed of linear fibers and extend in a first direction, and multiple second fiber groups which are each composed of curved fibers and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first and second fiber groups are mutually interwoven such that an inside surface has more of the second fiber groups exposed than the first fiber groups, and such that an outside surface which is opposite said inside surface has more of the first fiber groups exposed than said second fiber groups. The dust proof clothing is worn such that the inside surface is in contact with a wearer of the dust proof clothing.

Provided herein are fueling nozzles for the re-fueling of various motorized vehicles, particularly aircraft. A re-fueling nozzle according to this invention includes a gauge from which the pressure of a liquid fuel passing through the nozzle may be read by a technician performing the re-fueling operation. Nozzles according to the invention further comprise a shrouding means which protect the pressure gauge from damage during a refueling operation, or while the nozzle is being transported or stored. According to a preferred form of the invention, a nozzle comprises an inner conduit portion and an outer sleeve portion, wherein the outer sleeve portion is rotatable about the inner conduit portion. A shrouding means according to the invention is disposed on the outer sleeve portion, and moves when the outer sleeve portion is rotated, such as, when the nozzle is being engaged to a nozzle-receiving portion of an aircraft fuel tank, to expose the viewing face of the gauge to enable a re-fueling technician to know at all times the exact pressure of the fuel as it enters the fuel tank. Through use of a fuel nozzle according to the invention, tank integrity is preserved, and ruptures due to overpressurization of liquid fuels may be eliminated.

A Venetian blind having a head rail with a plurality of ladder cords and vertical cords vertically mounted and spaced apart therebelow, a plurality of slats being positioned between the ladder cords and the vertical cords formed a shade, the bottom of the head rail being a lower rail, characterized in that the external edge of the head rail is mounted with an upper rail formed from plastic injection molding for enabling cutting the length thereof, the cross-section of the upper rail is substantially "U" shaped and the edges of the upper rail are individually provided with two hook-like edges, and a plurality of holes are provided on the upper rail for the insertion of the ladder cords, the vertical cords, and a lift cord, to thereby provide support for a venetian blind within various sized structural openings.

An apparatus for the storage of disc sound and/or data carriers having a substantially rectangular flat housing that defines a receiving space that is accessible through a slot in one side of the housing. The housing also includes mutually oppositely disposed guide elements which receive a disc inserted through the slot and which keep it spaced from the housing surfaces. An ejection mechanism is mounted in the housing that includes a pivotally mounted lever arrangement. The ejection mechanism urges the disc through the slot such that it extends beyond the housing and may be grasped by a user. A braking and guide strip arrangement is provided in the flat housing adjacent to the slot opening. The strip arrangement extends over the width of the slot opening and includes at least two mutually and oppositely disposed strips. The spacing of the opposing strips is such that the center region of the slot opening has a spacing that is greater than the thickness of the disc. The spacing of the strips reduces towards the ends of the slot and is smaller in the region of the slot ends than the thickness of the disc.

A suture holder allows a scrub nurse to "load" (i.e., retrieve a suture needle and thread onto a surgical needle driver) with one hand during a surgical operation. The suture holder is made of spring loops arranged on a supporting base to hold suture packets. Leaf springs can also be employed on a suture holder to hold and secure suture packets during surgery.

A insulated cosmetic case device for holding a variety of cosmetic articles within a temperature moderated climate. The insulated cosmetic case device includes a housing having a bottom wall. The bottom wall has a top surface and a peripheral edge. A peripheral wall extends upward from and is integrally coupled to the peripheral edge of the bottom wall. The peripheral wall is substantially hollow such that the peripheral wall has a hollow space therein. An insulating material insulates the housing. The insulating material is positioned in the hollow space of the peripheral wall. A lid member selectively closes the housing. The lid member has a front edge and a back edge. The back edge is hingedly coupled to the a top edge of the peripheral wall. A container for organizing items in the housing has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The bottom wall has a shape adapted to fit in the housing such that the peripheral wall of the container is abutted against and interior surface of the peripheral wall of the housing. The container has internal walls therein, which define compartments in the container.

A transport container comprises an insulating block. A plurality of layers of flexible insulating foam material form sides of the container and are mounted on the block which closes one end of the container. A pressure envelope applies pressure around the exterior of the sides and the block.

The invention describes a machine for filling the edge joint of insulating glass panes with a semi-liquid to paste-like sealing compound, consisting of a main constituent and a secondary constituent, which are different in chemical terms and in terms of their viscosity, having two pumps (3, 6) which convey the two constituents from two reservoirs (1, 2) into separate intermediate storage chambers (5, 8), and having separate, synchronously driven volumetric feed metering pumps (14, 19) for conveying the constituents in a predetermined composition to a mixer (16) and then on to a nozzle (17), the nozzle and the mixer belonging to one sub-assembly which is movably mounted as a whole on a frame of the machine. According to the invention, there is provided a gear pump (14), driven by a servomotor, as metering pump for the main constituent in combination with a piston pump (19), which serves as a metering pump for the secondary constituent and whose piston (10) is driven by a second servomotor (23), both of which preferably are part of the movable sub-assembly.

A device for bending a cap brim includes first and second interconnected block members each having an S-shaped portion upwardly extending from the outer edge thereof that forms a groove on the upper surface for receiving a side edge of a cap brim. An externally threaded shaft extends from an inwardly facing side of one of the block members and is threadedly received within a threaded bore on the other block member whereby rotation of the shaft moves the block members toward each other. Accordingly, a user can bend a cap brim to a desired curvature by securing the brim within the block grooves and moving the blocks a select distance until the desired curvature is achieved.

A method for attaching a semiconductor die or flip chip to a substrate to form a printed circuit board. A dispensing apparatus is spaced away from a substrate so that the dispenser does not contact the substrate. Droplets of no-flow flux and underfill material are dispensed from the dispensing apparatus onto a substrate. A flip chip with an array of solder balls or bumps on its underside is push through the material until it contacts the substrate. The flip chip and the substrate are heated sufficiently to form mechanical and electrical connections therebetween. The method of the present invention can apply the no-flow flux and underfill material in a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the predetermined pattern of droplets can be tailored to also include a desired topography. That is, the height of the no-flow flux and underfill material can vary relative to the substantially flat surface of the substrate.

A small-scale, space-heating and electrical power co-generation system includes a heater and a pump for supplying high-pressure water to the heater. Within the heater, the high-pressure water is heated to at or near its saturation or boiling point so as to produce both vapor (e.g., steam) and liquid (e.g., water) fractions. This high pressure, two-phase mixture is then provided to an expander which expands the two-phase mixture to a lower pressure and, in the process, produces mechanical energy. The expander is coupled to an electrical generator so that the extracted mechanical energy can be used to drive the generator and thus produce electrical power. The fluid exiting the expander is then provided to a condenser. A space heating fluid (e.g., air or a separate water supply) is brought into proximity with the condenser so that it may be heated. This space heating fluid is then be distributed throughout the corresponding home or building for space heating purposes. Condensate exiting the condenser is returned to the pump, which is also powered by the generator, thereby completing the cycle of the working fluid. The electrical power generated by the system is not only sufficient to power the system itself, but excess electrical power is available for use within the corresponding home or building.

The invention is directed to a system for controlling lawn and garden watering by using electronic sensors to detect the moisture in a lawn. A probe determines the soil water content and powers a signaling device which operates switches for either signaling the need for more water or to stop watering to prevent over-watering. The status of the moisture in the soil is indicated by raising a flag or lighting a strobe light for a visual signal.

A coating system which is provided with a plural number of feeder units for different paint colors in such a way as to permit color changes within a shortened period of time. Unit waiting devices for different paint colors are located in the vicinity of a coating robot. The unit waiting devices each include a feeder unit loader adapted to load and unload one of feeder units into and out of a rotary atomizing head type coating machine, which is mounted on a fore end portion of the arm of the coating robot, and a hose gripper adapted to hand over or receive one of supply hoses to and from a hose gripper which is provided on the side of the arm. As a consequence, the paint color can be changed by replacing a paint feeder unit on the coating machine by a specified one of feeder units of different colors which are supported on the unit waiting devices.

A foldable stand for supporting a cylindrical shaft, the stand being operable between a folded position and a stand support position for supporting the shaft includes first, second, third, and fourth hingedly connected legs. The first and second legs are disposed generally parallel to each other in the folded position and generally perpendicular to each other in the support position. The third and fourth legs are disposed generally parallel to each other in the folded position and generally perpendicular to each other in the support position. Each leg includes a hinge member that is pivotally connected to an adjacent leg. The second and fourth legs include a receptacle adapted to receive the shaft in the stand support position.

A book stand is provided with a base adapted to fit under a person's leg, a first arm pivotally connected to the base, a second arm telescopically attached to the first arm, and a book rack pivotally mounted on the second arm for supporting a book. An I-shaped page retainer is pivotally mounted on the rack and includes laterally extending upper and lower fingers for holding opposing pages of the book open for reading. The page retainer includes telescoping segments such that the distance between the fingers can be adjusted to accommodate different size books. A book light optionally can be attached to the book rack for lighting the pages.

An apparatus for clamping metal concrete forms. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp body (10) and wedge (20). The clamp body includes two opposed sides (16) and (18) that define a tapered slot for receiving the wedge therebetween. The clamp body also includes an opening or mouth (12) that is operative to receive one or more work pieces which may be clamped together with the apparatus. The wedge is operative to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the clamp body. As the wedge slides between the first and second position within the slot, a front upper surface (22) of the wedge is operative to urge the work pieces against a jaw surface (15) of the clamp body that bounds the upper portion of the mouth. Also as the wedge slides toward the second position, the upper side wall portions (34) and (36) of the wedge slide adjacent a narrower portion of the slot (28). The compression and friction forces of the side walls of the clamp body and the upper side wall portions of the wedge act to hold the wedge in a locked position for maintaining a tight hold on the work pieces.

The present invention provides a card game and method of playing a card game which enables a player to purchase an option to buy a bonus card to better the player's hand. The method of playing the game includes a dealer accepting an optional insurance fee from each player of the card game who chooses to pay the optional insurance fee and accepting a first wager from each player. The dealers then deals a selected number of cards to each player. After dealing these cards to each player, the dealer allows each player to elect in turn to place an additional wager. If a player does not place an additional wager when requested by the dealer, the player folds and is no longer in the game. The dealer then deals cards to each player who elects to place additional wagers. After the dealer has dealt each player a standard number of cards, the dealer deals a bonus card to a player who paid insurance fees and if the player has a losing hand. After bonus cards have been dealt, the dealer determines if the cards, including the bonus card if the bonus card was dealt, of the player yield a combined rank that equals or exceeds a preselected winning rank. The players are paid a winning sum if the combined rank equals or exceeds the preselected winning rank.

A boot support includes a disc solidly secured on a ski board, and a boot supporting bracket rotatably secured to the disc. A pawl is slidably received in the disc and movable to engage with the bracket, or is slidably received in the bracket and movable to engage with the disc, for releasably securing the bracket to the ski board. The bracket may be adjusted relative to the disc and the ski board to various angular position by the pawl without disengaging the bracket from the disc and the ski board.

A lever propelled wheelchair, the lever having two push levers attached to two front drive sprockets. The two levers propel the two main rear wheels of the wheelchairs through chains connecting the front sprockets to gear clusters mounted on the rear axles. Ratchet mechanisms allow each push lever to transmit power to the drive sprockets in either a forward or reverse direction. Derailers are mounted at each axle and are activated by a shifter mechanism mounted on the push levers. Brakes are mounted on the frame beside each wheel and activated by a hand break lever mounted on the push levers.

A bicycle handlebar stem and front fork mounting arrangement includes a front fork, a head tube mounted on the front fork, a ball bearing mounted on the front fork and supported on the head tube, a ball bearing cap mounted on the front fork and covered on the ball bearing, a tapered rubber ring mounted in a [{character pullout}{character pullout}]-shaped locating groove in the ball bearing cap at the top, a gasket ring mounted on the rubber ring and retained between a top flange of the rubber ring and the front fork, a handlebar stem coupled to the front fork and supported on the gasket ring, and a headset installed in an inner diameter of the front fork and fastened tight to the front fork to secure the handlebar stem to the front fork, the headset including a screw cap threaded into a screw hole in the front fork, a tightening up member and an expansible positioning ring, a screw bolt, and a pressure member threaded onto the screw bolt and moved to compress the tightening up member and the expansible positioning ring and to force the tightening up member and the expansible positioning ring against the inside wall of the front fork when the screw bolt is fastened tight.

The trailer hitch guide includes a V-shaped fence removably attached to a base plate, the base plate being attached to a tow bar by a ball hitch. The V-shaped fence formed by a pair of plates defining a dihedral angle. The fence is temporarily and removably attached to the base plate by a pair of studs extending from the bottom edges of the fence plates. The base plate has a pair of elongated cylindrical tubes which define sockets into which the fence studs may be inserted. In a first embodiment, the base plate has a U-shaped member attached to the sides of the base plate with the crossbar in a plane vertically below the base plate, defining a rectangular collar in conjunction with the base plate having a perimeter slightly larger than the tow bar so that the collar slides over and encircles the tow bar. The elongated cylindrical tubes are attached to the sides of the U-shaped member. The collar prevents the guide from yawing around the base plate or rocking forwards and backwards as the socket on the trailer tongue pushes against the fence. In a second embodiment, the base plate is a flat plate having a notch defined in its back edge adapted for receiving the trailer hitch, the two elongated tubes depending from the bottom surface of the base plate. The fence is removed from the base plate after connection of the trailer hitch to allow unrestricted rotation of the hitch.

A lifting device for lifting the trailing end of a road vehicle and used to laterally displace the same. The lifting device includes a main body including a fixed section adapted to be rigidly secured to the trailing end, a first mobile section essentially vertically movable relative to the fixed section between an elevated non-operative position and a lowered operative position for lifting the trailing end, and a second mobile section being essentially rotatably mounted on the first mobile section. The lifting device also includes a linear actuator device to linearly move the first mobile section relative to the fixed section, a rotary actuator device to for rotating the second mobile section relative to the first mobile section, a rolling device freely pivotally mounted on to the second mobile section to rollingly engage a road surface, a blocking mechanism to temporarily block the rotary actuator device from rotating when the lifting device is in the operative position, and a power source to activate both actuator devices.

A book-toy combination, comprising a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages therebetween, the front cover, back cover and plurality of pages being bound along one side thereof; an elongated member coupled to at least one of the front cover, the back cover, and at least one of the plurality of pages, the elongated member extending away from a periphery of the front cover, the back cover, and the at least one of the plurality of pages; and at least one element sliding along the elongated member.

The invention is a locking device for fastening a vehicle seat to a floor of the vehicle. The device allows both fastening and unfastening via structure that compensates for tolerances and helps ensure a rattle-free connection.

A filler cap assembly includes a filler cap for opening and closing a fuel inlet, a first detecting arrangement for detecting if a fuel tank door is opened or not, a second detecting arrangement for detecting if the filler cap is placed in the fuel inlet, and an actuating arrangement for opening and closing the filler cap according to signals from the first and second sensors.

A bifold door assembly includes two foldable door panels disposed in edge adjacent relation in a door closed position and including vertically spaced hinges connected adjacent center edges of the two panels and allowing folding motion of the panels between a longitudinally aligned closed position and alternative forward and rear pivoted side by side laterally extending open positions. Each of the door panels has an upper hinge member adjacent an outer edge of the respective panel and pivotable on carrier movable along a longitudinal upper track from a first position near one end of the track to a second position spaced inward from an opposite end of the track. At least one of the door panels also has a lower hinge member adjacent an outer edge of the respective panel and pivotably connected with carrier movable along a longitudinal lower track from a first position near one end of the track to a second position spaced longitudinally from said one end of the track. The door is capable of opening motion from either side by folding the door panels toward an opposite side by track guided longitudinal motion of the carrier of one of the panels with simultaneous pivoting motion of both panels about their hinge members while the carrier of the other panel remains stationary.

A vehicle pull handle assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting in a vehicle and a pull handle connected to the housing. A storage bin is pivotally connected to the housing and configured to receive a pair of sunglasses. The pull handle and storage bin are positioned longitudinally in end-to-end or side-by-side relationships with respect to each other.

A vehicular seat (10) including a seat bottom (12) and a seat back (14). In one embodiment, the seat bottom (12) and seat back (14) are formed from a blow molded frame (16) including side walls (18) extending generally upwardly from a bottom panel (20). A support mat (32) comprising fabric/rubber webbing extends across a central cut-out region (28) in the bottom panel (20) and supports an inflatable cushion (48) comprising a series of air cells (50). An extensible upholstery or trim cover layer (56) covers the inflatable cushion (48) and is joined to the frame (16). In a second embodiment, the seat bottom (12) and seat back (14) are formed from a blow molded shell (62). An intermediate layer (64) of plastics material is provided on the shell (62) beneath an upholstery layer (68). An opening in the shell (62) allows the intermediate layer (64) to be expanded outwardly from the shell (62) as the pressure within the shell (62) is increased.

A method for the simultaneous measurement of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, corneal thickness, and optical aberrations of the eye. The method employs direct measurements and ray tracing to provide a wide range of measurements for use by the ophthalmic community.

A plastic bag for consumable products can include a flat tubular pouch having a contents information label at one end, and two separate seals at the other end. One of the seals is a tear-off seal that provides assurance that the bag is tamper-free. The other seal is a closure zipper that can be opened and closed a number of times, so that the user can consume part of the product at one time, and reseal the remaining product in the bag for later consumption.

A sealable bearing race assembly including a first component and a second component cooperatively mateable with each other to yield a sealed bearing assembly. The first component has a first circular channel for accommodating a bearing structure such as a plurality of ball bearings, and flanked by a first lateral flat border and a first medial flat border. The first lateral flat border has a first biaser there behind for urging that border away from an underlying first support. The second component has a second circular channel alignable with the first channel, and is flanked by a second lateral flat border and a second medial flat border. The second medial flat border has a second biaser there behind for urging that border away from an underlying second support. In operation, a sealed bearing assembly so formed from the race assembly houses the bearing structure within the aligned first and second channel while maintaining under a positive pressure the mating lateral and medial flat borders of the two components thereof to thereby produce a surface-to-surface mechanical seal.

A marine terminal has a cargo crane for directly transferring cargo between two marine vessels or between a marine vessel and a land-side vehicle. The marine terminal may comprise a wharf having a docking side along which marine vessels dock, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the wharf for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked alongside the wharf to a land-side vehicle, such as railcars or trucks. The marine terminal may comprise a pier having opposed docking sides, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the pier for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked along one docking side of the pier to a vessel docked along the other docking side of the pier.

The present invention deals with a spring-loaded tension and compression pin comprising a bush containing a spring and plunger for locating mechanical components, in which the plunger has at least one guide surface and/or at least one edge on its generated surface which engages directly with a corresponding guide surface on the threaded bush.

An hydraulically operated fork lift device adapted to be installed within the bed of a conventional pickup truck, wherein the horizontal movement of the fork is provided by movement of the truck. When the device is not in use, it is disposed above the forward portion of the truck bed.

A conveyor and transfer apparatus for transferring containers seriatim from a substantially vertical stack of containers includes an endless belt conveyor pivotally mounted on a frame for movement between elevated and declined positions by opposed hydraulic actuators. The conveyor includes a frame for supporting a carriage thereon for movement along guide tracks forming part of the carriage support frame between a position wherein opposed container gripping arms may be actuated to grip a container and a position for depositing the container on a conveyor belt. A hydraulic linear actuator moves the carriage between its working positions and opposed gripper arms are actuated by respective cylinder and piston type actuators to move between container gripping and release positions. A programmable logic controller is adapted to control operation of the apparatus through a hydraulic control circuit in response to actuation of limit switches by the carriage, by the carriage engaging a container and by elevation or declination of the conveyor, together with appropriate time delays in a working cycle of the apparatus.

The present invention provides an alternate changeover regenerative burner system suitable for use as a heat source for an industrial furnace and the like where re-increase in temperature is relatively-often carried out; an alternate changeover regenerative burner constituted by a burner 2 having a regenerator 7 and air supply/exhaust switching mechanisms 12 and 13 for switching connection with an air supply system 17 and an exhaust system 16 of the burner 2 is regarded as a module unit; and three or more units of the alternate changeover regenerative burner constitute a combustion system 1; a ratio of the number of the burners 2 performing combustion and the number of the burners 2 being stopped is variable; and combustion is controlled in such a manner that all the units sequentially repeat alternate regenerative combustion with the units forming no fixed pairs. According to the present invention, a flow velocity of air injected from a burner throat can be variable irrespective of a quantity of combustion; the flow velocity of air emitted from the burner throat can be maintained high even if the operation is carried out with a quantity of combustion lower than the burner capacity; and a non-stationary flame can be formed in a wider range.

Refractory wall structure for a blast furnace, in particular for a metallurgical furnace, such as for example a blast furnace with a high process temperature during operation, which wall structure is subjected to a high thermal loading. The wall structure comprises a steel outer wall, a refractory lining consisting of one or more layers of a well heat-conducting material on the inside of the outer wall, and a cooler for cooling the refractory wall structure, whereby the wall structure also comprises a permanent, well heat-conducting metallic filling in a gap in the refractory wall structure, which filling has been molten inside the gap and then after solidifying forms a low heat resistance across the gap.

The present invention relates to a dental matrix band used during tooth restoration procedures. The matrix bands have a smooth interior side which is placed in contact with the tooth requiring restoration. The exterior side a frictional engagement surface which is at least a portion of its surface that is configured to provide increased friction. Such a matrix band is placed around a tooth to be restored with the frictional engagement surface facing the embrasure or space between the teeth. A dental wedge can then be inserted into the embrasure against the frictional engagement surface to hold the dental matrix band stationary with respect to the tooth being restored. The frictional engagement surface is sufficiently rough that dental wedges are much less likely to slip out of an embrasure once positioned against the frictional engagement surface, thereby ensuring that a matrix band will be securely held in place by a dental wedge to enable the practioner to confidently proceed with the restoration. The matrix bands may be formed from opaque materials such as stainless steel or from materials which are at least translucent.

A dispensing system for dispensing first and second materials to a desired location within the mouth of a patient, includes: (i) a two-part material delivery system; (ii) a hollow delivery tip configured to deliver material to a specific location within a patient's mouth; and (iii) a hollow, flexible adaptor configured to flexible couple the delivery tip in fluid communication with the two-part material delivery system. The flexible adaptor enables the practitioner to move the delivery tip to a specific location within the patient's mouth without requiring that the delivery system be moved adjacent the mouth. Thus, the flexible adaptor enables a practitioner to deliver freshly mixed first and second materials to a specific desired location within the mouth of a patient.

A hue comparison device allows to precisely identify each hue by three attributes: hue angle, hue chroma, and hue depth. The device includes a number of hue sheets stacked together in a predetermined sequence. Each hue sheet contains a central standard gray area surrounded by hue blocks arranged in coaxial hue circles. Angular position of each hue block relative to a predetermined reference point on the hue sheet defines the color (i.e., the position of the hue on the spectral scale). The hue blocks of each hue circle are located at equal distance from the central standard gray area of the hue sheet. The hues of each hue circle have a predetermined chroma parameter which increases from a hue circle to the next hue circle in the direction from the center to the periphery of the hue sheet in predetermined increments. The difference in the number of hue blocks between adjacent hue circles equals six (6) hue blocks. In each hue sheet, the central standard gray area determining the depth of hues on the hue sheet, and is obtained by mixing together any three (3), or multiple of three (3), hues equidistanced along the same hue circle.

An educational treasure hunt game provides for teaching young children or others the basics of writing and reading, by conducting a physical search for cards placed or concealed throughout a predetermined area in accordance with clues provided. A series of cards include pictorial representations of various articles or objects on the front face thereof, with the cards having one or more written clues on the reverse face thereof. Each clue corresponds to a pictorial representation shown on the front face of the next successive card in the series, with all of the cards being arranged in alphabetical order according to the first letter of the name of the object or article pictured. The back faces of the cards may include more than one clue, with a corresponding number of cards being provided in order to provide sufficient pictorial symbols. The game is played by placing or concealing the cards adjacent to articles or objects corresponding to their pictorial representations. The game supervisor then reads the first clue, and players engage in a physical search for the object or article corresponding to that clue. When the object and its associated card are found, the supervisor reads a clue from the discovered card, and the process continues. Players are provided with a board and marker to record the first letter or the name of the object depicted on each card found. One or more prizes may be provided at the end of the search, if desired.

A method and an apparatus for training for cardiac surgery using endoscopic techniques are provided. The apparatus comprises a model thorax having an internal cavity and a plurality of ribs, intercostal spaces between the ribs through which an endoscopic instrument can be inserted during use of the model, and a heart located in the internal cavity and removably connected to the model, the heart having a coronary artery on which surgical training can be performed during use of the model. The apparatus also comprises a sternum located on the anterior aspect of the thorax, and at least one internal mammary artery located on a posterior surface of the sternum. The apparatus can also include a fluid system in communication with the heart and providing pressurized fluid to the coronary artery, such that cutting the artery simulates bleeding as the pressurized fluid effuses from the artery.

A system and associated method for interactively scoring standardized test responses. The system maintains a database of tests, items that make up the tests, and features that make up the items. A user of the system requests a list of items in the database, and the system responds by presenting a list from which the user selects a plurality of items to be scored. The user selects a scoring mode, and the system scores the selected items according to the selected scoring mode. In an interactive scoring mode, the system scores the features of a selected item and presents to the user the feature scores, as well as an overall item score computed based on these feature scores. The user either accepts the scores as presented, changes one or more feature scores, or changes the overall item score. The system then rescores the item based on the user-entered scores and stores the new score in the database. This process is repeated for the remaining selected items. The user can interrupt one scoring mode and change to another at any time.

A printed circuit board connector edge tab design has increased tab contact area with a large local capacitance at the connector interface. This serves to balance out the inductive effects of the connector and results in a lower overall channel impedance at the interface. The invention replaces the prior art plated pathway to the upper row of tabs with wider tabs on the lower row. The edges of the lower row tabs are spaced such that each of the connector pins destined for the upper row straddle two of the lower tabs as they travel upward. This design prevents the pins from contacting the fiberglass substrate of the board while it traverses the lower row of tabs. The absence of the prior art plated pathways allows each of the lower row tabs to be expanded into the space formerly occupied by the pathways. This design also allows the increased capacitive area of the edge tabs to be located in very close proximity to the connection area between the connector pins and the edge tabs.

SIM-card connector having a cover disposed on a contact support for pivotal movement about a pivoting axis, wherein said pivoting axis is displaced towards the front to reduce the longitudinal dimension, and an optimized roll off geometry recessed in the contact support is provided.

A "small" or "miniature connector comprises: a connector socket 2, having a shield case 4, which is a metal plate bent and formed into a rectangular tube, and an insulating housing 6, which supports a plurality of contact pins 5 and is built into the interior of shield case 4; a connector plug 3, having a plug part 3a which is inserted into an insertion opening 11 of connector socket 2; a contact member 26, which has a shallow "V" shaped cross-section and is flexible, being formed by cutting out and offsetting on a top wall of shield case 4; and a protrusion 27 of inverted "V" shape, which engages with contact member 26, being placed on an upper surface of plug part 3a.

A removable connector edge clip has a support plate, a first arm integrally attached to the first end of the support plate by a first bight and a second arm integrally attached to the second end of the support plate by a second bight. The first arm confronts a lower surface of the support plate in generally parallel fashion to form a panel edge clamp at the first end of the clip. The support plate has a first spring blade inclined downwardly toward the first arm and the first bight for biasingly engaging a panel edge inserted into the panel edge clamp. The first arm has a barb for retaining the panel edge inserted into the panel edge clamp. The second arm confronts an upper surface of the support plate in generally parallel fashion to form a connector attachment at the second end of the clip. The connector attachment includes a second spring blade inclined downwardly toward the second bight and the support plate and a detent tang inclined upwardly toward the second bight and away from the second arm. The support plate has an anti tangle tongue inclined upwardly toward the second bight and the second arm.

In order to design a multipole electrical connector (1) with double locking of the contact portions (2) by a finger (7) engaging in the contact portion (2) and by a thrust element (10) which can be inserted laterally in a housing (3) of insulating material, in such a way that the housing (3) of insulating material and the contact portion (2) in the insertion region are protected against damage, the thrust element (10) consists of a locking comb (11) and a cover plate (12) which are connected to each other in one piece by integrally formed transverse webs (13).

A docking system is provided which utilizes the marine propulsion unit of a marine vessel, under the control of an engine control unit that receives command signals from a joystick or push button device, to respond to a maneuver command from the marine operator. The docking system does not require additional propulsion devices other than those normally used to operate the marine vessel under normal conditions. The docking or maneuvering system of the present invention uses two marine propulsion units to respond to an operator's command signal and allows the operator to select forward or reverse commands in combination with clockwise or counterclockwise rotational commands either in combination with each other or alone.

An improved sound producing device, to be attached to the frame of a bicycle adjacent the wheels, the device including a clamp member having a pair of clamp arms, each clamp arm including a head portion and a handle portion at opposite ends thereof. The sound producing device includes an attachment assembly to movably attach the clamp arms to one another at respective mid-sections thereof and to exert a biasing force on the clamp arms causing the clamp heads thereof to be drawn towards one another, requiring that a compressing force be exerted on the handle portions in order to pull the clamp heads apart when engaging or disengaging the device. Located in an interior of each of the clamp heads is a gripper insert which is formed of a high friction, deformable material such that the clamp member will not slip or rotate about the frame of the bicycle during use, and such that frames of varying dimensions may be completely engaged by the gripper inserts, thereby enabling rigid, yet flexible flaps protruding from a distal end of clamp arms to contact the moving spokes of the bicycle wheel resulting in the generation of a motor-like sound. The sound producing device of the present invention preferably also includes a card mounting assembly for permitting the flexible flaps to be readily replaced and/or interchanged with another.

A mastectomy bra is constructed with a built-in prosthetic device and includes at least one bra outer portion within which a breast-shaped prosthetic device of varying weight and composition is permanently adjusted. The single bra cup includes an outer fabric layer fully enclosing and supporting the prosthetic device, and the outer fabric layer includes a breast contoured portion and a body facing portion. The prosthetic device is formed in a natural shape of a woman's breast. The device is also constructed of a non-permeable, soft flexible outer shell layer within which is disposed the fluid-like material. An optional valve may be included for adding or removing fluid material from the bra cup for aesthetic adjustment of its size.

A drive power transmission apparatus including a torsionally deformable spring capable of being torsionally deformed so as to permit a relative rotation between a rotor element and a drive shaft in response to a change in a load torque appearing in a drive-power-receiving unit, a releasing element operable to move the free outer end of the torsionally deformable spring from the power transmitting face of the rotor element when the relative rotation between the rotor element and the drive shaft increases due to an increase in the load torque beyond a predetermined limiting torque, and a mechanical elevation arranged in the rotor element for permitting the free outer end of the torsionally deformable spring to ride thereon to thereby promote separation of the spiral spring from the rotor element in order to interrupt the transmission of drive power.

A vehicle provided with an engine 1 which generates a driving energy for the vehicle, planetary gears 4 and 6 comprising sun gears, planet gears and ring gears, motors 8 and 9 for respectively controlling the sun gears, and a clutch 14, the planet gears being connected to an input shaft driven by the engine and the ring gears connected to an output shaft for driving wheels, wherein gear ratios from the input shafts to the output shafts in the planetary gears 4 and 6 are set at a value different to each other. A stepless speed changing function which permits vehicular operation in a high engine efficiency region while minimizing an electrical energy loss is realized by a small-sized transmission using small-sized motors. The vehicle, which uses the transmission, can be operated in a high engine efficiency region while keeping an electrical energy loss to a minimum.

An infant care apparatus is provided that has easily removable side doors. The doors have hinges with bores and pie shaped openings extending outwardly from the bores. A bar secures the doors to the infant care apparatus and that bar has a plurality of grooves that readily pass through the pie shaped openings. The diameter of the bar is such as to snugly fit within the bore and be held therein. The bar is movable with respect to the door hinges so that the bar can be moved from one position where the bar is fitted within the bores to sturdily affix the door to the infant apparatus and to another position where the grooves are aligned with the bores and where the door can be detached and reattached by sliding the grooves through the pie shaped openings. In the preferred embodiment, the bar is spring biased along its axis so that it can be moved in either direction along its axis to allow the door to be removed and reattached.

The present disclosure describes a method of determining the onset of osteoporosis by measuring the vibrational response of the musculoskeletal system. Risk of fracture of bones due to osteoporosis is mainly determined by three risk factors: muscle strength, bone mass, and postural stability. Because these three risk factors for fractures are interrelated and dependent on muscle function, they can be determined by quantifying physiologic vibration non-invasively using a low-mass accelerometer placed at an appropriate muscle belly. Muscle vibrations are produced by force fluctuations of unfused motor units during contraction and are expressed by the lateral expansion of muscle fibers. Muscle vibrational characteristics span a broad (0-100 Hz) frequency regime, directly reflecting the force provided by the muscle fibers being utilized and the nature of the dynamic mechanical milieu experienced by the skeleton during postural or locomotory muscle activity. In addition vibrational information below 5 Hz has been shown to correspond to postural instability. Also, a specific frequency component of the muscle vibration spectrum (25-50 Hz) has now been shown to represent the contribution of fast-oxidative fibers which are well correlated to the bone mineral density of humans. Thus, all three of the major risk factors of fracture are measured by a simple measurement of the musculoskeletal vibration spectrum using physiologic vibration quantification.

An intramedullary fracture fixation device is provided which includes an intramedullary rod, a lag screw and a lag screw collar. The rod has a proximal end with a transverse bore extending therethrough. The lag screw has a distal end with coarse bone engaging thread elements and a proximal end with screw threads. When in use, the lag screw is substantially axially aligned with the transverse bore of the rod. The lag screw collar has an outer diameter sized to rotatably fit within the transverse bore of the rod. The collar also has an inner diameter and internal screw threads adapted to cooperate with the screw threads of the proximal end of the lag screw. The lag screw collar may have an increased outer diameter at one end thereof which is at least slightly larger than a diameter of the transverse bore of the rod. The device preferably includes a longitudinal bore which extends through the proximal end of the rod so as to open into the transverse bore. The longitudinal bore is preferably angularly offset with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal end of the rod. The device also preferably includes a set screw which is adapted to be secured within the longitudinal bore of the rod with a distal end thereof extending at least partially into the transverse bore of the rod so as to engage the collar when the collar is disposed within the transverse bore.

A bone plate for treating fractures of the calcaneal bone is characterized in that it is adapted to the physical shape of the bone surface and has compression screw bores (6). In a preferred embodiment, the bone plate has a T-shape, and transverse offset projections arranged at one end of a longitudinal portion with further transverse portions at the other end. The plate is arched along the center axis in a portion from halfway to two thirds of a distance from the first end to the second end, and the offset and transverse projections are arched about an axis running substantially parallel to the longitudinal portion.

Suitable phthalocyanine compounds of Formula (1) have utility as colorants in inks for ink-jet printing, where Formula (1) represents: ##STR1## which comprises any form of the compound: such as salt; stereoisomer, zwitterion, polymorph, complex, isotopic form, combinations thereof in the same species and mixtures thereof; where: PA1 M represents a metal or H; PA1 Pc represents a phthalocyanine nucleus of Formula (2): ##STR2## PA0 L represents a linking group comprising an optionally substituted C.sub.1-30 hydrocarbyl; PA0 A represents a group comprising at least one of: amino and optionally substituted C.sub.1-30 hydrocarbyl comprising at least one protonable nitrogen atom; but where A comprises other than an alkyl group substituted by at least one of: hydroxy, carboxy and sulpho; PA0 R.sup.1 represents a group independently comprising at least one of: an optional substituent and optionally substituted C.sub.1-5 hydrocarbyl; PA0 z represents an integer from 0 to 4; w represents an integer from 1 to 5; and the sum of w+z is from 1 to 5; and PA0 x and y each independently represent a non-zero number; and the mean of the sum of x+y is from about 1 to about 6; where the optional substituents comprise at least one of: carboxy, sulpho, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, cyano, nitro and halo.

Tantalum(V) oxide may be nitrided with ammonia at 700 to 1250.degree. C. to yield tantalum(V) nitride. According to the invention, nitriding and consequently pigment quality are improved by adding at least one pulverulent oxide from the series SiO.sub.2, GeO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2 and HfO.sub.2 or a pulverulent precursor of such an oxide in a quantity of at least 0.1 wt. %, calculated as oxide, to the tantalum(V) oxide to be nitrided and then nitriding the powder mixture.

Condensation polymers, such as polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, can be combined with polysiloxanes in a single molecule to provide several potential benefits, depending upon the specific combination employed, including: (a) wet strength resins that soften; (b) softeners that do not reduce dry or wet tensile strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry tensile ratio; (d) softeners/debonders with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) wet strength aids with controlled absorbency rate; and (f) Yankee dryer additives that provide surface protection and adhesion with controlled release properties.

An electrolyte cell includes a membrane (114) supporting frame (104) which having an aperture (180) having a stepped sidewall, including a peripheral sealing ledge (182) in which is set a seal (184), a membrane (114) whose periphery is urged against the seal (114) by a subframe (202) mounted in the aperture (180), the sub-frame (202) being provided with vertically extending stand-offs (218) at each corner so as to define a cavity partially bounded by the frame (104) and sub-frame (202) at the top of bottom of the aperture (180), the top and bottom edges of the sub-frame (202) being provided with a plurality of through-holes (216).

A hollow cathode magnetron for sputtering target material from the inner surface of a target onto an off-spaced substrate. The magnetron is in the shape of a truncated cone, also known as a conical frustum. The target cone is backed by a conical cathode maintained at a predetermined voltage for attracting gas ions into the inner surface of the target cone to sputter material therefrom. The inner surface of the cone is bounded at its inner and outer edges by magnetic pole pieces orthogonal to and extending inwardly and outwardly of the cone surface. The magnetic path is completed by a conical magnet surrounding the target and conical electrode and magnetically connected to the pole pieces to form a magnetic cage. Lines of magnetic flux extending above the target surface between the pole pieces are substantially parallel with the target surface, providing uniform erosion over the entire surface. Preferably, the conical magnet is tapered so that some lines of magnetic flux terminate in the target surface, maintaining thereby a uniform flux density and consequent uniform erosional intensity over all portions of the surface of the target. Sputter coatings on planar-targets can achieve a real thickness nonuniformities of less than +/-0.2%.

An oral antiplaque composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle and an effective antiplaque amount of 4-alkoxy substituted 2-hydroxy benzophenone compound having the following formula: ##STR1## where X, Y, X' and Y' represent hydrogen, and lower straight chain or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radicals, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyls and R represents lower C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkoxy radicals.

A washable non-toxic body paint material is formed using two different weight polyethylene glycol waxes together with stearic acid, calcium carbonate, talc, titanium dioxide, guar gum, a preservative and a colorant. The material is formed by initially mixing dry granular form ingredients at room temperature. Once mixed, the material is subjected to a melt at approximately one hundred fifty degrees centigrade to form a paste which is poured within a mold to cool forming a dry cake. A moistened applicator activates the dry cake for use in body painting or other activities.

A method of improving an adhesive article, such tape, a label or repositionable paper, containing a paper facestock layer and an adhesive layer is disclosed. The adhesive layer contains a pressure sensitive adhesive and voided latex particles. The incorporation of the voided latex particles into the adhesive layer provides opacity and improves shear strength, without unacceptably compromising the tack and peel adhesion properties of the adhesive layer and without causing wear to processing equipment relative to conventional fillers.

A biodegradable complex fiber which retains excellent biodegradability and hydrolyzability and has high strength and high melting temperature suitable for practical use and a method for producing the biodegradable complex fiber are provided. The biodegradable complex fiber comprises at least one polymer material selected from the group consisting of a polyglycolic acid, a poly(glycolic acid-co-lactic acid) and polylactic acid as a core component or as a shell component and a polymer material of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) groups or a polymer material of an aliphatic polyester consisting of a dibasic acid and a diol as a shell component or as a core component. The method comprises producing the biodegradable complex fiber by melt spinning.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an improved sliding member is provided that has a sliding surface and a deposition layer formed on the sliding surface by means of an ion-plating method, where the deposition layer is composed mainly of CrN. The improvement comprises the CrN which has a preferred orientation of the plane {110}, where the deposition layer contains boron at a containing ratio not less than 0.05 and not more than 20 weight percent. According to another embodiment of the present invention, an improved sliding member is provided that has a sliding surface and a deposition layer formed on the sliding surface by means of an ion-plating method, where the deposition layer is composed mainly of CrN. The improvement comprises the CrN which has a preferred orientation of the plane {110}, where the deposition layer contains boron, at a containing ratio not less than 0.05 and not more than 20 weight percent, and either one or both of oxygen and carbon, at a containing ratio of the either one of oxygen and carbon, or a total containing ratio of both oxygen and carbon, not more than 15 weight percent, respectively. With an improved sliding member obtained by the arrangement as above, according to the present invention, enhanced abrasion resistance and scuffing resistance are obtained that are better than those of the conventional sliding members having an ion-plating deposition layer not containing boron, with the CrN having the preferred orientation of the plane {110}, while maintaining the peeling resistance as excellent as with conventional sliding members having an ion-plating deposition layer not containing boron, with the CrN having the preferred orientation of the plane {110}.

A process of forming a single color, ablation image having a D-max, or unexposed area, D-min and D-intermediate, comprising imagewise-heating, by means of a laser in the absence of a separate receiving element, an ablative recording element comprising a support having thereon, in order, a barrier layer having UV density and a colorant layer comprising a colorant dispersed in a polymeric binder, the colorant layer having an infrared-absorbing material associated therewith, the laser exposure taking place through the colorant side of the element, PA1 a) the laser exposure used to obtain the D-intermediate density is such that the colorant layer in that area is substantially removed but substantially none of the barrier layer in that area is removed, so that the characteristic density vs. decreasing exposure curve of the ablative recording element has a plateau at the D-intermediate density, and PA1 b) the laser exposure used to obtain the D-min density is such that both the colorant layer and the barrier in that area are substantially removed.

An arylidene compound is represented by the formula (I). ##STR1## Each of L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 independently is a divalent aliphatic group, a divalent aromatic group or a divalent heterocyclic group. L.sup.3 is trimethine, pentamethine or heptamethine. Y is .dbd.O, .dbd.S or .dbd.N--R.sup.10. R.sup.1 is hydrogen, a halogen atom, cyano, nitro, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, --O--R.sup.11, --S--R.sup.12, --CO--O--R.sup.13, --O--CO--R.sup.14, --NR.sup.15 R.sup.16, --CO--NR.sup.17 R.sup.18, --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.19 or --SO.sub.2 --NR.sup.20 R.sup.21. Each of R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 independently is hydrogen, a halogen atom, cyano, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, --O--R.sup.22, --CO--R.sup.23, --CO--O--R.sup.24, --NR.sup.25 R.sup.26, --NHCO--R.sup.27, --NH--CO--O--R.sup.28, --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.29 or --NH--SO.sub.2 --R.sup.30. Each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently is hydrogen, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, --CO--R.sup.31 or --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.32. An azomethine compound and silver halide photographic materials are also disclosed.

A thermally developable photosensitive material is disclosed, comprising a support having thereon an image forming layer containing an organic silver salt and optionally provided on the side of the image forming layer, a component layer, at least one of the image forming layer and the component containing photosensitive silver halide grains and the photosensitive material exhibiting a silver potential of not more than 200 mV.

Methods and kits for labeling nucleic acids are provided. In the subject methods, an oligonucleotide tagged nucleic acid comprising an oligonucleotide tag is first generated. The oligonucleotide tagged nucleic acid is then contacted under hybridization conditions with a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to the oligonucleotide tag, yielding a labeled nucleic acid. The kits of the subject invention at least include a primer for use in enzymatically generating an oligonucleotide tagged target nucleic acid, where the primer generally at least includes an oligo dT region and the oligonucleotide tag, and a labeled oligonucleotide complementary to the oligonucleotide tag. The subject methods and kits find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in gene expression analysis applications.

Improved artificial diets or growth media are described which are suitable for rearing large numbers of viable and biologically fit arthropods, including zoophagous arthropods and phytophagous arthropods, including facultatively zoophagous arthropods. In a first embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a mixture of cooked egg, liquid, and carbohydrate source. In a second embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a plant-based phytophage diet which includes cooked egg yolk or cooked whole egg. In a third embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a mixture of cooked egg, liquid, and carbohydrate source in admixture with a plant-based phytophage diet which includes cooked egg yolk or cooked whole egg. The growth media are devoid of meat products or insect components and are suitable for mass production of arthropods at a reasonable cost for use in biological control programs or other biologically based technologies.

Sidewall spacers comprised of a second polycrystalline silicon film are formed on the sides of a first polycrystalline silicon film in such a way that a relationship of b.ltoreq.a=x Status Category:
Patent Expired Due to NonPayment of Maintenance Fees Under 37 CFR 1.362

Generation of low work function, stable compound thin films by laser ablation. Compound thin films with low work function can be synthesized by simultaneously laser ablating silicon, for example, and thermal evaporating an alkali metal into an oxygen environment. For example, the compound thin film may be composed of Si/Cs/O. The work functions of the thin films can be varied by changing the silicon/alkali metal/oxygen ratio. Low work functions of the compound thin films deposited on silicon substrates were confirmed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The compound thin films are stable up to 500.degree. C. as measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Tests have established that for certain chemical compositions and annealing temperatures of the compound thin films, negative electron affinity (NEA) was detected. The low work function, stable compound thin films can be utilized in solar cells, field emission flat panel displays, electron guns, and cold cathode electron guns.

An object of the invention is to remove organic materials and metal impurities on a silicon-based semiconductor substrate while preventing regrowth of a natural oxide film and thermal diffusion of the metal impurities from occurring. In order to achieve the object, H.sub.2 gas that can maintain a reductive atmosphere is consistently used, as a carrier gas, through a whole process, the organic materials in attachment is decomposed by HF gas and the metal impurities are transformed into metal chlorides by HCl gas. In any of treatments, since products whose vapor pressures are higher than those of respective starting materials are obtained, the products are respectively vaporized in a H.sub.2 gas atmosphere at higher temperatures than those at which the decomposition and the transformation are performed. The whole process can be performed in a low temperature range whose upper limit is 1000.degree. C. or lower. In a case where the impurities attach to an oxide film, the oxide film can be removed by HF gas treatment, in a preceding step of a process described above, in the temperature range of lower than 100.degree. C. in which water adsorbed on or occluded in the oxide film can be retained, and in the case, if the HF treatment or the HCl treatment is performed from the initial stage of a process at a temperature of 100.degree. C. or higher with no preceding step, the oxide film can be retained.

Process for the preparation of ammonia from ammonia synthesis gas by contacting the synthesis gas with a bimetallic catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal combined with a Group VIB metal at conditions being effective in the formation of ammonia, wherein the bimetallic catalyst is in its nitride form during contact with the synthesis gas.

A method of combating phytopathogenic diseases on crop plants which comprises applying to the crop plants or the locus thereof being infested with said phytopathogenic disease an effective amount of a combination of PA0 a) a 2-(5-phenyl-3,6-diaza-2,7-dioxa-octa-3,5-dienyl)phenylacrylamide of formula I ##STR1## wherein PA1 R.sub.1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro, PA1 R.sub.2 is methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyano, fluoro, chloro or bromo, with the proviso that R.sub.2 cannot be fluoro, chloro or bromo, when R.sub.1 is hydrogen; in association with PA0 b) a broad variety of otherplant fungicides is particularly effective in combating or preventing fungal diseases of crop plants. These combinations exhibit synergistic fungicidal activity.

A product for providing anti-static and scent to clothes being laundered in a dryer has a plurality of beads, or pearls, of a polymer composition impregnated with anti-static agents and perfume contained in a mesh bag. The bag and pearls are placed in a clothes dryer with clothing being dried. The anti-static agents and perfume are transmitted to the clothing during the drying cycle. The pearls are composed of a mixture of polypropylene and polyethylene. A whitening agent, such as titanium dioxide, a blowing agent and coloring can all be added to the pearls.

Substituted heterocycles of the general structural formula: ##STR1## are tachykinin receptor antagonists useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, pain or migraine, asthma and emesis, and calcium channel blockers useful in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions such as angina, hypertension or ischemia.

A 3-anilino-2-cycloalkenone derivative of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein, R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl group, which may have a substituent, except for a methyl group, a C.sub.3 to C.sub.7 cycloalkyl group, a 3-tetrahydrofuryl group, an 2-indanyl group, etc., R.sub.2 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group, R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.3 to C.sub.7 alkyl group, which may have a substituent, a C.sub.3 to C.sub.7 cycloalkyl group, etc., R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group, which may have a substituent, a halogen atom, etc., R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, and R.sub.8 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group, which may have a substituent, etc., X represents --(CR.sub.11 R.sub.12).sub.n --, wherein n is 0 to 2, R.sub.11 and R.sub.12 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group, which may have a substituent, etc. or --NR.sub.13 -- wherein R.sub.13 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group, which may have a substituent, and its optical isomers or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or their hydrates or solvates.

Mammalian hair growth is reduced by applying to the skin a composition that increases cellular ceramide levels.

A compound of formula I containing at least one ring nitrogen: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable base or acid addition salt, prodrug, metabolite, optical isomer or stereoisomer thereof.

A quinolizine carboxylic acid derivative of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the same meanings the as defined in the specification.

Compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2, Q.sup.3, Q.sup.4 and Q.sup.5 have any of the meanings given in the specification, their N-oxides, and their pharmacuetically acceptable salts are nonpeptide antagonists NKA, useful for the treatment of asthma, etc. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, processes for preparing the compounds of formula I and intermediates.

Novel benzimidazole derivatives of the formula ##STR1## in which PA1 R.sup.1, R.sup.2, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3, X.sup.4 and Y are each as defined in the description, PA2 and acid addition salts and metal salt complexes thereof, a process for preparing these compounds and their use as microbicides in crop protection and in the protection of materials.

The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating skin disorders using flavonoid compounds. The present invention also relates to methods for regulating skin condition.

The present invention provides an acetone adduct of V-28-3M to be used as an intermediate for producing V-28-3M which is useful as a fungicide, a process for producing it and a process for purifying V-28-3M. When crude V-28-3M is dissolved in acetone, an acetone adduct of V-28-3M is to remarkably improve the crystallization rate and, accordingly, also to remarkably improve the purity. The obtained acetone adduct can be easily hydrolyzed to obtain pure V-28-3M.

Compounds having the formula ##STR1## are matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. Also disclosed are matrix metalloproteinase-inhibiting compositions and methods of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase in a mammal.

An olefin (co)polymer composition of the present invention comprises 99 to 70 wt. % of olefin (co)polymer (I) and 1 to 30 wt. % of polyethylene-based polymer (II). The olefin (co)polymer (I) comprises 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight of high molecular weight polyethylene (a) having an intrinsic viscosity .eta..sub.A measured in tetralin at 135.degree. C. of 15 to 100 dl/g, which is an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene-olefin copolymer comprising at least 50 wt. % of ethylene polymerization units, and 100 parts by weight of olefin (co)polymer (b) other than the high molecular weight polyethylene. The polyethylene-based polymer (II) has an intrinsic viscosity .eta..sub.II measured in tetralin at 135.degree. C. of 0.10 to 10 dl/g, which is an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene copolymer comprising at least 50 wt. % of ethylene polymerization units. Thus, the present invention provides a polypropylene-based olefin (co)polymer composition having excellent formability that is suitable for thermoforming such as vacuum forming and pressure forming, blow molding and foam molding, especially suitable for thermoforming.

A process of synthesizing a carbapenem compound of formula 6: ##STR1## is disclosed using a compound of formula 4': ##STR2## The intermediate compounds that are described herein are also included in the present invention.

The present invention provides compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## as well as methods and pharmaceutical compositions utilizing these compounds for the inducement of temporary delay of urination or the treatment of disorders which may be remedied or alleviated by vasopressin agonist activity, including diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, urinary incontinence, bleeding and coagulation disorders.

A process for preparing alkoxypyrazine derivatives of the general formula: ##STR1## These alkoxypyrazine derivatives are obtained by reacting a glyoxal derivative of the general formula: ##STR2## and an amlinoimidate of the general formula: ##STR3## The alkoxypyrazine derivatives are important intermediates for preparing pharmaceutically active compounds.

This invention discloses and claims novel intermediates and procedures for the synthesis of camptothecin derivatives, such as irinotecan, and other compounds related to the synthesis of CPT-11. Related procedures and compounds are also disclosed, such as a novel method of making mappicine.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## PA1 where the symbols have the meaning defined in the specification, have retinoid, retinois antagonist or retinoid inverse agonist type biological activity.

Anilines which contain fluorine in a side chain are prepared by reacting chlorinated aromatic compounds with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst and optionally water at 200 to 280.degree. C. Some of the trifluoromethoxy-anilines which may be prepared in this way are new compounds.

A switch device, includes a casing having an inlet opening for introduction of a conductive cable, having at least two conductors and an insulating sheath. The casing has an open end which is closeable by a lid. Received in the interior of the casing are contact members having terminals which point in the direction of the lid, for penetration through the insulating sheath of the cable and contacting the conductors. A pressure pad is secured interiorly on the lid in an area of contact-making between the contact members and the conductors, for exerting a pressure onto the cable, whereby the pressure pad so projects into the interior of the casing as to firmly press the cable onto the contact members via the connected terminals, when the lid is closed.

A brushless motor comprises a parts protecting case; a drive shaft rotatable about its axis relative to the parts protecting case; a fixed housing for rotatably holding therein the drive shaft; a stator tightly held by the fixed housing; a shock absorbing unit interposed between the fixed housing and the parts protecting case to suppress transmission of vibration of the fixed housing to the parts protecting case; a yoke connected to the drive shaft to rotate therewith; and a plurality of magnets held by the yoke. The yoke has a vibration damping structure to suppress or at least minimize transmission of vibration of the yoke to the drive shaft.

A crystal support structure and oscillator package for ovenized oscillators that has improved thermal isolation of the crystal. The support has a glass tubular wall with helical coils. Airgaps are formed circumferentially around the wall. A conductive metal layer is located over the surface of the wall. One end of the wall is supporting and electrically connected to a crystal resonator. Another end of the wall is attached to and electrically connected to a substrate. The crystal support forms an electrical path between the crystal resonator and the substrate and thermally isolates the crystal resonator from the substrate.

The present invention provides a method of driving an AC plasma display comprising the steps of: at least any one of applying a first type priming pulse with a positive polarity having a gentle rise to a scanning electrode and applying a second type priming pulse with a negative polarity having a gentle fall to a sustaining electrode; at least any one of applying the sustaining electrode with a first charge adjustment pulse with a positive polarity having a gentle rise as an erasing pulse for reducing wall charges formed on the sustaining electrode by priming, and applying the scanning electrode with a second charge adjustment pulse with a negative polarity having a gentle fall as an erasing pulse for reducing wall charges formed on the scanning electrode by priming; applying a scanning pulse with a negative polarity onto the scanning electrode and a data pulse with a positive polarity onto a data electrode so as to erase the wall charges of a selected cell; at least any one of applying a first erasing pulse with a positive polarity having a gentle rise to the scanning electrode and applying a second erasing pulse with a negative polarity having a gentle fall to the sustaining electrode so as to erase positive charges adhered on the scanning electrode upon erasing the wall charges of the selected cell; and sustaining a luminescence during a sustaining time period at unerased parts.

An electronic circuit providing independent operation and application of instant start voltages to each of a plurality of lamps. In a first embodiment, a circuit includes inductively coupled first and second inductive elements disposed on a single bobbin. A capacitive element is coupled between the first and second inductive elements to allow the inductively coupled inductive elements to operate independently when a lamp is removed from the circuit. A steady state strike voltage is generated at the lamp terminals from which a lamp has been removed. In another embodiment, a circuit includes a first circuit path including a first inductive element coupled to a first lamp and a second circuit including a second inductive element coupled to a second lamp. The first and second inductive elements are inductively coupled to effectively cancel flux generated while the first and second lamps are energized. When one of the lamps is removed, flux is no longer canceled so that a strike voltage is generated at the lamp terminals from which the lamp was removed.

Display system comprising a number of lamp holders which each have a local control unit and which are suitable for holding and connecting to the local control unit a lamp, the local control units of the various lamp holders being connected to a common conductor bundle to which a central control unit and a supply unit are also connected. Each local control unit contains an address. If a local control unit receives a message containing the address of the local control unit from the conductor bundle it responds, depending on any other content of the message, for optionally activating the associated lamp, for optionally changing the address and for sending back a message which specifies the conducting state between connections for the lamp.

A circuit and method for controlling a rotating machine (11) in the constant horsepower range above base speed uses an inverter (15) having SCR's (T1-T6) connected in series with the primary commutation switches (Q1-Q6) to control turn off of the primary commutation switches and to protect the primary commutation switches from faults. The primary commutation switches (Q1-Q6) are controlled by a controller (14), to fire in advance or after a time when the back emf equals the applied voltage, and then to turn off after a precise dwell time, such that suitable power is developed at speeds up to at least six times base speed.

The invention relates to a circuit for correcting variation in voltage. A voltage variation correction in this invention has an output terminal for outputting a given voltage, a transistor connected between a power supply voltage and the output terminal, a capacitor connected between a control electrode of the transistor and the output terminal and a resistor connected between the control electrode of the transistor and the power supply voltage.

A sample stream having a fixed sampling rate, representing a filtered version of an input symbol stream is produced by a pulse shaping and resampling device of the present invention. The pulse shaping/resampling device can be used as part of a digital modulator. In order to accommodate a wide range of ("variable") input baud rates, as part of the pulse shaping/resampling device, a filter having an integral upsampling ratio is used, followed by a resampler circuit having a finely adjustable resampling ratio. The resampler provides an average output rate equal to the desired fixed sampling rate. In various embodiments it is followed by a buffer, which smoothes the output to provide a uniform output rate equal to the desired fixed sampling rate. The pulse shaping/resampling circuit of the present invention may be used in place of a known pulse shaping circuit in a modulator to produce a modulator capable of supporting a wide range of input signal rates.

A pressure-sensing switch assembly has an electrical region and a gasoline vapor system pressure region separated by a vapor and liquid impermeable wall, without sealing or flexible membrane devices. An electrical reed switch is adjustably mounted on a flexure arm at one side of the wall and a magnet is mounted to a pivoting carrier at an opposite side of the wall. The magnet moves in response to vapor pressure in the gasoline vapor system pressure region acting on a diaphragm. The magnetic field acts through the wall to open or close the reed switch at predetermined vacuum or pressure differential conditions.

Identification tags (22) are secured to objects (20) moving upon a transport band (16). The identification tags (22) each contain a transponder circuit (32) in electrical communication with transponder antennae (30, 31). The transponder circuit (32) contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the object (20). When the identification tag (22) is located beneath the object (20), at least one reader antenna (25) is positioned beneath the transport band (16) and in alignment with a selected aperture (34) extending through a support plate (12). One or more apertures (34) in alignment with the reader antenna (25) provide capacitive coupling between the transponder antennae (30, 31) and the reader antenna (25). The reader circuit (28) generates a signal in the presence of an identification tag (22), which is transmitted to the transponder antenna (30) located on the identification tag (22). The signal energizes the transponder circuit (32), which sends a transponder signal via the transponder antenna (30) back to the reader antenna (25). The reader circuit (28) demodulates the transponder signal to identify the data.

A temperature determining apparatus produces a predetermined reference voltage from an operating voltage supplied thereto from the outside, divides the reference voltage with a pair of resistance values having different temperature-resistance characteristics to produce a first divided voltage and divides the reference voltage with a pair of resistance values having the same temperature-resistance characteristic to produce a second divided voltage, and compares the first and second divided voltages to determine a threshold temperature. Since the reference voltage is constant as long as an ambient temperature is not changed even when the operating voltage is changed, the first and second divided voltages are not changed depending on the operating voltage, thereby allowing the determination of an ambient temperature with favorable accuracy in a wide range of operating voltages.

Signal-folding converters which establish two so-called fold analogue signals, whose curves of variation as a function of a voltage Vin to be converted cross over at multiple points. The architecture establishes n pairs of voltages varying with Vin and crossing over for regularly distributed values Vin=V.sub.k. At least two current routing circuits are provided, each of which possesses at least three pairs of inputs and at least two outputs including a direct output and an inverse output. The direct outputs, linked together, provide a folded signal SR; the inverse outputs provide a complementary folded signal SRb. Each routing circuit receives three voltage pairs of rank k-1, k, and k+1 and includes a current source supplying a group of branches arranged as a tree-like structure. The apportioning of the current in each branchoff depends on the voltage pairs of rank k-1, k, and k+1, and the direct and inverse outputs of the circuit are tapped respectively from two different branches of the last stage of the tree-like structure.

An optical transmission and receiving module includes a light source; a light receiving element; and a light branching element for causing signal light from the light source to be incident on an optical fiber and causing signal light output from the optical fiber to be incident on the light receiving element. The light branching element includes a prism array including a plurality of triangular prisms arranged at substantially an identical pitch on a plane extending substantially perpendicular to an imaginary line connecting the light source and the light receiving element.

A method is designed to adjust the distance between the central axes of two ocular lenses of an optical instrument. The method involves the use of a link mechanism to actuate two movable prisms and the two ocular lenses of the optical instrument to move respectively along a base surface such that the optical axes of effective diameters of the two movable prisms are coaxial with the optical axes of the corresponding ocular lenses.

A zoom viewfinder device has a viewfinder body. Two movable lenses are accommodated in the viewfinder body. A lens moving mechanism drives the movable lenses in the viewfinder body. A rectilinear guiding mechanism guides movement of each movable lens in an optical axis direction thereof. In the rectilinear guiding mechanism, a rectilinear guiding groove is formed in the viewfinder body, extended in the optical axis direction. A follower projection is formed with a periphery of the movable lens, for contacting the rectilinear guiding groove to slide along the rectilinear guiding groove. A one-side positioning rod keeps the follower projection pressed on the rectilinear guiding groove by pushing the movable lens in a direction crosswise to the optical axis direction, for absorbing play of the movable lens relative to the optical axis direction.

A circuit for providing an output voltage for a DRAM word line which can be used to drive memory word lines which can be as high as 2V.sub.dd. Transistors in a boosting circuit are fully switched, eliminating the reduction of the boosting voltage by V.sub.tn as in the prior art. The boosting capacitors are charged by V.sub.dd, thus eliminating drift tracking problems associated with clock boosting sources and V.sub.dd. A regulator detects conduction current of a replica of a memory cell access transistor, shutting off the boosting circuit clock oscillator when the correct voltage to operate the access transistor has been reached.

Where the same data is stored for an extended period of time, the possibility exists of unwanted burning in of the data which would allow undesired recovery of erased data even after it has been over-written or the memory has been powered down. The memory contents are therefore periodically rewritten in the inverse of their former state, either to the same location in which they were previously stored, or elsewhere. Inversion may be performed in an invert cycle during which address decoders driven by a high speed oscillator read each cell and write back its contents inverted. On completion of a cycle, a latch may indicate whether the stored data is in a true or complement form. The latch may control programmable invertors so that cells are always read or written correctly, regardless of whether data happens to be in true or complement form.

A row address circuit of a semiconductor memory device includes a signal generator that generates a pulse in an enable signal for an output circuit that provides a decoded address. The pulse has a first edge that is delayed relative to a corresponding first edge of a refresh count signal and a second edge that precedes a corresponding second edge of the count signal. Accordingly, the enable signal prevents changes in the output signal that could otherwise result from input of an external address during a refresh operation. Therefore, the present invention can prevent an invalid address by cutting off a predecoder before a transition of a refresh count signal to prohibit a change of a predecoded output.

Transmitting/receiving apparatuses are installed in a base station and a mobile station, respectively, to perform mutual transmission and reception by using a plurality of spreading codes. The transmitting/receiving apparatus installed in the base station has a block for designating to the mobile station the kind and the number of spreading codes used in a reverse link from the mobile station to the base station through a forward link at the time that communication with the mobile station is started. The transmitting/receiving apparatus installed in the mobile station has a block for transmitting a signal to the base station by using spreading codes of the designated kind and number. The transmitting/receiving apparatus installed in the base station further has a block for detecting receiving quality values of the signal transmitted from the mobile station with respect to individual spreading codes used in the mobile station, a block for deciding whether or not the detected receiving quality values exceed a prescribed quality value, and a block for finally setting the kind and number of spreading codes to be used in the reverse link on the basis of the spreading codes for which the detected receiving quality values are determined to exceed the prescribed quality value.

A printing device has a developing unit 11 provided with an OPC drum for carrying out a printing, a toner feeding motor for feeding a toner into the developing unit, and a paper carrying motor for carrying paper to the OPC drum. A toner quantity detecting sensor detects a toner quantity in the developing unit every page as a detected toner quantity and supplies the detected toner quantity as a detected voltage to a control section. When a difference voltage between a predetermined reference voltage and the detected voltage is greater than a predetermined threshold level, the control section selectively stops the paper carrying motor during a stopping time duration determined on the basis of the detected voltage. Furthermore, the control section selectively drives the toner feeding motor during a driving time duration determined in accordance with the detected voltage.

Music related information is transmitted to a user over a mobile telephone network, and the user can select a desired music program based on a display listing transmitted from the base station. The transmission speed of the transmitted data is checked and if the transmission speed is below a predetermined rate a data stream is generated every predetermined time with a portion of the music data being left out, so that a listenable audio signal can be produced based on this generated data stream.

In driving a motor vehicle in accordance with a control plan, the influence of the inclination of a road is recognized so as to realize an accurate control. The position and speed of a vehicle after a predetermined time period as estimated on the basis of the detection of magnetic nails, are estimated by a first processing portion, while the control plan of the vehicle (the correlation between the position and speed of the vehicle) is determined by a control plan processing portion on the basis of information received from a leakage coaxial cable. The deviations between the control plan and the estimated position and speed of the vehicle are calculated, and these deviations are further multiplied by gains Kx and Ku in a control plan converting portion so as to calculate a target acceleration. A throttle and a brake are controlled on the basis of the target acceleration, whereby the vehicle is driven in conformity with the controls. A correction device corrects the target acceleration in order to eliminate the influence of the inclination of a road.

A centralized automated apparatus for lending institutions to initiate, report and confirm insurance coverage on buildings used as collateral for construction loans under a single builder's risk policy provided by an insurance provider with the lending institution named as the named insured and the borrower/builder named as additional insured. Coverage rates are computed for construction loans added to the system by the lending institution using rate information provided by the insurance provider. Premium payments are transferred from the lending institution to the insurance provider for active loans from escrowed construction loan proceeds. The apparatus provides management reports for the lending institution and the insurance provider of new loans, active loans, funds transfers for reconcilation, premium payments and repayments for closed loans, and loss evaluations. A method of centrally providing collateral coverage for construction loans from a lending institution to builders under a single policy from an insurance provider is disclosed.

The invention provides a volatile or non-volatile memory and a latching circuit wherein data held in a first memory location is used to address the next memory location, in addition to providing a synchronous portion of the code. Accordingly, the data at the next memory address is used as a succeeding address and a subsequent portion of the code. The data is organized to repeat when the data stored in the address location is equal to the starting address.

A thumb shielding device for protecting a user's thumbs from nicks and cuts when the user is preparing foods with sharp kitchen utensils. The thumb shielding device includes a substantially cut-proof planar member. The planar member has a ridged central portion and a pair of malleable flaps. Each flap extends outward from an associated side of the central portion. The flaps are designed to bend around a thumb of a user thereby securing the planar member around the user's thumb. In addition, the thumb shielding device may comprise a generally cylindrical substantially cut-proof sheath that is designed to snugly cover a thumb of a user. The sheath has an open end, a closed end, and an interior. A lining is coupled to the interior of the sheath for facilitating engagement of the sheath to the thumb of the user.

A clip assembly for joining two matching socks to prevent the matching socks from being separated when laundered or stored includes a pair of panels each of which are attached to the exterior surface of a sock. The panels include mating tongues and grooves allowing the panels to be quickly and conveniently joined by sliding the tongues on each panel into the grooves on the other. The assembly also includes an ornament display panel having tongues and grooves on an inwardly facing side for interengaging the tongues and grooves on either panel allowing a user to display ornaments on the socks while the socks are being worn.

A cover for a helmet includes a covering portion having side portions, a top portion, a lower elastic edge, and means for attaching the covering portion to the helmet. A covered helmet assembly includes a beanie-type motorcycle helmet with a removable, mating covering portion. The covering portion includes side portions and a top portion, and a lower, elastic edge. The covering portion further includes three female snap fastener portions on a front, interior surface thereof, spaced and adapted to mate with three similarly-positioned male snap fastener portions on a front, exterior surface of the motorcycle helmet. The covering portion also includes a selectively-releasable, mating hook and loop fabric patch pair wherein the loop portion is located on the covering portion's rear, interior surface and the hook portion is located on the helmet's rear, exterior surface. A visored, covered helmet assembly includes a helmet, a covering portion and a visor. The visor includes a horizontally-projecting peak, and a generally vertical flange. The flange includes an inner surface with three female snap fastener portions adapted to mate with the three male snap fastener portions on the helmet's front, exterior surface. The flange also includes three male snap fastener portions on its outer surface, adapted to mate with the three female snap fastener portions on the covering portion's front, interior surface.

An articulated foam mattress including a back section and a seat section joined to each other by a hinge section. Both the back section and the seat section are formed from polyurethane foam. The hinge section is formed from visco-elastic foam, commonly referred to as memory foam. The visco-elastic foam hinge section retains its compressed condition as the mattress is folded from the upright position to the seating position. The visco-elastic foam of the hinge section reduces the reflex properties of the mattress to reduce the urge of the mattress to slide off of the furniture frame.

A method of making a slipper from a rectangular blank of terry cloth, a strip of rectangular lace and an elastic strip.

The present invention "A Comb for Removing Debris on Carpet" is a hand held tool that will comb debris such as pine needles or other debris left lying on carpet or embedded in carpet into a pile for easy pick-up. This tool consists of a body, a handle, and a plurality of plates that are spaced, varying in height, and extended the entire length of the body. These plates extend upward into parallel grooves cut into the underside of the body and are permanently attached there. These plates also extend downward from the body and have a plurality of teen that are distal from the body deposed on the edge of each plate. The teeth are in a saw-toothed configuration. The tool is held in the hand(s) and is drawn towards the operator. The plates and teeth are in contact with the carpet. The manual action of drawings the tool over the carpet results in the collection of debris at the front side of the tool and between the plates. Repeating this action results in having a pile of debris that can be picked up manually or swept into a dust pan.

Apparatus for humidifying lint cotton in a cotton gin that has a cell arranged for receiving a fiber mass from a lint cleaner and controlling the movement of the fiber over a moist air inlet panel. Warm humid air introduced through an adjustable air inlet panel passes through the moist air inlet panel and, thus, through the cotton under negative pressure raising the moisture content of the fiber mass. The movement of the fiber mass thru the cell is controlled by the amount of warm moist air flowing under pressure through the moist air inlet screen.

A template for guiding a writing or cutting implement which comprises a plurality of patterns along its outer edges. In one embodiment, the template has four outer edges, each comprising a different pattern. The template further comprises a plurality of voids or cut-outs defined by shape-defining edges, disposed within the face of the template. The template further comprises a plurality of corner hole edges, center hole edges and rectangular marker hole edges for facilitating the positioning of the template on to a transfer sheet. Another embodiment of the template includes a layering system, designed to enable stenciling of a unique layered pattern. The layering system comprises a plurality of sets of voids or cut-outs defined by shape-defining edges, each set having a plurality of marker holes associated therewith. Each set of shapes is stenciled after being successively aligned with a marked drawing spot, and a layered effect is created by stenciling only that portion of each shape from a set which does not overlap any shapes from a previously stenciled set.

A puzzle frame kit includes a planar display having an outer periphery, and a plurality of interconnecting jigsaw puzzle pieces which, when assembled together, form a frame for the planar display. The interconnecting puzzle pieces include a plurality of primary frame members which cooperatively define a channel for receiving all but an exposed portion of the outer periphery of the planar display, at least one closure member which is configured to cooperate with the primary frame members to enclose the planar display, and at least one locking member which is interconnectable to the closure member and one or more adjacent primary frame members. A pair of legs are attachable to the frame which extend outwardly therefrom to support and hold the frame upright relative to a generally horizontal surface. The kit further includes paint and a paintbrush for decorating a surface of the frame either before or after assembly.

A rope chain formed by intertwining links of a U-shaped cross-section is disclosed, which links are formed from a wire having an interconnecting upper portion, a pair of substantially straight legs extending downwardly from the interconnecting portion, and a substantially open bottom portion or seam opposite said interconnecting portion. The substantially straight legs, results in a rope chain having a full-bodied appearance and a snugger interfit between intertwined chain links. The U-shaped configuration can produce a rope chain that uses less precious metal than if the cross-section of the wire were annular and the links themselves were of annular, toroidal configuration.

The present invention relates to a process for generation of heat and/or power comprising a membrane reactor where a fuel is oxidized and further comprising an improved method for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and emission of oxides of nitrogen from said process. There is applied a membrane reactor being a mixed oxygen ion and electron conducting membrane reactor comprising a first surface (feed side) capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions and a second surface (oxidation side) capable of reacting oxygen ions with a carbon containing fuel. The carbon containing fuel is mixed with recycled CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O containing exhaust gas before being supplied to the oxidation side of the membrane reactor. The air is heated before being supplied to the feed side of the membrane reactor at about atmospheric pressure. The CO.sub.2 containing gas mixture from the process can be injected in an oil and gas reservoir for enhanced oil recovery or to a geological formation.

A method is disclosed for loading pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) into a plurality of containers containing pressurized vapor, wherein the containers are loaded in succession. The containers may be onshore or onboard a ship or other ocean transporting vessel. As a first step, the liquefied gas is introduced into the containers, thereby discharging the vapor therefrom. Vapor discharged from the containers is passed to auxiliary storage tanks comprising a first tank and a second tank. Vapor from at least one of the tanks is withdrawn and passed to a vapor utilization means such as a liquefaction plant for liquefaction of the vapor or to an engine or turbine for use of the vapor as fuel. Fluid flow to and from the first and second tanks is regulated to assure that the total flow rate of vapor to the vapor utilization means remains at a relatively constant flow rate.

The disclosure relates to an anti-theft device notably for a motor vehicle. The anti-theft device includes an electrical switch for the detection of key insertion into the anti-theft device. A pusher also included in the anti-theft device slides in both the proximal and distal directions parallel to a key insertion axis. The pusher activates the switch by using an elastic force that tends to move the pusher back against a stop, which holds the pusher in a retracted rest position when the key is withdrawn.

The invention relates to a method for determining the rotational speed of a motor vehicle wheel (4), which rotates about a rotational axis (2), by an acceleration sensor (10). The acceleration sensor (10) is mounted on the motor vehicle wheel (4) at a spacing (r) to the rotational axis (2) in such a manner that the force-sensitive axis of the acceleration sensor (10) is perpendicular to the rotational axis and is perpendicular to the centrifugal force which acts on the acceleration sensor (10) with a rotation of the motor vehicle wheel (4) about the rotational axis (2). The rotational speed of the motor vehicle wheel (4) is measured in that the rotational axis (2) is aligned horizontally so that a periodic measurement signal is generated in the acceleration sensor (10) by the gravitational force. The frequency of the measurement signal corresponds to the rotational speed of the motor vehicle wheel (4) about the rotational axis (2). The invention also relates to an air pressure control system in which the rotational speed of the motor vehicle wheel is measured.

In an automated welding machine, where a flow of liquid coolant is supplied to welding components on the machine from a source of coolant and then returned to the source of coolant, a safety system is provided that shuts down the flow of coolant in the event of a fault. Faults are detected by a supply sensor and a return sensor for measuring the flow rates of coolant in the supply and return lines. A microprocessor is adapted to compare the supply flow rate and return flow rate and detect differences between the two rates. The difference between the detected rates as compared to a leak threshold value, and the microprocessor is adapted to generate a valve shutoff signal in the event the detected difference in flow rates exceeds the leak threshold value. A value in the supply coolant line is responsive to the valve shutoff signal to shutoff flow of coolant in response thereto.

A screen-printing apparatus and method for printing skateboards, more particularly short boards. A multi-color press with UV cure stations between successive print heads and a system for transporting short boards to multiples of stations. The present invention uses a screen-printing process whereby; the screen is stationary, the squeegee is movable, and the short board rocks underneath the print head so that the surface during printing is always parallel to the screen. Compensation for the concave midsection is achieved by using a modified squeegee, which is able to change shape at the precise time.

A suspension system for suspending a tool from a pair of parallel rails. The suspension system consists of a support structure, a tool mounting interface and exactly three trolley assemblies. The support structure has three trolley assembly mounting structures with a first one of the trolley assembly mounting structures positioned on a first side of the support structure and the remaining trolley assembly mounting structures are positioned on the opposite side. The tool mounting interface is adapted to couple the tool to the support structure. Each of the trolley assembly mounting structures is coupled to a trolley assembly. Each trolley assembly has at least one trolley set with a plurality of wheels adapted to roll on one of the parallel rails. The three trolley assemblies collectively adapted to exert a reaction force onto the pair of parallel rails equal to the weight of the suspension system and the tool.

A sailcloth arrangement for a sail of a water-going vessel has a sailcloth base and flexible solar cells attached to the sailcloth base. The flexible solar cells have a flexibility matching the flexibility of the sailcloth, and the flexible solar cells are configured to be connected to at least one energy storage device.

A bottom structure of a personal watercraft enhances the running performance of a personal watercraft. A concavo-convex face (21) having very small concave or convex portions for drawing air from an outside of a watercraft is formed on a water contact face (S) in a bottom surface (20) of the personal watercraft during planing. The air is drawn by the concavo-convex face (21), thereby separating a water flow from the bottom surface (20). Consequently, frictional resistance to the water in the bottom surface (20) can be reduced.

A stair device for use in entering and exiting the water from a water vehicle, swim platform or dock. A first embodiment of the stair device is best suited for use on water vehicles and is comprised of an upper tubular section having two parallel tubes each having a straight vertical section, a curved section and a substantially straight horizontal section. A lower tubular section is rotatably mounted to the upper tubular section and is comprised of a single tube having a substantially straight upper portion, a curved portion, and a substantially straight lower portion. A plurality of steps is provided along the lower tubular portion. A second embodiment of the invention is best suited for use on horizontal structures, such as swim platforms and is comprised of an upper tubular portion having two parallel, horizontal tubes and a lower tubular section comprised of a single tube having a substantially straight upper portion, a curved portion, and a substantially straight lower portion.

A plasma reactor showerhead electrode assembly for processing semiconductor wafers comprised of a typically silicon disk shaped gas plate having a plurality of gas passage holes formed therethrough by a ultrahigh velocity water jet boring apparatus, and a graphite circular split collar assembly including first and second semicircular sections forming a circumferential inner slot when opposing ends of said sections are secured together, the slot mating in a dovetail connection with an outer circumferential groove of said gas plate for retaining the latter between said sections. A conductive gasket may be interposed between the gas plate groove and the mating collar assembly to provide an electrically and thermally conductive seal. The first and second semicircular sections have opposing ends screwed or pinned together for providing easy disassembly thereof for replacement of the gas plate.

A heat recovery boiler has a casing, a superheater having a heat transfer pipe, an evaporator provided with a steam drum, and an economizer. The superheater, evaporator and economizer arranged in the casing along a flow of an exhaust gas from the combustion system. A lead pipe connects an inlet of the pipe line to the steam drum while a superheated steam pipe line connects an outlet of the pipe line to the steam drum of the evaporator. A drain pipe is connected to the pipe line while a superheater bypass pipe having a superheater bypass valve has a first end operatively connected to the steam drum and a second end connected to the superheated steam pipe. With this arrangement, the superheater bypass valve incorporated into the superheater bypass pipe and a drain valve in the drain pipe are opened. Force is applied to water collected in the bottom of the superheater by passing saturated steam generated from the steam drum through the lead pipe and the superheater bypass pipe. Drain water is blown out of the system through the drain valve.

A rotary valve for an internal combustion engine includes a cylindrical valve rotor having an inlet and an outlet port arranged in the circumferential surface thereof, and a plurality of sealing elements mounted on the valve rotor such as to subdivide the circumferential surface of the rotor body to define discrete circumferential surface zones thereon, a predetermined one of the discrete surface zones being arranged such that, when the rotary valve is received within a valve bore in a cylinder head of an engine and the sealing elements of the rotary valve abut on the valve bore surface, it periodically seals-off a transfer port in the cylinder head, for which the rotary valve serves as closing and opening, during at least part of the compression and combustion strokes performed in the engine, whereby air-fuel mixture compressed during the compression stroke and combustion gases created during combustion stroke are substantially prevented from passing into the inlet or outlet port of the valve during these strokes.

A fuel vaporization delivery system that includes a vaporization chamber and an RF magnetic inductive heating source for heating the vaporization chamber. Liquid fuel is converted to a vapor form, for delivery to engine cylinders.

An ingot 9 is sliced to wafers by a wire 5 which travels around grooved rollers 1 to 3. A tension applied to the wire 5 is detected by tension sensors 21, while vertical displacement of dancer rollers 19 is detected by position sensors 20. At least one of a fluctuation gap of the tension, a fluctuating velocity of the tension, an acceleration of the fluctuation, vertical movement of the dancer rollers 19, a velocity of the vertical movement and acceleration of the vertical movement is calculated from the detection results, and compared with a threshold in a calculating circuit 23 to judge a sign predicting abnormal increase of the tension. When the predicting signal appears, a command signal is outputted from the calculating circuit 22 to a controller 23 to stop operation of a wire-sawing machine or to relax the wire 5. Since rupture of the wire 5 is prevented in bud, a wire-sawing machine is efficiently driven for slicing the ingot 9 with a high productivity.

A heater trough apparatus for heating water used for cleaning. The heater trough apparatus includes a tank mounted upon a plurality of leg members each having an adjustable feet member threaded through a bottom thereof, the tank having side walls, end walls, an upper floor, a lower floor, a main compartment and a secondary compartment each having a hole extending through the upper floor; and also includes an exhaust member having an exhaust port and an exhaust vent disposed between the upper and lower floors; and further includes a pipe member disposed between the floors and having one end connected to the hole in the main compartment and having another end connected to the hole in the secondary compartment; and also includes a housing which protects a thermostat, a pipe, a gas shut-off valve and a safety shut-off valve disposed in the pipe, a venturi pilot member at one of the ends of the pipe which is connected to a heat-producing burner which is disposed below the pipe member, and a switch for energizing the heat-producing burner; and further includes splash guards disposed below the housing and the tank; and also includes a mesh screen mounted about the tank for the protection thereof; and also includes a drain pipe for draining heated water from the main compartment.

This invention relates to a structure of variably assembled hair bands, more specifically, to hair bands with pins and matching holes for assembling hair bands of various patterns and colors to form various combined hair bands. A plurality of pins and corresponding holes are provided at opposite end portions on two sides of adjacent hair bands, so that the pair of the adjacent hair bands may be assembled to form an integrated hair band by matching the pins and the holes. With this design, several hair bands with different patterns or colors can be assembled together to form an integrated hair band according to personal taste, and can also be used separately as single bands. A demand on both variations and low cost is achieved.

An umbrella having a molded handle, a translucent telescopic center shaft, and a plastic dome. When opened the umbrellas's dome is supported by a series of flexible plastic spokes with living hinges. The plastic dome is attached to the spokes by heat welding to supporting tabs. The section of the telescoping shaft nearest the handle has a cut out section for insertion of a "lightstick" so that the user can activate the chemically based glowstick and insert it into the cutout section and also remove and replace it as needed.

A flow diverter, two position, plate type, assembly connected to a mixing valve always to deliver hot water to the same designated hot water inlet port of the mixing valve and cold water to the same designated cold water inlet port of the mixing valve. The flow diverter assembly including a housing, hot and cold inlet lines to be connected in one or the other of two positions and a plurality of interconnected plate members always to deliver hot and cold water to the same inlet ports of the mixing valve regardless of whether the hot or the cold water inlet lines are connected in one or the other positions. The plate members having a top member connected to the mixing valve, a bottom member selectively connected to the hot and the cold water inlet lines in the one or the other of the two positions and an intermediate member selectively mounted responsive the one position or the other position to which the hot and the cold water inlet lines are connected always to deliver hot and cold water to the same inlet port of the mixing valve.

An inventive dual plate check valve is provided which comprises a central anchoring fixture and an elastomer hinge fixed to the central anchoring fixture by a center post clamp. Two opposing sections of the elastomer hinge are formed on opposing sides of the center post clamp, and at least one disc member is attached to each opposing section of the elastomer hinge to form a valve plate which is pivotable about the center post clamp. In one embodiment, the central anchoring fixture forms projections on opposing sides of the center post clamp such that the lower edges of the valve plates are prevented from sliding off of the upper surface of the central anchoring fixture. In another embodiment, a stop pin is provided which extends vertically between the valve plates.

A pressurized system for dispensing carbonated beverages into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container when dispensing is initiated. The carbonated beverage is maintained in a pressurized state within the nozzle and the remainder of the system, until immediately prior to opening a valve to dispense the carbonated beverage into the open container. Prior to opening valve, the pressure of the carbonated beverage nozzle is reduced to an appropriate dispensing pressure, preferably slightly above atmospheric pressure. The system also precisely controls the temperature of the carbonated beverage, preferably using an in-line zero.DELTA.T chiller. In addition, specialized valve configurations and operation techniques, as well as container positioning techniques, are implemented in order to achieve a desired presentation of the carbonated beverage in the open container.

A work bench which includes a bench support structure (12) which incorporates a rotatable triangular bench support structure (55) which includes three surfaces to which are attached a first, second and third bench (90,92,94). On the bench surface can be permanently attached a variety of electrical power tools (150) such as a grinder (152) and a router (154). The rotatable work bench (10) can be designed to include an internal electrical power source (89) that is controlled by a master, electrical power switch (88). When the switch (88) is closed power is made available to each of the attached electrical power tools (150) thus, allowing each tool to be turned on by the tool switch. The rotatable work bench (10) can also be designed to have attached a drawer assembly (100), a shelf assembly (112) and a set of casters (124).

A cartridge for storing pipe lengths on a horizontal directional drill that allows easy loading and unloading of pipes from the cartridge while it is attached to the drill. Longitudinal support members and towers at each end of the cartridge provide structural support to the cartridge and maintain the pipe lengths within the cartridge. The sides of the cartridge are open and unobstructed. Loading and unloading of pipes can, therefore, be done through the sides of the cartridge.

A vehicle suspension system with a variable geometry. A moveable suspension arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle chassis. A biasing/dampening mechanism is operatively attached to the vehicle chassis at a first end. An actuator mechanism operatively connects the second end of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the moveable suspension arm. The actuator mechanism has a mechanism for moving the second end along at least one axis when the vehicle is in a static or dynamic mode to increase or decrease the motion ratio or displacement of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the total displacement of the suspension system relative to the vehicle chassis. A control mechanism is provided for activating the actuator mechanism.

The present invention is comprised of a headband (25) and one or more sound collectors (30, 75). The sound collectors (30, 75) collect sound waves and reflect toward the wearer's ears for louder reception. Some variations to the present invention can have one or more sound collectors (30, 75) that are parabolic in shape so the sound reflected off the collector surface is better focused toward the ear. Moreover, as an additional variation, one or more sound collectors (30, 75) can have a plurality of parabolic impressions (105) on the sound collector's inner surface (85) for better sound collection.

A noise insulating member having a low degree of water absorbency and a low degree of oil absorbency. The noise insulating member includes a polyurethane foam obtained by reaction of an organic polyisocyanate component and a polyol component in the presence of a fluorine-containing surfactant, and having a cellular network having cells and communication holes which communicate with said cells. The communication holes have respective diameters each of which is not larger than 60 .mu.m.

As a driven pulley for driving the rotary shaft of an alternator, a one-way clutch built-in type pulley is used. The fluctuation range of the angular velocity per rotation of the rotary shaft is set to be less than a half of the fluctuation range of the angular velocity per rotation of the driven pulley by setting restriction to the relation between the inertial moment with respect to this rotary shaft and the resistance against rotation of the rotary shaft, thereby suppressing a noise called squeal without enlarging a driving portion of an alternator or deteriorating the efficiency in electric power generation.

A conveyor defining a horizontal transport surface receives elongated workpieces in crossed-over and nonparallel orientation at an input side of the surface and moves them in a horizontal transport direction to an output side of the surface. A workpiece-aligning apparatus has a guide extending generally parallel to the workpieces along the surface, a carriage displaceable along the guide parallel to the workpieces, and a pushdown element vertically displaceable on the carriage between a lower position engaging and pushing down the workpieces and an upper position above the workpieces. A drive displaces the carriage along the guide with the element in the lower position and thereby presses the workpieces down against the transport surface and moves the workpieces into generally parallel alignment with one another.

A sporting equipment bag including a body having a first compartment, a first end, a second end, a third end and a fourth end. The bag also includes a second compartment which is located adjacent the first compartment, the second compartment has a first, open end and a second, sealed end. The first, open end extends beyond the body and is folded into the second compartment into a folded, stored position. The first, open end provides access to the second compartment separate from the first compartment. A pair of hook and loop fasteners are attached to the second compartment to secure it in a folded, stored position. An extendable portion extends between the body and the first open end to receive a rod-shaped object and is telescoped within the second compartment into a folded, stored position.

A fishing bait bucket having an outer shell, an inner bait receiving chamber, a cooling chamber for receiving ice or the like, a main lid covering the outer container with an access lid for accessing only the bait chamber and a carrying handle moveable between latched an unlatched positions to selectively attach and detach the main lid from the outer container.

The invention is a device for quickly and easily protecting decorative light strings, such as Christmas lights, for storage. The stored light strings are protected against damage, and are immediately ready for re-use without tangling.

A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A first movable conveyor is movably disposed over a first template having at least one first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The first conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through at least three locations, including a receiving location, a sorting and orienting location, and a discharge location. A bar may be disposed laterally across the first aperture in the first template at a location configured to correspond to a midpoint of the spoon. The center of gravity of the spoon causes the spoon to pass over one side of the bar to orient the spoon as it passes through the aperture. The apparatus has a first stage, including the first template and first conveyor, to separate the spoons, and a second stage, including a second template and a second conveyor, to separate the forks from the knives.

A flexible pouring spout for material containers incorporating a tamper evident ring having a nested flexible spout capable of being selectively moved between a nested position and an extended position, a cap threadedly attached to the spout, a tamper-evident ring attached to the cap by a plurality of frangible elements, and a metal ring for attaching the closure to the container. The metal ring is secured over the peripheral flange of the spout and over the tamper-evident ring, preventing the closure from being removed or the spout from being extended without detection. A flexible bail handle is attached to the cap member to facilitate extending the spout member and removing the cap. For additional tamper evidence, an internal diaphragm is used to seal off the spout until the closure is opened and the diaphragm removed.

The present invention 10 discloses a fishing rod holder harness comprising a harness member, with straps 20, 22, body pad member 24 and a fishing rod holder member 18. The harness member is comprised of a waist strap 20 and a bandoleer-like shoulder strap 22, each having buckle elements 26 for adjusting the fit to the user 12. The body pad member 24 is comprised of a substantially planar element having a plurality of apertures 46 for threading the straps 20, 22 therethrough and for fastening the fishing rod holder 18 thereto. The fishing rod holder 18 is comprised of a substantially U-shaped tube having apertures 46 whereby the fishing rod holder member 18 can be securely fastened to the body pad member 24 using appropriate fasteners 34. The U-shaped tube element has oppositely opposed apertures 46 for positioning a compression locking member 30 therethrough. The compression-locking member 30 has a shaft element 44 having a pivotally attached L-shaped lever 42 on one distal end and threads 36 on the other. A spring 32 is positioned between the oppositely opposed apertures 46 of the U-shaped tube element for passing the shaft element therethrough. An appropriate fastener 34 is attached to the end of the shaft element, thereby providing a method for increasing or decreasing the gap between the sides 38, 40 of the holder 18.

The method of this invention for assembling vehicle brake shoes includes the use of linear friction welding. Two generally planar web members having arcuate edges are precisely aligned. Each of the web members preferably includes a series of projections along an outer arcuate edge. A table member that has a curvature corresponding to the outward arcuate edge of the web members is placed in contact with the projections along the outer arcuate edge of the web members. The webs and the table are moved relative to each other, under load, to cause an increase in temperature within the metal material of the webs and the table. After the temperature is sufficiently increased, but before the material reaches its melting temperature, the relative motion is stopped and the web members are precisely aligned with the table member. Then the load is increased and the table is forced against the web members. The projections are then deformed, a flash results, and the web members are fixedly joined to the table member.

A retainer with a bottomed retaining hole and a pair of insertion grooves so that a self-standing packaging bag in a closed state is set in the retaining hole and insertion grooves and then the bag is opened and kept opened during packaging operations. The retaining hole that is vertically formed accommodates the body portion of the self-standing packaging bag, and both side edges of the bag are inserted in the insertion grooves which are vertically installed in symmetrical positions on both sides of the retaining hole. The depth of the bottomed retaining hole and insertion grooves is set to be smaller than the length of the self-standing packaging bag, the spacing between the end portions of the insertion grooves is set to be equal to or greater than the width of an unopened self-standing packaging bag, and the angle between the inside surfaces of the retaining hole and insertion grooves is set at or about 90 degrees.

A sign attachment bracket assembly for holding and securing a sign panel on an upright member of a sign stand. The assembly includes a spring member having a tab extending through an aperture on the surface of the upright member. The tab is releasably positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A first bracket member is slidably mounted on the upright member and supported by the tab. The first bracket member includes a slot adapted to receive a horizontally oriented cross-brace of the sign assembly. A second bracket member is movable relative to the first bracket member and encloses the slot of the first bracket member, thereby securing the cross-brace in the slot.

An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having internal surfaces (48). The apparatus (10) also comprises an inflator (20) for directing gas (104) into the inflatable device (14) to inflate the inflatable device. The inflator (20) simultaneously directs a coating material (102) into the inflatable device to coat the internal surfaces (48) of the inflatable device (14) to decrease the permeability of the inflatable device to the gas.

A roller sunshade for mounting on a car roof mainly includes an automatic sunshade winding mechanism and a plurality of adjustable sucker sets. Each of the two adjustable sucker sets includes two adhering sucker mechanisms and a long metal member. The adhering sucker mechanism each includes from bottom to top a sucker main body, a supporting board that is rotatable by up to 360 degrees relative to the sucker main body, a locating block, a buffer washer, a ring member, and a bolt. These two adjustable sucker sets are symmetrically attached by vacuum suction to predetermined positions at two sides of the car roof. Thereafter, the automatic sunshade winding mechanism is connected to tops of the two adjustable sucker sets to provide a shady place for use outdoors.

An opening system for a movable passenger motor vehicle body part, such as a door, has lock which is arranged on an inner shell of the vehicle body part and can be operated by an outside handle arrangement, which is fixed on an outer shell of the vehicle body part. A deformation-resistant supporting arrangement is provided at the level of the outer handle arrangement on a side of the inner shell of the vehicle body part facing the outside handle arrangement, which supporting arrangement projects toward the outside handle arrangement.

A system of adjustable rooftop cowlings, folding safety handrails, hatchways, stairways, and furnishings affixed to the top of motorhomes.

A foldable frame for beach chair, which comprises a seat frame and a back frame foldably coupled with the seat frame, wherein a pair of foldable supporting arms each having a pivot end pivotally connected with one of the two crossed side frame legs of the respective pair of side frame legs of the seat frame in such a manner that a supporting end of each of the supporting arms is extended to bias against the other side frame legs of the respective pair of side frame legs when the foldable frame is unfolded to stretch out. Therefore, the foldable frame provides a low height strong frame structure that can well support the user's weight of the user.

Sliding track assembly for drawers, including an outer rail, an intermediate rail, an inner rail, an outer stop section and an inner engaging section. The outer rail is disposed on a cabinet. The outer stop section is disposed at one end of the intermediate rail. The inner engaging section is disposed inside the inner rail. The inner rail is disposed on a drawer. The rails are slidably assembled with each other. By means of engaging the inner engaging section with the outer stop section or detaching the inner engaging section from the outer stop section, the drawer can be easily assembled with the cabinet or separated from the cabinet.

A temple structure for eyeglasses is formed of a spring hinge box, a piece of elastic metal wire folded in two, a flange connecting the spring fringe box and the piece of elastic metal wire, and an ear chip. The spring hinge box has a one-piece knuckle and a hollow with an opening, on its front side, and a longitudinally frontward threaded hole at the end of its rear side. The piece of elastic metal wire folded in two is designed to have its two free ends located near the ear of a wearer with its head portion positioned on the side face of the spring hinge box and its arm portion formed in a streamline or tear-drop shape to have a hollow. The flange, provided with a screw hole, is positioned in the hollow, through which a screw is driven into the threaded hole provided at the rear end of the spring hinge box, thereby fixing the piece of elastic metal wire onto the side face of the spring hinge box. The two free ends of the piece of elastic metal wire are fit in the ear chip.

A mirror ideally suited for use in a shower enclosure, bathroom or other high humidity environment is adjustable by a user to provide a magnification increasable from unity to three times or more, as well as being resistant to condensation fogging of viewing surfaces thereof. A fogless adjustable magnification mirror according to the present invention includes a ring-shaped frame which holds within an inner peripheral wall surface thereof a clear front viewing window and a rear flexible mirror plate or diaphragm having a reflective surface and a circular shape. The viewing window and mirror plate are held within the frame in a fluid pressure-tight seal, and form therebetween a sealed hollow cylindrically-shaped interior space or plenum bordered on a peripheral longitudinal surface thereof by the inner annular surface of the frame. An inlet port which penetrates the frame and communicates with the plenum has coupled thereto a conduit adapted to be coupled at the opposite end of the conduit to a source of warm water, preferably provided by a T-fitting which fits between a shower head and water supply pipe, and which diverts a small percentage, e.g., 5% to 10% of water flowing through the T-fitting into the inlet conduit. An outlet port which penetrates the frame and communicates with the plenum is coupled at an outer end to a throttle valve which is adjustable to adjust the outlet fluid flow cross-section.

A socket wrench including a socket, a handle, and a handle body in which an illuminating element is disposed. The handle is provided with a threaded hole and a threaded rod which is engaged with the threaded hole. The illuminating element has an extension guide body with is put through a swiveling tube capable of being actuated by the threaded rod to adjust the illuminating angle of the illuminating element in relation to the position level of the socket of the socket wrench.

A various color light refraction bulb is disclosed. The bulb includes a lamp tube, tungsten silks and a core pillar. A concave ring is formed at a middle section of the lamp tube, so as to divide the core tube into an upper tube and a lower tube. The concave ring serves to refract light from the upper and lower tubes so as to present various colors. A cone shape surface is used to seal the lower side of the lower tube and is used as a reflecting region so as to project light toward the lamp tube; and therefore, a various light refraction bulb is formed.

A cabinet installation device includes cabinet support blocks slidably arranged on a pair of rails for providing controlled movement in either direction in the horizontal plane. The support blocks and the rails are supported on a rectangular piston that is vertically controlled by means of a hydraulic jack.

A transportable apparatus for unloading material directly from a dump truck onto a conveyor assembly. The transportable apparatus includes an inclined ramp that is adapted to permit a dump truck to back onto the ramp. A hopper assembly is movably mounted to the rear end of the inclined ramp and is positioned to receive material unloaded from the dump truck. The hopper assembly includes a hopper bin mounted to the back end of the inclined ramp by a pair of support arms. The first end of the each support arm is connected to a drive member such that the hopper bin can be raised and lowered relative to the inclined ramp. A wheel assembly is also mounted to the rear end of the inclined ramp. The wheel assembly is mounted between a pair of support arms. The inner end of each support arm is pivotally connected to the inclined ramp, while the outer end of the each support arm for the wheel assembly is connected to a wheel axle. The raising devices are operable to raise the inclined ramp relative to the wheel assembly for transportation and lower the incline ramp relative to the wheel assembly for receiving the dump truck.

An injection mould for manufacturing plastic objects generally includes: PA1 two mould parts mutually movable between a closed position and an open position, which mould parts bound in closed position a mould cavity into which in the closed position heated plasticized plastic can be injected by means of supply means, wherein one flat end surface of the mould cavity carries a mechanical pattern, which pattern corresponds with the information for arranging on an information carrier to be manufactured, PA1 wherein at least a part of the surfaces is provided with a coating not containing TiN and which reduces a coefficient of friction of the relevant surface to a value which amounts to a maximum of 60% of the value obtainable a coating of TiN; PA1 wherein at least one of the cylindrical inner surface and the cylindrical outer surface is provided with the coating.

Portable turner for combustion of a gaseous fuel comprising an elongated combustion chamber (1), the front end of which is open and the back end of which is closed with a back (2) and that is connected partly with a fuel gas conduit (4) and partly with a combustion air conduit (5.1), and that is enclosed by a concentric cooling jacket (1.2) for the flow of a cooling medium. The cooling jacket (12) shows an exhaust opening at the open front end of the combustion chamber (1) and is connected with a cooling air conduit (5.2) for the delivery of cooling air, that in its turn is connected with a compressed air source. The compressed air source may consist of a cooling blower (10) that is connected with an air motor (9) via a shaft (10.1) and that is fed with compressed air from a compressed air conduit (5).

A semiconductor package for vertically surface mounting to a printed circuit board having retention apparatus for holding the package thereto.

A bracket (40) supports an opening-closing connector (20) in a manner to allow this connector to move upward, downward, right and left before a housing (31) of a block connector (30) is held by the opening-closing connector (20). Therefore, when the housing (31) of the block connector (30) is to be inserted between housings (21, 22) of the opening-closing connector (20), the opening-closing connector (20) can be easily positioned relative to the block connector (30). After the housing (31) of the block connector (30) is held by the opening-closing connector (20), the bracket (40) is fixedly secured to the block connector (30) by bolts passing respectively through through holes (42) formed respectively through lock plates (41). Therefore, the connected condition of the connector (10) is maintained simultaneously when the connector (10) is fixed to an auxiliary equipment (33).

A terminal block for distributing telecommunication signals, the block including a base, an outer housing, internal contacts, actuators and threaded bolts, the actuators engaging and disengaging feed wires with and from the contacts. The interior space occupied by the contacts, bolts and actuators is divided into front and back chambers and protective dielectric gel is injected but cured only in the front chambers. During movement of the actuators less dielectric material is extruded out of the block and thus electrical integrity of the block is enhanced.

A jack type connector 1, 21 includes: a retainer 2, 22 holding a converter 10, 30 and a first 11a, 11b, 11c, 31a, 31b, 31c and second 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 terminals; and a plurality of ribs 4, 24 projecting from a peripheral portion of the retainer; wherein the retainer is fitted in a cutaway portion formed in a printed board 12 and having a configuration conformal to a profile of the retainer 2, 22 with the ribs 4, 24 abutting against the surface of the printed board 12 for engagement with the printed board.

A booster cable assembly for connecting to the terminal of a battery. The booster cable assembly includes a terminal gripping assembly for gripping a battery terminal. The gripping assembly includes a pair of arms. Both of the arms have a distal portion, a proximal portion and central portion. The arms each have a front face, a back face, a top face and a bottom face. A pivoting assembly pivotally couples the first and second arms such that each of the front faces face each other. A biasing means biases said arms in an open position. The biasing means is a torsion spring. The biasing means urges the front faces of the arms away from each other. A cable operationally connects the terminal gripping assembly to a second terminal gripping assembly. The cable has a first end fixedly coupled to the proximal portion of the second arm.

A work conveying and transferring apparatus has a trolley having a casing defining a hermetically sealed space, and a support portion provided on the trolley for placing at least one container containing a cassette carrying works. A container opening device is provided on the trolley to open the container placed on the support portion, and a cassette transferring device is provided for transferring the cassette from the trolley to a treating apparatus, with the container placed on the support portion opened. The support portion is provided in the sealed space, and works can be double sealed by the sealed space and the container.

A bowling ball thumb sleeve provides an elongated sleeve having a cylindrical wall thickness composed of a yieldable material that defines an open-ended passageway adapted to insertably receive the thumb of the bowler via either end of the sleeve as opposed to the sole opening of a finger insert. Each open end of the passageway is defined by a geometric shape or configuration at the time of sleeve usage in the bowling ball hole. The sleeve provides for at least one pad or wedge-shaped thickened portion at least at one entrance to the passageway and such may be present at both entrances. An example of an entrance shape may be oval, round or elliptical and the improved sleeve provides for a combination of these geometric shapes. The thumb sleeve is elongated and of a length greater than the length of a bowling ball hole and the player may select the entrance opening shape and ramp thickness followed by severing and removing the opposite end which then may be discarded. The selected portion is inserted into the bowling ball hole and will be of the proper length and expose the desired opening entrance shape.

A golf club which is so light as to be large-sized, with an improved durability, suited for easy casting. Ti--Be alloy is used for the material of a head 1. Be is present in Ti as a TiBe and/or TiBe.sub.2 in a proportion of about 20 mol %. The use of such Ti--Be alloy will result in the lightening of the head 1 as well as the enhanced Young's modulus thereof, thus improving the durability thereof. The Ti--Be alloy has such a lower melting point of 1000 degrees centigrade or below as compared to pure titanium, that the casting thereof is easy.

A elastic exerciser system for providing a portable exercise system so that a user may exercise therewith at any location. The elastic exerciser system includes a plurality of elastic loads with each end of each elastic load having a fastening ring coupled thereto. A pair of elongate cords are provided also having a fastening ring couple to each end of the respective cord. Each cord also has a plurality of spaced apart and laterally positioned fastening rings coupled thereto between the ends of the respective cord. A pair of flexible annular handles are provided each having a fastening ring coupled thereto. A plurality of detachably fasteners are provided for detaching pairs of the fastening rings together into various configurations to permit a user to perform various resistance exercises.

A lacrimal silicone stent has a very large diameter segment with a diameter greater than the largest diameter stent which can be pulled through the canaliculi readily without damaging the canaliculi, a thin central segment, a moderate diameter segment, and a distal segment with a lumen extending partway from its end. A lumen can also be provided in the very large diameter segment to enhance its flexibility. In addition, a lumina may be provided in the moderate diameter segment when it is formed as an extruded tube. Except for the lumina, the stent is solid. The stent may be molded in one piece, but it may also be made of molded and extruded segments which are fused together. To install the stent, according to a first method a sheath is inserted through the lacrimal system from the eye, through a DCR ostium into the nasal cavity. The distal segment is threaded into the sheath which is used to pull the distal segment back through the lacrimal system and out the superior canaliculus and punctum. A probe is inserted through a sidewall of the distal segment into the lumen. The probe is then pushed through the inferior punctum, the inferior canaliculus, the common canaliculus, the lacrimal sac and the DCR ostium into the nasal cavity. The probe is removed, and the stent is then pulled until the very large diameter segment is deployed transnasally through the DCR ostium. According to a second method, the distal segment of the stent is swaged on the probe which is used to feed the distal end of the stent through the sheath and help pull the very large diameter segment transnasally to stent the ostium.

What is described here is a device for dilating and restoring the lacrimal duct on the human eye, through which lacrimal fluid flows from the eye into the nasal cavity. The inventive device is provided with the follow components: PA1 a first hollow cannula with a distal end which presents at least one longitudinal gap, PA1 a guide passing through the first hollow cannula and having a distal end which dilates the distal end of the first cannula in the region of the gap, PA1 a hollow body surrounding the outside contour of the first hollow cannula in the distal zone, as well as PA1 a second hollow cannula adapted to be pushed over the first hollow cannula and extending up to the end on the proximal side of the hollow body, which is placed on the first hollow cannula so as to lock the latter and prevent it from axial sliding on the proximal side.

The method of heating a battery case with a case heater is disclosed comprising the steps of rapidly moving the case heater into engagement with the battery case. After engagement of the case heater with the battery case, the case heater is slowly moved a predetermined distance to melt the battery case.

A cathode for electrolysis comprising a hydrogen-occluding material for use in an electrolytic cell partitioned by the cathode into two chambers including a reaction chamber and an electrolysis chamber. The cell is arranged so that a reactant is reduced or hydrogenated in the reaction chamber. The cathode comprises an ion exchange membrane or porous membrane. A first layer made of a hydrogen-occluding metallic palladium or a palladium alloy is formed on the reaction chamber side of the membrane. A second layer which is a porous catalyst layer made of a platinum metal black or gold is formed on the first layer. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell using the cathode for electrolysis.

Disclosed is a method of preparing anisotropic conductive adhesives for flip chip interconnection on organic substrates, in which an epoxy resin as a binder is mixed with a conductive material and a non-conductive material at room temperature for 3 hours and then, with a coupling agent and a curing agent at room temperature for 1 hour. The anisotropic conductive adhesives are endowed with the electrical conductivity of conventional anisotropic conductive films and the mechanical reliability of an underfill used in a solder flip chip, simultaneously. The ACA shows fast hardenability and excellent coating and screening properties. The adhesive is spread over a plastic printed circuit board into which a flip chip is then brought. The flip chip and the plastic substrate can be bonded to each other using heat and pressure. Also, it is applicable for low-price flip chips and chip size packaging as well as for relevant-assembly packaging.

A method of manufacturing a jerky-type pet treat using 70% meat content. The turkey meat is mixed with turkey liver in a ratio of 2.5 to 1.0 by weight. The meat mix is ground and treated with an anti-oxidant. This mix is then emulsified. Potato starch, dry molasses, salt and potassium sorbate are mixed to form a dry mix. The meat mix and the dry mix are fed independently into a extruder at independent rates. The meat mix and the dry mix are mixed together inside the extruder forming a complete mix. The complete mix is cooked within the extruder by using mechanical energy and steam injection forming an extrudate. The extrudate is forced through a slit-shaped die onto a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt carries the complete mix through a dryer to dry the complete mix forming the finished product.

The invention relates to a method for gloss coating articles or a portion of an article's surface and articles produced from this method. A corrosion-inhibiting polishing base coat is applied in a known fashion, after which a high-gloss layer produced by atomization, preferably magnetron atomization, is applied. Then, a transparent, wear-resistant top coat layer is applied in a known fashion. The articles can also be pretreated, if desired, and given a protective or other layers. By using this method, parts for vehicles, especially vehicle wheels, can be produced in a great variety of colors and with improved qualities.

Improved titanium nitride barrier layers are formed by depositing a first titanium layer; treating this layer with an oxygen plasma to form an oxygen-containing titanium layer thereover; depositing a titanium nitride layer over the oxygen-containing titanium layer; and treating the titanium nitride layer with an oxygen-containing plasma. Robust titanium nitride barrier layers are formed that can prevent spiking by an overlying aluminum contact layer even after heat treatment up to 550.degree. C.

An apparatus for transferring structures to a layer to be patterned. The apparatus has a base element and at least one radiation-conducting structure projecting from the base element. The radiation-conducting structure guides radiation to an exit aperture facing away from the base element and the shape of which structure is matched to that of the structure to be transferred.

The invention relates to coating solutions, processes for the preparation of a printing plate using these coating solutions as well as printing plates prepared in this manner; in particular, the invention relates to printing plates the photosensitive layer of which contains homogeneously distributed polymer particles.

This invention provides water-based photoresist developer/electronics cleaning compositions manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation as surfactant of an effective amount of certain cyclic urea compounds of the structure ##STR1## where R is a C6 to C12 alkyl group or R"O--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, R" is a C4 to C12 alkyl group, m is 2-4 and n is 1 or 2.

An apparatus for carrying out a microbiological assay comprises a holder for holding an agar diffusion plate in operative proximity to a sensing system having one or more sensing devices, which in concert are able to read in a digital or digitizable form both pattern information created by the growth of microbial cultures on an agar gel and in particular the patterns created by the diffusion of compounds inimical to the growth of said microorganism from the loci of circular disks impregnated with the compounds, and also identification codes imprinted on the disks prior to use of the disks in a multi-disk agar diffusion assay.

Fabrication of a semiconductor device, with an improved level of exposure of the rear surface of a die pad is enabled during the fabrication of which deformation of a die pad in a resin-encapsulating step is prevented from occurring, and which can be mounted on a printed wiring board with a sufficient soldering strength. In a resin-encapsulated semiconductor device in which a semiconductor element is placed on the front surface of a die pad of a lead frame including: the die pad; and support bars of the die pad that protrude outwardly from sides of the die pad, the semiconductor element and its periphery are encapsulated with a resin material while the rear surface of the die pad is exposed to the external environment, a groove is formed on the rear surface of the support bar so that the groove traverses the support bar in the neighborhood of the boundary between the support bar and the die pad along a direction intersecting a protruding direction of the support bar. The groove may be formed on the front surface of a support bar.

Integrated circuit capacitors include a U-shaped capacitor electrode on a substrate and an HSG silicon layer extending on an inner surface of the U-shaped capacitor electrode. A HSG protection layer comprising silicon nitride is also provided. The HSG protection layer extends on the HSG silicon layer but not on an outer surface of the U-shaped capacitor electrode. A first capacitor dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride extends on the silicon nitride HSG protection layer and on the outer surface of the U-shaped capacitor electrode. A second capacitor dielectric layer comprising an oxide extends on the first capacitor dielectric layer and an upper capacitor electrode extends on the second capacitor dielectric layer.

A method of forming an isolation structure for isolating high voltage devices is described. A first p-well is formed in and on a substrate. Two field oxides are formed spaced apart from each other over the first p-well. A second p-well is formed in and on the first p-well, wherein the second p-well substantially surrounds and substantially being adjacent to the field oxides in the first p-well. A trench isolation is formed in and on the first p-well and between the field oxides, wherein the trench isolation is substantially deeper than the second p-well. A third p-well substantially surrounding and being adjacent to the trench isolation is formed in the first p-well.

The present invention is used to modulate uniformity of deposited layer thickness, and especially is related to the layer that is formed by chemical vapor deposition. The proposed method of the invention comprises following essential steps: Place a wafer on a wafer carrier; move the wafer carrier under a shower head inside a reactor; adjust a tilted angle between the shower head and the wafer; perform a depositing process to form a deposited layer on the wafer; and move the wafer carrier away from the shower head. The proposed apparatus of the invention comprises following essential elements: A reactor where a depositing process is performed; a wafer carrier for holding and positioning the wafer; a shower head for showering a plurality of reacting elements on the wafer, where the shower head is located over the wafer when a depositing process is performed; a plurality of stretch devices for connecting the shower head to an immobile structure, where these stretch devices are stretched or shrunk individually to adjust a distance (or a tilted angle) between the shower head and the wafer; and a plurality of reacting devices to perform the depositing process and form a deposited layer on the wafer.

Compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: PA1 R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently of the other represents hydrogen or alkyl, PA1 A represents alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene, PA1 G.sub.1 represents ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each independently of the other represents hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted arylalkyl, or G.sub.1 represents heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted by alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, nitrile, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl or optionally substituted heteroarylalkyl, and which medicinal products containing the same/are useful as serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.

The present invention provides compounds of the general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein: PA1 two atoms of X, Y, or Z are nitrogen and the third atom is sulfur or oxygen; PA1 R is H, halogen, OH, SH, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 thioalkyl, phenoxy, thiophenoxy, phenyl or substituted phenyl; PA1 A is C, CH, or N; PA1 R.sub.1 is aryl, heteroaryl, or cycloalkyl groups, optionally substituted by from 1 to 3 substituents selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy; CF.sub.3, Cl, Br, F, CN, or CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; PA1 R.sub.2 is H or alkyl PA1 R.sub.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 cycloalkyl optionally substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, or a 3 to 8-membered heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from O, S or N; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating central nervous system disorders using these compounds.

The invention provides a compound of formula I: ##STR1## PA1 wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 have any of the values defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as well as processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds or salts, and methods of preventing or treating a herpesvirus infection using such compounds or salts.

A new salt of (2R,3R,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-hyroxymethylpyrrolidine is disclosed. Specifically, (2R,3R,4R-3,4-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine, 2-naphthalenesulfonate is disclosed, as well as its preparation and use for treating and preventing diabetes and obesity and for regulating appetite. This salt is characterized as having a high melting point and low hygroscopicity.

Radicicol derivatives represented by the following formula (I) having tyrosine kinase inhibition activity or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, and each represents hydrogen, alkanoyl, alkenoyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or tert-butyldimethylsilyl; R.sup.3 represents Y--R.sup.5 {wherein Y represents substituted or unsubstituted alkylene; and R.sup.5 represents CONR.sup.6 R.sup.7 (wherein R.sup.6 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted higher alkyl; R.sup.7 represents hydroxyl, substituted lower alkyl), CO.sub.2 R.sup.12 (wherein R.sup.12 represents substituted lower alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted higher alkyl, X represents halogen.

This invention relates to compositions for and methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating cancer and other proliferative diseases as well as methods of inducing wound healing, treating cutaneous ulcers, treating gastrointestinal disorders, treating blood disorders such as anemias, immunomodulation, enhancing recombinant gene expression, treating insulin-dependent patients, treating cystic fibrosis patients, inhibiting telomerase activity, treating virus-associated tumors, especially EBV-associated tumors, augmenting expression of tumor suppressor genes, inducing tolerance to antigens, or treating, preventing or ameliorating protozoan infection or inhibiting histone deacetylase in cells. The compositions of the invention are to and the methods of the invention use hydroxy and ether-containing oxyalkylene esters.

Disclosed are compounds of the formula: ##STR1## or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, wherein: PA0 R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, --O.sub.2 CR', --NHCOR', --COR', --SO.sub.m R', where R' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; or PA0 R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 independently represent --CONR'R", or --NR'R" where R' and R" independently represent hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; PA0 R.sub.10 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; and PA0 R represents an aminoalkyl group; which compounds are useful in the treatment of affective disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's disease, movement disorders such as Parkinsonism and dystonia, and other disorders which respond to dopaminergic blockade such as substance abuse and obsessive compulsive disorders. Further, compounds of this invention may be useful in treating the extrapyramidal side effects associated with the use of conventional neuroleptic agents.

The invention concerns a graft copolymer emulsion which is anionically stabilized and which contains an amino-functional monomer. The graft copolymer, useful in a coating composition, has a weight average molecular weight of at least about 3,000 and comprises 20 to 95 weight percent of a polymer backbone and 5 to 80 weight percent of a macromonomer. The polymer backbone further comprises 0.5 to 30 weight percent of an amino-functional monomer and the macromonomer comprises at least about 5 weight percent of an unsaturated acid-functional monomer.

There is provided (i) a resin additive able to impart superior thermal shock resistance even in the case of resins that have absorbed moisture, (ii) a curable resin composition capable of forming a cured resin that has superior thermal shock resistance even after absorbing moisture, and (iii) a cured resin that has superior thermal shock resistance even after absorbing moisture. The resin additive consists of a powder with a mean particle size of 0.1 to 100 .mu.m of silicone rubber. It has a moisture absorption rate of 0.20 weight percent or less after being treated for 20 hours at a temperature of about 121.degree. C., a pressure of two atmospheres, and a relative humidity of 100 percent. The curable resin composition contains the resin additive, and the cured resin is formed by curing the curable resin composition.

A method for producing a copolymerized polyester resin, which comprises subjecting a dicarboxylic acid component containing terephthalic acid or its ester derivative as the main component and a phenylene dioxydiacetic acid as a copolymerizable component, and a diol component containing ethylene glycol as the main component, to polycondensation through an esterification reaction or a transesterification reaction, wherein the phenylene dioxydiacetic acid is added to the reaction system in the form of a solution dissolved in the diol component.

The invention relates to single step process for the preparation of poly (oxyalkylene)-alpha, omega-dicarboxylic acids of the formula HO.sub.2 CCH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2 CHRO).sub.n CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H, wherein R is hydrogen, methyl or mixtures of hydrogen and methyl on the individual molecule and n is an integer of from 100 to 2500, comprising the steps of reacting, an oxidising agent such as poly (oxyalkylene glycol) with Jone's reagent in a polar solvent at a temperature in the range of 10.degree. C. to room temperature for a period ranging between 1 hour to 12 hours, quenching the reaction by adding free radical scavanger, removing oxidation by-products from reaction mixture by adsorbing them on an adsorbing agent to obtain dicarboxylic acids in the solution, and evaporating the clear solution to obtain poly (oxyalkylene)-alpha, omega-dicarboxylic acids.

The invention is a process for the preparation of cyclic-sulfur fluorine containing oxazolidinone antibacterial agents which utilizes the important tetrahydrothiopyran-o-fluorinated carbamate of formula (IV) ##STR1##

O-(perfluoroalkyl)dibenzofuranium salt derivatives represented by the following general formula (1), ##STR1## (wherein Rf in said general formula (1) is a C1-10 perfluoroalkyl group and X.sup.- is a conjugate base of a Bronsted acid). Intermediates for preparation of the derivatives, a preparation method thereof, perfluoroalkylating agents comprising the said derivatives and the said preparation intermediates, and a perfluoroalkylating method.

Dikegulac, its salts and related derivatives are prepared by reacting 2-Keto-L-gulonic acid with 2,2 dimethoxypropane at an elevated temperature in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid. This produces a reaction intermediate which is then reacted with a base to complete hydrolysis and produce an acid salt of dikegulac. Simple concentration and phase separation techniques are used to provide a more efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective process.

Cyanoacetic esters of the general formula: ##STR1## in which R is C.sub.1-10 -alkyl, C.sub.3-10 -alkenyl or aryl-C.sub.1-4 alkyl, are prepared by the reaction of alkali metal cyanoacetates with the corresponding halides R--X, in which X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, in an aqueous/organic two-phase system in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst.

The invention relates to a sound body for a stringed instrument, having an upper backframe (6) designed as a frame, to which a soundboard (4) is adhesively bonded, and on which there are provided at least one bridge (8) extending approximately diagonally and a cast frame provided with a set of strings, and having a lower backframe which is arranged under the upper backframe (6) and is connected thereto. In order largely to maintain the once predefined tuning, even during fluctuations in the climatic conditions in a room, the invention proposes that the upper backframe (6) be connected to the lower backframe (16) only in its diagonally opposite connection regions (18a, 18b) facing the ends of said bridge (8), but have a clear spacing from the lower backframe (16) in the remaining edge regions (12a, 12b).

An elastic mounting device for a tom-tom drum holder includes a counterhoop body connected to the batter head of the drum and a holder for supporting the drum, characterized in that the holder is mounted aerially and two ends of the holder are provided with holes for the insertion of screw rods for tightening, the screw rods are externally mounted with an elastic collar and the screw rods with the elastic collar are then inserted into positioning holes provided on the counterhoop body, the inner edge of the counterhoop body is provided with a pad and a fastening nut for securing together with the holder, thereby by means of the mounting of the elastic collar with the screw rods, the drum vibrates slightly in accordance with the beating of the batter head of the

In a drum foot pedal comprising a base having two upwardly extending arms provided two sleeves at the upper ends thereof, a pedal having an end pivotally mounted on the pedal, a hexagonal axle, two bearings fitted in the sleeves, a stick having an end fixedly mounted on the hexagonal axle, a block member provided with a chain which extends downwardly to engage with another end of the pedal, and a stretching mechanism mounted between an end of the hexagonal axle and a flange of one of the arms, the improvement wherein the stretching mechanism comprises a connector fixedly mounted on the hexagonal axle by a pin, a spring having an upper end connected with the connector, a screw rod having an upper end connected with a lower end of the spring, a nut threadedly engaged with an intermediate portion of the screw rod, and a locking nut threadedly engaged with a lower portion of the screw rod, the flange being formed at the bottom with two cross inclined surfaces and a slot in which is fitted a positioning plate having a semi-circular hole, the screw rod having an intermediate portion formed with a semi-circular cross section configured to engage with the semi-circular hole and the locking nut having two cross inclined surfaces configured to engage with the two cross inclined surfaces of the flange.

A clock generation system generates and distributes sinusoidal signals. Also, the clock lines are configured and shielded in a manner so as to provide the same overall propagation characteristics for the clock signals in all the lines, and to minimize the effects of cross-talk and electromagnetic interference.

Provided is a personal computer keyboard in which base and reinforcement plates excellent in heat dissipativity and homogeneous in heat dissipation, and with a mechanical strength are incorporated. The keyboard includes a base plate 24 on which key caps K1 to K9 are mounted; and a reinforcement plate 25 disposed on the lower side of the base plate 24, wherein the base plate 24 is constituted of an Al--Mg--Si based alloy plate including 0.2 to 0.8 wt % of Si, 0.3 to 0.9 wt % of Mg, 0.35 wt % or less of Fe and 0.20 wt % or less of Cu with the rest of Al and inevitable impurities and wherein the reinforcement plate 25 is constituted of a heat pipe panel.

The invention relates to a heating device for a moveable part of a motor vehicle such as an automobile which can be held, such as a steering wheel. The heater is connected to a source of electrical energy in a stationary part of the vehicle by a contact unit having a stator and a rotor. A voltage converter of the heating device is provided in the stationary part of the vehicle, before the contact unit or in the stator of the contact unit. The voltage converter enables the generation of a higher voltage than the normal 12 volt standard voltage of the vehicle.

A semiconductor device is adapted for mounting on a substrate that has a chip-mounting region provided with a plurality of solder points. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a pad-mounting surface provided with a plurality of bonding pads which are disposed on the pad-mounting surface at locations that are offset from locations of corresponding ones of the solder points on the chip-mounting region. Conductive bodies are formed on the pad-mounting surface to establish the required electrical connection among the bonding pads and the corresponding ones of the solder points.

A semiconductor package of this invention has an insulating substrates, wiring layers disposed on the surface of the insulating substrate, a semiconductor chip disposed in a device hole provided in the insulating substrate, inner-joint-conductors for connecting at least part of the bonding pads on the surface of the semiconductor chip to the corresponding inner-joint-conductors and connection lands connected to the wiring layers. The device hole is provided so that it goes through the center of the insulating substrate. The semiconductor chip is thinner than the insulating substrate. Then, this semiconductor chip is disposed in the device hole such that a bottom thereof is flush with a bottom plane of the insulating substrate. Further, this invention provides a MCM in which plural pieces of the thin semiconductor packages are laminated. In the MCM, the semiconductor packages are laminated such that top and bottom faces of the thin silicon chip are inverted. Predetermined connection lands are electrically connected to each other through a connecting conductor. This MCM has a high mechanical strength in its stacked structure and there is a low possibility that crack may occur in the package due to stress in the bending direction.

An emergency supplemental power supply for outage protection of critical electric equipment load powered from a commercial power grid, including a first Variable speed drive, a second Variable speed drive, a first asynchronous motor powered from the first Variable speed drive for turning a fly-wheel attached thereto to ramp-up and maintain a level of expendable kinetic energy in the fly-wheel, the fly-wheel coupled to a first synchronous alternating current generator for driving the generator in a no-load, standby condition, a second asynchronous motor coupled to a second synchronous alternating current generator, in combination, and interposed the second Variable speed drive and the critical electric equipment load, a prime mover including a coupling between the prime mover to the second asynchronous motor/second synchronous alternating current generator combination, and, a computer processor interconnected all elements for maintaining the frequency of alternating current output from the first synchronous alternating current generator slightly above the frequency of the commercial power on the grid wherein, the emergency contactor, is arranged to close upon the sagging or outage of incoming grid power to the critical load and allow the kinetic energy in the rotating fly-wheel to drive the first synchronous alternating current generator and produce a decaying alternating current.

In an AC generator for a vehicle, a housing is formed at one end thereof with an end plate portion, a plurality of axial cooling liquid passages are provided in a body portion of the housing, and a circumferential cooling liquid passage and a radial cooling liquid passage each connecting the axial cooling liquid passages adjacent to each other are provided in an axial end face of the housing and the end plate portion, respectively.

An electrical machine formed as claw pole generator has a ring-shaped stator provided with windings, a claw pole rotor rotatably arranged inside an opening of the stator, the claw pole rotor having a rotor shaft and an exciter coil arranged coaxially to the rotor shaft, the claw pole rotor also having a peripheral surface provided with a plurality of claw poles which overlap the exciter coil and engage in a finger-like manner with groove-shaped intermediate spaces, at least one axially acting fan units arranged at an end side of the claw pole rotor in a region of an outer periphery, and a plurality of honeycombed structures located in the intermediate spaces and extending in a longitudinal direction of the intermediate spaces so that a cooling medium flows through the structures.

An enclosure formed of a non-magnetic material occupies space in the non-magnetic gap between the rotor and stator. As the enclosure thickness increases, the size of the air gap, which is the non-magnetic gap minus the enclosure thickness, becomes smaller, and the resistance to the axial flow of gas coolant decreases. A non-circular shaped enclosure provides additional area between the rotor and stator for axial transfer of gas and minimizes the non-magnetic gap at the d-axis while maximizing the air gap at the q-axis. The shape of the enclosure also reduces the centrifugal force in the vicinity of the q-axis and delivers a more circular shape as a result of the deformation at operating speed.

A commutation assembly mechanically commutates an electric motor. It includes a plurality of distinct electrical contacts forming a circular surface around a motor shaft. At least some of the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to distinct coils within the motor. The assembly further includes a conductive flexible ring and an arm with two rollers. The conductive flexible ring has a circumference that is less than the circumference of the circular surface. In use, the arm is rigidly attached to the motor shaft and has a roller disposed at a distal end for forcing an electrical connection between the flexible ring and specific electrical contacts during rotation of the arm. The electrical connection causes at least one of the distinct coils to be selectively energized.

A method of winding a step-up transformer substantially minimizes the parasitic capacitance effects between the primary coil of the transformer and the secondary coil of the transformer. The primary coil is wound around a sectional bobbin and laid upon the bobbin in a winding direction that is opposite to the winding direction of the secondary coil. The opposite winding directions allow the high-voltage terminal ends of the primary and secondary coils to be maximally separated. The maximal separation of high-voltage signals within each coil reduces the effects of the capacitive coupling between the coils, and also maximizes the breakdown voltage between the coils. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary coil of the step-up transformer is also configured to minimize the effects of capacitive coupling and to maximize the breakdown voltage among the coils.

A servo control apparatus for performing a feedback control to an analog controlled system, includes an error generating device that generates a digital error corresponding to a difference between a desired value and a feedback value corresponding to a controlled variable of the analog controlled system, a control device that generates a digital manipulated variable, and a digital-to-analog converting device that converts the digital manipulated variable into an analog manipulated variable for driving the analog controlled system. The control device includes a disturbance estimating device that estimates a disturbance applied to the analog controlled system by carrying out a digital estimating process by using the digital manipulated variable and the digital error and generates a digital compensated variable corresponding to the estimated disturbance, and a manipulated variable generating device that generates the digital manipulated variable by using the digital error and the digital compensated variable.

An induction motor control system (10) for electric vehicles having a DC power supply (12), an inverter (14), an induction motor (16), and a clamping unit (26). The clamping unit (26) applies a clamping value iq_clamp to a real torque current command i.sub.q *. The clamping value iq_clamp is calculated in a maximum torque current calculation unit 28 and is based on predetermined maximum settings for the motor power P.sub.max and torque T.sub.max. The clamping value iq_clamp is applied such that the torque current command i.sub.q * cannot exceed the clamping value iq_clamp, whereby the induction motor produces 16 output power P.sub.out and torque T.sub.out that is always less than the predetermined maximum settings, P.sub.max and T.sub.max.

An electromagnetic induction type charging device for charging a battery device has a charging paddle and a receptacle. The charging paddle has an infrared communication apparatus for communicating between the paddle and the receptacle. The housing of the charging paddle is made of a material that transmits infrared waves.

The present invention is a microwave power amplifier using a balanced amplifier. The present invention uses one output port of a hybrid power combiner as a port to detect distortion of the amplifier circuit. To eliminate noise superimposed over a normal signal, the detected distortion is fed forward to the normal amplified signal via an adjustment circuit and directional coupler.

A high-frequency oscillator is provided, which decreases the phase noise and which has excellent mass productivity and reproducibility. This oscillator is comprised of (a) first, second, and third FETs formed on a substrate; (b) a first transmission line formed on the substrate; the first line being connected to drains of the first and second FETs formed on the substrate; (c) a second transmission line formed on the substrate; the second line being connected to gates of the first and second FETs; (d) a third transmission line formed on the substrate; the third line being connected to sources of the first and second FETs; (e) a fourth transmission line formed on the substrate; the fourth line being connected to the drain of the second FET and a drain of the third FET; (f) a fifth transmission line formed on the substrate; the fifth line being connected to the gate of the second FET and a gate of the third FET; and (g) a sixth transmission line formed on the substrate; the sixth line being connected to the source of the second FET and a source of the third FET. The first, second, and third transmission lines are coupled together due to electromagnetic field, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth transmission lines are coupled together due to electromagnetic field.

A thermal-magnetic trip unit, suitable for use in a circuit breaker, for eliminating the requirement for latching surfaces while still providing the additional force and motion required to trip the breaker during a short circuit or an overcurrent trip event. The trip unit comprises a link that is biased based on the position of a trip bar. A spring biases the link in a first direction when the trip unit is in a reset condition and biases the link in a second direction when the trip bar is rotated about a pivot point. A trip unit further including an improved indication-of-trip system comprising a two-piece trip bar mechanism and flag system is described to discriminate between overcurrent and short circuit faults. In this embodiment of the invention, visual confirmation of the cause of the trip is provided. The case of the circuit breaker in this embodiment of the invention includes a window disposed therein in a location conducive to a user viewing an identification flag thus enabling the rapid determination of the type of trip which has occurred. To identify a trip caused by an overcurrent condition, a first flag is employed. To identify a trip caused by a short circuit condition, a second flag is employed.

In order to provide a magnetic field stabilization method, magnetic field generating apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that is not affected by the temperature distribution in an installation space, in stabilizing a magnetic field of a magnetic field generating apparatus 2 having a pair of permanent magnets facing each other with a space interposed and yokes constituting a magnetic circuit for the permanent magnets, heat quantities to be applied to a plurality of positions are individually controlled (172, 174) based on the temperatures detected at a plurality of positions 154, 158 on the yoke to stabilize the respective temperatures at the plurality of positions.

The inexpensive sensor detects a low oil or no oil condition in an internal combustion engine and shuts down the engine. The sensor includes two inductors having different resistances disposed in a sensing bridge. The inductors are heated by a steady low voltage. A periodic higher voltage is applied to the inductors by means of a power winding disposed on the same frame as the ignition coil. When at least one of the inductors is disposed in air and not in oil, an imbalance is created in the sensing circuit that is used to short out the ignition primary. Alternatively, the sensor can be used to provide a visual or audible indication of a low oil level without stopping the engine.

A sensor mounting arrangement comprising a mounting component arranged, in use, to carry a moveable part of a sensor. The mounting component is coupled through a first load path to a drive component to move with the drive component. The mounting component includes an opening through which the drive component extends, the drive component defining an abutment surface which is spaced from the mounting component in normal use and is arranged such that, should the first load path fail, the abutment surface is moveable into engagement with the mounting component to transmit movement of the drive component to the part of the mounting component carrying the moveable part of the sensor through a second load path.

Photolithographic apparatus (1) including an illumination unit (3). The illumination unit (3) comprises, in this order, a radiation source unit (11), a first optical system (5) and an optical waveguide (17). The apparatus (1) further includes a second optical system (7) and a mask table (9). The apparatus (1) is adapted in such a way that both the stepper mode and the scanner mode are selectable modi, and comprises means by which the illumination unit (11), when being operative, has a slit-shaped static illumination field with a width s which is variable between s.sub.min and s.sub.max while substantially maintaining energy within the static illumination field.

One or more lenses are revolved around an axis normal to a flat scan plane to provide a scanning mechanism for exposure onto (or reading off of) a flat plane of a substrate. The data for the image is remapped electronically or in software to compensate for the curved path of the focal point of the scanning lens. Combined with a conventional scanning mechanism in a second axis, an area scan is accomplished inexpensively on a flat plane.

A three phase AC-DC power conversion circuit is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of input inductors and capacitors and output capacitors. A high frequency current source is operably connected between the input and output of the circuit and operates to transfer energy from the input capacitors to the output capacitors. The energy is transferred through the secondary of a transformer in the high frequency current source. Current in the high frequency current source's switches flows through the primary of the transformer.

The sense-amp transistors of the sense amplifier configuration are arranged in a common continuous diffusion region. The drivers are disposed directly adjacent and parallel to the diffusion region. A short local connection between the sense-amp transistors and the drivers is thereby ensured.

A data holding apparatus that is capable of a high speed response and that holds data even when the power source is off. Each memory cell of the data holding apparatus includes first and second transistors, where at least the first transistor is a ferroelectric transistor having a floating gate over the gate insulating film, and a ferroelectric layer between the gate insulating layer and the control gate. The control gate of the first transistor is connected to the drain of the second transistor and the control gate of the second transistor is connected to the drain of the first transistor to provide a positive feedback to each other, and the memory cell holds data defined by the ON or OFF states of the first and second transistors. The memory cell further includes data lines carrying data signals to be written into or read from the memory cell. When writing data, the data lines are connected to the floating gate of the first transistor and disconnected from the drains of the first and second transistors, and when reading data, the data lines are connected to the drains of the first and second transistors and disconnected from the floating gate of the first transistor.

A semi permanent enclosure for an optical data storage device has a first film dimensioned to overlie the read surface of the optical data storage device and a second film dimensioned to overlie the non-read surface of the optical data storage device. The enclosure includes a rim arrangement having an L-shaped cross-section extending around the periphery of the optical data storage device. The first film may have an optical couplant on the surface thereof destined for attachment to the optical data storage device. The optical couplant preferably has a refractive index compatible with that of the optical data storage device to minimize losses and distortion of signals. The optical couplant may also be used with the second film.

The present invention is a fiber channel switch employing a distributed queuing algorithm for interconnecting a plurality of devices (workstations, supercomputer, peripherals) through their associated node ports (N_ports) and employs a fabric having a shared memory coupled to a plurality of fabric ports (F_ports) through a bi-directional bus over which memory addresses, frame data and communications commands are transmitted. Each F_port includes a port controller employing a distributed queuing algorithm associated with a control network for communicating commands between the ports related to when and where frame transfers should be made, wherein the bi-directional bus provides an independent data network for access to the shared memory such that frames can be transferred to and from the shared memory in response to port controller commands.

A game attractant heating device for heating a quantity of liquid game attractant to a temperature between 90.degree. and 130.degree. degrees Fahrenheit. The heating device preferably includes multiple liquid attractant holding chambers each with a separate heating element for simultaneously heating two liquid attractants simultaneously. The heating device is also preferably battery powered.

The cartridge accommodates a shooting film therein, and includes at least an electrically connectable contact on an outer surface layer thereof, and said recording medium has a recording area for storing digital data of an index image based on images recorded on said shooting film. Therefore, by recording the digital data of images recorded on the shooting film in the recording medium of the cartridge a customer can read the image data and process the image data.

A toner supply device comprises: a toner cartridge, which is used for an image forming system, including a substantially cylindrical container for housing therein a toner and which is supplied when the toner is insufficient for the image forming system; an information recording part which is provided on the peripheral surface of the container and on which information including that the toner is a certified product has been recorded; a rotating unit, connected to the tip portion of the container when the container is attached, for rotating the container along the peripheral surface; a cleaning unit, provided in the vicinity of the container, for contacting the information recording part of the container in response to the operation of the rotating unit during the reading operation of a reading sensor, to sequentially clean the information recording part by the rotation of the container; and a reading sensor, provided in the vicinity of the container and in front of the cleaning unit in rotational directions of the toner cartridge, for sequentially reading the information on the information recording part cleaned by the cleaning unit in response to the operation of the rotating unit.

A system is provided for analyzing peripheral components and/or control devices connected to a control apparatus, especially a transmission control apparatus. The control apparatus has entry and exit points for at least one entry and/or exit function as well as a data set having the allocation of entry and/or exit functions to the corresponding entry and/or exit points. The system has an output device for reading the allocation of the entry and/or exit functions to the entry and/or exit points from the data set and for outputting the functions allocated to the various entry and/or exit points on the output device.

A method for processing a search query uses the results of a search performed on a high quality, controlled database to assess the relevance of documents retrieved from a search of an uncontrolled public database having documents of highly variable quality. The method includes the steps of parsing the search query and then searching the authoritative database to generate authoritative database results. The search query is also used to search the public database, thereby generating public database results. The quality or relevance of the public database results are then quantified on the basis of the authoritative database results, thereby generating a quality index. The results from both the authoritative and the public databases are then ranked on the basis of this quality index.

This invention relates to a garment for use in the game of Rugby Union. It is primarily to be worn by a member of the tight five. The garment has handles positioned on the garment, oriented in locations so as to be gripped by another member of the forwards in scrummage play, to aid in the support of the scrummage formation.

A toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus for sanitizing water in the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus includes a toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus for mounting in a toilet. The toilet has a tank with an interior for selectively holding flushing water and a fill valve for controlling water flow from a water supply to the tank. A lever coupled to a float controls the fill valve. An upstanding overflow container is mounted in the tank and empties into a tank outlet. A trickle conduit is in communication with the fill valve for squirting water into the overflow container. The tank outlet is in fluid connection with a toilet bowl. The apparatus comprises a container which has a first end, a second end and a substantially hollow peripheral extending wall therebetween. The first end of the container has an opening therein and the second end is closed. A cap is adapted for mounting over the opening in the container. An intake pipe brings water into the container. The intake pipe is fluidly connected to the container. The trickle conduit has end adapted for connecting to the intake pipe. An outlet pipe is fluidly connected to the container. A plurality of sanitizing tablets sanitizes water flowing through the container. The outlet pipe is adapted for being placed in the overflow container.

An apparatus for dispensing detergent into a toilet cistern includes a container, a membrane, a floating body, and a casing. The membrane has two sides that face an entrance of the container and are connected with the floating body, respectively. The floating body is surrounded by the casing, which in turn is connected to the entrance of the container. The floating body is movable up and down within the casing and moves according to a buoyant force due to the water level in the cistern resulting in a variation of the pressure difference inside and outside the container. Thus a well-defined quantity of cleaning liquid is released from the container, as determined by the movement of the membrane.

The toilet discharge system includes a valve with a body (1) and a shutter member (2), and an unblocking apparatus for the shutter member which acts to displace the shutter between the closing position and an auxiliary position and to return it subsequently to the closing position. Advantageously, the shutter member is a rotating element, and its displacement takes place along the direction of its rotation axis; the unblocking apparatus can include a pneumatic system which injects air into two chambers (6, 7) defined between the valve body (1) and the shutter member (2), on two opposite sides of the latter. The method of operation consists in submitting the shutter member of the valve to a cycle which includes a displacement between the closing position and an auxiliary position, and subsequent return to the closing position. The shutter member is thereby prevented from becoming blocked, by avoiding formation of scale of lime and the like, and lubrication and cleanliness of the valve are improved.

A showerbath base plate having an annular gutter in the form of a ring according to the contour of the showerbath is disclosed. The gutter has an inclined bottom the lowest portion of which is connected to a drainage conduit. Inner and outer walls of the gutter have at their respective upper edges flanges extending horizontally away from the gutter. A flat sheet is supported on the inner wall flanges with an elastic joint therebetween. The flat sheet extends over the gutter to near the flanges of the outer gutter walls with an aperture between the flat sheet and the outer wall flanges.