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a large round baler includes a bale forming assembly and a chassis constructed as separate units which , when disconnected and displaced from each other either entirely at an interface between the units or by tilting one unit about a longitudinal axis at one side of the interface , permit one or more flexible endless baling elements to be mounted in place on the baling assembly . cross beams , which extend between and interconnect the opposite side structures of the bale forming assembly are located such , that they do not obstruct the space required to slide the endless baling element over the baling assembly and into engagement with the bale forming rolls . mounting of the flexible endless baling element requires the removal of one or more baling element support rolls from opposite side structures of the baling assembly and / or from opposite arms of a tensioning assembly .

fig1 shows a baler 10 , having a chassis 12 , a baling assembly 14 , a crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 and a bale handling assembly 18 . the baler 10 as shown is in the form of a round baler of the variable chamber type . the baler 10 is of the pull type , i . e ., it gets attached to a tractor ( not shown ) or the like and is pulled during operation and transport . the chassis 12 comprises a carrying structure 20 , wheels 22 and a tongue 24 . the chassis 12 is of a self - carrying structure to which all assemblies of the baler 10 can be attached . the carrying structure 20 is made of beams , traverses , struts , axles , cross beams , etc . welded or bolted together to form a rigid piece . the carrying structure 20 is formed such , that it can assume , in an inner space or on its top side , the baling assembly 14 , at its underside the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 , and , normally at the back side or above the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 , a bale handling assembly 18 . the bale handling assembly 18 could be installed on any place which fits the purpose . flanges or other interface connecting means are provided at places which are useful to receive either of the above assemblies 14 , 16 , 18 . in the shown embodiment , the carrying structure 20 extends under an angle of about 45 degrees to the ground on which it stands and is connected to the tongue 24 at one end and to the wheels 22 at the other end . two beams ( only one shown ) extend on each side in the longitudinal direction of the baler 10 and are interconnected by means of cross beams ( not shown ). provided at the underside of the carrying structure 20 is a recess 26 to provide additional space for the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 . such a recess 26 or additional space may not be needed in other embodiments . while the carrying structure 20 here is shown in straight lines , it is obvious , that it may be of a different shape and layout , when this is necessary . furthermore , the carrying structure 20 may be formed such that the baling assembly 14 is not fastened to its upper side , but is suspended from a portion high up . the carrying structure 20 is also provided with electronic controls ( not shown ) and drives 56 in the form of belts , chains , gears or hydraulic drives , whereas the one shown comprises a bevel gear with an universal joint . in a slight overlapping relationship to the wheels 22 , a bottom roll 58 is rotatably received by the carrying structure 20 . this bottom roll 58 is oriented and located such that it can support a round bale formed in this baling assembly 14 . the wheels 22 are rotatably connected to the carrying structure 20 either directly or via an axle ( not shown ). the wheels 22 may be arranged in tandem fashion , spring suspended or fixed , steerable or straight and with or without brakes . the arrangement of the wheels 22 is such that the baling assembly 14 in question can be readily connected to the carrying structure 20 . the tongue 24 is connected to the front end area of the carrying structure 20 in a vertically adjustable way . in other embodiments , the tongue 24 may be attached rigidly . sufficient space is left below the tongue 24 and the carrying structure 20 to receive the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 . beyond that , the tongue 24 is of known construction . the baling assembly 14 is formed by a front part 28 and a rear part 30 , which are connected to each other in a bearing 32 with a pivot axis extending horizontally and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the baler 10 . the baling assembly 14 is substantially of a known type in the form of a variable chamber round baler , in which a series of rolls 34 is rotatably received in side structures 36 and whereas other rolls 38 are carried by a tensioning arm 40 moving between end positions against the resistance provided by a tensioning means 42 , like a spring or a hydraulic actuator . a hydraulic actuator 44 is provided to swing the rear part 30 about the pivot axle of the bearing 32 between a raised unload position and lowered baling position , as shown the drawings . this baling assembly 14 is formed as a self - carrying unit , which can be handled during assembly , transport etc . as a single and independent piece . for this purpose , struts and cross beams 46 are provided between and fixed to the side structures 30 , to make the front and the rear parts 28 and 30 , respectively , rigid units . the baling assembly 14 is provided furthermore with a set of belts 48 , running parallel with little distance to each other over the rolls 34 and 38 . unless the belts 48 are manufactured in an endless fashion , the ends of the belts 48 are connected to each other to make the belts 48 endless . in other embodiments the belts may be replaced by a chain and slat conveyor or by a single belt . as can be seen in fig1 , the cross beams 46 are provided inside a space covered or surrounded by the belts 48 and close to a fixed roll 34 , such that , even with a completed bale in a bale chamber 50 , the belts 48 will not touch the cross beams 46 . the location of the cross beams 46 is chosen such that , if the belts 48 are slid over the baling assembly and are concentrated towards the bale chamber 50 , they are always in the shadow of the rolls 34 and are facing the inner side of the belts 48 as opposed to their outer side . some of the rolls 34 ′ and 38 ′ are either made of multiple parts with a shaft or stub shafts and a roll body , or they can be inserted through holes in one of the side structures 36 . this location of the beams 46 and the use of such rolls 34 ′, 38 ′ are reasons , why the belts 48 can be installed as will be described later . the underside of the front part 28 forms an interface to be connected to the upper side of the carrying structure 20 . in this specific embodiment , front and rear mounting or bearing plates 52 are provided at each side of the carrying structure and include aligned openings lying along a longitudinally extending tilt axis t . fixed to lower edges of each of the opposite side structures 36 are front and rear pairs of mounting lugs 53 that are spaced for receiving the bearing plates 52 between them and when coupled to the bearing plates establish a hinge joint at the respective tilt axis t about which the baling assembly 14 can be tilted when the fasteners establishing the coupling between the front and rear plates 52 and lugs 53 at one side of the carrying structure 20 and baling assembly 14 are removed . the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 is formed as a pick - up with a subsequent cutting device combined to a single unit . in other embodiments it may be either of them or another crop receiving and / or processing assembly , like a mower . usually this crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 extends laterally beyond the carrying structure 20 and has a rearward delivery opening to feed the crop into the bale chamber 50 . contrary to the prior art , this crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 is not connected directly to the baling assembly 14 but to the carrying structure 20 , where it is suspended in a vertically moveable way , as this is known . guide sheets or the like will be provided , where necessary , to provide for a secure feeding of the crop along the feed path , when the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 is adjusted in height . interfaces ( not shown ) are provided at the underside of the carrying structure 20 and on the upper side of the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 to connect both to each other , whereas connection may happen via fast connectors , bearings , flanges or the like . the bale handling assembly 18 is shown as a bale ramp , on which a bale can roll down , once the rear part 30 is swung up . instead of or in addition to the bale handling assembly 18 , a bale wrapper , a weighing device , a bale tying or netting device or the like could be attached to the carrying structure 20 . the connection between the bale handling assembly 18 and the carrying structure 20 may be rigid or adjustable . the bale handling assembly 18 may include either means that is used to handle or process the bale , as opposed to the crop not being formed to a bale yet . it is obvious from the above description , that various baling assemblies 14 and crop receiving and / or processing assemblies 16 and / or bale handling assembly 18 can be attached to the underside , upper side or rear side of the carrying structure 20 respectively to form a series of different balers 10 . reference is made to fig2 and 3 to describe the method for installing the belts 48 . when new belts 48 have to be placed on the rolls 34 , 38 , either during initial production or for maintenance , the baling assembly 14 is either elevated relative to the mounting plates 52 to create a gap between the baling assembly 14 and the carrying structure 20 and the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 and the bale handling assembly 18 ( see fig4 ), or it is lifted completely for example by means of a fork lift or a crane , into a position as shown in fig2 and 3 . in this situation , the circumferential surfaces of the baling assembly 14 , i . e . its upper , lower , front and rear sides are freely accessible . all rolls 34 , 38 are in place except those shown in dotted lines in fig2 and 3 , which is the most forward one 38 ′ on the tensioning arm 40 and the upper rearward one 34 ′ in the front part 28 . loops 54 of the belts 48 are created between pairs of opposite rolls 34 , 38 , whereas the removable rolls 34 ′, 38 ′ serve as idling points for these loops 54 . in order to install the belts 48 , they are made endless and are slid over the side structures 46 to surround the circumferential surfaces , as shown in fig2 . as a next step , the missing rolls 34 ′ and 38 ′ are installed , which will tighten the loops 54 and apply all belts 48 to the adjacent surfaces of the rolls 34 , 38 . finally , the tensioning means 42 is activated to provide for a tight connection . the situation in fig4 is comparable to the situation in fig2 , except that the distance between the baling assembly 14 and the carrying structure 20 and the crop receiving and / or processing assembly 16 and bale handling assembly 18 is much smaller and assumes a size which is needed in the case of maintenance or repair , which should be performed with the least efforts . a little distance of about 0 . 02 – 0 . 10 m should be sufficient to install the endless belts 48 and can be reached by either lifting off the baling assembly 14 or by pivoting it about one or the other of the axes t running through the mounting plates 52 . having described the preferred embodiment , it will become apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims .

US-3262205-A

this invention pertains to insoles and lasts for footwear . the insole has one or several protrusions which fit correspondingly disposed cavities in the outer sole thus assuring correct alignment of the outer sole and the insole at assembly . lasting hooks are located around the insole which help to improve string - lasting and make possible a novel lasting method in conjunction with holes in the lasting margin of the upper . the last has two registration pins , one of them is firmly , the other one resiliently located in its bottom ; they assure accurate positioning of the insole against the bottom of the last and eliminate the use of tacks .

the illustrative insole 10 as shown in fig1 and fig2 has a protrusion 12 which fits snugly in the cavity 32 of the outer sole 30 thus assuring correct alignment of the outer sole 30 against the bottom of the lasted shoe . the protrusion 12 can have various shapes and will not only serve as an alignment pin , but will also favorably effect the stability and rigidity of the heel of the outer sole 30 . it is very well possible to cement the protrusion 12 in the cavity of the outer sole so that a separation of the heel and the insole 10 becomes almost impossible . the insole 10 in fig1 to 4 has a shank reinforcement rib 14 which is integrally molded to the insole . the insole 10 is molded in such a way that the reinforcement rib 14 does not have any sharp corners or notches , thus avoiding stress concentrations when the shoe is worn . as revealed in fig1 the outer sole 30 has a clearance cavity for reinforcement rib 14 . said clearance cavity could be made small enough to serve as an additional alignment means when the outer sole is assembled to the shoe . in fig3 and 4 is shown arch support 16 which is also integrally molded to the insole in one molding operation . normally , an arch support improves the comfort of a shoe , but in order to economize it is often eliminated . if molded together with the insole in one operation , the arch support does not entail any cost except for the few grams of additional material . the insole 10 in fig3 to 6 is equipped with aligning protrusion 18 located in the heel area , and protrusion 20 located in the toe area . of course , they need corresponding cavities in the outer sole and serve the same purpose as described before with reference to protrusion 12 . also , the insole 10 as shown in fig3 to 6 is characterized by a plurality of lasting hooks 22 which are normally molded together with the insole in one operation . the lasting hooks 22 must be strong enough to hold the pulled - over upper in place . they are located along the edge of the insole about 1 / 4 to 1 inch away from the edge . the ends of the lasting hooks 22 have slight rims which prevent the string 24 or the engaged upper from slipping off . the purpose and function of the lasting hooks 22 will be explained with reference to fig5 and fig6 . in fig5 is shown string 24 which is loosely and slideably attached to the edge of an upper by means of stitches 26 . at the heel end the string 24 is doubled so that both ends of the string can be pulled into the same direction when string - lasting is to be accomplished . when string - lasting , the greater part of the pulling - over force is applied to the toe and heel end of a shoe . one can easily visualize that a string , when tensioned around the shoe , cannot pull the upper over the sides of insole 10 . in present - day manufacture , the operator pulls the sides of the upper manually and keeps them in place with a few driven fasteners . according to our invention the operator grips the string by means of a special tool , pulls the sides of the shoe upper over the insole and pushes the string 24 behind the lasting hooks 22 thus fastening the upper to the insole 10 . if upper and insole are precemented , only slight pressure will be needed for good bonding of the same . another novel lasting method using lasting hooks 22 is explained with reference to fig6 . in preparation for this lasting method holes 28 or similar perforations are punched through the lasting margin of the upper , the number of perforations being identical with the number of lasting hooks 22 of the corresponding insole . it should be assumed that the insole 10 is attached to the bottom of the last and that cement has been applied to the upper and the insole . first , the operator engages three holes of the heel end with three corresponding lasting hooks of the insole . then , he tensions the upper over the toe end of the last , using lasting pincers , until he can engage the holes with related lasting hooks 22 of the insole . after the toe and heel end of the upper have been secured to the insole , the sides are pulled over and kept in place by the engagement of the holes and the lasting hooks . it is obvious that no lasting machinery is needed for this kind of lasting . shoe uppers made of soft materials are particularly suitable for this lasting method . the last 40 in fig1 shows improved holding means by which the operator can attach the insole 10 to the bottom of the last without using tacks or other driven fasteners . in the heel end of the last 40 is located a housing 42 . in housing 42 is pivotally positioned registration pin 44 , on which compression spring 46 applies pressure constantly . pin 48 holds the registration pin 44 in the housing 42 but allows for a pivoting movement . registration pin 45 is firmly located in the forepart of the last 40 . the ends of pin 44 and 45 are conically shaped to prevent the insole from slipping off the pin once the insole is attached against the bottom of the last . the insole 10 has two registration holes 50 and 52 , fig2 which must be so located that the insole properly matches the bottom of the last when the holes engage the registration pins 44 and 45 . when the operator attaches the insole to the last , he first engages registration hole 50 with the resiliently located registration pin 44 , then he moves the insole and the registration pin in unison toward the firmly located registration pin 45 until registration hole 52 slips over said pin . if the entire insole is made by a molding or casting process , holes 50 and 52 should be made simultaneously by the same process . however , if the insole is partially molded or cut out of a board , said registration holes can be punched into it . also , it is possible that the resilient registration pin and the firmly located registration pin switch their position in the last , i . e . either pin could be located in either end of the last . it should be kept in mind that several variations of the insole described before are possible without deviating from the scope of this invention . for instance , it might be desireable to have the lasting hooks 22 positioned at the sides of the insole , using them for side lasting only , while the heel and toe are lasted by a conventional heel lasting and toe lasting machine . this could be necessary when stiffeners in the heel and the toe of an upper make string lasting impossible . another practical use of lasting hooks has been found in conjunction with all - around lasting by means of a roller - type side lasting machine . in this case , the lasting hooks are used to position the perforated upper on the last . in doing so , the operation of all - around lasting is made considerably easier since the upper does not have to be held manually while last and upper are guided along the feed rolls of the side lasting machine .

US-63882775-A

a band , or bracelet , is semi - permanently attachable to , and wearable about , a limb of the human body . the limb band is in the physical form of a familiar , and well - accepted , flexible plastic hospital - type wrist bracelet . as well as providing a physical platform to attach , and to mount , any of a large number of diverse portable electronic physiological , motion and like sensors of the human body and its condition , the limb band houses , and electrically connects , any of a battery that is preferably rechargeable , a solar cell for recharging the battery , an antenna , and / or a universal electronic signal connector . in this manner the limb band economically serves as a universal platform for mounting , supplying power and / or abetting wireless and wired communication to and from , wearable electronic sensors and monitors of humans and animals .

1 . problems addressed by the limb band sensor platform of the present invention as well as a general requirement for portable / wearable physiological sensors , there is in particular a present , circa 2011 , inability for hospitals and caretakers to properly track alzheimer &# 39 ; s , autistic , and patients with neurological disorders . the problem extends to any and all persons admitted to medical care facilities who have the potential for real emergencies to take place , in that given any particular emergency could potentially go unattended because the person cannot effectively communicate his / her incipient needs . such a person needs a vitality monitoring and alarming device . such a device can also solve similar problems in distressed animals and pets of all sorts , including tracking such pets when there is a confinement issue . present ( circa 2012 ) patient - wearable sensing and monitoring devices are in general not self charging , and may run out of power leaving the patient vulnerable . the limb band sensor platform of the present invention uses photovoltaic technology to recharge a battery . in ( 1 ) normal use and lighting conditions , including indoors , to power ( 2 ) one or two typically ( radio - communicating ) microelectronic sensors , the limb band has no need for ac power recharging . additionally , the band interchangeably can mount a number of sensors — including some two or more independently operating sensors — at a single time . the wearable limb band can be interchanged with a number of diverse sensors for the purpose of monitoring patients / pets with a variety of specific needs . the preferred limb band also has a antenna that connects to a radio - communicating sensor or monitor not only for permitting a physically - mounted and electrically - connected sensor / monitor to broadcast a string radio signal reporting the condition of the wearer , but also for strongly receiving such radio signals as do potentially also permit a patient to communicate with his / her caretaker . a patient who is lost or confused can take comfort in hearing a familiar voice , and this can occur though a same module that serves as a primary sensor / monitor , or through an entirely different module simultaneously mounted to the limb band ( or even to another limb band simultaneously worn ). the reason that the transmitted , and received , radio signals are “ strong ” is simply that the limb band is commonly physically much larger than the microelectronic sensor / monitors that it serves to mount and connect , and , since the antenna will be seen to be substantially coextensive with the entire circumference of the limb band , the relatively large antenna of the limb band serves as a more efficient and effective radio radiator or receiver than would any smaller radio antenna built within the sensor or monitor . because of its modularity , the system of the present invention based on a limb band sensor platform clearly accords flexibility and cost effectiveness in addressing diverse patient conditions and problems . for example , when the band of the present invention mounts a gps sensor then it can act to solve the problem of run - away alzheimer &# 39 ; s patients , patients with autism , cardiac problems , sleep apnea , epileptics or other health problems . it does so by monitoring and locating these patients , who often need constant attention . additionally , with one or more appropriate sensors , the band of the present invention can serve monitor the vitality and location of patients / animals around the clock . it conveniently solves that problem of constantly having to be charged by its self - charging apparatus . in general the limb band with appropriate sensors and monitors serves to solve diverse patient / animal location challenges and health challenges by transmitting information to a remote location such as a cell phone , or a lap top or any electronic device that can receive and interpret a signal . still further additionally the limb strap of the present invention can be used as an anti - drowning device if an appropriate sensor is mounted . it also has the ability to be used for military applications , specifically to be used as a device to let commanding officers know of the whereabouts of their enlisted men / women . a proper system will both give location coordinates and offer the wearer the ability to communicate his / her physical condition to command posts via a both ( 1 ) a vitality sensor , or module , and ( 2 ) a gps / satellite technology geospatial positional sensing / monitoring module . the military would benefit from a self - powering device with the capability to track individuals and communicate pertinent information . yet still further the limb band sensor platform can mount a vitality monitor for children or any patient — especially in a dental office , podiatrists office , or any outpatient facility where unique vitality monitoring is needed . a system based on the limb band sensor platform of the present invention can be adapted to fit all these unique uses , and more . 2 . purposes of the limb band sensor platform of the present invention as stated above , inability for hospitals and caretakers to properly track alzheimer &# 39 ; s , autistic , and patients with neurological disorders can be troublesome . the problem extends to any and all admittance to medical care facilities where exists a potential for real emergencies to take place , given that any particular emergency might go unattended save for a vitality monitoring and alarming device . as was also stated above , a vitality monitoring and alarming device could also serve to solve similar problems in distressed animals and pets of all sorts , including tracking such pets when there is an elopement issue . the present invention of a limb band sensor platform helps to solve these problems . this invention provides a band ( 1 ) that is mechanically secured about a limb , normally the wrist ( ergo , a wristband ), and ( 2 ) that provides a long - lasting and self - sustaining power source to any wireless communication device mounted to the band , or ( with wired connection ) close by on the limb ( the wrist ) of the patient ( or the collar of a pet ). the band of the present invention can also serve as a collar for pets where it again provides a long - lasting and self - sustaining power - source for a sensor and / or monitor of the pet &# 39 ; s for their vitality of position ,. the band or collar is water resistant and tamper proof . an onboard battery is charged / re - charged when an onboard solar cell is exposed to light illumination , including indoor ambient lighting . both the battery and the solar cell are normally flexible with the band . the circumference of the band is variably adjustable to fit different sizes of ( 1 ) limbs , including any of ( 2 ) wrists and ( 3 ) ankles and ( 4 ) necks . the preferred limb band is able to mount one or more communication modules or like electrical circuits each of which takes , most typically , up to 3 . 7 v . d . c . from the battery . so constructed and used the limb band sensor platform of the present invention differs from all structures know to the inventors , being that there are no structures known to the inventors that combine all of the principle elements of the limb band of the present invention . for example , although wearable sensors presently exist , these are commonly presently tied to electrical power sources that require intermittent charging by direct connection to an external power source . other wearable sensor systems are non - diversified , and lack ability to monitor and / or track patients having a multitude of differing specific needs . present systems know to the inventors are additionally limited by their inability to be self - sustaining in terms of their power source ( s ). present systems are not adaptable in terms of the patients that they are monitoring . for example , present systems do not have the ability to provide different sensing and / or monitoring services to a cardiac patient and an alzheimer &# 39 ; s patient from a common platform , whereas the limb band of the present invention has that and ours that capability when an appropriate electronic sensor / monitor is mounted to the band . the mounted sensor / monitor can even have the ability to scan its information onto a computer or cell phone via temporary wired connection , or wirelessly via radio . in use the limb band sensor platform of the present invention can mount a vitality monitor for children , or any patient — especially in a dental office , podiatrist &# 39 ; s office , or any outpatient facility where unique vitality monitoring is needed . whenever there is a dearth of skilled professionals — whether dentists , podiatrists , caretakers or like personnel — to adequately monitor their patients , the sensors and monitors universally supported by limb band sensor platform of the present invention can come into play . the preferred version of the limb band sensor system preferably includes any of ( 1 ) a flexible strap , with ( 2 ) a clasp mechanism for adjustably affixing the strap about a limb , ( 3 ) one or more housings and / or mounting pads for accepting a sensor , a monitor and / or like electrical circuits , ( 4 ) metal shims as necessary , ( 5 ) a flexible battery , ( 6 ) twisted buss - wire for interconnection , and / or ( 7 ) photovoltaic ( solar ) cells , as hereinafter shown and described . in greater detail , the strap , band or collar is preferably molded in a special plastic - rubber resin which will withstand sweat , vibration , water resistant . the clasping mechanism preferably consists of the spaced - apart holes and plastic finger - squeezable plastic rivets of a common hospital - type id band . the band is adjustable by those holes that are selectively mated by the rivet ( s ) so as to adjustable to fit any size . once secured in place , it will not come off unless it &# 39 ; s removed with proper plier tools , or cut off with scissors . the flexible rubber of plastic band material will not hurt the pet or people as it doesn &# 39 ; t have any sharp edges . an internal cavity within the band may house and protect the battery and any associated or electrical circuitry . a thin metallic shim may also be used to protect and to electrically connect the battery . the battery itself is selected not only so as to be able to power a range of sensors and monitors that a selectively mountable to the band , but is flexible so as to accommodate comfortable fitting on patients , people or pets . the band can house twisted buss - wire for electrical connection of components . this buss wire also precludes that the band should be easily cut it regions where it exists the preferred rubber - resin material of the band is readily shaped and molded to provide protective covering to the battery , shim , and buss - wire . the photovoltaic , or solar , cells and vibration cells are preferably infused and housed into the plastic wrist band or collar molding . these cells of course serve to give the limb band senor platform its self - powering ability . under normal illumination these photovoltaic , or solar , cells will generate adequate energy so as to charge the battery to provide constant power to any common microelectronic mounted sensor ( s ), monitor ( s ) and / or like electrical circuit ( s ). 3 . how the limb band sensor platform of the present invention preferably works an electronic sensor or monitor mounted to the limb band sensor platform of the present invention has the ability to receive information from a subject — whether human or animal — and , most preferably , to transmit and communicate said information in near real time to remote locations , for example to cell phones , lap tops , or other electronic devices . the electronic sensors get the power to do this from the battery . the battery is charged and re - charged by the photovoltaic , or solar , cell ( s ). there can optionally be included an alert switch within the band which will be triggered when the band is opened for any reason other than the legitimate reasons of an the administrator , with this alert electronically communicated in cooperation with a sensor or monitor module mounted upon the band . 4 . details of the preferred embodiments of a limb band sensor platform in accordance with the present invention an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a limb band sensor platform 1 . 0 in accordance with the present invention , including some variants in the mounted sensor 2 . 0 and its attachment ( s ) 3 . 0 is shown in fig1 . the limb band platform 1 . 0 is secured to a human limb ( not shown ) by button clasp , large 1 . 3 . a sensor variant . standard 2 . 0 is physically attached to the limb band platform 1 . 0 by button clasps 4 . 0 . the same sensor variant . standard 2 . 0 is electrically connected , to the limb band platform 1 . 0 by pads 2 . 2 - 2 . 11 ( seen in fig2 ). optional sensor variant with usb interface 3 . 0 likewise physically and electrically attaches to limb band platform 1 . 0 . this sensor 3 . 0 may further attach to sensor 2 . 0 , and vice versa . all sensors 2 . 0 , 3 . 0 physically attach to the limb band platform 1 . 0 by button clasp , small , 4 . 0 . in some variant embodiments the sensor variant with usb interface 3 . 0 is supplied by the manufacturer of the limb band platform 1 . 0 , and is considered a component part thereof . there needs be no active “ sensor ” within “ sensor variant with usn interface 3 . 0 ”, and this add - on module may be used simply to provide a usb port to sensor variant , standard 2 . 0 . plan views of various portions of the flexible band 1 . 2 , and it contained components , of the limb band sensor platform 1 . 0 of the present invention ( previously seen in fig1 ) are shown in fig2 a 1 , 2 a 2 , and 2 b through 2 g . the flexible band 1 . 2 of the limb band sensor platform 1 . 0 is shown in top plan view in fig2 a 1 , and again in side plan view ( taken along aspect line a - a of fig2 a 1 ) in fig2 a 2 . the material of the limb band sensor platform 1 . 0 , and of its flexible band 1 . 2 , is predominantly plastic . a flexible photo voltaic cell 1 . 2 . 1 is shown in fig2 b , which fig2 b is taken along aspect line b - b of fig2 a 2 . a flexible printed circuit 1 . 2 and a flexible rf antenna 1 . 2 . 1 , are shown in fig2 c , which fig2 c is taken along aspect line c - c of fig2 a 2 . an interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 and a flexible battery 1 . 2 . 4 are shown in fig2 d , which fig2 d is taken along aspect line d - d of fig2 a . the same interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 and a flexible battery 1 . 2 . 4 are shown in fig2 e , which fig2 e is taken along aspect line e - e of fig2 a 2 . an auxiliary sensor location 1 . 2 . 5 is shown in fig2 f , which fig2 f is taken along aspect line f - f of fig2 a . fig3 a , 3 b and 3 c are further plan views of the flexible printed circuit ( band ) 1 . 2 previously seen in fig2 c . fig3 a shows a top plan view of a first layer of flexible printed circuit 1 . 2 showing each of s photo voltaic cell 1 . 2 . 1 , an interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 , and a flexible battery 1 . 2 . 4 . electrical connections between these elements are trivial , and within the skill of a practitioner of the electrical engineering arts . fig3 b shows a side plan view of flexible printed circuit 1 . 2 . fig3 c shows a bottom plan view of a bottom , lowermost , layer of the flexible photo printed circuit 1 . 2 , now showing the flexible rf antenna 1 . 2 and an auxiliary sensor location 1 . 2 . 5 , this auxiliary sensor location 1 . 2 . 5 provides yet another location where a sensor or monitor may physically mounted and electrically connected , as opposed to riding piggyback ( as shown in fig1 ). the “ open ” space in flexible photo printed circuit 1 . 2 permits mounted sensors to contact the skin of the wearer of the limb band platform 1 . 0 of the present invention . fig4 a shows , in detail plan view taken about aspect line g - g appearing in fig4 a , the interface pocket and contact definitions of the interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 ( previously seen in fig3 a . an open port for auxiliary sensor 1 . 2 . 5 , aux 1 element 1 . 2 . 6 , aux 2 element 1 . 2 . 7 , aux 3 element 1 . 2 . 8 , aux 4 element 1 . 2 . 9 , antenna a 1 . 2 . 10 , antenna b 1 . 2 . 11 , positive voltage 1 . 2 . 12 , system ground 1 . 2 . 13 , serial data 1 . 2 . 14 , serial clock 1 . 2 . 15 and strap securing ports 1 . 2 . 16 are shown , an exploded perspective view particularly more particularly showing the flexible battery 1 . 2 . 4 , and the photovoltaic cell 1 . 2 . 1 ( both previously seen in fig2 ), of the limb band sensor platform 1 of the present invention is shown in fig4 . flexible printed circuit 1 . 2 includes flexible photo voltaic cell 1 . 2 . 1 , interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 and flexible battery 1 . 2 . 4 . an x - ray plan view particularly showing the antenna within the limb band sensor platform 1 of the present invention is shown in fig5 . flexible rf antenna 1 . 2 . 2 and auxilliary sensor location 1 . 2 . 5 . an exploded perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the limb band sensor platform 1 , including preferred components , of the present invention is shown in fig5 . this fig5 shows the flexible printed circuit 1 . 2 featuring the flexible photo voltaic cell 1 . 2 . 1 and the interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 . the limb band platform encapsulation material 1 . 1 is secured by button clasp , large 1 . 3 while an sensor ( s ) is ( are ) [ not shown in fig5 ] secured by button clasp , small 4 . 0 . also shown are the flexible printed circuit 1 . 2 and the flexible battery 1 . 2 . 4 , detail perspective and plan views of both the mounting pad of the limb band sensor platform of the present invention , and of sensors and connectors and the like that connect at , and to , said mounting pad are shown in fig6 , consisting of fig6 a though 6 f . sensor variant , standard 2 . 0 of fig6 a incorporates sensor variant encapsulation material 2 . 1 . the interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 of the of the flexible printed circuit 2 . 0 of the limb band platform 1 . 0 of the present invention is shown in detail in fig6 c . this interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 has an aux 1 element 2 . 2 , aux 2 element 2 . 3 , aux 3 element 2 . 4 , and aux 4 element 2 . 5 ; an antenna a 2 . 6 and an antenna b 2 . 7 ; a positive voltage 2 . 8 and a system ground 2 . 9 ; a serial clock 2 . 10 and serial data 2 . 11 . physically , ( 2 ×) strap securing ports 2 . 12 secure auxiliary sensor 2 . 13 . the sensor variant with usb interface 3 . 0 previously seen in fig1 is now again shown in fig6 d . it is made using , among other parts , sensor variant encapsulation material 3 . 1 the flip side of this same sensor variant with usb interface 3 . 0 is shown in fig6 e . finally , the flip side of the interface pocket 1 . 2 . 3 of the of the flexible printed circuit 2 . 0 of the limb band platform 1 . 0 of the present invention — previously shown in fig6 b and 6 c — is shown again in fig6 f . the elements of this fig6 f are exactly as previously identified in fig6 c . as well as serving as a sensor platform , the limb band platform 1 . 0 of the present invention can present the same , or like , identification indicia as does a standard hospital wrist identification bracelet . according to these variations , and still others within the skill of a practitioner of the medical appliance design arts , the present invention should be considered in accordance with the following claims , only , and not solely on accordance with those embodiments within which the invention has been taught .

US-201213506830-A

a method for determining optical properties of a corneal region . the method includes the steps of obtaining a combined tear film aqueous layer plus lipid layer thickness ; obtaining a tear film lipid layer thickness ; subtracting the tear film lipid layer thickness from the combined tear film aqueous layer plus lipid layer thickness to obtain a tear film aqueous layer thickness ; and determining a corneal layer refractive index based on the tear film lipid layer thickness and the tear film aqueous layer thickness .

before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings . the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways . the methods disclosed herein offer a significant improvement over existing techniques , including those of the recently - issued patent method ( huth et al ., u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 ; incorporated herein by reference in its entirety ). the &# 39 ; 557 method takes as long as 475 seconds to complete all calculations for a single interferometry spectrum . this new method requires no more than a few seconds for the calculations , and thus considerably shortens calculation time and also allows one to utilize more interferometry spectra for data analysis , a critical need to provide more statistically robust data and to account for the effects of eye blink dynamics on these tear film parameters . this new method completes all calculations and provides identical results to the method of the &# 39 ; 557 patent for lipid and aqueous layer thickness , surface refractive index , fitting error and b and c - terms in seconds ( e . g ., 10 . 9 sec . vs . 475 sec . ; 3 . 6 sec . vs . 400 sec . ; and 11 . 8 sec . vs . 408 sec .). the new methods combine an existing method for ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ thickness ( huth et al . u . s . pat . no . 7 , 959 , 293 , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety ) with the co - pending method for fast lipid thickness ( u . s . patent application ser . no . ______ ), along with the methods in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 for all measurements including lipid and aqueous layer thickness , surface refractive index , fitting error , and b and c - terms . the procedures of the &# 39 ; 557 patent are modified by using ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ and lipid thickness inputs from the aforementioned fast methods , wherein the lipid thickness value is subtracted from the ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ thickness value to obtain an aqueous - only thickness value . as a result , the current calculation matrix of the &# 39 ; 557 patent is reduced from a 6 × 7 matrix ( 6 aqueous layer thickness starting values and 7 lipid layer thickness starting values for the fitting algorithm ) to a single matrix - fitting calculation , thereby reducing the time required for completing all calculations by a factor of approximately 1 /( 6 × 7 )= 1 / 42 . the first step in the method of the present invention uses the methods in huth et al . u . s . pat . no . 7 , 959 , 293 , wherein interferometry spectra are produced and relative reflectance data are collected for a series of wavelengths , and wherein v2 = relative reflectance and wherein v1 = wavelength in nm , and the v1 and v2 data are fit to the following function using a statistica ( statsoft ®, tulsa , okla .) software program ( version 7 . 1 , series 1006b ): v 2 =− a − b * v 1 − c * v 1 ** 2 + d *( 1 +( e / 2 * d )* cos (( 16 . 745 * g / v 1 )+ h ))* exp (− j / v 1 ** 2 ) the non - linear estimation method within the statistica software is used , wherein the equation for v2 above is input as the function to be estimated into the space provided in the user specified regression , least squares module . the statistica software program uses the levenburg - marquardt algorithm to achieve a minimum in the sum of squares of the differences between the interferometer - measured spectrum and a fitted spectrum , fit to the function above , wherein the variables a , b , c , d , e , g , h , and j are iteratively changed . other mathematical algorithms for fitting data are available within statistica and other software platforms and can also be employed . this software module requires the number of calculation / fitting iterations to be selected . in one embodiment , 50 - 300 iterations were found to be acceptable , although in various other embodiments other lower or higher numbers of iterations are also acceptable and can be easily determined by an evaluation of the fit . the program also requires starting values for the variable terms , i . e . a , b , c , d , e , g , h , and j , where the g - term is the initial estimate of the tear film ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ layer thickness . the spectrum in this example was taken from a human subject who was not wearing contact lenses , with the identification number sub21 # 43 . fig1 shows the results of the fitting procedure after using an initial thickness estimate of 3000 nm for the combined ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ layer thickness . a result of 2942 . 7 nm total thickness for the combined ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ layer thickness was obtained . the next step in the method is to calculate the tear film lipid layer thickness . this is calculated using the methods described in co - pending application ______ , using input values for the a - term of 65 nm and for the b - term of 0 . 66 , and the following equation : v 6 =(( 1 −(( 8 * v 1 * v 2 ** 2 * v 3 )/(( v 1 ** 2 + v 2 ** 2 )*( v 2 ** 2 + v 3 ** 2 )+ 4 * v 1 * v 2 ** 2 * v 3 +(( v 1 ** 2 − v 2 ** 2 )*( v 2 ** 2 − v 3 ** 2 )*( cos ( 4 * 3 . 14159 * v 2 * a * 0 . 98666 / v 4 )))))))* b / v 5 where the input data are v6 = r ( λ ) meas tear lipid sample ( measured % relative reflectance ) and wherein v1 = n 0 air = 1 , v2 = n 1 ( λ ) tear film lipid ( sellmeier - form ), v3 = n 2 ( λ ) aqueous , v4 = measured λ and v5 = r ( λ ) absolute bk7 reference ( bk7 absolute r calc )/ 100 and wherein a levenberg - marquardt algorithm is used for fitting the data . the results obtained are shown in table 1 . the value obtained for the a - term , the tear film lipid layer thickness , is 31 . 78 nm . the calculation of the tear film lipid layer thickness can also be completed in a parallel computer - processing step along with the calculation of the combined ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ layer thickness . taking the thickness value for the combined ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ layer thickness of 2942 . 7 nm from the first step , the tear film lipid layer - only thickness of 31 . 78 nm is subtracted and the aqueous - only thickness of 2910 . 92 nm is obtained . these values for aqueous layer - only thickness and lipid layer - only thickness are input as starting values into the following modified matlab software program ( matlab r2013a ), taken from u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 , incorporated herein in its entirety by reference , and modified where indicated . % program for eye reflectance - statistica inputs ( no variable aqueous or % input lipid thickness from statistica ( no semi - colon or punctuation at the remaining program code is identical to that in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 . the following results were obtained in 7 . 8 seconds with an ibm thinkpad computer with an intel ® core ™ 2 duo cpu , t9400 @ 2 . 53 ghz ( 1 . 59 ghz , 1 . 98 gb of ram ): fig2 shows the fit of the results ( smooth line ) to the original spectrum ( jagged line ), based on data from subject sub21 # 43 . the parameter results were identical to those obtained with the program code in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 , which took 131 seconds to run on the same computer with the same data set ( i . e . from subject sub21 # 43 ). the fit obtained in fig2 with the method of the present invention is substantially the same as that obtained with the method in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 ( fig3 ). the method of example 1 was followed with analysis of an interferometry spectrum taken from a human subject , identification number rhlf8 hr # 20 , wearing acuvue 2 ® soft contact lenses . the statistica results were 1572 . 15 nm for the combined tear film ‘ aqueous + lipid ’ layer thickness and 31 . 53 nm for the tear film lipid layer thickness , giving 1540 . 60 nm for the tear film aqueous layer thickness . as with example 1 , in the present example 2 the tear film aqueous and lipid layer thickness values were input as starting values into the revised matlab software program . the substrate surface underlying the tear film in this case was the contact lens surface , rather than the corneal epithelium as in example 1 . thus , the surface refractive index starting value for the matlab software program was the published value for the bulk contact lens , 1 . 4055 . it was determined , however , that using refractive index starting values of 1 . 338 , 1 . 37 , 1 . 4055 , and 1 . 42 all gave identical results . thus , the nominal refractive index starting value for the corneal epithelium , 1 . 338 , can also be used for tear film spectra from contact lens wearers . table 2 lists the following results , which were obtained in 3 . 1 seconds with the method of the present invention , compared to 467 seconds with the method in the &# 39 ; 557 patent . the results above and fit obtained in fig4 with the method of the present invention are very close to that obtained with the slower methods of u . s . pat . no . 8 , 602 , 557 ( fig5 ) using the same data set ( both of fig4 and 5 use data from subject rhlf8 hr # 20 ). the method of example 1 was followed with interferometry spectra taken from six additional subjects , none of whom was wearing contact lenses . results are shown in table 3 . interferometry spectra from four subjects , with identification numbers sub1 # 29 , sub4 # 5 , sub6 # 7 , and sub6base # 84 produced the same results for the method of the present invention as with the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent . calculation times for all four spectra were much shorter with the method of the present invention , ranging from 2 . 2 - 11 . 8 sec , compared to 137 - 408 sec for the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent . note in table 3 that the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent consistently produced longer calculation times than the method of the present invention , although different times on occasion when the calculations were repeated . it was noted that the program tended to run faster after the first calculation for the particular day . fig6 and 7 show analyses of data for subject sub4 # 5 using the methods of the present invention and of the &# 39 ; 557 patent , respectively . the fits and results are essentially identical , but the calculation times are 3 . 8 vs . 235 seconds , respectively . the remaining three subjects and four spectra , with identification numbers sub2de , sub3 # 15 , sub3 # 56 , and sub12 # 93 , produced close results for the method of the present invention compared to the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent . fig8 and 9 show spectrum sub2de analyses with the method of the present invention and the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent , respectively . the very low tear film aqueous layer reflectance interference oscillation amplitude in this spectrum makes the analysis challenging , which required 400 seconds with the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent , whereas the present methods achieved a fit in only 3 . 8 seconds . fig1 and 11 show spectrum sub3 # 56 analyses with the method of the present invention and the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent , respectively . table 3 shows that the original tear film lipid layer thicknesses derived from the statistica program , which are used as input values for the present matlab software program , are close , but different from the resulting matlab program calculated thicknesses derived from the spectrum fits . table 3 also shows that the present method produced closer lipid layer thickness values to those obtained from the statistica program in those cases in which results between the methods of the &# 39 ; 557 patent and the present methods differ . fig1 shows the correlation between the tear film lipid layer thickness values obtained using the tear film lipid layer thickness values using the methods from co - pending application ______ and those obtained using the presently - disclosed matlab method lipid layer thickness values for spectra from examples 1 - 3 . a reasonably good correlation was found ( slope = 0 . 9961 , intercept 13 . 267 nm and r ̂ 2 = 0 . 9051 ) given the nanometer measurement scale for the clinical interferometer and associated mathematics and software . the average difference found was 13 nm , which is considered good . differences are expected due to the more rigorous calculations required for the matlab software program , which calculates tear film aqueous and lipid layer thicknesses and either corneal surface or contact lens surface refractive indices . it can be seen from table 3 that the differences become small as the tear film aqueous layer thickness increases , likely due to the better spectrum fits which can be obtained with additional aqueous layer thickness reflectance interference oscillations . fig1 shows the correlation between the tear film aqueous layer thickness values obtained using the methods of the &# 39 ; 293 patent with the methods from co - pending application ______ and those obtained using the present matlab method aqueous layer thickness values for spectra from examples 1 - 3 . a very good correlation was found ( slope = 0 . 9998 , intercept 8 . 8298 nm and r ̂ 2 = 0 . 9981 ). in one embodiment , the method of example 1 was followed using the same interferometry spectra as shown in table 3 . a faster computer was used for the spectrum fits in this example , an intel ® core ™ i5 - 4300u cpu @ 1 . 90 , 2 . 50 ghz with 4 . 00 gb ram and a 64 - bit operating system . in this embodiment the exponential term for the c - term multiplier of the matlab program was changed from a first - order exponential to a second - order exponential ( results shown in table 4 ): from * exp (− b ( 5 ). *( 1000 ./ l ).̂ 1 . 0 )) in the new program herein for the mathematical function to * exp (− b ( 5 ). *( 1000 ./ l ).̂ 2 . 0 )) ( note that this change is made on three program lines ). it can be seen in table 4 that , with the exception of a single spectrum , sub12 # 93 , values close to those obtained in table 3 were produced . fig1 shows the results of the fit obtained for spectrum rhlf8 hr # 20 as an example for the usage of the second - order exponential c - term . the present method matlab program with a second - order exponential for the c - term achieved good fits for all other spectra in table 4 ( data not shown ), with the exception of spectrum sub12 # 93 . this is seen in comparing fig1 , showing the second order exponential c - term result , with fig1 , showing the first - order exponential c - term result . thus , the second - order exponential c - term can be used as well as the first - order exponential c - term , with some exceptions . fig1 shows the correlation between tear film lipid layer thickness values obtained using the methods of the tear film lipid layer thickness values using the methods from co - pending application ______ and those obtained using the present matlab method lipid layer thickness values for spectra from example 4 , with the exception of spectrum sub12 # 93 . a reasonably good correlation was again found ( slope = 1 . 2268 , intercept 7 . 8782 nm and r ̂ 2 = 0 . 8536 ) given the nanometer measurement scale for the clinical interferometer and associated mathematics and software . the average difference found for the data set was 2 . 8 nm , as some statistica values were higher and some were lower than the matlab - fitted values for the same spectra . fig1 shows the correlation between tear film aqueous layer thickness values obtained using the methods of the &# 39 ; 293 patent with the methods from co - pending application ______ and those obtained using the present matlab method aqueous layer thickness values for spectra from example 4 . a very good correlation was found ( slope = 1 . 0086 , intercept 0 . 3617 nm and r ̂ 2 = 0 . 9985 ). the method of the present invention also includes methods wherein only one of the tear film aqueous or lipid layer thickness values derived from the statistica program are used as input starting values , and the matlab software is allowed to run the other 7 × matrix calculations for lipid layer thickness ( when aqueous thickness is input ) or the 6 × matrix calculations for aqueous layer thickness ( when lipid thickness is input ). both of these alternative methods result in significantly improved shorter matlab software program calculation times due to the reduced sizes of the calculation matrices . in various embodiments , the disclosed methods may be carried out on a computing system in communication with an interferometer ( e . g . a wavelength - dependent interferometer ). the computing system may include one or more computer systems in communication with one another through various wired and wireless communication means which may include communications through the internet and / or a local network ( lan ). each computer system may include an input device , an output device , a storage medium ( including non - transient computer - readable media ), and a processor such as a microprocessor . possible input devices include a keyboard , a computer mouse , a touch screen , and the like . output devices include a cathode - ray tube ( crt ) computer monitor , a lcd or led computer monitor , and the like . storage media may include various types of memory such as a hard disk , ram , flash memory , and other magnetic , optical , physical , or electronic memory devices . the processor may be any suitable computer processor for performing calculations and directing other functions for performing input , output , calculation , and display of data in the disclosed system . implementation of the computing system may include generating a set of instructions and data that are stored on one or more of the storage media and operated on by a controller . thus , one or more controllers may be programmed to carry out embodiments of the disclosed invention . the data associated with the system may include image data , numerical data , or other types of data . various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims .

US-201414298036-A

a body roller apparatus is provided which enables therapy routines to be performed on various body muscle groups . a frame structure is part of the apparatus and comprises a base frame with a generally horizontal user support member having an opening being mounted thereon . the upper end of a roller structure rotatably supports a spherical roller , while its lower end mounts to the base frame so that at least a portion of the spherical roller extends through the opening of the user support member . the user operates the apparatus by positioning themselves upon the user support member and engaging with their body the portion of the spherical roller which extends through the opening . the vertical position of the spherical roller may be adjusted , and the frame structure itself may be collapseable for storage .

before explaining in detail the present invention , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings , since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways . also , it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description , and not limitation . as best can be seen by references to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 a - 1c , the body roller apparatus that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 1 , and includes a frame structure means 10 , a roller structure means 20 , and a roller engagement means 30 . the roller structure means 20 is mounted on the frame structure means 10 , while the roller engagement means 30 is rotatably supported by the roller structure means 20 . a lever adjusting means 40 may also be part of the apparatus which may be used to position the roller structure means at various elevations . as may be seen in fig2 a - 2c , the frame structure means 10 comprises a user support member 11 , side support members 12 , main support members 13 , roller structure support member 14 , cross support members 15 , roller opening 16 , and frame attachment opening 17 . the user support member 11 is a relatively horizontal surface , preferably padded , supported along its sides by side support members 12 , and along its front and rear by main support members 13 . cross support members 15 connect the front and rear main support members 13 , and also supports roller structure support member 14 . roller structure support member 14 is mounted to cross support members 15 directly below roller opening 16 , and has a frame attachment opening 17 . roller opening 16 is a generally round opening in the general center of user support member 11 . as may be seen in fig3 a - 4c , roller structure means 20 comprises a generally upright main roller structure member 22 with roller support member 21 rigidly mounted thereon . roller engagement means 30 is comprised of a spherical roller element 31 which is a spherical shaped object having a smooth surface . roller support member 21 is sized to rotatably receive spherical roller element 31 . roller structure member 22 has a main roller structure opening 23 which is used for mounting the member to frame attachment opening 17 of frame structure means 10 . the basic operation of body roller apparatus 1 may be seen in fig5 a - 5c . as shown , the main roller structure member 22 of roller structure means 20 fits within roller structure support member 14 of frame structure means 10 . frame attachment opening 17 and main roller structure opening 23 are aligned so that a bolt or pin may be used to secure the two together . as may also be seen , spherical roller element 31 is rotatably supported by roller support member 21 , such that spherical roller element 31 may rotate about the x , y , and z axes , either one at a time or simultaneous . as may also be seen , a portion of spherical roller element 31 extends above the top surface of the user support member 11 of frame structure means 10 . the portion of spherical roller element 31 which extends above user support member 11 is the part which is engaged by spherical roller element 31 with any desired muscle group . since the roller engagement means 31 is free to rotate in any direction , the user may engage it from any direction , and thus apply a force or pressure to the desired muscle groups from any direction . this ability makes the apparatus extremely flexible and thus very useful . fig6 a - 6c demonstrates body roller apparatus 1 having an adjustment feature . the main roller structure member 22 may have several main roller structure openings 23 , any of which may be aligned with frame attachment opening 17 and secured via a bolt or pin . since the main roller structure openings 23 are at different elevations , a portion of spherical roller element 31 may thus be secured at levels above the top surface of user support member 11 . this feature allows the user to vary the direction and the amount of the force or pressure exerted by spherical roller element 31 on the desired muscle group . as example , with spherical roller element 31 is in the position shown in fig6 a , the user may sit on the user support member 11 , and engage spherical roller element 31 with thigh and calf muscle groups . when the spherical roller element 31 is in the position shown in fig6 b , the user may lay upon the user support member 11 either face down or on their side , and engage spherical roller element 31 with abdominal muscle groups . when the spherical roller element 31 is in the position shown in fig6 c , the user may lay upon the user support member 11 either face up or on their side , and engage spherical roller element 31 with back and neck muscle groups . the force or pressure exerted by spherical roller element 31 on the respective muscle group will create a therapeutic form of exercise , similar to a message , providing relief from soreness , aches , and pains . these are only examples , and any muscle group may engage the spherical roller element 31 while it is in any position . also , engaging spherical roller element 31 with the abdominal and thigh muscle groups should assist with the breakdown and removal of fat tissue and cellulite . fig7 a and 7b demonstrate a roller structure means 20 which utilize bearings to make rotation of spherical roller element 31 smoother . as may be seen , bearing elements 24 , which may be a type of roller or slider bearings , may be mounted to the roller support member 21 of roller structure means 20 at various positions . thus when spherical roller element 31 moves against bearing elements 24 , instead of directly against roller support member 21 , the amount of friction is reduced , making movement smoother and easier . as may be seen in fig8 a and 8b , the frame structure means 10 may have a collapseable feature which makes the apparatus easier to store and transport . user support member 11 may be composed of two separate components 11 a and 11 b , each of which may be pivotally mounted to main support members 13 so that they may be pivoted in the upward direction . also , side support members 12 may be pivotally mounted to user support members 11 a and 1 b so that they may be folded inward , towards the underside of user support members 11 a and 11 b . user support members 11 a and 11 b may be secured in the upward position , while side support members 12 may be secured in their inward position , through some type of securing means such as a chord , rope , or tie . alternately , a type of lock and release mechanism , which is commonly found in folding tables , may be utilized . the ability to collapse the apparatus greatly reduces the amount of horizontal space the apparatus encompasses while being stored or transported . also , wheel elements 18 may be attached to main support members 13 to also make storage and transport easier . fig9 a , 9b , and 9c demonstrate a lever adjusting means 40 which may also be part of the body roller apparatus 1 . lever adjusting means 40 is comprised of a first member 41 and a second member 42 . first member 41 may be a tubular - type structure sized to receive second member 42 , such that second member 42 may move back and forth within first member 41 . first member 41 is pivotally mounted at one end to one of the main support members 13 of frame structure means 10 . first member 41 may have a vertical opening 47 and main support member 13 may have a vertical opening 48 , which may be aligned with one another and a bolt or pin placed through each to pivotally secure the two together . the other free end of first member 41 is used to receive one end of second member 42 . as may be seen , this end of second member 42 fit within first member 41 . the opposite end may have a handle member 45 mounted thereon . the handle member 45 is used by the user to move second member 42 within first member 41 , and is also used to pivot first member 41 in the upward and downward directions . perpendicularly mounted to second member 42 is a securing member 44 . as may be seen in fig9 d , mounted at various intervals along the other main support member 13 of frame structure means 10 are mounting brackets 49 . these mounting brackets 49 are constructed to securely hold securing member 44 such that first member 41 and second member 42 are not allowed to move or pivot . as may also be seen , first member 41 may have a curved support member 43 . as may be seen in fig1 a - 10c , the lever adjusting means 40 may be used to secure the main roller structure member 22 of roller structure means 20 at various elevations along roller structure support member 14 , the adjusting means 40 is used to support the lower end of main roller structure member 22 , instead of using a bolt or pin as has been previously shown . as shown , the lever adjusting means 40 may be pivoted mounted at one end to one main support member 13 , and secured at the opposite end to the other main support member 13 using securing member 44 and mounting brackets 49 . this allows roller structure means 20 to be positioned at various elevations . to change the elevations , the user would grasp handle member 45 with their hand , pivot first member 41 upward so that securing member 44 is above the current set of mounting brackets 49 , push second member 42 further into first member 41 , pivot first member 41 to the desired new elevation , pull second member 42 and securing member 44 back towards and above the new set of mounting brackets 49 , and lower securing member 44 onto these mounting brackets 49 so that they are secured to one another . as mentioned previously , support member 43 may have a curved upper surface , while main roller structure member 22 may also have a curve lower end . these curved features should allow the contact point between the two to remain relatively perpendicular , no matter the position of the lever adjusting means 40 . many variations of the body roller apparatus exist , along with the configurations described above . while it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated , it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification , variation , and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims .

US-201514981979-A

a panel body portion can be attached to a wall or to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door . the panel body portion can include a rear compartment for loose paper bags and the like defined by marginal flanges which cause the panel body portion to stand off from the supporting door or wall . two way adjustable holders for dispensing packages of various sizes and types are mounted on the panel body portion at a plurality of elevations . packages for foil , plastic wrap , wax paper and various types of bags are accommodated by the invention . each holder embodies end holder units whose spacing may be varied longitudinally of the package and whose width may also be varied to accommodate packages of varying widths .

in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals designate like parts throughout , and initially considering fig1 to 5 , the numeral 20 designates a flat rectangular panel body of appropriate size adapted to be secured to the interior of a kitchen cabinet door 21 or mountable in a similar manner on the wall of a pantry or kitchen or any other available support surface . preferably , the invention is mounted vertically as shown in fig1 but in some cases it can be disposed horizontally as will be discussed in connection with fig6 . the panel body 20 can be attached to the vertical door 21 by conventional adhesive means , or if preferred , by means of screws inserted through corner apertures 22 in the panel body . the flat panel body 20 is provided at a plurality of different elevations with spaced aligned pairs of horizontal adjustment slots 23 for paired dispenser package end holder units 24 . the end holder units 24 of each horizontally opposed pair are identical in construction and operation and therefore a detailed description of one unit of the invention will suffice to describe all units . as illustrated in fig1 the invention can accommodate various shapes and sizes of rectangular dispensing packages in vertically spaced parallel arrangement . the topmost unit of the invention composed of a pair of the end holding units 21 is adapted to support a comparatively tall top opening dispensing package 25 for trash bags or the like . the next lowermost invention unit can hold a comparatively small dispensing package 26 for plastic sandwich bags or the like . the next lowermost unit can hold a large size package 27 for aluminum foil or wax paper having the usual built - in cutting edge which facilitates withdrawing and severing a length of foil or paper of any particular size . the lowermost unit of the invention can support a somewhat smaller , regular size package 28 of foil , wax paper or plastic film wrap . the invention is not limited to any particular number of package holding units or precise arrangement of packages , and the arrangement shown in fig1 is illustrative only and may be varied under the invention . it is logical , however , to place the taller top opening package 25 at the top of the panel body 20 to facilitate its use with maximum convenience . continuing to refer to the drawings , each package end holder unit 24 comprises two angle bracket components 29 and 30 . the bracket 29 includes a vertical web 31 and an attached horizontal package support web 32 which lies beneath one end portion of the rectangular package . each bracket 29 further includes an attached vertical mounting flange 33 by means of which the bracket 29 is adjustably engaged with one of the horizontal slots 23 . the webs 31 and 32 and the flange 33 are integrally joined in right angular relationship as illustrated . the bracket 30 includes a vertical web 34 lying immediately inwardly of the vertical web 31 and an attached right angular vertical web 35 which laps one lower forward corner of the package being held by the invention . preferably , the web 35 extends for only one - half the height of the angle bracket 30 , as illustrated . each bracket 30 is attached adjustably to the associated bracket 29 by a threaded fastener which includes a knurled nut 36 and a shallow head screw 37 . the screw 37 is received through registering horizontal adjustment slots 38 and 39 in the flanges or webs 31 and 34 , fig3 . the slot 39 is countersunk as at 40 to receive the flat head 41 of screw 37 . the screw head 41 has parallel straight edges 42 , fig5 which lie in the countersunk portion 40 of slot 39 and resist turning . the arrangement is such that each bracket 30 can be moved relative to the associated bracket 29 toward and away from the panel body 20 , whereby each end holder unit 24 is adjustable to conform to the width of the package placed therein . for example , in fig1 the package 25 is comparatively wide in the direction away from the vertical panel body 20 and the above - described adjustable connection allows the brackets 30 at the opposite ends of the package to be moved lengthwise of the slots 38 and 39 to the necessary positions and locked by tightening the nuts 36 . it will be understood that the bottom of the dispensing package rests on and is supported by the horizontal webs 32 , and the forward and rear side walls of the package are retained between the vertical webs 35 and the front face of panel body 20 . in a similar manner , the companion holder units 24 for each dispensing package are adjustable lengthwise of the package so that packages of different lengths can be accommodated through a rather wide range of package sizes . for this purpose , additional threaded fasteners 43 are placed forwardly through apertures 23 &# 39 ; of flanges 33 and through the horizontal slots 23 , which are undercut at 44 on the rear side of the panel body 20 , to receive the shallow heads 45 of fasteners 43 in the same manner previously described relative to the fasteners 37 . the arrangement is such that all of the fastener heads are flush mounted and resist rotation . at their forward ends , the fasteners 43 receive knurled nuts 46 which are firmly tightened to lock the two companion holder units 24 in their selected adjusted positions along the slots 23 so that the holder units can snugly embrace the opposite ends of the package . to further resist turning of each bracket 29 on the axis of screw fastener 43 , a pair of lugs 47 , fig2 are formed on each flange 33 and are received in the straight slot 23 slidably and guidedly . this arrangement effectively maintains the brackets 29 in proper squared relationship on the panel body 20 and the lugs do not interfere with the adjustment of the units 24 lengthwise of the slots 23 . it is now clear that each unit or assembly of the invention for holding any of the packages shown in fig1 consists of two of the units 24 and each such unit is adjustable lengthwise of the slots 23 and is expandable away from the plane of panel body 20 to accept packages of increased thickness . fig1 illustrates a range of adjustability of the holder units 24 in connection with several different sizes of dispensing packages 25 , 26 , 27 and 28 . it is apparent from this illustration that the invention can accommodate practically all types of household rectangular dispensing packages or boxes for the goods already mentioned . fig6 shows a variant of the invention as disclosed in fig1 to 5 to take care of situations where it is necessary due to lack of a suitable vertical support surface to mount the panel body 20 horizontally rather than vertically . in fig6 an attachment l - shaped retainer bracket 48 having right angular flanges 49 and 50 is employed with the flange 49 arranged vertically and overlapping one end portion of the dispensing package which would normally be the top face of the package were the invention vertically arranged as in fig1 . when horizontally arranged , however , the overlapping flange 49 restrains the package in a third direction so that it cannot be displaced horizontally and separated from its two holding units . the basic holding units 24 in fig6 are unchanged from those already described in fig1 to 5 and only the attachment brackets or retainers 48 have been added . the web 50 of each such bracket is horizontally slotted at 51 , fig6 and the previously - described nut 36 enters the undercut outer side 52 of the slot 51 when the parts are adjusted and locked into position . the attachment bracket 48 can be shifted to any required position horizontally or lengthwise of the slot 51 . the nut 36 is threadedly engaged with the screw 37 previously described in fig5 . it will be understood that the bracket 48 is required only when the invention is installed in a horizontal or near horizontal position . fig7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the invention which is essentially unchanged from the embodiment in fig1 to 5 insofar as the basic adjustable package holding units 24 are concerned in their relation to the packages being held and to the panel body 20 on which they are mounted . however , in fig7 to 9 , the rectangular panel body 20 is equipped on its rearward side , or facing the interior of the door 21 , fig1 with a pair of side vertical parallel flanges 53 of the same width . these side flanges are integrally formed with the panel body 20 &# 39 ; and project rearwardly therefrom at right angles thereto . it may be noted here that all elements of the invention except the threaded fasteners are well adapted to be molded from any tough fracture - resistant plastic material , although other suitable materials could be employed and the invention is not limited to plastics materials . a vertically adjustable horizontal ledge member 54 is arranged at the rear face of panel body 20 &# 39 ; and preferably has the same width as the two flanges 53 . the ledge member 54 has opposite end right angular depending legs 55 which lie inwardly of the flanges 53 . the flanges 53 are vertically slotted at 56 and the legs 55 have apertures 57 in registration with the slots 56 . threaded fasteners 58 serve to connect the ledge member 54 adjustably to the flanges 53 so that the ledge member can be adjusted vertically to any position along the two slots 56 . the described arrangement forms an open top adjustable depth compartment 59 for loose paper bags 60 and the like between the rear of the vertical panel 20 &# 39 ; and the interior face of the cabinet door 21 on which the invention is mounted . this adds significantly to the utility of the dispensing package holder without altering in any way the basic parts mounted on the forward face of the panel body , as previously described and clearly shown in fig1 . the modification of fig7 to 9 has the added advantage of making the panel body 20 &# 39 ; stand off from the opposing face of the door 21 or wall surface . this allows long screws 61 , fig9 to be utilized in the corner openings 22 of the panel body and when these screws are tightened , the flanges 53 which extend for the full height of the panel body , have their longitudinal edges drawn tightly against the opposing face of door 21 . this dispenses with the necessity for the undercut portions 44 in the slots 23 of the panel body and eliminates the flush screw heads 45 shown in fig3 . in all other respects the invention remains unchanged from the embodiment in fig1 to 5 . in both embodiments , the invention is very simple , comparatively economical to manufacture , has a wide range of adjustability and is most convenient to use . it literally brings order out of chaos in the management and handling of the various types of dispensing packages . the housewife can tell at a glance when the packages are nearly empty and need renewing and this is another great advantage over keeping the packages in jumbled condition in a drawer . the advantages of the invention over the prior art should now be apparent to those skilled in the art . the invention has one other feature which should be noted , and this feature is illustrated in fig2 of the drawings . as shown in fig2 each horizontal slot 23 in panel body 20 has an enlarged circularly curved inner end terminal 23 &# 39 ; of sufficient diameter to allow the fastener heads 45 to pass therethrough . this feature makes it convenient to separate the end holder units 24 from the panel body 20 by merely shifting the units to the inner ends of slots 23 and removing the heads 45 &# 39 ; through the enlarged slot terminals 23 &# 39 ;. it is unnecessary to remove the knurled nuts 46 from the threaded fasteners 43 or to remove the panel body 20 from the door 21 or other support surface . it is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same , and that various changes in the shape , size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to , without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims .

US-79210577-A

a litter for poultry which is absorbent but capable of giving up absorbed liquids to the atmosphere under conditions of usual use in poultry houses so that the litter tends to be maintained dry to the touch and uncompacted . the litter is itself a body of moisture containing crumbs formed of low density bark and cellulosic fibrous material adhered to and carried by the bark . the poultry litter following use has a utility as cattle feed .

in essence , the mill process water effluent of the kraft process of producing paper , that is , the manufacturing process identified in the flow sheet , normally contains a large percentage of solid material and this solid material is in the form of cellulose fibers or fines which are fragments of the fibers . the product of a conventional water treatment system such as a simple mechanical clarifier may be about 94 % cellulose with the remainder being mineral waste . a typical mineral waste content of the fiber residue may contain approximately 50 % of silica , 45 % of calcium carbonate and some iron oxide with miscellaneous metals . such a solids residue of the settling clarifier has been found to be non - toxic to animals including poultry . the silica content probably is introduced with the wood as it is furnished to the mill and the carbonate content results from the pulping process . the fibrous material constituting the cellulose is very largely in the form of cellulose fiber fines , that is , material which would pass through a 200 mesh screen . some fibers , however , are of sufficient size as to be retained on a 25 mesh screen . these unbroken fibers are of wood pulp and while of long length relative to the fines , are themselves very small . the fines constitute in the specific embodiment described approximately 65 % by weight on a dry basis of the solids residue of the clarifier treatment , that is , on a weight basis the proportion of fiber which passes a 200 mesh screen is approximately 2 : 1 . the presence of such fines makes it very difficult to dewater the cellulosic material , and economical reemployment of such cellulosic matter is generally not feasible . in fact , the material is commonly used as a fill for land . this is at considerable expense as normally the fibers must be hauled to the area of disposition and suitably treated for disposition . in the practice of this invention the dewatering of the solids residue of the clarifier treatment is effected through several means . first , to a slurry of the residue there is supplied a quantity of bark . the bark i have found most suitably should be in the form of a relatively dry material and of a size such that it would all pass through a screen of about 1 / 2 inch mesh . the particle size should be large enough so that fibrous particles , including fines and whole fibers , may attach to the particles to provide a composite which is readily handled in the poultry houses . the bark is slurried , as indicated in the flow sheet , with the solids residue and the slurry agitated during the addition . the consistency of the slurry of fibrous material , that is , the solids residue from the clarifier treatment , is suitably about 21 / 2 % solids when the bark is added . the bark itself normally contains about 50 % by weight of moisture . the bark is added , i have found , most suitably such that on a bone dry weight the composite of bark and paper fibers will be about 50 % each , that is , a ratio of 1 : 1 . while i have not explored the exact limits which are applicable , it does appear that a ratio in the range of between about 60 % bark to 40 % fiber to 60 % fiber to 40 % bark is appropriate . in any event , the important feature of the composite is that the fibers are retained by the bark particles upon drying of the material . the presence of the bark is a material asset in the dewatering and drying operations . in specific application the slurry of bark and fiber has been pumped to a vacuum belt filter to effect a dewatering to approximately 30 % bone dry solids . a subsequent treatment in a filter press is effective to increase the bone dry solids to approximately 50 %. the pressed material is relatively dry and is conveyed to a fluffing device , for example , by a screw conveyor and the fluffer , which may be a simple hammermill , breaks the material into crumbs . these crumbs pass through a tunnel dryer at approximately 400 ° f . to further reduce the moisture so that the litter is in about 75 % bone dry condition and , when cooled , generally in an equilibrium condition with the environment into which it has moved from the tunnel dryer . it is to be noted that excessive drying is not desirable as the crumbs tend to lose too much moisture and dust may result . the 400 ° f . drying temperature , while not critical , has an auxiliary effect of sterilizing any existing bacteria in the fiber - bark composite which might cause molding . the drying may be carried out such that the litter is in the range of 65 to 85 % bone dry condition . however , i find in extensive conditions that the material , when employed in the southern united states , tends to come into equilibrium with the atmosphere of poultry houses at about 75 % bone dry solids , a characteristic which i believe unique . the bark which i have found to be most useful is pine bark although others may have utility . some barks , such as southern hardwood bark , should be avoided as they give rise to fungus condition which may affect the respiratory systems of poultry and may induce a high mortality rate . the fungus in this instance is known as aspergillosis . it is important to note that in the use of the litter it does become wetted but in the usual atmosphere of a poultry house in the southern part of the united states the composite also tends to equilibrium conditions with the relative humidity of its environment , that is , to give back liquid to the atmosphere and to maintain itself at a 75 % solids . it is further to be noted that the litter after use has a content of uric acid and some urea and has utility as a cattle feed and this finding is a part of the present invention . as is already known , a limited amount of the nitrogen normally supplied to cattle via protein materials may be substituted in the form of urea in cattle feed . i have found that litter formed of 50 % by weight bone dry basis of pine bark and the cellulosic residue serves well in poultry houses and may be employed over a long period of time . the composite product has proven thoroughly reliable under extensive test conditions . the poultry house stays quite dry as air movement permits evaporation and moisture removal quite readily . the mortality rate is low for the poultry and pathological conditions such as breast blisters appear to occur less frequently than when wood shavings are employed as the litter . the gray coloration of the crumbs occasioned by the filters adhering over the bark surfaces has a low light reflectivity which is apparently favored by the chickens so that there is less disturbance of the poultry in the normal operation of the poultry house . as many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof , it is to be understood that i do not limit myself to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims .

US-53070774-A

a method and a device for continuously tempering a mass containing cocoa butter or similar fatty mass to be processed , especially chocolate paste , providing in a tempering machine at least two cooling stories with cooling surfaces and at least one subsequent heating story with heating surfaces , the mass being conveyed with a mass input temperature through mass chambers of the cooling stories and the heating story via a pump , being first cooled and then heated again . the cooling chambers on the cooling surfaces are being streamed through by a cooling medium in reverse direction and the heating chambers on the heating surfaces by a heating medium . the temperature of the cooling surfaces of the last cooling story facing the heating story is kept constant in at least one crystallization area at the end side independent of changing mass input temperatures and / or mass throughput amounts .

the diagrammatic device in fig1 shows essentially a cylindrical form and is centrally interspersed by a drive shaft 1 which is driven by a motor 2 via a transmission 3 . between a floor plate 4 and a top plate 5 several preceding cooling stories 6 and a last cooling story 7 as well as a heating story 8 are provided . the cooling stories 6 , 7 have substance chambers 9 and cooling chambers 10 . the heating story 8 has mass chambers 11 and heating chambers 12 . it is obvious that the extent and division of the single stories is only represented in an explanatory manner . it is of importance that at least one cooling story 6 , a last cooling story 7 and a heating story 8 are provided , and these stories or zones can have varying extents . there can be several cooling stories 6 preceding the last cooling story 7 . the single stories or zones can be built up by rings . in the mass chambers 9 and 11 stirring tools are placed ( not shown ) which take off the mass from the surfaces of the mass chambers during the throughput through the tempering column , mix it and swirl it and thus provide homogenizing . the mass is introduced at the lower end of the tempering column by a mass pump ( not shown ) into the device and conveyed through it . in the mass there are preferably turbulent streaming conditions . the mass chambers 9 of the cooling stories 6 and 7 are bordered by the cooling surfaces 13 and 14 , the mass chambers 11 of the heating story 8 are bordered by heating surfaces 15 . the flow through the cooling chambers 10 of the preceding cooling stories 6 and the last cooling story 7 is here formed by a common cooling circulation 16 with a common pump 17 and a boiler 18 which branches off in streaming direction of the cooling medium in two branches 19 and 20 , the branch 19 being allocated to the cooling stories 6 and the branch 20 to the cooling story 7 . the cooling stories 6 and 7 are streamed through in reverse direction , and the cooling medium collects in a common return line 21 which leads back to the boiler 18 and is equipped with an overflow line 22 by way of which excess water is carried off . the boiler 18 is equipped with a heating 23 which is operated in night operation in the position heating and which is operated via a probe 24 and a thermostat 25 in order to create an evenly high temperature . the heating story 8 is equipped with a heating circuit , which is not shown , similar to the here shown cooling circulation 16 . the heating circulation can have a connection with the cooling circulation 16 , or it can be supplied completely separate therefrom . at the end of the last cooling story 7 facing the heating story 8 , a probe 26 is provided which measures the temperature of the mass during transfer from the last cooling story 7 into the subsequent heating story 8 . the probe 26 is topped with a regulator 27 which regulates a modulating valve 28 in branch 19 . it is pointed out with emphasis that the probe 26 is determined for the control of the cooling circulation in the preceding cooling story 6 ; even though , it is arranged at the end of the last cooling story 7 . the modulating valve 28 can be a throughput valve with the help of which the throughput of the cooling medium through the cooling chambers 10 of the cooling stories 6 can be sensitively controlled with the use of a motor . a probe 29 is provided in the branch 20 for measuring the temperature of the cooling medium at the input into the last cooling story 7 . the probe 29 is topped with a further regulator 30 which regulates a valve 31 , which can be formed as a solenoid valve . the valve 31 is arranged in a supply line 32 for cold water which at the suction side from the common pump 17 is connected to a line section 33 which leads from the boiler 18 to the pump 17 . the regulator 30 serves to keep the input temperature of the cooling water in the cooling stories 6 and 7 as constant as possible . here it is important that especially the cooling surface 14 of the last cooling story 7 has a constant temperature at the end side , i . e . at the side facing the heating story 8 , in a more or less large area , a crystallization area . this temperature is adjusted at the further regulator depending on the type of the mass to be tempered , especially on its composition and desired properties for processing . the adjustment takes place based on experimental values . the mass to be tempered reaches the tempering column through the mass income 34 with a certain mass input temperature and with a corresponding throughput , it is cooled there at first and then heated again and leaves the installation via mass output 35 from which it is conveyed to a further processing . the mass can have various mass input temperature at the mass income 34 , e . g . ranging from 43 ° to 50 ° c . at the mass output 35 the mass should have an output temperature of 30 ° to 33 ° c . the device according to fig1 is now operated in a manner that the essential cooling of the mass is realized in the preceding cooling stories 6 . these cooling stories 6 , of which at least one must be provided however also several , are as a whole referred to as cooling zone a . in the downstream last cooling story 7 , which can also be built up of several rings or stories and which is referred to in summary as cooling zone b , only little cooling action takes place . the conditions are chosen and harmonized so that a crystallization area k ( fig3 ) is created which ends at the end side , that is at the transfer place between the last cooling story 7 and the subsequent heating story 8 , and which more or less extends in reverse direction to the mass throughput over the cooling zone b . this crystallization area of the cooling zone b or the last cooling story 7 is an area in which the temperature of the cooling surfaces 14 are kept as constant as possible at such a low temperature at which a as high percentage of crystals as possible forms in the mass , especially of stable β - crystals . to the cooling zone b the post - heating zone c is annexed which is formed by the heating story 8 and which may have a surface extent which suitably corresponds to the sum of the cooling surfaces 13 and 14 of the cooling stories 6 and 7 , i . e . the cooling zones a and b . in the post heating zone c the instable β &# 39 ;- crystals in the mass , which have also formed in the crystallization area , are molten up again . if the temperature and / or the throughput at the mass input 34 increases , this leads at first to an increase of the mass temperature at the transfer between the cooling zone b and the post - heating zone c . this temperature increase is measured by the probe 26 in the mass , and the regulator 27 controls the modulating valve 28 in a manner as to open the valve more , by way of which the resistance in the branch 19 is lowered and more cooling water flows through the cooling zone a . this way the mass in the cooling zone a is cooled in a stronger manner , so that its previously risen temperature is again lowered between the cooling zones a and b to approximately such a value which was present before the increase of the mass input temperature and of the throughput . by lowering the resistance on the pressure side of the pump 17 , the throughput of cooling water delivered by it increases according to the performance characteristic of the pump 17 , so that the throughput in branch 20 stays about constant . the conditions and especially the temperature of the cooling surface 14 in the area of the cooling zone b however are kept about constant in the crystallization area k at the end side , so that constant conditions concerning an optimum formation of stable β - crystals in the cooling zone b are further present . if during a production process the mass input temperature and / or the throughput suddenly drops , this will at first lead to a drop in the mass temperatures at the transfer from cooling zone a to cooling zone b as well as to the post - heating zone c . this too is noticed by the probe 26 . the cooling effect in the cooling zone a must be reduced . the regulator 27 regulates the modulating valve 28 in the sense of a throughput decrease of the cooling medium through the branch 19 . the modulating valve 28 is therefore comparatively more closed . it shall be pointed out that the circulated amount of water in the cooling zone a and b is still sufficient in order for turbulent streaming conditions to be present on the side of the cooling medium . by way of further closing the modulating valve 28 the throughput cross section is narrowed and the resistance at the output side of the pump 17 increases , by way of which the pump decreases its conveyed throughput amount . the harmonization of the cross sections and the chosen pump 17 may be such that by such adjustments of the modulating valve 28 the conditions in branch 20 and hence at the cooling surfaces 14 of the cooling zone b and especially of the crystallization zone k do not change . this way it is possible to maintain constant temperatures at the cooling surfaces 14 of the crystallization area or the cooling zone b in spite of changing mass temperatures and changing throughput . the conditions are again shown in their tendency in fig3 . fig3 shows the temperature course over the mass throughput direction in the cooling zones a and b and the subsequent post heating zone c . the continuous line represents a comparatively big mass throughput g2 which could for example be 1000 kg / h at a comparatively low mass input temperature t1 . the essential cooling is done in the cooling zone a , so that the temperature difference between the input and the output at the cooling zone b is not extremely great . the crystallization zone k &# 39 ; forming within the cooling zone b has a substantial extent ( big mass throughput ) and uses up almost the entire cooling zone b . the crystallization zone k &# 39 ; shows a zone in which the temperature of the cooling surfaces 14 is largely constant and in which the mass cools off only minimally , in this area an optimum crystallization growth takes place . the dash - dotted line also goes for a throughput amount g2 , however , with a comparatively higher mass input temperature t2 . here too the essential cooling is done in the cooling zone a , and approximately in such a manner that with this throughput the mass has an identical temperature irrelevant of the mass input temperatures t1 or t2 at the end of the cooling zone a , for example , so that in this case as well the crystallization area k &# 39 ; forms with a relatively great volume . the dashed and the dotted lines are for a comparatively lower mass throughput g1 which could for example be 500 kg / h . the dashed line is for a lower mass input temperature t1 . the dotted line for a comparatively higher mass input temperature t2 . here too the essential cooling is done in the cooling zone a as well as at the input side in the cooling zone b , the transfer temperatures of the mass between the cooling zones a and b being approximately identical . because of the lower mass throughput the speed of the mass in mass throughput direction is lower , so that the contact or dwell time of the mass in the mass chambers 9 is greater . therefore , a comparatively smaller crystallization area k forms in the cooling zone b in which the mass temperature drops only insignificantly and the cooling surfaces 14 are also tempered constantly to a great extent . it can be seen in fig3 that all curves end at approximately the same temperature point at the transfer between the cooling zone b and the heating zone c and upstream from this point crystallization areas k , k &# 39 ; of various size annex . in the post heating zone c the mass is heated again . this takes place by a separated heating circulation with a corresponding control not shown here . fig2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the device which in its representation is further shown in diagram . here the cooling zone a and b and the post heating zone c are represented as in fig1 . the cooling zone a , which can consist of at least one but also of several cooling stories 6 , is allocated a separate cooling circulation 36 . each cooling story 6 can also be equipped with a separated cooling circulation . in the cooling circulation 36 a pump 37 is arranged which transports the cooling medium in large amounts and with turbulent streaming conditions in reverse direction through the cooling chambers 10 of the cooling stories 6 . for reasons of simplicity the boiler as well as further installations are not represented . a supply line 32 for cold water is connected to the cooling circulation 16 . in the supply line 32 a valve 31 is arranged which is actuated by a regulator 27 which again is topped by the probe 26 in the mass at the end of the cooling zone b . each change of the mass temperature at this place is adjusted in that more or less cold water from the supply line 32 is fed into the cooling circuit 36 , by way of which the temperature of the cooling medium in the cooling circulation is correspondingly decreased or increased . a separate cooling circulation 38 with pump 39 is provided for the cooling zone b . the temperature probe 29 senses the input temperature of the cooling medium into the cooling zone b and hence to the cooling surfaces 14 at the end side . by way of the further regulator 30 a valve 40 is controlled in a further supply line 41 for cold water . excess cooling water which is not pumped in the circulation is extracted from the circulation 38 by way of an overflow line 22 . it is obvious that the amount of water drained off via the overflow line 22 corresponds to the amount of water supplied via supply line 41 . at the regulator 30 , a temperature of the cooling medium of the cooling circulation 38 is also adjusted which is greatly constant and not too high , and hence of the cooling surfaces 14 at the end side at the cooling zone b . the adjusted temperatures are between approx . 14 ° to 18 ° c . and are based on experimental values for each mass .

US-75187091-A

a method for preventing unauthorized access to and protection of high - value items protection and in the packaging , the protective means being destroyable upon tampering . the protective means is placed in a structure of monolithically joined layers of packaging material , wherein the mating surfaces of each packaging component are made parallel or inclined at an angle of 0 . 01 °- 90 . 0 ° to each other and have a lock joint in the form of joined steps between the mating surfaces , and at least one lock joint surface has at least one additional protective means which is destroyed upon tampering . the inventions provide for the manufacture of higher reliability packaging for articles of various forms .

the proposed method is carried out using packaging made in the form of , for instance , a container , in the form of a cube , comprising housing 1 made of at least a double - layer material with protective means 2 inserted into its structure . upper section 3 of housing 1 and lower section 4 of cover 5 are made inclined at an angle of 0 . 1 °- 90 ° and with a lock joint made with at least two - level surfaces 6 and 7 ( see fig2 ), with steps 8 provided along the perimeter between the surfaces . additionally , at least one protective means 9 is applied on level surfaces 6 and 7 . versions of lock joints are also shown in fig3 where a ), b ), g ), d ) are lock joints with their cross - section in the form of broken lines and b ) in the form of convex lines . in cylindrical housing 10 of a container , for instance , for coins , upper section 11 of the housing and lower section 12 of cover 13 are made inclined and at least two - level or with a lock joint — see fig4 and fig7 . dotted lines 14 show possible increase of the container height . container bottom 15 or part thereof in the form of for instance diametrically located strip 16 the width of which is equal to 0 . 2 - 0 . 5 of the diameter or width of container bottom 15 is made convex , to prevent coin 17 from moving inside the container . the material for packaging items of indeterminate shape is made in the form of tape 18 with two - level strips 19 and 20 along its longitudinal edges or with a lock joint , with additional protective means 21 applied to them made , for instance , in the form of optical lines intersecting in accordance with a specified algorithm and at a specified angle . the additional protective means is applied on the bottom side of strip 19 , and on strip 20 the protective means can be applied on its top side . using tape 18 it is possible to reliably package items with different shapes — cylindrical item 22 , item 23 in the shape of a parallelepiped , and item 24 of indeterminate shape , because the tape that envelopes the packaged item follows the item &# 39 ; s surface . waveguides 25 and optical lines 26 can be made intersecting , parallel , at an angle to each other , or according to a specified algorithm , and can be made in the form of regular and irregular geometric figures . bar code 27 on at least one of mating surfaces of , for instance , a cylindrical container can be applied using either visible or invisible ink , as well as ink or paint that changes its color or disappears upon tampering . corrugations 28 on mating surfaces can be made at equal as well as at different incline angles , including their combinations , and making their surfaces two - level with a lock joint makes tampering much more difficult . the proposed method is implemented as follows . to package valuable and important items , documents , bullion , decorations , first either a container corresponding to dimensions of the packaged item is made or tape is used . in doing so , at least one protective means 2 is applied into the structure of the container or the tape material and / or to its outside surfaces , and additional protective means 9 destroyable upon tampering is applied to mating surfaces of the upper section of housing 1 and the bottom surface of cover 5 that are inclined at an angle of 5 . 0 °- 90 . 0 ° relative to the plane of the material and made in the form of a lock joint with step 8 . an item is packaged in a container as follows . depending on artistic embodiment of the packaged item and particular features of images on it , a part of the container , for instance , its side walls , is made transparent for visual inspection without opening the packaging . after the packaged item is placed in the container and steps are taken to prevent the item , for instance , of coin 17 , from moving in container housing 10 using , for instance , convex container bottom 15 or convex strip 16 of the container bottom , a bonding compound is applied to mating surfaces — the outside surface of upper section 3 of the housing of container 1 and inner inclined surface 4 of the bottom section of the cover , and the surfaces are firmly joined to each other using a chemical or thermal joint , or by gluing . here , two - level surfaces 6 and 7 of the lock joint of the container housing are connected to identical surfaces of the lock joint of the inside inclined surface of cover 5 , with tight mating of their steps 8 . likewise , other items — coins , bullion , paintings , bills , etc ., are packaged in containers of various shapes and geometries . packaging of items using tape is done by successively wrapping ( banding ) the packaged item with tape 18 . during wrapping , protrusion 8 of each subsequent turn of the tape is connected to the protrusion of the preceding turn of the tape using strips 19 and 20 . in doing this , a bonding compound can be applied to the surface of strip 19 underneath , and the additional protective means can be applied to surface 20 and vice versa , bonding compound can be applied to the bottom surface of strip 20 and at least one protective means can be applied to top surface 19 . to package fairly heavy items , for instance bullion , containers corresponding to the bullion shape are used , and three - dimensional lock joints with their cross - sections in the form of broken lines or lines with varying curvature are provided along the container perimeter — see fig3 a ), b ), w ), g ), d ). anti - tamper protection components can be provided between the surfaces of lock joints . best embodiment of invention . to package a silver coin , a container corresponding to its dimensions in terms of height and diameter was made of a transparent double - layer material — biaxially oriented polypropylene , and a protective means in the form of bar code 27 was embedded into the monolithic structure of the container using ink invisible under normal conditions . top surface 11 of the inclined section of container housing 10 and the inside surface of bottom part 12 of cover 13 were made two - level at an angle of 45 ° and 5 mm wide — each level 2 . 5 mm wide , with steps 8 formed between the levels . container bottom 15 was made convex towards the inside of the container . after coin 17 was placed onto container bottom 15 convex towards the inside of the container , the convex bottom elastically pressed coin 17 along the perimeter of the top edge to top inclined section 11 of the container housing , and the coin was not moving during shaking . adhesive composition of co - extrusive polyethylene was applied to the first , closest to the edge , surface identical to surface 6 of housing 10 , and a bar code using invisible ink and adhesive composition was applied to the second , farthest from the edge , surface identical to surface 7 of the outside inclined surface of upper section 4 of container housing 10 , then the surfaces were firmly joined to each other . in doing this , step 8 of the cover was firmly joined with the housing step . when experimental tampering was attempted , the housing and cover steps were damaged , and the bar code applied with invisible ink was also destroyed . embodiment of invention . at the same time , work was performed to package a roll in the form of a cylinder using double - layer tape with protective fluorescent fibers embedded into its structure and made according to a specified algorithm , specifically parallel to each other . a 10 mm wide layer of adhesive composition of co - extrusive polyethylene was applied to the first from the edge inside surface 19 , and an image in the form of lines intersecting at a specified angle made using invisible ink , as well as adhesive composition were applied to outside surface 20 of the tape . successive turns of tape 18 were carefully laid onto each other with their lateral sides , with tight contact between the steps and surfaces 19 and 20 of tape 18 . after a 30 - minute hold , experimental opening of the packaging was performed . in doing this , the tape was damaged — its edge was ruptured , the image made with invisible ink was damaged , and steps between surfaces 19 and 20 were also damaged . embodiment of invention . to package a bullion , a rectangular container corresponding to bullion dimensions was used . originally , the joined surfaces of the container housing and cover were made flat . two waveguides were placed parallel to each other onto the bottom surface along the container perimeter . then , after the bullion was placed in the container a π - shaped lock joint ( see fig3 a ) was formed along the bullion perimeter by means of heat - sealing using a heated mold . as the result of changing the geometry of the container edges the parallelize of the placed waveguides was preserved . during experimental opening , the container material at the lock joint was damaged , and both waveguides were also damaged . industrial applicability . housings can also be joined with container covers by gluing or a chemical joint ; when doing this , it is first necessary to make a lock joint of appropriate geometry along the perimeter of the joined surfaces . the use , as the protective means destroyable upon tampering , including additional protective means , of images , including a shadow image , of a code , optical lines , waveguides , radio frequency bar codes , deep - etched offset printing including micro - texts , watermarks , filigree and / or superimposed patterns invisible under normal conditions , fluorescent , metallized and magnetic inks and fibers , marks , protective threads and stripes , perforation , diffraction gratings , holograms or marking made using the electric discharge method , a material that oxidizes and changes its color upon tampering , for instance a manganese compound , mechanofore plastic that changes its color under mechanical load , a mixture of iodine alcoholate and dextrin which is applied to a part of mating surfaces and disappears with air access , or combinations thereof makes it possible in each specific case to create reliable packaging protected from tampering , and the combination of types of protection with making the material at least double - layer and monolithic leaves no room for doubting the reliability of the protection . depending on packaged item dimensions , the additional protection means is applied to the lock joint surface in 1 . 0 - 100 . 0 mm wide strips . when a strip width is less than 1 mm , there are fewer options in selecting applied protective means , and applying an additional protective means on a strip wider than 100 mm is impractical because in this case the reliability of protection increases insignificantly . making easily damageable optical lines applied at an angle of less than 5 . 0 ° is a fairly complicated process . making optical lines applied at various angles in accordance with a specified algorithm ensures reliable anti - tamper protection . using as packaging material a strong elastic wear - resistant material , for instance , biaxially or monoaxially oriented polypropylenes ensures long - time storage and use of the packaged items . applying to the packaging surface that is comparable to the packaged item dimensions , as an additional protective means , the necessary information about the item including the logo , the organization name , packaging manufacturing date , the packager , and the sender &# 39 ; s and recipient &# 39 ; s addresses using ink invisible under normal conditions keeps the packaging transparent , convenient to handle and not burdening when examining the packaged item . making at least a two - level joint with various angles of lock joint surfaces ensures reliable packaging of heavy and bulky items . making a lock joint with the height that is 1 . 5 - 50 . 0 times larger than the thickness of packaging material does not create unnecessary cluttering of the packaging . elastic pressing of the packaged item in the container by means of the convex bottom or its part contributes to long - term use of the packaged item . providing corrugations along the container perimeter with inclined angles of 10 . 0 °- 75 . 0 ° in various variations provides additional anti - tamper protection . the use of the proposed method will make it possible to provide packaging that is reliable and protected against tampering , is made of a synthetic polymer or other material , and will make it possible to reliably use an item packaged using the proposed method in the proposed packaging as a means of payment , and to reflect its real price and value without performing expert examination of the authenticity of the packaged item . here , the integrity of the packaging and its protection means is checked using appropriate detectors . a packaged item can stay in circulation for a long time while preserving its protection features and packaging integrity . and the packaging can be made of the same materials that are used for making polymer bills . the author has developed engineering documentation and performed pilot production of several types of the packaging in the form of containers and using tape with two - level contact surfaces and the simplest protective means . testing has demonstrated high reliability of protection of items packaged in the proposed containers and wrapped with tape .

US-201615283405-A

the machine of the present invention makes single or double transverse folds in segments cut from a continuous web . it includes feeder and cutter mechanisms to transfer segments to the surface of a central folding drum . a controlled vacuum source selectively applies vacuum to leading and trailing portions of the segments during advancement and folding . segment portions are held by vacuum applied through ports arranged in pre - selected patterns that include transverse fold lines . an air blast directed through apertures in the drum surface urges leading portions of the segment upward to project radially before fold completion by contact with a stationary plate . air blast can be used alone or in combination with mechanical means to complete the folds . selective placement and operation of vacuumized ports and air blast apertures in combination with mechanical means are used to achieve multiple transverse folds .

fig1 illustrates the present article folding apparatus 1 processing a continuous web 2 shown going over a longitudinal folding plate 3 that folds the web into two equal longitudinal panels 4 . pull roll sets 5 and 6 have the same surface velocity and feed the folded web into a cutoff roll set that includes knife roll 7 and anvil roll 8 . to more clearly describe the apparatus , the description herein is based on producing a short length product , for example , a 4 &# 39 ; long wiper product . separate rolls of material are unwound in four separate unwind stands . each web is threaded through a 3 - roll constant tension system 9 comprised of two fixed rolls 10 and 11 , and a third roll mounted on pivotable arms . the third &# 34 ; dancer &# 34 ; roll 12 moves up or down in response to changes in web tension , and using a pneumatic sensor , actuator device modulates the belt speed of the unwind stand ( not shown ) as a function of web tension . each of the webs passes over folding plates 3 to be folded into two panels as shown , however , different folding plates can be substituted to produce a four panel ` w ` fold , 6 - panels , etc . anvil roll 8 has vacuumized ports which transport the cut segment from nip 14 of cutoff roll set 7 - 8 and places it on top of selectively positioned vacuum ports in the carrier means 15 referred to hereinafter as the folding roll . folding roll 15 is rotatably journaled in a framework 17 , and is driven by motor 18 via belt system 19 as shown in fig2 . as the segment progresses counter - clockwise from transfer position 14 , it is folded by at least two forces -- one that is applied radially upward , and a second force that folds the leading portion of a segment about a fold line as the drum rotates . it is noted that each segment is placed over a plurality of apertures 20 ( see fig2 ) that are aligned transversely and thus , when being vacuumized , define a fold line like f1 -- f1 &# 39 ; in fig5 . in the embodiment described , each 4 &# 34 ; cut segment is placed on the folding drum 15 in end - to - end juxtaposition such that each segment is therefore placed centrally over a row of vacuum ports or apertures that define a fold line for each segment . in the apparatus illustrated in fig1 the folding drum 15 has a circumference of 96 &# 34 ; and therefore 24 rows of vacuum and ( and air ) apertures arranged equally around the drum periphery to thus define 24 fold lines like f1 -- f1 &# 39 ; of fig5 for making a single cross fold . if a double cross fold ( transverse folds ) is preferred , a second set of 24 rows of vacuum apertures 21 would be drilled through the drum shell , and each would be positioned half way between two consecutive f1 -- f1 &# 39 ; fold lines . the second fold lines are designated f2 -- f2 &# 39 ; in fig5 and are positioned on the drum face as shown in fig2 . referring again to fig1 the ` active ` portion of drum rotation during which folding occurs is from the point of segment introduction , as at 14 , until the segments are transferred from the drum , as at position 22 of fig1 . in fig1 a stationary plate 23 can be used to complete the foldback , and an ` ironing ` roll can press the fold . if the second fold is made using vacuumized apertures 21 to establish the second fold line f2 -- f2 &# 39 ;, a second stationary plate 25 can complete the second fold and ironing roll 26 can press it as it passes through the roller nip . an endless belt assembly 27 can be used to hold marginal portions of a multi - panel longitudinally folded product while the central portion is being stripped from the drum surface near the exit point , as at 22 . the illustrations of fig7 through 13 show other devices and embodiments used to complete either a single crossfold or double crossfolds . in essense , each fold is completed by applying a first upward positive force to lift the leading portion upward , and a second positive force is applied in a direction opposite to machine direction -- all while selected portions of the segment are being held securely against the drum surface 16 by patterns of vacuum holes ( see fig5 ). in fig1 a stationary stripper bar 52 is used to insure positive removal of the segment for transfer to downstream conveyance or packaging . a packaging arrangement using two heated co - acting sealer rolls 28 can entrap the folded segments in a sealed package that is cut off before packout . packaging options are numerous , and are removed from fig2 for clarity . fig3 diagramatically shows the vacuum and air grooving and indicates the groove portions to which vacuum is applied by a remote vacuum source vs ( not shown ). the effective length of a vacuum groove is established by the distance between two plugs that block the passages . fig3 shows the vacuum groove length and the timing -- see degree references required for completion of a double fold on a series of segments as they rotate around the drum from transfer positions 14 to 22 . fig3 illustrates the vacuum groove arrangements on the face of the non - rotating valve half 17 &# 39 ; ( shown as framework ), with connections to the active portion of each vacuum groove identified as v1 , v2 , and v3 respectively . note that the ` active ` portion of each groove communicates with a remote vacuum source vs through channel 29 and a hollow shaft 30 . vacuum in the grooves then communicate with patterns of vacuum holes in the drum surface , ( see patterns of fig5 ) by co - active face - to face rotating connections made by the vacuum ports on the rotating half 31 of the vacuum valve combination 17 &# 39 ;- 31 . piping or tubing from member 31 and the apertures in the drum are omitted for clarity . to further describe actual operation , the vacuum sequence and timing is described relative to fig3 , and 5 for completion of a double transverse crossfold . vacuum v1 , v2 , and v3 start at 050 degrees of fig3 and are applied to the segment as shown in fig5 ( channel tubing ommited ). groove vi in the stationary piece 17 &# 39 ; ( fig2 ) is in coacting relationship with rotating ports in valve half 31 from 050 to 020 degrees at which position v1 stops so that folding of the leading panel p1 can begin . from 020 to 320 degrees , vacuum v1 is inoperative , with v2 and v3 operative to hold the rear panels p2 and p3 against the drum . air pressure ( or mechanical means ) is applied to fold the front portion p1 upward , and at position 320 degrees , stationary plate 23 completes the fold . after ironing from 320 to 300 degrees , a second fold can be made , but only after vacuum v2 is disengaged from the leading quarter panel p2 of fig5 while panel p3 remains held against the drum . from about 290 to 260 degrees , vacuum , v2 and v3 hold the rear quarter panels p2 and p3 until the second fold begins . at 260 degrees , the lead quarter - panel vacuum v2 stops so that a fold over line f2 -- f2 &# 39 ; can be made by air pressure while v3 vacuum continues to hold the last quarter panel securely to the drum , until completion 22 at rotation reference 140 degrees . during rotation from 260 to 140 degrees , stationary plate 25 and ironing roll 26 perform functions as described for the singlefold portion of the sequence . fig4 shows that the rotating portion 31 of the co - acting members 17 &# 39 ; and 31 has three vacuum ports and one air hole ( port ) for each 4 &# 34 ; of folding drum travel . the air port is a functional component for various air jet nozzle and / or plenum arrangements described herein relative to fig6 through 10 . in fig6 a , the location each web segment on the drum surface is shown by parallel dashed lines 32 -- 32 &# 39 ;. a product comprised of front half panel 33 and rear half panel 34 is shown in phantom positioned equally about fold line f -- f &# 39 ; and arranged with the major dimension in the machine direction . cutouts 35 under the front half panel allow air or mechanical folding means to impinge against , and be operative on , the front half panel 33 while a pattern of vacuum ports 36 holds the rear half panel 34 to the drum surface during fold completion by application of the earlier described first and second positive folding forces . in fig6 d , only vacuum apertures in close proximity to fold line f -- f &# 39 ; are shown . with other apertures omitted for clarity . fig6 b shows a plurality of cutouts which allows air blast to fold the leading panel portion 33 upward . fig6 c shows slot cutouts 37 aligned centrally of each product with each product path , for subsequent folding of lead panels . in this location , cutouts 37 would allow at least one mechanical finger 39 ( see fig7 ) to fold along a transverse fold line . adjacent cutouts 38 with screen cover 49 ( see fig1 ) allow high volume air flow to assist with the upward fold ( as a first positive upward force . fig6 d shows transverse slots 40 in close proximity to the fold line to permit high pressure air jets and / or mechanical fingers 39 of fig7 or 41 of fig9 to produce the first upward force . in fig6 d , the location of a product is shown in phantom with fold line f -- f &# 39 ; bisecting the product equally for a typical quarterfolded product . a plurality of vacuum ports 36 holds the product in place while it is being folded . in fig7 inverted l shaped fingers 39 are mounted on rotatable hollow shaft 42 which can be pressurized to assist in the application of the first upward positive force , and as the finger rotates to force the foldover to occur , the air jets also help the fingers to achieve the transition to , and application of , the second force at right angles and parallel with the drum surface . phantom lines show the finger in the inactive position 39 &# 39 ;. for a second fold , the length of arm 43 is increased to compensate for the extra thickness of the double folded and / or multi - ply product . in fig8 air jet arrangements are for a double fold , whereby a movable member 44 is repositioned from location near f1 -- f1 &# 39 ; to a second position near f2 -- f2 &# 39 ; ( moving means not shown ). vacuum ports that establish f1 -- f1 &# 39 ; location are shown as communicating with v1 . while making the second fold along line f2 -- f2 &# 39 ;, the rear quarter panel is held by vacuum v3 . movable member 44 has a high pressure manifold 45 that pressures air jet 46 at both positions . with this movable arrangement air jets can be momentarily turned off during movement of member 44 or a separate and additional air groove could be added to rotating valve half 31 . fig9 shows a ` p ` shaped finger in the starting position 41 . moving from 41 to 41a imparts the first upward positive force . from 41a to 41b the second positive force parallel to the drum surface 16 is applied as needed to complete the first transverse foldback , as at 47 . moving the fingers from 41b to 41c occurs after a predetermined drum rotation , during which time movement of the fingers and mounting carriage must be reversed to lower them and reposition the fingers under the second panel before fingers can be raised to 41b and continue with movement to 41c for completion of the double transverse fold . in fig1 a member 15 &# 39 ; creates an air plenum 15 &# 34 ; directly under screen 49 which is mounted flush with drum surface 16 . high volumes of low pressure air lifts large panels upward whence they can be folded back by contact with externally mounted plate 23 . in fig1 , endless belts 48 &# 39 ; of assembly 27 are mounted on pulleys 48 for rotation on shaft 50 . belts are shown straddling longitudinal slot 51 . a stripper bar 52 with inclined surface 53 extends above surface 16 of drum 15 . in fig1 stripper bar 52 is shown at product exit position 22 . when longer products having multiple plies are being cross folded , especially those with multiple panel folds , or when the material being folded has has low permeability , the panels away from the drum surface may not be securely held by the vacuum patterns of fig5 . as shown in fig1 , the outer panels can be held securely along the fold line by using side mounted fingers 54 . fingers 54 are actuated at the proper rotary location and move toward the product centerline , thus clamping top panels at each side margin 55 and 55 &# 39 ;. after panel folds are completed , fingers 54 , 54 &# 39 ; are pivoted to unclamp the product , and prior to reaching product exit position 22 , mounting members 56 , 56 &# 39 ; move downwardly to avoid interference between fingers 54 , 54 &# 39 ; and roll 26 . it is understood that as the leading half panel of a product is in the lower half of the drum rotation , disengagement of the vacuum will allow the lead half panel to drop down , and using air or other means , complete the second force fold . when large panels are being folded , high volume air flow is advantageous , but because plenum length is limited by rotational speed ( and time ), elongated supporting bars 57 are moved upward to lift position 58 before or during air blast from the plenum 15 ( not shown ). fingers 57 must be moved below the surface 16 of drum 15 hence , the mounting block 59 is arranged for radial movement ( actuators not shown ). fig1 illustrates the arrangement and positioning of stripper bars 52 , continuous cutout 51 , belts 48 , etc , which function as described above . while in the foregoing specification a detailed description of an embodiment of the invention has been set forth for the purpose of explanation , any variations can be made in the details stated herein without departing from , or limiting , the spirit and scope of the invention .

US-79923897-A

imidazoquinolines of formula i that contain substituted amine or amide functionality at 1 - position and that are effective as toll like receptor 7 activators are disclosed . these compounds are useful as anticancer agents .

it has been found that the imidazoquinoles derivatives , which are described in greater details below , are effective tlr7 activators and have surprising and particularly advantageous properties . in addition and based on the foregoing , it has also been found , that certain pharmaceutically acceptable solvates , salts , n - oxides or stereoisomers of these imidazoquinoles derivatives , or combinations thereof , have surprising and particularly advantageous properties . — h , alkyl , alkynyl , aryl , alkoxy , heterocyclyl and heteroaryl , wherein alkyl , alkynyl , aryl , alkoxy , heterocyclyl or heteroaryl may be optionally substituted by one or more groups , which are , e . g . selected from the group consisting of : — h , — oh , halogen , — co — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — co — c 1 - 10 alkyl , — co — o — c 1 - 10 alkyl , — n 3 , optionally substituted aryl , heterocyclyl , or — co - aryl ; each r 4 is independently selected from the group consisting of : a is c 1 - c 6 alkyl ; b is — n ( r 2 )( r 3 ); r 2 is hydrogen or —( co )— r 5 ; r 5 is selected from the group consisting of : alkyl , alkynyl , aryl , heterocyclyl and heteroaryl , each of which may be optionally substituted by one or more groups , which are , e . g . selected from the group consisting of : — h , — oh , halogen , — cn , — no 2 , — cooh , — sh , — co — c 1 - 6 alkyl , — co — o — c 1 - 6 alkyl , — n 3 , optionally substituted aryl , heterocyclyl , — co - aryl or — co - heterocyclyl ; — h , alkyl , alkenyl , aryl , heteroaryl , cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl , wherein alkyl , alkenyl , aryl , heteroaryl , cycloalkyl , or heterocyclyl may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents , which are e . g . selected from group consisting of : — h , alkyl , alkenyl , alkoxy , halogen , — oh , — n 3 , trifluromethyl , - alkyl - aryl , — o - alkyl - aryl , — co - aryl , aryl , heterocyclyl , heteroaryl , — co - heteroaryl , — co - substituted aryl , — co - substituted heteroaryl , — co — o - alkyl , — co — n - alkyl , — co — n - aryl ; as used herein , the terms “ alkyl ”, “ alkenyl ”, “ alkynyl ” and the prefix “ alk ” are inclusive of both straight chain and branched chain groups and of cyclic groups , i . e . cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl . unless otherwise specified , these groups contain from 1 to 20 carbon atoms , with alkenyl and alkynyl groups containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms . preferred groups have a total of up to 10 carbon atoms . cyclic groups can be monocyclic or polycyclic and preferably have from 3 to 10 ring carbon atoms . exemplary cyclic groups include cyclopropyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl and adamantyl . in particular , the term “ alkyl ” refers to a straight chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms . examples include methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , butyl , isobutyl , sec - butyl , ter - butyl . substituted alkyl is as defined above . further , the term “ alkynyl ” refers to an alkyl group having at least two carbon atoms and including a carbon - carbon triple bond . substituted alkynyl is as defined above . likewise , “ alkenyl ” refers to an alkyl group having at least two carbon atoms and including a carbon - carbon double bond . further , the term “ alkoxy ” refers to an alkyl group being bonded via an oxygen atom . the term “ aryl ” as used herein includes carbocyclic aromatic rings or ring systems . examples of aryl groups include phenyl , naphthyl , biphenyl , fluorenyl and indenyl . in particular , the term “ aryl ” refers to phenyl or naphthalene . in a preferred embodiment , aryl is phenyl . substituted aryl is as defined above . the term “ heteroaryl ” includes aromatic rings or ring systems that contain at least one ring heteroatom ( e . g . o , s , n ). in particular , exemplary heteroaryl groups include furyl , thienyl , pyrrolyl , pyrazolyl , imidazolyl , triazolyl , tetrazolyl , isoxazolyl , oxazolyl , thiazolyl , isothiazolyl , oxadiazolyl , oxatriazolyl , thiadiazolyl , pyridyl , pyridazinyl , pyrimidinyl , benzofuranyl , isobenzofuranyl , thionaphthenyl , isothionaphthenyl , indolyl , isoindolyl , indazolyl , benzisoxazolyl , benzoxazolyl , benzthiazolyl , benzisothiazolyl , purinyl , benzopyranyl , quinolinyl , isoquinolinyl , cinnolinyl , quinazolinyl , naphthyridinyl , and benzoxazinyl , which in each case is unsubstituted or may optionally be substituted in one or more places . substituted heteroaryl is substituted , e . g . by one or more of halogen , hydroxyl , aryl , alkyl , aralkyl , alkoxy , carboxy , cyano , trifluoromethyl , nitro , amino , alkylamino , dialkylamino , or combinations thereof . as used herein , the term “ heterocyclyl ” refers to non - aromatic rings or mono - or bicyclic ring systems that contain at least one ring heteroatom ( e . g ., preferably selected from o , so x or n , wherein x = 0 , 1 or 2 ). exemplary heterocyclic groups include pyrrolidinyl , tetrahydrofuranyl , morpholinyl , thiomorpholinyl , piperidinyl , piperazinyl , thiazolidinyl , imidazolidinyl , tetrahydropyranyl , azabicyclooctanyl , such as 1 - azabicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 2 ]- octanyl , 1 - oxo and dioxo - tetrahydrothiophenyl or cyclopentylsulfonyl , as well as benzocondensed forms and / or n - oxides thereof , which in each case are unsubstituted or may optionally be substituted in one or more places . substituted heterocyclyl is , e . g . substituted by one or more of halogen , hydroxyl , aryl , alkyl , aralkyl , alkoxy , carboxy , cyano , trifluoromethyl , nitro , amino , alkylamino , dialkylamino , or combinations thereof . it is to be understood that the invention covers all combinations of substituent groups referred to hereinabove . in particular , the invention covers all combinations of preferred groups described hereinabove . pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds according to the invention include all inorganic and organic acid addition salts and salts with bases , especially all pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acid addition salts and salts with bases , particularly all pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acid addition salts and salts with bases customarily used in pharmacy . examples of acid addition salts include , but are not limited to , hydrochlorides , hydrobromides , phosphates , nitrates , sulfates , acetates , citrates , d - gluconates , benzoates , 2 -( 4 - hydroxybenzoyl ) benzoates , butyrates , sulfosalicylates , maleates , laurates , malates , fumarates , succinates , oxalates , tartarates , stearates , toluenesulfonates , methanesulfonates , 3 - hydroxy - 2 - naphthoates and trifluoroacetates . examples of salts with bases include , but are not limited to , lithium , sodium , potassium , calcium , aluminum , magnesium , titanium , ammonium , meglumine and guanidinium salts . of these , sodium and ammonium salts are preferred . the compounds of the invention and the salts thereof may contain , e . g . when isolated in crystalline form , varying amounts of solvents . included within the scope of the invention are , therefore , all solvates of the compounds of formula ( i ) and the salts thereof . hydrates are a preferred example of said solvates . n - oxides of the compounds according to the invention and the salts thereof include compounds , wherein a nitrogen atom of a substituent moiety is oxidized . in certain embodiments , the compounds according to the invention and the salts thereof may include stereoisomers . each of the stereogenic centers present in said stereoisomers may have the absolute configuration r or the absolute configuration s ( according to the rules of calm , ingold and prelog ). all such stereoisomers and the salts thereof are part of the invention . the invention further includes all mixtures of the stereoisomers mentioned above independent of the ratio , including the racemates . compounds of the invention and salts thereof containing a double bond may exist as e isomers and z isomers . both said isomers are included in the invention . the z isomer is the geometric isomer in which the carbon atoms connected by the double bond each have the two highest ranking groups on the same side of the double bond . the e isomer is the geometric isomer in which the carbon atoms connected by the double bond each have the two highest ranking groups on opposite sides of the double bond . some of the compounds and salts according to the invention may exist in different crystalline forms ( polymorphs ) which are within the scope of the invention . furthermore , derivatives of the compounds of formula ( i ) and the salts thereof which are converted into compound ( i ) or a salt thereof in a biological system ( bioprecursors or pro - drugs ) are covered by the invention . said biological system is , e . g . a mammalian organism , particularly a human subject . the bioprecursor is , for example , converted into the compound of formula ( i ) or a salt thereof by a metabolic process . according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention , compounds of formula i in which r 1 is — h , alkyl , optionally substituted aryl , heterocyclyl , or optionally substituted heteroaryl ; r 2 is —( co )— r 5 , wherein r 5 is alkyl , aryl , or heteroaryl , and r 3 is — h , or alkyl , are excluded from the present invention . in another preferred embodiment , the present invention relates to a compound of formula ia , which is a compound of formula i as defined above , wherein r 2 is hydrogen . in another preferred embodiment , the present invention relates to a compound of formula ib , which is a compound of formula i as defined above , wherein r 2 is —( co )— r 5 ; and r 3 is selected from groups consisting of : alkenyl , aryl , heteroaryl , cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl , each of which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents . in another preferred embodiment , the present invention relates to a compound of formula ic , which is a compound of formula i as defined above , wherein r 1 is alkynyl or alkoxy ; and r 2 is —( co )— r 5 . in a preferred embodiment of the compound of formula i , including the compounds of to formula in , ib and ic , according to the present invention , r 3 is heterocyclyl , which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents , as defined above . in another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula i , including the compounds of formula ia , ib and ic , r 1 is alkyl , more preferably ethyl . in another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula i , including the compounds of formula ia , ib and ic , r 5 is alkyl , more preferably methyl . in another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula i , including the compounds of formula ia , ib and ic , r 3 is heterocyclyl , which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from group consisting of : hydrogen , alkyl , alkenyl , halogen , or — oh . in another preferred embodiment of the compound of formula i , including the compounds of formula ia , ib and ic , a is c 2 - 4 alkyl , more preferably c 4 alkyl . another preferred embodiment of the compounds according to the present invention relates to compounds of formula i selected from : pharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula i ( including formula ia , ib and ic ) according to the present invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier . the term “ therapeutically effective amount ” means an amount of the compound sufficient to induce a therapeutic effect , such as activation of tlr7 . this may cause cytokine induction , antitumor activity and / or antiviral activity . although the exact amount of active compound used in a pharmaceutical composition of the invention will vary according to factors known to those of skill in the art , such as the physical and chemical nature of the compound as well as the nature of the carrier and the intended dosing regimen , it is anticipated that the compositions of the invention will contain sufficient active ingredient to provide a dose of about 100 ng / kg to about 50 mg / kg , preferably about 10 μg / kg to about 5 mg / kg , of the compound to the subject . any of the conventional dosage forms may be used , such as tablets , lozenges , parenteral formulations , syrups , creams , ointments , aerosol formulations , transdermal patches , transmucosal patches and the like . the compounds of the invention can be administered as the single therapeutic agent in a treatment regimen , or may be administered in combination with one another or with other active agents , including additional anticancer agents , immune response modifiers , antivirals , antibiotics , and the like . the invention furthermore relates to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise at least one of the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to the invention together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary . preferably , the pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or two of the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to the invention . more preferably , the pharmaceutical compositions comprise one of the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to the invention . in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention , the pharmaceutical compositions comprise a compound of the examples according to the invention together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary . the pharmaceutical compositions can contain at least one of the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts according to the invention ( hereinafter referred to as “ the active compound ”) in a total amount of from 0 . 1 to 99 . 9 wt %, preferably 5 to 95 wt %, more preferably 20 to 80 wt %. as pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries , any auxiliaries known to be suitable for preparing pharmaceutical compositions can be used . examples thereof include , but are not limited to , solvents , excipients , dispersants , emulsifiers , solubilizers , gel formers , ointment bases , antioxidants , preservatives , stabilizers , carriers , fillers , binders , thickeners , complexing agents , disintegrating agents , buffers , permeation promoters , polymers , lubricants , coating agents , propellants , tonicity adjusting agents , surfactants , colorants , flavorings , sweeteners and dyes . in particular , auxiliaries of a type appropriate to the desired formulation and the desired mode of administration are used . the pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated , for example , into tablets , coated tablets ( dragées ), pills , cachets , capsules ( caplets ), granules , powders , suppositories , solutions ( e . g . sterile solutions ), emulsions , suspensions , ointments , creams , lotions , pastes , oils , gels , sprays and patches ( e . g . transdermal therapeutic systems ). additionally , the pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared as , e . g . liposome delivery systems , systems in which the active compound is coupled to monoclonal antibodies and systems in which the active compound is coupled to polymers ( e . g . soluble or biodegradable polymers ). the pharmaceutical compositions comprising the active compound and at least one auxiliary can be manufactured in a manner known to a person skilled in the art , e . g . by dissolving , mixing , granulating , dragee - making , levigating , emulsifying , encapsulating , entrapping or lyophilizing processes . the selected formulation depends inter alia on the route of administering the pharmaceutical composition . the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be administered by any suitable route , for example , by the oral , sublingual , buccal , intravenous , intraarterial , intramuscular , subcutaneous , intracutaneous , topical , transdermal , intranasal , intraocular , intraperitoneal , intrasternal , intracoronary , transurethral , rectal or vaginal route , by inhalation or by insufflation . oral administration is preferred . tablets , coated tablets ( dragees ), pills , cachets , capsules ( caplets ), granules , solutions , emulsions and suspensions are , e . g . suitable for oral administration . in particular , said formulations can be adapted so as to represent , for example , an enteric form , an immediate release form , a delayed release form , a repeated dose release form , a prolonged release form or a sustained release form . said forms can be obtained , for example , by coating tablets , by dividing tablets into several compartments separated by layers disintegrating under different conditions ( e . g . ph conditions ) or by coupling the active compound to a biodegradable polymer . administration by inhalation is preferably made by using an aerosol . the aerosol is a liquid - gaseous dispersion , a solid - gaseous dispersion or a mixed liquid / solid - gaseous dispersion . the aerosol may be generated by means of aerosol - producing devices such as dry powder inhalers ( dpis ), pressurized metered dose inhalers ( pmdis ) and nebulizers . depending on the kind of the active compound to be administered , the aerosol - producing device can contain the active compound in form of a powder , a solution or a dispersion . the powder may contain , for example , one or more of the following auxiliaries : carriers , stabilizers and fillers . the solution may contain in addition to the solvent , for example , one or more of the following auxiliaries : propellants , solubilizers ( co - solvents ), surfactants , stabilizers , buffers , tonicity adjusting agents , preservatives and flavorings . the dispersion may contain in addition to the dispersant , for example , one or more of the following auxiliaries : propellants , surfactants , stabilizers , buffers , preservatives and flavorings . examples of carriers include , but are not limited to , saccharides , e . g . lactose and glucose . examples of propellants include , but are not limited to , fluorohydrocarbons , e . g . 1 , 1 , 1 , 2 - tetrafluoroethane and 1 , 1 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 3 - heptafluoropropane . the particle size of the aerosol particles ( solid , liquid or solid / liquid particles ) is preferably less than 100 μm , more preferably it is in the range of from 0 . 5 to 10 μm , in particular in the range of from 2 to 6 μm ( id50 value , measured by laser diffraction ). specific aerosol - producing devices which may be used for inhaled administration include , but are not limited to , cyclohaler ®, rotadisk ®, turbohaler ®, autohaler ®, turbohaler ®, novolizer ®, easyhaler0 , aerolizer ®, jethaler ®, diskus ®, ultrahaler ® and mystic ® inhalers . the aerosol - producing devices may be combined with spacers or expanders , e . g . aerochamber ®, nebulator ®, volumatic ® and rondo ®, for improving inhalation efficiency . in case of topical administration , suitable pharmaceutical formulations are , for example , ointments , creams , lotions , pastes , gels , powders , solutions , emulsions , suspensions , oils , sprays and patches ( e . g . transdermal therapeutic systems ). for parenteral modes of administration such as , for example , intravenous , intraarterial , intramuscular , subcutaneous , intracutaneous , intraperitoneal and intrasternal administration , preferably solutions ( e . g . sterile solutions , isotonic solutions ) are used . they are preferably administered by injection or infusion techniques . in case of intranasal administration , for example , sprays and solutions to be applied in drop form are preferred formulations . for intraocular administration , solutions to be applied in drop form , gels and ointments are exemplified formulations . generally , the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can be administered such that the dose of the active compound is in the range customary for activators of tlr7 . in particular , a dose in the range of from 0 . 01 to 4000 mg , preferably 0 . 1 mg to to 2000 mg , more preferably 0 . 5 mg to 1000 mg and most preferably 1 mg to 500 mg , of the active compound per day is preferred for an average adult patient having a body weight of 70 kg . in this respect , it is to be noted that the dose is dependent , for example , on the specific compound used , the species treated , age , body weight , general health , sex and diet of the subject treated , mode and time of administration , rate of excretion , severity of the disease to be treated and drug combination . the pharmaceutical composition can be administered in a single dose per day or in multiple subdoses , for example , 2 to 4 doses per day . a single dose unit of the pharmaceutical composition can contain , e . g . from 0 . 01 mg to 4000 mg , preferably 0 . 1 mg to 2000 mg , more preferably 0 . 5 to 1000 mg , most preferably 1 to 500 mg , of the active compound . furthermore , the pharmaceutical composition can be adapted to weekly , monthly or even more infrequent administration , for example by using an implant , e . g . a subcutaneous or intramuscular implant , by using the active compound in form of a sparingly soluble salt or by using the active compound coupled to a polymer . the compounds of the invention have been shown to activate tlr7 in experiments performed according to the tests set forth below . the compounds of the present invention are useful as anticancer agents for cancers that are responsive to tlr7 activation . illustrative cancers include , but are not limited to cancer of the breast , bladder , bone , brain , central and peripheral nervous system , colon , endocrine glands , esophagus , endometrium , germ cells , head and neck , kidney , liver , lung , larynx and hypopharynx , mesothelioma , sarcoma , ovary , pancreas , prostate , rectum , renal , small intestine , soft tissue , testis , stomach , skin , ureter , vagina and vulva ; inherited cancers , retinomblastoma and wilms tumor ; leukemia , lymphoma , non - hodgkins disease , chronic and acute myeloid leukaemia , acute lymphoblastic leukemia , hodgkins disease , multiple myeloma and t - cell lymphoma ; myelodysplastic syndrome , plasma cell neoplasia , paraneoplastic syndromes , cancers of unknown primary site and aids related malignancies . preferably , tlr7 agonists would be used to treat cancers of the skin or kidney . sensitivity of a given cancer to activation of tlr7 can be assessed by , but not limited to measurement of a decrease in primary or metastatic tumor load ( minor , partial or complete regression ), alterations in the hemogram , altered hormone or cytokine concentrations in the blood , inhibition of further increase of tumor load , stabilization of the disease in the patient , assessment of biomarkers or surrogate markers relevant for the disease , prolonged overall survival of a patient , prolonged time to disease progression of a patient , prolonged progression - free survival of a patient , prolonged disease - free survival of a patient , improved quality of life of a patient , or modulation of the co - morbidity of the disease ( for example , but not limited to pain , cachexia , mobilization , hospitalization , altered hemogram , weight loss , wound healing , fever ). the compounds according to the present invention may further be useful as immune response modifiers that can modulate the immune response in a number of different ways , rendering them useful in the treatment of a variety of disorders . cytokines that may be induced by the administration of compounds according to the invention generally include interferon ( ifn ) and / or tumor necrosis factor - α ( tnf - α ) as well as certain interleukins ( il ). cytokines whose biosynthesis may be induced by compounds of the invention include ifn - α , tnf - α , il - 1 , 6 , 10 and 12 , and a variety of other cytokines . among other effects , cytokines inhibit virus production and tumor cell growth , making the compounds useful in the treatment of tumors and viral diseases . in addition to the ability to induce the production of cytokines , the compounds of the invention affect other aspects of the innate immune response . for example , natural killer cell activity may be stimulated , an effect that may be due to cytokine induction . the compounds may also activate macrophages , which in turn stimulates secretion of nitric oxide and the production of additional cytokines . further , the compounds may cause proliferation and differentiation of b - lymphocytes . compounds of the invention may also have an effect on the acquired immune response . for example , while not intending to be bound by any particular theory , there is not believed to be any direct effect on t cells or direct induction of t cell cytokines , but the production of the t helper type 1 ( th 1 ) cytokine ifn - γ is induced indirectly and the to production of the t helper type 2 ( th2 ) cytokines il - 4 , il - 5 and il - 13 are inhibited upon administration of the compounds . this activity means that the compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases where up - regulation of the th1 response and / or down regulation of the th2 response is desired . in view of the ability of certain compounds of formula i to inhibit the th2 immune response , the compounds are expected to be useful in the treatment is of conditions that are associate with overstimulation of a th2 response such as atopic diseases , e . g ., atopic dermatitis ; asthma ; allergy ; allergic rhinitis ; systemic lupus erythematosis ; as a vaccine adjuvant for cell mediated immunity ; and possibly as a treatment for recurrent fungal diseases , periodontitis and chlamydia . the immune response modifying effects of the compounds make them useful in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions . because of their ability to induce the production of cytokines such as ifn - α and / or tnf - α , and il - 12 , the compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of viral diseases and tumors . this immunomodulating activity suggests that compounds of the invention are useful in treating diseases such as , but not limited to , viral diseases including genital warts ; common warts ; plantar warts ; hepatitis b ; hepatitis c ; herpes simplex type i and type ii ; molluscum contagiosum ; hiv ; cmv ; vzv ; intraepithelial neoplasias such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ; human papillomavirus ( hpv ) and associated neoplasias ; fungal diseases , e . g . candida , aspergillus , and cryptococcal meningitis ; neoplastic diseases , e . g ., basal cell carcinoma , hairy cell leukemia , kaposi &# 39 ; s sarcoma , renal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma , myelogenous leukemia , multiple myeloma , melanoma , non - hodgkin &# 39 ; s lymphoma , cutaneous t - cell lymphoma , and other cancers ; parasitic diseases , e . g . pneumocystis carnii , cryptosporidiosis , histoplasmosis , toxoplasmosis , trypanosome infection , and leishmaniasis ; and bacterial infections , e . g ., tuberculosis , and mycobacterium avium . additional diseases or conditions that can be treated using the compounds of the invention include eczema ; eosinophilia ; essential thrombocythaemia ; leprosy ; multiple sclerosis ; ommen &# 39 ; s syndrome ; discoid lupus ; bower &# 39 ; s disease ; bowenoid papulosis ; and to enhance or stimulate the healing of wounds , including chronic wounds . accordingly , the invention provides a method of activating tlr7 in an animal , especially a mammal , preferably a human comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula i to the animal . an effective amount of a compound will vary according to factors known in the art but is expected to be a dose of about 100 ng / kg to about 60 mg / kg , preferably about 10 μg / kg to about 30 mg / kg , more preferably about 10 μg / kg to about 5 mg / kg . the invention also provides a method of treating a viral infection in an animal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula i to the animal . an amount effective to treat or inhibit a viral infection is an amount that will cause a reduction in one or more of the manifestations of viral infection , such as viral lesions , viral load , rate of virus production , and mortality as compared to untreated control animals . the precise amount will vary according to factors known in the art but is expected to be a dose as indicated above with respect to the activation of tlr7 , or a dose of about 100 ng / kg to about 50 mg / kg , preferably about 10 μg / kg to about 5 mg / kg . an amount effective to treat a neoplastic condition is an amount that will cause a reduction in tumor size or in the number of tumor foci . again , the precise amount will vary according to factors known in the art but is expected to be a dose as indicated above with respect to the activation of tlr7 , or a dose of about 100 mg / kg to about 50 mg / kg , preferably about 10 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg . the compounds according to the invention can be prepared , for example , as described as follows and according to the following specified reaction steps , or , particularly , in a manner as described by way of example in the following examples . as shown in reaction scheme a , a compound of formula 7 wherein r 3 is having meaning as defined above can be obtained by treating quinolin - 4 - ol with nitric acid to afford its nitro derivative of formula 1 which is further reacted with phosphorus oxychloride in presence of n , n - dimethyl formaldehyde to yield 4 - chloro - 3 - nitroquinoline of formula 2 . compound of formula 2 on reaction with ( 4 - amino - butyl )- carbamic acid tert - butylester resulted in compound of formula 4 which is then reacted with triethylorthopropionate in presence of toluene to afford compound of formula 5 . [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butyl ]- carbamic acid tart - butyl ester of formula 5 is then deprotected to afford 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butylamine of formula 6 . a compound of formula 6 is then treated with suitable heterocyclic ketones to obtain a desired compound of formula 7 . as shown in reaction scheme b , compound of formula i , wherein r 2 is — co — r 5 and all other symbols have the meaning as defined above , can be obtained by reacting compound of formula 7 with suitable acid anhydride of formula r 5 — co — o — co — r 5 to obtain a compound of formula 8 which is then treated with m - chloroperbenzoic acid to yield its n - oxide derivative of formula 9 . a compound of formula 9 is further subjected to amination using aqueous ( aq .) ammonia solution to obtain the desired compound of formula i . as shown in reaction scheme c , a compound of formula i , wherein r 2 is hydrogen and all other symbols have the meaning as defined above , can be obtained by reacting compound of formula 7 with di - ter - butyl - dicarbonate to obtain a compound of formula 10 , which is then treated with m - chloroperbonzoic acid to yield its n - oxide derivative of formula 11 . compound of formula 11 is then further subjected to amination using aq . ammonia to obtain a compound of formula 12 which is the de - protected using acidic conditions to obtain the desired compound of formula i . it is known to the person skilled in the art that , if there are a number of reactive centers on a starting or intermediate compound , it may be necessary to block one or more reactive centers temporarily by protective groups in order to allow a reaction to proceed specifically at the desired reaction center . the compounds according to the invention are isolated and purified in a manner known per se , e . g . by distilling off the solvent in vaccuo and recrystallizing the residue obtained from a suitable solvent or subjecting it to one of the customary purification methods , such as column chromatography on a suitable support material . salts of the compounds of formula ( i ) according to the invention can be obtained by dissolving the free compound in a suitable solvent ( for example a ketone such as acetone , methylethylketone or methylisobutylketone , an ether such as diethyl ether , tetrahydrofuran or dioxane , a chlorinated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride or chloroform , or a low molecular weight aliphatic alcohol such as methanol , ethanol or isopropanol ) which contains the desired acid or base , or to which the desired acid or base is then added . the acid or base can be employed in salt preparation , depending on whether a mono - or polybasic acid or base is concerned and depending on which salt is desired , in an equimolar quantitative ratio or one differing therefrom . the salts are obtained by filtering , reprecipitating , precipitating with a non - solvent for the salt or by evaporating the solvent . salts obtained can be converted into the free compounds which , in turn , can be converted into salts . in this manner , pharmaceutically unacceptable salts , which can be obtained , for example , as process products in the manufacturing on an industrial scale , can be converted into pharmaceutically acceptable salts by processes known to the person skilled in the art . the compounds of formula ( i ) according to the invention can be converted into their n - oxides , for example , with the aid of hydrogen peroxide in methanol or with the aid of m - chloroperoxybenzoic acid in dichloromethane . the person skilled in the art is familiar with the reaction conditions for carrying out the n - oxidation . pure diastereomers and pure enantiomers of the compounds and salts according to the invention that are present in the form of such stereoisomers can be obtained , e . g . by asymmetric synthesis , by using chiral starting compounds in synthesis and by splitting up enantiomeric and diasteriomeric mixtures obtained in synthesis . enantiomeric and diastereomeric mixtures can be split up into the pure enantiomers and pure diastereomers by methods known to a person skilled in the art . preferably , diastereomeric mixtures are separated by crystallization , in particular fractional crystallization , or chromatography . enantiomeric mixtures can be separated , e . g . by forming diastereomers with a chiral auxiliary agent , resolving the diastereomers obtained and removing the chiral auxiliary agent . as chiral auxiliary agents , for example , chiral acids can be used to separate enantiomeric bases and chiral bases can be used to separate enantiomeric acids via formation of diastereomeric salts . furthermore , diastereomeric derivatives such as diastereomeric esters can be formed from enantiomeric mixtures of alcohols or enantiomeric mixtures of acids , respectively , using chiral acids or chiral alcohols , respectively , as chiral auxiliary agents . additionally , diastereomeric complexes or diastereomeric clathrates may be used for separating enantiomeric mixtures . alternatively , enantiomeric mixtures can be split up using chiral separating columns in chromatography . another suitable method for the isolation of enantiomers is the enzymatic separation . as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art , the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein , but covers all modifications of said embodiments that are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . the following examples illustrate the invention in greater detail , without restricting it . further compounds according to the invention , of which the preparation is not explicitly described , can be prepared in an analogous way . the compounds which are mentioned in the examples and the salts thereof represent preferred embodiments of the invention . a mixture of quinolin - 4 - ol ( 1 eq .) in propionic acid was heated to 125 ° c . with stirring . nitric acid ( 2 . 2 eq .) was added drop wise to the stirred solution while maintaining the reaction mixture temperature at 125 ° c . reaction was stirred at 125 ° c . for 15 min . and cooled to ambient temperature . the reaction was diluted with ethanol and solid was collected by vacuum filtration . solid was washed successively with ethanol , water and ethanol . resulting yellow solid was heated in refluxing ethanol and filtered from hot mixture to give pure 3 - nitro - quinoline - 4 - ol . phosphorus oxychloride ( 1 . 2 eq .) was added slowly to well stirred suspension of compound of formula 1 obtained in step i in n , n - dimethylformamide . the reaction mixture was further heated to 50 ° c . with stirring for 30 min . the resulting solution was cooled at ambient temperature and poured into an ice / water mixture . a solid was collected by filtration and dried to afford 4 - chloro - 3 - nitro - quinoline . a compound of formula 2 ( 1 eq .) was added to a solution of ( 4 - amino - butyl )- carbamic acid tert - butylester ( 1 . 2 eq .) and triethyl amine ( 1 . 5 eq .) in ethanol . reaction mixture was then refluxed for 15 min and then diluted with water to precipitate impure product , which was separated by filtration . saturated ammonium hydroxide solution was added to filtrate and precipitated solid was collected by vacuum filtration and dried to yield tert - butyl { 4 -[( 3 - nitroquinolin - 4 - yl ) amino ] butyl } carbamate of formula 3 . a suspension of compound of compound of formula 3 ( 1 eq . ), 5 % palladium on carbon ( 2 % by wt .) and magnesium sulphate in ethyl acetate was hydrogenated on a parr apparatus at 50 psi of hydrogen gas for 4 hrs . the resulting reaction mixture was then filtered and filtrate was concentrated at reduced pressure to yield crude solid , which then purified by silica gel column chromatography to afford tert - butyl { 4 -[( 3 - aminoquinolin - 4 - yl ) amino ] butyl } carbamate of formula 4 . to a solution of compound of formula 4 ( 1 eq .) in toluene was added triethylorthopropionate ( 2 eq .) and resulting reaction mixture was heated at 80 - 90 ° c . for 5 hrs . reaction mixture was then cooled and solvent was evaporated to remove 50 % of toluene . to a remaining reaction mixture was added ice - water and product was precipitated as white solid which was then separated by vacuum filtration and dried to afford tert - butyl [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] carbamate of formula 5 . a solution of [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butyl ]- carbamic acid tert - butyl ester of formula 5 obtained in step v in trifluoroacetic acid was stirred at 40 ° c . for 4 hrs . reaction mixture was then poured on ice - water mixture and extracted with chloroform . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under deduced pressure to afford 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butan - 1 - amine of formula 6 . to a suspension of 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butylamine obtained in step vi in tetrahydrofuran was added acetic acid ( 1 eq .) and dihydrothiophen - 3 - one ( 1 . 1 eq .). resulting reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min . sodium triacetoxyborohydride ( 2 . 2 eq .) was added to reaction mixture over a period of 1 hrs and resulting suspension was then stirred for 4 - 5 hrs . reaction was then quenched with methanol and concentrated to dryness . reaction mixture was basified using aq . sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with chloroform . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield sticky solid . product was then purified by silica gel column chromatography to afford [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butyl ]-( tetrahydro - thiophen - 3 - yl )- amine . to a solution of [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butyl ]-( tetrahydro - thiophen - 3 - yl )- amine in dichloromethane was added triethyl amine ( 1 . 5 eq .) and acetic anhydride ( 1 . 5 eq .) and stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hrs . reaction mixture was then diluted with dichloromethane and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford n -[ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ]- n -( tetrahydro - 3 - thienyl ) acetamide . to a solution of n -[ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butyl ]- n -( tetrahydrothiophen - 3 - yl )- acetamide in chloroform was added m - chlroperbenzoic acid ( 4 eq .) and stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hrs . reaction mixture was then diluted with chloroform and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield sticky mass . product was then purified using silica gel column chromatography to afford n -( 1 , 1 - dioxidotetrahydro - 3 - thienyl )- n -[ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 5 - oxido - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] acetamide . to a solution of ( 1 , 1 - dioxo - tetrahydro - 1lambda * 6 *- thiophen - 3 - yl )- n -[ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 5 - oxy - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl )- butyl ]- acetamide in chloroform was added p - toluene sulfonyl chloride ( 1 . 2 eq .) followed by aq . ammonium hydroxide solution . the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for overnight . reaction mixture was then diluted with chloroform and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield sticky solid , which was then purified using silica gel column chromatography to afford the title compound . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 29 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 & amp ; j = 3 . 0 hz ), 8 . 21 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz , j = 3 . 0 hz ), 7 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 49 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 58 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 78 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 3 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 02 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 34 ( d , 2h ), 2 . 2 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 1 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 09 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 9 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 79 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 55 ( t , 3h ) examples 2 - 4 were also prepared by following procedure of example i . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 24 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 & amp ; j = 3 . 0 hz ), 8 . 19 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 & amp ; j = 3 . 0 hz ), 7 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 60 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 52 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 75 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 4 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 2 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 12 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 16 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 99 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 51 ( t , 3h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 35 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 & amp ; j = 3 . 0 hz ), 8 . 29 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 & amp ; j = 3 . 0 hz ), 7 . 63 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 56 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 50 ( t , 2h ), 4 . 42 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 70 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 35 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 12 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 15 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 05 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 92 ( d , 3h ), 1 . 8 ( t , 2h ) 1 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 51 ( t , 3h ) 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 31 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 & amp ; j = 3 . 0 hz ), 8 . 15 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz , j = 3 . 0 hz ), 7 . 62 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 55 ( m , 5h ), 5 . 59 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 50 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 71 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 35 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 23 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 21 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 19 ( d , 2h ), 2 . 15 ( t , 1h ), 2 . 10 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 09 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 9 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 79 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 55 ( t , 3h ). to a suspension of 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butan - 1 - amine obtained in step vi of example i in tetrahydrofuran was added acetic acid ( 1 eq .) and tetrahydro - pyran - 4 - one ( 1 . 1 eq .). resulting reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min . sodium triacetoxyborohydride ( 2 . 2 eq .) was added to reaction mixture over a period of 1 hrs and resulting suspension was then stirred for 4 - 5 hrs . reaction was then quenched with methanol and concentrated to dryness . reaction mixture was basified using aq . sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with chloroform . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield sticky solid . product was then purified by silica gel column chromatography to afford n -[ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - amine . to a solution of n -[ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - amine in dichloromethane was added triethyl amine ( 1 . 5 eq .) followed by di - ter - butyl - dicarbonate ( 1 . 5 eq .) and resulting reaction mixture was stirred for 4 hrs at ambient temperature . reaction mixture was then evaporated completely and dissolved in dichloromethane , washed with water and organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford tert - butyl [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - ylcarbamate . to a solution of tert - butyl [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - ylcarbamate in chloroform was added m - chlroperbenzoic acid ( 4 eq .) and stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hrs . reaction mixture was then diluted with chloroform and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield sticky mass . product was then purified using silica gel column chromatography to afford tert - butyl [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 5 - oxido - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - ylcarbamate . to a solution of tert - butyl [ 4 -( 2 - ethyl - 5 - oxido - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - ylcarbamate in chloroform was added p - toluene sulfonyl chloride ( 1 . 2 eq .) followed by aq . ammonium hydroxide solution . the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for overnight . reaction mixture was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution . organic layer separated , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield sticky solid , which was then purified using silica gel column chromatography to afford tert - butyl [ 4 -( 4 - amino - 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - ylcarbamate . a solution of tert - butyl [ 4 -( 4 - amino - 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 4 - ylcarbamate in trifluoroacetic acid was stirred at 40 ° c . for 4 hrs . reaction mixture was then poured on ice - water mixture and extracted with chloroform . organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under deduced pressure to afford the title compound . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , meod ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 2 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 1 hz ), 7 . 75 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 6 ( dt , 1h , j = 1 . 5 & amp ; 7 . 2 hz ), 4 . 69 ( t , 2h ), 4 . 01 ( d , 1h ), 3 . 98 ( d , 1h ), 3 . 4 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 2 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 1 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 0 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 9 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 5 ( t , 3h ) examples 6 - 7 were also prepared by following procedure of example 5 . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , meod ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 01 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 67 ( dd , 1h , j = 1 . 2 & amp ; 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 4 ( dt , 1h , j = 1 . 5 & amp ; 7 . 8 hz ), 7 . 33 ( dt , 1h , j = 1 . 2 & amp ; 7 . 5 hz ), 4 . 5 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 2 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 6 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 4 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 1 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 0 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 7 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 9 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 7 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 5 ( t , 3h ), 1 . 4 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 3 ( m , 3h .). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , meod ) δ ( ppm ): 8 . 2 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 1 hz ), 7 . 80 ( dt , 1h , j = 1 . 5 & amp ; 6 . 3 hz ), 7 . 73 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 7 . 64 ( dt , 1h , j = 1 . 5 & amp ; 7 . 5 hz ), 7 . 5 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 59 ( t , 2h ), 1h ), 3 . 70 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 02 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 71 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 50 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 99 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 69 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 48 ( t , 3h ). cellular assays using a human cancer cell line ( pcir - 1 ) or human pbmc fractions to test compounds for activating tlr7 are established . specificity for tlr7 and 9 was checked by adding chloroquine , which abrogates signaling through endosomal tlrs . the pcir - 1 system is suited for measuring the interferone - linked cytokine ip10 by a bead - based assay in the 384 - well format . tlr1 ++, tlr2 (+), tlr3 +, tlr4 ++, tlr5 (+), tlr6 ++, tlr7 ++, tlr8 −, tlr9 +++, tlr10 −. treatment of this cell line with tlr agonist reference compounds lps ( tlr4 ago ), resiquimod ( imidazoquinoline ) and h2006 ( cpg oligonucleotide ) result in strong cytokine mrna induction . also response to poly i - c double - stranded rna ( tlr 3 ago ); 40 - fold induction of ip - 10 after 15 h ) and malp - 2 ( tlr 2 / 6 hetero - dimer ago , 100 - fold induction of ip - 10 after 15 h ) is detected . rna induction data was confirmed by parallel luminex analysis showing strong release of ip - 10 and il8 cytokines , in particular , and also significant protein levels of il6 , il12p40 / p70 and il10 . the signaling via tlr7 and tlr9 ( both expressed in endosomes ) can be completely blocked by the addition of chloroquine , which is known to disturb the endosomal ph gradient . in contrast tlr4 signaling by lps is not affected ( fig1 ). the current concept for a tlr agonist - screening cascade in a high - or medium - throughput format is summarized in fig2 . compounds of the present invention are tested for specified cytokine induction at the mrna or protein levels . the compounds show efficacy in the cellular assays ( fig3 ). in the following , studies with the reference compounds and compounds according to the invention are shown in the renca lung metastasis model as described in leja a , hofmann h p , maier t , drache d , grebe c , fischer s , gimmnich p , sanders k , gekeler v . metastasis of murine renca kidney cancer cells to the lungs of balb / c mice is strongly suppressed by tlr9 or tlr7 agonists . abstract 3552 , proc am cancer res 48 , 2007 . fig4 a and 413 show the results of reference compounds ( tlr9 as well as tlr7 agonists , which are either smols or oligonucleotides ; tog = 7 - thia - 8 - oxoguanosine ; imdzq = imidazoquinoline derivative ). in particular , female balb / c mice ( n = 10 ) were treated for 4 consecutive days starting day 1 or day 8 after renca lacz tumor cell injection , respectively . the smols were applied in 20 % peg , the oligonucleotides in 0 . 9 % nacl as indicated . lungs were excised 25 days after tumor cell injection ( see fig4 a ). further , female balb / c mice ( n = 5 ) were treated for 4 consecutive days as indicated . the smols were applied in 20 % peg , oligonucleotides in 0 . 9 % nacl . at day 4 of treatment , blood was collected via orbital plexus and spleens were excised . subsequently , mrna was isolated for expression analysis via qpcr . data were normalized to vehicle control ( mean set to 1 ). statistical evaluation was performed via mann - whitney test ( see fig4 b ). under the same conditions as described above for the smols as reference compounds , 3 -{ acetyl [ 4 -( 4 - amino - 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] amino }- 2 , 5 - anhydro - 1 , 3 , 4 - trideoxypentitol ( tlr ago 1 , example iii ) and n -[ 4 -( 4 - amino - 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ]- n -( 1 , 1 - dioxidotetrahydro - 3 - thienyl ) acetamide ( tlr ago 2 , example i ) tlr ago 1 , both compounds according to the invention , are examined in the renca lung metastasis model . 3 -{ acetyl [ 4 -( 4 - amino - 2 - ethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 1 - yl ) butyl ] amino }- 2 , 5 - anhydro - 1 , 3 , 4 - trideoxypentitol ( tlr ago 1 , example iii ) demonstrates a strong anti - metastatic effect with virtually complete clearance of the lungs after a short treatment ( d1 - 4 ) ( fig5 ).

US-93422809-A

methods and apparatus for controlling air supplied under pressure to a patient suffering from sleep disorders such as apnoea . controlled pressurized air is supplied to the patient &# 39 ; s upper anatomical airways by the apparatus according to the methods of the present invention . the apparatus measures and / or calculates the inspiratory air flow , volume and pressure to the airway . the apparatus further determines whether to increase or decrease the airway pressure based on a determination of several factors , such as the occurrence events representing a sleep problem , duration of inspiratory air flow , correspondence of the inspiratory air flow curve to a sinusoidal curve , air leakage and acoustical vibrations . occurrences of events representing a sleep problem may be stored by the apparatus and read by a clinician at a later date .

in fig1 the apparatus for supplying air pressure to a patient has a central processing and pressure control unit u , a controlled pressure supply module mpd , a mask mva for the upper airways of the patient , and a tube cf for supplying air pressure from the module mpd to the mask mva . the air flow supplied to the patient and the air pressure prevailing in the mask mva are measured by means of a supplied air flow sensor cdaf , connected to the central unit u , and by means of a sensor cpm of pressure in the mask mva , connected to the central unit u . it is determined from the measured variables whether or not events representing sleep problems appear . the algorithms of the method according to the invention are implemented by software integrated in the central unit u . in fig2 it is determined from the measured variables whether the current respiratory cycle of the patient corresponds to a predetermined valid respiratory cycle . a problem appearance indicator bln is set to a first problem appearance state on , if the appearance of one or more of the events representing sleep problems is determined . the indicator bln is set to a second problem absence state off , if the appearance of events representing sleep problems is not determined . a count is made of a first number ccar of valid respiratory cycles determined since the last pressure control . a count is made of a second number ccan of valid respiratory cycles determined since the last change of the indicator bln to the first state on . a count is made of a third number rc of successive changes of the indicator bln from the second state off to the first state on . when the indicator bln is in the first , state on , a first given increase of supplied air pressure is controlled , by means of the control c 1 , when all the following are true : the first number ccar is greater than a first predetermined integer number rp ; the second number ccon corresponds to one or more other second predetermined integer numbers n ; the third number rc is greater than or equal to a third predetermined integer number x . when the indicator bln changes from the second state off to the first state on , the first given increase of supplied air pressure is controlled , by means of the control c 1 , when , solely all the following are true : the first number ccar is greater than a first predetermined integer number rp ; the third number rc is greater than or equal to a third predetermined integer number x . in one embodiment , the second integer numbers n are between 1 and 300 . in another embodiment , the second integer numbers n are the first three multiples of a given integer n 0 . in another embodiment , the second integer numbers n are respectively 2 , 4 and 6 , n 0 being equal to 2 . in another embodiment , the first predetermined integer number rp is between 1 and 255 . in another embodiment , the first predetermined integer number rp is equal to 10 . in another embodiment , the third predetermined integer number x is between 1 and 100 . in another embodiment , the third predetermined integer number x is equal to 1 . in another embodiment , the first given pressure increase control c 1 is less than + 10 mbar . in another embodiment , the first given pressure increase control c 1 is substantially equal to + 0 . 3 mbar . the first and third numbers ccar ; rc of counted valid respiratory cycles and counted changes are reset to 0 , after the second counted number ccon of valid cycles has reached the largest of the second predetermined integer numbers n . the second counted number ccon is reset to 0 when the indicator bln changes from the second state off to the first state on . the predetermined valid respiratory cycle corresponds to a maximum respiratory flow greater than a predetermined flow value such as 50 ml / s , an inspiratory volume greater than a predetermined volume value such as 0 . 05 litres and an absence of saturation at flow detection time . in fig3 in order to give the state on or off to the problem appearance indicator bln , when the apparatus is started up , a state variable er is initialized to a third processing absence state nir and the indicator bln is initialized to the second state off . from the measured variables , the respiratory cycles are designated as belonging to different categories such as limited flow cycle , intermediate cycle , normal cycle and invalid cycle , each corresponding respectively to weightings rsv 0 , rev 0 ; rsv 1 , rev 1 ; rsv 2 , rev 2 ; 0 , 0 ; the weightings of the category of the currently designated cycle are assigned to first and second weighting accumulators sv ; ev ; if the designated cycle belongs to the invalid cycle category , the state variable er is reset to the third state nir and the indicator bln is reset to the second state off and a first counter flc is initialized to a predetermined value . if the value of a first accumulator sv is less than a first comparative value , the counter flc is reinitialized to its predetermined value ; if the value of the first accumulator sv is substantially equal to its first comparative value , no action is taken and the next test is passed to ; if the value of the first accumulator sv is greater than its first comparative value , the state variable er is changed to a fourth processing possibility state pr and the indicator bln is set to the second state off . if the state of the state variable er corresponds to the fourth state pr and if the value of the first accumulator sv is less than its first comparative value , the first counter flc is reinitialized to its predetermined value , and the state variable er and the indicator bln are reset respectively to the third and second states nir ; off ; if the value of the first accumulator sv is substantially equal to its first comparative value , no action is taken and the next test is passed to ; if the value of the first accumulator sv is greater than its first comparative value , the first counter flc is made to take its previous value with the value of the first accumulator sv added to it , and if then the value of the first counter flc is greater than or equal to a predetermined high stop rms : the state variable er is changed to a fifth processing state ir ; and if the state of the state variable er corresponds to the fifth processing state ir : if the value of the second accumulator ev is greater than a second comparative value , the second counter nc is made to take its previous value with the value of the second accumulator ev added to it , and if then the value of the second counter nc is greater than or equal to a low stop rme , the state variable er and the indicator bln are reset respectively to the third and second states nir ; off and the first and second counters flc ; nc are reinitialized to their predetermined respective values ; or otherwise , the indicator bln is changed to its first state on ; if the value of the second accumulator ev is less than its second comparative value , the second counter nc is reinitialized to its predetermined respective value and the indicator bln is changed to the first state on ; if the value of the second accumulator ev is substantially equal to its second comparative value , no action is taken . in one embodiment , the weightings rsv 2 , rev 2 ; rsv 1 , rev 1 ; rsv 0 , rev 0 ; 0 , 0 corresponding to the normal cycle , intermediate cycle , limited flow cycle and invalid cycle categories , are respectively substantially equal to − 1 ; 1 ; 5 and 0 for the first accumulator sv and are respectively substantially equal to 1 ; − 1 ; − 1 and 0 for the second accumulator ev . the first and second comparative values and the predetermined initialization values of the first and second counters flc ; nc are each substantially equal to 0 . the high and low stops rms ; rme are respectively substantially equal to 10 and 2 . the predetermined valid respiratory cycle corresponds to a maximum inspiratory flow greater than a predetermined flow value such as 50 ml / s , an inspiratory volume greater ; than a predetermined volume value such as 0 . 05 litres , an absence of saturation at flow detection time , a measured inspiratory time within a predetermined interval such as 0 . 5 seconds to 6 seconds and a measured respiratory cycle duration within another predetermined interval such as 1 . 5 seconds to 20 seconds . if the measured respiratory cycle is determined as being valid , then a calculation is made of an equivalent sinusoidal curve meeting predetermined characteristics with respect to the inspiratory curve of the measured inspiratory cycle ; a calculation is made of a surface criterion ; cs proportional to the ratio of the area delimited by the inspiratory curve to the area delimited by the equivalent sinusoidal curve , each being taken over the same time interval , within the inspiratory phase of the measured respiratory cycle ; a calculation is made of a criterion of correlation cc between the inspiratory curve of the measured inspiratory cycle and the equivalent sinusoidal curve ; if the calculated correlation criterion cc is greater than or equal to a first predetermined normal limit ln , and if the calculated surface criterion cs is greater than a second predetermined surface limit ls , the measured respiratory cycle is designated as normal and otherwise , it is designated as a limited flow cycle . if the measured respiratory cycle was designated as a limited flow cycle , if the calculated surface criterion cs is greater than a third predetermined expert limit le ; the measured respiratory cycle is redesignated as normal , if the calculated surface criterion cs is greater than a fourth predetermined flow limit ld , the measured respiratory cycle is redesignated as intermediate , and in the contrary case , it is designated as a limited flow cycle . the second surface limit ls , the fourth flow limit ld and the third expert limit le are predetermined in an ascending order . the predetermined characteristics of the equivalent sinusoidal curve comprise a half period substantially equal to the measured inspiratory time and a gradient at the origin substantially equal to that of the inspiratory curve when it reaches substantially one third of its maximum amplitude . in one embodiment , the calculated surface criterion cs is substantially equal to one hundred times the ratio of the areas each taken from substantially one quarter to three quarters of the duration of the inspiratory phase of the measured respiratory cycle . the calculated correlation criterion cc is substantially equal to the maximum of one hundred times the coefficients of correlation between the inspiratory curve and the equivalent sinusoidal curve taken respectively over the second half of the inspiratory phase and over the whole thereof . the first , second , fourth and third limits ; ln ; ls ; ld ; le are respectively between 45 and 100 ; 0 and 100 ; 0 and 100 ; 0 and 100 and are for example substantially equal to 87 ; 40 ; 60 and 90 respectively . the algorithm depicted in fig5 is performed during each of a number ( nint ) of predetermined consecutive time intervals tac ( j ). the predetermined consecutive time intervals tac ( j ) are those within a predetermined apnoea detection period pdac . in this algorithm , there are detected , for example by hardware means such as analogue or digital filters , the oscillations of the measured flow curve ; which are of frequencies within a frequency range p 2 . then it is detected whether the amplitude , of the detected oscillations of the measured flow curve goes successively above and then below a first predetermined central apnoea threshold sac or whether this amplitude remains less than the first central apnoea threshold sac , as depicted as schematically at the right of fig5 by : the behaviour of an obstructive apnoea flow curve ( curve constantly below the first threshold sac ); the behaviour of a central apnoea flow curve ( curve going a number of times successively above and then below the first threshold sac ). in the presence of at least one detection of a passage above and then below the first threshold sac , a central apnoea detection cac ( d ) is counted . the sum sig is performed of the numbers cac ( i ) of central apnoea detections counted , successively over the last ( d + 1 ) apnoea detection periods ; a second predetermined increase of delivered air pressure is controlled c 2 if the sum sig of the numbers cac ( i ) of counted detections is less than or equal to a second predetermined central apnoea designation threshold sqac ; a maintenance of delivered air pressure is controlled , if the sum sig of the numbers cac ( i ) of counted detections is greater than the second threshold sqac . in one embodiment , the second central apnoea designation threshold sqac is between 0 and 50 , and is for example substantially equal to 10 . the predetermined consecutive time intervals tac ( j ) correspond to ten ( nint ) consecutive time intervals each of substantially 100 ms , the apnoea detection period pdac corresponding substantially to 1 second . the second pressure increase control c 2 is between 1 and 10 mbar and is for example substantially equal to + 1 mbar . the number ( d + 1 ) of apnoea detection periods pdac , over which the sum of the counted central apnoea detection numbers cac ( i ) is performed , is substantially equal to 5 . the second oscillation frequency range p 2 is between substantially 2 . 5 and 47 hz . the counted central apnoea detection numbers cac ( i ) are reset to 0 when the apparatus is started up . fig5 also depicts an algorithm for pressure reduction according to the previous appearance or not of events representing sleep problems . according to this algorithm , depicted at the bottom of fig5 the measured pressure p is compared with a predetermined pressure value mpl . if the measured pressure p is less than the predetermined value mpl , a third predetermined pressure reduction control c 3 is performed ; if the measured pressure p is greater than or equal to the predetermined value mpl , a fourth predetermined pressure reduction control c 4 is performed ; then , if no event appearance has been detected after one or more of the pressure reduction controls c 3 ; c 4 , the fourth predetermined pressure reduction control c 4 is performed . the fourth pressure reduction control c 4 is such that it causes a greater pressure reduction per unit of time than that caused by the third control c 3 . in one embodiment , the fourth pressure reduction control c 4 is substantially − 0 . 5 mbar / 1 minute and the third pressure reduction control c 3 is substantially − 0 . 5 mbar / 5 minutes , the comparative pressure value mpl is between 4 and 19 mbar and is for example substantially equal to 17 mbar . this algorithm for pressure reduction according to the appearance or not of events is implemented after the one for central and obstructive apnoea detection , as depicted in fig5 but is also implemented , in non - depicted embodiments , after the other algorithms such as : the one for processing decision taking , when the indicator bln has changed from the first state on to the second state off ; in fig6 to 9 , the respiratory cycles are designated as hyperventilated , hypoventilated or normal ventilation cycles and pressure controls are generated according to the designations made . at each measured respiratory cycle end , the mean amplitude am over a fourth predetermined number y 4 of previous respiratory cycles is calculated . as depicted in fig7 if the measured amplitude of the last respiratory cycle is less than the calculated mean amplitude am multiplied by a first predetermined hypopnoea factor fho , then the duration tc of the last measured respiratory cycle is added to a hypopnoea time counter ctho , if the current value of the hypopnoea time counter ctho is greater than or equal to a minimum hypopnoea time tmho , a fifth predetermined pressure increase is controlled by means of a control c 5 ; after the end of a fifth predetermined number y 5 of respiratory cycles following the fifth pressure increase control c 5 , a sixth predetermined pressure increase is controlled c 6 ; after the end of a sixth predetermined number y 6 of respiratory cycles , greater than the fifth number y 5 , following the fifth pressure increase control c 5 , a seventh pressure increase is controlled by means of a control c 7 . the hypopnoea time counter ctho is initialized to 0 when the apparatus is started up . in one embodiment , the fourth given number y 4 of respiratory cycles for mean amplitude calculation is substantially equal to 8 . the first predetermined hypopnoea factor fho is between 1 and 100 % and is for example substantially equal to 40 %. the minimum hypopnoea time tmho is between 1 second and 25 seconds and is for example substantially equal to 10 seconds . the fifth and sixth predetermined numbers ys ; y 6 of respiratory cycles are substantially equal to respectively 2 and 4 . the fifth predetermined pressure increase c 5 is between 0 . 1 mbar and 10 mbar and is for example substantially equal to + 1 mbar . the sixth and seventh predetermined pressure increases c 6 ; c 7 are each less than the fifth control cs and are for example each substantially equal to half the fifth pressure increase c 5 . as depicted in fig8 and 9 , if the measured amplitude of the last respiratory cycle is greater than or equal to the calculated mean amplitude am multiplied by the first hypopnoea factor fho , then the mean respiratory cycle time tcm over a seventh predetermined number y 7 of previous cycles is calculated . if the measured duration tc of the last cycle is greater than an eighth predetermined number y 8 multiplied by the calculated mean respiratory cycle time tcm , the measured duration tc of the last cycle , multiplied by a second hypopnoea factor f 2 , is added to the hypopnoea time counter ctho . if the measured amplitude of the last measured respiratory cycle is greater than a third hyperventilation factor f 3 , greater than the first hypopnoea factor fho , multiplied by the calculated mean amplitude am , the last cycle is designated as hyperventilated , a hyperventilated cycle counter cch is incremented by one unit , a normal ventilation cycle counter ccn is reset to 0 and if the value of the hyperventilated cycle counter cch is greater than or equal to a ninth predetermined number y 9 , if the duration of the last cycle tc is greater than or equal to the eighth number y 8 multiplied by the calculated mean cycle time tcm , the second factor f 2 multiplied by the duration of the last respiratory cycle tc is added to the hypopnoea time counter ctho ; and otherwise , the hypopnoea time counter ctho is reset to 0 ; then a hypoventilated cycle counter ccho is reset to 0 and the mean respiratory cycle amplitude am over the predetermined number y 4 of previous respiratory cycles is calculated . if the measured amplitude of the last , measured respiratory cycle is less than or equal to the third factor f 3 multiplied by the calculated mean amplitude am , the last cycle is designated as a normal ventilation cycle , the hyperventilated cycle counter cch is reset to 0 and the normal ventilation cycle counter ccn is incremented by one unit , and if the value of the normal ventilation cycle counter ccn is greater than or equal to a tenth predetermined number y 10 , if the duration of the last cycle tc is greater than or equal to the eighth number y 8 multiplied by the calculated mean cycle time tcm , the second factor f 2 multiplied by the duration of the last cycle tc is assigned to the hypopnoea time counter ctho and the normal ventilation cycle counter ccn is reset to 0 , and otherwise , the hypopnoea time counter ctho is reset to 0 ; then the hypoventilated cycle counter ccho is reset to 0 and the mean amplitude of the respiratory cycle over the predetermined number y 4 of respiratory cycles is calculated . in one embodiment , the second factor f 2 is substantially equal to ⅝ . the third hyperventilation factor f 3 is between 100 % and 200 % and is for example substantially equal to 140 %. the seventh , eighth , ninth and tenth predetermined numbers y 7 ; y 8 ; y 9 ; y 10 are respectively substantially equal to 3 ; 2 ; 2 ; and 2 . in fig1 , it is detected whether the pressure is too high . if the measured pressure p is less than a predetermined high pressure value ph , a high pressure time counter tph is reset to 0 . if the value of the high pressure time counter tph is greater than a maximum high pressure time tmph and if the maximum regulated pressure value pmaxi is less than a predetermined safety pressure value psec , the pressure p is controlled to this maximum regulated pressure value pmaxi ; if the minimum regulated pressure value pmini is greater than a predetermined safety pressure value psec , the pressure p is controlled to this minimum regulated pressure value pmini ; if the previous two conditions are not fulfilled , the pressure p is controlled to the safety pressure value psec . in one embodiment , the high pressure value ph is between 10 mbar and 25 mbar and is for example substantially equal to 17 mbar . the maximum high pressure time tmph is between 1 and 100 minutes and is for example substantially equal to 10 minutes or 30 minutes . the safety pressure value psec is substantially equal to 8 mbar . in fig1 , an air leakage is measured , substantially equal to the mean flow during respiration of the patient . if the measured air leakage is greater than a predetermined leakage level nfm , the pressure increase controls are invalidated according to this formula , the predetermined leakage level nfm is substantially equal to a leakage coefficient a multiplied by a filtered air pressure in the mask , added to an additive leakage coefficient b , the leakage coefficient a being between 0 and 10 litres / minute . mbar and being for example substantially equal to 2 . 5 litres minute . mbar . the additive leakage coefficient b is between 0 and 100 litres / min and is for example substantially equal to 50 litres / min . in fig1 , it is detected whether the measured pressure curve has oscillations , such as acoustic vibrations , within a frequency range p 1 . this detection is performed for example by hardware means such as analogue or digital filters . a measurement is made of the detected oscillation presence time rf 1 between two successive absences of detected oscillations and the detected oscillation absence time rf 0 between two successive presences of detected oscillations . if the sum of the measured detected oscillation absence and presence times rf 0 ; rf 1 is within a prescribed time range bip ; bsp . if the measured oscillation presence time rf 1 is greater than or equal to a minimum oscillation time tmrh and if the value of a counter ctar of elapsed time since the last but one time that the previous time conditions were fulfilled is greater than a prescribed waiting time tar , an eighth predetermined pressure increase is controlled c 8 and the elapsed time counter ctar is reset to 0 . the algorithms for acoustic vibration detection and control in the case of acoustic vibrations are implemented at prescribed time intervals , notably regularly and for example every 100 ms . at the start of the acoustic vibration detection algorithm depicted in fig1 , if the value of the elapsed time counter ctar is less than the prescribed waiting time tar , this counter is incremented ( inc ctar ) by the prescribed time interval mentioned above . if the sum of the measured detected oscillation presence and absence times rf 0 ; rf 1 is below the prescribed time range bip ; bsp or if the measured detected oscillation presence time rf 1 is less than the minimum oscillation time tmrh , the measured detected oscillation absence time rf 0 is replaced by the sum of the measured detected oscillation absence and presence times rf 0 ; rf 1 , and then the measured detected oscillation presence time rf 1 is reset to 0 . if the sum of the measured detected oscillation absence and presence times rf 0 ; rf 1 is above the predetermined time range bip ; bsp or a predetermined maximum time tcmax , each of the measured detected oscillation absence and presence times rf 0 ; rf 1 is reset to 0 . if the two conditions mentioned above concerning the sum of the presence and absence times rf 0 , rf 1 land the presence time rf 1 are not fulfilled , each of the measured detected oscillation absence and presence times rf 0 ; rf 1 is reset to 0 . in one embodiment , the predetermined maximum time tcmax is substantially equal to twice the mean respiratory cycle time tcm over the last three measured cycles . the prescribed time range bip ; bsp is substantially between 10 % and 120 % of the calculated mean cycle time tcm . the minimum oscillation time tmrh is substantially equal to 7 % of the calculated mean cycle time tcm . the prescribed waiting time tar is between , 1 and 30 minutes and is for example substantially equal to 1 minute . the eighth pressure increase control c 8 is between 0 . 1 mbar and 10 mbar and is for example substantially equal to 1 mbar . the oscillation detection frequency range p 1 is between substantially 30 and 300 hz . the chronology of the detected events is stored and the stored chronology is read , for example after one night . to that end , the central unit u of the apparatus has a memory , not depicted , capable of being written and read with the chronology of the detected events . this chronology can be displayed , for example on a monitor , by reading the content of the memory , by means of a computer , not depicted .

US-91322001-A

a large round baler is equipped with a pick - up and a feed fork apparatus which work together to gather crop from the ground and deliver it to the inlet of the bale forming chamber of the baler . the feed fork apparatus includes a plurality of teeth which are mounted to an eccentric located beneath a chute of the apparatus and are caused to sweep along an oval path in the direction of desired crop movement , the tines moving through respective slots provided in the chute . leading edges of the tines are stair - stepped so that they engage the crop and carry it along the chute to the inlet to the bale forming chamber .

a harvesting machine 10 , shown in fig1 configured as a baler , consists in general of a frame 12 , an intake arrangement 14 , a bale forming chamber 16 and a roll 18 arranged as a starter roll . the baler 10 is used to form compact , cylindrical bales ( so - called round bales ) of crop products such as straw , hay , grass or similar crops that are deposited in a field in windrows or are cut there . the bale forming chamber 16 is expansible and corresponds in its configuration in general with a baler described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 428 , 282 . it is also possible to apply the invention to another configuration of a baler , in particular one with a bale forming chamber with fixed dimensions such as that disclosed in the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 4 , 580 , 398 . the frame 12 includes as significant components a chassis 20 , side walls 22 and a draft tongue 24 for connection to an agricultural tractor . the intake arrangement 14 is composed , in the present embodiment , of a conveyor arrangement 36 and a conveyor configured as a so - called pick up 38 , that can take up crop deposited in windrows on the ground and transport it to the bale forming chamber 16 . it is to be understood that a mower head having the ability to cut and discharge the crop in an upward path could be used in place of the pick up 38 . the bale forming chamber 16 , as shown in fig1 and therefore in its initial state , takes on the shape of a wedge , delimited at its front and rear by first and second runs of a plurality of belts 28 mounted side - by - side over several rolls 30 . one or more of the rolls 30 are driven by a drive arrangement 32 which is brought into rotation from the agricultural tractor and move the belts 28 in a particular direction . the belts 28 are put under tension by deflecting to a side several of the rolls 30 together with the belts 28 running over them by a tensioning device 34 configured as a spring . as can best be seen in fig1 the crop is delivered to the bale forming chamber 16 where it is brought into rotation by the first and second runs of the belts 28 , which runs are moving in opposite directions in order form the core of a bale . during the operation across the field , more and more crop is transported to the bale forming chamber 16 , so that the core of the bale enlarges , and deflects the surrounding belts 28 to the side . the belts 28 together with the associated rolls 30 can deflect with increasing tension at the tension device 34 , until the bale forming chamber 16 has taken up nearly all the space between the side walls 22 ; then the baling operation must be ended . the roll 18 is located in the lower region of the bale forming chamber 16 , extends lengthwise between the two side walls 22 , is oriented parallel to the axis of the rolls 30 , does not change its position during the baling process , always moves close to the surface of the belts 28 and is also driven by means of the drive arrangement 32 . by reason of its location , the roller 18 assumes the role of a starter roll , that is , it assists the formation process , since it helps in bringing the crop into rotation in the initially empty bale forming chamber 16 . for this purpose , it moves opposite to the direction of movement of the adjacent run of the belts 28 . the principal components of the conveyor arrangement 36 are a conveyor chute 40 , slots 42 formed in the chute and a feed fork apparatus including conveyor teeth 44 arranged one in each slot 42 and a tooth control 46 . the conveyor arrangement 36 follows downstream of the pick up 38 and transports the crop from the conveyor arrangement 36 to the bale forming chamber 16 . the slots 42 extend in the direction of motion of the conveyor teeth 44 , that is , in the direction of conveying itself ; they are slightly wider that the conveyor teeth 44 in the region in which the latter penetrate through the slots 42 of the conveyor chute 40 . the conveyor teeth 44 are arranged in one or more rows parallel to each other and at least move in groups in common . in their totality , the conveyor teeth 44 extend over the entire width of the intake arrangement 14 and , except for steps 56 still to be described , are configured in the shape of a pointed wedge , whose widest part 48 always moves below the surface of the conveyor chute 40 and hence outside the conveying space , and whose point 50 moves above the conveyor chute 40 during the conveying process . the conveyor teeth 44 exhibit , with reference to the direction of crop movement along the chute 40 , a leading end face 52 and a trailing end face 54 which extend generally perpendicular to the conveying surface . the leading end face 52 engages the crop , which then adheres until it is disengaged from the conveyor teeth 44 at the delivery point located downstream . the leading end face 52 applies a certain pressure to the crop , that results from the resistance of the crop to upward motion across the conveyor chute 40 . the leading end face 52 does not extend in a straight line , but in the shape of a stair , which is achieved by cutting l - shaped steps 56 into the end face 52 . the legs of these steps are directed at an angle of approximately 90 ° to each other , where the leg extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor teeth 44 is longer by a multiple of the length of the leg that extends perpendicular thereto . the trailing end face 54 may be configured in a straight line or in steps 56 . since the trailing end face 54 engages the crop only at the end of the conveying process , the steps 56 may be omitted here or a lower number of them may be used . there is no objection to configuring the conveyor teeth 44 symmetrically , that is with two equal sets of steps 56 on both end faces 52 and 54 . during the conveying process , which occurs from right to left in fig2 the feeder fork teeth 44 extend for their greatest part above the conveyor chute 40 , that is , to the side opposite that of the tooth control 46 . during the conveying process , the tip 50 of the conveyor teeth 44 travels in a generally oval path , and disappears below the conveyor chute 40 only during a retraction phase . at the beginning of the conveying process , the conveyor teeth 44 reach only slightly above the conveyor 38 located upstream and preferably overlap a path traveled by the pickup teeth 26 . the feed fork includes a tooth control 46 consisting of a two - armed crank 58 , a bearing 60 and an eccentric 62 with a journal 64 . the conveyor teeth 44 are supported on the journal 64 , free to pivot and connected to the crank 58 , free to pivot . the eccentric 62 transmits its rotary movement to the journal 64 , so as to move the conveyor teeth 44 perpendicular to the conveyor chute 40 . the position of the conveyor teeth 44 depends on the included angle between the two arms of the crank 58 at any given time . while the eccentric 62 rotates and thereby moves the conveyor teeth 44 perpendicular to the conveyor chute 40 , the inclination of the conveyor teeth 44 with respect to the surface of the conveyor chute 40 , is also controlled by means of the two - armed crank 58 . as a result , the tip 50 of the conveyor teeth 44 travels in the indicated oval path . upstream of the conveyor arrangement 36 , the pick - up 38 is attached and contains conventional conveyor teeth 26 ; hence a more detailed description of the pick - up is not necessary . it should be noted , however , that the pick - up tines may be configured in the recessed , stepped form of the conveyor teeth 44 . further it is noted that the conveyor arrangement 36 may be used as the sole conveyor and in that case would take the crop directly from the ground . on the basis of the foregoing description , the operation of the conveyor arrangement 36 according to the invention is as follows : the crop that has been deposited on the ground is raised by the pick - up 38 and transported by means of the tines 26 to the conveyor teeth 44 , as seen in fig2 upward from below and from right to left . the conveyor teeth 44 move the crop in the same direction to the inlet of the bale forming chamber 16 , as indicated in fig1 whereupon the tips of the teeth 44 trace the indicated curvilinear oval path . as soon as the conveyor teeth 44 begin to project through the conveyor chute 40 , the crop is engaged by the steps 56 and moved away from the chute 40 to reduce sliding frictional contact therewith so that a positive conveying effect results .

US-71715691-A

a combination scraper and keycase having a hollow body providing a compartment for keys , coins or the like and a pair of blades swingably mounted on the body for movement between positions housed in the body and extended operable positions in which the blade cooperatively forms an elongated scraping edge .

this invention relates to an automobile window scraper in combination with a keycase such as a case for holding automobile door or house keys . in northern climates where snow and ice may periodically cover automobile windows , it is necessary to use a scraper to remove the same from the windows . these scrapers are generally somewhat bulky and are thrown on the floor , back seat or occasionally stuffed under the front seat and are usually in the way and a nuisance . additionally , the average motorist carries several keys to gain entrance to his automobile , house or apartment , office and the like , and these are generally carried either in a keycase or on a keyring . i have provided a combination window scraper and keycase of a size which may be easily carried in a clothes pocket , in a handbag , or placed in the automobile glove box or other automobile pocket . the device includes a compartment for receiving keys or coins and a lid for closing the compartment . the device also includes scraper blade means shiftable from a position housed in the device to an operable position projecting therefrom . the device is configured to be comfortably held in the hand during manipulation to gain access to the key compartment or during window scraping operations . fig1 is a plan view of a combination scraper and keycase embodying my invention ; fig2 is a side view of the device with the scraper blades extended into operable position and showing them in relation to a window or other surface to be scraped ; fig3 is a side view of the device but with the scraper blades in their inoperative housed position ; fig4 is a plan view from the opposite side of the device from that shown in fig1 with the scraper blades extended to operable position ; fig5 is similar to fig4 but with the blades moved to their inoperative housed position ; fig6 is a cross - sectional view taken on line 6 -- 6 of fig3 . ; fig7 is a cross - sectional view taken on line 7 -- 7 of fig4 ; fig8 is a cross - sectional view taken substantially on a line 8 -- 8 of fig1 ; fig9 is a plan view similar to fig1 but with the key compartment cover removed for clarity ; and fig1 is a cross - sectional view taken substantially on the line 10 -- 10 of fig4 . as shown in the various figures of the drawing , my combination scraper and keycase comprises a body member or handle 20 having concave opposite edges 22 and 24 with rounded corners 26 and 28 merging into upper end 30 . at the opposite end the concave edges 22 and 24 blend into straight sides 32 and 34 which terminate in a lower edge 36 shown in fig4 . the body member or handle is thus shaped to conveniently rest in the palm of a user &# 39 ; s hand with the base of the thumb lying in one of the concave edges and the fingers curling around the opposite concave edge such that the body member is readily and comfortably held for the uses hereinafter outlined . the body member may be formed of several elements secured together as hereinafter described . as shown in figs . pg , 4 7 - 10 , the body includes a lower member 38 to which is secured in overlying relation an upper member 40 as by self tapping screws 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 and 52 . these two body members cooperatively define a peripheral outwardly opening blade receiving channel 54 . this channel extends completely around the periphery of the body member except for the web 56 . the upper member 40 is provided with a recess 58 , best shown in fig8 and 10 , which may be closed by a cover 60 hinged thereto . for this purpose the cover is provided with a pair of integral loops 62 and 64 which are disposed within hinge receiving pockets 66 and 68 , best shown in fig9 and between cooperating portions 70 and 72 in each such pocket . portions 70 and 72 are intended to embrace the loops and retain the same in the pockets . means for retaining keys in the compartment or recess 58 is provided . such means may comprise a pair of split loops 74 and 76 each disposed between a pair of upstanding projections 78 and 80 on the bottom wall 82 of the recess or compartment 58 . the split loop may be formed of metal having sufficient springiness so that a key may be inserted onto the loop through the split . the cover 60 is provided with an integral catch 84 adapted to cooperate with a complementary catch part 86 upstanding from the bottom wall 82 . such catch parts will releasably hold the cover closed to retain keys or coins or the like which may be placed in the compartment . blade means are mounted on the body member for shiftable movement between an inoperable position housed therein and an operable position projecting outwardly therefrom as best shown in fig2 and 10 . such blade means comprise a pair of allochiral scraper blades 88 and 90 pivotally connected at their proximal disc - like ends 91 and 93 to the body member and having at their distal ends transversely extending blade portions 96 and 98 provided with scraping edges 100 and 102 . in the operable position shown in fig4 the blades have oppositely facing convex edges 104 and 106 , and opposed concave edges 103 and 105 . in their operable position the blades abut one another at meeting edges 108 and 110 , with the blade portions 96 and 98 disposed in end - to - end relation whereby the scraping edges 100 and 102 effectively form a continuous edge across the interface 108 - 110 to provide a scraper blade of a width substantially equal to that of the width of the body member 20 . the web 56 serves to limit the swinging motion of the blades . the abutment of the blades at the edges 108 and 110 also serves to provide a mutual support of the blades one for the other during scraping operations . the lower member 38 is provided with a pair of integral bosses 92 and 94 which provide the pivots for the blades . these bosses extend through pivot holes in the enlarged dis - like ends 91 and 93 of the blades and into complementary recesses 112 and 114 in the upper member 40 . to retain the blades in the extended operable position , detent means are provided comprising a pair of pockets 116 and 118 formed in the body portion 40 with compression springs 120 , 122 received in such pockets . cap members 124 and 126 are disposed over the ends of the springs and bear against the blade ends 91 and 93 . a pair of shallow recesses or indentations 126 and 128 in the blades are located to receive the spring loaded caps 124 and 126 when the blades are in the position shown in fig4 and releasably hold the blades in such operative position for scraping the automobile windows . in fig7 the caps 124 and 126 are shown disposed within such indentations in the blades . in fig2 and 10 a windshield or the like surface w is illustrated with the scraper in operative position in relation thereto . the shape of the body or handle 20 is such that the motorist &# 39 ; s hand and fingers can readily encircle the concave sides 22 and 24 and the fingers can extend over the convex edges 104 and 106 thereby further holding the blades in the operative position shown in fig2 and 4 . the entire device except for the split rings 74 and 76 , the screws 42 - 52 and the springs and caps 120 - 126 may be and preferably is formed of plastic , such as high impact styrene or abs and the parts may be conveniently injection molded .

US-48172683-A

an improved surgical method and apparatus using laser energy for destroying body tissue which includes a surgical handpiece including a surgical tip assembly which is driven by means of laser to achieve optical breakdown , plasma formation and shockwave generation to emulsify or destroy body tissue . the surgical tip assembly includes a laser fiber , a focusing means to enhance optical breakdown of tissue or fluid caused by laser energy transmitted through the laser fiber and an emulsification tip that is resonate tuned to vibrate in response to shockwaves produced by the optical breakdown caused by the laser energy . the emulsification tip and focusing means are configured in a spaced relationship to form an acoustic resonating chamber which further emulsifies body tissue and facilitates mixing of tissue with irrigation fluid .

the present invention is concerned with surgical apparatus and methods utilizing laser energy to remove body tissue . according to the present invention , it has been discovered that improved emulsification of body tissue can be achieved by utilizing a surgical handpiece assembly which includes a surgical tip assembly having an emulsification tip at the distal end thereof . the surgical tip assembly also includes an aspiration / irrigation cannula which permits irrigation fluid to be supplied to the surgical site as well as aspiration of emulsified tissue therefrom . the surgical tip assembly includes means for transmitting laser energy to a focusing means which enhances optical breakdown of tissue or fluid by laser energy , the optical breakdown and plasma formation generating a shockwave which is transmitted to the emulsification tip . it should be understood that optical breakdown refers to the process as described above when laser energy strikes a target and forms a plasma . the shockwave vibrates the emulsification tip to emulsify body tissue in contact with the tip . the emulsification tip , the focusing means , the laser fiber , and the irrigation and aspirating means are housed in a hollow tip to prevent laser light from contacting undesired areas of tissue and causing damage thereto . furthermore , by utilizing laser energy to provide the source of vibratory motion of the emulsifying tip , potential surgical complications due to higher energy levels used in prior art devices such as ultrasonic surgical handpieces are minimized . the inventive surgical apparatus and method also provide improved emulsification of body tissue by creating an acoustic resonator between the emulsification tip and the laser fiber focusing means which further emulsifies tissue that was not destroyed by the emulsifying tip . one embodiment of the surgical method and apparatus provides advantages over other prior art devices that utilize laser energy to break down tissue through an opening in the tip of the laser device . in this embodiment , the laser driven surgical apparatus includes a sealed tip assembly which provides a chamber for optical breakdown to occur separate from tissue , fluid or emulsified material . in addition , this embodiment provides improved emulsification by producing cavitation along with the mechanical vibratory cutting motion of the tip of the surgical tip assembly . with reference to fig1 firstly , one embodiment of the improved surgical apparatus of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10 and is seen to include a handle 2 , a surgical tip assembly 4 and an emulsification tip 6 . the surgical tip assembly also includes a hollow cannula 8 having an irrigation channel 12 therein along with an aspiration channel 14 . the irrigation channel 12 is connected to means for supplying irrigating fluid ( not shown ) and the aspiration channel 14 is connected to means to aspirated fluid from the tip assembly ( not shown ). it should be understood that the means to provide irrigation fluid and aspiration are well known in the prior art and are not considered an aspect of the present invention . the means for aspirating may include a vacuum source and the irrigation fluid may be a typical saline solution used in , for example , cataract surgery . the surgical handpiece assembly 10 also includes a laser fiber 16 extending therethrough , the laser fiber 16 being enclosed by a fiber holder or sheath 18 . the fiber holder 18 in the tip assembly 4 provides the necessary rigidity for expectant use of the device . the laser fiber 16 is connected via the handpiece to a laser that will provide a pulsed burst of energy to the surgical tip assembly to achieve optical breakdown of the fluid or tissue and plasma formation within the emulsification tip . ideally , the laser energy will be provided by a q - switched , short pulse width , nd : yag laser but any known high peak power laser energy source may be utilized with the inventive surgical handpiece . the pulse rate of the laser should be adjustable between 1 - 40 hz . and the energy range should be adjustable from between about 0 . 1 to 20 millijoules . the laser fiber can have a range of diameter between about 200 - 600 microns with a preferred diameter being 300 microns . the laser fiber may be made out of any known material such as fused silica or the like . the handle in conjunction with the laser energy source and irrigation and aspiration source means may be any type or configuration known in the art and are not considered to be aspects of the present invention . still with reference to fig1 the laser fiber 16 has a focusing means , an optical sphere 20 attached at the distal end thereof . the optical sphere 20 may be made out of any lens material such as sapphire , cubic zirconia or silicon . the optical sphere may be attached to the laser fiber in any known manner such as through the use of an adhesive or cement . alternatively , the optical sphere may be formed as part of the fiber . the optical sphere 20 performs a multifunctional role in the inventive device in that it provides a focusing means to focus the laser light as indicated by the dashed lines 22 to enhance optical breakdown of tissue and / or fluid and plasma formation at the reference numeral 24 . the optical breakdown creates a shockwave designated by the reference numeral 26 which causes the emulsification tip 6 to vibrate . the vibratory motion of the emulsification tip emulsifies tissue in direct contact with the tip . furthermore , cavitation occurs by the tip moving through body fluid to further enhance emulsification of body tissue . with reference to fig2 and fig1 again , the emulsification tip 6 is a resonate tuned type emulsification tip which has a natural resonating frequency set to the acoustic shockwave driven frequency produced by the optical breakdown process . in this manner , the tip vibrates in response to the shockwave generated by the optical breakdown process . the emulsification tip 6 has an opening 3 therethrough and a conic configuration that creates a plurality of emulsification / entry ports 28 between the tip 6 and the hollow cannula 8 . the entry ports 3 and 28 provide further emulsification of tissue by mechanical , vibrational and acoustic energy as well as a channel for funneling emulsified body tissue to the acoustic resonate / chamber 30 formed in the space between the emulsification tip 6 and the optical sphere 20 . the emulsification tip may be made out of any material that is capable of receiving the shockwaves produced by the optical breakdown and converting the shockwaves to vibrational energy . a preferred material would include titanium . the acoustic resonator / chamber 30 provides final emulsification of body tissue as well as mixing of body tissue with irrigant supplied from irrigation channel 12 . body tissue located in the acoustic resonate / chamber 30 may be aspirated via aspiration channel 14 and a source of aspiration ( not shown ). the optical sphere 20 acts as one half of the acoustic resonator / chamber as well as a means for creating a venturi effect which regulates the irrigation fluid and guides the circulation of irrigation / aspiration fluidics . as can be seen from fig3 the cannula 8 includes fluidic vanes 32 which create an upper irrigation channel 34 and a lower aspiration channel 36 . the reduction in area of channels 34 and 36 when compared to irrigation channel 12 and aspiration channel 14 , respectively , creates a venturi effect to enhance flow of irrigation fluid as well as aspiration of emulsified material . it should be understood that the fluidic vanes 32 extend along the length of the cannula 8 to provide the dual channels necessary for irrigation and aspiration . in a further embodiment , and with reference to fig4 a surgical tip assembly is generally designated by the reference numeral 4a and is seen to include a meniscus - type lens focusing means 20a . in this configuration , the laser energy is focused at the reference numeral 24a and a more stable shockwave 26a is created than the shockwave illustrated in the embodiment of fig1 . fig5 shows a still further embodiment of the inventive device and is seen to include a surgical tip assembly 4b which includes a conical focusing means 20b . in this configuration , an unstable acoustic resonator / chamber 26b is created , similar to the acoustic resonator / chamber depicted in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 . with reference back to fig1 it should be understood that the emulsification tip 6 is removable from the hollow cannula 8 . furthermore , the hollow cannula 8 is also removable from the handle 2 . the handle 2 is adapted to be held by a surgeon for facilitating surgical procedures such as caries removal in dentistry , plaque removal in arteries , cataract surgery , cartilage removal for orthopedic surgery and soft tissue removal . alternatively , the surgical tip assembly may be attached to a handle or other holder which can be manipulated mechanically rather than by hand . in an exemplary method of removing body tissue , and with reference back to fig1 again , a pulse of 1064 nanometer laser light energy is transmitted down the fiber 16 towards the optical sphere 20 . the sphere 20 first acts as a lens , focusing the optical energy to a point 24 with sufficient irradiance and fluence to achieve optical breakdown of tissue or fluid . once optical breakdown is achieved , acoustic energy via the shockwave front produced by the optical breakdown is coupled into the emulsification tip 6 . the emulsification tip is driven to a natural resonating frequency of oscillation by the acoustic frequencies generated by the optical breakdown process . as the emulsification tip comes into contact with body tissue to be removed , emulsification takes place and the body tissue is drawn through the entry ports 28 into the acoustic resonator / chamber 30 . by virtue of the lower pressure in the acoustic resonator / chamber 30 , the emulsified body tissue adjacent the tip 6 is drawn therein . by creating an unstable acoustic resonator / chamber between the emulsification tip 6 and the optical sphere 20 , further emulsification occurs within the chamber 30 . at the same time that further emulsification is occurring in the chamber 30 , irrigation fluid is being supplied through the irrigation channel 34 and over the surface of the optical sphere 20 . at the same time , aspiration suction is provided via the aspiration channel 34 to clear the chamber 30 of material that has been emulsified . providing the irrigation fluids as well as aspiration suction promotes mixing and circulation of fluids within the chamber 30 . it should be understood that the irrigating and aspirating functions may be alternated to first irrigate and subsequent thereto aspirate in another mode of operation . in addition , the flow of irrigation fluid as well as the level of aspiration suction can be adjusted during surgery to compensate for the body tissue emulsified and ingested into the surgical tip assembly . in addition , the laser energy transmitted through the laser fiber as well as the optical sphere diameter and index of refraction thereof can be chosen to give flexibility in locating the optical breakdown point in the resonator , thus &# 34 ; seeding &# 34 ; the resonator for optimal propagational effects . in an additional embodiment and with reference to fig6 a surgical tip assembly 4c is illustrated and is seen to include a laser fiber 16 enclosed in a sealed tube assembly 38 . the sealed assembly 38 includes a rounded distal end 40 which is designed to contact body tissue 46 . in use , laser energy is transmitted to the laser fiber 16 and produces optical breakdown in the area designated by the reference numeral 42 . the optical breakdown and plasma formation in the gas within the tube 38 generates a shockwave which is transmitted to the tip 40 . the vibratory motion of tip 40 emulsifies the body tissue 46 in the area 44 and produces cavitation which further enhances the emulsification process . in this embodiment , the sealed tube 38 has sealed end 40 thereon . this embodiment prevents obstruction or clogging of the tip assembly and permits optical breakdown to occur in a gas rather than a liquid , solid or mixture thereof as described above . of course , the surgical tip assembly 4c may be combined with irrigation and aspiration means , laser energy means and a handpiece as are well known in the prior art . as such , an invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments thereof which fulfill each and every one of the objects of the present invention as set forth hereinabove and provides a new and improved surgical apparatus and method utilizing laser energy to remove body tissue . of course , various changes , modifications and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intend spirit and scope thereof . as such , it is intended that the present invention only be limited by the terms of the appended claims .

US-82702492-A

a safety ski binding for releasably securing a ski boot on a ski includes a bearing block adapted to be supported on the ski , a stepping member supported on the bearing block for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis which extends transversely of the ski , and a sole holder adapted to engage a sole of the ski boot and supported on the sole holder for generally vertical movement relative thereto . a spring urges the sole holder downwardly relative to the support member , and an electrically controlled locking mechanism is adapted to releasably maintain the stepping member in a first position . an electrical switch of the locking mechanism closes when the sole holder has moved upwardly a predetermined distance relative to the stepping member and thereby causes the locking mechanism to release the stepping member for pivotal movement about the horizontal axis .

as can be seen from fig1 a conventional guide rail 2 is secured on a ski 1 by means of screws ( not illustrated ). a conventional base plate 3 is guided movably in the longitudinal direction of the ski 1 on the guide rail 2 and can be releasably locked against movement with respect to the guide rail 2 in a conventional , not illustrated manner for adjusting the binding to different length ski boots . a bearing block 4 is secured on the base plate 3 , and has two spaced side walls 4b which project from the base plate 3 upwardly and carry at their lower regions a swivel axle 5 which extends parallel to the upper side of the ski and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ski . a stepping member 6 which is constructed as a two - arm lever is pivotally supported on the swivel axle 5 , one arm of which stepping member is constructed as a stepping spur 6a for supporting the ski boot sole and the other arm of which extends approximately parallel to the upper side of the ski and is constructed as a locking arm 6b . the locking arm 6b has , at its end which is remote from the swivel axle 5 , and starting out from its flat underside , a rounded portion 6c which extends across its entire width . the locking arm 6b of the stepping member 6 carries furthermore on its upper side a guide pin 7 which extends perpendicular to the upper side of the ski and on which guide pin a guide part 8a of a sole holder 8 is supported for vertical movement by means of a cylindrical opening therein having a diameter approximately equal to that of the pin 7 . the sole holder 8 carries above the stepping spur 6a of the stepping member 6 a downholding member 8b which , in the downhill skiing position of the heel holder , grips over the sole of a ski boot ( not illustrated ). in the downhill skiing position of the heel holder , the sole holder 8 is supported by means of its guide part 8a , under the action of a spring 9 , against the upper side of the locking arm 6b of the stepping member 6 . the lower end of the spring 9 is supported on the guide part 8a of the sole holder 8 . starting out from the guide part 8a the spring 9 projects into a preferably cylindrical spring cage 11 , which is open at its lower end and is positioned , in the downhill skiing position , perpendicular to the upper side of the ski . the other end of the spring 9 is supported on an abutment 15 which is arranged on the threaded portion of an adjusting screw 16 , the head of which extends through and is rotatably supported by the closed upper end of the spring cage 11 . the initial tension of the spring 9 can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting screw 16 , and the adjusted spring force can be read by viewing the abutment 15 through a window 11a of the spring cage 11 and an aligned window 8e of the sole holder 8 , adjacent which window 8e is provided a graduated scale which is not a part of the invention and therefore not identified in detail . two bearing pins 12 are provided on opposite sides of the spring cage , and each extend through a respective slotted hole 8c in the sole holder and engage a respective groove 14 , which grooves 14 are constructed in the inner surfaces of the respective side walls 4b of the bearing block 4 . the two slotted holes 8c in the sole holder 8 extend approximately perpendicular to the upper side of the ski . the grooves 14 extend concentrically with respect to the swivel axle 5 . in the downhill skiing or closed position of the heel holder ( fig1 ), each bearing pin 12 is located at the upper end of its associated slotted hole 8c and at the upper end of its associated groove 14 , which end is nearest the downholding member 8b . between the upper side of the guide part 8a of the sole holder 8 and the open lower end of the spring cage 11 a clearance a is provided . two preferably resilient or resiliently supported contacts 17 and 17a are respectively secured on the ends of spring cage 11 and guide part 8a , which ends face one another . the two contacts 17 and 17a are arranged in alignment with one another and project slightly beyond the structural parts on which they are arranged in a direction toward the other . the contacts 17 and 17a are manufactured in an advantageous manner of a corrosion resistant material , for example of gold . the contacts 17 and 17a form a switch s 1 ( see fig2 b ) which in the downhill skiing position of the heel holder is open and which is arranged in a circuit for supplying current to an electromagnet 18 . a battery 23 delivers the current which is necessary for energizing the electromagnet 18 . the just described structural parts are located in a housing 19 which is secured on the base plate 3 or on the bearing block 4 . in the circuit of fig2 b , the electromagnet 18 , the battery 23 and the switch s 1 are connected in series , and a further switch s 2 is connected in parallel with the switch s 1 . thus , electromagnet 18 will be energized when either or both of the switches s 1 and s 2 is closed . a lock member 10 is supported for movement in the longitudinal direction of the ski 1 in the housing 19 and has a control rod 10a which extends through the inside of the electromagnet 18 . the electromagnet 18 and lock member 10 could , for example , be the coil and piston of a solenoid . the portion of the lock member 10 which projects from the housing 19 is platelike and is provided at its end with an inclined surface 10c which extends across the entire width of the lock member 10 , and which extends at an acute angle , preferably larger than 45 °, with respect to the upper side of the ski 1 in the closed position . in the downhill skiing or closed position of the heel holder , the end of the lock member 10 grips under the locking arm 6b of the stepping member 6 ( fig1 ) and prevents swivelling of the sole holder 8 . on section 10b of the control rod 10a is made of a magnetized material and projects , in the locked position of the heel holder and thus in the downhill skiing position , slightly into the inside of the electromagnet 18 ( fig2 a ). one end of a spring 21 is supported on the end of the lock member 10 remote from the surface 10c and its other end is supported on an abutment 21 which is fixedly connected to the housing 19 . the spring 21 presses the lock member 10 toward the stepping member 6 . the switch s 2 ( see fig2 b ) includes a key 20 and is mounted on the upper side of the housing 19 , which switch s 2 is connected in parallel with the switch s 2 and can be closed manually or by means of a ski pole tip . for the electrically conducting connection of the switches s 1 and s 2 with the battery 23 and the electromagnet 18 , cables which are not illustrated are provided , which are located inside of the sole holder 8 or of the housing 19 and are thus protected against environmental influences . if the downholding member 8b is now urged upwardly , for example by the ski boot sole ( not illustrated ) and due to a fall of the skier , then the sole holder 8 moves upwardly along the guide pin 7 against the force of the spring 9 by means of its guide part 8a . the slotted holes 8c in the sole holder 8 permit the upward movement of the sole holder 8 relative to the spring cage 11 which is held by cooperation of the bearing pins 12 and the bearing block 4 . if the path of elasticity which is determined by the clearance a between the spring cage 11 and the guide part 8a is covered by the sole holder 8 , the contacts 17 engage one another , so that the circuit including the battery 23 and electromagnet 18 is closed and the electromagnet 18 is energized and pulls the lock member 10 away from the stepping member 6 , permitting the sole holder 8 to pivot together with the spring cage 11 and the stepping member 6 about the swivel axle 5 , assisted by an opening spring 24 . the spring 24 is arranged on the swivel axle 5 , has one end supported on the base plate 3 and the other end supported on the sole holder 8 , and is a torsion spring . the bearing pins 12 , which are guided in the grooves 14 of the bearing block 4 , permit the pivoting movement of the spring cage 11 about the swivel axle 5 . as soon as the ski boot is released , a downward return of the sole holder 8 along the guide pin 7 is effected by the action of the spring 9 . the engagement of the two contacts 17 and 17a is interrupted and the lock member 10 returns to its original position under the action of the spring 21 which biases the lock member , whereby its inclined surface 10c is now above the rounded portion 6c of the locking arm 6b of the stepping member 6 ( see fig2 ). to again insert the ski boot into the heel holder , its sole is placed onto the stepping spur 6a of the stepping member 6 and the stepping member 6 is pivoted about the swivel axle 5 into the closed position together with the sole holder 8 and the spring cage 11 . during each swivelling movement , the locking arm 6b of the stepping member 6 engages by means of its rounded portion 6c the inclined surface 10c of the lock member 10 and thus presses the lock member 10 , against the force of the spring 21 , into the housing 19 until the downhill skiing position is again reached , in which position the locking arm 16 of the stepping member 6 is supported on the lock member 10 , so that again a swiveling of the sole holder 8 is prevented . a voluntary opening of the heel holder occurs by manually pressing on the key 20 , which causes the switch s 2 to be closed and the electromagnet 18 to pull the lock member 10 away from the stepping member 6 . however , it is also possible to provide on the lock member 10 a member which is to be operated manually , which extends through a recess in the housing 19 and by means of which the lock member 10 can be manually moved away from the stepping member 6 . a region of the downholding member 8b of the sole holder 8 is urged upwardly by the ski boot sole during an automatic release caused by an upwardly directed force which is characterized in fig1 with the arrow f . as one can easily recognize from this figure , the distance b between this region of engagement with the boot sole and the swivel axle 5 is smaller than the distance c between the swivel axle 5 and the locking region at the end of the stepping member 6 . through this , the force which is transmitted from the downholding member 8b through the stepping member 6 and onto the lock member 10 is also substantially smaller than the force f which acts on the downholding member 8b , through which the release of the stepping member 6 by the lock member 10 is made easier . an easier release is also facilitated if the surfaces of the locking arm 6b on the stepping member 6 and the lock member 10 , which engage each other are coated with a friction reducing material . to reduce the friction which occurs between the lock member and the stepping member 6 during a release , it is also possible , as is illustrated in fig3 and 3a , to support a roller 26 at the end of the lock member 10 &# 39 ;. the end of the lock member 10 &# 39 ;, which end is associated with the stepping member , is provided here with two spaced holding shoulders , between which the roller 26 is supported rotatably . in the downhill skiing position of the heel holder , the locking arm 6b of the stepping member 6 is supported on the roller 26 of the lock 10 and projects past the axis of rotation of the roller 26 approximately 2 to 3 mm , through which an undesired release is avoided . as soon as the electromagnet 18 has attracted the lock member 10 &# 39 ; for this distance , a release of the ski boot occurs through the swivelling movement about the swivel axle 5 of the stepping member 6 , which rolls along the roller 26 , without any need for the electromagnet 18 to continue to be supplied with current which drains the battery 23 . by providing the roller 26 , stepping into the heel holder is also made easier . in the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in fig4 the end of the lock member 10 &# 34 ; which projects from the housing 19 is pivotally supported on a connecting rod 30 for two toggle joint lever linkages 31 . each linkage 31 includes two lever arms 31a , 31b of equal length which are pivotally connected by means of the connecting rod 30 . the free ends of the two lever arms 31a are each pivotally supported on respective sides of the locking arm 6 &# 39 ; b of the stepping member 6 &# 39 ;, and the free ends of the lever arms 31b are each pivotally supported by means of a pin or bolt 32 on the bearing block 4 . the ends of bolt 32 extend into slots 4a in the bearing block 4 , which slots are arranged concentrically with respect to the swivel axle 5 and are indicated diagrammatically in fig4 with broken lines . in the downhill skiing position of the heel holder , the two linkages 31 are maintained in the condition shown in fig4 by the spring biased lock member 10 &# 34 ; and are prevented from moving beyond this position by means of a respective stop 33 arranged on each lever arm 31a . the design of the rest of the structural parts of the heel holder , which parts are not illustrated in this figure , corresponds with the design of the heel holder illustrated in fig1 . also in this exemplary embodiment , after closing of the switch s 1 through an upward movement of the sole holder 8 against the force of the spring 9 , the electromagnet 18 is energized , which attracts the lock member 10 &# 34 ; and causes the two linkages 31 to be bent and permits the sole holder 8 to pivot upwardly about the swivel axle 5 to release the ski boot . during this bending movement , the bolt 32 slides upwardly in the slot 4a of the bearing block 4 . during stepping into the binding there occurs an extension of the two linkages 31 , assisted by the spring 21 which biases the lock member 10 &# 34 ;. the invention is not limited to the illustrated exemplary embodiments . further modifications or variations of the disclosed apparatus , including the rearrangement of parts , are possible without leaving the scope of protection . thus , it is conceivable to provide the lock member with a wedge - shaped locking projection which engages a congruently constructed locking groove in the locking arm of the stepping member . also , it would be possible to provide the locking arm of the stepping member with a roller which is supportable on the lock member . furthermore , either the contact which is arranged resiliently on the spring cage or the contact which is arranged resiliently on the guide part of the sole holder could be supported by notches which are constructed at various vertical positions on the spring cage or on the guide part , through which an adjustment or reduction of the amount of elasticity of the sole holder , that is , the distance the sole holder can move without a release and thereafter return to its initial position , is possible . also , it is conceivable to provide for operating the lock member an electromagnet which drives a drive pinion , which in turn engages a tooth system provided on the lock member .

US-45191582-A

a liftchair for a disabled person , or a person with weak legs . it has a seat adapted selectively to move vertically down from a normal sitting - height and to a position close to and directly above the floor , and again up to the normal sitting height . a drive mechanism to move the seat up and down includes a reversible electric motor and reversible control switch to selectively move the seat up or down in the liftchair . a brake is included to automatically lock the seat in any vertical position upon the motor being de - activated .

referring to fig1 fig2 fig3 and fig4 a liftchair 10 according to the invention is shown , comprising a frame 11 having a left side 12 and a right side 13 connected by an upper rear crossmember 14 , a lower rear crossmember 15 , and a substantially flat front base crossmember 16 adapted to lie flat on the floor . one left rail 17 is firmly attached vertically , substantially centrally , internally on left side 12 of frame 11 and a right rail 18 is firmly attached , vertically , substantially centrally , internally on right side 13 of frame 11 . a seat 19 with a single flat plate bottom is located horizontally between rails 17 and 18 , seat 19 having a left , upwardly depending side plate 20 and a right , upwardly depending side plate 21 attached thereto and a back plate 22 attached to back edge 23 of seat 19 , back plate 22 slanting upward and backward to provide room for a reversible drive motor 24 when seat 19 is located in its lowest position . drive motor 24 is supplied with brake 31 that is solenoid controlled by a solenoid 24a connected in series with motor 24 to release motor shaft 24b when the drive motor is activated , and lock motor shaft 24b when drive motor 24 is switched off . flanged pulleys or annularly grooved wheels 25 are rotatably located on outer side 26 of right side plate 21 of the seat , ( two on forward edge 27 of right rail 18 and two on rearward edge 28 of right rail 18 ), spaced apart in positions to maintain seat 19 in a horizontal orientation in frame 11 . the mechanism on the left side 20 is a mirror image of that on the right side 21 . a horizontal driveshaft 29 is rotatably located at lower rear 30 of liftchair 10 between left side 12 and right side 13 of frame 11 . driveshaft 29 is driven by motor 24 through a motor sprocket 32 , a motor drive chain 33 and a shaft drive sprocket 34 on the drive shaft 29 . each end of drive shaft 29 carries a liftchain sprocket 35 . one end of a liftchain 36 is attached at upper portion 37 of right sideplate 21 , liftchain 36 passing up over an upper flanged idler chain pulley 38 that is attached at upper end 39 of right rail 18 , and down under a lower flanged chain pulley 40 to the underside of liftchain sprocket 35 . liftchain 36 progresses around liftchain sprocket 35 and back under a secondary flanged idler chain pulley 41 located on the lower right side 13 , of liftchair 10 . liftchair 36 thereafter passes up to be attached to a lower portion of right side plate 21 at 42 . left side 12 is supplied with a similar lift chain device that is a mirror image of that on the right side 13 . a control box 43 is located on forward end 44 of frame 11 , controlbox 43 containing an up - down switch 45 determining the rotation direction of reversible drive motor 24 , and a momentary activation switch 46 that activates motor 31 only while activation switch 46 is pushed in and held in . referring particularly to fig5 fig6 and fig7 a sturdy , flexible sheet 47 , such as a heavy vinyl sheet , substantially as wide as seat 19 has its upper rear end 48 attached to upper rear crossmember 14 and progresses down behind back plate 22 , underneath seat 19 forward to front edge 49 of seat 19 , over a round rod 50 . each end of rod 50 is bent upwardly one end being attached to left side plate 20 at 20a , the other end being attached to right side plate 21 at 21a , leaving a small space 51 between front edge 49 and rod 50 , space 51 being large enough to permit sheet 47 to pass freely therethrough and down to front base cross member 16 where lower front end 52 of sheet 47 is firmly attached , seat 19 travelling up and down on sheet 47 , thereby keeping opening space 19a between front edge 49 of seat 19 and front base crossmember 16 constantly closed and protected . sides 12 and 13 of the frame are covered outside by protective plates 53 and 54 to protect anyone from getting hurt by the mechanisms in the liftchair sides . the front and back of the liftchair are constantly protected by the flexible sheet 47 , that passes under the seat 19 and through the space 51 and is maintained under constant tension as seat 19 moves up or down in the liftchair . vertical brackets 55 and 56 are attached under arm rests 57 and 58 at 59 and 60 respectively , each bracket 55 and 56 being supplied with a vertical slot 61 stretching from almost the top at 62 to almost the bottom at 63 of each bracket . vertically slideable coverplates 64 and 64a are suspended in each slot 61 by studs 65 extending outward from the top of each slideable coverplate 64 and 64a , engaging in each slot 61 , and each carrying a spacer bushing 66 . stationary plates 67 and 68 have their upper ends 69 and 70 attached to inner side of each armrest armrest 58 and 59 respectively and depends downward toward seat 19 , covering the mechanisms on left side 12 and right side 13 af liftchair 10 while seat 19 is in its up position and down position , and thus protecting a user sitting on seat 19 from the mechanism on the left side 12 and from the mechanism on right side 13 as shown in fig6 and fig7 . slideable coverplates 64 and 64a are supplied with vertical slots 71 and 72 stretching from almost at the top 73 to almost at the bottom 74 of each slidable cover plate 64 and 64a . a stud 75 is attached to upper end 76 of left sideplate 20 , left stud 75 extending outward through slot 71 and engaging therein . a right stud 77 is attached to upper end 78 of right side plate 21 , stud 77 extending outward through slot 72 and engaging therein . referring particularly to fig7 the seat 19 is shown moved fully down , stud 75 having pulled slideable cover plate 64 down , while in turn stud 65 has moved down in slot 61 , a user sitting in liftchair 10 therefore being constantly protected from contact with drive chain mechanisms etc . at sides 12 and 13 as seat 19 moves up or down . it should be understood that the foregoing relates to only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the invention , which have been by way of example only and that it intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention chosen herein for the purposes of the disclosure , which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention .

US-80246297-A

a cleaning device specifically designed for use in the cleaning of combs or similarly shaped tools or devices wherein the comb being cleaned is repeatedly moved into engagement with cleaning brushes movably mounted on a housing in direct receiving position to soap or like cleaning fluid selectively issuing from a compartment formed on the interior of the housing itself .

as shown in fig1 the present invention is directed to a cleaning assembly generally indicated as 10 for a comb or similarly shaped structure . the cleaning assembly comprises a housing 12 including a main body or handle portion 13 . two spaced part and parallel arm members 14 are integrally formed on the housing 12 and are specifically disposed to house cleaning means generally indicated as 16 therebetween . the housing may be formed of a plastic or other strong , lightweight material and as shown in fig2 and 3 , includes a hollow interior portion defining compartment means 18 therein . the cleaning means 16 preferably comprises two roller brush cleaning elements 19 and 20 having opposite ends of their central axle 21 mounted in bushings 22 . this mounting allows free rotation of both roller brush cleaning elements 19 and 20 relative to one another and to the arms 14 . such rotational movement occurs upon passage of a comb or between the brushes . it will be noted that the outwardly extending bristle elements 23 of each roller brush 19 and 20 is structured , disposed and dimensioned to provide a slight intermessing engagement at their junction 26 . this intermeshing engagement allows the passage of a comb or like tool being cleaned to pass between the brushes in a reciprocal fashion due to the flexibility of the bristles themselves . such reciprocal movement of the comb element between the brushes causes rotation of both brushes and an engagement of the bristles of both brush elements on opposite sides of the comb and between the various teeth of the comb . as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter , cleaning fluid or soap issuing from the compartment means or interior of the housing is directed through exit channel 28 onto the lower positioned roller brush 20 . rotation of both brush elements through the reciprocal application of a comb therebetween causes transfer of any soap or cleaning fluid on the lower brush to be directed onto the upper brush as both brushes rotate in meshing engagement with one another . with regard to fig3 and 5 , the compartment means 18 comprises a first compartment 30 primarily designed for the storage or placement of cleaning fluid such as soap or the like therein . access to the compartment means 18 occurs through an access means in the form of a cap element 31 which may be removed and secured to the end of the handle portion 13 as best shown in fig3 and 4 . as set forth above , the first compartment 30 includes an exit aperture or channel 28 which directs or channels the cleaning fluid contained therein directly through channel 28 onto the lowermost roller brush element 20 . valve means , to be described hereinafter , is provided to prevent reverse flow of the cleaning fluid back into the first compartment 30 through channel 28 and force its application onto the lowermost roller brush 20 . the compartment means 18 comprises a second compartment 32 being somewhat smaller and substantially segregated from the first compartment 30 . this segregation is basically structural in nature as shown in fig3 . however , the first compartment 30 and second compartment 32 are disposed in direct fluid communication with one another through valve means defined in part by a first valve assembly 34 ( fig4 ). with reference to fig4 the first valve ssembly 34 is represented as a three - way flow valve which regulates fluid flow from the second compartment 32 to the first compartment 30 and also fluid flow from the exterior of the housing 12 through cap 31 by virtue of the existence of a vent means 35 formed therein . understanding of the fluid flow throughout the compartments and through the vent means 35 will become clear upon explanation of the structure and operation of the activating means generally indicated as 38 ( fig5 ). this activating means comprises a flexible portion in the form of a diaphragm 39 formed from a flexible material and secured about its periphery 40 to a support base 41 . the interior of the activating means 38 , generally indicated as 42 , is disposed in direct fluid communication with the interior of the second compartment 32 by virtue of a connecting channel 43 . accordingly , and for purposes of explanation , the interior of the second compartment 32 is at least partially defined by the interior of the activating means 38 . due to the flexibility of diaphragm member 39 , its positioning into a depressed position will cause the volume within the second compartment to contract thereby forcing fluid under pressure through the first valve assembly 34 into the first compartment 30 . this additional pressure will therefore force cleaning fluid or soap out through the exit channel 28 and from the housing onto the cleaning means and more specifically , the lowermost roller brush cleaning element 20 . the valve means of the present invention further comprises a one way check valve 44 which , as set forth above , prevents reverse flow of the exiting cleaning fluid back into the first compartment 30 through the channel 28 . since depression of the flexible diaphragm 35 causes a contraction of the effective volume of second compartment 32 any fluid , which may be air , will necessarily be forced under pressure through the first valve assembly 34 into the second compartment 30 . such added fluid pressure forces cleaning fluid from the first compartment 30 onto the cleaning means generally indicated as 16 in a selective manner . the flexibility of the material of the diaphragm 39 causes it to be positioned , after depression into its outwardly extended position as shown in fig5 . this is permitted since air from the exterior of the housing 12 passes through vent 35 , through the first valve assembly 34 ( see fig6 ) into the second compartment 32 allowing the expansion of the flexible diaphragm 39 . it should readily be seen therefore that the diaphragm 39 may be repeatedly depressed and allowed to expand outwardly into its normally extended position ( see fig5 ) so as to repeatedly cause a given or preselected amount of cleaning fluid to exit , in the manner set forth above , from the first compartment 30 past check valve 44 . when the diaphragm 39 is repeatedly depressed a pulsing action or pulsing stream of cleaning fluid or soap will therefore be applied to the cleaning means 16 until the desired amount is attained and placed on the comb or like device being cleaned . specifically with regard to the operation of the first valve assembly 34 , and as set forth above , fluid communication is established for fluid flow between compartment 32 and compartment 30 upon depression of the activating , flexible diaphragm 39 . the position of valve 34 to establish this fluid flow is shown in fig4 . with reference to fig6 it is seen that positioning of valve assembly 34 into aligned relation with vent 35 serves to establish fluid flow between the exterior of the housing and the second compartment 32 upon the expansion or outward extension of the flexible diaphragm 39 into its normal position as shown in fig5 . it should be noted that other structural features of the present invention could include the flexible diaphragm member 39 being placed directly into the wall of the handle portion 13 of the housing . an important feature of the subject structure is to allow the depression and extension of the diaphragm member 39 to directly effect the volume within the second compartment . this repeatedly directs fluid flow under pressure into the second compartment and cleaning fluid out of the exit channel 28 through the check valve 44 which defines the second valve assembly of the overall valve means .

US-55211183-A

colloidal metal conjugates can be produced in high concentrations suitable for direct use , for example , in immunoassays . the colloidal metal conjugates can be used in devices for qualitative , semi - quantitative , or quantitative determination of the presence of compounds in samples , including biological samples .

a colloidal metal solution and colloidal metal conjugate can be prepared in a manner that reduces or eliminates the purification or concentration of the product . the resulting colloidal metal composition can be used directly in a device or assay . a method of preparing a colloidal metal conjugate includes forming a composition having a high concentration of metal particles conjugated to an affinity reagent . the metal particles can have a diameter of between 5 and 100 nm . the metal can be a metal or transition metal , a metal or transition metal compound , or polymer nuclei coated with a metal or transition metal or a metal or transition metal compound , or an alloy thereof . for example , the metal can be gold , platinum , silver , iron , copper , selenium , chromium , vanadium , titanium , or manganese , or an alloy thereof . the metal compound or transition metal compound can be a metal salt , sulfide , oxide , hydroxide or similar compound . in particular , the metal particle can be a gold particle . the affinity reagent can include a biomolecule , for example , a nucleotide , a nucleotide sequence , a peptide , a protein , an antibody , an antibody fragment , an antigen , streptavidin , biotin , receptor fragment , or other reactive molecule . the antibody can include antigen - specific antibody , a non - specific antibody or a mixture thereof . the antibody can be , for example , an antibody capable of selectively binding a hapten , such as a drug , a biomolecule , steroid , medicinal drug , or another affinity reagent . the binding can be selective . the drug can be tetrahydrocannabinol , an amphetamine or group of amphetamines , a barbiturate or group of barbiturates , a benzodiazepine or group of benzodiazepines , cocaine , ecstasy , methadone , methamphetamine , morphine , or phencyclidine , or a metabolite thereof . the high concentration of colloidal metal particles or high concentration of colloidal metal conjugate can be determined by measuring the optical density ( or absorbance / reflectance ) of a solution or suspension of the colloid at a particular wavelength . the maximum optical density of a solution or suspension is the highest absorbance or reflectance of the solution within a wavelength range of , for example from 250 nm to 850 nm . the maximum optical density can be determined by scanning the wavelength range , for example with a uv / vis spectrophotometer , to identify the wavelength at which the maximum optical density occurs . for colloidal gold particles , the maximum optical density occurs between 520 and 560 nm , and can be measured at 540 nm . the high concentration of colloidal metal particles can have a maximum optical density of at least 2 , at least 3 , less than 8 , between 3 and 7 . 5 , between 4 and 7 , or between 5 and 7 . concentrations that tend to agglomerate are not desirable for creating stable and useful sources of colloidal metal particles . a colloidal metal conjugate solution having a high concentration of conjugated particles , such as , for example , a metal particle bound to an affinity reagent can be prepared directly from a high concentration of colloidal metal particles . in general , the high concentration of colloidal metal conjugates does not need to be significantly purified or concentrated . by avoiding purification or concentration , time consuming processes such as centrifugation , washing , and agitation to resuspend the particles can be avoided , or minimized in the process of making the conjugate . this significantly reduces material losses , particle aggregation , and time losses during preparation . preparation of high concentrations of particles can be accomplished in 30 minutes or less . when using other methods of preparing colloidal metal particles prior to this discovery , concentration and purification steps can require an hour or longer to complete , since the methods typically produce low concentrations of particles , having maximum optical densities in the range of 0 . 5 to 1 . 5 , thereby necessitating the concentrating and washing process . generally , the process of directly preparing a high concentration of colloidal metal conjugate solution includes adding an amount of affinity reagent substantially equal to the amount that can be conjugated to the colloidal particles , which can be considered the maximum loading value of the colloidal particles . the maximum loading value for a colloidal metal particle composition can be determined theoretically , for example , by calculating the surface area of the particles and number of particles present , or experimentally , for example , through adsorption experiments , thereby allowing the conjugate to be prepared without using an excessive amount of the affinity reagent . for example , the amount of affinity reagent to be added to colloidal metal particles can be determined by testing varying concentrations of antigen - specific antibody and non - specific antibody . non - specific antibody may be , for example , igg antibodies from a mouse , goat , and rabbit . for example , the total antibody solution can be in the range of between 0 . 01 and 0 . 20 mg per 20 ml gold colloid solution , for example , 0 . 0 mg per 20 ml gold colloid solution having an optical density of between 3 to 7 at 540 nm . in other circumstances , the total antibody solution can be in the range of between 0 . 01 and 0 . 05 mg per 20 ml gold colloid solution having an optical density in the range of between 4 . 5 - 6 . 5 at 540 nm . in examples , total amounts of antibody and gold solution can be used so long as the concentration is maintained at the equivalent of 0 . 001 to 0 . 10 mg total antibody per 20 ml gold colloid solution or 0 . 1 to 10 mg total antibody per 20 ml gold colloid solution . generally , the amount of antibody can be designed to completely , or almost completely , bind to gold particles . the resulting mixture can be cleaner than a mixture prepared by old methods with fewer , or substantially no unbound antibody molecules . the methodology for producing an optimized gold colloid solution may be applied to numerous applications . in one example , the optimized gold colloid solution can be used in immunoassays . for example , in one embodiment , gold colloid solution is mixed with an antibody solution of anti - thc antibody and mouse igg antibody . the labeled anti - thc antibody and mouse igg are then used in a competitive assay for detecting the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol ( thc ) metabolite . for biological assays , such as immunoassays , a sufficiently high od range for making a device involves using a colloidal metal conjugate is between 0 . 5 and 7 . 0 od as measured at its maximum . the optical density can be measured at other wavelengths , but typically is measured within the visible spectrum , for example , between 375 nm and 740 nm . for example , a colloidal metal conjugate can be prepared without a purifying step or a concentrating step , or both , and having a maximum optical density between 3 and 7 by mixing a high concentration of colloidal metal particles ( e . g ., 0 . 1 to 5 mg / ml ) having an optical density between 3 and 7 with an amount of antibody of between , for example , 0 . 01 and 10 mg / ml of gold colloid solution . this conjugate can then be used directly , or can be diluted for use in an assay . the total amount of antibody used is defined within a range , the ratio of antigen - specific antibody and non - specific antibody can be determined based on a dose curve . for example , in a competitive assay for thc , the assay can be designed to detect doses of 50 ng thc / ml urine and higher . a competitive assay can rely on competition for binding to a specific antibody between thc present in the sample and thc linked to an enzyme . the enzyme can be chosen such that enzyme activity results in color formation . in the absence of free thc in the sample , the specific antibody binds to the enzyme - linked thc , which causes a decrease in enzyme activity ; in other words , the less thc present , the less color that develops . a 1 % sodium citrate solution was prepared by adding 10 . 0 g sodium citrate ( sigma ) to a 1 l volume of deionized water . the mixture was stirred for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until the sodium citrate was completely dissolved . the sodium citrate solution was stored at ambient room temperature . a 2 % gold chloride solution was prepared by adding 20 . 0 g gold chloride ( sigma - aldrich , gold ( iii ) chloride trihydrate ) to a 1 l volume of deionized water . the mixture was stirred for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until the gold chloride was completely dissolved . the gold chloride solution was stored at ambient room temperature in a light shielded container . a colloidal gold solution was prepared as follows . a 240 . 0 ml aliquot of the 1 % sodium citrate solution ( as prepared above ) was placed into a container . a 40 . 0 ml aliquot of the 2 % gold chloride solution ( as prepared above ) was placed into a separate container . container holding 1 l of deionized water and a magnetic stir bar was placed on a heating mantel . the heating mantel was turned on to full power . the previously measured volume of 240 . 0 ml 1 % sodium citrate solution was added to the container . a temperature probe was placed into the solution . the solution was heated until it reached 98 ° c ., at which time the previously measured volume of 40 ml 2 % gold chloride solution was added to the container . the mixture was quickly mixed and allowed to come to a boil . then the heat was turned off and permitted to boil for 3 to 5 minutes . the solution was then removed from the heat , covered , and allowed to cool to room temperature . the container was then stored at ambient temperature in the dark . the colloidal gold solution had an optical density of 4 . 98 at 540 nm . an anti - thc colloidal gold conjugate was prepared as follows . an antibody solution was prepared by adding 0 . 03 mg / ml anti - thc mab ( biostream , pn : nd - ta2201 , ln : ta - 03h02 ) and 0 . 02 mg / ml mouse igg ( biostream , biostride , biocapture , omega , biospecific , and yj bioproducts ) to 1 . 0 ml of deionized water . the solution was mixed by vortexing . next , the entire volume of the antibody solution ( as prepared above ), 2 ml of 30 % bsa , 2 ml 1 m hepes buffer , 2 ml 50 % concentrated sucrose solution , and 2 ml 10 % triton x - 100 solution were placed into separate containers . a 20 ml aliquot of the gold colloid solution ( o . d . 4 . 98 at 540 nm ) was placed in a beaker containing a stirbar . 0 . 8 ml 1 m hepes buffer was added to the beaker . the beaker was placed on a stirplate . the mixture was stirred vigorously at a setting of 250 rpm . as soon as the stirplate reached 250 rpm , each of the previously measured solutions of the antibody , bsa , hepes buffer , 50 % concentrated sucrose and 10 % triton x - 100 were added to the beaker within a two minute period to form the colloidal gold conjugate . the colloidal gold conjugate was transferred to a light protected storing container . the colloidal gold conjugate was stable at 2 - 8 ° c . for up to 1 month . the colloidal gold conjugate was suitable for use in an assay device directly or upon dilution . suitable assays and devices therefore , may be homogeneous or heterogeneous . an example of a heterogeneous assay device is one referred to in the art as having a lateral flow porous carrier such as disclosed by u . s . pat . no . 5 , 602 , 040 , which is incorporated by reference in its entirety . the porous carrier can be nitrocellulose . alternatively , the assay device may be constructed from a non - porous lateral flow type assay device such as disclosed by u . s . pat . no . 6 , 143 , 576 . the assay device may be incorporated within a housing . one such embodiment is described as follows . referring to fig1 and 2 show test cell 5 including an outer , molded casing 10 which defines a hollow , elongate enclosure filled with a porous carrier 12 . casing 10 also defines a test liquid inlet 14 and a pair of openings 16 , 18 comprising windows through which porous carrier 12 is visible . porous carrier 12 and the interior of casing 10 together define a flow path passing generally from left to right in fig1 and 2 . when the test cell is placed with inlet 14 disposed within or otherwise in contact with a liquid sample , the liquid is transported by capillary action , wicking , or simple wetting along the flow path through downstream flow section 20 , test volume 22 , and into reservoir volume 24 , generally as depicted by the arrows . the flow section 20 of the flow path disposed inwardly of the inlet 14 serves as a filter which can remove particulate matter and interfering factors from test samples . filtration means 20 downstream of the inlet 14 can help prevent false positive test results . disposed within porous carrier 12 is a band 26 of dehydrated conjugate , e . g ., an antibody - colloidal metal conjugate . as the liquid sample moves past band 26 , the conjugate is entrained in the liquid , reconstituted , and reacts or competes with ligand , if present , dissolved in the liquid sample . alternatively , conjugate band 26 may be eliminated , and the conjugate added to the test liquid prior to its introduction to test cell 5 . within the volume of porous carrier 12 disposed directly beneath circular openings 16 and 18 in casing 10 is disposed , respectively , control site 16 ′ and test site 18 ′. in the drawing , the control and test site are illustrated as being disposed serially along the flow path . alternatively , the control and test site or sites may be disposed side by side or in another spatial relationship . test site 18 ′ includes a preselected quantity of antibody against an epitope of the ligand to be detected immobilized in the flow path . control site 16 ′ is preferably identical in size and chemical makeup to test site 18 ′, excepting that the immobilized antibody present at the test site 18 ′ is omitted at the control site 16 ′. thus , any nonspecific aggregation of , e . g ., ligand - conjugate or free conjugate , which occurs at test site 18 ′ also will occur at control site 16 ′. a deeper color at test site 18 ′ as compared with control site 16 ′ can be a positive indication of ligand in the sample in a sandwich assay . control site 16 ′ may be eliminated if a reduction in sensitivity can be tolerated . generally , antibody or other binding protein may be immobilized at test site 18 ′ using adsorption , absorption , or ionic or covalent coupling , in accordance with known methods . for example , a monoclonal antibody against an epitope of the ligand can be immobilized on latex beads , which are then to entrapped or otherwise linked in porous carrier 12 at region 18 ′. control site 16 ′ can be fabricated identically , except that the latex beads contain non - specific immunoglobulin , e . g ., immunoglobulin from bleedings from an animal that has not been immunized . disposed beyond test volume 22 is a reservoir volume 24 comprising a relatively large mass of sorbent or supersorbent material . the purpose of reservoir volume 24 is to assure that a reasonably large amount of test liquid is drawn through test volume 22 . increasing the volume of reservoir 24 can have the effect of increasing the sensitivity of the assay procedure , as it results in an increase in the amount of ligand passing through the test area 22 . suitable sorbents include commercial materials of the type available , for example , from the dow chemical company of midland , mich ., and the chemical division of american colloid , arlington heights , ill . these materials can absorb many times their weight in water and are commonly used in disposable diapers . they comprise lightly crosslinked polyacrylate salts , typically alkali metal salts . a fluid , for example , a biological fluid , including , for example , blood , blood plasma , serum , interstitial fluid , saliva , sweat , urine , semen , tear , amniotic fluid , an extracted sample such as throat , vaginal or nasal swab , a tissue homogenate or a tissue effluent can be assayed by the device . surprisingly , the method results in a colloidal metal conjugate solution which can be produced relatively quickly in comparison to previous methods . the metal conjugate solution produced according to the method significantly reduces processing time because there is no need for , or a substantially reduced need for , purification or concentration steps . the colloidal metal conjugate can be used directly in an assay device .

US-88714506-A

an apparatus and method for optimally positioning a region of interest of a subject for imaging by a ct scanner . the scanner provides a source of one or more x - ray beams , at least one of which is used for acquiring a ct image of the subject , a movable support for the subject , and a controller that controls the x - ray source . to position the region of interest of the subject , the controller operates to illuminate the subject with x - rays to acquire stereo image data for the region of interest and controls the position of the support responsive to the stereo image data .

according to an embodiment of the invention , accurate positioning of a voi of a subject in the vfov of a ct scanner may be achieved with an arrangement as illustrated in fig2 . by way of a non - limiting example , the invention will be illustrated and described in the context of positioning a patient for cardiac imaging . referring to fig2 , ct unit 200 comprises a rotating support 202 on which is carried a dual beam x - ray source 204 , shown schematically as being comprised of separate x - ray emitters 206 a and 206 b separated by a distance d in the direction of rotation 220 of rotor 202 . a detector array 208 comprised of a plurality of rows 210 and columns 212 of x - ray detector elements 214 is supported by rotor 202 and positioned to intercept x - ray beams 234 a and 234 b provided by source 204 after the beams pass through a subject on support platform 222 . optionally , detector array 208 may be configured to provide greater resolution in its central portion than in the outer rows and columns , as in european published patent application no . ep 1887937a2 , published feb . 20 , 2008 , entitled graded resolution field of view ct scanner . also , optionally , emitters 206 a and 206 b may be separate x - ray sources contained in a single housing , or may be provided by multiple focal spots in a single x - ray tube , as in the &# 39 ; 633 patent application and &# 39 ; 587 patent referred to above . also , while x - ray source 204 is shown providing x - ray beams emanating from two emission points , more than two emission points may be provided if desired . as shown in fig2 , x - ray beams 234 a and 234 b are cone beams . this results in a cylindrical vfov 240 centered on rotation ( z ) axis 216 . for symmetrical beams , vfov 240 extends along axis 216 equal distances on opposite sides of a central x - y plane of the scanner , indicated by broken line circle 238 ( and corresponding to circle 132 in fig1 ). support rotor 202 is arranged for rotation around the z - axis 216 of the scanner ( see coordinate icon 218 ) in the direction of arrow 220 . patient transport platform 222 is arranged for travel along the scanner z - axis as indicated by arrow 224 , and also for incremental lateral and vertical positioning adjustment . a system controller 226 controls the operation of rotor 202 , x - ray source 204 , platform 222 , as well as an image processor 228 connected to the output of detector array 208 , and a display and storage unit 230 , which may be like display and storage unit 128 ( see fig1 ). additionally , there is provided a manual input device 232 , which may include one or more of a keyboard , mouse , joystick , etc ., connected to controller 226 for manually inputting data as described below . fig3 a - 3c illustrate a second embodiment of a ct scanner according to the invention . here , scanner 300 is comprised of a rotor 302 that carries an x - ray source 304 that provides two x - ray beam emission points 306 a and 306 b for x - ray beams 312 a and 312 b . emission points 306 a and 306 b are axially spaced along a line 308 on rotor 302 parallel to an axis of rotation 134 . emission points 306 a and 306 b may be provided by separate x - ray tubes or by two focal spots of single tube as in the &# 39 ; 633 patent application and the &# 39 ; 587 patent referred to above ; more than two beams spaced and arranged in any suitable or desired manner may optionally be provided as well . a detector array 310 formed of columns and rows of detector elements 314 is mounted on rotor 302 in a position to intercept x - ray beams 312 a and 312 b after the beams pass through a subject on a support platform ( not shown ) like that of fig2 . for imaging of small subjects , and particularly in cardiac imaging , however , use of cone beams can be advantageous . as shown in fig3 b and 3c , which are a schematic cross - section and axial end view respectively , beams 312 a and 312 b emanating from focal points 306 a and 306 b combine to form a generally cylindrical vfov 324 with slightly conical ends 326 along rotation axis 134 . beams 312 a and 312 b are switched on and off , alternating rapidly . with properly spaced beams and a properly sized and oriented detector array 310 , a cylindrical vfov 324 is obtained that may be large enough to produce a three - dimensional image of good resolution of the entire heart without changing the axial position of the subject support platform . this is advantageous because the cardiac cycle is characterized by periods of intensive movement ( contraction ) and alternating relatively quiescent periods . by initiating a ct scan at the beginning of a relatively quiescent period , a scan can be completed before the next contraction . this avoids the need for coordinating data from multiple scans and can reduce computational complexity . as will be appreciated , if the vfov 324 is not long enough axially for a particular application , the support platform may be advanced as necessary to obtain a scan volume of the desired length . apart from the foregoing , scanner 300 is generally like scanner 200 , and is used in essentially the same manner as scanner 200 . further description is accordingly omitted in the interest of brevity . referring again to fig2 , scanner 200 is constructed and controlled for use in a preliminary positioning mode utilizing the dual beam x - ray source 204 , and in a primary ct imaging mode that may utilize one or both of the beams generated by source 204 . in the positioning mode , a patient ( not shown ) is first placed using light markers or other means such that the voi is generally covered by the scanner imaging field . x - ray cone beams 234 a and 234 b are emitted alternatingly , at respective emission angles such that the beams impinge on detector array 208 in the same area , and thus form images of overlapping regions as seen from offset viewpoints . several timing options are possible . in general , one or more stereo image frames may be taken , with beams 234 a and 234 b switched on and off for a duration and repetition rate compatible with the subject to be imaged . as an example , for cardiac imaging , a number of repetitions in the range of 15 - 30 per second would be suitable . using a repetition rate of 25 stereo frames per second , each cycle would have 40 - millisecond duration . beam 234 a would be switched on for 5 milliseconds , then beam 234 b would be switched on for 5 milliseconds . the remaining 30 milliseconds of the repetition period would be inactive . higher or lower imaging rates may be applied . alternatively , stereo images may be produced one at a time at the operator &# 39 ; s request . in such cases , each source will be activated once to generate the one stereo image for cardiac imaging , it is advantageous to synchronize the generation of the stereo image data with the relatively quiescent portions of the cardiac cycle between contraction . to do this , an ecg output signal may be used to trigger successive stereo imaging repetition cycles : at the beginning of a quiescent period , beam 234 a may be turned on for 5 milliseconds followed by a 5 millisecond on time for beam 234 b . beams 234 a and 234 b would then remain inactive until triggered by the ecg signal indicating the beginning of the next quiescent period between contractions . data provided by detector array 208 is computer - processed using conventional techniques in the field of x - ray fluoroscopy to generate real time planar image data for each of beams 234 a and 234 b . according to the invention , positioning can be performed in three alternative ways : manually , semi - automatically with operator assistance , and fully automatically . for manual positioning , the two sets of image data are employed to create a composite stereo image for viewing by an operator . the operator uses the stereo image to manually position platform 222 relative to the vfov of the scanner , as described below . for stereo visualization , the computer generated planar stereo component images are arranged to be viewed separately by the left and right eyes of an operator so that the two separate images are integrated by the operator &# 39 ; s brain into a three - dimensional image . an offset of between about four degrees and ten degrees between the beams 234 a and 234 b , preferably between four and seven degrees , for example , about six degrees , yields good results . however , higher or lower offset may also be employed . various ways are known for presenting spaced image data to create a stereoscopic effect , and any suitable one may be employed . for example , the separate images may be viewed using a head mounted electro - optically switched viewer , e . g ., of the kind shown in roese et al . u . s . pat . no . 4 , 214 , 267 , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference . in such an arrangement , separate viewing windows are provided for each eye . the two images are displayed on a single monitor in alternating fashion , but the viewing windows are alternatingly blocked in synchronism with the alternating images so one image is viewable only by the left eye , and the other image is viewable only by the right eye . alternatively , separate monitors may be provided in a head - mounted viewer to display only one image for each eye . another option is the so - called “ autostereo ” display technology . as known to those skilled in the art , this is a conventional technology in which a single monitor is designed to display two images but in such a way that one image is visible only to the left eye , and the other image is visible only to the right eye . several ways to implement this are known , and autostereo monitors are available commercially from several sources , e . g . sharp corporation . manual adjustment does not necessarily require viewing a stereo image and can optionally be done by bringing a feature of interest in the subject to predefined location in both images . operation of scanner 200 in the positioning mode is illustrated in fig4 . here , a patient platform 222 is shown positioned so that a patient 120 is within the composite field of view created by x - ray beams 234 a and 234 b ( or a volumetric field of view resulting from spacing of x - ray emission points along the z - axis , as in the embodiment of fig3 a through 3b ). for purposes of explanation , it is assumed that the operator has initially positioned platform 222 with the patient &# 39 ; s heart 138 offset along scanner z - axis ( axis of rotation ) 216 from an x - y plane of symmetry 310 of x - ray beams 234 a and 234 b and also offset from the z axis of rotation in an x - y plane perpendicular to the rotation axis . as an optional preliminary setting , the operator can define the voi , for example by selecting a clinical imaging option such as “ cardiac scan ” from among several available control settings using manual input device 232 . this may be used to provide assistance to the operator in manual and semi - automatic positioning modes by superimposing a graphic overlay on the subject stereo images that shows the center and borders of the designated field of view for the ct scan . as will be appreciated , for different clinical applications , the scanner fov may optimally have a different diameter and / or length along z axis , and , in a manner which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , controller 226 will be programmed to generate an appropriately shaped and positioned graphic overlay . the reference guide may be in any desired form , for example , a representation of the scanner vfov , or an x - y plane containing the emission points 320 a and 320 b of beams 234 a and 234 b and z - axis 216 , or even a schematic representation of the scanner itself , similar to fig2 herein . numerous display - programming techniques are known to those skilled in the art by which the desired reference guide may be generated and displayed . as an alternative to definition of the voi size by pre - selection , controller 226 may be programmed to permit the operator to use input device 232 to mark on the acquired images , the general boundaries ( width and length ) of the voi to be scanned . pre - defining the voi in either of the above indicated ways takes account of the fact that for a given scanner configuration , a certain physical volume ( vfov ) will be imaged with the best resolution and allows more accurate centering of the voi in the vfov . as previously mentioned , for clinical applications such as cardiac imaging , it may be advantageous to initiate a positioning operation at a desired time . for this purpose , a patient may be connected to one or more monitoring units indicated schematically at 250 in fig4 . the monitoring units may include an ecg , or a breathing monitor or both . a patient &# 39 ; s cardiac cycle heartbeat or breathing may be monitored , from the raw ecg data obtained may be used to trigger positioning image acquisition at a desired phase of a patient &# 39 ; s cardiac or breathing cycle . optionally , a dedicated breathing monitor may be provided ; often , a breath monitor is used during projection data acquisition in any event . ecg and / or breath - monitoring data may also be used to identify the phase in the cardiac cycle at which the positioning images were taken and the information taken into consideration when centering the voi . this can be advantageous since both heartbeat and breathing result in cyclical translational motion of the heart and expansion and contraction of the heart wall boundary . controller 226 may be programmed to determine such positional variation in relation to the phases of the cardiac cycle , and any necessary positional correction can be made when calculating the optimal position for the voi . optionally , the patient can be asked to hold his breath at a certain breathing phase ; this is often done in conventional ct scanning during the projection image acquisition . when a positioning scan is to be undertaken , beams 234 a and 234 b are rapidly switched on and off as described above so that both beams capture essentially the same phase of the heartbeat . the output of detector 208 is processed by image processor 228 to generate planar x - ray images formed by the two beams . for manual positioning , an operator inspects the stereo image generated by image processor 228 from the output of detector array 208 , for example , using one of the techniques described above . because the image of the heart appears to be three dimensional , the operator can readily see the offset of the heart from the optimum position in the x , y , and z directions , and can manually reposition platform 222 to align it with the superimposed reference guide by actuating x , y , and z drive motors ( not shown ) for platform 222 . for semi - automatic ( user assisted ) or fully automatic positioning , there is no need for real time fluoroscopic imaging . it is sufficient to acquire two single images , from x ray beams 234 a and 234 b . the initial location and orientation of the voi is first determined from the single images . from this information , platform 222 is automatically moved from its initial position to the desired position . determination of the initial location and orientation can be done , for example , by identifying matching portions of the stereo image components , such as the edge or outline of the heart . for semi - automatic ( user assisted ) positioning , by way of example , controller 226 may be programmed to display the stereo component images separately , and to permit the operator to mark the matching boundaries on the two images . for completely automatic positioning operation , any suitable known image - processing algorithm such as pattern matching and stereo correspondence algorithms can be used to locate corresponding parts of the stereo component images . as a simple example , conventional image processing methods may be used to determine the contour of the heart shadow on the detector for each source . from this , the lateral shift between the images may be determined . since the distances from the x - ray emission points to the detector are known , geometrical calculation of the average height of the heart , and therefore determination of its location relative to the scanner coordinate system will be entirely straightforward and readily implemented by a person skilled in the art . it might also be noted that optionally , the geometric calculation can include compensation for minor errors likely to result from visual matching of corresponding “ edges ” of a 3d image for two viewing angles . to appreciate the nature of the problem , for the case of a simple 3d object such as a sphere , in projections generated from two different angles , the edges in the images will be formed by a slightly different physical location on the sphere , corresponding each to the location tangent to the ray from the source . if these apparent corresponding edges are matched when performing the geometric calculations , an error will be introduced . by using the radius of curvature ( in the case of a sphere ), or an estimated radius in the case of a heart or other organ , compensation for this error can be provided . after the initial location of the roi is determined , the controller positions platform 222 in the horizontal plane automatically , both laterally and along the z axis . for automatic vertical positioning , a depth calculation can be performed using any conventional triangulation method to compute the position of the heart boundary relative , for example , to the emanation point of one or both of the x - ray beams . known computer implemented triangulation methods such as epi - polar constrained triangulation can readily be employed for this purpose by persons or ordinary skill in the art in light of the description herein . it should be appreciated that the projection data from the displaced sources created in a single projection imaging contains all the necessary information for fully automated positioning , and display of the stereo image would not be essential in the event of fully automatic platform positioning . it should also be appreciated that conventional procedures can be followed for positioning in the horizontal plane , while a triangulation process as described above , either in an operator - assisted mode , or a fully automatic mode could be used for positioning in the vertical direction . it should also be appreciated that it is even possible to employ a physical arrangement as shown in fig1 having a single x - ray emission point to produce the stereo image data . this may be accomplished by obtaining two images from x - rays emitted from the single x - ray emission point . a first image is obtained with the subject platform at a first location , and a second image is obtained after the subject platform has been moved a small distance ( e . g ., 50 mm .) in a direction transverse to the beam direction such that there is good overlap between the resulting images . after positioning of platform 222 so that the subject &# 39 ; s heart 138 is properly positioned , in the scan volume , the ct scan proceeds , using one or both x - ray emission points 206 a , 206 b ( fig2 and 4 ) or 306 a , 306 b ( see fig3 b and 3c ). referring to fig5 , platform 222 is shown positioned so that the patient &# 39 ; s heart 138 is centered in the scanner fov and along the scanner z - axis 216 . x - ray source 204 or source 304 ( see fig3 a ) is activated , and a scan is performed at a single axial position , using one or both x - ray beams or at a succession of axial positions as needed to obtain the desired scan volume . as an incidental benefit of the invention , when the scanner is to be used only for cardiac imaging or other applications requiring only a relatively small fov , the overall size of the scanner can be reduced . such reduced - size scanners can be less expensive than conventional general - purpose ct scanners , and consequently , might be affordable by smaller medical offices , and not just hospitals and large radiology centers , or by other smaller facilities . the invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . application of the invention to cardiac imaging is described as a non - limiting example , but it will be understood that the invention is also applicable to alignment of other organs or other subjects for ct imaging . the described embodiments comprise different features , not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention . some embodiments of the invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features . variations of embodiments of the described invention and embodiments of the invention comprising different combinations of features than those noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art . the invention is intended to encompass all such variations and other embodiments , and scope of the invention is intended to extend fully to the limit permitted by the following claims .

US-12084108-A

a baby nursing and carrying device , specifically one that allows a mother to switch breasts when breastfeeding a baby while still remaining covered and while still supporting the baby . when not in use for breastfeeding purposes , a mother can use the device for easily carrying the baby without strain on the mother &# 39 ; s back and without having to support the baby with her hands , thus allowing the mother &# 39 ; s hands to be free to do other things .

fig1 depicts one embodiment of a baby carrying and nursing device 100 . a device 100 can comprise a back support 102 coupled with a baby support 104 . a baby support 104 can be adapted to both support a baby and cover a mother &# 39 ; s exposed breast while in use . a back support 102 can further comprise a plurality of shoulder straps 106 , which can be worn over a user &# 39 ; s shoulders like a backpack , as shown in fig2 - 4 . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , a back support 102 can be coupled with a plurality of shoulder straps 106 and waist straps 110 . as depicted in fig4 , a back support 102 can cover a substantial portion of a user &# 39 ; s back when in use . in other embodiments , a back support 102 can cover a larger or smaller portion of a user &# 39 ; s back when in use . in some embodiments a back support 102 can be a substantially planar piece of flexible fabric , as shown in fig4 , while in other embodiments a back support 102 can comprise a plurality of support straps which can have any desired , comfortable , and / or supportive configuration . in yet other embodiments , a back support 102 can have any other known and / or convenient geometry and / or configuration . a back support 102 can be made of fabric , nylon , polymer , or any other material or combination of materials . in some embodiments a back support 102 can be comprised of sueded polyester fabric , porous , semi - elastomeric fabric , fleece , moisture - wicking material , and / or any other known and / or convenient type of material . in yet other embodiments , a back support 102 can be comprised of a plurality of layers of material , and each layer can be different and / or can have different properties , or a back support 102 can have multiple layers of the same material . for example , in one embodiment a back support 102 can have a layer of insulating or water resistant material sandwiched between layers of mesh material . in yet other embodiments , a back support 102 can comprise a removable cooling or heating source , such as a gel pack that can be used to cool the user &# 39 ; s body during hot weather . in some embodiments , at least one portion of a back support 102 can be padded for added comfort to its user . in other embodiments , as shown in fig4 , a back support 102 can have an elastomeric member 402 adapted to stretch and conform to a user &# 39 ; s body shape when necessary and / or to enable a wide range of movement of the user . in alternate embodiments , a back support 102 can have any other known and / or convenient adjustment mechanism for conforming to a user &# 39 ; s body and thus providing a back support 102 that is comfortable for users with different body types . shoulder straps 106 can be made of fabric , nylon , polymer or any other material or combination of materials . at least one shoulder strap 106 can be made of sueded polyester fabric , porous , semi - elastomeric fabric , fleece , moisture - wicking material , and / or any other known and / or convenient type of material . in yet other embodiments , a shoulder strap 106 can be comprised of a plurality of layers of material , and each layer can be different and / or can have different properties , or a shoulder strap 106 can have multiple layers of the same material . for example , in one embodiment a shoulder strap 106 can have a layer of insulating or water resistant material sandwiched between layers of mesh material . in some embodiments , at least one portion of shoulder straps 106 can have padding for added comfort when the device 100 is in use . in other embodiments a shoulder strap 106 can be made of non - skid material and / or can have a non - skid coating such that slippage off a user &# 39 ; s shoulder is minimized . for example , in some embodiments , at least one shoulder strap 106 can be at least partially coated with silicone material . in other embodiments , a shoulder strap 106 can have at least one smooth surface . in yet other embodiments , a shoulder strap 106 can have at least one surface comprising ridges or other raised portions . moreover , in some embodiments , a shoulder strap 106 can have anti - bacterial properties or at least a minimal degree of sun protection factor . as depicted in fig1 , shoulder straps 106 can have at least one adjustment mechanism 108 for adjusting the lengths of the straps 106 to conform to a user &# 39 ; s body . an adjustment mechanism 108 can be a buckle or any other known and / or convenient mechanism for adjusting strap 106 length . each shoulder strap 106 can further comprise at least one fastener 112 for selectively coupling with a baby support 104 , as discussed in further detail below . as depicted in fig1 , a back support 102 can be coupled with at least one waist strap 110 . waist straps 110 can be adapted to selectively couple with a baby support 104 . waist straps 110 can further comprise at least one adjustment mechanism 114 adapted to selectively tighten waist straps 110 around a user &# 39 ; s midsection . as shown in fig1 , a baby support 104 can be coupled with adjustment mechanisms 114 permanently , via sewing , adhesive or any other known and / or convenient permanent bonding method . in other embodiments and as shown in fig2 , a baby support 104 can be selectively coupled with waist straps 110 , via complementary fastening components 202 , such that a baby support 104 can be selectively separated from waist straps 110 and / or a back support 102 . in alternate embodiments , a strip of material can be coupled with a baby support 104 and fed through an opening that can extend around the lower perimeter of a back support 102 and waist straps 110 , thus allowing a user to properly reposition a baby support 104 by sliding the strip of material around a user &# 39 ; s midsection . a baby support 104 can have a substantially triangular geometry when laid out , as shown in fig1 . in other embodiments , however , a baby support 104 can be rectangular , ovular , or trapezoidal in geometry , or can have any other desired and / or convenient configuration . a lower portion of a baby support 104 can be coupled with a back support 102 as depicted in fig1 - 3 . in the embodiment depicted in fig2 , a baby support 104 is made of elastomeric material , allowing it to conform to a baby and / or a user &# 39 ; s body , thus holding the baby securely and preventing gaps between the baby support 104 and a user &# 39 ; s body . in other embodiments , a baby support 104 can have elastomeric material only around its perimeter . in yet alternate embodiments , a baby support 104 can be made of fabric , nylon , polymer or any other known and / or convenient material or combination of materials , elastomeric or non - elastomeric . in some embodiments , a baby support 104 can be made of sueded polyester fabric , porous or mesh material , moisture - wicking material , and / or any other known and / or convenient type of material or combination of materials . in yet other embodiments , a back support 102 can be comprised of a plurality of layers of material , and each layer can be different and / or can have different properties , or a back support 102 can have multiple layers of the same material . for example , in one embodiment a back support 102 can have a layer of insulating or water resistant material sandwiched between layers of mesh material . in some embodiments , a baby support 104 can be at least partially made of fleece or any other type of insulating material to keep a baby warm . in other embodiments , a baby support 104 can comprise a washable or disposable inner liner , and / or an entire baby support 104 can be detachable from the rest of a device 100 for washing or wiping clean . in some embodiments , a baby support 104 can be made in a variety of sizes and can be interchangeable , such that different sizes and / or configurations of a baby support 104 can be used for different size babies . for example , a user can use the smallest available baby support 104 for her infant , but as the baby grows the user can interchange the smallest baby support 104 with a larger baby support 104 . additionally , in some embodiments a device 100 can have multiple interchangeable baby supports 104 having different aesthetic qualities , such as different patterns , embroidery , accessories , or any other desired quality . a top portion of a baby support 104 can further comprise at least one fastener 112 adapted to selectively couple with fasteners 112 on shoulder straps 106 , thus creating a sling or pouch in which a baby can be placed when the device 100 is in use . in some embodiments , a fastener 112 can also be an adjustment mechanism , allowing the top portion of a baby support 104 to be loosed or tightened relative to a shoulder strap 106 and against a user &# 39 ; s body . in other embodiments , a baby support 104 can comprise separate adjustment mechanisms and fasteners 112 . as depicted in fig3 , a device 100 can further comprise a safety mechanism 302 . a safety mechanism 302 can be adapted to couple with any of a plurality of shoulder straps 106 and can provide added security when a user uncouples a baby support 104 from a shoulder strap 106 to move it to another shoulder strap 106 , thus preventing a child from falling from the device 100 when it is being adjusted . in some embodiments , once a baby support 104 is properly coupled with another shoulder strap 106 , a safety mechanism 302 can be moved and coupled with the other shoulder strap 106 . in other embodiments , a safety mechanism 302 does not need to be repositioned . a safety mechanism 302 can be a length of material , as depicted , or can have any other known and / or convenient configuration . in some embodiments , a safety mechanism 302 can further comprise at least one fastener 112 adapted to couple with a complementary fastener 112 on a shoulder strap 106 . adjustment mechanisms 108 114 , fasteners 112 , and / or complementary fastening components 202 can be quick - release buckles , ties , snaps , hook and loop , or any other known and / or convenient type of fastening or adjustment mechanism . in some embodiments , one or more of a back support 102 , shoulder straps 106 , waist straps 110 and a baby support 104 can further comprise an accessory 304 such as , but not limited to : a pocket for holding personal items ; a baby wipe holder ; a cell phone holder ; and / or a hook for holding keys or other items ( see fig3 ). a back support 102 can also comprise a removable or permanent pack 404 ( see fig4 ) that can be used in a manner similar to a conventional backpack . in other embodiments , a pack 404 can be a pocket that can be coupled with a back support 102 along at least one edge 406 of the pocket 404 , such that when not in use , a device 100 can be stuffed into a pocket 404 for compact , easy storage . in yet other embodiments , a device 100 can comprise disposable burping clothes or any other known and / or convenient accessory temporarily or permanently coupled with a device 100 . a device 100 can also be washable or can have a washable cover ( either a pocket 404 or an alternate cover or storage vessel ). in some embodiments , a device 100 can be foldable into a compact size for storage and transport purposes . as shown in fig2 , in use a device 100 can be placed on a user &# 39 ; s body by slipping first and second shoulder straps 106 over a user &# 39 ; s shoulders such that a back support 102 can lie against the user &# 39 ; s back . a baby support 104 can then be coupled with waist straps 110 via complementary fastening components 202 . fasteners 112 on both a baby support 104 and a first shoulder strap 106 can be coupled such that a sling or pouch is formed in which a baby can be held , as depicted in fig2 . in this position , a mother &# 39 ; s exposed breast can also be adequately covered while positioning or nursing her child . once a user has properly fastened all components and adjusted the device 100 to conform to her body , a baby can be placed between a baby support 104 and a user &# 39 ; s body . a user can then breastfeed and / or carry her baby without the need to support the baby with her hands . when a breastfeeding mother needs to switch breasts , and thus needs to reposition her baby , she can uncouple a baby support 104 from a first shoulder strap 106 and shift a baby support 104 such that it can be coupled with a second shoulder strap 106 via a fastener 112 . in embodiments that include a safety mechanism 302 , as depicted in fig3 , a safety mechanism can be repositioned once a baby support 104 is securely coupled with a second shoulder strap 106 . although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof , it is evident that many alternatives , modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims .

US-89939610-A

an animal chew toy and a method for making such that comprises a fabric having a plurality of fibers and a polymeric material that contacts the fabric wherein the polymer material engages with the plurality of fibers .

the present invention relates to dog chews of a fibrous or fabric material and a polymer material . more particularly , the present invention relates to dog chews that may be composed of fabric and a polymeric material where the polymeric material may be combined with the fabric or fibrous material . in one embodiment of the present invention , a polymeric material may be over - molded onto a fabric . preferably , the polymeric material may be over - molded onto the end portions of the fabric . fig1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the present invention in which an animal chew 10 comprises a fabric having a length 20 and an end portion 30 . a polymer material 40 , which may preferably be an elastomeric or flexible material , is over - molded onto the end portion 30 of said length . however , the polymer material may also be over - molded between the end portions 30 of the fabric . fig2 shows a cross section of fig1 at section a - a , which allows a view of the internal portion of the over - molded section . as can be seen , fibers 35 are preferably surrounded and embedded within the over - molded polymer resin 40 . in addition , while the fibers are illustrated as generally parallel and discrete , it can be appreciated that the fibers may be non - discrete and randomly dispersed within the over - molded region , as may be desired . in another embodiment , the polymer material may be over - molded onto a fabric to join the free ends of the fabric to form a ring or other desired configuration . turning to fig3 , an animal chew 10 comprises a fabric having a length 20 , with two free ends ( not shown ) and a polymeric material 30 is over - molded onto said free ends to secure the free ends within the polymer material 30 . in another embodiment , the toy may comprise a number of fabric shafts such as illustrated in fig4 depicting an animal chew 10 comprising multiple fabric lengths 20 having end portions 30 , of which one of the end portions may be embedded within the polymeric material 40 . as illustrated , the end portions may remain free at one end , or be embedded in polymer material as is shown at 50 . in addition , it can be appreciated that the polymeric resin need not be limited to over - molded at the end portions 30 , and may be over - molded anywhere along the length of fabric 20 as may be desired . in this manner , one can assemble unique configurations of animal chew toys , with one or a plurality of connection points between fabric and polymer resin , wherein such connection points amount to an over - molded region of polymer resin and fabric . in one embodiment of the present invention , the fabric may comprise a woven , non - woven , spun bond , or any fibrous polymeric material . that is , the fabric may be formed of any polymeric material that may be fiber forming . the fabric may therefore be , e . g . a canvas material . the fibers may also be composed of aramid fibers ( e . g . kevlar ™), acrylic fibers , modacrylics , polyamide fibers , olefin fibers , polyethylene fibers naphthalate fibers , polyester fibers ( pet ), or combinations thereof . more preferably , the fibers may be composed of extended chain and orientated polyethylene fibers ( e . g ., honeywell &# 39 ; s “ spectra ™” polyethylene fiber material ). such oriented polyethylene fiber is reportedly based upon relatively high molecular weight polyethylene sourced from a gel - spinning process , thereby producing polyethylene fibers with a melting point of about 150 ° c . such fibers are , e . g ., characterized as having an ultimate tensile strength of about 2 . 1 gpa and higher , a modulus of about 60 gpa and higher and a density of about 0 . 97 g / cc . accordingly , such fibers are lightweight and can float , and have good resistance to abrasion . in preferred embodiment , the spectra ™ fibers herein may utilize spectra 900 , spectra 1000 or spectra 2000 . the polymer material herein may be any polymer resin that can be caused to flow and engage with the fiber material . accordingly , any thermoplastic resin may be employed , which would include polyolefins , nylons , polyesters , polyacetals , polyurethanes , thermoplastic olefin elastomers , abs , etc . in addition , certain thermoset formulations may be considered which can be molded onto said fiber material , followed by a chemical crosslinking reaction to cause the thermoset to solidify . such may include , e . g ., polyurethane resins , crosslinked polyesters , and epoxy based polymers . accordingly , the thermoset material may be chemically engaged to the fiber material . in curing of the thermoset polymer formulations , chemical bonding may occur between the resin and the fiber material . in addition , preferably , the polymer material may be an elastomeric material , which is understood herein as a material that is capable of 50 % elongation with substantial recovery ( 50 - 100 %). preferably , the elastomeric material may be a polyurethane elastomer , natural or synthetic rubber , a styrene block copolymer rubber , such as kraton ™, or synthetic diene elastomers . it should be appreciated that apart from the shaped noted above , various shapes can be over - molded onto the fabric . that is , while the illustrated embodiment depicts a spherical shape molded over the fabric , other shapes including knuckles , hemispheres , cones , cylinders , squares , spheres having projections from the surfaces thereof , cylinders having groves molded into the surface thereof , etc . may be molded onto the fabric or fibrous material . furthermore , the shapes that can be over - molded need not be of a unitary size , and can be made to vary is size as desired . in one embodiment , the fabric may be composed of a plurality of fibers . between the plurality of fibers in the fabric a number of void spaces may be present . upon the introduction of the polymeric material to the fabric , which is defined herein as “ overmolding ”, the polymeric material may locate within the void spaces . in another embodiment , the polymeric material may mechanically engage with the fibers . by mechanical engagement , it is contemplated that there can be surface to surface contact between the polymer material and one or more of the fibers , such that the polymer material may simply adhere to one or more of the fibers . alternatively , mechanical engagement may be such that the polymer material may surround one or more of the fibers . it should be appreciated therefore that various degrees of mechanical engagement may occur along the cross section of any given fabric . preferably , the polymer material may be melted and over - molded using any melt processing technique . one skilled in the art would recognize that melt processing may include extrusion , injection molding , compression molding , etc . wherein the polymeric material is in a melt or substantially liquid state prior to forming . in one preferred embodiment , the polymeric material may be injection molded onto the fabric . preferably , the fabric may be placed into the mold cavity and located at any desired position in the mold cavity prior to injecting a portion of material onto the fabric . more preferably , the polymer material may flow into the fabric , wherein the polymer material , upon cooling , engages with the fabric and becomes attached thereto . preferably , the attachment may include the polymer material surrounding various fibers and mechanically interlocking within a given fiber network . the foregoing description is provided to illustrate and explain the present invention . however , the description hereinabove should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention set forth in the claims appended here to .

US-33997308-A

an intraocular lens implant includes a lens having an anterior portion , a posterior portion , and a circumferential edge located therebetween . an annular notch is formed in the anterior portion and oriented in an anteriorly - directed orientation .

turning now to the figures , and to fig6 a and 6b in particular , one embodiment of an iol 60 in accordance with the present invention is shown . while the iol 60 of fig6 a and 6b is shown as a biconvex lens 62 having at least two diametrically opposed haptic members 64 , other lens designs may also be used , including , for example , a convex - concave iol 60 a ( fig7 a ), a convex - planar iol 60 b ( fig7 b ), or other designs as desired . the biconvex lens 62 comprises a transparent structure constructed from a polymeric , silicone , acrylic , or other suitable moldable material having a refractive index similar to the native lens 24 ( fig1 ). anterior and posterior portions 66 , 68 of the biconvex lens 62 converge at a lateral , circumferential edge 70 of the iol 60 . as shown , the circumferential edge 70 may be a wall having a length of about 1 mm with an anterior edge 69 and a posterior edge 71 . however , in some embodiments , the anterior and posterior portions 66 , 68 may converge at a common edge ( not shown ). when the iol 60 is biconvex and the anterior portion 66 and the posterior portion 68 converge at this common edge and are substantially similar in size and shape ( a symmetric biconvex lens ), the circumferential edge 70 may coincide with an equatorial plane ; however , the biconvex lens may also be asymmetric , for example , where the anterior portion 66 has a convexity that is greater than a convexity of the posterior portion 68 . in some embodiments , the surface of either portion 66 , 68 of the biconvex lens 62 may be constructed to have uniform optical properties across its diametric surface or it may be constructed as a multi - focal or accommodating lens having two or more zones of differing optical properties . the two or more haptic members 64 may extend radially outwardly from the biconvex lens 62 and are generally positioned to lie within a common plane 72 ( i . e ., are planar ) extending through the biconvex lens 62 as shown in fig6 a . although not shown , the haptic members 64 may also be angulated relative to the common plane 72 . in some embodiments , the common plane 72 is coincident with the circumferential edge 70 of the biconvex lens 62 . that is , the common plane 72 may be substantially co - planar with a diameter of the iol 60 and positioned between the anterior and posterior edges 69 , 71 . when the iol 60 is a symmetric biconvex lens and the anterior and posterior portions 66 , 68 are similar in size and shape , the biconvex lens 62 is symmetric about the equatorial plane and the common plane 72 may be positioned equidistant from the anterior and posterior edges 69 , 71 ( or at the converged edges of the anterior and posterior portions 66 , 68 ) at the equatorial plane . the haptic members 64 may be constructed from a pliable material , such as a polymer , extruded poly ( methyl methacrylate ) (“ pmma ”), polypropylene , silicone , or acrylic . the pliable material allows the haptic members 64 to be folded for insertion through the capsulorrhexis edge 38 ( fig2 ) and deployment within the capsular bag 30 ( fig1 ). in some embodiments , the haptic members 64 may be constructed from the same material as the biconvex lens 62 , and indeed the iol 60 may be a unitary structure ; however , this is not necessary . in still other embodiments , the haptic members 64 may alternatively be constructed from sturdy treads or filaments that are attached to , or embedded within , the biconvex lens 62 and extend outwardly along the common plane 72 . in the specific illustrated embodiment , the haptic members 64 include an enlarged base 74 , adjacent the biconvex lens 62 , with radially extending projections or arms 76 . the radially outward construction of the haptic members 64 is configured to accommodate anatomical size differences of different patients . that is , the inside walls of a capsular bag 30 having a diameter that is smaller than the larger dimension of the iol ( i . e ., the diameter extending along the common plane 72 and across the haptic members 64 ) will cause the arms 76 to be deflected radially inwardly . thus , a larger diameter capsular bag 30 would cause less radially inward deflection of the arms 76 than the smaller diameter capsular bag 30 . the biconvex lens 62 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes an annular groove 80 that is positioned anterior to the common plane 72 defined by the haptic members 64 . the annular groove 80 may be positioned anteriorly of the circumferential edge 70 , for example about 0 . 2 mm to about 1 mm , or alternatively between about 0 . 25 mm and about 0 . 75 mm , of the anterior edge 69 of the circumferential edge 70 . furthermore , and as more specifically shown in fig6 c and 6d , the annular groove 80 includes a posterior wall 80 a and an anterior wall 80 b . in one embodiment , the posterior wall 80 a of the annular groove 80 may lie , in cross - section , on a plane that is disposed at a first angle , θ , relative to a horizontal plane ( represented by “ p ”), which may range from about 10 ° to about 25 °. the anterior wall 80 b of the annular groove 80 may lie , in cross - section , in a plane that is disposed at an angle , φ , relative to the horizontal plane , p , which may range from about 0 ° ( e . g ., substantially horizontal ) to about 10 °. while the groove 80 may be specifically configured to the particular anatomical shape as appropriate in order to capture and secure the capsulorrhexis edge 38 ( fig2 ), the particular groove 80 illustrated in fig6 a extends inwardly into the lens 62 about 0 . 5 mm . other dimensions are possible and may depend on the dimensions of the capsulorrhexis preferred by the surgeon . the annular groove 80 may be machined , such as by laser cutting , into the previously molded biconvex lens 62 or may be included during the molding process . in use , and with reference now to fig8 , the surgeon creates the capsulorrhexis within the capsular bag 30 using a punch , a laser , or another appropriate cutting device . while the shape and the diameter of the capsulorrhexis may vary , generally the capsulorrhexis is circular or semi - circular in shape and has a diameter of approximately 5 mm . the surgeon then removes the cortex 34 ( fig1 ) and the nucleus 32 ( fig1 ) of the native lens 24 ( fig1 ) through the capsulorrhexis . the native lens may include a cataract or may be crystalline ; however , the method described herein generally refers to cataract surgeries . the iol 60 is then inserted through the capsulorrhexis and into the capsular bag 30 . inserting may include deployment of the iol 60 from a folded state contained within a delivery device , such as a cannula . otherwise , during insertion , the iol 60 may capture the capsulorrhexis edge 38 . alternatively , insertion of the iol 38 may occur within the volume contained by the capsular bag 30 , and the anterior portion 66 of the iol 60 having the annular groove 80 therein may be partially retracted through the capsulorrhexis such that the capsulorrhexis edge 38 is captured and retained by the annular groove 80 . the haptic members 64 extend radially within the capsular bag 30 and engage the inner surface of the capsular bag 30 . with the surgical process complete , the capsulorrhexis edge 38 is captured by the groove 80 such that a first portion 82 of the anterior portion 66 of the iol 60 is external to the capsular bag 30 and within the posterior chamber 18 and a second portion 84 of the anterior portion 66 is within the capsular bag 30 . the posterior portion 68 of the iol and the haptic members 64 are also within the capsular bag 30 . thus , the patient having cataract surgery in accordance with an embodiment of this invention , would receive the benefits generally achievable by capsular bag placement of the iol , i . e ., reduced occurrence of iris chafing and / or decentralization associated placement of the entire iol , or a large portion of the iol , with a posterior chamber 18 . furthermore , the patient would receive the benefit of reduced of nd . while not wishing to be bound by theory , it is believed that the reduction in nd may be attributed to having an optic edge of the lens cover the capsulorrhexis edge . while the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments , and while these embodiments have been described in some detail , they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail . additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art . the various features of the invention may be used alone or in any combination depending on the needs and preferences of the user . this has been a description of the present invention , along with methods of practicing the present invention as currently known . however , the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims .

US-201414182000-A

a system and method for trialing a modular hip replacement system permits evaluation and replication of the anatomic anteversion rotational angle of the femur . in one embodiment , a femoral hip implant kit includes at least one distal implant and a plurality of femoral heads , each of the plurality of femoral heads having a diameter different from the diameter of the other of the plurality of femoral heads . the kit includes a proximal trial housing with a bore within the housing , the bore configured to receive a portion of the distal implant , a collet located within the bore , the collet including an outer wall portion extending between a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion , a collapsing member for engaging the portion of the distal implant and for forcing the top surface portion of the collet toward the bottom surface portion of the collet along a first axis .

while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms , a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail . it should be understood , however , that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed , but on the contrary , the intention is to cover all modifications , equivalents , and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . referring now to fig1 , there is shown a modular trial assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the invention , including a distal trial stem 102 , a proximal trial body 104 and a locking nut 106 . the proximal trial body 104 includes a neck segment 108 . the distal trial stem 102 is separate from the proximal trial body 104 . in an alternative embodiment , the neck segment 108 is also separate from the proximal trial body 104 . the modular trial assembly 100 can be made of stainless steel or another suitable material such as titanium , cobalt , etc . in the embodiment of fig1 , the proximal trial body 104 is shown in use with the distal trial stem 102 . the proximal trial body 104 may also be used with other trial components . as shown in fig2 , a trial system kit 110 can include multiple sizes of components . in this embodiment , the trial system kit 110 includes the proximal trial body 104 and distal trial stems 102 , 114 and 116 which have different sizes and / or shapes . each of the distal trial stems 102 , 114 and 116 include an identically threaded upper portion 118 , 120 and 122 , respectively and identical flanges 124 , 126 and 128 . a neck such as the neck 112 extends between each of the threaded upper portions 118 , 120 and 122 and flanges 124 , 126 and 128 . additionally , the trial system kit 110 includes femoral heads 130 and 132 which are of different sizes . the femoral heads 130 and 132 include internal bores 134 and 136 , respectively , which are sized to receive the neck segment 108 . in kits wherein a separate neck segment is provided , necks of various lengths may also be included . additionally , a variety of proximal trial bodies may be provided . the proximal trial bodies may have different outer diametric and / or geometric sizes , various vertical heights and various lateral offsets . further embodiments include proximal trial bodies with geometric features such as calcar bodies , metaphyseal filling and conical shapes . moreover , the kit may include reamers , broaches and implants , each of which include threaded upper portions and each of which may or may not include a flange . thus , different sizes and shapes of components can be mixed and matched with one another to produce a modular trial assembly that matches the size and shape of a patient &# 39 ; s joint anatomy . referring now to fig3 , the proximal trial body 104 is shown in cross - section with various components removed for clarity . the proximal trial body 104 includes an internal bore 138 . a cavity 140 extends outwardly from the internal bore 138 . the internal bore 138 further includes a main bore portion 142 which is separated from the cavity 140 by a lip 144 which protrudes into the internal bore 138 . the nut 106 , shown in fig4 , includes a main body 146 which is sized to be received within the main bore portion 142 . the nut 106 includes one end portion 148 which is configured to be rotated by a tool such as a wrench . a bore 150 ( see fig5 ) extends from the end portion 148 to another end portion 152 where the bore 148 expands to form a collet 154 . the collet 154 includes an upper portion 156 and a bottom portion 158 separated by a wall 160 . a plurality of cutouts 162 are located about the wall 160 . a threaded portion 164 is located within the bore 148 . the threaded portion 154 is configured to threadedly engage the threaded portions 118 , 120 and 122 of the distal trial stems 102 , 114 and 116 . the threaded portion 164 may be further configured to threadingly engage one or more of an implant , a broach and a reamer . in this embodiment , the upper portion 156 and the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 are curvilinear and the entire collet 154 is formed from series 300 stainless steel , preferably with a wall thickness of between about 15 / 1000 of an inch and 60 / 1000 of an inch . when the trial proximal body 104 is assembled as shown in fig5 , the main body 146 of the nut 106 is positioned within the main bore portion 142 . the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 is located within the main bore portion 142 above the lip 144 . a spring washer 166 is located between the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 and the lip 144 . the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 is sized such that the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 cannot pass beyond the lip 143 . the nut 106 is maintained within the bore 138 by a weld 168 . additionally , a spring 170 is located within the cavity 140 . referring now to fig6 - 8 , an exemplary operation of the proximal trial mount 104 is explained . initially , a patient is prepared for surgery and an incision is made to access the bone which is to receive a distal implant . once the medullary canal of the bone is accessed , the bone is reamed in preparation of receiving the distal implant . a distal member is then positioned within the medullary canal . in various embodiments , a reamer , a broach or an implant is configured to be used as a distal trial stem . once the desired distal member is positioned within the medullary canal , which in this example is the distal trial stem 102 , the proximal trial body 104 is placed on the distal member . specifically , the distal trial stem 102 is received into the internal bore 138 . as the threaded upper portion 118 passes into the main bore portion 142 , the flange 124 contacts the spring 170 , forcing the spring 170 outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the bore 138 into the cavity 140 . when the spring 170 is forced into the cavity 140 , the flange 124 is allowed to pass beyond the spring 170 . as the flange 124 passes the spring 170 , the spring 170 resiliently returns to its original shape , thus trapping the flange 124 within the bore 138 until such time as sufficient force is applied to the distal trial stem 102 to force the flange 124 past the spring 170 . in this condition , the distal trial stem 102 is loosely engaged with the proximal trial body 104 . the proximal trial body 104 may then be rotated with respect to the distal trial stem 102 to the desired configuration . alternatively , the locking nut 106 may be rotated in the clockwise direction . the rotation of the locking nut 106 in the clockwise direction causes the threaded portion 164 of the locking nut 106 to engage the threaded upper portion 118 of the distal trial stem 102 . continued rotation of the nut 106 in the clockwise direction pulls the locking nut 106 downwardly toward the distal trial stem 102 . as the nut 106 travels downwardly , the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 compresses the spring washer 166 against the lip 144 . once the spring washer 166 is sufficiently compressed , movement of the bottom portion 158 of the collet 154 is restricted . the material , wall thickness and the cutouts 162 of the collet 154 are selected such that further rotation of the locking nut 106 causes elastic deformation of the collet 154 . specifically , the upper portion 156 of the collet 154 is forced toward the bottom portion 158 causing the wall 160 of the collet 154 to move outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the distal trial stem 102 . the outwardly movement of the wall 160 forces the wall 160 against the wall of the internal bore 138 as shown in fig5 . the height of the wall 160 provides a large contact area between the collet 154 and the internal bore 138 . accordingly , a strong frictional lock is provided between the proximal trial body 104 and the distal trial stem 102 through the collet 154 and the nut 106 . once the distal trial stem 102 and the proximal trial body 104 are angularly locked , and a femoral head , such as femoral head 130 , is placed onto the neck segment 108 , the surgeon may perform a trial reduction to assess the desirability of the configuration of the modular trial assembly 100 . once the assessment is completed , the proximal trial body 104 is initially loosened by rotating the nut 106 in the counter - clockwise direction . the counter - clockwise rotation causes the nut 106 to move upwardly , away from the rim 144 . this allows the collet 154 to elastically decompress . the decompression of the collet 154 continues until the nut 106 is no longer compressing the spring washer 166 , thereby removing the angular lock between the distal trial stem 102 and the proximal trial body 104 . if desired , the angle between the distal trial stem 102 and the proximal trial body 104 may be modified . for example , one or more trial components may be replaced , or the angle between the distal trial stem 102 and the proximal trial body 104 may be altered and a subsequent trial reduction performed . when the configuration provided by the modular trial assembly 100 is determined to be optimal , the modular trial assembly 100 may be removed and replaced with permanent implants mimicking the configuration of the modular trial assembly 100 . this is accomplished by continued rotation of the nut 106 in the counterclockwise direction until the upper threaded portion 118 of the distal trial stem 102 is no longer engaged with the threaded portion 164 . the proximal trial body 104 is then removed from the distal trial stem 102 by moving the proximal trial body 104 upwardly until the flange 124 contacts the spring 170 forcing the spring 170 into the cavity 140 . the proximal trial body 104 is then separated from the distal trial stem 102 . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a number of variations of the invention are possible . by way of example , fig9 shows an alternative proximal trial body 180 . the proximal trial body 180 is shown with a nut 182 that includes a lower portion 184 that is configured to engage a collet 186 in order to angularly lock the proximal trial body 180 with a distal implant 188 . as shown in fig1 , the collet 186 includes an upper portion 190 and a bottom portion 192 separated by a wall 194 . a plurality of ribs 196 are located about the wall 194 . the upper portion 190 and the bottom portion 192 define openings 198 and 200 ( see fig1 ), respectively . the upper portion 190 is configured to be generally complementary with the lower portion 184 of the nut 182 . additionally , the openings 198 and 200 are configured to be just slightly larger in diameter than the portion of the distal implant 188 that extends through the collet 186 as shown in fig9 . the embodiment shown in fig9 - 11 is operated in much the same manner as the modular trial assembly 100 of fig1 . one difference is that as the collet 186 is collapsed , the ribs 196 provide the binding contact with the proximal trial body 180 . additionally , the resilient deformation of the collet 186 causes the openings 198 and 200 to bind with the distal implant 188 providing a frictional lock in addition to the frictional lock between the nut 182 and the distal implant 188 . accordingly , a strong angular lock between the distal implant 188 and the proximal trial body 180 is achieved . a further alternative embodiment is shown in fig1 . the proximal trial body 210 includes a main bore portion 212 and a lower bore portion 214 . a collet 216 is located within the main bore portion 212 . the collet 216 includes a bottom portion 218 , a top portion 220 and an outer wall 222 . a nut 224 is also located within the main bore portion 212 . the broach 226 which is used with the proximal trial body 210 includes an expandable flange 228 and a threaded portion 230 . the , the flange 228 is configured to expand within the main bore portion 212 of the proximal trial body 210 . thus , when angularly locking the proximal trial body 210 and the broach 226 , the collet 216 is compressed between the nut 224 and the expandable flange 228 . another variation in the embodiment of fig1 is that the bottom portion 218 of the collet 216 is not symmetrical with the top portion 220 . this is because the bottom portion 218 is configured to extend only partially over the lower bore portion 214 while the outer wall 222 of the collet 216 extends outwardly of the lower bore portion 214 when the collet 210 is not compressed . thus , the outer wall 222 prevents the collet 216 from falling through the lower bore portion 214 when the broach 226 is not inserted within the proximal trial body 210 . moreover , the partial extension of the bottom portion 218 over the lower bore portion 214 allows the threaded portion 230 of the broach 226 to pass through the collet 216 while ensuring that the flange 228 entraps the collet 216 between the flange 228 and the nut 224 when the flange 228 is inserted into the main bore portion 212 . additionally , in this embodiment , the collet 216 does not have ribs . the outer wall 222 of the collet 216 , however , is slightly curved in an outwardly direction when the collet 216 is in an uncompressed state . thus , as the collet 216 is elastically deformed , the surface area of the wall 222 that contacts the wall of the main bore portion 212 increases . yet another alternative embodiment is shown in fig1 . the proximal trial body 234 includes a main bore portion 236 and a lower bore portion 238 separated by a lip 240 . a collet 242 is located within the lower bore portion 238 . the collet 242 is similar to the collet 216 . a nut 244 is also located within the main bore portion 236 . the reamer 246 which is used with the proximal trial body 234 includes an expandable flange 248 and a threaded portion 250 . the embodiment of fig1 works similarly to the embodiment of fig1 . the main difference is that the collet 242 is compressed between the flange 248 and the lip 240 . thus , the nut 244 compresses the collet 242 indirectly . while the present invention has been illustrated by the description of exemplary processes and system components , and while the various processes and components have been described in considerable detail , applicant does not intend to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail . additional advantages and modifications will also readily appear to those ordinarily skilled in the art . the invention in its broadest aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details , implementations , or illustrative examples shown and described . accordingly , departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant &# 39 ; s general inventive concept . by way of example , but not of limitation , the system described herein may be applied to other bones and joints besides the hip . such bones may include tibial and humerus bones .

US-60509906-A

the present invention is directed to an airbag system that a user can deploy to reduce the chances of being buried in an avalanche or if buried , likely being buried near the surface , thereby improving the user &# 39 ; s chances of surviving the experience . in one embodiment , the airbag system is comprised of an inflatable balloon , a pressure gas cylinder for holding a pressurized gas that is used in inflating the balloon , a valve that can be placed in a closed state to retain a pressurized gas in the pressure gas cylinder or an open state in which pressurized gas is released from the pressure gas cylinder . the system further comprises an ejector that operates to use pressurized gas received from the pressure gas cylinder and ambient air to inflate the balloon . also part of the system is a flow restrictor that is located to receive pressurized gas from the pressure gas cylinder before the ejector receives the gas . a harness supports the noted elements of the system adjacent to an individual &# 39 ; s body .

fig1 a , 1 b , and 2 illustrate an embodiment of an airbag system for use in avalanche situation . the embodiment of the airbag system is hereinafter referred to as system 20 . the system 20 is comprised of an inflatable balloon 22 , a pocket 24 that holds the balloon 22 when deflated and opens when the balloon is being inflated , a pressure gas cylinder 28 for holding pressurized gas that is used to inflate the balloon 22 , a valve and flow restrictor assembly 30 , high - pressure tubing 32 , a single - stage ejector 34 that receives gas provided by the cylinder 28 via the high - pressure tubing 32 and provides a combined stream of gas from the cylinder 28 and ambient air to the balloon 22 , an air box 36 , and air intake cover 38 , a harness 40 , and a sack 42 for holding a user &# 39 ; s gear . the harness 40 is used to support the other elements of the system 10 and to attach the other elements of the system 10 to a user . the harness 40 is comprised of a molded ethylene vinyl acetate ( eva ) panel 44 that is commonly used in back packs , a pair of shoulder straps 46 a , 46 b that each engage the panel 44 , and a buckled waist belt 48 that also engages the panel 44 . it should be appreciated that the invention is capable of being used with any type of harness that is capable of : ( a ) supporting the other elements of the invention that are needed to store and deploy a balloon in an avalanche situation and ( b ) attaching these other elements adjacent to a user &# 39 ; s body . examples of other harnesses include climbing harnesses and packs that have metal ladder - frames , shoulder straps , and waist belts . other examples of harnesses include items of clothing , such as jackets , vest , coats , parkas and the like . it should be appreciated that the other types of harnesses also suggest that the sack 42 is part of the backpack embodiment of the system but is not a necessary element of the system . the inflatable balloon 22 is made of a tear resistant and substantially gas impermeable material , such as a coated nylon . other materials are also feasible . with reference to fig3 , the balloon 22 is structured so that , when deployed by an individual that is properly wearing the harness , the inflated balloon occupies a space that is substantially behind a plane that is generally defined by the user &# 39 ; s back and the panel 44 . as such , the inflated balloon does not interfere with the user &# 39 ; s ability to look forward and to each side . further , the inflated balloon does not occupy the space defined by the normal range of motion of the user &# 39 ; s legs . consequently , the inflated balloon does not interfere with the user &# 39 ; s ability to move their legs in attempting to evade or cope with an avalanche situation . the inflated balloon also does not occupy all or a substantial portion of the space in which a user is normally able to move their arms that is forward of the noted plane defined by the user &# 39 ; s back and the panel 44 . it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to a particular balloon shape or deployment in a particular space relative to a user . the balloon shape and the space in which the balloon is deployed when in use can be adapted to different embodiments of the invention . the balloon is also structured so that when it is fully inflated , it occupies a space of about 150 liters . the pocket 24 is defined by a front and rear portions 50 a , 50 b , a rear seam 52 that joins the front and rear portions 50 a , 50 b to one another , and an opening 54 that employs a fastener that is capable of closing the pocket 24 to store the balloon 22 but can be opened upon deployment of the balloon 22 . in one embodiment , the fastener is a hook - and - loop type of fastener , such as a velcro fastener . when a hook - and - loop fastener is employed , the velcro fastener does not extend over a small portion of the opening 54 to facilitate the separation of the hook and loop elements of the fastener from one another when the balloon begins to inflate . the rear seam 52 also engages the rear end of the balloon 22 . the rear seam 52 also includes a number of loops 56 through which a cord passes and is used to anchor the balloon 22 and pocket 24 to the panel 44 . the fastening of the balloon 22 and pocket 24 to the panel 44 in this manner allows the balloon 22 and pocket 24 to be readily detached should the balloon 22 become damaged and require replacement or the balloon 22 otherwise needs to be removed , such as in a rescue situation . the pocket 24 is generally u - shaped to accommodate the shape of the balloon 22 . further , the pocket 24 is sized so that the balloon 24 fits tightly within the pocket 24 , which also aids in the ability of the balloon 24 to deploy from the pocket 24 during the inflation operation . with reference to fig2 , the pressure gas cylinder 28 is a stock pressure gas cylinder that is rated to at least 3000 psi and , at 3000 psi , contains approximately 42 standard liters of compressed gas . in the illustrated embodiment , the cylinder 28 preferably has a volume of less than 20 cubic inches of water , more preferably less than about 15 cubic inches of water . typically , the cylinder 28 is filled with air . however , other gases , such as nitrogen , can also be used . sites that are capable of filling the cylinder 28 up to at least the 3000 psi pressure rating include scuba shops , fire stations , and paintball facilities . the cylinder 28 includes a threaded opening for engaging the valve and flow restrictor assembly 30 . with reference to fig4 a - 4c , 5 , and 6 , the valve and flow restrictor assembly 30 is described in greater detail . the assembly 30 is comprised of a housing 60 with a threaded collar 62 for engaging the threaded opening of the cylinder 28 . in connection with the valve , the housing 60 defines a path for pressurized gas to flow from the cylinder 28 and towards the balloon 22 . the path includes a first port 64 that is in fluid communication with the interior of the cylinder 28 ( the cylinder - side port ) and a second port 66 that is in fluid communication with the balloon 22 via the ejector 34 and the high - pressure tubing 32 ( the balloon - side port ). interposed between the first and second ports 64 , 66 is a movable block element 68 that is capable of being positioned to place the valve in : ( a ) a closed state in which pressurized gas contained within the cylinder 28 is prevented from flowing from the first port to the second port and ( b ) an open state in which pressurized gas contained with the cylinder 28 is allowed to flow from the first port to the second port and on towards the balloon 22 . in the illustrated embodiment , the movable block element 68 is comprised of a valve stem 68 , a portion of which is capable of being moved into and out of the space within the housing 60 at which the first and second ports 64 , 66 intersect one another to respectively place the valve in the closed and open states . the valve stem 68 is supported within a space 70 within the housing 60 by a threaded hex plug 72 that is engaged the housing 60 , spacer tube 74 , a pair of radial seal elements 76 a , 76 b to prevent the flow of gas past the valve stem 68 through the space 70 , a pair of back - up rings 78 a , 78 b to prevent undue movement of the radial seal elements 76 a , 76 b through the space 70 , and an annular flow spacer 80 . the hex plug 72 and spacer tube 74 also serve to hold the radial seal elements 76 a , 76 b , back - up rings 78 a , 78 b , and annular flow spacer 80 in place within the space 70 . with reference to fig5 , the valve stem 68 is positioned so as to place the valve in the closed state , i . e ., communication of gas from the first port 64 to the second port 66 is prevented . the valve stem 68 is capable of , with reference to fig5 , being moved to the left to place the valve in the open condition to allow gas to flow from the first port 64 to the second port 66 . a shoulder 82 of the valve stem 68 and the hex plug 72 cooperate to limit the leftward movement of the valve stem 68 and prevent the valve stem 68 from being totally removed from the space 70 . it should be appreciated that in this embodiment the valve is a pressure balanced valve , i . e ., a valve in which no active element ( such as a spring ) is required to counteract the pressure within the cylinder 28 to hold the valve in a closed state . this , in turn , allows the state of the valve to be changed from the closed state to the open state with a direct actuation device , i . e ., an actuation device that does not need to overcome the operation of an active element in holding the valve in a closed state . it should also be appreciated that other valves can be used to control the flow of gas from the cylinder 28 to the airbag 22 . with reference to fig4 b and 7 , displacement of the valve stem 68 from the position in which the valve is in the closed state ( fig5 ) to the position in which the valve is in the open state , is accomplished using a metal cord 86 , one end of which is attached to the valve stem 68 and the other end of which is attached to a handle 88 located adjacent to shoulder strap 46 a . the metal cord is housed within a sheath 90 to prevent the cord from abrading the materials of the shoulder strap 46 a and other material associated with system 20 that is located between the handle 88 and the valve and flow restrictor assembly 30 . to prevent the handle 88 from being inadvertently pulled and the valve placed in the open condition , a sealable pocket 92 for housing the handle 88 is associated with the shoulder strap 46 a . with reference to fig6 , another feature that prevents the valve from being placed in the open state are the hole 94 in the valve stem and the hole 96 in the hex plug 72 , which can be aligned and accommodate a cotter pin or similar device . the housing 60 also defines a pressure sensing port 100 that communicates with the first port 64 and accommodates a threaded pressure indicator / gauge 102 that allows a user to determine if the cylinder 28 contains sufficient gas for inflating the balloon 22 before engaging in an activity in which the user might be exposed to an avalanche situation . the housing 60 also defines a filling port 104 that communicates with the first port 64 and accommodates a threaded , quick - connect one way valve 106 . the valve 106 allows the air charging systems employed in fire stations , scuba / dive shops , paintball shops and the like to be used to inject air into the cylinder 28 . as should be appreciated , the valve must be in the closed state in order for a charging system to inject air into the cylinder 28 up to the needed or desired pressure . also defined by the housing 60 is a burst port 108 that accommodates a threaded , burst plug that is designed to vent the gas contained in the cylinder 28 if the pressure in the cylinder 28 exceeds a certain level , thereby reducing the possibility of the cylinder 28 exploding . in the illustrated embodiment , the burst plug is designed to vent gas from the cylinder when the pressure within the cylinder 28 exceeds 4500 psi . the housing 60 also contains a flow restrictor 114 that , when the valve is in the open state , reduces the pressure presented at the input to the ejector such that the ejector can draw in significantly more ambient air than if a flow restrictor is not employed . this , in turn , reduces the amount of gas that is needed from the cylinder 28 . consequently , a smaller cylinder 28 can be employed and , other things being equal , reduces the weight of the system 20 . further , the flow restrictor 114 produces a reasonably fixed pressure ratio as the flow of gas crosses it . as such , the pressure on the downstream side falls in time in proportion to the pressure in the cylinder 28 . the flow restrictor 114 is a threaded plug that engages the first port and defines an orifice 116 having a diameter in the range of 0 . 010 to 0 . 060 inches and more preferably in a range of 0 . 020 to 0 . 040 inches . in the illustrated embodiment , the orifice of the flow regulator has a diameter of 0 . 030 inches . using the flow restrictor 114 allowed a cylinder 28 that held approximately 41 standard liters of pressurized air at 3000 psi to operate in conjunction with the single - stage ejector 34 to fill a balloon with a fully inflated volume of 150 liters . the flow restrictor 114 is located in the first port 64 and between the filling port 104 and the end of the first port 64 that is furthest from the valve stem 68 . as such , the flow restrictor 114 functions as previously noted when the valve is in the open state and gas is flowing from the cylinder 28 through the first and second ports 64 , 66 and on towards the balloon 22 . in addition , when the valve is in the closed state and gas is being injected into the cylinder 28 via the filling port 104 , the flow restrictor 114 serves the additional function of keeping the cylinder 28 cooler than if the flow restrictor 114 was not present . it should be appreciated that a flow restrictor need not be located within a housing that also houses a valve , i . e ., the flow restrictor can be embodied in a separate part that is operatively connected to the valve . further , a flow restrictor can be located between the valve and the ejector . however , a flow restrictor so located does not provide the cooling benefit during filling of a flow restrictor that is located as illustrated in fig5 . with reference to fig8 a - 8c , the single - stage ejector 34 is comprised of a housing 120 that defines an outlet space 122 for conveying a gas stream that is a combination of gas from the cylinder 28 and ambient air to the balloon 22 . the housing 120 also defines an inlet space 124 that receives gas from the cylinder 28 when the valve is in the open state and ambient air . the gas from the cylinder 28 is received into the inlet space 124 via an inlet port 126 that receives gas from the cylinder 28 via the valve and the high - pressure tubing 32 . ambient air is received into the inlet space 124 via a spring loaded port 128 that is open when the ejector 34 is receiving sufficient gas from the cylinder 28 to create a vacuum sufficient to overcome the force of a spring and closed when the ejector 34 is not receiving sufficient gas from the cylinder 28 to create a vacuum sufficient to overcome the force of the spring . the spring loaded port 128 is comprised of a circular port 130 that fits within a hole 132 defined by the housing 120 , a generally t - shaped port mount 134 that engages the port 130 and spans a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole 132 , a stand 136 that engages the mount 134 , and a spring 138 housed within the stand 136 . in operation , the ejector 34 receives gas from the cylinder 28 via the inlet port 126 . the received gas from the cylinder passes into the outlet space 122 via an orifice 140 . in the illustrated embodiment , the orifice has a diameter of about 0 . 042 inches . provided there is sufficient gas from the cylinder 28 being injected into the outlet space 122 , a vacuum will be established on the interior side of the circular port 130 . this will cause the port 130 to be displaced towards the spring 138 and will allow ambient air to pass through the hole 132 and into the outlet space 122 , thereby creating a stream of gas for filling the balloon that is a combination of gas from the cylinder 28 and ambient air . once there is insufficient gas from the cylinder passing into the outlet space to create a sufficient vacuum for overcoming the force of the spring 138 , the circular port and t - shaped mount 134 will seal the hole 132 , holding pressure in the balloon 22 by acting as a non - return valve . with reference to fig2 , the air box 36 serves to establish a path for ambient air to be received by the ejector 34 . as such , the air box 36 is connected to the portion of the housing 120 of the ejector 34 that includes the hole 132 . the periphery of the air box 36 is connected to the rear side of the panel 44 and over a hole in the panel 44 . with reference to fig1 b , the air intake cover 38 is connected to the front side of the panel 44 and over the hole in the panel 44 . with reference to fig1 a , 1 b , and 2 , it should be appreciated that the balloon 22 , pocket 24 , cylinder 28 , high - pressure tubing 32 , ejector 34 , and air box 36 are all located on the rear side of the panel 44 and , as such , are protected by the panel 44 and the sack 42 . further , in the illustrated embodiment , the noted elements located on the rear side of the pack are accessible via the sack 42 . operation of the system 20 involves placing the system 20 in a operable condition and , once the system 20 is in an operable condition , using the system 20 to deploy the balloon 22 . generally , placing the system 20 in an operable condition comprises : ( a ) placing the balloon 22 in the pocket 24 and engaging the fastener associated with the pocket 24 , and ( b ) charging the cylinder 28 with gas to a sufficient pressure so that when the valve is placed in the open condition , the balloon 22 will deploy from the pocket 24 . preferably , placing the balloon 22 in the pocket 24 involves folding the balloon 22 in an accordion type fashion , positioning the folded balloon 22 in the pocket 24 , and engaging the fastener associated with the pocket . to charge the cylinder 28 , the valve is placed in the closed position , i . e ., the valve stem 68 is position as shown in fig5 . further , to prevent displacement of the valve stem 68 during the filling process , the hole 94 of the valve stem 68 is aligned with the hole 96 associated with the hex plug 72 and a cotter pin or similar device is placed in the aligned holes , thereby preventing the valve stem 68 from being inadvertently displaced and the valve placed in the open state . the cylinder 28 is then charged with gas by connecting the quick - connect one way valve 106 to a suitable charging device . once the cylinder 28 is sufficient charged with gas , the charging device is disconnected from the valve 106 . after the cylinder 28 is charged and when a user is in a possible avalanche situation , the cotter pin or similar device is removed so that the valve can be placed in the open state , if needed , and the handle 88 is removed , if needed , from the pocket 92 . at this point , a user can cause the balloon 22 to be deployed from the pocket 24 by pulling on the handle 88 to place the valve in the open state . with the valve in the open state , gas from the cylinder 22 passes through the valve and flow restrictor assembly 30 and into the ejector 34 . the ejector 34 operates to produce a gas stream that is a combination of the gas from the cylinder 28 and ambient air . the ejector 34 provides this combination gas stream to the balloon 22 . the balloon 34 , in turn , begins to inflate and eventually causes the fastener associated with the pocket 24 to release . at this point , the balloon 22 deploys from the pocket 24 . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof , it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .

US-35738309-A

an orthodontic bracket has been designed which can be made of ceramic material . the bracket can be used for correcting class ii and class iii malocclusions without the use of a kobiashi tie , ball hook , or power hook , which had previously been used to make such corrections . this invention , on the other hand , employs an integral hook design , which makes use of the same mechanics , but without requiring any brazing or welding of the hook to the body of the bracket .

fig1 is a pictorial view of two brackets of the invention in a particular use on teeth , showing a condition for achieving rotation . these are shown on adjacent lower bicuspid and cuspid teeth . also shown are ligature ties . fig2 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket of fig1 on lower teeth , showing also an archwire which is to be positioned within the archwire slot of the bracket . a ligature tie is also shown . fig3 is a front view of an embodiment of a bracket of the invention ( having a torque and angulation according to the roth prescription ) suitable for placement onto a bicuspid tooth . fig4 is a side view of the bicuspid bracket shown in fig3 . fig5 is a front view of an embodiment of a bracket of the invention ( also having a torque and angulation according to the roth prescription ) suitable for placement onto a cuspid tooth . fig6 is a side view of the bracket shown in fig5 . fig7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7 -- 7 of fig1 showing a bracket of the invention bonded to a tooth with a bonding surface material ( which can be a fritting material ) present and showing an archwire within an archwire slot with rounded corners at the bottom of the slot . fig8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8 -- 8 of fig1 . fig9 is a sectional view showing a modification according to the invention of the archwire slot , the geometry of which corrects an undesirable condition which arises when the rounded corners shown in fig7 are used . fig1 , 11 , and 12 show alternative embodiments of suitable shapes for the bottom of the archwire slot . in fig1 and 2 , brackets of the invention referred to generally as 20 are shown in use on adjacent teeth 22 . an archwire 24 is shown , together with ligatures 26 . referring to fig3 in which a front view of an embodiment of a bracket of the invention ( suitable for placement onto a bicuspid ) is shown , this bracket exhibiting a 22 ° torque and a 0 ° angulation . although this particular combination of torque and angulation is shown , the brackets of the invention can be made in any suitable orthodontic prescription . currently , the roth prescription is often used , but other prescriptions , ( for example the andrews prescription ) can be used in making the orthodontic brackets of the invention . in fig3 and 4 , brackets 20 comprises a bracket body 30 which is integrally formed onto bracket base 32 . bracket body 30 features an extended integral wing 34 having a first notch 36 located therein opposite a second notch 38 . extended integral wing 34 has an extremity referred to as the gingival side 40 . bracket body 30 also has an occlusal side 42 . archwire slot 44 extends through bracket body 30 in a direction substantially parallel to gingival side 40 and occlusal side 42 . extended integral wing 34 is machined so that notches 36 and 38 are relieved entirely through wing 34 between the gingival wing edge 40 and bracket body 30 . as shown for example in fig1 - 3 and 5 , the wing 34 has a width that is approximately the same as the width that is approximately the same as the width of the occlusal side 42 and the length of the archwire slot 44 . bracket body 30 has a third notch 46 , which is positioned on the occlusal side 42 of bracket body 30 at a position which is substantially equidistant from mesial side 48 and distal side 50 . as shown in fig3 third notch 46 does not extend to archwire slot 44 . in effect , third notch 46 produces on occlusal side 42 a bifurcated single wing component of bracket 20 . this provides utility for twin bracket mechanics , whereby either side 48 or side 50 of bracket body 30 can be rotated away from the center line of the tooth , depending upon the rotation which is desired and depending upon the placement of the ligature tie , further described below . notch 36 and notch 38 result in a bracket having an integral hook design . because of this design , there is no need ( as was present in the prior art ) for a stud or a hook which had to be welded or brazed onto a bracket in order to achieve correction of class ii and class iii malocclusions . additionally , the notches 36 and 38 result in the advantage that the ligature is easily positioned onto other brackets ( i . e ., it is easier to start the elastic ligature when it is desired to position the ligature around adjacent teeth , for example , than it was to position a ligature around prior art devices ) and of course , the notches 36 and 38 hold the elastic ligature in position on the bracket , whereas a bracket with no such notches might not hold an elastic tie and might be unacceptable for correcting class ii and class iii malocclusions . the distance on extended integral wing 34 between notch 36 and 38 is shown in fig3 as distance &# 34 ; x &# 34 ;. for strength , when the bracket 20 is made of ceramic , distance x should be relatively large as compared with the length of archwire slot 44 , referred to as distance &# 34 ; y &# 34 ; in fig3 . preferably , x will be at least about 50 % as large as y but no more than 70 % of y . additionally , for strength , distance &# 34 ; z &# 34 ; which represents the depth of third notch 46 , as shown in fig3 and 4 should be adjacent to tie wing undercut 45 and not extending through base 32 . as shown in fig4 and 6 , bracket base 32 has a machined curvature 54 machined to fit the curvature of the tooth along the long axis of the clinical crown of the tooth . frits 56 are shown on lower surface 54 in fig7 and will be described further below . it is pointed out that notches 36 and 38 are such that they do not continue far into bracket body 30 . that is , the notched portion n does not continue far into bracket body 30 , but rather only notches out a portion of extended integral wing 34 . the distance f is the length of extended integral wing 34 and distance n preferably should not be greater than about 60 % of f . also , as seen on fig4 distance &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; should be relatively small , and it should not be greater than distance &# 34 ; b &# 34 ;. distance &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; shown on fig3 and 4 shows the length of bracket body 30 , and distance &# 34 ; y &# 34 ; shows the width of bracket body 30 . it should be noted that in fig7 the archwire 24 will be generally in a horizontal position in the mouth within archwire slot 44 . referring to fig7 an important feature of archwire slot 44 is displayed . it has been found that when brackets 20 of the invention are made of ceramic , it is desirable that the lower portion of archwire slot 44 have rounded corners 60 . however , rounding these corners results in an undesirable condition . when an archwire having a rectangular cross section is placed therein , high stress concentrations occur where the archwire and the slot interface it has been found that this undesirable condition can be corrected by the following design . referring to fig9 the bracket is machined such that a platform 62 for supporting the archwire 24 is produced . the platform can have a variety of shapes and a variety of ranges of total surface areas which come in contact with the archwire . as shown in fig9 the preferred embodiment is a relatively wide platform portion 62 . the essential requirement for the platform 62 is as follows . the platform should be such that it positions the archwire at a level in the archwire slot which is above the level on the side walls of the slot at which the curved sections begin . this geometry allows full engagement of archwire 24 in archwire slot 44 , without concentrated stresses at the bottom of archwire slot 44 . as illustrated in fig9 the archwire slot 44 when viewed in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the slot 44 has curved sections or corners curving inwardly toward each other along the bottom of the slot 44 from each of the opposed side walls , and the platform 62 is between the corners . other embodiments for suitable shapes for the bottom of archwire slot 44 are shown in fig1 , 11 , and 12 . in fig1 , an embodiment is shown , wherein platform 62 is of a smaller cross sectional area than that of the platform shown in fig9 . in fig1 a sine wave shape is shown as the lower surface of archwire slot 44 . one and one half cycles are shown . in fig1 , an alternative embodiment showing two and one half cycles of a sine wave shape is shown . if the bracket of the invention is to be made of ceramic , it can be made by any suitable process for making ceramic brackets . one suitable procedure is to ( 1 ) prepare a mixture of ceramic powders and binder material ; ( 2 ) mold the mixture ; ( 3 ) eject the molded form from the mold ; ( 4 ) fire the prepared form under conditions such that the composite material shrinks and the binder material vaporizes , leaving only the ceramic material in the mold ; ( 5 ) then place this prepared form onto an adhesive surface ( or onto a waxed surface ) which can move with respect to a diamond wheel , and then machine the bracket , including the tie wing 47 and extended integral wing 34 , employing a lubricant flood . the archwire slot 44 is machined in ( also with lubricant flood ) with a diamond wheel to remove polycrystalline material to the desired depth and shape . other suitable ways of providing a ceramic bracket are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 595 , 598 and in european patent application no . 85302798 . 5 ( filed apr . 22 , 1985 ); and those disclosures are hereby incorporated herein by reference . it has been found that fritting can be used to improve the bonding of such ceramic brackets to teeth . therefore , if desired , a thin layer of fritting material can be positioned on the brackets of the present invention by any suitable means . the brackets of this invention can be made to any suitable orthodontic prescription , employing a variety of torques and angulations . a suitable prescription of torques and angulations is of the roth prescription . that prescription is described in the reference textbook of orthodontics by t . m . graber . with the roth prescription , &# 34 ; straight wire finishing &# 34 ; is provided . that is , after the brackets are used in this prescription , no further finishing is required ( except that a straight wire is placed in the mouth in order to anchor the teeth ). this is further described in the graber reference referred to above . the orthodontic brackets of the invention can be used in any suitable manner . for example , in order to correct class ii and class iii malocclusions , first notch 36 and second notch 38 of a first bracket on a first upper tooth will be encircled with an elastic which proceeds then over the occlusal surfaces to a lower second tooth which is located adjacent to the tooth immediately below the first upper tooth , usually a molar . in order to effect rotation of a tooth , a ligature can be shown as illustrated in fig1 the ligature being positioned behind extended integral wing 34 ( shown in fig3 ), through first notch 36 and second notch 38 , over archwire 24 and then under either first portion 47a or second portion 47b of tie wing 47 . if consolidation of teeth is required , elastic chain can be positioned over archwire 24 and under viewing undercuts 45 , linking several orthodontic brackets together as a unit . for effecting orthodontic corrections , the brackets of this invention are especially suitable for placement onto cuspid and bicuspid teeth .

US-89835592-A

vascular pressures and oximetry are optimized through administration of fluids and other support prior to manipulating temperature in a therapeutic hypothermia procedure . temperature and active hemodynamic management are utilized , through measurement and adjustment of temperature and hemodynamic parameters through the use of an internal cooling device , such as endovascular catheter , and / or an external temperature - altering device , to ensure that temperature management is optimized , and hemodynamics and tissue resuscitation are optimized prior to and during temperature manipulation .

we advocate a combined hemodynamic - metabolic and temperature goal directed ( or personalized ) management system for the resuscitation of patients with critical illness and injury . an example of this would be the incorporation of oximetric and other measurement capabilities into the distal end of endovascular temperature catheters allowing for the measurement of venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation . this is shown generally in fig1 as a cooling platform system where the catheter 10 is associated with one or more sensors 12 , 12 ′ which provide output to a control device 14 ( one or more controllers or computers , etc .) either by wired or wireless connection . oximetric capabilities could be accomplished , for example , by using a number of optical techniques and embedded fibers based on near infrared absorption spectroscopy , resonance raman spectroscopy or other spectroscopic techniques . furthermore , the oximetric values coming from the endovascular catheter 10 could be coupled with arterial oxygen saturation data provided by an external pulse oximeter ( not shown ) or indwelling arterial catheter capable of continuous blood gas measurements ( not shown ). these values are used together in the cooling / warming platform system to determine an oxygen extraction ratio ( oer ). the cooling / warming platform system controlling the catheter 10 temperature may house the pulse oximeter or it may take pulse oximetry from an external device . oer is a measure of metabolism and is a surrogate for the balance of oxygen consumption and delivery , and as such can be used as a target for therapeutic temperature manipulation . thus it can be used to tailor therapeutic temperature control to each patient individually , meaning that some patients may need to be cooled or warmed to different temperatures to obtain a therapeutic effect as opposed to targeting a single temperature or range of temperatures for a plurality of patients . this can be considered as a more physiological approach . fig2 shows schematically that one first measures and adjusts the patient &# 39 ; s hemodynamics 20 prior to or simultaneous to making temperature adjustments 22 with the catheter . this method may be particularly helpful in cases of trauma , sepsis , or other global perfusion abnormalities where oxygen consumption is also linked to coagulation and inflammatory responses . additionally , this approach will identify individuals who are hypothermic due to hypoperfusion and thus experiencing reduced oxygen consumption . therapeutic hypothermia ( th ) in these individuals is likely to be harmful . correction of perfusion abnormalities using the goal directed properties of the technology prior to or during th should improve the effects of subsequent th . technologies other than endovascular cooling and heating may be used including those used for surface cooling and heating . the controller 14 may also contain the cooling or warming apparatus . alternately , the cooling / warming apparatus may be physically separate from the controller but in electronic communication with it . controller 14 may also allow feed in ( input ) from local devices that measure venous hemoglobin oxygen saturations ( e . g ., cerebral or muscle near infrared absorption spectroscopy devices ); this is schematically represented in fig1 as “ other sensors and outputs 16 ”. this may be particularly helpful for use in focal tissue therapeutics . furthermore , the device could be coupled with measures of carbon dioxide production which reflect metabolism as well . this could include a combination of transcutaneous co 2 and end - tidal co 2 to produce a co 2 tissue gap measurement . other indicators of metabolic rate such as skin temperature flux , galvanic skin response , transcutaneous p0 2 , heart rate variability , transcranial doppler , etc . could be used as well for closed loop , goal directed , and therapeutic endpoints . additional endpoints , such as the electroencephalogram ( eeg ), somatosensory evoked potential ( sep ), auditory evoked potentials , and other indicators of neural activity and consciousness including those associated with sleep and attentiveness such as actigraphy , breathing rate , eye movement , and others could be used to drive temperature management to enhance sleep and optimize circadian physiology of the brain and body . these parameters have been well correlated with neurologic activity ranging from seizures to brain injury to consciousness ( eeg , sep , auditory evoked potentials ) and stages of sleep ( eeg , breathing rate , eye movements , actigraphy ) allowing for temperature to be used to optimize ranges of neurologic activity such as sleep , seizure suppression and others . the controller also receives and sends information to and from devices capable of changing hemodynamics . these include but are not limited to intravenous infusion systems which may provide intravenous fluids and medications capable of improving or optimizing the patient &# 39 ; s hemodynamic and tissue perfusion status . the controller is thus operably linked directly or indirectly to other components of the system ( e . g . the various devices described herein ) and is capable of receiving information and data ( controller input , usually in the form of e . g . measurements ) from those devices . for example , the controller is configured to receive data that includes the actual values of physiological parameters of a patient . in addition , the controller is configured to receive input from an operator , e . g . a physician or health care professional , such as individual characteristics of a patient ( e . g . age , weight , etc .) and desired or target values of physiological parameters for the patient . such values may also be input from a database , e . g . a database that has stored the patient &# 39 ; s records . the controller is also configured to calculate , for example , the difference between actual and targeted values and to generate instructions or signals which can be transmitted ( output ) to other devices in the system . other devices or components of the system receive the instructions or signals as input , and the instructions cause the devices to change or maintain their operation , as necessary , in order to achieve or maintain the targeted physiological values for the patient . any or all of these processes of data input , output , transfer , etc . may be automated , e . g . carried out by a computer or by a computer software program . for example , a computer program may be used to calculate the target values for a patient . such programs may be linked , or a single program may be designed which encompasses and integrates all the processes and calculations . the endovascular cooling catheter 10 can also be improved by the addition of a solid state pressure sensor 12 ′ at its tip or other location allowing for the measurement of pressure in the inferior or superior vena cava . the combination of the pressure sensor 12 ′ and the oximetric measurement capabilities 12 allows the catheter 10 to be used to perform goal directed therapy ( gdt ) simultaneously to temperature manipulation . gdt may play a critical role in optimizing global and end - organ outcomes during therapeutic temperature manipulation or vice versa . the controller 14 could be equipped to receive information from an arterial pressure catheter 16 to include pulse pressure measurements of volume or even cardiac output measurements . additional neurologic feedback controls such as eeg and its derivatives could be used . heart analyses including heart rate variability could be used as an endpoint . in essence , real time physiologic variables could be used as end - points in a goal directed and closed - loop therapeutic fashion . advanced machine learning and other techniques such as neural networks and fuzzy logic can be incorporated into developing protocols for various states ( cardiac arrest , cardiogenic shock , trauma , sepsis , traumatic neurologic injury , stroke , high risk surgeries , etc .) closed loop cooling or heating and other resuscitation algorithms could be created allowing cooling or heating to advance based on these other measurements as targets or to indicate that hemodynamic parameters should be manipulated to optimize temperature . such information could be provided to the controller 14 via bluetooth or other wireless inputs . such algorithms and feeds can be used to produce closed loop resuscitation strategies that presently include only temperature as a variable . not only would absolute temperature endpoint tailoring be possible but other aspects of temperature change such as the rate of change could be manipulated as well by physiologic indicators . the controllers and algorithms both receive input from multiple , and sometimes unrelated , devices ( such as neurologic monitoring devices , cardiovascular monitoring devices , and treatment devices ) as well as send data to treatment devices ( such as cardiovascular treatment devices and temperature treatment devices ). these technologies could be reduced ( in size , in complexity , etc .) in the future to allow endovascular temperature manipulation through catheters placed in peripheral arm veins . venous pressure , arterial pressure , cardiac output and oximetric information could be used in similar feedback mechanisms for external cooling methods or methods of cooling using pharmaceuticals . examples of these might include but not be limited to cooling blankets or pads of various sources , heating pads or radiant heat sources , use of intravenous metabolic inhibitors or modulators , and the use of nasopharyngeal or other topical use of perfluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon evaporative or other evaporative chemistry . noninvasive measurement of hemodynamic variables can also be used as feedback from cooling or warming using invasive cooling / warming methods . to expound on the methods mentioned above , surface or external cooling , while less efficient than endovascular cooling , has advantages of technical and manual simplicity for clinical application . new engineering principles may allow for an increase in heat transfer efficiencies through such technologies as vibration and others . regardless , a critical need still exists to allow precision use of surface or external cooling similar to endovascular cooling by guiding its application with physiologic feedback via sensor input and a control system in order to allow tailored application for therapeutic purposes . for instance , as illustrated in fig4 , an external temperature - altering device or method 10 a may be employed as an alternative to the endovascular catheter 10 of fig1 . the external temperature - altering device or method may take the form of a cooling surface , a cooling blanket , a cooling pad , a cooling pillow , a cooling wrap , a cooling garment , an evaporative cooling method , or the like , and alternately or additionally , a heating surface , a heating blanket , a heating pad , a heating pillow , a heating wrap , a heating garment , or the like . furthermore , both internal and external temperature - altering devices or methods can be used in combination , such as illustrated in fig5 . for instance , temperature adjustments via an endovascular catheter delivering fluid at very cold temperatures can be offset , and therefore controlled , by counter - temperature adjustments via an external heating surface . in summary , a significant advance can be made by coupling temperature manipulation with resuscitation as a new method to optimize global and regional organ outcomes . in some embodiments , the controller 14 comprises a control system , as shown in fig3 , which uses stable multi - input multi - output ( mimo ) fuzzy neural ( fn ) control . the advantage of using this control system is : 1 ) the heuristic knowledge physicians have in treating patients , no matter how approximate and non - quantitative it might be , can be directly fed into the fuzzy neural ( fn ) controller and utilized towards further improvement of the system ; this knowledge is then optimized by the update law unit and used directly during control processes ; 2 ) the stability of the process is guaranteed so the patient &# 39 ; s health is never jeopardized because of the fn controller &# 39 ; s performance ; and 3 ) due to the use of linguistic variables , the majority of the knowledge processed and produced by the controller is perceivable by the clinical staff . hence the system provides some level of transparency on how it works and the results it produces . many controllers with adaptive nature can be used for this purpose ; neuro - fuzzy controllers are simply examples of such very diverse and capable controllers . in other words , while it is possible that fuzzy neural models would be among more suitable solutions , there are a multitude of other controllers such as optimal controllers , h - infinity ( robust ) controllers , linear adaptive controllers , neural ( non - fuzzy ) controllers , pid controllers , and model - based controllers , which can be effectively used for this problem . the main variables of the control system shown in fig3 are as follows : x r ( t )=[ x r1 ( t ) . . . x rn ( t )] is the multi - dimensional reference ( desired ) vector that identifies the desired values for the hemodynamic parameters and other physiological signals monitored and controlled throughout the process , i . e . x r1 ( t )= oxygen extraction ratio , x r2 ( t )= desired central venous pressure , x r3 ( t )= desired transcutaneous co 2 , x r4 ( t )= desired end - tidal co 2 , x r5 ( t )= desired skin temperature flux , x r6 ( t )= desired tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation x r7 ( t )= desired variations in heart rate variability , and so on . these values are set by physicians and may change from one patient to another and even for a given patient throughout the course of th . x ( t )=[ x 1 ( t ) . . . x n ( t )] is the multi - dimensional output state vector reflecting the actual value of the monitored hemodynamic and other physiological signals , i . e . x 1 ( t )= actual oxygen extraction ratio , x 2 ( t )= actual central venous pressure , x 3 ( t )= actual transcutaneous co 2 , x 4 ( t )= actual end - tidal co 2 , x 5 ( t )= actual skin temperature flux , x 6 ( t )= actual tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation , x 7 ( t )= actual variations in heart rate variability , and so on . these values are measured by the sensors described above . u ( t )=[ u 1 ( t ) . . . u k ( t )] is the multi - dimensional control input generated by the fn controller that is used to force the monitored physiological measures to follow / reach the desired values . specifically : u 1 ( t )= temperature of endovascular catheter , u 2 ( t )= volume of fluids given to patient , and so on . these values are measured by the sensors described and are calculated and updated by the fn controller . e ( t )=[ e 1 ( t ) . . . e k ( t )] is the error signal that is the difference between the desired and actual hemodynamic parameters as well as other physiological signals , as described above . this error signal is used to create the control input and to update the control law , as shown in the schematic diagram of fig3 . the main components of the control system shown in fig3 are as follows : fuzzy neural model controller 100 accepts as input the error signal , the actual state signal ( x ) and the control input in the previous steps ( e . g . previous or initial settings , instructions or operating parameters for the devices ) and generates the control input for the next step ( e . g . recommended future or next settings instructions or operating parameters for the devices ). the fuzzy structure of the neural model used in the fn controller also provides the capability of incorporating physicians &# 39 ; heuristic knowledge into the control input model since the model uses linguistic variables . system 110 that includes patient &# 39 ; s physiology and sensor sets responds to the control inputs such as the endovascular temperature and volume of fluid , and shows its response in the form of changes in the values of hemodynamic parameters and other physiological signals . the above - mentioned system is a time varying one as the patient &# 39 ; s exact physiology undergoes settled changes throughout the treatment process . this requires updating of the model as well as the control law . this is done by the update law unit 120 , which updates the model estimated from the system based on the latest observations from the system . while various embodiments have been described herein , it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that changes may be made to the described embodiments that are still within the scope of the appended claims , and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments can be combined with one another and also still be considered within the scope of the appended claims .

US-201515307690-A

a nasally introduced catheter has a portion in which a user &# 39 ; s breath air travels internally and a portion in which the breath travels externally . the portion in which air flow travels internally preferably includes a mesh or a whisk - like portion that expands and contracts , and the portion in which air flow travels externally preferably comprises a proximal tubular element having a sufficiently small cross - sectional area that at least 50 % of the breathing air flows externally to the proximal portion . a sheath can optionally be positioned about the distal portion , and pulled back along the proximal portion to allow the distal portion to expand . in other aspects users can anchor the proximal and distal portions relative to the sheath using a nose clip or by removably coupling an extension arm to proximal portion

in fig1 a nasal catheter 100 generally includes a proximal portion 110 , a distal portion 120 with a nub 122 at the end , a removable sheath 130 , and a nose clip 140 . the proximal portion 110 is a wire of satisfactory length , which is currently contemplated to include lengths sufficient to reach from the external nares to the posterior choanae . currently preferred lengths are 5 - 10 cm , with this and all ranges being inclusive of their endpoints unless the context clearly dictates the contrary . wire 110 can be made of any suitable material or materials , provided they are sufficiently flexible to be inserted in the nasal passageway of a typical human without causing substantial damage to the tissues , but also having sufficient column strength to enable proper insertion of the distal portion . the wire 110 should also be non - kinkable under ordinary operating conditions . wires 110 can be mono - or poly - filamentous , and in the later case can be twisted , wound , or woven . at present , the most preferred wires 110 are wound , comprise a nitinol or other shape - memory metal or alloy , and have an outside diameter of less than 6 fr . ( 2 mm ), and are coated with a terephthalate or other suitable bio - compatible polymer to reduce friction . the distal portion 120 can have any suitable dimensions , including for example a length of between 7 cm and 13 cm when in an expanded configuration , and more preferably between about 9 and 11 cm . preferred distal portions also have a maximum cross - section of no more than 10 mm 2 when in the non - expanded configuration , and no less than 75 mm 2 when in the expanded configuration . both length and diameter dimensions are derived from typical adult anatomy , and other sizes are also contemplated , such as to accommodate children and very large adults . distal portion 120 can advantageously comprise the same material ( s ) and coating ( s ) as the proximal portion , but could be also be quite different . where the distal portion comprises a mesh , it is important that the mesh defines spacing sufficient to accommodate both expected airflow and ordinary fluid drainage . in a currently preferred embodiment the spacing is approximately a square measuring about 2 mm on a side in the expanded configuration . in the expanded state the mesh would need to have sufficient radial force to part the pharyngeal tissue and provide a patent physiologic airway . but at the same time the radial force should advantageously be less than the tissue perfusion pressure to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation . it is important that the distal portion 120 is biased to the expanded configuration , but that the expansion can be manually reversed to a compressed configuration by sliding the sheath 130 over the expanded distal portion with a reasonable amount of effort . the distal portion 120 has a length in an expanded configuration that is at least 50 % less than in a contracted configuration , more preferably at least 20 % and most preferably at least 25 %. nub 122 is optional . one could alternatively leave the distal portion open at its distal end . in that case the end is preferably woven back or otherwise adapted to reduce injury to adjacent tissues . where nub 122 is present , it is preferably made of a plastic or other relatively soft material , and is preferably bull - nosed to allow for convenient insertion . it is also considered advantageous that the nub can be withdrawn into the mesh so that it does not irritate or tickle the vocal chords . this could be accomplished by inherent design of the mesh , so that when the mesh is expanded the nub is automatically pulled back . in the embodiment of fig2 , a nasal catheter 200 generally includes a proximal portion 210 , a distal portion 220 with a nub 222 at the end , a removable sheath 230 . but in this case the proximal portion 210 has an outer member having a lumen through which an inner member 215 slides . inner member 215 is coupled to nub 222 , and can be used to invaginate nub 222 back into the lumen of the mesh of distal portion 220 . in this instance nub 222 should be considered a functionally distal end of the distal portion 220 . removable sheath 130 , 230 is preferably similar to cardiovascular guide catheter in that it needs both considerable column strength and lateral bending flexibility , with a relatively thin wall . this can readily be accomplished using a plastic embedded with metal strands . at its distal end , the sheath 130 , 230 is preferably tapered to fit flush with the proximal end of the nub 122 , 222 . this expected to facilitate atraumatic insertion . sheaths 130 , 230 can be any convenient length , because it will likely not be left in the body . sheaths 130 , 230 can be split , so that they can be placed over the protrusion of the proximal portion out of the nose , which is likely continuous with the nose clip 140 . see fig1 . at the proximal end of the sheath 130 , 230 , one could have a handle , grip or other protuberance that facilitates gripping and manipulating of the sheath 130 , 230 by the user or his health care provider . in an alternative shown in fig3 , a nasal catheter 300 generally includes a proximal portion 310 , a distal portion 320 with a nub 322 at the end , a removable sheath 330 , and a nose clip 340 . here , however , the nose clip 340 is removably attached to the proximal portion 310 ( such as for example with a snap or a threaded connection ) and there is an extension arm 350 that is removably coupled to the proximal portion 310 . in practice one would insert the catheter 300 by sliding the sheath 330 over the distal portion 320 , inserting the catheter 300 into the nose of a user ( not shown ) an appropriate distance connect the extension arm 350 to the proximal end of the proximal portion 310 , withdrawing the sheath 330 over the proximal portion 310 and then over the extension arm 350 , detach the extension arm 350 from the proximal portion 310 , and finally attach the nose clip 340 to the proximal portion 310 . when removing the catheter 300 , one reverses the steps above . extension arm 350 can , of course , be made of any suitable materials and have any suitable length . nose clip 140 , 340 , 440 primarily functions to prevent the proximal portion 110 , 210 , 310 from sliding further than intended into the nasal cavity , and in extreme situations , advancing to a point that it cannot be easily retrieved . in that light the term nose clip should be construed euphemistically as including any sort of position retaining device that can prevent such untoward events . thus , for example , a nose clip can be a simple bent wire 140 such as that shown in fig1 , or a combination plastic and metal piece such as that shown in fig3 . in still further alternative embodiments ( not shown ), the retaining device could be a flared segment , a band that can be positioned about the head , and so forth . another purpose for the nose clip is to act as a positioning guide , indicating that the device is appropriately inserted . the nose clip can also be rotated clock - wise or counter - clockwise by a few degrees , which would also tend to rotate the entire length of the device , and thereby reducing potential for repetitive contact injury and areas of ischemic tissue damage . users should in fact be encouraged to rotate the nose clip by a few degrees each day . in fig4 a and 4b , a nasal catheter 400 generally includes a proximal portion 410 , a distal portion 420 with a collection of wires 420 a , 42013 terminating at a nub 422 , a sheath 430 , and a nose clip 440 . one of the wires 420 a is slidable with respect to the sheath 430 , and the other wires 420 b are not slidable with respected to the sheath . in that arrangement , the distal and proximal portions 410 , 420 can be inserted through the nose , with the distal portion 420 being in a contracted configuration . retracting the slidable wire actuates the device by distorting the orientation of the remaining wires 420 b to form a whisk - shaped distribution shown in fig4 b . the motion is similar to that found in the guidewire system of cordis ™ angioguard xp ™, except that in the cordis device the guidewires go flush by pulling the ends apart , and in the embodiments of fig4 a , 4 b , the wires expand to the whisk - shaped distribution by bringing the ends towards one another ( i . e . bringing the nub 422 proximal ). catheter 400 preferably has between 8 - 20 wires 420 b . it is currently contemplated that operation at the lower end of the range and below would tend to allow excessive tissue prolapse between the wires , and operation at the higher end of that range and above would tend to have inadequate radial separation and cause inspisated mucus buildup . the wires 420 b can extend proximally any suitable distance . they could , for example , terminate at or approximately at the distal end 432 of the sheath 430 ( as shown in the figures ), pass all the way to the proximal end of the sheath 430 , or terminate anywhere in between . it should also be appreciated that wires 420 b need not have a round cross - section . they could , for example , be flattened into ribbons , or have ovoid cross - sections . in fig5 a , 5 b , 5 c the nub 422 is coupled to the wires 420 b at pivot points 423 . this is intended to reduce breakage of the wires 420 b and increase the lifespan of the device 400 . the nub 422 also preferably includes grooves 424 that allow the wires to become flush with the surface of the nub 422 , which is expected to facilitate insertion . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fig5 a , 5 b , 5 c only depict two wires 420 b for the sake of clarity . a practical embodiment would likely have eight or more . thus , specific embodiments and applications of nasal catheters have been disclosed . it should be apparent , however , to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein . the inventive subject matter , therefore , is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims . moreover , in interpreting both the specification and the claims , all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context . in particular , the terms “ comprises ” and “ comprising ” should be interpreted as referring to elements , components , or steps in a non - exclusive manner , indicating that the referenced elements , components , or steps may be present , or utilized , or combined with other elements , components , or steps that are not expressly referenced . where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of a , b , c . . . and n , the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group , not a plus n , or b plus n , etc .

US-56149806-A

an athletic glove with an enhanced grip and range of motion provides for improved play in cold weather conditions . the glove may be comprised of a primary layer of flexible material with a low coefficient of friction and low adhesive properties , and tactile layers with a high coefficient of friction or high adhesive property layer on the front portions of the throwing fingers , whereby an athlete may achieve a natural tactile feel while wearing the glove . for example , a baseball glove may include high coefficient of friction material on the thumb , pointer , and middle fingers while the palm and remaining digits are of a low coefficient of friction material . a baseball glove may additionally include high coefficient of friction material on the inner side of the ring finger where the ring finger contacts the baseball . the athletic glove may also include striations or furrows in the high coefficient of friction areas to improve tactile feel in wet playing conditions .

in simplified overview , an athletic glove is described herein for improving athletic performance in less than ideal or adverse weather conditions . for example , in inclement weather during baseball games , the hand , a volatile extremity loses mobility and functionality as the ligaments , tendons and muscles are subjected to the elements . freezing and sub - mild temperatures cause the fingers to loose optimal feeling as well . this makes feeling and throwing a game ball , such as a baseball , with accuracy increasingly difficult . the disclosure herein solves these problems . specifically , the disclosed athletic glove creates an essential and necessary covering to keep the hand at an optimal temperature for mobility and performance while maintaining an enhanced tactile feel . in one embodiment , the enhanced performance athletic glove may be achieved by a glove made of an insulating material with an exterior surface having a generally low coefficient of friction , wherein preferably only the pressure point contacts of the glove are enhanced with a higher coefficient of friction material , such as , silicone . for example , a synthetic skin substitute , on the front of the fingers ( e . g ., pointer finger and middle finger ) as well as on the thumb may be used to enable the athlete to touch the ball with a tactile , skin - like material , while also keeping the hand warm . in one example , in the context of a baseball glove for protecting the throwing hand from the elements while maintaining a natural tactile feel on the ball , the glove may have silicone or other high coefficient of friction material at the point contacts with a baseball . these point contacts are preferably restricted to a high coefficient of friction material contact or exterior surface , such as silicone , on the pad of the thumb which also wraps around the side of the thumb up toward the cuticle of the thumb nail , the inside portion of the ring finger , and in various configurations the pads or distal phalanges of the front of the middle and index finger . in alternative embodiments , the high coefficient of friction surfaces may also cover the proximal and medial phalanges of the middle and index finger . while the disclosure herein is presented in the context of a baseball glove and with respect to particular materials by example , it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the concepts may be applied to other sport gloves where a natural tactile feel is necessary to maintain a high level of skill and performance and to the use of other materials . with the foregoing overview in mind , specific details will now be presented , bearing in mind that these details are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exclusive . fig1 , illustrates in simplified form , one example arrangement of the athletic glove described herein for use by baseball players or other games using a baseball sized game ball . as shown in fig1 , an athletic glove is provided that is capable of being worn on the throwing hand of an athlete and engaging with a game ball , such as a baseball . the glove shape is preferably in the form of a traditional glove , having a front portion ( see fig3 a and 3 b ) covering the ventral portion of the hand including palm ( 160 ), the pinky ( 110 ), ring ( 120 ), middle ( 130 ), and index ( 140 ) fingers and thumb ( 150 ), and a back portion ( see fig4 a and 4 b ) covering the dorsal portion of the hand including the back of the hand opposite the palm ( 260 ) and the dorsal portions of the pinky ( 210 ), ring ( 220 ), middle ( 230 ), and index ( 240 ) fingers , and thumb ( 250 ). the front ventral portion mates with and engages the back dorsal portion to form a glove having an interior surface ( not shown ) which rests against the hand and an exterior surface ( shown in all figures ) exposed to the elements . at one end of the glove is an opening ( 190 ) for receiving a hand and which is arranged around the player &# 39 ; s wrist when the glove is being worn . the glove may also include a mechanism ( 180 ) to secure the glove to a player &# 39 ; s hand . the securing mechanism may be of any known type including a cinch cord , velcro type strap , snap or elastic . the body or base of the glove is preferably made from an insulating material such as neoprene but may include any material suitable for a glove including such materials as leather or leather like substitutes ( sheep or goat skin ), cotton , wool , or spandex , nylon , polyester or other synthetic fibers , or combinations thereof . the glove is preferably made from woven material for breathability and typically has an exterior surface with a low coefficient of friction against sports balls such as neoprene on a baseball , softball or football made of leather or synthetic leather materials such as vinyl . the woven material may be cut to shape and sewn to form the glove , or may be woven into the glove shape . alternatively , in other embodiments the glove could be molded to shape . the enhanced athletic glove preferably includes high coefficient of friction materials at the typical contact points on a player &# 39 ; s hand that engage with the ball when throwing . referring to fig2 a , these contact points may include the ventral or front surfaces of the middle finger ( 132 , 134 , 136 ) and index finger ( 142 , 144 , 146 ), as well as , the front thumb portion ( 152 ) and inside or inwardly facing thumb portion ( 154 ). fig2 b illustrates the glove with the thumb extended to depict the positioning of the high coefficient of friction area ( 154 ) around the side of the thumb . in addition , referring back to fig1 , it is preferable to include a high coefficient of friction material on the inside or inwardly facing portion ( 122 ) of the ring finger ( 120 ). as illustrated in fig1 , the thumb and fingers are arranged and illustrated in the gripping position for throwing the baseball wherein the contact or pressure points discussed above are arranged in the spherical shape of a ball . it is preferable that the high coefficient of friction material be confined to these primary contact points and not extend to other areas outside of the contact region and immediate vicinity that may graze the ball during the throwing motions and provide unnatural friction against the ball . for example , in a baseball glove , it is preferable that the front or ventral surface of the pinky finger ( 110 ) and ring finger ( 120 ) and palm ( 160 ) have an exterior surface of low friction material . referring back to fig1 , in one preferred embodiment the high coefficient of friction material covers the front of all three phalanges of the middle finger ( 130 ) and index finger ( 140 ). this material is illustrated by high coefficient of friction pads ( 132 , 134 , 136 , 142 , 144 , 146 ). fig3 a and 3 b , illustrate alternate embodiments of the disclosure which restricts the presence of high coefficient material to the primary pressure point contacts in the example of a baseball glove . in fig3 b , the high coefficient of friction material is present only on the distal and medial phalanges ( 132 , 134 , 142 , 144 ) of the middle and index finger , and in fig3 a the high coefficient of friction material is limited to the distal phalanges ( 132 , 142 ) as shown in fig1 , 3 a and 3 b , it is preferably that the high coefficient of friction material not extend over the joint area between the phalanges where the fingers flex or bend . the absence of material from this area beneficially relieves strain or compressive opposition to movement that would potentially arise if additional material were placed in the region . the absence or reduction of high coefficient material from the area is therefore preferred to improve mobility while not detracting from the enhanced grip and tactile feel . such benefit may also be achieved by adding a detent or cut away in the joint region . the high coefficient of friction material is preferable a silicone or rubber based material or substance . the material may comprise a fabric or other woven base which permits it to be cut or sewn in place , or may be formed by adhesion or application directly to the glove base or low coefficient of friction material or substrate . while silicone based materials provide a preferred tactile feel and grip , it is possible to use other materials which have a similarly high coefficient of friction against the material of a baseball . these material may include those with high coefficients of friction or strong adhesion , as well as , other that have improved adhesive or friction properties when wet . in wet or damp weather conditions , the coefficient of friction between the glove and game ball can be reduced with adverse consequences . accordingly , in some embodiments the high coefficient of friction areas or portions may be further enhance with channels ( 170 ), such as , pits , grooves , furrows or the like . the addition of channels in the material helps shed water and moisture to maintain a high coefficient of friction , and maintain the player &# 39 ; s grip and tactile feel on the ball . the texture of the channels or grip pattern may be of a variety of shapes or arrangements . in one embodiment the channels or grip pattern is in the form of two small perpendicular channels that form a plurality of v - shaped pits . while this is one exemplary shape , it will be appreciated that there are many shapes that can also increase grip in wet weather conditions , including channels or pits with shape edges or ridges at the surface contact with the ball . in some embodiments the enhanced athletic glove also includes a securing mechanism to help secure the glove to the player &# 39 ; s hand . referring to fig4 a and 4 b , the back or dorsal side of one embodiment of the enhanced athletic glove is shown , including dorsal side of fingers ( 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 ) and thumb ( 250 ), as well as , the high coefficient of friction area ( 154 ) extending around the inwardly or inside facing side of the thumb portion . referring to fig4 a , a velcro type securing mechanism is illustrated in a secure position for securing the glove to the player &# 39 ; s hand . fig4 b shows the securing mechanism in an open position . while in this embodiment a velcro type strap is shown , it will be appreciated that other mechanisms may be used to secure the glove , including , a cinch cord , velcro type strap , snap or elastic . fig5 a and 5 b , depict yet another embodiment of the enhanced athletic glove in which the pressure point contacts of high coefficient of friction material have been expanded to match the point contacts of a softball . in these embodiments , the high coefficient of friction material is extended to the pinky finger ( 110 ) and ring finger ( 120 ). in fig5 a , the distal phalanges ( 112 , 122 , 132 , 142 ) and medial phalanges ( 114 , 124 , 134 , 144 ) of the fingers are covered with high coefficient of friction material , as well as , the thumb pad ( 152 ) and thumb side ( 154 ). in the alternative embodiment in fig5 b , the high coefficient of friction material has been extended to the proximal phalanges ( 116 , 126 , 136 , 146 ). in the alternative embodiments of fig5 a and 5 b , the enhanced athletic glove provides softball players with improved warmth , grip and tactile feel in cold or inclement weather conditions . this embodiment may also include the additional feature described above in the context of the baseball glove , including , channels in the high coefficient of friction material and a securing mechanism . similarly , those of skill in the art will appreciate that all of the materials and means of construction discussed above are equally applicable to other glove variants including the softball glove . it should be understood that this description ( including the figures ) is only representative of some illustrative embodiments . for the convenience of the reader , the above description has focused on representative samples of all possible embodiments , and samples that teaches the principles of the invention . the description has not attempted to exhaustively enumerate all possible variations . that alternate embodiments may not have been presented for a specific portion of the invention , or that further undescribed alternate embodiments may be available for a portion , is not to be considered a disclaimer of those alternate embodiments . one of ordinary skill will appreciate that many of those undescribed embodiments incorporate the same principles of the invention as claimed and others are equivalent .

US-201615249450-A

a livestock bedding conditioning apparatus is disclosed , the apparatus comprising a self - propelled drive vehicle with a rotor arm attached to a frame on the vehicle . the rotor arm comprises a plurality of rotors , the device having means for rotating the rotors . each rotor has a bit at its end , which engages the livestock bedding material . the rotation of the bit within the bedding material loosens , fluffs up and aerates the bedding material , resulting in a healthier and more comfortable bedding material for the livestock .

referring now specifically to the drawings , fig1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment 10 of the disclosed livestock bedding apparatus . this embodiment generally comprises a self - propelled drive vehicle 12 . frame 14 is attached to the vehicle 12 . rotor arm 16 extends from the frame 14 . a plurality of bearing units 18 ( shown in fig6 ) are set within the rotor arm 16 . a plurality of rotors 20 are set within the bearing units 18 . attached to each rotor 20 is a ground engaging bit 22 . the apparatus further comprises means for rotating the rotors , such as hydraulic motor 24 . acceptable hydraulic motors include those manufactured by char - lynn as the drive vehicle 12 travels the drive - through alley of a barn , the rotor arm 16 is extended over the bedding material of a stall and rotors 20 are set within the bedding material . the rotors are engaged to rotate within the bedding , thereby breaking up the crusted and compacted bedding so that the bedding material is fluffed up and aerated . drive vehicle 12 is self - propelled , and might either have ground - engaging wheels 26 or , alternatively , tracks . included among the acceptable vehicles are skid steers , as shown in fig1 through 4 , and tractors . acceptable skid steers are manufactured by john deere , new holland , case , gale and bobcat . the vehicle 12 has a front 28 and a back 30 . it is to be appreciated that frame 14 may be attached to either the front 28 of the drive vehicle 12 , as shown in the figures , or , alternatively , attached to the back 30 . because many of the available drive vehicles 12 function in both forward and reverse , and because the operator &# 39 ; s seat is often capable of swiveling , identifying one end of the vehicle 12 as the front 28 and the other end 30 as the back may be a distinction without a difference . frame 14 may be fabricated from steel stock or other materials having sufficient strength to bear the static and dynamic loads imposed by rotor arm 16 . while the shape of the stock may be rectangular as shown in the figures , round , oval , triangular or l - shaped stock may also be used to fabricate frame 14 . as shown in fig1 and fig2 frame 14 may be formed in the shape of a polygon or other shapes having sufficient strength and mechanical properties . as further shown in the figures , a ground - engaging support wheel 32 may be attached to frame 14 to provide additional support to the frame in carrying the various loads which may be imposed upon it . in addition , a curb scraper 34 may be attached to frame 14 . in many livestock facilities , the drive - through alley may have curbing lining the alley , where the curbing is adjacent to the livestock stalls and bedding . as the drive vehicle 12 proceeds down the alley , the curb scraper 34 may be set against the curbing . thus engaged , the curb scraper 34 not only cleans the curbing , but it also provides a guide for the vehicle operator , assisting the operator in maintaining the vehicle in the proper position within the drive - through alley . as can be seen in fig5 and fig6 rotor arm 16 comprises a top side 36 and a bottom side 38 . rotor arm 16 further comprises a plurality of rotors 20 which rotate within bearing units 18 which are set within the rotor arm . bearing units 18 may be rolling element or sleeve type bearings which mounted within the rotor arm 16 , as with a bearing plate 40 as shown in fig6 . as shown in fig7 rotors 20 comprise a shaft 42 , the shaft having a first end 44 and a second end 46 . the first end 44 and second end 46 of the shaft define a longitudinal axis , where the longitudinal axis is at a right angle to the rotor arm 16 . the rotor may be fabricated from 1 - 1 / 8 ″ diameter hexagonal stock , where the second end 46 of the shaft has been machined into a round configuration . rotors 20 further comprise bit 22 at the first end 44 of each shaft 42 . bit 22 has blades 47 which engage the bedding material . it is to be appreciated that a variety of different bit configurations might be used to condition the bedding material . in general , any bit 22 which penetrates the bedding material and breaks it up by the rotational motion of the bit provides beneficial treatment to the bedding material . however , it has been found that a bit 22 having three blades 47 which are generally parallel to the surface to be treated provides satisfactory conditioning of the bedding material . the blade geometry may be altered to achieve a preferred bedding texture . for example , blades 47 might have a slight pitch or have a scooped shape to provide a larger contact area to the bedding material . rotor 20 may also be equipped with a plurality of gussets 48 . the gussets 48 may be triangular pieces of material welded to the side of the shaft 42 , which are attached to the portion of shaft which extends below the bottom side 38 of the rotor arm 16 , such that the gussets are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 42 . the gussets 48 act to stiffen the rotor 20 , and also assist in lifting bedding material as it is loosened by the bit 22 . as indicated on fig3 the bit 22 may also comprise a vertical tip 49 which provides additional penetration into the bedding material . the disclosed invention further comprises means for rotating the rotors 20 , which may comprise a hydraulic motor 24 attached to the rotor arm 16 . fig5 shows one means for rotating the rotors 20 with hydraulic motor 24 rotating drive belt 50 . as shown in fig5 and fig6 shaft 42 extends through the bearing unit 18 such that the first end 44 is on the bottom side 38 of the rotor arm 16 and the second end 46 is on the top side 36 . it is to be appreciated that while fig5 shows drive belt 50 as a cog belt , a vee belt or chain would serve the same purpose . in addition , the means for rotating the rotors may also comprise a plurality of intermeshing cog gears driven by the hydraulic motor 24 , where a cog gear is attached to second end 46 of shaft 42 . drive belt 50 rotates the shaft 42 of each rotor 20 . the drive belt 50 makes contact with the second end 46 of each shaft 42 . as shown in fig5 a cog wheel 52 may be attached to the second end 46 of each shaft 42 . lock bushing 54 may be used to secure the cog wheel 52 to the shaft 42 . belt idlers 56 may also be used with the rotation means to assist in maintaining the correct tension of drivel belt 50 . rotor arm 16 may be enclosed with cover 62 to protect the various moving components of the rotor arm . rotor arm 16 may be pivotally attached to frame 14 , such that the rotor arm is pivotable through a range of positions , including a first position where the rotor arm is approximately horizontal , as shown in fig1 and a second position , where the rotor arm is approximately vertical , as shown in fig2 . as shown in fig5 a and fig6 pivoting connection 58 may be used to attach rotor arm 16 to the frame 14 . the device may also comprise means for pivoting the rotor arm 16 , such as a hydraulic ram 60 . the device may further comprise a hydraulic control yoke 62 which pivots toward the operator of the drive vehicle 12 to be easily accessible . as shown in the hydraulic schematic of fig7 the hydraulic power fluid may supplied by the drive vehicle 12 using hydraulic controls such as a flow divider and relief valve . the vehicle operator may then actuate hydraulic ram 60 by operating the hydraulic controls to raise and lower the rotor arm 16 . in addition , the operator may control hydraulic motor 24 with the controls , so that the operator can cause rotors 20 to start rotating and to stop . with these controls , the vehicle operator is able to proceed down a drive - through alley , raising and lowering the rotor arm 16 as required to condition particular free - stalls , and to engage and disengage the rotors 20 as desired . while the above is a description of various embodiments of the present invention , further modifications may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . for example , the size , shape , position and / or material of the various components may be changed as desired . thus the scope of the invention should not be limited by the specific structures disclosed . instead the true scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims .

US-37657503-A

an improved basketball training device comprising a substantially semi - elliptical u - shaped rim device , which is designed to allow a user to safely and rapidly install or remove the device from an existing standard sized rim that is attached to a backboard of a raised basketball goal . the training device compels players to use proper arch when shooting in order to pass the basketball through the goal .

as shown on the drawings , in which like reference numerals designate the same part or area of a part throughout the several views thereof , there is shown in fig1 the present invention , a basketball practice device indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 , which is supported from and above a standard annular basketball rim 5 . rim 5 is affixed to an angular bracket 6 that is secured to a standard basketball goal backboard using bolts or other means . basketball practice device 10 includes a barrier 20 that is generally of a u - shape with two end portions 24 , and an arcuate portion 22 , which forms the bight of the u . barrier 20 radius is slightly greater than the radius of rim 5 with a result that the curved portion 22 lies laterally beyond the exterior of said rim . barrier 20 may be made of any suitable material , such as high - impact polymer composite , nylon , fiberglass , an extrudable material , such that it is flexible , lightweight , and durable . the edges of end portions 24 can remain sharp when cut during manufacturing . accordingly , end guards 26 are affixed to surround the edges of said end portions 24 to protect a user of said practice device 10 from potential injury from the edges of said end portions 24 . end guards 26 also serve the dual purpose of protecting a basketball goal backboard from scratches or other damage from the edges of said end portions 24 . end guards 26 may be made of any suitable material , such as rubber , plastic , high - impact polymer composite , fiberglass , and the like , so that it is protects the user and backboard from said end portions 24 . basketball practice device 10 is supported from and above a standard annular basketball rim 5 by suspension means 30 . suspension means 30 are affixed through connection means 35 to the interior side of said barrier 20 . suspension means 30 are generally of an inverted j - shape such that they can hook onto the surface of rim 5 . suspension means 30 may be made of any rigid material , such as rubber coated metal , plastic , high - impact polymer composite , fiberglass and the like , such that they can retain their shape when supporting basketball practice device 10 . in general , the requirements for the construction of connection means 35 are well known and are not discussed in great detail herein . briefly , in the preferred embodiment , connection means 35 consist of an exterior portion , such as a common screw , which passes through both barrier 20 and suspension means 30 and is then threadingly received by a standard nut . alternatively , connection means 30 can be any other method , including welding , gluing , bonding , or the like , for rigidly securing suspension means 30 to the interior of barrier 20 . suspension means 30 collectively provide support sufficient to maintain the majority of barrier 20 above and substantially parallel to rim 5 , thereby causing the upper surface of barrier 20 to be positioned above a top surface of rim 5 and outside a front edge of rim 5 as illustrated in fig1 and fig2 . correspondingly , suspension means 30 are affixed to said barrier 20 so that an imaginary line drawn between the uppermost portion of each suspension means 30 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of basketball goal 5 . suspension means 30 are positioned on said barrier 20 so that the uppermost portion of barrier 20 prevents a player from shooting a shot into the basket from any angle without proper trajectory . rather , the player must shoot the basketball at a high arching angle of flight so that it will pass over the uppermost portion of barrier 20 and then downwardly through rim 5 . extension bar 50 is generally of a cylindrical shape with two end portions , each containing a hole ( not specifically shown ) located near said end portions that pass its diameter . when basketball device 10 is properly assembled , extension bar 50 passes through the end portions of barrier 20 and is held in place thereof , by the combination of retaining cap 55 and retaining pin 60 . retaining cap 55 has an interior diameter sized to fit the exterior diameter of extension bar 50 , and a hole 56 passing through both sides of said retaining cap . when retaining cap 55 is properly inserted onto the end of said extension bar , retaining cap hole 56 aligns with the extension bar hole , so that retaining pin 60 may then be inserted simultaneously through retaining cap 55 and extension bar 50 , thereby securing extension bar 50 in a fixed position in relation to barrier 20 . extension bar 50 is sized such that when it passes through barrier 20 and is secured by retaining cap 55 and retaining pin 60 , it causes barrier 20 to maintain the desired u - shape , such that end portions 24 are parallel to one another . extension bar 50 provides additional support for the device through its contact with bracket 6 . extension bar 50 may be made of any material , such as rubber , plastic , high - impact polymer composite , fiberglass and the like , such that it can retain its cylindrical shape when supporting basketball practice device 10 . further , said extension bar 50 may be made using either a solid or hollow cylindrical object such as a length of pvc pipe . it can be readily observed that in its desired configuration basketball practice device 10 is of a slightly larger size and diameter than a standard basketball ring 5 , which provides the foundation for the entire practice device . once basketball practice device 10 is placed on rim 5 and is retained thereof by extension bar 50 and suspension means 30 , the device is secured to said rim 5 by attachment means 40 . attachment means 40 are preferably toollessly releasable . in other words , attachment means 40 may be rapidly installed or released from rim 5 without the aid of any tools . accordingly , basketball practice device 10 may be secured or removed from a standard basketball rim 5 simply and easily . as this feat must generally be performed while standing on a latter , the lack of tools or complicated attachment mechanisms substantially increases the safety of the present device . in the preferred embodiment , attachment means 40 consist of an attachment device commonly referred to as a ball tie . ball ties are generally made of one or more strands of an elastic material , usually rubber , bound together by a fabric covering into a singly flexible strand , which is then formed into a loop with both ends secured to a plastic ball . in this embodiment , the loop of said ball tie 40 extends through the exterior side 21 of barrier 20 , it then coils around rim 5 and then return through interior side 23 of said barrier to emerge on exterior side 21 . the ball rests against exterior side 21 of barrier 20 and the loop wraps around and over the ball . the elastic nature of ball tie provides constant tension to hold basketball practice device 10 securely to rim 5 . the invention has been shown , described and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment . it will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto .

US-201113149021-A

on a channel of an implantable cardiac generator , a cardiac lead is replaced by a vagus nerve stimulation vns lead . the control circuit controlling the stimulation circuit of this channel of the generator is configured to generate sequences of vns neurostimulation bursts according to a specific profile , synchronized or not with the heart rate . the control circuit dynamically controls the initial load voltage of the reservoir capacitor so as to adjust to a constant target value the electrical charge delivered to the nerve by each stimulating pulse , from a pulse to the next one and from a burst to the next one . this improves the consistency of the physiological effects of neurostimulation despite significant variations that may occur in impedance at the electrode / vagus nerve interface .

an exemplary embodiment of the device of the invention will now be described . regarding its software aspects , the invention may be implemented by appropriate programming of the controlling software of a stimulator , for example a cardiac pacemaker , resynchronizer or defibrillator , including methods of acquisition of a signal provided by endocardial leads . the invention may notably be applied to implantable devices , such as that of the reply ( pacemakers ) paradym ( icds and resynchronizers ) family , manufactured and commercialized by sorin crm , clamart , france . these devices include programmable microprocessor circuitry to receive , format and process electrical signals collected by implantable electrodes , and deliver stimulation pulses to these electrodes . it is possible to download , by telemetry , software that is stored in memory and executed to implement the functions of the invention that are described below . the adaptation of these devices to implement additional functions , such as the inventive functions described below , is within the skill in the art and will not be described in detail . the invention is primarily implemented by software ; by appropriate algorithms executed by a microcontroller or a digital signal processor . for the sake of clarity , the various processing applied will be broken down and diagrammed by a number of different functional blocks in the form of interconnected circuits , however this representation is only illustrative , these circuits incorporating common elements and in practice corresponding to a plurality of functions performed by a single overall software . in fig1 , the reference 10 designates the housing of an implantable generator for vagus nerve stimulation ( vns stimulation ). this stimulation is delivered by a lead 12 bearing at its distal portion an electrode implanted on the vagus nerve vn and stimulating by application of vns pulse bursts produced by the generator 10 . if the vns stimulation profile provides delivery of pulses in synchronism with the heartbeat , the generator 10 also provides a cardiac lead 14 provided at the distal end of an electrode collecting the electrical activity of the myocardium . this lead collects endocardial electrogram egm signals that control the generator 10 so that it delivers to the vagus nerve vns stimulation pulses at the same rate as the heart beats . in fig2 , a first neurostimulation profile is illustrated wherein the generator supplies vns pulse bursts s i in synchronism with the heartbeat , the latter typically being materialized and followed by markers corresponding to the instants of occurrence of the r wave , which is representative of the peak of spontaneous depolarization of the ventricles , or of instants v of application of a ventricular pacing pulse . other detection techniques of the heart rate can be employed alternatively or in addition to a detection of the qrs complex ( r or v markers ), for example techniques based on the detection of the p wave ( atrial sensing ) or even of the t wave ( ventricular repolarization ). the bursts s i of vns pulses are applied with or without delay after the r / v wave . each burst s i includes of a plurality of individual pulses i in small numbers , for example two to four successive pulses . the pulses have the same amplitude and the same width , so that the pulses individually issue the same vns stimulation energy . the interval between two successive pulses i of the same burst is preferably a constant interval . this type of neurostimulation profile is well suited to the treatment of heart disease , especially for patients at risk of heart failure . fig3 illustrates another type of neurostimulation profile , not synchronized with the heartbeat , suitable , for example , for treating pathologies which are not directly related to the functioning of the heart , such as epilepsy or obesity . this profile is to deliver sustained vns pulse bursts during “ activity ” periods t on , interspersed with “ inactivity ” periods t off . the repetition rate of the pulses i produced by the vns generator is typically between 8 and 50 hz , with bursts s i produced during periods of activity t on = 30 seconds , alternating with periods of inactivity t off = 5 minutes . cardiac pathologies may also be treated with such stimulation profile alternating periods of activity and periods of inactivity , since the pulses delivered during periods of activity are synchronous with the heartbeat . the basic idea of the invention , as described in the introduction , is to produce these vns pulse bursts not using a vns generator ( dedicated medical device ) but a cardiac pacing generator ( pacemaker , defibrillator and / or resynchronizer ), whether it is : a device for a first implantation ; it is then possible to rationalize the manufacturing of the device , by using the same hardware , the processing of the cardiac pacing function in vns stimulation resulting only from a software change ; or a cardiac device already implanted in a patient ; the procedure is then limited to the implantation and connection of a vns lead and to the software reprogramming of the generator , without exchange or even explantation thereof . fig4 is a schematic block representation of the stimulation and control circuitry of one of the channels of the generator 10 used for the implementation of the invention . the pacing circuit 16 is a conventional pacemaker circuit , with a tank capacitor 18 of capacity cets previously charged to a charging voltage v 0 by a load circuit 20 , after closure of the switch 22 . once the pre - charge voltage v 0 is reached , the capacitor 18 is ready to be discharged into the patient &# 39 ; s tissue , the electrode / tissue interface and the tissue being electrically modelled in 24 by a value of impedance z at the end of the lead 12 connecting the generator 10 to the stimulation site . the discharge of the capacitor 18 occurs via a coupling capacity cts 26 capacitor and a switch controlled to discharge the capacitor 18 during a period t stim corresponding to the programmed duration of the stimulation pulse . this pacing pulse is shown in fig5 with the different parameters that characterize it , namely the pre - loading voltage v 0 , the duration of the pulse t stim and the voltage drop δv cets observed across the capacitor 18 between the closing time and the opening time of the controlled switch 28 . the control of the various hardware components just described above is provided by a control circuit 30 which determines the pre - loading voltage v 0 of the load circuit 20 ( arrow 32 ) and the sequencing of controlled switches of charge 22 and discharge 28 ( arrows 34 and 36 ). the control circuit 30 also receives as input a signal for measuring the instantaneous voltage v ( t ) across the capacitor 18 via an analog / digital converter 38 . in particular , the time of closing the charging switch 22 determines the value of the pre - loading voltage v 0 brought to and maintained across the capacitor 18 before it is discharged . in other words , after the issuance of a pulse , the control circuit 30 closes the switch 22 to recharge the capacitor 18 and , once the measurement circuit 38 indicates that the voltage across this capacitor is v ( t )= v 0 , it opens the switch 22 to maintain to this target value the v 0 voltage across the capacitor 18 until the time of delivery of the pulse . the measurement circuit 38 then enables the control circuit 30 to determine the voltage drop parameter δv cets between the beginning and the end of the stimulation pulse . the circuits just described above are described , for example , in ep 1216723 a1 ( sorin crm s . a . s previously known as ela medical ), which also explains the method to measure the impedance z from measurements made from the profile of the pulse delivered to the tissues via the lead . according to the prior art , the impedance assessment procedure is carried out only from time to time , to determine the evolution over time of the electrical characteristics of the lead / myocardium interface . these characteristics can in fact change for various reasons , particularly the modification of the lead head environment ( formation of contact reactive tissue ) and the alteration of the conductive material forming the electrode of the lead . the aim is to measure the impedance of the lead to see if it remains within acceptable limits and to possibly adjust the electrical parameters of delivering of the stimulation pulse , especially to avoid excessive energy consumption that could affect the lifespan of the generator . in the case of the present invention , the impedance evaluation circuit is used for another purpose . it is to determine from the measured v 0 and δv cets parameters , and knowing t stim , the load ( amount of current ) issued by the pulse i , and to readjust , from one pulse to the next one , and from one burst to the next one , the pre - loading voltage v 0 of the capacitor , which thus becomes a modifiable parameter at each pulse , so that the charge delivered to the tissue is an almost constant load . that is to say that , for the same pulse duration t stim , the delivered average current is almost a constant current . it is thus ensured that each stimulation pulse delivered to the vagus nerve will produce the same physiological effect , despite variations in the interface between the conductive material of the electrode and the vagus nerve , the impedance of which is likely to significantly change on relatively short periods ( the neural interface being much more unstable than the cardiac interface ). at the beginning of the method , the control circuit 30 evaluates the charge delivered by the pulse and compares it to a target value , more precisely by comparing the measured voltage drop δv cets to a set defined by a voltage drop δv 0 corresponding to the target value . the pre - loading voltage v 0 of the capacitor is then readjusted for the following pulses according to the measurement / setpoint difference thus determined , in a direction reducing the gap . once the target value is reached , it is considered that the charge delivered with each pulse to the vagus nerve is the desired value , the control being then reduced to a simple tracking of stabilization around the target value . as will be appreciated , the implementation of this adjustment method is performed in the control circuit 30 , which allows the cycle - to - cycle adjustment of the pre - loading voltage v 0 and the timing ( time , repetition frequency ) of the stimulation pulse bursts . such a circuit is generally designed around a microcontroller , in which it is sufficient to implement a software module 40 dedicated to the vns stimulation , without modification of any hardware components ( capacitor 18 , charging circuit 20 , charge / discharge switch 22 , 28 , circuit 38 for measuring the voltage across the capacitor ) controlled by the control circuit 30 . fig6 - 9 illustrate various methods to implement the invention from pre - existing implanted or implantable cardiac devices . in these figures , the left side illustrates the cardiac device ( pacemaker , defibrillator or resynchronizer ) in its conventional configuration , that is to say wherein it is used in combination with leads leading to stimulation sites on the myocardium , while on the right side , the same device is shown in use according to the teachings of the invention , that is to say as vns stimulation device connected to a lead leading to a stimulation site on the vagus nerve . the vns leads are , for example , those produced and sold by the company sorin belgium ( previously known as neurotech sa , louvain - la - neuve , belgium ). they can be adapted to the invention in a simple method by modifying the lead connector , replacing the proprietary connector ( for coupling to a dedicated implantable neurostimulator ) by a connector allowing connection to a pacemaker , typically an is - 1 standard connector . the other change to operate is the loading into the microcontroller of the cardiac generator of the software module 40 to perform the functions described above , including the sequencing of the pulses in the form of controlled bursts and , for each pulse , the control of the pulse for it ensures the delivery to the nerve of a nearly constant electric charge . fig6 shows a first configuration wherein the vns stimulation device is made from a single , double or triple chamber pacemaker , such as a stimulator of the reply family from sorin crm . in its conventional configuration ( cardiac pacing ), the generator 10 a includes one , two or three channels of detection / stimulation with one , two or three respective terminals , connected to a right ventricular site rv by a lead 42 and optionally to a right atrial site ra by a lead 44 and to a left ventricular site lv by a lead 46 . in the configuration according to the invention ( vns stimulation ), the rv channel of the generator 10 a is connected to a vns lead 12 and , where appropriate , the ra and lv channels to other vns leads 12 ′ and 12 ″. in particular if there are two vns stimulation channels , it may be advantageous to deliver signals in opposite phase on the vagus nerve . this vns stimulation configuration is especially suitable for the delivery of unsynchronized pulse trains such as those which have been illustrated and described in fig3 , that is to say typically pulse bursts of frequency between 8 and 50 hz , for example for periods t on of 30 seconds interspersed of periods t off of 5 minutes . such unsynchronized neurostimulation profile on the heart rate is particularly suitable for treatment of conditions such as epilepsy or obesity . fig7 shows a second configuration wherein the vns stimulation device is made from a dual chamber pacemaker , e . g . a pacemaker of the reply family from sorin crm . in its conventional configuration ( cardiac pacing ), the generator 10 b includes a ventricular channel connected to a site v by a lead 48 and an atrial channel connected to an atrial site a by a lead 50 . the modification according to the invention ( vns stimulation ) consists in maintaining the ventricular channel and the corresponding lead 48 , replacing the atrial lead 50 by a vns lead 12 . in other words , the atrial channel is transformed into vns channel , but without change in the ventricular channel . in particular , it is possible to obtain by this ventricular channel heart rate information ( r / v marker ), to deliver pulses according to a synchronous neurostimulation profile such as that illustrated in fig2 , typically with delivery of 2 to 4 pulses to the vagus nerve to each sensed or paced cardiac cycle , the detection / stimulation being provided by the ventricular channel of the pacemaker , which has not been modified . such neurostimulation profile synchronized on heart rate is particularly suitable for the treatment of cardiac conditions such as heart failure . fig8 shows a third configuration wherein the vns stimulation device is constructed from an implantable cardioverter / defibrillator , for example the models paradym dr or paradym vr from sorin crm . in its conventional configuration ( cardiac pacing ), the generator 10 c is connected to a lead 52 including a defibrillation coil def and one or more electrodes for ventricular detection / stimulation rv , and a lead 54 for atrial detection / stimulation ra . the modification according to the invention ( vns stimulation ) consists , as in the case of fig7 , to replace the atrial lead 54 by a vns lead 12 while maintaining the ventricular channel def / rv and the corresponding lead 52 . the detection / stimulation functionalities are thus conserved ( the same as in the previous embodiment ) as well as that of defibrillation shock delivery , while allowing the patient to receive an additional vns stimulation with a neurostimulation profile synchronized on heart rate . fig9 illustrates a fourth possible configuration , wherein the device is a resynchronizer , e . g . paradym crt from sorin crm , that is to say a biventricular stimulation device including a generator 10 d connected via a lead 56 to a right ventricular site rv and via a lead 58 to a left ventricular site lv . the generator can also be connected to a lead 60 for atrial detection / stimulation ra , present on a majority of crt devices . note also that the crt device can either be a pure stimulation device ( crt - p ) or be a pacing / defibrillation device ( crt - d ), the ventricular lead bearing in the latter case a defibrillation coil as in the case of fig8 . the modification according to the invention ( vns stimulation ) is , whilst maintaining the lead 56 for right ventricular detection , to connect the left ventricular pacing channel with a vns lead 12 for providing vns stimulation with a neurostimulation profile synchronized on the heart rate . if the device includes an atrial lead and / or a defibrillation coil , these elements are unchanged . this fourth configuration is advantageously applicable to patients who , after being implanted with a crt device , finally show that they do not respond to the crt therapy — which is usually the case for approximately 30 % of these patients . the implanted device may in this case be modified to make the patient benefit from vns stimulation , instead of or in addition to ventricular pacing ( which is still possible by the lead 56 leading to right ventricular site rv ). the procedure is then limited , leaving the generator 10 d in place , to disconnect of it the left ventricular lead 58 ( which can be left in place or explanted ) and , instead , implant a lead specific for neurostimulation equipped with an appropriate connector ( is - 1 connector compatible with a cardiac device generator ) and finally connect the lead to the lv channel of the generator . the latter is of course reprogrammed for loading the specific software module 40 dedicated to neurostimulation .

US-201514675291-A

the present invention relates to a device for the non - surgical clipping of aneurysms . the invention also includes methods of use to treat aneurysms , including intracranial aneurysms . the aneurysm is clipped by positioning a wire comprising a shape memory alloy , pre - set to a mutually twisted conformation , on opposite sides of the neck of the aneurysm and causing the wires to twist around each other . thus , the aneurysm neck is substantially closed . the resulting thrombosis in the aneurysm further excludes the aneurysm from blood flow and pressure .

fig1 illustrates a device for the use in the non - surgical clipping of an aneurysm . the guiding catheter 1 encompasses a guiding needle 2 which encompasses a wire comprising a shape memory alloy 3 . the guiding catheter 1 is essentially any catheter known in the art capable of getting to the affected area ( i . e ., the lumen of a blood vessel or artery proximal to an aneurysm ) and allowing the passage of a guiding needle . the guiding needle 2 is a hollow tube with a needle tip at its distal end . the guiding needle can perforate the wall of the blood vessel thus allowing the properly shaped guiding needle to exit and re - enter the vessel lumen . the guiding needle can be made of any known material that can pass through the guiding catheter , and is shaped with the appropriate curvature such that it can exit and re - enter the vessel lumen , and that can deliver the wire comprising a shape memory alloy . such materials include , but are not limited to , metal or a reinforced polymer material . the wire comprising a shape memory alloy 3 is made from such metal alloy that allows it to be straight during deployment and then assume a pre - set twisted form that was thermo - mechanically predetermined , this transformation being triggered by a temperature step . the temperature step may be effected by changing the temperature of the environment around the wire , e . g ., by hot fluid or body heat , or by passing current through the wire generating resistive heat . any shape memory alloy can be used to make the wire comprising a shape memory alloy . in specific embodiments , the shape memory alloy used is niti ( e . g ., nitinol ), cuznal , cualni , or a mixture thereof ( see , e . g ., shape memory materials , edited by otsuka and wayman , cambridge university press ; october 1999 and shape memory alloys , edited by youyi and otsuka , international academic publishers , june 1998 ). fig2 illustrates the device whose tip is shown in fig1 . the device is positioned in the lumen 4 of a blood vessel proximal to an aneurysm 5 . the guiding catheter can be passed through the body lumen to the affected area by any method known in the art . the affected area is identified by diagnostic methods known in the art , e . g ., mri , angiogram , or the like . the location of the catheter can be monitored by any method known in the art . in one embodiment , the progress of the catheter through the lumen is monitored by a device that detects radiopacity of the catheter device such as angiographic equipment in x - ray . increased radiopacity can be provided to the catheter by manufacturing ( all or a part of ) or coating ( all or a part of ) the catheter with one or more radiopaque materials . the method of using the device to treat an aneurysm begins with the guiding needle 2 being deployed from the guiding catheter 1 . the guiding needle 2 perforates the vessel wall ( first perforation 6 ). the guiding needle is then passed through the first perforation 6 and leaves the vessel lumen 4 immediately proximal to the aneurysm 5 . the guiding needle is then tracked along the exterior vessel wall until it passes the aneurysm 5 on a first side of the aneurysm . the guiding needle 2 perforates the vessel wall ( second perforation 7 ) and passes through the perforation to re - enter the vessel lumen 4 immediately distal to the aneurysm 5 . the position of the guiding needle can be monitored by any method known in the art . in one embodiment , the guiding needle is monitored by angiography . increased radiopacity can be provided to the guiding needle by the means described supra . fig3 illustrates the next step in the method of the invention to treat an aneurysm . a first wire comprising a shape memory alloy 3 is fed through and deployed from the guiding needle 2 . fig4 illustrates the next step in the method of the invention to treat an aneurysm . the guiding needle is retracted back into the guiding catheter 1 though the first 6 and second 7 perforations leaving the first wire comprising a shape memory alloy 3 positioned around the first side of the aneurysm 5 . fig5 illustrates the next step in the method of the invention to treat an aneurysm . the guiding needle 2 is deployed from the guiding catheter 1 for a second time . the guiding needle 2 perforates the vessel wall ( third perforation 8 ). the guiding needle is then passed through the third perforation 8 and leaves the vessel lumen 4 immediately proximal to the aneurysm 5 . the guiding needle is then tracked along the exterior vessel wall until it passes the aneurysm 5 on a second side of the aneurysm ( the side of the aneurysm opposite the first wire comprising a shape memory alloy ). the guiding needle 2 perforates the vessel wall ( fourth perforation 9 ) and passes through the perforation to re - enter the vessel lumen 4 immediately distal to the aneurysm 5 . a second wire comprising a shape memory alloy 10 is fed through and deployed from the guiding needle 2 . perforations 1 and 3 may be separate perforations or they may overlap . perforations 2 and 4 may be separate perforations or they may overlap . fig6 illustrates the next step in the method of the invention to treat an aneurysm . the guiding needle is retracted back into the guiding catheter 1 through the third 8 and fourth 9 perforations leaving the second wire comprising a shape memory alloy 10 positioned around the second side of the aneurysm 5 ( i . e ., opposite that of the first wire ). the first wire 3 and the second wire 10 are now on either side of the neck of the aneurysm 5 . the first and second wires comprising a shape memory alloy have been pre - conditioned such that when heated they will revert to a mutually twisted configuration . this is accomplished by the first and second wires twisting around each other after heating them due to the pre - set twisted shape of the wires . fig7 illustrates the last step in the method of the invention to treat an aneurysm . the guiding catheter and the guiding needle are retracted through the vessel and removed from the patient leaving the twisted first 3 and second 10 wires . the first wire 3 and second wire 10 are twisted around each other by application of moderate heat . thus the neck of the aneurysm is pressed closed by the twisted wires . the amount of heat necessary to cause the shape reversion of the wires will vary depending on , e . g ., the type of shape memory alloy used , the thickness of the wire , etc . in one embodiment , the heat necessary to cause shape reversion is body heat . in another embodiment , the heat necessary to cause shape reversion is higher than body heat . in such embodiments , any means of applying the moderate heat necessary to cause the shape reversion of the first and second wires can be used . in a specific embodiment , a mild electric current may be passed through the wires to heat them . in another specific embodiment , there is heating by a hot fluid in the region of the wires . by twisting wires 3 and 10 , the neck of the aneurysm 5 has been substantially clipped by twisted wires 3 , 10 and thus the blood flow from the lumen 4 of the vessel is reduced . this can be measured by methods known in the art . the reduction in blood flow would lead to thrombosis in the aneurysm and its further exclusion from blood circulation . as various changes can be made in the above - described subject matter without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention , it is intended that all subject matter contained in the above description , or defined in the appended claims , be interpreted as descriptive and illustrative of the present invention . modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings .

US-54059909-A

a basin with opposing hinged doors for providing a hospital - grade basin which can be used as either a traditional , watertight basin or a modified watertight basin that includes half - moon shaped openings disposed in its side walls to allow a patient &# 39 ; s limb to rest comfortably while positioned across the basin . the basin with opposing hinged doors defines a tub member that includes at least one side wall with a semicircle opening extending down into it from the top of the wall . for each opening , a correspondingly shaped door is hingedly attached adjacent thereto , enabling it to move between a closed position defining the traditional , watertight basin and an open position defining a modified watertight basin with an opening for part of a limb . each opening and door employ a locking means suitable to secure the door in place when desired .

referring now to the drawings and in particular fig1 , 3 , and 4 , a basin with opposing hinged doors 100 is shown as a four sided tub member 110 that includes a first side wall 111 , a second side wall 112 , a large door side wall 113 , and a small door side wall 114 , each of which extend up from a tub floor 115 . in the preferred embodiment , the tub member 110 is defined by a rectangular shape with the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 defining its longitudinal sides . it is contemplated , however , that in other embodiments the large door side wall 113 and small door side wall 114 may define the longitudinal sides or the tub member 110 may be defined by an alternate shape suitable for a basin , such as a kidney shape , a round shape , or an oval shape . it is additionally contemplated that the tub member 110 may be constructed in a range of sizes , whether to accommodate different body parts or different size requirements . in the preferred embodiment , the large door side wall 113 includes a large door frame section 130 and the small door side wall 114 includes a small door frame section 140 . the large door frame section 130 outlines a semi - circular shaped large opening extending down from the top of the large door side wall 113 into the body of the large door side wall 113 . the large door frame section 130 includes a large mounting frame 131 which defines a frame structure that extends around the border of the large opening that extends into the large door side wall 113 , thereby creating a large border surface area 132 having increased thickness relative to the thickness of the large door side wall 113 . in the preferred embodiment , the large opening has a diameter of 5 . 5 inches , resulting in it extending 5 . 5 inches wide across the large door side wall 113 at the widest point and 2 . 75 inches into the large door side wall 113 at its deepest point . integral with the large door frame section 130 is a large door member 150 sized to fit into the large mounting frame 131 , thereby allowing it to be moved into a closed position in the large door frame section 130 , as illustrated by fig1 , into an open position relative to the large door frame section 130 as illustrated in fig2 , as well as hinged between the closed and open positions . it is contemplated , however , that the large door frame section 130 and corresponding large door member 150 may together be constructed in alternate shapes and different sizes relative to the large door side wall 113 . the small door side wall 114 is structured in a similar manner as the large door side wall 113 , with the only substantive difference being that the small door frame section 140 is smaller than the large door frame section 130 . accordingly , the small door frame section 140 outlines a semi - circular shaped small opening extending down from the top of the small door side wall 114 into the body of the small door side wall 114 . the small door frame section 140 includes a small mounting frame 141 which defines a frame structure that extends around the border of the small opening that extends into the small door side wall 114 , thereby creating a small border surface area 142 having increased thickness relative to the thickness of the small door side wall 114 . in the preferred embodiment , the small opening has a diameter of 4 inches , resulting in it extending 4 inches wide across the small door side wall 114 at the widest point and 2 inches into the small door side wall 114 at its deepest point . integral with the small door frame section 140 is a small door member 160 sized to fit into the small mounting frame 141 , thereby allowing it to be moved into a closed position in the small door frame section 140 , as illustrated by fig1 , into an open position relative to the small door frame section 140 as illustrated in fig2 , as well as hinged between the closed and open positions . it is contemplated , however , that the small door frame section 140 and corresponding small door member 160 may together be constructed in alternate shapes and different sizes relative to the small door side wall 114 . it is contemplated that by including the large door frame section 130 and the small door frame section 140 , the tub member 110 provides a modified basin means for collecting debris , water , run - off materials or specimens . further , by corresponding to the respective large door frame section 130 and the small door frame section 140 , the large door member 150 and small door member 160 each provide a door means for selectively opening and closing an entry point in the tub member 110 . referring now to fig3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 , the large border surface area 132 and small border surface area 142 each include a centrally disposed ridge member 133 , 143 running longitudinally through it . the ridge members 133 , 143 , along with corresponding centrally disposed recesses 151 , 161 in large door member 150 and small door member 160 , respectively , provide a locking means for securing the large door member 150 and small door member 160 in the large door frame section 130 and small door frame section 140 , respectively , when the respective door member is in the closed position . the locking means is operative to allow the large door member 150 to snap into the large door frame section 130 when the large door member 150 is moved to the closed position . in this regard , when the large door member 150 is moved to the closed position , the ridge member 133 frictionally passes along the circumferential surface of the large door member 150 as it moves toward the closed position and engages the recess 151 once the large door member 150 is in the closed position . when secured in the closed position , the large door member 150 is operative to close the large opening outlined by the large door frame section 130 and form a watertight seal . the locking means operates in essentially the same manner with the small door member 160 and the small door frame section 140 . thus , the small door member 160 snaps into the small door frame section 140 when the small door member 160 is moved to the closed position . when the small door member 160 is moved to the closed position , the ridge member 143 frictionally passes along the circumferential surface of the small door member 160 as it moves toward the closed position and engages the recess 161 once the small door member 160 is in the closed position . as with the large door member , when the small door member 160 is secured in the closed position , it closes the small opening outlined by the small door frame section 140 and forms a watertight seal . a small door hinge mechanism enables the small door member 160 to attach to the small door side wall 114 . the small door hinge mechanism is defined by two hinge attachment arms 162 which extend down from the bottom of the small door member 160 , a small wall receiving member ( not shown , but identical to the large wall receiving member 123 discussed below ) which extends out from the side of the small door side wall 114 underneath the small door frame section 140 , and a fastening pin 120 . the fastening pin 120 is structured to pass transversely through holes in both the small wall receiving member and the two hinge attachment arms 162 and remain fixed therein , thereby forming a pivot about which the small door member 160 rotates relative to the small door side wall 114 . the large door member 150 and large door side wall 113 are connected through a large door hinge mechanism , which employs the same type of components as the small door hinge mechanism . accordingly , the large door hinge mechanism is defined by two hinge attachment arms 152 which extend down from the bottom of the large door member 150 , a large wall receiving member 123 which extends out from the side of the large door side wall 113 underneath the large door frame section 130 , and another fastening pin 120 . as with the small door hinge mechanism , the fastening pin 120 is structured to pass transversely through holes in both the large wall receiving slot member 123 and the two hinge attachment arms 152 and remain fixed therein , thereby forming a pivot about which the large door member 150 rotates relative to the small door side wall 113 . in the preferred embodiment , a secondary locking means for securing the large door member 150 and small door member 160 in the large door frame section 130 and small door frame section 140 , respectively , when the respective door member is in the closed position is present on each door and defined by identical structures . the second locking means , as illustrated on the large door side wall 113 in fig1 and 12 , includes a locking recess 153 formed in the area between the two hinge attachment arms 152 and the large door member 150 and the abutment formed by large mounting frame 131 as it extends outward from the large door side wall 113 . the corresponding locking recess 153 and abutment engage when the large door member 150 is in the closed position relative to the large door frame section 130 , thereby providing a supplemental lock for keeping the large door member 150 in place . it is understood that the small door member 160 and small door frame section 140 include identical structures , thereby enabling such a supplemental lock in their operation . referring now to fig1 , an alternate embodiment of a basin with opposing hinged doors 200 is shown as a circular tub member 210 with a circumferential side wall 211 that includes a large door frame section 230 surrounding a large opening 231 and a small door frame section 240 surrounding a small opening 241 . as with the rectangular embodiment , integral with the large door frame section 230 is a large door member 250 sized to fit into the large opening 231 , thereby allowing it to be moved into a closed position in the large door frame section 230 and integral with the small door frame section 240 is a small door member 260 sized to fit into the small opening 241 , thereby allowing it to be moved into a closed position in the small door frame section 240 . it is contemplated that the large door frame section 230 and large door member 250 and the small door frame section 240 and small door member 260 , respectively , are operative to move between an open and closed position in the same manner as described above for the rectangular embodiment . the present invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment . it is recognized , however , that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art .

US-201514607007-A

an inflatable patient lifting device for a hospital patient . the disclosure includes an inflatable pad having a control pocket formed thereon for receiving a hospital attendant &# 39 ; s arm . in use the pad is inserted underneath the patient with the control pocket and attendant &# 39 ; s arm being positioned above the inflatable pad and in contact with the patient &# 39 ; s body .

as shown in fig1 and 2 , the preferred embodiment of our invention is a dual compartment inflatable device 10 . these compartments 12 and 14 are generally rectangular tubes joined together to present a flat bottom for maximizing stability . the device 10 may be formed of nylon fabric which is preferably double coated with polyurethane . alternatively , vinyl plastic or elastomeric materials may be used . in manufacture , patterns to form the desired structure are cut from the selected material with the edges preferably being heat sealed into the tubular shape depicted . such patterns may take one of several forms but should be cut to result in the shape depicted while minimizing waste material . preferably , the top of each compartment is dual shape so as to define a longitudinal recess at their juncture as shown . if the compartments are separately formed , they may then be joined together by heat sealing , the adjacent side walls being pierced to provide free flow of air between compartments 12 and 14 . subsequently , a separate sheet of material is is attached along its two edges to the top of each compartment near its longitudinal centerline . when joined , the sheet 16 together with the covered portion or longitudinal recess at the juncture of the tubular compartments 12 and 14 forms a control pocket 18 into which the attendant may insert his arm . in use , the attendant inserts his arm into section 18 with the unit deflated and then urges the entire unit underneath the patient as shown in fig3 . then , air may be forced into the two compartments 12 and 14 through a fitting 20 which is connected to one of the compartments . one preferred source of air pressure is a pump ( p ) connected to conduit 22 . controlling the flow of air is a two position rotary valve 24 and a one - way check valve 25 . in use , the electrically operated pump may be actuated by a foot pedal and switch ( not disclosed ) to force air into the inflatable compartments 12 and 14 which should have interconnecting air passages to permit simultaneous inflation . during inflation , the attendant can control the volumetric expansion of the unit to insure vertical turning or lateral movement of the patient . such vertical or turning control is effected by downward pressure applied either by the hand or elbow of the attendant . such downward pressure over an area smaller than that of the patient &# 39 ; s body will cause the opposite end of the bag to inflate at a faster rate . alternatively , the device may be used to move the patient towards the head or foot of the bed by the attendant &# 39 ; s arm movement in that direction . during inflation such affects a rolling action of the bag . deflation of the unit is effected by rotating the valve 24 to connect it to the atmosphere or sump ( s ). an alternative device 30 which may better assist lateral movement of the patient is shown in fig4 . this unit , formed of materials similar to that of the first embodiment , is annular in cross section and has its ends closed to form an air - tight inflatable tube having a fitting 31 for attachment to conduit 22 . along the top is secured a panel 32 in a manner to define a control pocket 34 similar to that of the embodiment of fig1 and 2 . the operation of this embodiment is also similar to that of fig1 and 2 with the exception that upon inflation , it facilitates rolling action which can be used to move the patient towards either end of the bed . another alternative configuration 40 , which provides automatic and rapid collapse of the device into a size and shape convenient for storage , is illustrated in fig5 . this modification utilizes the lifting device of fig1 but with two additional features . the first consists in providing a relatively inflexible base plate 42 as shown in fig5 . this may be accomplished by attaching a rigid , thin rectangular material to the base portion of the device or by using a rigid material as the base portion itself . the function of this rigid base member is to maintain the base in its rectangular shape upon collapse of the fluid envelope . the second feature consists of straps 43 of elastic material as in fig5 preferably three in number , the ends of which are fastened to opposite vertical walls mid - way between top and bottom , as at points 44 in fig5 . the straps traverse the inner space of the device and are in a tensed condition with the envelope is inflated . upon deflation , the reduction in outward pressure against the vertical walls allows the straps to compress to a more relaxed condition , thereby pulling the mid - portions of the opposite vertical walls toward each other . this results in the device &# 39 ; s autonomous assumption of a folded , compact compartment upon deflation as shown in fig6 . a still further alternative configuration is that of fig7 which provides the addition of a handle to facilitate removal of the device from beneath the patient . this modification takes any of the other configurations mentioned and adds to them a rope or strap over the control panel which is securely fastened at points 52 and 54 as in fig7 . with this addition , the control panel may be of the full length of the device as in fig1 or of lesser length as in fig7 . this additional rope or strap is beneficial in removing the device since the central panel 56 will ordinarily be too large for grasping and , if not too large , the points of attachment of the panel to the lifting device may be of insufficient strength to withstand tearing when the removing force is applied to it as in the direction of the arrow 58 in fig7 . of course , it is contemplated that this modification can be accomplished by making the points of attachment of the control panel strong enough to eliminate the need for the rope handle . several modifications can be made to any of the embodiments . a hand pump or a container of compressed air may be used as a source of fluid pressure . too , a less expensive embodiment would utilize two or more straps in lieu of the panels 16 and 32 for receiving the attendant &# 39 ; s arm to sense patient movement and to effect control . one or more of these straps may be firmly anchored to eliminate the need for the rope of fig7 . a similar recess could be formed in the embodiment of fig4 . although not preferred , elastic materials such as rubber could be utilized in making the inflatable device . in the event that compartments 12 and 14 are separately made , they will have a common sidewall 35 which should be pierced to provide free flow of air between the compartments and to permit the attachment of the straps 43 .

US-65051576-A

a tray attaches to both arms of a folding lawn chair . in the unfolded position the tray is horizontal and the back portion of the tray is toward the back panels of the chair . in the folded position the tray is vertical and the back portion of the tray is toward the front of the arm . in the folded position the tray latches the chair in the folded position and the tray must be removed to unfold the chair . the tray has button knobs on the bottom surface of the back portion which attach into keyhole slots in the top of the arms .

referring particularly to the drawing , there may be seen lawn chair 10 with tray 50 attached . basically the chair is a conventional lawn chair having back panel 12 . the back panel 12 includes an inverted u - shaped metal tubing frame 14 . the u - shaped frame will have bight 16 at the top with two vertically oriented members 18 on either side . by vertically oriented it is meant that basically they extend up and down but they are not exactly 90 degrees to level . the seat panel 20 of the chair is also formed of u - shaped tubular metal member 22 which has bight 24 at the forward side of the chair and two side members 25 extending rearward from the front . the seat panel 20 in the unfolded position is horizontally oriented . the bight 24 is at the front of the seat panel . the back of the seat panel is hinged by rod 26 to the bottom of the back panel 12 . longitudinal webbing 28 extends from the bight 16 at the top of the back panel 12 underneath the pivot rod 26 and to the bight 24 at the front of the seat panel . horizontal webbing 30 extends along the back from one side member 18 to the opposite side member 18 laced into the longitudinal webbing 28 . also the horizontal webbing 30 extends along the seat from one side member 25 to the opposite side member 25 laced into the webbing 28 . there are two front legs 32 one on either side of the chair 10 . the front legs are vertically oriented . the front legs have a top and bottom . each of the front legs is hinged at front legs seat hinge 34 near its top to the seat panel 20 near the front thereof . the front legs are also hinged at 36 at their top to one of two arms 38 near the front of the arms . near the bottom of the front legs , brace 40 extends from one front leg 32 to the other front leg to hold the two front legs together as a rigid unit . back legs 42 have a top and bottom . the top of each back leg is hinged at 44 to one of the arms 38 at about mid - point thereof . each of the back legs 42 is foldingly connected at pivot rod 26 . the folding chairs presently on the market have variations of making the folding connection of the back legs to the pivot rod 26 . some hinge the back legs directly to the pivot rod while others have a connecting link connecting the back legs to the pivot rod . in each case it is accurate to say that the back legs are foldingly connected to the pivot rod . the back legs are u - shaped , i . e ., the back legs 42 are the legs of a u and the bight 46 connects the two legs 42 at the bottom thereof . each of the arms 38 have a front and a back . the back is pivoted at 48 to the vertical members 18 of the back panel 12 . the arms are horizontally oriented , basically parallel to the seat panel 20 . the arms have a top and bottom . the arms are preferably made of plastic material but may be made of metal . the top of the arms are preferably flat . when the chair is folded as seen in fig2 the arms 38 are aligned with the back panel 12 . those skilled in the art will understand that the chair as described to this point is well known and has been commercially available on the market for many years . tray 50 bears some similarity to the trays of the prior art . i . e ., it is made of plastic and is basically rectangular . it has a forward edge 52 , two side edges 54 a back portion 56 , a top surface 58 and a bottom surface 60 . a rounded upstanding bead 62 extends around the entire tray . the beads 62 provide rigidity to the tray . the back portion of the tray has a u - shape configuration so that at the back of the tray there are short stubs 64 . beverage holder 66 is in the form of a circular cutout within the forward portion of the tray . as stated above the tray to this point is not particularly unique . keyhole slot 70 is formed in the forward portion of each of the arms 38 . button knob 72 is formed at the extreme rearward portion of each of the stubs 64 of the bottom surface 60 of tray 50 . the button knob has enlarged button 74 on the bottom thereof . this button 74 is connected to the bottom surface 60 of tray 50 by neck 76 . the neck is of much smaller diameter than the diameter of the button 74 . the keyhole slot 70 has enlarged portion 78 . the enlarged portion 78 is larger than the diameter of the button 74 so that the button may fit therethrough . the keyhole slot also includes narrow portion 80 . the width of the small or narrow portion 80 is less than the diameter of the button 74 but greater than the diameter of the neck 76 . therefore it may be seen that the tray may be fitted on the arms and the button inserted through the enlarged portion 78 and then the tray moved rearwardly so that the buttons 74 will prohibit the rear portion of the tray from moving upward . the front of the tray is prevented from moving downward because it rests upon the top of the arms 38 . the button knobs , i . e ., the button 74 with the neck 76 maybe attached as by a screw through the tray to attach them thereby or they may be molded forming an integral portion with the tray . therefore it may be seen that i have provided a simple arrangement for attaching a tray to a folding chair when the chair is in the unfolded or eating position with the tray in place . also it will be understood that a person can carry the tray with food much the same as a person might carry a cafeteria tray to his chair and then while holding the tray , be seated in his chair and then fit the tray onto the arms of the chair so that he can comfortably eat therefrom . when the chairs 10 are to be stored the tray is removed by sliding the tray portion forward and disengaging the tray by moving the buttons 74 upward through the enlarged portions 78 . then the chair may be folded so that the arms are aligned with the back . then the tray 50 may be conveniently attached to the arms . in this instance the tray will be reversed from its previous condition so that the front 52 of the tray is away from the front of the arms which is to say the front of the tray 52 is toward the back of the arms which is proximate the pivot rod 26 . therefore the folded chair with the tray form a very compact unit easily stored . one of the advantages of the tray fitting to the arms in the storage position is that the tray locks the chair so it cannot be unfolded with the tray in place . people storing folding lawn chairs often experience a certain amount of frustration because the chairs seem to unfold when it is undesirable for them to do so . however , with the trays in place , the tray functions as a locking device to prevent the unfolding of the chair . the embodiment shown and described above is only exemplary . i do not claim to have invented all the parts , elements or steps described . various modifications can be made in the construction , material , arrangement , and operation , and still be within the scope of my invention . the restrictive description and drawing of the specific examples above do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be , but are to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention . the limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims .

US-43982389-A

the present invention is related to a type of thienothiazine compounds having molecular structure of formula and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates . the present invention is also related to the method of producing the formula compound , an anti - inflammatory and analgesic pharmaceutical composition containing the formula compound , and the method of using the formula compound to prepare anti - inflammatory and analgesic medicine

the procedure of synthesizing the formula ( 1 ) compound is as follows : add formula ( 2 ) compound , formula ( 3 ) compound and anhydro - dimethylbenzene into a dry flask , mix with heating until reflux ; reflux for a certain period of time , and then introduce nitrogen gas to remove methanol resulted from the reaction ; continue reflux for several hours , then cool down , and put the reaction mixture in the refrigerator to crystallize the solid ; filter the solid by vacuum ; wash the solid with an appropriate amount of organic solvent ; let the solid dry to obtain the formula ( 1 ) compound . the formula ( 1 ) compounds have important bioactivities . the pharmacodynamic experiments have shown that the formula ( 1 ) compound has substantial effects in inhibiting dimethylbenzene induced mouse ear swelling , chemical stimulus induced pain , and carrageenan induced rat foot swelling . furthermore , the experiments have shown evident relationship between the dosage and effectiveness . these compounds can inhibit induced primary and secondary inflammations of rats on a dosage dependent basis . in comparison to the representative medicine of the same class , meloxicam , the formula ( 1 ) compounds have less side effects in causing rat stomach ulcer . the formula ( 1 ) compounds have enhanced therapeutic effect and reduced side effects . the ld 50 ( the single dosage causing 50 % death of the testing animals ) by oral and abdominal administration is in the range of from 200 to 500 mg / kg . the formula ( 1 ) compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates can be combined with commonly used auxiliary or carriers to produce anti - inflammatory and analgesic pharmaceutical composition . this pharmaceutical composition can be in the form of injection solution , tablet or capsule . fig1 is the obtained curve showing the effect on the carrageenan induced rat foot swelling model , wherein the abscissa indicates time ( hour ), and the y - axis indicates the extent of the swelling . the present invention is further described in detail with following examples . add the compound ( 2 ) ( 1 . 5 g , 0 . 005 mol ), 2 - amido - 5 - methyl thiazole ( compound 3 ) ( 0 . 75 g , 0 . 0065 mol ) and dimethylbenzene ( 180 ml ) into a 500 ml dry tri - neck round bottom flask ; reflux with mixing under nitrogen atmosphere for ten hours , then cool down the reaction mixture ; filter to obtain 1 . 2 g yellow crystal of 6 - chlorine - 4 - hydroxy - 2 - methyl - n -[ 2 ′-( 5 ′- methyl ) thiazolyl ]- 2h - thieno -[ 2 , 3 - e ]- 1 , 2 - thiazine - 3 - formamide - 1 , 1 - dioxide , mp . : 245 ˜ 250 ° c . ; ms ( m / z ): 392 , 374 , 328 , 141 , 115 ; 1 hnmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 2 . 328 ( d , 3h , j = 6 ), 2 . 937 ( s , 3h ), 7 . 364 ( s , 1h , j = 6 ), 7 . 678 ( s , 1h ); 13 cnmr ( dmso - d 6 ): 165 . 528 , 163 . 503 , 155 . 943 , 138 . 012 , 136 . 395 , 134 . 720 , 124 . 305 , 122 . 572 , 111 . 559 , 38 . 320 , 11 . 664 . divide the mice randomly into five groups , with each team consisting of ten mice . the five groups are respectively the blank control group , the positive medicine control ( meloxicam ) group , and the testing groups which use low , medium and high dosages of the compound of example 1 . the mice of the positive medicine group were fed orally with 8 mg / kg meloxicam , and the mice of the three testing groups were fed with 2 mg / kg ( low ), 4 mg / kg ( medium ) and 8 mg / kg ( high ), respectively , the compound synthesized in example 1 . dimethylbenzene was used to induce ear swelling of the mice . the inhibition rate of the positive medicine group was 43 %, and the inhibition rate of the low , medium and high dosage testing groups were 56 %, 67 % and 81 %, respectively , which were significantly different from the blank control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ), as shown in table 1 . divide the rats randomly into five groups , with each group consisting of ten rats . the five groups are the blank control group , the positive medicine control group ( meloxicam 4 mg / kg ), and the testing groups which use low , medium and high dosages of the compound of example 1 . use carrageenan induced inflammation to cause rat plantar swelling . the rats of the testing groups took 1 mg / kg ( low ), 2 mg / kg ( medium ) and 4 mg / kg ( high ), respectively , of the compound synthesized in example 1 . 2 – 6 hours after induced inflammation , the plantar swelling rate of the testing groups was significantly different from that of the blank control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 – 0 . 001 ). furthermore , the compound ( 1 ) is substantially more effective than the positive medicine meloxicam ( see table 2 and fig1 ). the mice in testing groups were orally fed with 2 mg / kg , 4 mg / kg and 8 mg / kg of the compound synthesized in example 1 . the chemical stimuli induced pain ( acetic acid body twist reaction ) of the mice in the testing groups were significantly different from that of the blank control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 – 0 . 001 ). the percentage of body twist for the 2 mg / kg ( low ), 4 mg / kg ( medium ) and 8 mg / kg ( high ) groups were 90 %, 80 % and 60 %. in comparison to the percentage of body twist ( 100 %) of the positive medicine meloxicam ( 8 mg / kg ), the compound synthesized in example 1 was substantially more effective ( see table 3 ). the rats in the testing groups orally took 1 mg / kg ( low ), 2 mg / kg ( medium ) and 4 mg / kg ( high ) of the compound synthesized in example 1 , and showed dosage dependent inhibition of the primary and secondary inflammation induced by adjuvant . the compound synthesized in example 1 showed substantial inhibition of the rat foot swelling at eighteen hours , twenty fourth hours , third days , eighth days and nineteen days after inflammation being induced , which was significantly different from the blank control group , p & lt ; 0 . 01 . the compound synthesized in example 1 was substantially more effective in comparison to meloxicam ( see table 4 ). it was observed that among the rats which took orally 1 mg / kg ( low ), 2 mg / kg ( medium ) and 4 mg / kg ( high ) the compound synthesized in example 1 continuously for four successive days , the occurring rate of ulcer increased with increased dosage , with corresponding ulcer occurring rate of 0 %, 30 % and 80 %, respectively . in comparison with 4 mg / kg meloxicam , which had the ulcer occurring rate of 100 %, the compound synthesized in example 1 had less side effect ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 , see table 5 ). select the compound synthesized in example 1 , which meet pharmaceutical preparation standard , as the raw material , and sieve the raw material . mix 8 weight units of the compound of example 1 , 100 weight units of mannitol and 40 weight units of peg - 400 homogeneously ; add injection use water and mix ; then add 1 mol / l naoh solution with mixing until ph was 9 . 45 . add active carbon , mix for twenty minutes at room temperature , then separate the active carbon . then add injection use water to obtain a final concentration of the compound synthesized in example 1 of about 4 mg / ml , and mix it homogeneously . filter with 0 . 22 μm micropore membrane in accordance with the aseptic operation in a class 100 laminar flow super - clean room . upon passing the qualification examination , fill the composition into 6 ml brown sealing bottles under aseptic condition and insert venting rubber stopper . put the bottles in a lypholyser , freeze , after three hours apply vacuum ; sublimation - drying for 24 hours , then seal and cover the stopper with the aluminum cover . package the sealing bottles after quality assurance check . every sealing bottle contained 8 mg the compound of example 1 . while the present invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings , these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present invention , but rather as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof . it will be apparent , however , that various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit and the scope of this invention as described in the above specification and defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents .

US-74641503-A

provided is a novel physical therapy system and device that can be manually operated by a post - operative patient without the need of professional on site assistance , wherein the degree of movement of the limb or joint of interest is measured and recorded so as to provide a record of the progress of the prescribed post - operative therapy for immediate feedback to the patient as well as for long term data recordation for the therapist or physician .

detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein and represented in fig1 - 11 ; however , it is understood that the following description and each of the accompanying figures are provided as being exemplary of the invention , which may be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the claimed invention . thus , the specific structural and functional details provided in the following description are non - limiting , but serve merely as a basis for the invention as defined by the claims provided herewith . the system described below can be modified as needed to conform to further development and improvement of materials without departing from the inventor &# 39 ; s concept of the invention as claimed . the concept of the invention is to provide a system that can be used by a patient for exercise therapy for any part of the body requiring post - operative or post - injury physical rehabilitation . the following non - limiting description is directed to the invention configured for use by a patient requiring therapy for the knee joint ; although the same principles of the invention can be adapted to provide exercise therapy for other joints such as , for example , shoulder , elbow , wrist , hip , ankle , and hand . the present invention , in contrast to the conventional continuous passive machine ( cpm ), which uses a motorized mechanism to move the affected joint of the patient , can be viewed as a continuous active machine ( cam ), in which the patient takes an active role in moving the affected joint as well as in controlling the steady progress of the therapy regime . the present invention enables the patient to continually use the system on a daily basis as compared to conventional therapy programs , which include only isolated visits with the therapist . it is of great advantage that the present invention is a system that can be shipped disassembled to a patient &# 39 ; s home and then assembled for use in a convenient , frequently accessed area where the patient without any professional assistance can use the invention throughout the day to achieve a continuing active therapy regime that provides immediate feedback to the patient on the level of progress achieved . unlike the conventional cpm device , the present invention allows the patient to monitor the progress of the therapy and conveniently take an active roll in the daily progress of the therapy . the real time feedback of improvement or lack thereof in the angle or range of joint articulation by the patient enables the patient to immediately identify his daily progress , challenge himself , and adjust his exercise regime to maximize the benefit of the system . the exemplary orthopedic therapy system described herein and generally shown in the accompanying figures at 10 includes an exercise platform assembly , generally shown at 12 that can be adjusted for a particular patient &# 39 ; s anatomical proportions as needed . the platform assembly 12 can be ergonomically conformed to different aspects of the patient &# 39 ; s body as needed ; for example , the patient &# 39 ; s height , upper arm length , and forearm reach . the platform assembly includes an exercise step 14 , which can be easily adjusted by the patient to greater or lower elevations relative to the platform 12 as needed during the course of the prescribed exercise regime . such ergonomic adjustments can provide the maximum biomechanical advantage during the exercise session as well as provide the user with a sense of greater stability and security . for patients who are recovering from an injury and may be inclined to avoid exercise out of concern for falling and re - injuring themselves , the ergonomically adjustable platform with adjustable forearm rests 16 and adjustable hand grips 18 can be of great benefit in providing a level of safety and confidence that will promote the frequent and regular use of the system 10 . further , the platform assembly 12 can be provided with an ergonomic taper of the sidewalls , the left side and right side assemblies 56 , 58 . as shown in fig3 , this taper opens the platform assembly and allows the patient &# 39 ; s shoulders to rotate laterally ( to unlock ) as the patient causes his upper body to lower between the sidewalls . advantageously , this results in increased biomechanical pressure on the knee during flexion . also included in the system 10 is a biofeedback assembly , generally shown at 20 , that can provide real time biofeedback to the patient during the course of the exercise session . the biofeedback assembly 20 can be useful to the progress of the therapy by providing instantaneous feedback such that the user is aware of his level of success in bending or straightening the post - operative knee and being made so aware can , within self - imposed stiffness and pain limitations , increase his effort to maximize the benefit of each therapy session . further , the biofeedback assembly 20 can be programmed to include a standardized or personalized ideal course of progress for flexion and extension of the joint so as to provide a running goal for personal achievement by which the patient can measure his daily progress . the embodiment of the biofeedback assembly 20 described herein and shown in the figures is exemplary of the concept of the biofeedback assembly 20 , which is only limited by the claims attached hereto . the exemplary biofeedback assembly 20 can include a data collection device exemplified herein as a linear cable encoder 22 in combination with a computing device 24 , a data display device 26 , and a parameter data input terminal 28 . the biofeedback assembly 20 can also include a data transmission device 30 having components , which can be a separate and distinct component or can be at least partially contained within the housing of any of the other components of the biofeedback assembly 20 . the system 10 can be battery powered and / or be solely dependent upon connection to an external power source through the power input 32 . as best shown in fig1 - 2 the platform assembly 12 can include at least one upright support 34 . it is preferred that the platform assembly 12 include four upright supports ; however , it is within the concept of the invention to provide an alternative , but still stable , platform assembly that can have as few as one upright support , as shown in fig9 . providing stability for an embodiment of the present invention that includes less than four upright supports , such as a tripod , a bipod , or a single upright support , might require that the platform assembly be securely connected to a table or counter top , or some other stabilizing structure by a security bracket 36 . preferably , the security bracket 36 can be configured to universally attach to a wide variety of stabilizing structures and be so attached with an easily operated locking and unlocking connection mechanism 38 . the at least one upright support 34 , can be preferably provided with a length adjustment mechanism 40 as a means to enable the patient to easily adjust the height of the platform assembly 12 to be ergonomically configured to the patients &# 39 ; body height . preferably , coordinated adjustment of the upright support length adjustment mechanism 40 for each of the upright supports 34 can be done so as to bring the forearm rests 16 , which serve as upper attachments for at least two upright supports 34 , to a level that is suitably comfortable for the patient . while any known mechanism for providing an upright support length adjustment feature for the device can be used within the concept of the invention , as shown in fig1 , 2 , 4 , 5 a , and 9 , a preferred easily operated length adjustment mechanism 40 can include the well known concept of providing upright support members 34 having internally disposed , extendable telescoping members 35 with a locking mechanism , which can include through holes in the upper portion of the telescoping member 35 and position locking pins , such as for example , quick release ball lock pins 52 sized for easy passage through the locking holes 50 . the ball pins 52 conventionally have a push button lock release and are commercially available through companies such as fairlane products , inc .™. while such ball pins are a preferred element of the length adjustment mechanism 40 , it is within the concept of the present invention to employ any releasable locking device , such as cotter pins and the like to facilitate the operation of the length adjustment mechanism 40 . as best shown in fig1 , a left or right pair of upright supports 34 are connected one to the other at their respective tops by the forearm rest 16 and also connected one to the other at a lower position along the shaft of the upright supports by a step support member 78 . this additional lower positioned step support member 78 provides a support connection for the exercise step 14 and also provides greater stability to the entire platform assembly . an additional ergonomic adjustment feature of the present invention that can be provided is an adjustable position hand grip mechanism 42 , as shown in fig1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 a , and 8 . a preferred embodiment of adjustable hand grip mechanism 42 , includes two opposing hand grips 18 , having hand grip guide members 44 respectively positioned to easily slide within hand grip adjustment slots 46 , which are defined along the longitudinal axis and through the body of the forearm rests 16 , and hand grip releasable locking retainers 48 . prior to beginning an exercise session , the patient can easily slide the hand grips 18 along the pathway defined by the adjustment slots 46 to a point that is perceived by the patient to be ergonomically suitable . the locking retainers 48 can then be secured so as to hold the hand grips 18 in the selected position for the exercise session . as needed , the patient can easily release the locking retainers 48 and adjust the position of the hand grips 18 . as best shown in fig1 , 2 , 4 , and 5 a , the stability of the platform assembly is derived from the secure connection of the upright supports 34 to the forearm rests 16 . similar to the exemplary telescoping upright length adjustment mechanism 40 , this connection of the upright supports 34 to the forearm rests 16 can be easily and securely accomplished by connection of the telescoping members 35 to arm rest connection elements 54 using securing pins , which preferably can be quick release ball lock pins 52 , which are sized for easy passage through the locking holes 50 and the armrest connection elements 54 . while any other known connection means , such as cotter pins , nut and bolt , screw , and the like can be employed to connect the forearm rests 16 and the upright supports 34 , this preferred embodiment provides a secure means of connection that can be easily assembled or disassembled as needed . as best shown in fig1 and 4 , in the preferred embodiment , a left side assembly , generally shown at 56 , is assembled by the combination of the two upright supports 34 that are connected by the forearm rest 16 that would normally be provided for the patient &# 39 ; s left forearm . similarly , the two upright supports 34 connected to the forearm rest normally provided for the patient &# 39 ; s right forearm , when assembled , form a right side assembly , generally shown at 58 . a console connection member 60 can be provided , as shown in fig1 , 3 , 4 , 5 a , and 8 , to connect the left side assembly 56 to the right side assembly 58 . to maximize the strength and stability of the connection of the console connection member 60 to the left and right side assemblies 56 , 58 , it is preferred that a secure assembly connector 53 be employed such as , for example a threaded bolt engaging a threaded hole defined in the platform or alternatively engaging a threaded nut . for ease of assembly and disassembly of the exercise platform 12 , the threaded bolt can be provided with a hand tightened grip such as a fluted knob . although the strength of such a threaded connection for the console connection member 60 to the upright supports 34 via the interposed telescoping members 35 is preferred , it is within the concept of the invention to provide any known connector for that purpose such as , for example , through holes provided in the components and quick release locking pins 52 , cotter pins , or the like . a final component of the system which is essential to the success of a progressive exercise regime and also adds stability to the platform assembly 12 is the exercise step 14 . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the level of the exercise step can be elevated by a simple adjustment of the position of the step 14 using the locking pins 52 . while the step 14 does provide greater stability for the platform assembly 12 as a lower connection point between the left side assembly 56 and the right side assembly 58 , its primary value to the system is in providing a weight bearing step upon which the patient can place his foot and , as he can bear , press his body weight on to the step and thus exercise the post - operative knee joint . by adjusting the height of the step 14 , the patient can lower his upper body weight on to the post - operative knee in a controlled fashion . as the patient progresses in his therapy over time , he can raise the step thereby allowing greater force of body weight in flexing his post - operative or post - injury knee joint . at the lowest step , which appropriately would be used in the earlier part of the rehabilitation program , a mild force would be applied as would be suitable for the pain and discomfort in a recent post - operative knee . as the step is raised to higher levels , the force placed on the post - operative knee would increase . importantly , the patient using this system can , as his joint stiffness and pain threshold permits , adjust the level of the step to suit his needs without having to rely solely on the judgment of external observations by a therapist . fig4 and 5 show an alternative mechanism for height adjustment of the step 14 . in this alternative embodiment , the height of the step can be adjusted by simply moving the step 14 out of the lateral support grooves 72 located on the step support panel 74 , relocating the step 14 to another level , and placing the step back into a secure position . lateral step supports 76 , which are complimentary to the lateral support grooves 72 , can be provided on the outer edges of the step 14 . the step 14 can be provided with a foot placement locator 62 , which can be a distinct heel locator or guide as shown in fig1 , 2 , and 9 , or can be simply a position on the step 14 that is adjacent to the location of the linear cable encoder 22 . in either case , the foot is properly positioned adjacent to the at least one cable outlet 64 of the linear cable encoder 22 . as shown in fig1 , the linear cable encoder 22 can be provided with a cable outlet 64 located on each side of the foot placement locator 62 . preferably , a single cable outlet 64 , as shown in fig4 can be provided . importantly , whichever embodiment of the invention is employed , it is important that prior to use the cable outlet 64 be positioned so as to allow extension of the cable 66 on the lateral side of the foot so as to permit extension of the cable upward along the lateral surface of the leg to a point adjacent to the hip joint of the patient . the greater trochanter of the femur is a reproducible prominence on the side of the hip joint , which can be easily located by tactile means . the cable , once extended can be attached to the outer clothing of the patient at a reproducible position over the location of the greater trochanter using any fastener that is suitable to provide a secure releasable attachment . any variety of pins , clips , hook and loop fasteners , and the like can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention . as shown in fig1 a - b , a preferred method of easily and consistently making the attachment of the cable 66 to the correct anatomical position adjacent the patient &# 39 ; s greater trochanter is to provide a separate fastener or cable clip 70 that is configured for easy connection and disconnection to the end of the cable 66 . a preferred embodiment is to provide the cable clip 70 as a two - part quick disconnect device as is known in the art . however , this separate clip can be as simple as a safety pin connected to a cable attachment ring , so long as the clip can be easily attached to the outer garment of the patient and when using the device , the patient can easily attach the end of the cable 66 to the clip . as shown in fig1 , 3 , 4 , 5 a , and 8 , the linear cable encoder can be slidably positioned to any position selected by the patient along the longitudinal axis of the step 14 . the cable outlet 64 , in the preferred embodiment extends from the linear cable encoder 22 located beneath the exercise step 14 through guide slot 68 defined along the longitudinal axis of the body of the step 14 . in addition to providing the exit portal for the tensioned , coiled cable 66 from the encoder 22 , the cable outlet 64 also serves as a guide pin for this sliding movement of the linear cable encoder 22 as the cable outlet 64 travels along the guide slot 68 . by this adjustable position feature of the linear cable encoder 22 , the patient can selectively position the encoder 22 to a location on the step 14 that is suitable for a therapy program for the left knee or for the right knee as necessary . in practice , during the initial assembly of the system the patient can adjust the length of the upright supports 34 as well as the position of the hand gripsl 8 to suit his anatomical needs . such adjustments can be facilitated by pre - marked settings on the upright supports 34 and the forearm rests 16 . he positions the step 14 to the proper height adjustment using the preferred adjustment mechanism or the alternative step adjustment mechanism displayed in fig4 and 5 . he can then adjust the position of the linear cable encoder to conform to the left knee or right knee therapy regime as prescribed . the patient then fastens the cable 66 via the cable clip 70 to his outer garment at a position on the lateral side of his leg adjacent to the greater trochanter . as earlier discussed and as best shown in fig1 b , this attachment of the cable 66 to the outer garment of the patient is preferably accomplished using a two - part quick disconnect device as the cable clip 70 . the patient can attach the upper portion 92 of a quick disconnect clip to the garment and then subsequently attach the cable 66 via the lower portion 94 of the quick disconnect clip at any time throughout the day as the patient desires to use the device 10 . when the patient places his foot on the step 14 he is ready to commence the exercise session . the linear cable encoder 22 of the device 10 , in its simplest form , can be provided with a simple counter , which provides a record of the sum of repetitions of the extension and retraction of the cable 66 from the cable encoder 22 . as earlier discussed and as shown in fig6 and 7 , it is preferred that the linear cable encoder 22 record the length “ l ” of the extension of the cable 66 and provide a computation of the angle of the knee during extension and flexion . prior to beginning exercise repetitions on the device 10 having the preferred embodiment of the cable encoder 22 , the patient can note the number on the display for “ l ” ( length of the cable extended by the linear cable encoder ) as a comfortable resting position with his foot on the step . an example of a comfortable resting position is 128 mm as shown in fig6 . also shown are exemplary measurements of “ l ” for extension and flexion . the patient &# 39 ; s goal is to make the distance as small as possible while working on flexion of the joint . this is accomplished by lowering his buttocks downward toward his ankle . the cable extends from the cable outlet 64 up to the hip as the patient puts his weight on the step and raises his buttocks up and away from his ankle . the absolute number recorded for “ l ” is unimportant ; it is only important that the patient makes progress in decreasing the number measured as he further flexes his knee . similarly , in extension , the patient &# 39 ; s goal is to increase the number of the measurement for “ l ”; that is increasing the distance from the buttocks to the ankle . by consistency in positioning of the foot on the step 14 and attachment of the cable clip 70 on the patient &# 39 ; s outer garment , the measurement reading obtained by the linear cable encoder 22 will provide a very accurate assessment of the patient &# 39 ; s progress . as shown in fig6 , the actual measurement of “ l ” is from the cable outlet 64 of the cable encoder 22 , not from the patient &# 39 ; s ankle ; however , this slight difference in length is not sufficient to be of significance to the computations provided by the biofeedback assembly 20 and further are of no relevance to the goal of the device 10 of providing immediate information of the patient &# 39 ; s progress in achieving improved flexion and extension of the knee . as shown in fig6 , the differences in length “ l ” of the extended cable 66 from the linear cable encoder can vary considerably depending upon the degree of flexion or extension of the knee . the patient &# 39 ; s awareness of the differences in these measurements of “ l ” alone can provide sufficient biofeedback to allow the patient to determine the progression of his therapy program . however , as earlier indicated , and as shown in fig7 , the biofeedback assembly 20 of the system 10 in addition to the data collection device exemplified as a linear cable encoder 22 with a simple counter can include a computing device 24 , a data display device , a data input terminal , and a data transmission device . the computing device can be programmed with an algorithm for determining the number of degrees in a selected angle of a triangle when the lengths of the three sides of the triangle are known . that algorithm , c °= cos − 1 [( a 2 + b 2 − l 2 )/ 2 ( a )( b )], as shown in fig7 , when programmed into the biofeedback assembly 20 of the system 10 will convert the entered measurement data of the anatomical lengths of the upper leg ( a ) the lower leg ( b ), and the measured length “ l ” of the cable of the linear cable encoder 22 into a computed angle ( c °) of extension or flexion of the knee . this “ angle measurement ,” as universally referred to by surgeons and therapists can be displayed immediately to the patient during the course of the exercise session . such real time biofeedback has never before been possible . in addition to this immediate biofeedback to the patient , the data can be saved for later evaluation by the patient &# 39 ; s surgeon or therapist . it is also within the concept of the invention that the data , before or after analysis , be transmitted by cable , satellite , or wireless means to the office of the surgeon and / or therapist to provide a more immediate report on the progress of the patient &# 39 ; s prescribed therapy . the frequency of this data link reporting can be programmed for download or transmission on call when the system is prompted by a remote telephonic or computer link prompt from the a requesting party such as the surgeon or therapist or it can be programmed for data transmission at specific times during the prescribed therapy program . alternatively , other distance measuring or range finding systems can be employed to determine the degree of movement of a patient &# 39 ; s limbs when using the device . other preferred measurement systems could be used such as , for example , a laser emitter / receiver system attached to the step 14 in place of the most preferred linear cable encoder 22 can be employed to measure the distance from the step 14 to a laser reflector attached to the patient &# 39 ; s outer garment adjacent to the hip joint at the position of the greater trochanter without departing from the concept of the invention herein disclosed . in addition to the benefits of the system discussed above , the platform assembly 12 can be useful for other exercises that are beneficial as the rehabilitation process proceeds . for example , if the patient moves the handle grips 18 back along the forearm rests 16 , they can be used as a stabilizing force for exercises of the hip . toe raises can also be performed using this configuration of the platform assembly 12 . further , if the patient moves the hand grips 18 to their most forward position on the forearm rests 16 and then he steps up onto the step 14 and then down again while maintaining his hold on the hand grips 18 , the platform 12 can be employed as a stair stepper to increase quadriceps strength . in addition to the exemplary alternative embodiments of the platform assembly 12 , which are shown in fig3 , 4 , 5 a , and 9 , the system can be provided with a uni - body component construction platform assembly , such as shown in fig8 . in such an embodiment , the strength of the platform can be derived from the entirety of the uni - body construction rather than from the sum of the strength provided by the pipe components of the platform , as shown in fig1 . the height adjustment feature for this alternative uni - body construction embodiment can be provided by telescoping left and right side assemblies 56 , 58 having a lower portion 80 and an upper portion 82 . the upper portion 82 can be slidably displaced upward or downward relative to the lower portion 80 as a means of adjusting the height of the alternative uni - body platform . servo - assist motors with height position adjustment mechanisms 84 , as are well known in the art , can be provided internal to the uni - body construction and are therefore not openly shown in fig8 . additionally , handle servos and adjustment mechanisms 86 and step servos and adjustment mechanisms 88 can be provided to facilitate ergonomic adjustment of these components . this uni - body construction embodiment of the present invention is well suited for a more stationary environment such as the a physical therapy department or a physical therapists office and as such can be equipped with alternative biofeedback systems such as , for example , the well known electromagnetic tracking device known in the art as “ flock of birds .” other alternative biofeedback devices can also be employed such as , for example , laser emitter / receiver devices , visual spatial orientation devices , radio - tracking devices , or any other advanced means of determining the angle “ c ” of a skeletal joint . the preferred tubular or pipe component construction , as shown in fig1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 a - b , 9 , 10 a , and 11 , requires considerable structural strength in each component such as can be provided by aluminum , steel , titanium , or alloys thereof . however , it is within the concept of the present invention that the exercise platform 12 can also be fabricated by wood , high density polymers , light weight composites or any other material having sufficient strength to provide a structurally safe platform assembly 12 for the device 10 . as described above and partially shown in fig5 a , the system 10 can be provided as a fully or partially disassembled kit . the kit can be shipped in a container 90 and easily assembled by the patient without need of professional assistance . each of the embodiments described above are provided for illustrative purposes only and it is within the concept of the present invention to include modifications and varying configurations without departing from the scope of the invention that is limited only by the claims included herewith .

US-84071207-A

surgical apparatus for treating female stress urinary incontinence include a pair of curved delivery needles , each defining a distal end and a proximal end and adopted to be inserted into the abdomen of a female and to be positioned on either side of the bladder neck so as to define a delivery path for a tape which may be removably attached to the proximal ends of the delivery needles through the vagina for implantation into the abdomen to provide support for the urethra . a pair of curved delivery sheaths , each adapted to be inserted into the abdomen around one of the delivery needles , allow withdrawal of the delivery needles from the abdomen such that the tape is conducted along the delivery path . in the preferred embodiment , the delivery needles also allow simultaneous introduction of a local anesthetic into the abdominal tissues . methods for treatment of stress urinary incontinence utilizing the surgical apparatus are also disclosed .

the preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings , wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views . referring first to fig1 - 6 , the tape delivery assembly of the present invention is generally designated 10 . assembly 10 includes a pair of elongated , generally tubular , arcuate delivery needles 12 a , 12 b . delivery needles 12 a , 12 b are fabricated from a material that is compatible with the human body , preferably a rigid metal material that is conventionally used for surgical instruments , such as stainless steel , and may be generally smooth , preferably polished , on their exterior to facilitate penetration of soft tissue . delivery needles 12 a , 12 b each comprise a needle body 14 which is generally hollow and which defines an interior needle body passageway 16 . needle body 14 further defines a distal needle end 18 and a proximal needle end 20 , the proximal needle end 20 terminating in a needle tip 24 , while the distal needle end 18 terminates ( in the preferred embodiment ) in a distal needle opening 22 that is in fluid communication with the needle body passageway 16 . needle body passageway 16 preferably extends substantially throughout the interior of needle body 14 , from distal needle end 18 to proximal needle end 20 , but does not extend all the way to needle tip 24 , as best shown in fig6 . in the preferred embodiment , needle body 14 further defines a plurality of spaced , preferably generally circular , circumferential needle openings 30 disposed along substantially its entire length , each of the circumferential needle openings also being in fluid communication with the needle body passageway 16 . in the preferred embodiment , needle body 14 further defines a needle mouth portion 31 adjacent distal needle opening 22 which is shaped to facilitate mating engagement with removable connecting means as hereinafter described . preferably , needle body 14 is approximately six to seven inches in length , and defines a radius of curvature r that is preferably about 5 in . ( as shown in fig3 ). needle body 14 is also generally tapered in shape , its diameter transitioning from a larger diameter at distal needle end 18 to a smaller diameter at proximal needle end 20 , although it is to be understood that while the term “ diameter ” is used herein , as shown best in fig5 both needle body 14 and needle body passageway 16 preferably have a cross section which is noncircular , but which is generally oval or ellipsoidal , thus defining a major diameter and a minor diameter . preferably , the major diameter of needle body 14 at distal needle end 18 is about 0 . 5 in ., while the minor diameter of needle body 14 at distal needle end 18 is preferably about 0 . 3 in . preferably , the major diameter of needle body 14 tapers in a substantially continuous manner from about 0 . 5 in . at distal needle end 18 to about 0 . 2 in . at proximal needle end 20 , with the minor diameter preferably also tapering in a proportional fashion . needle tip 24 is preferably arrow - shaped , and is adapted to perforate layers of tissue , such as fascia , muscle , fat and skin , in a known manner . preferably , the thickness of the metal out of which needle body 14 is fabricated is about 0 . 1 in . throughout , and therefore the major diameter of distal needle opening 22 is preferably about 0 . 4 in . and the minor diameter of distal needle opening 22 is about 0 . 2 in . the diameter of each circumferential needle opening is preferably about 0 . 05 in . tape delivery assembly 10 further includes means for removable attachment of each delivery needle 12 a , 12 b to one end of a tape intended to be implanted within a patient &# 39 ; s abdominal cavity . the attachment means comprises means 32 , generally disposed at proximal needle end 20 of needle body 14 and adjacent to needle tip 24 , for engaging a length of a sterile thread - like material 36 ( e . g ., conventional surgical suture ), and illustratively preferably comprising a needle eyelet 34 adapted to engage the thread - like material , as shown best in fig6 . in the preferred embodiment , tape delivery assembly 10 further includes , for each delivery needle 12 a , 12 b , means for infusion of a local anesthetic into the abdomen through the delivery needles , although it is to be understood that such infusion means is an optional ( albeit desirable ) feature of the invention which may be omitted ( if , for example , the patient has already been anesthetized via a general or spinal anesthetic ) without adversely affecting the tape delivery aspects of the invention . if utilized , the infusion means preferably comprises the aforementioned means for removably connecting the needle body to a source of local anesthetic . the connecting means 38 is disposed at distal needle end 18 of needle body 14 and is a conventional needle fitting which illustratively preferably comprises a luer - lok connector 40 , one end of which is adapted for mating engagement with needle mouth 31 adjacent distal needle opening 22 , and the other end of which may illustratively be connected to a syringe ( not shown ) filled with a suitable local anesthetic to an exemplary capacity of ten cubic centimeters ( 10 cc ). preferably , the local anesthetic that is used is a mixture of any conventional , commercially - available short term local anesthetic and any conventional , commercially - available long term local anesthetic , most preferably an equal parts mixture of a short term local anesthetic such as lidocaine or xylocaine and a long term local anesthetic such as marcaine . delivery needle 12 a is thus configured for infiltration of anesthetic from the syringe through luer - lok connector 40 into needle body passageway 16 , for ultimate passage through the plurality of circumferential needle openings 30 . tape delivery assembly 10 further includes , for each delivery needle 12 a , 12 b , an elongated , tubular , arcuate delivery sheath 46 which is generally hollow and which defines an interior sheath passageway 48 . delivery sheath 46 further defines a distal sheath end 50 and a proximal sheath end 52 , terminating in a distal sheath opening 54 and a proximal sheath opening 56 , respectively , that are in fluid communication with the sheath passageway 48 . sheath passageway 48 extends throughout the full length of sheath 46 , from distal sheath end 50 to proximal sheath end 52 . delivery sheath 46 is fabricated from a material that is compatible with the human body , preferably a flexible material that is conventionally used in surgical procedures , ( such as plastic or silicone ), and as shown best in fig6 proximal sheath end 52 preferably includes an elongated cutout 62 extending from proximal sheath opening 56 part of the way towards distal sheath end 50 , in order to facilitate the introduction into sheath passageway 48 the distal needle end 18 of a delivery needle 12 a , in the manner to be described hereinbelow . preferably , delivery sheath 46 is also approximately six to seven inches in length , and defines a radius of curvature ( not shown ) that is also preferably about 5 in . delivery sheath 46 is also generally tapered in shape , its diameter transitioning from a larger diameter at distal sheath end 50 to a smaller diameter at proximal sheath end 52 , although it is to be understood that while the term “ diameter ” is used herein , as shown best in fig5 both delivery sheath 46 and sheath passageway 48 preferably have a cross section which is non - circular , but which is generally oval or ellipsoidal , thus defining a major diameter and a minor diameter . preferably , the major diameter of delivery sheath 46 at distal sheath end 52 is about 0 . 7 in ., while the minor diameter of delivery sheath 46 at distal sheath end 52 is preferably about 0 . 4 in . preferably , the major diameter of delivery sheath 46 tapers in a continuous manner from about 0 . 7 in . at distal sheath end 52 to about 0 . 3 in . at proximal sheath end 54 , with the minor diameter preferably also tapering in a proportional fashion , and the thickness of the material out of which delivery sheath 46 is fabricated is preferably about 0 . 1 in . throughout . therefore the major diameter of distal sheath opening 54 is preferably about 0 . 6 in . and the minor diameter of distal sheath opening 54 is about 0 . 3 in . notwithstanding the foregoing , however , and for reasons that will become apparent to those skilled in the art , while the shape of delivery sheath 46 is generally similar to the shape of delivery needle 12 a , the interior dimensions of delivery sheath 46 are adapted to be slightly larger than the exterior dimensions of delivery needle 12 a , so as to enable delivery sheath 46 to surround and envelop delivery needle 12 a , in the manner to be described hereinbelow . referring now to fig7 in addition to the aforementioned fig1 - 6 , tape delivery assembly 10 also includes a tape 64 for implantation into a patient &# 39 ; s abdominal cavity , which may be fabricated from any appropriate tissue - compatible synthetic material . an exemplary but preferred synthetic material is prolene ® polypropylene mesh , a mesh having a thickness of 0 . 7 mm and openings of about 1 mm manufactured by ethicon , inc . of somerville , n . j ., u . s . a . this material , which is approved by the u . s . food and drug administration for implantation into the human body , is adapted to adhere to the pelvic tissues adjacent to the bladder neck and urethra , and in its commercial embodiment this material is therefore generally surrounded initially by a removable plastic wrapping or tape covering 66 which prevents the synthetic tape material from adhering prematurely to the pelvic tissues before it has been properly positioned for implantation , after which the covering 66 may be removed . tape 64 may be of any convenient shape and size that suits the intended purpose of this invention . preferably , it is one centimeter ( i . e ., approximately 0 . 4 in ) wide , with a length of approximately sixteen inches , and the exemplary synthetic material mentioned above is currently available commercially from the source mentioned above with those dimensions , although as far as the length is concerned , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that , depending upon the size of the patient into whose abdomen it is to be implanted , it may be necessary to cut and trim the tape to an appropriate length , which can be done at the time of implantation . as shown best in fig6 the attachment means of tape delivery assembly 10 further comprises , at each end of tape covering 66 , means 68 for removably receiving sterile thread - like material 36 to enable removable attachment of tape 64 to delivery needles 12 a , 12 b . receiving means 68 illustratively preferably comprises a loop - shaped “ dog ear ” protrusion 70 , having a tape eyelet 72 bored therethrough which is adapted to receive thread - like material 36 . the use and operation of tape delivery assembly 10 will now be described with reference to fig8 - 11 in addition to the aforementioned fig1 - 7 . in fig1 - 4 , 7 - 9 and 11 , the anatomical features of the lower abdominal cavity of a human female patient are depicted , including the abdominal wall 74 , the pubic bone 76 , the urinary bladder 78 , the bladder neck 80 , the urethra 82 , the vagina 84 and the uterus 86 . the method of implanting tape 64 in the patient &# 39 ; s abdominal cavity includes the conventional pre - surgical preparatory procedures , including , e . g ., prepping and draping the patient , positioning the patient in low lithotomy position in the usual fashion , preparing the local anesthetic mixture described above , and in the preferred embodiment , filling syringes with that mixture and connecting a syringe to the luer - lok connector 40 disposed at the distal end of each delivery needle 12 a , 12 b . thereafter , the local anesthetic mixture is applied in a conventional manner to the anterior portion 88 of vagina 84 , and a longitudinal incision 90 , preferably approximately one inch long , is made in the anterior vaginal wall adjacent the bladder neck , at approximately the midpoint of the urethra 82 . the urinary bladder 78 is then drained with six inches of 14 fr . catheter . the local anesthetic mixture is thereafter applied in a conventional fashion to the skin of the patient &# 39 ; s abdominal wall 74 in the suprapubic region , about six centimeters ( approximately 2 . 5 inches ) lateral from the midline m on both sides , just above the edge of the pubis , and conventional stab wound incisions 92 a , 92 b are made therein at those points ( see fig3 ). it is to be understood that stab wound incisions 92 a , 92 b will be separated by distance p ( preferably approximately 5 in . ), and that those stab wound incisions 92 a , 92 b can be made by using delivery needles 12 a , 12 b themselves , or by using any other appropriate surgical instrument ( s ). in either case , delivery needles 12 a , 12 b are inserted into the retropubic space through incisions 92 a , 92 b , respectively , in the direction shown illustratively by arrow j in fig3 and are then driven lateral to the bladder along the posterior aspect of the pubic bone 76 , to such an extent that their proximal needle ends 20 are positioned adjacent to , and on either side of , the bladder neck 80 , approximately at the midpoint of the urethra 82 , and to such an extent that their needle tips 24 emerge through vaginal wall incision 90 , with the needle tips 24 of delivery needles 12 a , 12 b ultimately located in close proximity to one another within the vagina 84 , as shown best in fig3 and 7 . in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention , as the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b are being inserted and driven into the retropubic space as described above , the local anesthetic mixture is simultaneously ejected from the syringes in a known manner , from whence it passes through the luer - lok connectors 40 and into the needle body passageways 16 , ultimately being injected into the pelvic tissues adjacent each delivery needle 12 a , 12 b through the plurality of circumferential needle openings 30 , as shown by arrows l in fig3 . in addition to anesthetizing the patient , the introduction of local anesthetic in this manner also causes the adjacent pelvic tissues to expand , thereby creating a very narrow circumferential space surrounding each delivery needle , approximately 0 . 1 in . to 0 . 2 in wide , which can be utilized to advantage with the present invention , as described hereinbelow . after delivery needles 12 a , 12 b have been inserted into the abdominal cavity and are positioned as described above , it is preferable to perform a cystoscopic examination of the urinary bladder 78 in order to detect any possible perforations of that organ , and if so , to remove and reposition one or both of the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b . it is to be understood that during the cytoscopic examination , and during any subsequent removal and repositioning of the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b , additional amounts of the local anesthetic mixture may be introduced via the delivery needle passageways 16 and the circumferential openings 30 , as necessary , in the same manner as set forth above . as soon as the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b are correctly positioned , the syringes and the luer - lok connectors 40 are disconnected from delivery needles 12 a , 12 b , and the proximal sheath end 52 of a delivery sheath 46 is then positioned within each of incisions 92 a , 92 b , with the proximal sheath opening 56 of each delivery sheath 46 surrounding the exposed distal needle end 18 of one of the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b . the delivery sheath 46 is thereafter advanced into the circumferential space surrounding each delivery needle 12 a , 12 b , in the direction of arrows a , a ′ ( see fig4 ), such that each delivery needle is ultimately positioned within a sheath passageway 48 , and to such an extent that each delivery sheath 46 surrounds and envelops a delivery needle 12 a , 12 b along substantially its entire length , except for the respective needle tips 24 , which remain unsheathed . the respective ends of tape 64 are then introduced through the vagina 84 , and each end is removably tethered to a delivery needle 12 a , 12 b by connecting engaging means 32 to receiving means 68 via a sufficient length of a thread - like material 36 , first by threading the thread - like material through tape eyelet 72 of protrusion 70 on tape covering 66 , and then by threading the thread - like material through needle eyelet 34 adjacent needle tip 24 of a delivery needle 12 a , 12 b . although each tether thus created may optionally be secured by knotting the thread - like material 36 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such knotting will not be necessary to secure the tether if a sufficient length of thread - like material 36 is used . thereafter , the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b are slowly withdrawn from the patient &# 39 ; s abdominal cavity through delivery sheaths 46 in the direction of arrows b , b ′ ( see fig8 ), by reversing the motion by which they were driven , and as best shown in fig8 as a result of being tethered to a delivery needle 12 a , 12 b , one segment of tape 64 is drawn or “ towed ” into one of the delivery sheaths 46 , from proximal sheath end 52 towards distal sheath end 50 in the direction of arrow b , through the entire length of sheath passageway 48 , while the other segment of tape 64 is similarly drawn or “ towed ” into and through the entire length of the other delivery sheath 46 in the direction of arrow b ′, so that the respective ends of tape 64 thereafter protrude from the patient &# 39 ; s abdominal wall 78 ( not shown ); the portion of the tape 64 outside the vagina is pulled in the direction of arrow c . the delivery needles 12 a , 12 b are then untethered from the respective ends of the tape 64 by detaching them from the thread - like material 36 , and at this point a second cystoscopic examination of the urinary bladder 78 is preferably performed , again in order to detect any possible additional perforations of that organ , and if so , to remove and reposition the tape 64 . thereafter , both delivery sheaths 46 are withdrawn from the patient &# 39 ; s abdominal cavity , in the direction of arrows d , d ′ ( see fig9 ), while tape 64 remains embedded within the pelvic tissue , positioned for completion of the tvt procedure in accordance with the prior art . specifically , using a catheter the urinary bladder 78 is then filled with approximately 250 milliliters of a fluid , typically water , and the patient is requested to cough ( not shown ). the surgeon is thereby able to determine the operation of the urethra 82 ( i . e ., to check for leakage ), and may adjust the tension of the tape , as necessary , by adjusting the ends of the tape 64 that protrude from the abdominal wall 74 , thereby moving the tape 64 in the direction of arrows e ( see fig1 ) and into its final position , as indicated by the dashed lines f in fig8 and 11 . after these adjustments , the tape covering 66 is removed by pulling the sterile thread - like material still attached to the protrusions 70 at the respective ends of tape 64 ( not shown ), and carrying away the tape covering 66 with them , in the direction of arrows g , g ′ in fig1 . the surplus tape at the abdominal wall is then cut off , and the suprapubic incisions 92 a , 92 b as well as the vaginal wall incision 90 are closed , leaving tape 64 in the body to form an artificial ligament embedded in the pelvic tissue that provides additional support for the urethra 82 , as shown schematically in fig1 , in order to restore urinary continence to the patient . the manner in which tape 64 functions , which is well known in the art , is depicted in fig1 : when the patient coughs , laughs , or sneezes , etc ., the tape 64 assists in the sealing action of the urethra 82 , by moving towards the urethra as shown by the arrows h , and urging it toward the pubic bone 76 , as shown by the arrows i . while there has been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are by way of illustration and not of limitation , and that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention , as set forth in the appended claims .

US-96335501-A

disclosed is a backpack having a plurality of stabilizing handles . the handles are of fixed dimension and are distributed around the outside of a main compartment of the backpack to provide a number of places for a caregiver to grip when assisting a wearer of the backpack walk . a rear side of the main compartment may have a four handles , a front side of the backpack may have 6 handles , and side panels of the backpack may have 4 handles . a lead may optionally be attached to the d - ring on the rear side of the backpack . providing numerous grip handles around the backpack enhances the ability of the caregiver to provide spotting support , without stigmatizing the user from the use of a harness or other such assistive device .

the present application provides a backpack having a plurality of stabilizing handles thereon . for the purpose of the present application , a “ handle ” is different than a more generic strap of a backpack , in the sense that a “ handle ” defines a fixed loop of material . that is , although a number of the stabilizing handles described herein may be made of strap material , the fact that they define a fixed loop having a constant loop dimension distinguishes them from straps in general . everyone understands that backpacks often have a number of different straps , most of which are adjustable . a “ handle ” in the context of the present invention is not adjustable . that is not to say that the backpack described herein cannot have adjustable straps , which can also be grasped by a caregiver to stabilize the wearer of the backpack , but these are not strictly “ handles ” as defined herein . fabrics for backpacks are numerous , and the present application covers any variety . for example , the oldest backpacks were cotton canvas waterproofed with a heavy wax coating . most modern backpacks are a combination of synthetic materials to improve the strength and water resistance of the canvas fabric . for example , many backpacks are made of polyurethane coated cordura ® nylon , kodra nylon , or other nylon fabrics . furthermore , leather or other reinforcing material can be added as panels to backpacks , and of course certain components of backpacks include cushioning material , such as polyester fill , or reinforcing panels and the like . the present application is intended to cover backpacks of all types and materials . the handles described above may be formed by any of the components of the backpack , as long as the handle has a fixed size , as mentioned . for example , dangling nylon straps can be sewn into loops to form the handles , or a single nylon strap can be sewn on either end to a cushioned shoulder strap so as to form a loop . those of skill in the art will understand that fixed loops of flexible material can be formed in a variety of ways . the handles described herein are intended to be grasped by caregivers of the wearer of the backpack , which caregivers are typically full - grown adults . therefore , the dimension of the fixed loop handles must be at least as large as the average palm of an adult ; the conventional manner of grasping a loop - type handle being to stick the four fingers through the loop with the thumb outside . consequently , the dimensions of an oval - shaped fixed loop handle should be at least 4 inches in a long dimension and 0 . 75 inches across , and more particularly between about 4 - 6 inches in the long dimension and between about 0 . 75 - 1 . 5 inches across . an important aspect of the present application is the sheer number of handles provided around the stabilizing backpack . in a preferred embodiment , the stabilizing backpack of the present application has at least 9 handles distributed around the front , back , top , and sides . in this way , a caregiver can easily grasp one of the multiple handles if necessary to prevent the wearer of the backpack from falling . optionally , a lead may be attached to the d - ring on the rear of the backpack to provide a means to maintain continual contact with the backpack without necessarily affecting the balance of the wearer . in a particularly preferable embodiment , the stabilizing backpack has 2 large upper handles on either lateral side , at least 3 handles on the rear face of the backpack , and at least 4 handles on the front face of the backpack . the directions front and rear are relative to the wearer when the backpack is on his or her back . fig1 is a perspective view of a rear face and fig2 is a front elevational view of an exemplary stabilizing backpack 20 of the present application illustrating a number of handles which can be grasped by caregiver . the rear view illustrates a primary zipper 22 surrounding a rear panel 23 that is used to provide access to an inner cavity ( not shown ) of a main compartment 24 of the backpack 20 . the zipper 22 typically extends from one lower side up around the top rear corner of the main compartment 24 to another lower side . a pouch 26 is provided on the lower rear side of the backpack accessed by a secondary zipper 28 . the front face of the backpack 20 includes a pair of shoulder straps 30 , which are typically padded with some type of filler . the shoulder straps 30 are sewn at an upper end to two laterally spaced apart locations on an upper front corner 31 of the main compartment 24 . lower ends of the shoulder straps 30 are secured to a lower front corner 32 of the main compartment 24 using flexible straps 33 that pass through an adjustable buckle 34 . up to now , the basic structural components of the backpack has been described , and are fairly conventional . of course , the present concept of multiple stabilizing handles can be applied to any type of backpack available . the provision of the plurality of handles on a backpack are intended to provide the wearer with some sort of camouflage as to the function of the handles , or in general conceal the stabilizing nature of the backpack . ordinary backpacks often have a couple handles , such as at the top center , and sometimes straps that resemble handles , so the present backpack blends in quite easily . however , the professional trained at chaperoning individuals prone to falling or otherwise losing their balance will recognize the enhanced safety features incorporated into this design . with reference again to fig1 , the rear face of the backpack 20 includes a central vertical handle 40 formed by a strap that is secured both at the top and bottom of the rear panel 23 . fig3 is a perspective view of the rear of the stabilizing backpack showing how a caregiver grasps the rear central vertical handle 40 . a pair of lower rear handles 42 are provided by loops of strap material eventually secured to a horizontal seam 43 at the junction between the rear panel 23 and the pouch 26 . these two rear handles 42 are laterally spaced from one another so as to be respectively toward the left and right sides of the rear of the backpack 20 , and maybe detachable through the use of strap buckles 44 . preferably , a reinforcing strap 46 extends downward from the upper end of each of the rear handles 42 and is secured to a bottom panel ( not shown ) of the backpack 20 , as best seen in fig5 . another lower rear handle 50 is provided by a strap of material sewn between the two vertical reinforcing straps 46 . fig5 and 6 show how a caregiver grasps the central rear handle 50 and the two lateral rear handles 42 . an adjustable rear lead 54 terminating in a lead handle 56 is affixed to a d - ring at the top of the backpack 20 . as mentioned above , the provision of a lead 54 is optional because it may defeat the purpose of concealing the stabilizing nature of the backpack 22 the untrained eye . however , the backpack 20 is particularly useful for very small children who are just learning to walk or may also have gait problems , and attaching an even longer lead than is shown for such children is a fairly common sight . fig4 shows how a caregiver grasps the affixed rear lead handle 56 . to summarize , the rear of the backpack 20 has the central vertical handle 40 , the two lower lateral handles 42 , the lower central horizontal handle 50 , and the lead 54 with its handle 56 , for a total of 5 handles on the rear . it should be understood that even more handles could be added to the various sides of the backpack , although the practical maximum occurs when the handles interfere with each other . with reference again to fig1 , the backpack 20 has two upper handles 60 that are associated with the left and right sides . each handle 60 is secured to a top area of a central panel 62 forming the roof of the main compartment 24 . the lower end of each handle 60 attaches to a midpoint of the central panel 62 on the left and right sides of the backpack . the two upper handles 60 are preferably made of reinforced straps , such as a double layer of strap material sewn together . these handles are intended to be the primary grasping points for the caregiver , as the wearer of the backpack is often shorter than the caregiver and they will typically be walking side by side . fig7 shows how a caregiver grasps primary upper handles 60 . in addition to the upper handles 60 , a pair of side handles 64 are provided on the left and right sides of the main compartment 24 . these side handles 64 are preferably formed of horizontal straps of material sewn on either end at front and rear corners of the main compartment 24 . there are thus 4 total handles on the lateral and upper sides of the backpack 22 . with reference again to fig2 , a number of handles that are provided on the front side of the backpack 20 will be described . first of all , each of the shoulder straps 30 is provided with two vertically - oriented handles 70 , 72 . upper vertical handles 70 comprised strap material that is sewn at an upper front corner 31 of the main compartment 24 , and again approximately midway down the corresponding shoulder strap 30 . lower vertical handles 72 comprised strap material that is sewn at the midpoint of each shoulder strap 30 , and again near the lower end of the respective shoulder strap . indeed , the upper and lower vertical handles 70 , 72 may be formed by a single strap of material that is sewn at three places along the respective shoulder strap 30 . fig4 and 8 how a caregiver grasps the upper vertical handles 70 , while fig9 illustrates a person grasping the lower vertical handles 72 . each of the shoulder straps 30 desirably comprises a reinforced or padded portion 74 that terminates near a lower end of the backpack 20 , and the adjustable strap 33 then connects the lower end of the padded portion 74 to the lower front corner 32 of the main panel 24 . the ladder - lock buckle 34 is typically provided for adjustment of the length of the shoulder strap 30 so as to adjust for different sized users . a pair of lower front handles 80 attaches to the lower end of each of the shoulder straps 30 . fig1 shows a caregiver grasping both of the lower front handles 80 . as mentioned , the handles 80 are fixed in dimension , preferably by sewing a loop in a length of strap material . the strap material then passes through the ladder - lock buckle 34 and extends to the lower front corner 32 and attaches thereto . the front of the backpack 20 thus has the upper and lower vertical handles 70 , 72 , and the lower front handles 80 , for a total of 6 handles . in a preferred embodiment of the backpack 20 , the shoulder straps 30 are held together laterally by a central horizontal sternum strap 82 . this type of strap 82 is fairly common , but it should be noted that it can also be used as a handle . in addition to the sternum strap 82 , a pair of underarm security straps 84 extend from a midpoint of each of the shoulder straps 30 to a side panel of the backpack . the underarm security straps 84 are preferably adjustable in length , though they also may be used as handles in a pinch . the underarm straps are important because they help prevent the backpack from laterally sliding off the user when they stumble . in one embodiment , underarm handles 86 are provided on the underarm security straps 84 , as seen in fig2 , such that the front of the backpack has 8 total handles . fig1 and 12 are front views of an alternative stabilizing backpack 20 showing two additional front lower handles 90 attached to a waist belt 92 . waist belts are common in some backpacks to provide additional abdominal or lumbar support , and typically include two relatively wide padded straps from each front side connected in the middle with a buckle 94 or the equivalent . fig1 shows how a caregiver might grasp the handles 90 , so as to stabilize a wearer of the backpack who loses his / her balance backwards . in the illustrated embodiment there is one handle 90 sewn to each strap of the waist belt 92 . the lower front handles 80 and underarm security straps 84 , as seen in fig2 , are omitted for clarity , but if they were present there would now be a total of 10 handles on the front of the backpack . as mentioned above , the stabilizing backpack of the present application has at least 9 handles distributed around the front , back , top , and sides . that is , there are at least 2 large upper handles on either lateral side , at least 3 handles on the rear face of the backpack , and at least 4 handles on the front face of the backpack . however , with the addition of the other handle embodiments , for example the side handles 64 or the underarm security straps 84 there may be at least 11 of the fixed dimension handles . in one embodiment , with all of the straps mentioned , there are 16 of the fixed dimension handles . as used herein , “ plurality ” means two or more . as used herein , a “ set ” of items may include one or more of such items . as used herein , whether in the written description or the claims , the terms “ comprising ”, “ including ”, “ carrying ”, “ having ”, “ containing ”, “ involving ”, and the like are to be understood to be open - ended , i . e ., to mean including but not limited to . only the transitional phrases “ consisting of ” and “ consisting essentially of ”, respectively , are closed or semi - closed transitional phrases with respect to claims . use of ordinal terms such as “ first ”, “ second ”, “ third ”, etc ., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority , precedence , or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed , but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name ( but for use of the ordinal term ) to distinguish the claim elements . as used herein , “ and / or ” means that the listed items are alternatives , but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items .

US-201514872892-A

a device for maintaining or achieving soft tissue expansion applicable to any body region already temporarily expanded including : an adhesive element deformable and capable of adapting to the shape of this body region , and which can then itself become mechanically rigid enough to resist tendency of the expanded tissue to recoil or to which a second material can be applied to form a stent adapted to the shape of the body area to provide the necessary structural rigidity to prevent recoil of the expansion and thereby induce its retention of its expanded shape after the stent is removed .

with reference to fig1 to 3 , the first embodiment is generally referred to as 1 . the device ( 1 ) is intended to be applied to the soft tissue body area subject to tissue expansion . in this instance , and for illustrative purposes only , the body area consists of a breast ( 2 ) whose volume was increased , preferably by injecting a physiologically compatible fluid such as saline , or less preferably by grafting properly treated autologous adipose tissue , in each instance optionally preceded by a period of treatment of vacuum or mechanical stimulation . nevertheless it is understood that the present invention can be applied in the same way in any surgery , aimed at changing the congenital or acquired body profile through fluid injection or adipose tissue graft , such as in the treatment of depressions caused by scars , surgical resections or malformations . the device is not only limited to external skin surfaces but can also be applied to internal defects and to solid organs . the device ( 1 ) preferably includes a sheet - like layer of an adhesive element ( 3 ), which is preferably made from materials that are easily deformed even at room temperature ( about 25 ° c .) and able to adapt to the widely varying shapes and sizes of the female breast ( 2 ). the adhesive element ( 3 ) is preferably sheet - shaped , and includes , in correspondence of its outer surface ( 3 a ), an adhesive layer ( 4 ) that may be applied directly on the skin surface of the breast ( 2 ), and a backing layer ( 5 ) superimposed to the adhesive layer ( 4 ). both layers ( 4 ) and ( 5 ) may preferably have a thickness between about 0 . 5 and 3 mm . the adhesive layer ( 4 ) is preferably an hydrocolloid , with high biocompatibility with the skin , so to ensure that the device ( 1 ) can be safely and comfortably applied to , and worn on , the breast ( 2 ) for reasonably lengthy periods of time , if necessary , without needing replacement . in addition , the biocompatibility of the adhesive layer ( 4 ) allows its application on the skin immediately after the surgical breast expansion , even in the presence of post - operative edema which is typically present after these surgical interventions . the backing layer ( 5 ) is preferably made of soft polymer material , e . g . thermoplastic polyurethane based foam or other polymeric material with similar characteristics of softness and deformability . in this way , the adhesive element ( 3 ) can adhere completely to the skin surface of the breast ( 2 ), adapting virtually perfectly to its shape . the adhesive elements described above may be provided for example by the company convatec under the trade name of duoderm ®. the device ( 1 ) also preferably includes a structural element ( 10 ) coupled to the opposite side of the adhesive layer ( 4 ). even the structural element ( 10 ), like the adhesive element ( 3 ), is preferably sheet - shaped , with a thickness preferably between 0 . 5 and 4 mm . the structural element ( 10 ) is preferably basically rigid at room temperature , so that it does not deform significantly when subjected to stresses caused by the natural contraction of the body area involved in the tissue expansion . in particular , the structural element ( 10 ), at room temperature , is preferably able to resist without deforming significantly when loaded by the natural contraction of the expanded soft tissue , such as the breast ( 2 ), following tissue expansion and , among other factors arising from the tissue elasticity and from the post - operative reabsorption of the edema . the material preferably used for the structural element ( 10 ) exhibits a high chemical compatibility with the material used for the backing layer ( 5 ) of the adhesive element ( 3 ), so that it can ensure an effective adhesion to it , even without additional layers of glue . however , it is optionally envisaged that an additional adhesive layer can be applied between the two elements 3 and 10 , for example a cyanoacrylate - based material indicated for medical use . most preferably , the structural element ( 10 ) is made of thermoplastic polymer having properties such that when heated to a temperature between 50 ° and 80 ° c . ( at first instance comparable to the melting point of the polymer ), it softens in such a way to be easily deformed by a surgeon &# 39 ; s manual manipulation . in this way , the structural element ( 10 ) can be stretched over the adhesive element ( 3 ), be adapted perfectly to the shape of the breast ( 2 ) and maintain this conformation . thermoplastic polymer materials softening at temperatures above 80 ° c . are not presently considered suitable for use in the present invention , because they would be too hot to be manipulated by a surgeon or to be used on a patient , even in overlap with the adhesive layer ( 3 ). on the other hand , thermoplastic polymer materials softening at temperatures below 50 ° c . are not presently considered suitable for use in the present invention , because they would not have adequate stiffness at room temperature or at temperatures between 35 and 40 ° c ., easily accessible in many countries in summer . preferably , the structural element ( 10 ) is made of a polymer based on polycaprolactone , covered with a layer of urethane acrylates . several holes with a diameter ranging between 3 and 5 mm are made preferably on the structural element ( 10 ) and placed regularly on its surface . these holes ( 11 ) allow an easier deformation of the structural element ( 10 ) when brought to temperatures between 50 and 80 ° c ., allowing at the same time a decrease of the mass of the structural element ( 10 ), in order to be lighter and to provide faster and more even temperature changes both in the heating and the cooling phases . the use of this preferred embodiment takes place as described below , at the end of the treatment of tissue expansion of the soft tissue , preferably obtained through the injection of physiologically compatible fluid or grafting of properly treated autologous fat tissue . in the first phase , the adhesive element ( 3 ) is carefully laid on the expanded breast ( 2 ) to adhere perfectly to the skin surface . after that , the structural element ( 10 ) is heated at a temperature between 50 and 80 ° c . so that the surgeon can easily deform it and lay it on the adhesive element ( 3 ) previously applied to the breast ( 2 ), adapting to its morphological conformation . the preferable chemical compatibility between the adhesive element ( 3 ) and the structural element ( 10 ) permits their mutual adhesion . both the adhesive element ( 3 ) and the structural element ( 10 ) are laid to cover the entire area involved in the tissue expansion , including preferably a considerable margin around it . the structural element ( 10 ) cools rapidly to room temperature , making it stiff enough to hinder effectively the natural tendency to contract of the expanded tissue . the sizing and the material of the structural element ( 10 ) are such that the cooling takes place as quickly as possible , but long enough to provide the surgeon with the time necessary to lay the structural element on the adhesive element ( 3 ). after the application of the structural element ( 10 ) and its cooling , the device ( 1 ) can be left on the breast ( 2 ) for a long period , even weeks if considered desirable , to promote the development of mature fat cells and their integration into the pre - existing tissue . if necessary , the device ( 1 ) can be replaced , by detaching the adhesive layer ( 4 ) from the breast ( 2 ) and repeating the steps described above with a new adhesive element and a new structural element . the device of the present invention is very lightweight and easy to wear , without causing discomfort or pain in the body region around the expanded tissue ( breast ). in fact , the pressures caused by the tissue &# 39 ; s natural contraction is very low , in particular if compared with those necessary to stimulate its expansion by vacuum application as in the known devices . in addition the device of the present invention is customizable , as it is adaptable to the morphology of the specific patient . a further advantage of this invention is that its application promotes a biological response , which is thought to lead to the transformation of the stem cells present in the treated and grafted adipose tissue into mature adipocytes . the structural element ( 10 ), before being used , can be provided in the form of a flat sheet or in a convenient alternative , already preformed cup according to different predefined sizes . with reference to fig4 , another embodiment of the invention is shown and referred to generally as 100 therein . the device 100 differs from device 1 described above by incorporating an additional element with variable thickness 101 , interposed between the adhesive element ( 3 ) and the structural element ( 10 ). the function of this element with variable thickness ( 101 ) is to improve the adaptability of the structural element ( 10 ) to the morphology of the expanded body region through a controlled reduction of its volume and thickness . the element ( 101 ) designed with variable thickness is preferably made of polymer foam , e . g . polyurethane , whose radial thickness is adjusted by aspiration of the air contained in it . yet another embodiment 120 is depicted in fig5 and includes within this single drawing figure a number of alternative constructions . for example , there is depicted a stent 122 which has been adhered to a breast with an adhesive layer 124 . stent 122 could have the layer 124 of adhesive applied to its inner surface 126 , or the adhesive could be applied separately such as by being sprayed on or as being part of a double - sided , adhesive coated tape 124 . layer 124 could be a layer of gel or silicone and if necessary an additional layer of adhesive could be applied . layer 124 could also be a layer of second skin . the single layer stent 122 could be formed from a sheet of material ( see fig6 & amp ; 7 ) such as a thermoplastic material , natural or synthetic polymer or from multiple sheets of overlapping material which cures into a rigid construction , like fiberglass or plaster of paris as might be used for a cast , for example . stent 122 could also be applied like a putty , such as silicone . there are many other materials , as known to those of skill in the art which could be substituted for these exemplary materials , using the teaching and guidance of the present disclosure . as shown in fig6 , the stent 122 may be a single sheet of material before application to the soft tissue site ; flexible for being readily conformed to the soft tissue site and then being capable of becoming rigid to maintain the morphology of the site . for example , such a flexible single sheet of material 122 may be sized to adequately cover the breast and as explained above have one of its surfaces covered with adhesive or not . as shown in fig7 , the stent 122 may be woven or reinforced which can make it both easier to pre - mold into shape and also better hold its molded shape after it is cured or otherwise transformed into a rigid structure adhering to the breast . fig8 depicts yet another representative shape for the stent 122 . as shown therein , the stent 122 may be pre - molded into somewhat the shape of different breast cup sizes to minimize the possible introduction of wrinkles as the stent 122 is manipulated around the breast . also , optionally , a flattened edge surface 126 to help form a seal at the edge of the stent 122 against the patient &# 39 ; s chest . as shown in fig9 , a brava bra ® system 128 may include a breast cup 130 adhered around a breast and held in place by a vacuum created between them by a pump 132 . the periphery may also have an adhesive applied to help hold it in place during wearing . pump 132 could be either a low pressure pump for continuous use in accordance with the recommended protocol , or a higher pressure pump for recycling as explained above to distend the breast . as shown in fig1 , the splint or stent 122 may be pre - formed in an approximately circular shape with a slit 134 to facilitate its being folded or collapsed around itself and thereby form the cone shape shown in fig1 . the methods of use of the various inventions disclosed herein have been explained above as would be readily understood by those of skill in the art . the invention has been illustrated through its preferred embodiments as shown in the drawing figures and as described in the description above . these preferred embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way . instead , the invention is intended to be limited solely by the scope of the claims appended hereto and their equivalents .

US-201213390453-A

a slide for frictionally engaging a flexible line to control a person &# 39 ; s descent along the line . an outer shell has a helical opening in one side with a longitudinal offset at its lower end for receiving the line . an inner friction member , which is adjustable rotationally and longitudinally inside the outer shell , has a transverse slot in its inner end and a helical screw thread behind for frictionally receiving the line . indicia on the friction member are visible at an opening in the outer shell to show the body weight for which the slide has been adjusted . the slide has a fail - safe lock acting between the outer shell and the friction member .

referring first to fig2 and 9 , the principal parts of the present slide are a rigid outer shell 15 and a rigid inner friction member 16 which is rotatably adjustable along the inside of the outer shell . as shown in fig9 the outer shell 15 has a longitudinal passageway 17 of circular cross - section which extends the entire length of the outer shell and is open at each end . on the outside the outer shell has an integrally formed &# 34 ; eye &# 34 ; 18 for attachment to a harness hook , as explained hereinafter . about midway along its length the outer shell is formed with a helically extending opening 19 in its side wall which , as shown in fig6 extends about halfway around the circumference of the side wall . as shown in fig3 and 4 , at one end this helically extending opening 19 leads into a recess 20 which is offset forwardly along the outer shell ( i . e ., to the left in these figures ). toward its back end ( i . e ., the right end in fig2 - 4 , 9 and 11 ) the outer shell 15 carries an inwardly projecting guide pin 21 . as shown in fig8 this guide pin has an enlarged cylindrical segment 21a on its inner end which is located inside the longitudinal passageway 17 through the outer shell . between the guide pin 21 and the helical opening 19 in its side wall the outer shell is formed with another opening 22 ( fig2 and 3 ) in its side wall for receiving a ratchet release lever 23 , as explained in more detail hereinafter . the opening 22 extends part way around the circumference of the outer shell &# 39 ; s side wall . the inner friction member 16 of the present slide has an enlarged knurled head 24 on its back end ( the right end in fig2 - 4 , 9 and 11 ), which is of larger diameter than the outer shell 15 . a helically grooved guide segment 25 extends forward from this head ( i . e ., to the left in fig2 - 4 , 9 and 11 ) and is rotatably received in the longitudinal passageway 17 in the outer shell 15 . guide segment 25 presents a helically - wound , flat - bottomed groove 26 which , as shown in fig8 slidably receives the friction end segment 21a of the guide pin 21 carried by the outer shell 15 . guide pin 21 and groove 26 cooperate to cause the friction member 16 to be displaced longitudinally of the outer shell in proportion to how far the friction member is rotated relative to the outer shell . the guide segment 25 is slightly larger in cross - section at its innermost two turns than at the remaining turns , and at these larger turns it has a snug but slidable fit inside the outer shell 15 . at these larger turns the guide segment is formed with a series of ratchet teeth 27 in close succession circumferentially , as shown in fig7 for locking engagement by the ratchet release lever 23 on the outer shell 15 , as explained hereinafter . the friction member 16 presents an externally screw - threaded segment 28 ( fig9 ) extending forward from its helically grooved guide segment 25 and having a substantial radial clearance inside the passageway 17 in the outer shell 15 . segment 28 presents several turns of a v - shaped groove 29 of the same helical pitch as the flat - bottomed groove 26 in guide segment 25 of the inner member . at the forward - most turn of segment 28 its helical groove becomes a round - bottomed groove , as shown at 29a in fig9 and 11 . at the front end of its screw - threaded segment 29 the friction member 16 terminates in an enlarged head 30 whose peripheral edge has a snug sliding fit inside the passageway 17 in the outer shell , as shown in fig9 and 10 . head 30 is formed with a diametrically extending groove or recess 31 in its front end . the opposite end of groove 31 in the head open into the round - bottomed groove 29a in the screw - threaded segment 28 behind the head . fig1 shows the present slide used by a person p to descend from a balcony b on the outside of a multistory building to the ground . this is just one possible use of the present invention . a rope r or other flexible line hangs down from the balcony railing to the ground and it passes between the outer shell 15 and the inner friction member 16 of the present slide , which cooperate to exert a frictional restraint against the rope that slows the descent of the person carrying the slide . as shown in fig1 , the person using the present device may wear a body harness h having a hook h &# 39 ; at its upper end for engagement with the eye 18 on the outer shell 15 so as to position the present invention in front of the person &# 39 ; s chin . this is just one possible way of attaching the present slide to the body of the person who will use it to slide down the rope r . as shown in fig9 before the present slide is applied to the rope r the inner member 16 is retracted to a position in which the recess or slot 31 in the front of its front end head 30 registers with the helical opening 19 in the side wall of outer shell 15 . this enables the rope to be inserted from one side of the outer shell via the opening 19 in the latter into the recess or slot 31 on the front end of inner member 16 . following this , the inner friction member 16 is rotated to move the head 30 on its front end to the left in fig9 and 11 , causing the rope r to be wound in the groove 29 on the friction member . the friction between the rope and member 16 is proportional to the length of the rope ( i . e ., the number of turns ) received in the groove 29 . the amount of this friction and the weight of the person using this device determine how fast the person will slide down the rope . preferably , the position of the inner friction member 16 is adjusted so that , whatever the person &# 39 ; s weight , the rate of descent will be at a suitably slow speed . as shown in fig9 the flat - bottomed groove 26 on the friction member 16 is marked with numbers 32 representing a person &# 39 ; s weight in pounds . these numbers increase in succession along this groove toward its back end . the outer shell 15 has an opening 33 in its side wall ( fig3 ) through which these numbers 32 are visible in succession as the inner member 16 is rotated . the farther inward the inner member 16 is turned ( i . e ., to the left in fig2 - 4 , 9 and 11 ) the higher will be the weight number 32 appearing in the opening 33 and the greater will be the number of turns of the rope r in the groove 29 on inner member 16 . thus , by rotating the inner member 16 to a position displaying the user &# 39 ; s weight in the opening 33 in the outer shell 15 , the frictional restraint on the rope r will be adjusted in proportion to the weight displayed . the locking lever 23 is shown in detail in fig7 and 12 . at its inner end ( the right end in these figures ) the locking lever presents a flat bottom face 34 which is slidable across an upwardly - facing flat face 35 on the outer shell 15 at one end of the opening 22 . outward from this bottom face 34 ( i . e ., to the left in fig7 and 12 ) the locking lever presents a downwardly extending shoulder 36 and a flat bottom face 37 extending outward from the lower end of this shoulder . the bottom corner between shoulder 36 and bottom face 37 is slidably engaged by the ratchet teeth 27 on the inner member 16 such that the inner member can be rotated clockwise in fig7 and 12 . however , when the locking lever 23 in the locking position shown in fig1 , its shoulder 36 is in the path of movement of the radial face 38 on each ratchet tooth 27 , so that counterclockwise rotation of the inner member 16 is prevented while the locking lever 23 is in this position . the locking lever 23 is formed with a horizontal slot 39 which snugly receives an upwardly offset locking segment 40 on the outside of the outer shell 15 , as shown in fig1 , to retain the locking lever 23 in its locked position . outwardly past this slot the locking lever presents an extension 41 which is engageable by the user &# 39 ; s finger to adjust the position of the locking lever . a spring 43 ( fig2 ) acts between the outer shell 15 and the locking lever 23 to bias the locking lever to its unlocked position , shown in full lines in fig7 from which it may be lifted by finger pressure at 41 to the released position shown in phantom in this figure . this spring is an elongated flexible and resilient wire of generally u - shaped configuration , having one end anchored at 43 in the outer shell and its opposite end anchored at 44 in the locking lever 23 midway along the latter &# 39 ; s length . the inherent spring bias of spring 42 is such that it urges locking lever to the position shown in fig7 in which its slot 39 is disengaged from the locking segment 40 on the outer shell . in the phantom line position in fig7 the shoulder 36 on the locking lever is out of the path of the radial face 38 on each ratchet tooth 27 on the inner member 16 so that now the inner member can rotate clockwise . tension on the rope , such as due to a person &# 39 ; s weight , causes the friction member to rotate counterclockwise in fig7 forcing the locking lever 23 to the locked position shown in fig1 , where its slot 39 receives the locking segment 40 on the outer shell . in the use of this slide , the weight of the person using the slide will exert enough tension on the rope so that the locking lever 23 will be in its locking position ( fig1 ). this permits the friction on the rope to be increased ( by rotating the inner member 16 of the slide clockwise in fig1 ) but it prevents reverse rotation of the inner member 16 . recapitulating the use and operation of this slide , with the inner member 16 retracted at least to the position shown in fig9 the slide may be applied to the fire escape rope r from the side at the helical opening 19 in the outer shell 15 of the slide . the rope is received in the slot or groove 31 on the inner end of inner member 16 . the inner member 16 now may be turned to increase the friction between itself and the rope r , as determined by the length of the rope received in its helical groove 29 . this friction is shown by the body weight number which is visible at the opening 33 in the outer shell . if the user turns the inner member 16 too far , so that the frictional restraint on the rope is greater than what he desires , he must shift the locking lever 23 to the release position ( shown in phantom in fig7 ) before the inner member 16 can be turned in the reverse direction so as to reduce the length of the rope r which is received in its groove 29 . once the desired setting has been made , with the locking position ( fig1 ), the person may attach his body harness to the slide and begin his descent along the rope . the locking lever will insure that the same length of the rope r is wrapped around the inner member 16 as the slide moves down the rope .

US-52667183-A

a massager system includes one or more gear trains coupled to a motor to rotate at least a pair of shafts that each supports a pair of nodules for rotation about the associated shaft . a pillow - shaped outer housing surrounds the motor and number of coupled gear trains with the nodules protruding above the outer housing to facilitate contact with a selected bodily region to knead or otherwise stimulate surface skin in a bodily region .

referring now to the perspective view of fig1 , there is shown a gear housing 9 and motor 11 forming the motive force for rotating the pair of discs 13 , 15 that are attached to upstanding shafts 16 , 18 and that each support a pair of nodules 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 . the nodules 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 thus mounted are rotable on the discs 13 , 15 , for example , in opposite rotational directions in response to energizing the motor 11 to rotate in one or opposite directions . as illustrated in the exploded perspective view of fig2 , the gear housing 9 rotationally supports a pair of gear trains 25 , 27 that couple a worm gear 29 driven by motor 11 to the upstanding shafts 16 , 18 on which the discs 13 , 15 are mounted . thus , energizing motor 11 causes rotation of the discs 13 , 15 in opposite directions . the housing 9 also supports electrical connection plates 31 , 33 in concentric orientation about the respective shafts 16 , 18 . each electrical connector plate 31 , 33 includes concentric conductive channels 35 , 38 and 39 , 41 that provide electrical conduction to a pair of brushes 43 , 45 and 47 , 49 associated with each nodule 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 on each disc 13 , 15 . heating elements and / or lighting components ( not shown ) may be disposed within each nodule 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 to enhance sensor stimulation or visual impact of the rotable nodules 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 . the nodules may be formed of , for example , polyvinylchloride , polypropylene , or the like plastic or polished jade stones . it is believed that jade stones , heated to elevated temperatures that are comfortable to the human body , may promote transfer of trace minerals such as calcium , magnesium and iron to a bodily region in contact or in close proximity to the heated jade nodules . referring now to fig3 , there is shown an exploded perspective view of a dual or tandem configuration similar to the embodiment of fig1 and 2 . specifically , a pair of gear housings 9 are mounted to opposite ends of the motor 11 that includes worm gears 29 at each end shaft . the engaged gear trains 25 , 27 in each gear housing 9 rotate shafts 16 , 18 in response to energization of the motor 11 . electrical connection plates 31 , 33 are disposed with conductive channels 35 , 38 and 39 , 41 in concentric orientation about the shafts 16 , 18 . nodules 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 are mounted on platforms 51 , 53 attached to the shafts 16 , 18 for opposite rotations in response to energization of the motor 11 . electrical contact brushes 43 , 45 may be disposed to connect to the conductive channels 35 , 38 as the platforms 51 , 53 rotate in order to supply electrical power therethrough to heaters and / or lighting systems in the nodules 17 , 19 and 21 , 23 . the dual or tandem configuration of gear housings and associated rotatable nodules greatly facilitate the total area of a selected bodily region that can be massaged or otherwise stimulated by contact with the structure . referring now to the partial perspective view of fig4 , there is shown an embodiment of fig3 disposed within a recess 59 in pillow - shaped outer housing 55 that surrounds the structure with sufficient relief around the nodules 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 and supporting platforms 51 , 53 to facilitate unobstructed rotation thereof . the outer housing 55 may be relatively soft and pliant to comfortably conform to a selected bodily region , but also relatively firm to inhibit crushing or deformation and obstruction of the rotatable members . a manual controller 57 may be wired to the structure , or arranged for conventional remote control of rotations , rotation rate and time , heating and / or lighting of the nodules 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 . referring now to the side view of fig5 , there is shown a profile of the outer housing 55 and the nodules 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 protruding beyond an outer surface of the outer housing to facilitate engagement of the nodules with a selected bodily region . a flexible membrane ( not shown to promote clarity ) is disposed over the nodules 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 to enclose the recess 59 within the outer housing 55 in which the structure is disposed . such membranes may be formed , for example , of fabric webbing or rubber sheet , or the like , to promote sanitary environment and obscure the recess 59 and the structure disposed therein . referring now to the end sectional view of fig6 , there is shown the motor 11 and attached gear housing 9 disposed within the recess 59 in the pillow - shaped outer housing 55 , with the upper surfaces of the nodules 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 protruding above the outer housing from beneath the flexible membrane 61 . therefore , the massager of the present invention incorporates a motor and engaged gear trains to rotate pairs of nodules that protrude from within a pillow - shaped outer housing to facilitate convenient kneading or other stimulation of a selected bodily region that is positioned in contact with the protruding nodules .

US-70293110-A

a unique household furnishing capable of transforming from a coffee table to a play table in seconds . transformation is accomplished by removing the upper surface . the upper surface consists of two halves that may be stored in the drawer of a trundle located below the table . removal of the upper surface reveals the play surface . the play surface is surrounded by a 2½ ″ to 4 ″ high upstanding border . the upstanding border creates a space between the play surface and the underside of the upper surface . this space allows the storage of cumbersome toys while assembled or partially assembled thus minimizing or eliminating the need to put said toys away after play .

the invention comprises of four main components : the table assembly 1 , upper surface 2 , and trundle 3 as shown in fig1 . [ 0021 ] fig2 through fig4 illustrate the table assembly . the table assembly 1 consists of two short sides 4 , two long sides 5 , a play surface 6 , and four ( 4 ) leg assemblies 7 . the play surface 6 is manufactured from ¾ ″ thick material ( wood , plywood , or laminated compressed wood ) and is held in place by means of a ¾ ″ wide groove 8 milled into the two short sides 4 and the two long sides 5 . the ends of the two short sides 4 and two long sides 5 are cut at a 45 ° angle to create miter joints ( or cut straight to make a butt joint ). the end of one short side 4 and one long side 5 are glued together making a miter ( or butt ) joint . similarly , the end of the long side 5 and the other short side 4 are glued together making another miter ( or butt ) joint . this process continues until the two short sides 4 and the two long sides 5 surround the play surface 6 . the bottom of the ¾ ″ wide groove 8 is located approximately 1¼ ″ from the bottom of each short side 4 and each long side 5 . the width of the two short sides 4 and the two long sides 5 determines the height of storage space between the top of the play surface 6 and the underside of the upper surface 2 . the height of the storage space may range between 2 ″ and 4 ″ although experimentation has revealed the optimum height of the storage space to be 2½ ″. one leg assembly 7 is mounted to each corner of the table . the leg assembly 7 is manufactured from two ( 2 ) pieces of ¾ ″ thick wood making an “ l ” shape in cross section . the leg assembly 7 may be tapered ( as shown in the attached drawings ) or straight . each leg assembly 7 is fastened to the two short sides 4 and two long sides 5 using four ( 4 ) 1¼ ″ long wood screws 9 ( see fig4 ). [ 0023 ] fig5 through fig7 illustrate the upper surface 2 . the upper surface 2 consist of two halves . the halves are identical . the preferred design ( as shown in fig5 ) resembles the construction of a flat panel cabinet door . the frame of the half , manufactured from wood no greater than ¾ ″ in thickness , consists of two stiles 10 and two rails 11 . one edge of each of the two stiles 10 and the two rails 11 is milled using a round over ( or ogee ) stile and rail router bit set . the panel 12 of the half is fabricated from ¼ ″ plywood . an alternate design wood be to edge glue multiple ¾ ″ thick boards to create a solid wood upper surface . this alternate design , however , makes each half of the upper surface 2 very heavy making it difficult to install and remove . regardless of the manufacturing method of the upper surface 2 , a 1 ″ wide groove 13 is milled on the underside of the upper surface 2 ( hatched area shown in fig6 ). the 1 ″ wide groove 13 is located such that it fits over the two short sides 4 and the two long sides 5 keeping the upper surface 2 in place ( see fig7 ). [ 0024 ] fig8 through fig1 illustrates the trundle 3 . the trundle 3 is manufactured similar to the table assembly 1 . the trundle 3 consists of two trundle ends 14 , back 15 , front 16 , bottom 17 , drawer front 18 , two drawer slides 19 , drawer bottom 20 , two drawer hinges 21 , magnet catch 22 , two wheel supports 23 , and four wheels 24 . the bottom 17 is manufactured from ½ ″ thick plywood and is held in place by means of a ½ ″ wide groove 25 milled into the two trundle ends 14 , back 15 , and front 16 . similar to the two short sides 4 and the two long sides 5 , the ends of the trundle ends 14 , back 15 , and front 16 are glued together until they surround the bottom 17 . butt joints are used on the drawings attached although other joints ( such as miter and dovetail ) are possible . the bottom of the ½ ″ wide groove 25 is located approximately ¼ ″ from the bottom of front 16 and 2⅞ ″ from the bottom of the trundle ends 14 and the back 15 . the two wheel supports 23 are glued to the two trundle ends 14 such that the bottoms of the two wheel supports 23 are level with the bottoms of the two trundle ends 14 . the four wheels 24 are screwed to the underside of the two trundle ends 14 and the wheel supports 23 ( see fig1 ). the four wheels 24 are located at the ends of the wheel supports 25 . the two drawer slides 19 are screwed to the underside of the bottom 17 . if the upper surface 2 is made from solid wood , the drawer slides 19 are through bolted to the bottom 17 . bolting is required to support the weight of the upper surface 2 . one side edge of the drawer bottom 17 is screwed to each of the drawer slides 19 . a magnet catch 22 is screwed to the inside of the left ( or right ) trundle end 14 . the magnet catch 22 keeps the drawer front 18 from opening due to gravity . one side of each of the two drawer hinges 21 is screwed to the bottom inside surface of the drawer front 18 . the other side of the two drawer hinges 21 is screwed to the edge of the drawer bottom 20 . the metal strike 26 provided with the magnet catch 24 is screwed to the inside of the drawer front 18 . the location of the metal strike 26 is such that it contacts the magnet catch 22 when the drawer front 18 is in the upright position . fig1 shows the details of construction of one end of the drawer assembly as described in this paragraph . the operation of the invention is simple . to transform the invention from a coffee table to a play table : ( 1 ) grasp the top of the sides of the drawer front 18 and pull so that the drawer front opens ; ( 2 ) pull the drawer front 18 to extend the drawer slides 19 and drawer bottom 17 out from underneath the trundle ; ( 3 ) remove one of the two halves that make the upper surface 2 ; ( 4 ) place it on top of the drawer bottom 17 and push it back so that the half does not interfere with the closing of the drawer front 18 ; ( 5 ) remove the other half and place it in the drawer on top of the first half ; ( 6 ) close the drawer front 18 ; and ( 7 ) push the drawer front 18 to retract the drawer slide 19 until the metal strike 26 contacts the magnet catch 22 . to transform the invention from a play table to a coffee table , follow the instruction above in reverse order .

US-16680802-A

embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to a sensor with memory . specifically , one embodiment includes a method of sensor operation , comprising emitting light from a light emitting element of the sensor , detecting the light with a light detecting element of the sensor , storing sensor model identification data within a memory of the sensor , and providing access to the memory to facilitate reading the sensor model identification data with an oximeter monitor .

the present techniques provide a memory chip for use in an oximeter sensor , or an associated adapter or connector circuit . the memory chip allows the storing of different data to provide enhanced capabilities for the oximeter sensor . in addition to providing unique data to store in such a memory , the techniques include unique uses of data stored in such a memory . the data stored in the memory chip includes information relating to use of the oximeter sensor . for example , the memory chip may encode a sensor model identification that can be displayed on a display screen when the sensor is connected to an oximeter monitor . the memory may also encode a range of operating parameters such as light levels over which the sensor can function or a maximum drive current . the operating parameters are read by a controller circuit which uses the data read from the memory chip to control the functioning of the pulse oximetry system . fig1 is a block diagram of a pulse oximeter system incorporating a calibration memory element 56 according to the invention . in one embodiment , memory element 56 is a two - lead semiconductor digital memory chip . the calibration element is part of the sensor 50 which also includes red and infrared leds 52 as in the prior art , along with a detector 54 . if desired , leds 52 may be replaced with other light emitting elements such as lasers . the oximeter includes read circuit 60 , drive circuit 66 , look - up tables 62 and 63 , controller 64 , amplifier 72 , filter 74 , and analog - to - digital converter 76 . read circuit 60 is provided for reading multiple coded values across the two leads 51 , 53 connected to calibration element 56 . one value is provided to a look - up table 62 to determine appropriate wavelength dependent coefficients for the oxygen saturation calculation , as in the prior art . the other value ( s ) are then provided to another look up table ( s ) 63 which provides input ( e . g ., coefficients ) to other calculations performed by controller 64 . these additional calculations may enhance the performance and / or safety of the system . controller 64 provides signals to a drive circuit 66 , to control the amount of drive current provided to leds 52 . as in the prior art , detector 54 is connected through an amplifier 72 and a filter 74 to an a / d converter 76 . this forms a feedback path used by controller 64 to adjust the drive current to optimize the intensity range of the signal received . for proper operation the signal must be within the analog range of the circuits employed . the signal should also be well within the range of a / d converter 76 ( e . g ., one rule that may be applied is to adjust led drives and amplifier gains so that both red and ir signals fall between 40 % and 80 % of full scale reading of converter 76 ). this utilizes correct and independent settings for both the red and infrared leds . the current techniques allow for another feedback path which may alter the led settings based on other sensor characteristics contained in the coding of the calibration element 56 , which is discussed in further detail below . memory 56 may , for example , be implemented as a random access memory ( ram ), a flash memory , a programmable read only memory ( prom ), an electrically erasable prom , a similar programmable and / or erasable memory , any kind of erasable memory , a write once memory , or other memory technologies capable of write operations . various types of data useful to a pulse oximetry system can be stored in memory 56 . for example , data indicating a sensor model identification code corresponding to a particular sensor model can be encoded in memory 56 . also , an action can be encoded into memory element 56 indicating an action to be performing by the oximeter monitor in response to reading the sensor model identification code . for example , an identification code in the form of text indicating the specific model of sensor can be digitally encoded into memory 56 and read by the oximeter monitor when the sensor is connected to the oximeter . an action indicating that the sensor model text is to be displayed by the oximeter monitor on a display screen can also be encoded in memory 56 . the identification code can be displayed in human readable form on a display screen connected to the pulse oximeter monitor . the identification code allows the oximeter instrument to display a text string indicating what sensor model is being used , e . g . “ nellcor oxisensor i1 d - 25 ,” “ adult digit sensor ,” or “ agilent n - 25 .” alternately , display text for a plurality of specific models of pulse oximeter sensors can be stored in a lookup table coupled in parallel with lookup tables 62 and 63 in the pulse oximeter monitor . the pulse oximeter monitor reads a sensor code from memory 56 when the sensor 50 is connected to the oximeter . the sensor identification code stored in memory 56 is used to locate display text stored in a lookup table that corresponds to a specific sensor model . the oximeter can display the display text for the specific sensor model on a display screen for viewing . the present techniques may eliminate the printing of a model name and number on the sensor itself . even when model names and numbers are printed on a sensor , the text may become illegible after several uses . displaying text that corresponds to a specific sensor model can be highly useful for users of pulse oximetry sensors . for example , it may be important to identify a sensor model so that instructions relating to a particular sensor model in the manufacturer &# 39 ; s handbook can be identified . in addition , it may be desirable to identify a sensor model name or identification number when corresponding with the manufacturer . digitally encoded data indicating a sensor model type in memory 56 or in a lookup table may be used to determine whether a sensor model is compatible with a particular pulse oximeter monitor . for example , memory 56 may contain a code indicating a sensor model type that is read by controller 64 . memory 56 can also encode an action indicating that controller 64 is to compare the code from memory 56 with a list of codes in a lookup table ( or other oximeter monitor memory device ) to determine if the sensor is compatible . if controller 64 successfully matches the code read from the sensor , the display text indicating the sensor model type is displayed on the display screen . if controller 64 does not recognize the code , an error message may be displayed on the display screen indicating that the oximeter monitor does not recognize the sensor , and the oximeter may refuse to operate until the sensor is replaced . a code can be stored in the sensor memory 56 identifying the sensor manufacturer . an action indicating a use for the code by the oximeter can also be stored in memory 56 . the code is read by controller 64 and is used for the purpose indicated by the action . the action may , for example , indicate that the code in memory 56 is to be used to indicate operability with oximeter monitors of other manufacturers . controller 64 can recognize certain codes as indicating compatible oximeter sensors . if the oximeter monitor does not recognize the code , then controller 64 can display an error message on a display screen indicating that the sensor is not compatible , and / or controller 64 can shut down circuitry in the oximeter monitor that senses signals from the sensor until the sensor is replaced with a compatible sensor . other information may also be encoded into memory 56 , read by the 17 monitor , and displayed for user reference . for example , language codes or country codes can be stored in memory 56 , read , and displayed to the user . the user can select a language or country code so that messages are displayed , such as error messages , in the selected language or a language corresponding to the selected country . messages may also be encoded into memory 56 . for example , safety messages relating to the proper use of the sensor can be encoded in memory 56 and displayed on a display screen in human readable form . it is often desirable to upgrade the algorithms that are used by the oximeter to determine blood oxygen saturation levels , pulse rates , pulse amplitude , blood pressure , and other patient data as technology progresses and the operating parameters ( such as filter coefficients ) are refined . because oximeter sensors are typically much less expensive to replace than oximeter monitor instruments , it is desirable to encode data corresponding to the updated algorithms in the sensors rather than in the oximeter monitors . one method for performing these updates is by encoding revisions to the algorithms used for calculating the patient parameters in memory within the oximeter monitor , while encoding updated software code or tuning coefficients in sensor memory 56 . the updated code or coefficients correspond to updated algorithms that are read by the oximeter monitor so that the updated algorithms can be applied to the standard algorithms preprogrammed into the oximeter . for example , a line of software code in an algorithm used by the oximeter monitor can be replaced by a updated line of code stored in memory 56 . controller 64 can read the updated code or coefficients from memory 56 and apply the updated algorithms to signals received from detector 54 to determine accurate blood oxygen saturation levels , pulse rates , pulse amplitudes , perfusion data , blood pressure , and other patient data . the updated algorithms can also be used to allow only supported features to be used . in one embodiment , once updated , the new code or coefficients become permanently stored in the oximeter monitor , along with a new algorithm revision number , and are utilized for all future sensor use until later updated . encoding a sensor model identification code could also be used to accommodate sensor - specific operating parameters such as led drive currents or “ sensor off ” characteristics ( as an alternative to programming the value of drive current or “ off ” characteristics themselves ). under normal operating conditions , photosignals coming from the sensor leds generally fall within a certain range . when a sensor is removed from a patient , or falls off on it &# 39 ; s own , the photosignal usually changes . this is particularly true for the reusable clip - style sensor , because in their normal disconnected state , the leds shine directly onto the photodetector unimpeded by , for example , tissue . by programming a “ threshold photocurrent ” into memory chip 56 , reliable detection of a “ sensor is off the patient ” condition can be accomplished . in this example , exceeding a certain detected threshold light level is an indication that the sensor is not on a finger or other site . for certain other sensors , a low light level may be indicative of the sensor being off . an adhesive sensor , for example , lays flat when in it &# 39 ; s natural state — little led light may reach the detector . encoding an expected range of light levels for the specific model of sensor being used into memory 56 allows enhanced detection of when the sensor is improperly placed or has been removed . when controller 64 senses that the light level output detected by photodetector 54 has fallen below or exceeded the expected range of light levels encoded into memory 56 , the oximeter monitor can display an “ sensor off ” message on a display screen indicating to the medical personnel that the sensor is not in an operable position and that valid data cannot be detected ( i . e ., a sensor off condition ). the oximeter monitor can also emit an alarm signal until the light level detected by photodetector 54 reaches the expected range . if desired , expected ranges of light levels ( or other parameters such as pulse size ) that are specific to a particular patient may be encoded and saved into memory 56 by the clinical through the oximeter . the oximeter compares the expected range for the parameters encoded into memory 56 with data received from the photodetector to determine a sensor off condition each time the sensor is used until the range data is overwritten with new data . this is advantageous because light levels , pulse sizes , and other parameters detected by the photodetector can vary significantly from patient to patient . existing pulse oximeter sensors determine whether a sensor is off the patient , or not in good contact by using a number of metrics . those metrics include pulse size , pulse variability , ir / red correlation , light level variability , pulse shape , and pulse regularity . not only the light level , but any of these other values could vary depending on the type of sensor , the characteristics of an individual patient , and the location on the body where the sensor is to be applied . thus , sensor memory 56 could encode information about the expected variation in any of these metrics for the particular sensor type or model or a particular patient , and these metrics may be used in determining if a sensor is off from any combination of these or other metrics as an indication that the sensor is off the patient . for example , pulses could be typically weaker on the forehead compared to the finger . memory device 56 of an oximeter sensor designed for use on the forehead of a patient can be encoded with a range of pulse sizes as well as a range of light levels that are expected from that particular oximeter sensor model . if desired , memory 56 can encode a range of numbers based upon light level and pulse size ( and other parameters ). for example , memory 56 can encode a range of numbers representing the expected range of pulse size times light level received from detector 54 for a specific sensor model . controller 64 reads and decodes the pulse size , light level range , and other data encoded in memory 56 . controller 64 then compares the expected pulse size and light level range data with the information received from detector 54 . when the pulse size and / or light level data received from detector 54 exceeds or falls below the expected range data encoded in memory 56 , the oximeter monitor displays an output message , e . g ., a warning of a poor signal , on the display screen indicating that the sensor is not operable or emits an alarm signal . further details of a method and circuit for indicating quality and accuracy of physiological measurements are discussed in u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 545 , 170 , filed apr . 6 , 2000 to porges , et al ., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety . running leds 52 at a high drive current results in more light output from the leds , thus improving the signal - to - noise ratio of the blood oxygen saturation signal from detector 54 , but comes at a cost of causing additional heat dissipation ( i . e ., the leds run “ hotter ”). as current flows through the sensor leds , the led emits heat ( i . e ., the led power = led drive current times the voltage drop across the led ). the majority of the energy output by the leds is dissipated as heat , and the smaller portion of the energy output by the leds is emitted as light . this heat typically causes the temperature of the skin under the sensor to rise by an amount that that depends on the heat dissipation properties of the sensor . current safety regulations and guidelines limit the temperature of the skin contacting portions of the sensor to remain at or below 41 ° c . sensors that do a poor job of directing the heat away from the skin contacting surface , should use a lower led drive current . sensors with good thermal management can utilize higher drive currents without risk to the patient . accordingly , by encoding the maximum safe led drive current into the sensor itself , the oximeter instrument can utilize the highest safe drive current for the sensor being used to attain the greatest amount of led light without risk of injury . the maximum safe drive current allowed to achieve a skin temperature at or below a maximum level can be determined in advance through testing for a given oximeter sensor model . that maximum drive current can be encoded into memory 56 and read by controller 64 when the sensor is connected to the oximeter monitor . controller 64 then communicates with drive circuit 66 to drive leds 52 at or near the maximum drive current value read from memory 56 , but to prevent circuit 66 from driving leds 52 with a current that exceeds the maximum drive current . encoded text of the specific model of sensor would allow the instrument to display a text string indicating what sensor is being used , e . g . “ nellcor oxisensor ii d - 25 ” or “ adult digit sensor ” or “ agilent n - 25 ”. alternately , a sensor code could be stored that points to a lookup table of display text . encoding sensor model id could also be used to accommodate sensor - specific operating parameters such as led drive currents or “ sensor off ” characteristics ( as an alternative to programming the value of drive current or “ off ” characteristics themselves ). the sensor may store a general polynomial curve . other families of polynomials , such as tchebyschev polynomials , could be used as well . this may also pertain to other calibration information , such as temperature calibration and force transducer calibration . this allows new sensor types ( such as a sensor with an offset emitter and detector ). under normal operating conditions , photosignals coming from the sensor leds generally fall within a certain range . when a sensor is removed from a patient , or falls off on its own , the photosignal usually changes . this is particularly true for the reusable clip - style sensor , since in their normal disconnected state , the leds shine directly onto the photodetector unimpeded by , for example , tissue . by programming a “ threshold photocurrent ” into the memory chip , reliable detection of a “ sensor is off the patient ” condition can be accomplished ( in this example , exceeding a certain detected light level is a sure sign the sensor is not on a finger or other opposed site ). for certain other sensors , a low light level may be indicative of the sensor being off ( an adhesive sensor , for example , lays flat when in its natural state , so little led light may reach the detector ). encoding an expected range of light levels for the specific model of sensor being used allows enhanced detection of when the sensor is improperly placed or has been removed . the storm algorithm here refers to the sensors designed to be used where “ motion provides the signal ”, i . e ., the cardiac pulse need not be present or discernible in order for the oximeter to provide spo 2 values . instead , the red and ir waveforms resulting from the motion itself are used for determining the arterial saturation . this feature is possible for tissue beds that are well “ arterialized ” ( a large supply of arterial blood relative to the metabolic needs of the tissue ) resulting in a small aterio - venous saturation difference , as well as other signal characteristics that are not germane to this discussion . it has been observed that the necessary degree of arterialization correlates well to being “ well perfused ” at the tissue site , which itself correlates well to the tissue bed being warm . thus by monitoring the temperature of the skin at the sensor site , and by knowing a value of temperature ( programmed into the memory chip ) at which the “ motion - is - signal ” algorithm can be utilized for the specific sensor design being used , improved reading accuracy through motion can be better accomplished . similar to the contact electrodes of the nellcor fs - 14 fetal sensor , an extrinsic probe of skin contact can be used to indicate whether the sensor is in adequate contact to the patient . this extrinsic probe could be accomplished , for example , through an impedance measurement across two electrodes , a force or pressure switch that is sensitive to whether adequate force or pressure is present in the sensor placement , or through other means . dedicated sensor connector pins , or pin - sharing , could be used to accomplish this additional measure of sensor - patient contact . an electro - chemical or thermal device that senses and stores to memory the number of exposures ( zero , once , or potentially more than once or the actual number ) to sterilization cycles could be used to capture the history of the sensor . excessive exposure to sterilization cycles degrades a number of components in the sensor , and can affect its performance . a sensor exceeding a certain number of exposures could cause a display to indicate the sensor needs to be replaced . this need not be a separate device , but the memory could contain a date after which time the sterilization can no longer be certified as being effective . sterilization can be sensed and the date recorded automatically by the sensor itself . at the time of manufacture , the expiration date of the sensor may be written into the memory chip . the memory - enabled instrument would then do something with this knowledge ( e . g ., indicate “ expired sensor ”, or refuse to function if expired ). alternately , the elapsed time of sensor usage could be tracked in the memory chip ( written to it by the instrument ) and the sensor would “ expire ” after a memory programmed maximum ( greater for reusable sensors than for single - use sensors ). after sensor expiration , the instrument may refuse to function with this sensor and would indicate that a fresh sensor is needed . furthermore , the sensor could be disabled by running a high current through it , or by other means . similar to the expiration date , the date of expiration of the sensor warranty could be written into the memory chip ( e . g ., 2 , or 6 , or 12 , etc . months from the date of 10 manufacture or the date of first use ). the instrument would give some indication of this as appropriate . trending and / or data logging of patient monitoring parameters may be stored in the memory of the memory chip . as the patient and sensor travel from ward - to - ward of the hospital , and consequently plug into different oximeters , the patient - specific data could be displayed as it is contained in the patient &# 39 ; s dedicated sensor . examples of the type of data are given below : the lowest and / or highest spo 2 value during the monitored time , or the lowest / highest values over the past specified monitoring time ( e . g ., 2 hours , 1 day , etc .) how long has the patient been monitored by the pulse oximeter ? ( elapsed time counter ). clock time of when the monitor was turned on and off . the alarm limits used with this patient become written to the memory chip by the instrument . this allows patient - specific alarm values to be set and memorized so that as the patient moves from monitor - to monitor ( the sensor staying with the patient ), the appropriate alarm limits need not be reset each time on the new monitor . instead , this only needs to happen once , or whenever the clinician adjusts alarm limits . data encryption utilizes private and / or public keys to scramble the data written to the memory chip and later decipher the data so that only authorized devices are supported . to further prevent the use with a monitor that is not certified to provide correct results , the sensor manufacturing system could periodically change the private and / or public keys . the change in the key could be communicated to the instrument via the memory chip in encrypted form . the purpose of this feature is to elevate the level of security in the memory system . distributing code updates in memory . whenever an oximeter notes that a code update field is present in the sensor , it would check whether the proposed update had previously been installed , and ( if not ) whether any indicated prerequisites were present ( e . g . a code patch might not function properly in the absence of a previously - circulated patch ). if appropriate conditions are met , the code upgrade would be installed . if prerequisites are missing , a message would be displayed to the user , telling him how to obtain the prerequisites ( e . g . call nellcor ). use the memory as a general - purpose carrier of patient data , covering not just oximetry but a lot of other information about the patient . if it is desirable to know where a particular patient lies in cop space , it is useful to know the inherent brightness of leds , sensitivity of detector , and anything else about the particular sensor assembly ( e . g . bandage color and alignment ) that will affect the amount of light which the sensor receives . given that information , a measure of the patient &# 39 ; s optical transmissivity may be computed for each led wavelength , which depends almost entirely on the properties of the patient . signal to noise ratio of the oximeter is probably determined by the size of the detected signal , not by the transmissivity of the patient alone . this could take advantage of dc transmissivity of the tissue to improve the accuracy of pulse oximetry . another reason for recording led and detector parameters in the sensor memory is to provide a basis for later research on the drift of these parameters due to various environmental conditions which the sensor experiences . parameters of interest include not only led power and detector sensitivity , but also led wavelengths , fwhm , and secondary emission level . for some types of sensors , the accuracy of the sensor may be different for patients with different skin color . the sensitivity of accuracy to skin color may depend on sensor model . the sensor might contain a sensitivity index , indicating how large an adjustment in readings should be made as a function of skin color . skin color might be obtained by user entry of the data ( e . g . menu selection ). another option would be for the sensor to measure skin color . one way to achieve the latter option would be to provide transmission sensors with auxiliary detector for “ reflected ” light . in combination with the optical efficiency information noted above , the signal levels reported by the auxiliary detector would sense to what extent the patient &# 39 ; s skin was affecting red and ir pathlengths differently , and hence to what extent readings needed to be corrected . this might be used in a scheme in which the memory chip was on the bandage , not in the connector . this combines a mems accelerometer with any of several different chips that might usefully be placed in the sensor head , local digitizing chip , preamp chip , memory chip . accelerometer data may be used to warn of the presence of motion ( in which case special algorithms may be called into play or oximetry may be suspended ), or actually to help correct for motion ( to the extent to which we can produce algorithms which can predict physio - optic effects of known motion ). the amount of optical shunting could be measured for each sensor , or family of sensors . the value would be stored in the sensory memory for the monitor to read and use to adjust the processing coefficients . the temperature of a red led , in particular , affects its principal wavelength , which affects calibration . for one class of leds , the wavelength shifts by about 0 . 14 nm / c . the memory chip might contain circuitry capable of monitoring a thermistor or thermocouple , or the memory chip could be mounted in proximity to the led ( e . g . under it ), so that it could sense directly the temperature of the led , and provide a calibration correction accordingly . this might be used , e . g ., in overseeing the operation of a warmed ear sensor . there is a thermal cutout in the control system of the wes , that causes operation to terminate if the sensor goes over a certain temperature . this is a component for protecting the patient against burns . if the reason for a high sensor temperature is that the environment is warm , it could be quite acceptable to continue oximetry , even though warmer operation would be shut down . in the absence of knowledge about environmental temperature , a high temperature reading might have to be assumed to mean that something was wrong with the sensor , in which case all operation might have to cease . an environmental temperature sensor in the plug could help to tell which rule to apply . again , the memory chip could record the calibration of whatever device was used for thermometry . a passive component on the memory chip could be the thermometric sensor , and a resistance or voltage measuring device in the instrument could read out that sensor . thus , ambient temperature sensing might not require that large changes be made in the memory chip . in illuminating the skin for the purpose of making oxygen saturation measurements , some heat is generated by the led emitters . tests have been done to establish the maximum safe current for the led drive which will assure that the skin temperature stays within a safe value for the worst case sensor / patient conditions . this means that in all cases the sensor will be operated at cooler than the maximum temperature but in most cases well below the maximum temperature . to establish the optimum signal for the measurement , it is desirable to drive the leds with higher current than is imposed by the above limitations . the temperature amplifier / detector would allow the leds to be driven to a level that still results in a safe temperature by monitoring the temperature , yet in many cases allow more drive current , and therefore higher signals , which could give better readings . the inexpensive thermistor devices that could be used in this application are characterized to allow the measurement to be accurate . these characterization values could be stored in the sensor where the thermistor is located . while in operation , the oximeter would be able to read the characterization values from the sensor , measure the resistance of the thermistor , and calculate accurately the temperature of the skin surface where the thermistor is located . this would keep the patient safe from burns and still provide the best signal available . in legacy oximetry sensors there is a resistor which is selected and installed in the sensor connector , to correspond to the wavelength of the red led . the wavelength difference from led to led has an impact on the calibration of the saturation measurement , if not compensated for . the oximeter will read the value of resistance and adjust its calculation accordingly . when adding the memory chip , memory compatible oximeters will be able to obtain the necessary calibration coefficients from the memory chip but the legacy instruments will still need a calibration resistor value . if the resistance were built - in to the chip and trimmed or selected at manufacture then only one device would need to be installed in the sensor connector . that would reduce the overall cost , yet keep the sensor compatible with both the legacy instruments and the new memory compatible instruments . the oximeter is measuring the relative transmission of the red and infrared light through the tissue . leds have a characteristic called secondary emission which is indicative of the amount of light , at wavelengths other than the primary wavelength , that is being emitted . this characteristic will change the calibration of the device if not compensated for . it is possible to make an oximeter that will function within calibration if the secondary emission is known and compensated for . if the led were characterized during manufacture and then the secondary emission values entered into the memory chip , the oximeter would be able to read those values and compensate for them so that the sensor was used properly . this would increase the range of leds that could be used for oximetry , reduce cost and provide better calibration across a wider range of led emitters . currently sensors are placed on patients at one hospital site and stay with the patient from hospital site - to - site . it would be helpful to have the patient id carried along in the sensor so that the record keeping , which occurs at each site , would be able to link the recorded information with the patient . without patient id , the tracking has to be done manually . with trend information being stored in the sensor it also would be desirable to have the patient id included so that as the patient went from location to location , the new location &# 39 ; s staff could verify old information and be assured that it correlated with the patient they were receiving . when making measurements of the resistance that is placed in the sensor for calibration information purposes , one of the factors that can influence that measurement is the contact resistance of the connectors that are between the oximeter and the resistor itself . in order to compensate for connectors that are significant in their impact on the measure , one could encode the contact resistance of the connector and subtract that algorithmically from the measured resistance to get a more accurate measurement of the resistance of the calibration resistor . this would enhance the accuracy with which the resistance measurement is made and , therefore , make the instrument less prone to inaccuracies in saturation calculation and display . one of the interfering noise sources that plagues oximetry is that of common mode noise . this can come from the surrounding electrical environment . other instruments , lighters , drills etc . can produce electrical fields that can couple into the cable between the patient and the oximeter . once coupled - in , they can make measurements more difficult , less accurate , or not possible , depending on the severity of the noise . to help reduce this common mode noise , differential amplifiers are used for amplifying the signal from the sensor . these amplifiers amplify only the difference between two signal wires . thus , if the common mode signal is coupled exactly the same into both wires , the amplifier will not amplify it because the same signal is present on both wires . if the two wires have different coupling to their electrical environment , then they will present different signals , and the difference will be amplified as if it were a signal . one component that influences this coupling is the capacitance of the lines to the outside world . this is affected by the manufacture of the cable , materials , twists in the wire , etc . if one measured the cables during manufacture and then stored that information in the memory chip , it could be read when the oximeter is operating . once the capacitances for the two wires to the shield are known , the instrument could be provided with a tunable capacitance device that would then balance the two lines again and make the noise coupling to the lines better matched . this would reduce the amount of susceptibility to the external noise that got coupled into the patient cable . reduced noise results in better measurements or the ability to make measurements at all on some patients . the relative wavelengths of the red and infrared light that is used to make the measurement in oximetry are important to know so that calibration can be maintained . in traditional led oximetry , the led sources are at the skin so that whatever wavelength is emitted is what is sensed by the photodiode that receives the light . the red led is the only one that we need to characterize for accurate saturation measurements to be realized . the saturation is less sensitive to the ir wavelength as long as it stays fixed in the acceptable range that has been specified for the ir leds . when using plastic fibers for transmission of the light , there is a wavelength dependent absorption caused by the fiber . this has the effect of altering the apparent center wavelength of the ir source , which can affect calibration of the unit . by characterizing the fiber for its shift , one could then provide the proper compensation in the algorithm that calculated the saturation . this would restore the accuracy that would otherwise be lost in fiber transmission of the light . there are limitations on the number and type of blood constituents that can be sensed using the two conventional led wavelengths of the oximeter . the accuracy of the oximetry measurement can also be improved by using different wavelengths at different saturation ranges . an analysis unit could be developed that would utilize either or both of these features . to do this , it would be able to drive additional leds . the additional leds could be driven along with the traditional ones or separately . the oximeter ( or additional constituent measurement unit ) would provide the capability to calculate values for these other wavelengths , and the sensor would provide the additional information to allow the oximeter to make that calculation . these could be stored in the memory . one of the problems with oximetry sensors is the interference caused by ambient light in the environment . this can be made worse when a sensor comes loose or when the ambient light is extremely high in value . by characterizing the sensor , one could know what level of ambient light could be expected or tolerated , and give a warning to the user when the level has been exceeded . this would give them the opportunity to adjust the sensor , the light , or both to affect an improvement in the performance of the oximeter . the stronger the pulsatile signal , the better the chances are of measuring the saturation accurately . one way to enhance the modulation percentage is to apply pressure in the range of the median pulsatile pressure . if this were implemented , one could use relatively low cost transducers and supply calibration coefficients in the memory to allow accurate pressure readings to be made . the memory could also contain the pressure settings and / or expected modulation enhancement capability to determine effectiveness of the pressure enhancement . the amount of perfusion affects the amount of modulation , and thus the ac signal . this affects both the percentage of modulation vs . the dc amount , and the absolute size of the modulation . the measured modulation , or other measurement of perfusion , can be stored in memory for trending or setting limits on acceptable perfusion before movement or other adjustment of the sensor is required . the time of movement or disconnecting of the sensor could be written into the memory . disconnecting can be detected from the interruption of the signal to the monitor . moving can be detected by a sensor off detection , and a subsequent sensor on detection . alternately , aggressive movement could be detected and interpreted as moving of the sensor , or a combination with a sensor off detection could be used . a code can be stored in the sensor memory identifying the sensor manufacturer . this code can be read and used to indicate operability with monitors of other manufacturers , or to indicate any conversion algorithm that may be needed for a signal from a sensor to be used by a monitor from a different manufacturer . the code can also be used to allow only supported features to be used . a moisture sensor or impedance sensor can detect the amount of wetness of the sensor . this can be used for different purposes and can be stored in the sensor memory for trending or monitoring . to determine sensor malfunction , the sensor can be disabled if the wetness exceeds a threshold , which could be stored in the sensor memory . some sensors may not provide for isolation of the patient from the electronics for excessive wetness . the maximum allowable wetness could be stored in the sensor memory . the sensor memory could identify that the sensor provides isolation , so wetness is not a concern . alternately , it could indicate that isolation is not provided by the sensor , or a limited amount of isolation is provided . low power mode identifier ( sensor tells oximeter to sleep or wake up ) a portable battery - powered monitor can power down when the saturation is at a good level , and the patient is stable . minimal circuitry in the sensor could be used to do sufficient processing to tell the monitor when to wake up . a battery can be included in the sensor for a wireless connection to a monitor . alternately , a battery could be used to continue to send data when the monitor is powered down . the sensor can include a cuff ( which inflates and deflates ) or other mechanical mechanism for inducting motion to get a signal or for inducing pulsitile blood flow to improve the signal . a transducer can measure the amount of force on the sensor . this can be compared to a maximum value stored in the sensor memory to determine if the sensor is on too tight . the tightness can also be recorded and monitored . for example , a patient could swell , and this could be determined from the trend information and provided as information to a clinician on a display . a calibration value can be stored in the sensor memory for converting a force measurement into a pressure measurement . a force transducer can then be used to measure pressure . the sensor memory can store an indication of the number of wavelengths used in the sensor , and could store the wavelengths themselves . the sensor memory can store information about when to drive which leds . they could all be driven at once , or a subset could be driven , for example . the memory can store information about what parameters are to be analyzed and displayed when the extra wavelengths are used . oxygen saturation may be displayed when 2 wavelengths are used , while additional information could be displayed when an extra wavelength or more are used ( hct , cohb , etc .). each time a sensor is recycled ( sterilized and reconstructed ), a number in the sensor memory can be incremented . this can be used to prevent operation of the sensor if it has been recycled more than the allowed number of times ( e . g ., 3 times ). while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof , a latitude of modification , various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure , and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth . therefore , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the present invention . it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed , but that the invention will include all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the claims .

US-44512606-A

a flexible dishwashing accessory having elongate flexible cords attached at their ends to attachment members which in turn attach the accessory to a rack such as is used for cleaning , rinsing , drying or storing eating or cooking utensils . the accessory is used by placing utensils in contact with at least one flexible cord such that the utensil stretches the cord to create a pressure on the utensil sufficient to hold it in place when subjected to jets of water or air such as are generated by dishwashing machines or the like . the attachment member may be attachable to the rack by means of a hook , or may contain notches which secure it to the rack . alternatively , the flexible cord may be attached directly to the rack and secured in place by the attachment member .

referring to fig1 there is shown a flexible dishwashing accessory 10 having a pair of flexible cords 11 which are of approximately equal length . cords 11 each comprise ends 14 which are attached to attachment member 12 such that one end 14 of each cord 11 is attached to an attachment member 12 a spaced - apart distance from the end of the other cord 11 . hook member 13 extends from the central portion of attachment member 12 and lies in generally the same plane as the cords 11 . flexible cord 11 , as shown in fig2 is formed of a tubular elastomeric material , preferably silicon tubing , which is substantially unaffected by hot water , steam , detergent , or other conditions it may be subjected to in the interior of an automatic dishwasher . the surface of cord 11 is formed to have relatively good adhesion against glass , metal , plastic or other common materials used in eating and / or cooking utensils . further , the elastomeric material of the cords 11 is also resistant to notching or scratching which could ultimately lead to tearing , breaking , or other failure of the cord 11 . the cords 11 may also be made of a solid elastomeric member , and need not necessarily be tubular in cross - section , e . g . they may have a rectangular , square or triangular cross - section . fig3 shows a cross - sectional view of the attachment member 12 and hook 13 . attachment member 12 is generally cylindrical in shape having tapers 19 at the ends thereof . hook member 13 is located directly in the center of the cylindrical surface of attachment member 12 and extends outwardly therefrom in a radial direction . as is illustrated by hatched line 20 , hook 13 extends directly away from attachment member 12 in a normal direction , and is formed such that any forces placed on the hook 13 by a member placed in the eye thereof , will tend to pull in a direction normal to the attachment member 12 thus preventing the creation of a rotational moment therein which would tend to cause an uneven tension in the flexible cords 11 . attachment member 12 also comprises a pair of openings extending through the diameter thereof , each opening located an equivalent distance away from , and in the same plane as , the hook 13 . each of these openings comprises a large bore 39 and a small bore 40 . large bore 39 opens at one of its ends to the exterior surface of member 12 , and includes taper 21 at the opening . small bore 40 also opens to the exterior surface of member 12 and includes tapered area 22 thereat . the interior ends of large bore 39 and small bore 40 ar connected by intermediate bore 23 which has a diameter which gradually changes in a smoothly tapering manner . as shown in fig4 flexible cords 11 have an outer diameter which matches the diameter of small bore 40 . the flexible cords 11 pass through small bore 40 into large bore 39 , and are prevented from being extracted back through small bore 40 by a knot 24 in the end 14 thereof , or by a globule of elastomeric material 25 . any elastomeric material capable of being securely fixed to end 14 which results in an effective diameter larger than the diameter of small bore 40 may be used to seal the end 14 into large bore 39 . although hook member 13 is shown to be integrally formed with attachment member 12 , it is anticipated that hook 13 be alternatively formed separately from attachment member 12 and then securely fastened thereto by means of threads , bolts , etc . hook 13 may also be rotatably attached to attachment member 12 , thus allowing the eye of hook 13 to be located in any desired plane relative thereto depending on the structure to which is to be attached . ( for example , as shown in fig5 hook 13 may have its eye portion resting in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of attachment member 12 .) as also shown in fig5 the flexible dishwashing accessory 10 is stretched across a well - known type dish rack 15 used in commercial automatic dishwashers or in automatic dishwashers designed for home use . rack 15 is made of wire or plastic mesh having a plurality of vertical framing members 16 and a horizontal framing member 17 . the dishwashing accessory 10 is stretched across the rack 15 and attached by means of hook 13 to either the vertical or the horizontal framing members 16 or 17 respectively . an accessory 10 thus placed can then be used to secure eating utensils such as glasses 18 . the flexible cords 11 are spread apart slightly to allow the glass 18 to be placed therebetween , then when the cords 11 are released , they securely grip against the sides of the glass 18 holding it in place in the rack 15 . the support for the glasses 18 given by the flexible cords 11 aid the glass 18 in remaining stationary while being subjected to the high velocity and multidirectional sprays of water and / or air generated in a normal cleaning cycle of an automatic dishwasher . although only glasses 18 are shown to be securable by the accessory 10 , any cooking or eating utensil may be secured by placing it between and / or under the flexible cords 11 . as can be seen , the accessory 10 is very useful for securing fragile or lightweight eating and / or cooking utensils which generally tend to be displaced , or even tossed about and damaged inside the dishwasher during a cleaning cycle . fig6 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention having a hook 13 for attachment to a framing member of a dish rack , and a hook 26 for attachment to a flexible cord 11 . hook 13 and hook 26 can be made of one continuous piece of material as shown in the drawing , or may be made separately . plug member 27 is located in between hook 13 and hook 26 and is securely attached thereto either by means of adhesive or by being formed as an integral unit therewith . plug 27 is generally conical in shape with its diameter gradually decreasing in the direction of the hook 26 . attachment member 28 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a bore 41 extending therethrough which comprises taper 32 at one opening thereof and taper 30 at the other opening thereof . taper 30 being sized to conform with the shape of surface 29 of plug member 27 . attachment member 28 also comprises beveled edges 31 . as can be readily seen by those of ordinary skill in the art , the embodiment shown in fig6 allows the flexible dishwashing accessory to be assembled with one continuous piece of flexible cord 11 , thus alleviating the need for knotting or otherwise securing ends 14 of the cord 11 in the attachment member . instead , this embodiment allows cord 11 to be held in place by its attachment in the eye of hook 26 . the cord is prevented from being pulled from the attachment member 28 by means of plug 27 . fig7 shows a third preferred embodiment of the invention having an attachment member 33 which is generally cylindrical in shape and which has openings therethrough which are identical to the openings in attachment member 12 as shown in fig3 . the embodiment of fig7 differs from the embodiment of fig4 in that it has no hook 13 . instead , notches 36 and 38 are placed in the exterior surface of attachment member 33 to perform substantially the same function , i . e ., to secure the attachment member 33 to a rack such as rack 15 of fig5 . notches 36 and 38 are sized to accept the vertical framing members 16 of the rack 15 , and are located on attachment member 33 in the same plane as cords 11 in order to prevent a rotational moment being generated therein by the forces of attachment to rack 15 . notches 36 and notch 38 may be used together on a single attachment member 33 , or may be used separately . for example , notches 36 may be used to support attachment member 33 on vertical framing member 16 without the use of notch 38 or the presence of a framing member 16 at the location of notch 38 . or vice versa , notch 38 may be used to hold the attachment member 33 securely against framing member 16 without the presence of notches 36 or the shown framing member 16 at the location of notches 36 . if , however , notch 38 is used , a slot 34 may advantageously be located in at least one of the openings of attachment member 12 which secure a flexible cord 11 thereto to form an open channel extending the entire length of the attachment member opening . the slot 34 then allows cord 11 to be detached from attachment member 33 to allow placement of a vertical framing member 16 therebetween and into notch 38 . the cord 11 can then be reattached by sliding it through slot 34 . an extended end 14 &# 39 ; of cord 11 may also be formed to allow for gripping thereof and for easy detachment and reattachment of the cord 11 . fig8 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention which includes an attachment member 35 which secures flexible cord 11 around a framing member such as vertical framing member 16 or horizontal framing member 17 . the attachment member 35 may be used to permanently attach cord 11 to the framing member , or may be securely fastened to one portion of cord 11 and be detachably fastened such as in the manner shown in fig7 to the other portion of cord 11 . although each of the preferred embodiments in the invention show a pair of flexible cords 11 extending from each of two attachment members , it is contemplated that any number of cords 11 be extendable therebetween . also , the attachment members and hook members may be made of any material such as metal or plastic , and may be integrally formed or assembled from separately formed pieces . the preferred material being nylon and / or stainless steel . also , although the accessory 10 may be sized to be used in any type of rack similar to rack 15 , it is preferred that the overall length of the accessory 10 be in the range of 6 to 18 inches and preferably in the range of 11 to 13 inches , and the diameter of the flexible cord 11 be in the range of 1 / 16 to 1 / 4 of an inch , preferably 1 / 8 inch , and the diameter of the attachment member in the range of 1 / 2 inch to 1 / 4 inch , preferably 3 / 8 inch , with a length of between 1 / 2 inch and 4 inches , preferably 1 inch . the hook 13 is of a length of between 1 inch and 4 inches , preferably 11 / 2 inches , and the eye of hook 13 is of a size sufficient to allow it to be attached to dish rack framing members having a diameter between 1 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch . it is to be understood that the above - described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention . numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modification and arrangements .

US-34851389-A

compositions useful for carrying physiologically active agents such as therapeutic agents through skin and other body membranes comprising the agent and an effective , non - toxic amount of a compound having the structural formula ## str1 ## wherein r &# 39 ; is h or a lower alkyl group , m is 3 , n is 6 - 11 and r is -- ch 3 . ## str2 ##

the claimed 1 - substituted azacyclopentan - 2 - ones are made by methods described below and as further described in the examples . typical examples of compound included in the foregoing formula are the following : the compounds covered by the general formula may be prepared by treating azacyclopentan - 2 - one with a alkyl or aralkyl halide or mesylate in the presence of a base , e . g ., sodium hydride . the reaction is carried out under anhydrous conditions in hydrocarbon solvent , for example , dry toluene at reflux temperature for about 10 to 72 hours in an inert atmosphere , for example , nitrogen . this method is outlined below : ## str4 ## alternatively , a lactone of an alkanoic acid may be heated with an alkyl , aryl or aralkyl amine ( with or without solvent ) for about 20 to 72 hours at about 180 °- 250 ° c . with removal of water to obtain the corresponding 1 - substituted azacycloalkan - 2 - one as shown below : ## str5 ## in another method gamma - dialkylaminobutyric acid may be treated with phosphorus trihalide and the resulting acid halide ( which need not be isolated ) is heated , resulting specifically in the formation of n - alkylazacyclopentan - 2 - one . suitable acid halide forming agents include phosphorus trichloride , phosphorus tribromide , thionyl chloride , etc . the acid halide is formed at room temperature and then the reaction temperature is raised to 70 °- 90 ° c . one of the alkyl groups on the amino nitrogen of the parent acid is eliminated as alkyl halide . if the alkyl groups on the amino nitrogen are different , the smaller of the two alkyl groups is eliminated preferentially . this method is described below . ## str6 ## the amount of 1 - substituted azacyclopentan - 2 - one which may be used in the present invention is an effective , non - toxic amount for enhancing percutaneous absorption . generally , this amount ranges between about 0 . 01 to about 5 and preferably about 0 . 1 to 2 percent by weight of the composition . the subject compositions may find use with many physiologically active agents which are soluble in the vehicles disclosed . fungistatic and fungicidal agents such as , for example , thiabendazole , chloroxine , amphotericin , candicidin , funginycin , nystatin , chlordantoin , clotrimazole , ethonam nitrate , miconazole nitrate , pyrrolnitrin , salicylic acid , fezatione , ticlatone , tolnaftate , triacetin and zinc and sodium pyrithione may be dissolved in the vehicles described herein and topically applied to affected areas of the skin . for example , fungistatic or fungicidal agents so applied are carried through the stratum corneum , and thereby successfully treated fungus - caused skin problems . these agents , thus applied , not only penetrate more quickly than when applied in the vehicles of the prior art , but additionally enter the animal tissue in high concentrations and are retained for substantially longer time periods whereby a far more successful treatment is effected . for example , the subject composition may also be employed in the treatment of fungus infections on the skin caused by candida and dermatophytes which cause athletes foot or ringworm , by dissolving thiabendazole or similar antifungal agents in one of the vehicles and applying it to the affected area . the subject compositions are also useful in treating skin problems , such as for example , herpes simplex , which may be treated by a solution of iododeoxyuridine dissolved in one of the vehicles , or such problems as warts which may be treated with agents such as podophylline dissolved in one of the vehicles . skin problems such as psoriasis may be treated by topical application of a solution of a conventional topical steroid in one of the vehicles or by treatment with theophylline or antagonists of β - adrenergic blockers such as isoproterenol in one of the vehicles . scalp conditions such as alopecia areata may be triamcinolone acetonide dissolved in one of the vehicles of this invention directly to the scalp . the subject compositions are also useful for treating mld eczema , for example , by applying a solution of fluocinolone acetonide or its derivatives ; hydrocortisone , triamcinolone acetonide , indomethacin , or phenylbutazone dissolved in one of the vehicles to the affected area . examples of other physiologically active steroids which may be used with the vehicles include coritcosteroids such as , for example , cortisone , cortodoxone , flucetonide , fludrocortisone , difluorsone diacetate , flurandrenolone acetonide , medrysone , ancinafel , amcinafide , betamethasone and its esters , choroprednisone , clocortelone , descinolone , desonide , dexamethasone , dichlorisone , difluprednate , fluclornide , flumethasone , flunisolide , fluocinonide , flucortolone , fluoromethalone , fluperolone , fluprednisolone , meprednisone , methylmeprednisolone , paramethasone , prednisolone and prednisone . the subject compositions are also useful in antibacterial chemotherapy , e . g . in the treatment of skin conditions involving pathogenic bacteria . typical antibacterial agents which may be used in this invention include sulfonomides , penicillins , cephalosporins , penicillinase , erythromycins , lincomycins , vancomycins , tetracyclines , chlorampheicols , streptomycins , etc . typical examples of the foregoing include erthyromycin , erythromycin ethyl carbonate , erythromycin estolate , erythromycin glucepate , erythromycin ethylsuccinate , erythromycin lactobionate , lincomycin , clindamycin , tetracycline , chlortetracycline , demeclocycline . the subject compositions are also useful in protecting ultra - sensitive skin or even normally sensitive skin from damage or discomfort or sunburn . thus , dermatitis actinica may be avoided by application of a sunscreen , such as para - aminobenzoic acid or its well - known derivatives dissolved in one of the vehicles , to skin surfaces that are to be exposed to the sun ; and the protective para - aminobenzoic acid or its derivatives will be carried into the stratum corneum more successfully and will therefore be retained even when exposed to water or washing for a substantially longer period of time than when applied to the skin in conventional vehicles . this invention is particularly useful for ordinary suntan lotions used in activities involving swimming because the ultraviolet screening ingredients in the carriers of the prior art are washed off the skin when it is immersed in water . the subject compositions may also find use in treating scar tissue by applying agents which soften collagen , such as aminoproprionitrile or penecillamine dissolved in one of the vehicles of this invention topically to the scar tissue . agents normally applied as eye drops , ear drops , or nose drops are more effective when dissolved in the vehicles of this invention . agents used in diagnosis may be used more effectively when applied dissolved in one of the vehicles of this invention . patch tests to diagnose allergies may be effected promptly without scratching the skin or covering the area subjected to an allergen when the allergens are applied in one of the vehicles of this invention . the subject compositions are also useful for topical application of cosmetic or esthetic agents . for example , compounds such as melanin - stimulating hormone ( msh ) of dihydroxy acetone and the like are more effectively applied to skin to stimulate a suntan when they are dissolved in one of the vehicles of this invention . the agent is carried into the skin more quickly and in greater quantity when applied in accordance with this invention . hair dyes also penetrate more completely and effectively when dissolved in one of the vehicles of this invention . the effectiveness of such topically applied materials as insert repellants or fragrances , such as perfumes and colognes , can be prolonged when such agents are applied dissolved in one of the vehicles of this invention . it is to be emphasized that the foregoing are simply examples of physiologically active agents including therapeutic and cosmetic agents having known effects for known conditions , which may be used more effectively for their known properties in accordance with this invention . in addition , the vehicles of the present invention may also be used to produce therapeutic effects which were not previously known . that is , by use of the vehicles described herein , therapeutic effects hereto fore not known can be achieved . as an example of the foregoing , griseofulvin is known as the treatment of choice for fungus infections of the skin and nails . heretofore , the manner of delivery of griseofulvin has been oral . however , it has long been known that oral treatment is not preferred because of side effects resulting from saturation of the entire body with griseofulvin and the fact that only the outer layers of affected skin need to be treated . therefore , because fungal infections are generally infections of the skin and nails , it would be advantageous to utilize griseofulvin topically . however , despite a long - felt need for a topical griseofulvin , griseofulvin has been used orally to treat topical fungus conditions because there was not heretofore known any formulation which could be delivered topically which would cause sufficient retention of griseofulvin in the skin to be useful therapeutically . however , it has now been discovered that griseofulvin , in a range of therapeutic concentrations between about 0 . 1 % and about 10 % may be used effectively topically if combined with one of the vehicles described herein . as a further example , acne is the name commonly applied to any inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands ; also acne vulgaris . the microorganism typically responsible for the acne infection is corynebacterium acnes . various therapeutic methods for treating acne have been attempted including topical antibacterials , e . g . hexachlorophene , and systemic antibiotics such as tetracycline . while the systemic antibiotic treatment are known to be partially effective , the topical treatments are generally not effective . it has long been known that systemic treatment of acne is not preferred because of side effects resulting from saturation of the entire body with antibiotics and the fact that only the affected skin need be treated . however , despite a long - felt need for a topical treatment for acne , antibiotics generally have been used only systemically to treat acne because there was not heretofore known an antibacterial formulation which could be used topically which would be effective therapeutically in the treatment of acne . however , it has now been discovered that antibiotics , especially those of the lincomycin and erthryomycin families of antibiotics , may be used in the treatment of acne topically if combined with one of the vehicles described herein . the antiobiotics composition so applied is carried into and through the epidermis and deeper layers of the skin as well as into follicles and comedones ( sebum - plugged follicles which contain c . acnes ) in therapeutically effective amounts and thereby successfully may be used to temporarily eliminate the signs and symptoms of acne . the term &# 34 ; physiologically active agent &# 34 ; is used herein to refer to a broad class of useful chemical and therapeutic agents including physiologically active steroids , antibiotics , antifungal agents , antibacterial agents , anti - inflammatory agents , ultraviolet screening agents , diagnostic agents , perfumes , insect repellants , hair dyes , etc . dosage forms for topical application may include solution nasal sprays , lotions , ointments , creams , gels , suppositories , sprays , aerosols and the like . typical inert carriers which make up the foregoing dosage forms include water , acetone , isopropyl alcohol , freons , ethyl alcohol , polyvinyl pyrrolidone , propylene glycol , fragrances , gel - producing materials , mineral oil , stearyl alcohol , stearic acid , spermaceti , sorbitan monoleate , &# 34 ; polysorbates &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; tweens &# 34 ;, sorbital , methylcellulose , etc . the amount of the composition , and thus of the physiologically active agent therein , to be administered will obviously be an effective amount for the desired result expected therefrom . this , of course , will be ascertained by the ordinary skill of the practioner . due to enhanced activity which is achieved , the dosage of agent may often be decreased from that generally applicable . in accordance with the usual prudent formulating practices , a dosage near the lower end of the useful range of the particular agent may be employed initially and the dosage increased as indicated from the observed response , as in the routine procedure of the physician . the examples which follow illustrate the vehicles and the compositions of the present invention . temperatures are given in degrees centrigrade . all reactions involving sodium hydride were carried out in an inert nitorgen atmosphere . 13 g of a 50 % oil dispersion of sodium hydride ( 6 . 5 g nah , 0 . 271 m ), 20 . 35 g ( 0 . 2398 m ) of azacyclopentan - 2 - one and 47 . 28 g ( 0 . 264 m ) of 1 - bromoheptane was refluxed in dry toluene for 21 hours to obtain 13 . 6 g ( 31 %) of a colorless oil ; boiling point ( b . p .) 115 °- 120 °/ 0 . 6 mm . following example 1 , from 5 . 44 g of 57 % oil dispersion of sodium hydride ( 3 . 10 g nah , 0 . 13 m ), 10 g ( 0 . 1174 m ) of azacyclopentan - 2 - one and 25 . 1 g ( 0 . 13 m ) of 1 - bromooctane was obtained 13 . 6 g ( 59 %) of colorless 1 - n - octylazacyclopentan - 2 - one ; b . p . 123 °- 132 °/ 0 . 3 mm . following example 1 , from 5 . 44 g of 57 % sodium hydride - mineral oil dispersion ( 3 . 10 g nah , 0 . 13 m ), 10 g ( 0 . 1174 m ) of azacyclopentan - 2 - one and 27 g ( 0 . 13 m ) of 1 - bromooctane was obtained 13 . 4 g ( 56 % of 1 - n - nonylazacyclopentan - 2 - one ; b . p . 139 °- 143 °/ 0 . 5 mm . 18 . 8 g ( 0 . 22 m ) of - butyrolacetone and 34 . 6 g ( 0 . 22 m ) of n - decylamine were mixed and heated to 180 ° in a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and a dean - stark trap for 22 hours . the dark brown reaction mixture was distilled at reduced pressure to yield 40 . 9 g ( 82 . 5 %) of colorless product ; b . p . 150 °- 155 °/ 0 . 5 - 1 mm . following example 4 , 18 . 8 g ( 0 . 22 m ) of butyrolactone and 37 g ( 0 . 12 m ) of n - dodecylamine was heated for 24 hours . distillation of the residue gave 40 . 7 g ( 80 . 3 %) of 1 - n - dodecyalazacyclopentan - 2 - one ; b . p . 164 °- 170 °/ 0 . 5 mm . an aerosol form of the formulation of example 6 of prepared by preparing the following mixture : ______________________________________ formulation 25 % freon . sup . 1 75 % ______________________________________ . sup . 1 freon is 75 / 25 freon 114 / 12 . ______________________________________ % ______________________________________clindamycin base 1 . 0stearyl alcohol , u . s . p . 12 . 0ethoxylated cholesterol 0 . 4synthetic spermaceti 7 . 5sorbitan monooleate 1 . 0polysorbate 80 , u . s . p . 3 . 01 - n - dodecylazacyclopentan - 2 - one 0 . 5sorbitol solution , u . s . p . 5 . 5sodium citrate 0 . 5chemoderm # 844 fragrance 0 . 2purified water 68 . 4______________________________________ ______________________________________ a (%) b (%) ______________________________________clindamycin base -- 1 . 0clindamycin phosphate acid 1 . 3 -- sodium hydroxide 0 . 077 -- 1 . 0 molar hydrochloric acid -- 2 . 27disodium edetate . 2h . sub . 2 o 0 . 003 0 . 003fragrances 0 . 5 0 . 51 - n - dodecylazacyclopentan - 2 - one 1 . 0 1 . 0purified water 20 . 0 17 . 73isopropanol 77 . 12 77 . 497______________________________________ these solutions are effective for the treatment of acne in humans . this solution is effective for the treatment of otitis in domestic animals . ______________________________________ % ______________________________________p - amino benzoic acid 2 . 0benzyl alcohol 0 . 51 - n - dodecylazacyclopentan - 2 - one 1 . 0polyethylene glycol 500 - ms 10 . 0isopropyl lanolate 3 . 0lantrol 1 . 0acetylated lanolin 0 . 5isopropyl myristate 5 . 0light mineral oil 8 . 0cetyl alcohol 1 . 0veegum 1 . 0propylene glycol 3 . 0purified water 64 . 0______________________________________ the following lotion formulation may be prepared containing about 0 . 001 to 1 percent , with preferably 0 . 1 percent fluocinolone acetonide : ______________________________________ % ______________________________________fluocinolone acetonide 0 . 001 - 1cetyl alcohol 15propylene glycol 10sodium lauryl sulfate 151 - n - dodecylazacyclopentan - 2 - one 1water ( to make 100 %) ______________________________________ the steroid is dissolved in the vehicle and added to a stirred , cooling melt of the other ingredients . the preparation is particularly useful for the treatment of inflammed dermatoses by topcial application to the affected skin area . the amount and frequency of topical application of this steroid . penetration of the steroid into the inflammed tissue is enhanced and a therapeutic level is achieved more rapidly and sustained for longer duration than when the steroid is applied in conventional formulations .

US-81525185-A

a light projection tag system provides for the detection of spatially coincident light patterns projected by competing players on a gaming surface . each player is equipped with an optical transceiver with a field - of - view that is geometrically coincident with the light pattern projected from the transceiver . each player &# 39 ; s transceiver can detect when an opponent &# 39 ; s light pattern , also projected on the gaming surface , enters this field - of - view thereby achieving a tag . detection methods include the use of modulated visible or infrared light . various embodiments of the system include automatic targets and projected gaming mazes .

fig1 illustrates the present concept of a system of transceivers which project visible light patterns and detect their overlap on distant surfaces . handheld versions of such optical transceivers 1 and 2 are nominally a few inches in diameter and several inches long . each transceiver projects light along the respective beam paths 3 or 4 to form a light pattern 5 or 6 on a distant surface 8 . the transceivers are capable of detecting the occurence of an overlap region 7 for the patterns 5 and 6 . in a game application such image region overlap 7 constitutes a &# 34 ; tag &# 34 ; and the light pattern from each transceiver could be a different color or shape for ease of distinguishing the identity of projected patterns . the optical transceiver can be reduced to practice in either of two major embodiments . the first of these exploits detection of modulation of visible light ; a second approach involves auxiliary projection and detection of modulated infrared light with projected visible light serving solely as a visual cue to the user . each of these transceiver approaches is implemented in a device having two optical apertures . fig2 depicts a transceiver which makes use of modulated visible light . visible light emanating from light source 9 is transmitted through light modulator 12 which imparts a characteristic intensity modulation and is projected along optical axis 16 to distant surface 17 by means of lens 14 . the projected pattern 18 is largely within the field - of - view of the receiver designated at surface 17 by subtending area 20 . light reflected from this area is accepted along optical axis 15 through receiver lens 13 and focused onto detector 11 which delivers detection signals to processing and annunciation electronics 10 . inasmuch as the nominally parallel optical axes 16 and 15 are in close lateral proximity and the distance to a candidate projection surface is at least several feet , the area of light pattern overlap 19 is almost equal to the entire projected beam area . each transceiver can detect light from other transceivers and avoid detecting light projected from its own transmitter by responding only to the light modulation characteristic of the other transceivers . as projected light patterns are swept across the distant surface the encounter times ( aperture times ) of two overlapping projected images can be as little as a millisecond consequently , the modulation of the light beams must occur at ultrasonic frequencies for reliable detection . fig3 a and fig3 b provide schematic diagrams of versions of a total internal reflection modulator capable of producing significant intensity modulation depth for visible light at ultrasonic frequencies . fig3 a shows the device configuration for the reflection mode of operation . it comprises a retainer assembly 21 , a disc of piezoceramic material 22 having electroded surfaces 23 and 24 with electrical connections 25 and 26 , respectively , a pair of thin plates 27 and 28 separated by an air gap 29 and made from glass or plastic with plate 27 having a mirrored surface 31 and plates 28 having a prism 30 transparently adhered . during operation an incoherent , collimated , visible light beam 32 is incident normal to the surface of the prism 30 , is transmitted through the prism 30 and plate 28 so as to be incident at the interface of plate 28 and the air gap 29 at the critical angle and then is subject to total internal reflection . as a result an evanescent light wave exists at this interface . increasing amounts of energy from this wave can be made to reflect from the mirrored surface 31 and couple back into plate 28 by reducing the air gap 29 between the two plates 27 and 28 from a distance of 1 micron to a distance of about 0 . 25 microns ( a fraction of the mid - visible wavelength ). this is achieved by electrostriction ( electrically induced expansion ) of the piezoceramic disc 22 under the influence of a voltage applied to the electrodes 23 and 24 . an alternating applied voltage will modulate the intensity of the light reflected back into plate 28 and coupled out of the device as beam 33 . the static air gap 29 is of so small a thickness that it may be created by either the nominal non - compliance of the two plates 27 and 28 in contact or by use of thin film spacers deposited at the edge of these plates . fig3 b show the corresponding device configuration for the transmission mode of operation . a retainer assembly 34 captivates a piezoceramic ring 35 and thin transparent plates 36 and 37 separated by air gap 38 . a prism 39 is attached to plate 37 for efficient input coupling of light as in fig3 a . piezoceramic ring 35 has electrodes 42 and 43 . incoherent , collimated visible light beam 40 is introduced through prism 39 and is incident at the interface of plate 37 with air gap 38 at the critical angle . the electrostriction of piezoceramic ring 35 modulates the air gap thickness and hence the amount of light transmitted into plate 36 and out of the device as beam 41 . fig4 depicts a transceiver which uses modulated infrared light coprojected with the visible light . unmodulated visible light is projected by lens 43 along optical axis 44 to form a pattern 46 on distant surface 55 . the optical axis 52 which is parallel to optical axis 44 serves as either a transmit or receive path depending on the state of optical switch 50 . lens 51 establishes the optical path 53 and beam pattern 54 . the optical switch 50 will either allow light reflected from the region of beam footprint 54 on the distant surface to be received at detector 49 or modulated infrared light from light emitting diode 48 to be projected to the region of pattern 54 . the state of this switch will , depending upon convention , allow the transceiver to be used either in pursuit mode ( when the goal is to overlap the projected pattern of another transceiver ) or escape mode ( when the goal is to avoid overlap by the pattern projected by another transceiver ). the modulation frequency of the infrared light is characteristic of a particular transceiver so that detection of another transceiver &# 39 ; s modulation frequency is indicative of pattern overlap . as in fig2 the area of overlap 47 is a large percentage of the projected light pattern area . fig5 shows various ways to achieve the function of the optical switch of fig4 . in fig5 a the transceiver focusing element , lens 63 , establishes optical beam path 62 . a small mirror 58 is mounted on a slide switch platform 61 . in the position shown the mirror 58 intercepts received energy along beam path 62 and directs it along path 60 to detector 59 . when slide switch platform 61 is translated in the direction of the arrow , light - emitting - diode 56 has an unobstructed projection path 57 . in fig5 b transceiver focusing element , lens 64 , establishes beam path 65 . mirror 68 is provided with rotational means so that in one position it may intercept received light along path 65 and reflect it along path 66 to detector 67 . in another position 70 it may allow transmission of light from light - emitting - diode 69 along paths 71 and 65 . fig5 c shows transceiver focusing element , lens 72 , establishing beam path 73 . both light - emitting - diode 74 and detector 75 are mounted on slide switch platform 76 so that either device may be positioned in beam path 73 . the optical switch function of fig4 may be replaced with the purely electrical switching function depicted in fig6 . in fig6 the light - emitting - diode 77 and detector 78 are placed in such close proximity that their respective transmit and receive beam paths 80 and 81 substantially overlap and are within the acceptance angle of lens 79 . electrical switch 84 may then be used to switch the respective electrical device connections 82 and 83 to the transceiver 85 . in the transceiver embodiment which uses only visible light , a player - selectable mode switch on the transceiver will turn the receiver either on or off . in the alternate transceiver embodiment , a player - selectable mode switch will select between transmission and reception of modulated infrared light ( i . e ., this mode switch comprises the aforementioned optical switch 50 and / or electrical switch 84 ). analogous to the traditional children &# 39 ; s game of tag in which one of a group of players is selected to be &# 34 ; it &# 34 ; and seeks to escape the pursuit of the remaining players , a convention can be established wherein one of the player - selectable modes is associated with pursuit and the other mode is associated with escape . this implies that at any given time at least one transceiver must be operating in the pursuit mode and one transceiver must be operating in the escape mode . more sophisticated versions of mode selection entail automatic means ; switching between modes at random times can be caused by control internal to each transceiver . additionally , processing internal to each transceiver can cause the selection of the appropriate mode when image overlap is detected . upon detection of image overlap , the electronics within the transceivers involved can also annunciate the tag by the illumination of externally mounted light - emitting - diodes ( led &# 39 ; s ) and the generation of sound . additionally , electronic counters can keep track of score and provide output to either a sequence of led &# 39 ; s or an alphanumeric display . fig7 depicts an automatic transceiver which projects a pattern along a random trajectory . transceiver 86 operates along the two optical paths with having optical axes 87 and 88 . the projected visible pattern 89 and the region 90 associated with either the infrared transceiver of visible receiver implentation is translated along distant surface 91 by two - axis steering mirror 92 . fig8 shows a simple reduction to practice of the two axis steering mirror employed in fig7 . mirror 93 is allowed to pivot about a ball - in - socket mount 94 at the end of a rod 95 attached to supporting backplate 107 . tilt of mirror 93 about horizontal and vertical axes 101 and 100 , respectively , is induced by the linear stroke of the core of solenoid actuators 96 and 97 also mounted to backplate 107 . spring tensioners 98 and 99 provide backpressure on the cores of solenoid actuators 96 and 97 so as to maintain them in contact with mirror 93 . alternatively , the use of spring tensioners may be avoided by providing ball - in - socket connections of each actuator to the mirror . random actuating voltages applied to actuators 96 and 97 cause the projected pattern 104 to transverse a random trajectory 105 on distant surface 106 . fig9 depicts a transceiver 107 which projects the image of a maze pattern 110 . transceiver 108 projects an object pattern 109 which traverses the maze by player control . either transceiver 107 or 108 can detect the overlap of patterns 109 and 110 and hence violation of the maze boundaries .

US-46868690-A

an elbow prosthesis having a humeral component which substantially replicates the natural trochlear and capitellum convex bearing surfaces has been generated by computer analysis and may be fabricated by a computer controlled cutting and polishing device or may be made by precision casting from a &# 34 ; best - fit &# 34 ; type generalized series of moulds . the prosthesis may be inserted from the medial side of the elbow after preparing the distal humerus to provide a smooth convex surface which fits closely to an inside concave surface of the prosthetic element . the centroidal longitudinal axis of said convex bearing surfaces is coincident with the centroidal longitudinal axis of the concave surface .

in an initial study four cadaveric elbows , two from males and two from females were investigated using the slicing technique described hereinafter . from this study sufficient data was generated for shape and alignment definition . additional detailed linear dimensional studies of a large sample of elbows by the present inventors were combined with the small three dimensional surface study sample described herein , in order to provide a statistically meaningful sizing method . the major dimension coincided with those of prior workers . from these statistical results it has been possible to develop a series of three or five standard elbow sizes as set forth in table 1 below . table 1______________________________________characteristic sizes of humeral surface for 95 % coverage of population ( mm ) ca ed f diam 1 diam 2 diam 5 w______________________________________three 25 . 9 18 . 9 68 . 1 29 . 8 18 . 1 23 . 4 48 . 7sizes 23 . 8 17 . 4 62 . 6 27 . 3 16 . 6 21 . 5 44 . 7 21 . 7 15 . 8 57 . 1 24 . 9 15 . 2 19 . 6 40 . 8five 26 . 3 19 . 1 69 . 2 30 . 2 18 . 4 23 . 7 49 . 4sizes 25 . 1 18 . 3 65 . 9 28 . 8 17 . 5 22 . 6 47 . 1 23 . 8 17 . 4 62 . 6 27 . 3 16 . 6 21 . 5 44 . 7 22 . 6 16 . 4 59 . 3 25 . 9 15 . 8 20 . 3 42 . 4 21 . 3 15 . 5 56 . 0 24 . 5 14 . 9 19 . 2 40 . 0______________________________________ a slicing method was devised to reconstruct three - dimensionally the anatomical shape of the elbow articulating joint surfaces . four embalmed human cadaver elbows were obtained . first , the soft tissues were carefully dissected from the elbow joint avoiding damage to the articular cartilage . next a coordinate system was used to standardize the position of each specimen . the x - axis is defined as the transepicondylar line ( tel ). the y - axis is the long axis of the humerus and the z - axis is at the intersection of the x -- and y - axes and perpendicular to the x - y plane . the distal humerus and proximal ulna were individually mounted and positioned by a precise alignment frame in an aluminum casing containing fiberglass reinforced resin . the medial and lateral epicondyles were held by pins in the frame to fix the tel for the distal humerus . the ulnae were positioned by means of a humeral prosthesis which provided alignment . the ulnae were allowed to find their natural seating position on this prosthetic base , and were then fixed in a polyester block similar to the humeral process . each mounted humeral specimen was clamped securely onto the bone milling machine , with the lateral epicondyl facing toward the operator . the transepicondylar line ( tel ) remained perpendicular as the specimen was moved on a precise track past a revolving milling cutter . each cut removed 0 . 76 mm thickness of bone from the specimen . the exposed surface , was photographed onto 35 mm standard colour film using a camera mounted on the milling machine . the surface of the cartilage was stained with alizirin red to give sharp definition . external reference lines parallel to the y - and z - axes of the specimen and a frame counter were used as a background to identify each cut surface . the mounted specimen and camera were advanced 0 . 76 mm between each cut to keep the distance constant for all photographs . a similar technique was used for the ulnae , with its lateral surface toward the operator . after development , the films were analyzed in a bell & amp ; howell mark ii film analyzer . each frame showing the cut bone and cartilage was projected onto the surface of a hi - pad digitizer ( houston instruments ). the cartilagenous outline of the humerus or ulna , the y - and z - axes , and the point representing the tel were digitized using a cursor and plotted . approximately one hundred points were recorded for each surface outline and these data fed into a desk - top hewlett packard computer . the stored data were then used to reconstruct the original surfaces for analysis of its anatomical shape . when a geometric body is sectioned in an arbitrary direction , for example , a cylinder at 45 degrees with respect to its long axis , the outline of each section may or may not be a standard curve ( circular , elliptical etc .). however after the data of all slices is combined , the true geometry of the body can be reconstructed and studied for special features and alignment . the validity of this statement , the precision and the accuracy of our technique has been established by slicing a wooden cylinder with a spherical end , and by slicing an intact ( articulated ) elbow obliquely . the distal humerus appears symmetric about an axis which is at an angle to the tel in the coronal plane . if this were true , each slice perpendicular to that axis would have a common center and appear circular with the exception of the lateral flange of the trochlear . the assumption of circularity of the section outlines was tested by selecting coordinates of three data points located at one third distance from each other along the profile of each slice . a circle was fitted through these points and its radius as well as centre was determined . by repeating this for all the data of each slice , the variation in radius and centre location for each set of three points was found . if centres cluster around a mean value , the slice is circular with the mean value as centre . the line extended through the epicondyles of the humerus is referred to as the transepicondylar line ( tel ) and is used as a reference . the line could be chosen arbitrarily . the tel , however , is well defined anatomically and a consistent feature . using the tel does not pre - judge the outcome of the slicing . fig1 illustrates a computer composite of 50 slices combined to represent the joint surface of the distal humerus . each slice is made up of digitized coordinates . these coordinates subsequently were divided into three equal sections , starting at one end of the curve . one point was chosen from each section and a circle was fitted through each set of three points . the radius of each circle was calculated , and this process was repeated , until all coordinate points had been represented . the minimum , maximum and average radii were plotted , for each digitized slice , as shown in fig1 . the surface of each slice appeared to be very close to an arc of a circle , judged from the small deviations of centres , found for each set of radii . the best fit line through the centres of each slice form the centroidal axis of the humeral articulating surface ( c - line ). the slices deviate only from the circular pattern at the lateral flange of the trochlea ( lf ). the slices through lf consist of two circular sections with distinct centres , one on the c - line , and one at a particular distance from this line . computer aided sectioning with planes through the c - line will produce surface outlines of the joint at any required angular interval φ , fig1 which in turn can be used for templates in prototype joint and mould manufacturing . fig2 shows four different elbow outlines , each outline at angle φ = 20 °. the outlines are normalized with respect to width w of the medium size out of the five sizes in table 1 and the median diameter diam 5 also from table 1 . each point p i of an outline has its radial distance to the c - line . the residual value r of the 4 elbows with respect to the average profile as shown by a solid line in fig2 is given in equation ( 1 ). this provides a measure of precision for shape and size . ## equ1 ## where r = mean residual normalization with respect to w and with respect to one of the dimensions diam 5 , diam 2 , diam 1 , t , e - d and c - a , at different angles φ was performed . the combination w and d 5 gave the least residual value . fig2 therefore best represents the geometry and size combination . fig3 represents the surface shape of the distal humerus reconstructed from computer plots . the c - line can be seen to run at an angle of ∝, which is generally between about 1 ° and 10 ° and most often between 2 ° and 3 °, with the tel in the anterior - posterior view ( negative z - direction ), while both axes are parallel in the distal proximal view , ( negative y - direction ). this determines the articulating joint surface position in space at the distal end of the humerus . the centre of the medial part of the trochlea lies on a line that inclines at an angle β with the long axis of the humerus , ( y - axis ). this angle is approximately 45 °. the origin at the medial side of the c - line occurs at coordinates y h , z a . the angle γ formed by the central groove of the trochlea and the line perpendicular to the c - line , determines together with ∝, and ulnar anatomical features , the carrying angle , as hereinafter described . the angles ψ , λ , ∝ and γ are four components of the carrying angle in the distal humerus and proximal ulna ( fig1 , table 2 ). table 2______________________________________carrying angle degree distal proximal carryingspecimen & amp ; humerus ulna anglesex ∝ γ λ ψ ∝ + λ + ψ______________________________________1f 2 . 5 8 . 0 21 . 0 - 6 . 0 17 . 52f 2 . 5 5 . 0 14 . 0 - 7 . 0 9 . 53m 2 . 5 2 . 0 7 . 0 - 7 . 0 2 . 54m 2 . 5 3 . 0 17 . 0 - 12 . 0 7 . 5______________________________________ ∝ angle between cline and tel , γ inclination of central groove ( cg ) λ angle between trochlear notch ( tn ) and proximal shaft of ulna , ψ reverse angulation of shaft of ulna . the angles ψ and λ in the ulna are formed by the shaft of the ulna with the plane of the trochlear ridge ( tr ). however , angle γ exists in the frontal plane and cannot , therefore , contribute to the carrying angle during early flexion . in extension and early flexion , the carrying angle is composed of the angles ∝, λ and ψ . the carrying angle in extension and early flexion was found to be 9 . 5 and 17 . 5 degrees in the two female and 2 . 5 and 7 . 5 degrees in the two male specimens ( table 3 ). with further flexion , the carrying angle should change as the coronoid process tracks along the anterior part of the central groove of the trochlea . as this happens the forearm rotates internally . on the distal humerus , of fig3 seven dimensions f , w , ed , ca , diam 1 , 2 and 5 were chosen for statistical analysis of the joint . the width f or epicondylar distance can be palpated and measured by a constant pressure vernier caliper . this dimension , together with a standardized radiograph of the elbow joint will enable a surgeon to preoperatively determine the size of the required prosthesis . to quantify the variation of these 7 dimensions , a sampling of 59 dry bones were measured . these samples had no apparent deformities , and were obtained at random . it is not known if there were left and right pairs in this sample . there are no differences in left or right elbows of one person , a fact that has been shown by other studies , therefore entering the data of a pair of elbows is basically the same as entering two identical dimensional values to the data bank . each one of the seven dimensional variables was tested by determining if it fitted a normal distribution by producing standard normality plots . each variable appeared normal on these plots and this enabled the use of a multivariate normal probability distribution model . this model lends itself for analysis by principal component ( pc ). principal components are linear combinations of the 7 variables with special properties in terms of variance . this will be illustrated by using 2 variables ( e . g .) the length and width of a rectangular object ), each dimension is considered to be normally distributed . the probability of occurrence would look like a surface shape shown in fig4 . the first principal component has the largest variance while the second has the least variance . one would hope to find that the data varies in such a manner that the first principal component contains the bulk of the variance . this would mean for the 2 variable example that the probability surface is narrow and long at its base . if variable 1 ( length ) and variable 2 ( width ) were strongly correlated , the elliptical base reduces to a line . the probability surface would then be a normally distributed &# 34 ; bell - curve &# 34 ; with the first principal component as base line . this visual representation breaks down beyond 2 variables but the analysis of 3 or more variables is the same . for 7 variables , the principal components were ranked 1 to 7 . the analysis shown that the first pc contained 70 % of the variance , the second 13 %, the third 6 % with the remaining principal components making up the rest . having established that the first pc of the 7 elbow variables accounted for 70 % of the variance one can represent this pc as a normally distributed value , fig5 . the area under the curve at different intervals indicates the probability that those pc values occur in the population . the interval width is twice the tolerance that can be accommodated by a patient receiving a resurfacing prosthesis . the middle interval μ ± t has the highest probability of occurrence . if t is chosen relatively large then a few intervals such as - 3t to - t , - t to + t and + t to + 3t could cover a large percentage of all random occurrences in patients . by varying the tolerance t on the first pc and by choosing a fixed series of intervals or sizes , the proportion of the population that will be covered can be calculated from equation ( 2 ). ## equ2 ## by plotting the proportion covered in the population against the tolerance t the graph in fig6 is created . this graph is a useful tool for design and clinical decision making . from the values for the first pc , the values of the second pc and all others in descending order of importance follow mathematically . by transforming the ranked seven pc &# 39 ; s back to actual elbow dimensions , the set of sizes shown in table 1 has been established for 95 % coverage , however , each one of the seven dimensions will not necessarily represent 95 % of all persons , as can be observed in table 3 . table 3______________________________________tolerances in mm and percentages covered for eachdimension obtained from the first principal componentanalysis ( pc ) dimensions 3 sizes 5 sizes % covered______________________________________c - a 1 . 1 . 7 90e - d . 7 . 4 87f 2 . 5 1 . 5 93diam 1 1 . 5 . 9 90diam 2 . 7 . 4 71diam 5 . 9 . 6 86w 2 . 2 1 . 3 94______________________________________ as can be noted from table 3 , the diam 2 covers much less of the population than in the case for the other dimensions . this reveals that diam 2 is not linearly related to the other variables . simple sizing by equal expansion or shrinking of all elbow dimensions is therefore less accurate for diam 2 . an alternative method of sizing would be to take the first pc and the second pc simultaneously into account , and establish two - dimensional intervals as bases for the probability that values fall within this interval . then divide the sizes so that coverage for diam 2 is increased . however , because the sizing is now based on 2 pc &# 39 ; s , sizes are no longer ranked from biggest to lowest for all dimensions . for example , if ranked by width w , from largest width to smallest , diam 2 would not obey that ranking . while sizes would cover the population better as far as each one of the seven dimensions is concerned , the choice of size by the surgeon cannot be based on one preoperative measurement such as the width . rather all seven dimensions must be preoperatively assessed or measured during surgery . this is complicated , and the sizing along one pc , table 1 , is considered to offer the best compromise . in order to insert a humeral prosthesis 42 of the present invention , fabricated from a conventional surgical cobalt - chrome alloy such as &# 34 ; vitallium &# 34 ;®, other stainless steel or titanium or , non - toxic other biocompatiable material such as a ceramic material and having an outer surface shape defined as above , it is necessary to make incisions from the medial and lateral sides of the elbow to provide access to the trochlea and capitellum for trimming to a shape which will match the inner surface shape of the prosthesis , and to provide a relatively tight interference fit therewith . the inner surface of the prosthesis is cast or machined to a concave cylindrical form having a longitudinal axis which is substantially coincident with the centroidal axis ( c - line ) of the articulating surface , so that in cross section the interior of the prosthesis is substantially c - shaped . the concave surface is preferably coated with a porous metal layer which promotes bone ingrowth and aids fixation of the prosthesis to the bone in what is now recognized as a conventional technique . the centroidal line is determined by selecting the centre of the medial flange of the trochlea and the centre of the lateral surface of the capitellum . the line between these points is the centroidal line around which the surface bone and cartilage of the trochlea and capitellum is removed at a defined distance or arc from the line . this centroidal axis in line with which the component is positioned or inserted is at an angle of 1 °- 10 °, in the coronal plane to the tel . a jig or guide device is required to ( a ) hold the patients elbow in a preselected position for cutting , ( b ) provide a rigid base for the cutting tool and ( c ) provide a device for guiding the cutting tool in making accurate cuts . the cutting tool may be a saw , router , burr or other conventional bone cutting device . one such device is described in detail in applicants commonly assigned parent application ser . no . 507 , 378 filed june 24 , 1983 and an alternative thereto is described in detail in applicants commonly assigned continuation - in - part application ser . no . 730 , 931 filed may 6 , 1985 and now u . s . pat . no . 4 , 624 , 250 issued nov . 25 , 1986 . the results from all four proximal ulnae were almost identical to each other ( fig1 c ). the centres calculated from each set of three points on the outline of the cut surfaces of the olecranon and coronoid facets were clustered into two groups about the tel except for a few centres from the lateral and medial limits of the cut surfaces which deviated from each cluster . the centres obtained from the curve of the olecranon facet deviated in the direction indicated by the arrow ol , at the lateral and medial limits , and those from the curve of the coronoid facet deviated in the direction indicated by the arrow co . small clearances existed between the trochlear flanges and both the olecranon and coronoid facets at their outer limits . the centres of curvature were generally collinear for the olecranon facet when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow a , ( fig1 ), and for the coronoid facet when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow b ( fig1 ). the extent of cartilagenous cover of the trochlea when viewed from the lateral side is the arc subtended by angle θ , ( fig3 b ). the mean angle was 250 degrees at the lateral flange , 245 degrees at the central groove and 216 degrees at the medial flange ( table 3 ). the coronoid and olecranon articulating facets were distinct from each other and linked by the noncartilage - covered incisura trochlearis . cartilage extended over the coronoid facet ( σ co ) in an arc with a mean value of 79 degrees . the extend of cover of the olecranon facet ( σ ol ) was 76 degrees . the incisura was an arc of 25 degrees . ( table 3 ). the articulation between the central groove of the trochlea and the trochlear notch of the ulna was estimated . the cartilagenous surfaces would appear to contact each other fully between 55 to 116 degrees of elbow flexion . at full extension , part of the surface of the olecranon facet appears to lose contact with the central groove of the trochlea . similarly at the limit of flexion , the coronoid facet would tend to lose contact with the trochlear groove . it appears from the extent of cartilagenous cover of the distal humerus and proximal ulna that the central groove of the trochlea articulates mainly with the coronoid facet of the ulna in extension and early flexion and mainly with the olecranon facet in terminal flexion of the elbow . these observations suggest the possibility of two distinct bearing surfaces at the humero - ulnar articulation ; one mainly for early flexion and the other mainly for terminal flexion . the medial to lateral stability of the elbow joint is provided mainly by the capsule , the collateral ligaments and bony structures . while forces are generated on both the humero - radial and humero - ulnar articulations of the elbow , they are generated mainly at the latter . the medial flange of the trochlea is of larger diameter than the lateral flange . in extension and early flexion medial stability ( adduction movement ) is provided largely by the medial flange and the lateral collateral ligament . lateral stability ( abduction movement ) is provided by the lateral flange of the trochlea , the capitulo - radial articulation and medial collateral ligament . with increasing flexion and at terminal flexion of the elbow , the enlargement noted herein , at the posterior part of the lateral flange of the trochlea , could be an important stabilizer of abduction movements . two distinct articular facets in the ulna ( olecranon and coronoid ) are present in 64 % of elbows joined by cartilage free incisura . in other elbows , the incisura is covered by cartilage to a greater or lesser extent . the behavior of these facets in early and late flexion referred to above and the observations herein of non - coincident centres of curvature suggests a slight &# 34 ; sloppiness &# 34 ; of fit between ulna and humerus . the above considerations permit the production of a complementary proximal ulna prosthetic element 60 , shown in fig6 and 7 which comprises a curved bio - compatible material such as stainless steel shell 61 preferably fabricated in vitallium ® or similar alloy having a porous metal layer ( as previously described ) 62 , or a ceramic material with a porous surface larger , on the convex surface thereof and a high density polyethylene ( hdpe ) layer 63 on the concave surface ( in the lateral direction , fig7 ) thereof . the hdpe layer 63 is convexly and concavely contoured ( medial view , fig6 ) to complement the concave / convex portion 43 of humeral prosthesis 42 , and to articulate smoothly therewith . the hdpe layer 63 is arranged to snap fit into the steel backing shell 61 , for easy installation , removal and replacement as necessary . alternatively layer 63 may be permanently fitted into shell 61 . the shell 61 is arranged to be a close friction fit in the cavity cut in the ulna therefore and is prevented from rotating by means of undercutting 86 , 87 on the bony structure of the ulna , as shown in fig8 . if desired , for extra insurance against rotation , rods 83 , 84 may be welded onto shell 61 and complementary holes provided in the ulna , as shown in fig8 or wires ( not shown ) may be provided to secure shell 61 into the aforesaid holes . in order to insert the prosthesis , the olecranon 86 and coronoid 87 facets are trimmed to a shape to receive the convex porous metal coated surface of the prosthesis 60 . preferably , the elbow is held in one of the jigs described in the aforementioned copending applications , so that both the humeral and ulna cuts can be made while the humerus and ulna are clamped in the same positions relative to each other such that the humeral and ulna arcuate cuts can be made from the same centre , using appropriately sized cutting guides . cl ( e ) radial prosthesis the entire end of the radius is normally removed replaced by a prosthetic tip , as shown in fig9 and 10 . the radial prosthesis comprises a fabricated in a stainless steel or other bio - compatible material , stem 81 with an enlarged circular end 82 into which or around which a thermo - plastic head 88 is a snap fit . the bearing surface 89 of head 88 is slightly concavely dished to match the curvature portion of the humeral prosthesis . the stem surfaces and the exposed underside of the end 82 are preferably porous coated , similar to that described above . the thickness of plastic head 88 which is preferably but not essentially fabricated from high density polyethylene , may be varied , as appropriate to take up or reduce the joint space as determined by the surgeon during insertion . it will be appreciated that , unlike prosthesis of the prior art which are at best rough approximations to the natural articulating surfaces , the humeral component herein is so close in shape to the natural articulating surface that it alone can be inserted into an elbow joint for articulation with the natural ulna and radius . it is not necessary to replace the ulna and radius with a prosthesis unless there is a medical or surgical reson for so doing , such as deterioration of the articulating surface due to rhuematoid arthritis . in many trauma cases , such as motorcycle accidents , the humerus is badly damaged but the ulna and radius remain undamaged .

US-16944088-A

a non - invasive quantitative somatosensory apparatus is provided for evaluating erectile dysfunctions and involves the applications to the glans penis of two different temperatures . if the patient is unable to differentiate the difference in temperature , a diagnosis of neurologic dysfunction can be made with greater than 90 % reliability . the apparatus of this invention provides a relatively simple device to assess a patient &# 39 ; s neurological response to therapies .

in practice , it has been found that optimum results are obtained if the initial temperature at which the test method is commenced is acclimation temperature , and more preferably about 32 ° c . the temperature in raised in increments of about 1 ° c . over a period of time sufficient for the patient to detect that there is a change in temperature from the previous temperature . this can be anywhere from a few seconds to several seconds or longer depending upon the patient . as noted hereinafter , in the instrument employed to conduct the test method is the a thermal sensitivity tester wherein incremental changes of preferably 1 ° c . or less can be accurately controlled and measured . in one embodiment of the invention , as shown in fig1 , the instrument includes a hand - held thermode 1 about ½ ″ in diameter and 6 ″ long , including its handle , with a 5 ′ lead 3 connecting a separate control unit 5 . preferably , the lead 3 is adapted to removeably connect , at its ends , to either or both probe 1 and controller 5 . preferably , four 1 . 5 volt alkaline batteries power the system . alternatively , the device is powered using an a / c source and a d / c adaptor . the tip of the probe 7 is capable of being driven at least two switch - selectable temperatures , using proven peltier thermoelectric technology . two of the selectable temperatures are preferably 32 ° and 36 ° centigrade . a switch 9 on the handle 1 of the probe will turn on the unit and allow selection of either of the two temperatures . alternately , a dial or other adjustment means is used to select a start temperature . in one embodiment , led lamps 11 mounted in the handle will indicate when the unit is turned on and will begin flashing when the switch is depressed and temperature is changing . the lamp will come on continuously to indicate when the temperature of the thermode has reached set point ( preferably , within 8 seconds ). a timer in the control unit will automatically turn off power if the temperature is not changed within five minutes , to preserve battery power . accuracy of the set points is preferably + or − 0 . 3 ° centigrade . the test protocol is non - invasive and the 6 volt battery power ( or other power source ) provides for patient safety . there is also an over - temperature shut - off circuit which turns off the unit if heat sink temperature exceeds 40 ° c . a detector circuit monitors the status of the thermal probe . the various states of the thermal probe include connected and disconnected conditions . in one embodiment , the detector circuit and the overheating circuit are combined . the controller is a testing instrument , which provides a means of accurately measuring a subject &# 39 ; s ability to distinguish small differences in temperature . the thermal probe is driven by a thermoelectric ( peltier effect ) module . this module has the ability to provide temperature stimuli above and below room temperature . the temperature of the probe tip is adjusted using a set switch 13 , which is used to maintain the temperature at the set point . the set switch can be located on the probe or the controller . a digital readout 15 on the controller displays the temperature set point . in one embodiment , a switch 17 toggles the display from the set point to the probe temperature . in previous devices , for stable operation , the thermoelectric module required a trickle of cooling water . this was typically supplied from a pump and tank unit . however , based on the temperature ranges used , and accurate control circuitry , no cooling reservoir is required . without a cooling reservoir , there is no risk of the reservoir leaking thereby damaging the unit . preferably , adjustment may be made to any base temperature between 20 ° and 40 ° centigrade to within 0 . 1 ° c . temperature settings 19 can be made using the control settings on the controller or probe . these settings allow the temperature to be incremented or decremented in 5 ° 1 ° or 1 / 10 ° steps from the base temperature . the display 15 of the controller may be used as a readout for an external sensor ( type t , copper - constantan thermocouple with miniature t / c plug ) used to verify the temperature of probe tip 7 . during measurement with external sensor , all power to the probe is preferably disconnected . in one embodiment , the controller 5 includes a low power indicator 21 . the indicator is an led that illuminates when a lower power condition exists or it can be a meter that displays an actual power level . in one embodiment , controller 5 includes an overheating circuit . the overheating circuit shuts down the unit if the temperature exceeds a set point . in one embodiment , when an overtemperature condition exists , an indicator 22 illuminates . the controller 5 preferably indicates a sensor detector circuit and a sensor detector indicator 23 . the sensor detector detects if the probe 1 is properly connected and functioning . if no probe connected to controller s , or if the probe is not functioning properly , the indicator 23 will display an alarm . in one embodiment of the invention , the alarms are audible as well as visible . as also noted in the examples , a thermal threshold can also be determined by incrementally lowering the temperature at 1 ° c . intervals from 32 ° c . until such time as the patient can detect a difference from the previous temperature for at least two and preferably up to 6 times . the results of the study leading to the present inventions greatly expand the use of qst in the evaluation of neural function at the penis and provide unique information about the correlation of sensory function and ed . to applicant &# 39 ; s knowledge , the present study is the first to apply this technique for the evaluation of the neurophysiology of the penis . specifically these results confirm that patients with ed , regardless of etiology , have broad - based ( not unique to one neural fiber group ) deficits detected with multiple modalities and testing procedures when compared with normal controls . applicants are the first to utilize pressure ( semmes - weinstein monofilaments ) and spacial perception ( the tactile circumferential discriminator ) for assessing neuropathy of the penis and demonstrated increased thresholds ( worse functioning ) for patients with complaints of ed . applicants further confirmed large fiber axonal dysfunction with increased vibration ( biothesiometer ) thresholds in patients with ed . also the first to assess small fiber axonal function with warm and cold thresholds in non - diabetic patients with ed and demonstrated worse functioning when compared to normal controls . the results obtained suggest that neuropathy at the penis exists in all forms of erectile dysfunction including arterial and venous disease . additionally , in some cases ( e . g . diabetes ) dysfunction of the penile nerves antecedes deficits in cutaneous function detected at the finger ( general neuropathy ). this leads one to believe that in cases such as diabetes , there may be a different underlying cause for the erectile dysfunction than the classically taught chronically progressive , length - dependent , distal axonopathy of the dying - back type . since neurologic erectile dysfunction may be related to multiple causes including chronic diseases ( e . g diabetes mellitus , multiple sclerosis , parkinson &# 39 ; s disease , alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease ), surgery or trauma ( e . g . radical retro - pubic prostatectomy , herniated lumbar disk ), and neural malformation ( spina bifida ) to name a few , multiple factors may be responsible for the neurological defects that were seen in studies . loss of sensation may be related to a change in fiber density ( loss of axons - distal axonopathy ), deficits in transduction ( generator potential ), deficits in conduction ( velocity synchrony ), or non - structural defects such as redistribution of ion channels . the exact mechanism of neuropathy remains to be elicited in future research . in order to determine which patients had erectile dysfunction , all participants were required to complete the erectile function domain of the iief . this test has been widely used by the pharmaceutical industry to assess the outcomes of drug therapy through non - invasive , self - assessment questionnaires . the erectile function domain of the iief has been validated in multiple studies as a reliable test , not only for determining which patients have ed , but also for assessing the severity of function . despite its widespread use in clinical trials assessing function before and after medical intervention , it is believed that only one group has tried to compare the iief to current erectile dysfunction testing . blander et al . demonstrated that the iief score did not differentiate between the specific etiologies of ed as determined by penile blood flow studies and testing with prostaglandin e . sub . 1 testing had now iief scores of { fraction ( 13 / 25 )}. in contrast to their study , applicants found a significant correlation between the iief score ( encompassing patients with all forms of erectile dysfunction ) and neurophysiological measurements of touch , pressure , vibration , and thermal discrimination . this suggests that the iief may be a good questionnaire to assess the neurological component of erectile dysfunction . while the study leading to the present invention provides several insights into the neuropathy of ed , it is limited by both the sample and the methods of qst . applicants chose to use a sample of patients from the academic urology offices . these patients may not be representative of the normal population or the population of individuals seen in a typical medical or primary care clinic . in order to improve the understanding of normal penile aging and function , as well as provide accurate confidence intervals for cut scores defining ed , a larger normal population from the general population should be obtained . while qst is non - invasive , easy to perform in an office setting , reproducible , and well suited for multicenter trials , qst does have some limitations . qst is a psychophysical test and requires the cooperation , attention , and motivation of the patient . qst has been typically used for the detection of peripheral receptors which must be processed centrally and therefore requires integrity of the entire neural pathway ( i . e . pathology anywhere along the way may affect results ). while qst has limitations , the present results remained consistent with the literature . a significant correlation between age and semmes - weinstein monofilament testing and tactile circumferential discriminator of the finger has been demonstrated which are consistent with cutaneous pressure threshold and two - point discrimination studies which demonstrate a deterioration with aging . the vibrotactile penile thresholds were also in agreement with a recent review of 13 studies which found that threshold levels increased as a function of age and that penile thresholds of men with ed were significantly higher than age - controlled functional males . the measurements of cold threshold of the finger is in agreement with a study by gelber et al . who looked at cooled temperature thresholds of the dominant finger and found no association between thermal perception thresholds and age . finally , in agreement with lefaucheur et al ., we found that there was a significant difference with both warm and cold thresholds when comparing those with ed and normal controls at the penis . the present inventors evaluated the functional integrity of the penile autonomic nervous system in patients with erectile dysfunction . we demonstrated dysfunction of the large ( α and β ) caliber fibers with significant differences between normal controls and ed patients with pressure , spatial perception , and vibration . we also demonstrated impairment in the small ( α and c ) caliber nerves with significantly increased cold and warm thresholds in ed patients . we also found that as people age , there is a significant loss of pressure and vibration sensitivity of both the glans penis and the finger . it also appears that the loss of vibration sensitivity is particularly significant for the diabetic patient . whether all of these changes are the end result of ed or the cause of erectile dysfunction remains to be elicited , but neuropathy appears to be a significant aspect of all forms of erectile dysfunction . these techniques give us a new way of assessing a patient &# 39 ; s neurological response to therapies . they could be used in a longitudinal fashion to study changes over time in an office setting . patients and materials : seventy - three patients who visited the academic urology clinics at montifiore hospital in new york city were evaluated . all patients were required to complete the erectile function domain of the international index of erectile function ( iief ) questionnaire ; 20 subjects had no complaints of ed and scored within the “ normal ” range on the iief . patients were subsequently tested on their index finger and glans penis for vibration ( biothesiometer ), pressure ( semmes - weinstein monofilaments ), spatial perception ( tactile circumferential discriminator ), and warm and cold thermal thresholds . impaired blood flow to the penis is the most common cause of ed while altered neural function is generally regarded as a second critical component of ed , this factor is difficult to assess and its contribution may therefore be underestimated . both the dorsal penile and perineal nerves contain a variety of axons that differ in cross sectional diameter and the presence and degree of myelin . a careful consideration of the impact of neural deficits on erectile function must differentiate between activities conducted in small diameter fiber pathways ( i . e . α and unmyelinated c fibers ) and activity conveyed in relatively large diameter , myelinated fiber systems ( α and β ). the assessment of sensory function provides a non - invasive means of assessing the integrity of the neural inervation of the penis , and the evaluation of multiple modalities affords the ability to differentiate function within specific axon types . for instance , the determination of absolute threshold for the detection of vibration , spatial perception and pressure measures transduction and conduction of large fiber function while thermal thresholds provides an index of activity in unmyelinated c fiber pathways ( warm ) and small myelinated aδ fibers ( cold ). all procedures were approved by the institutional review board for the protection of human subjects in research at montefiore medical center . as noted above , a total of 73 patients from the department of urology participated in the study . these patients were accrued from dec . 1 , 2001 to feb . 28 , 2002 . it is believed that these subjects are a representative sample of the patients visiting the academic urology clinics , however no formal sampling strategy was utilized . normal controls were sent for urological evaluation of problems not relating to erectile dysfunction , while other physicians typically referred patients with complaints of erectile dysfunction for evaluation at the clinic . the patients were comprised of 37 % caucasian ({ fraction ( 27 / 73 )}), 25 % african american ({ fraction ( 18 / 73 )}), 23 % hispanic ({ fraction ( 17 / 73 )}), and 15 % ({ fraction ( 11 / 73 )}) of the patient population was unidentified . the demographics of the patients are presented in table 1 . any person unable to understand english was excluded from participation . after consent was obtained , a medical history was recorded from each subject with a focus on any history of diabetes or hypertension . patients were asked to complete the erectile function domain of the international index of erectile function ( iief ) questionnaire . the iief is scored on a 1 - 30 scale ; a score of 25 or greater represents no dysfunction , while a score less than 25 identifies those patients with erectile dysfunction . in the cohort evaluated , 20 subjects ( 27 . 4 %) scored within the normal range and constituted no ed group , while 53 subjects ( 73 . 6 %) had evidence of ed by history ( ed group ). the battery of sensory evaluation was obtained in all subjects , with tests performed by the same researcher ( cb ). all sensory evaluations were performed on the palmar aspect of the distal right index finger . additional measurements were recorded on the dorsal midline glans of the penis half way between the coronal sulcus and the urethral meatus . in males who were not circumcised , the foreskin was retracted and the measurements were taken on the dorsal midline glans . all thresholds were obtained using a modified ascending method of limits or a two alternative forced choice procedure . vibration was determined using a biothesiometer device ( bio - medical instrument co ., newbury , ohio ). stimulus frequency was a fixed 120 hz signal ; intensity was roughly proportionate to the square of the applied voltage be measured by a sensitive galvanometer . as the voltage was gradually elevated , the subject identified the minimal energy at which he could distinguish between vibration and static touch . thresholds were recorded both from the palmer aspect of the distal right index finger and from the glans of the penis . all measurements were first performed on the finger , followed by the dorsal midline of the glans . sensitivity to touch was determined by use of the semmes - weinstein monofilament technique ( north coast medical , inc ., morgan hill , calif .). briefly , subjects were contacted at the test site by a series of monofilaments of ascending intensity and threshold was defined as the smallest stimulus intensity correctly identified as a definite sensation of light pressure . filaments were applied perpendicular to the skin for a period of approximately 1 . 5 seconds . the diameter of the filament ( in millimeters ), and therefore the intensity of the stimulation , increased from 2 . 83 , 3 . 61 , 4 . 31 , 4 . 56 , 5 . 07 , to 6 . 65 which corresponds to an increase in target force of 0 . 07 grams , 0 4 grams , 2 . 0 grams , 4 . 0 grams , 10 grams , and 300 grams respectively . the target forces of 0 . 07 grams and 0 . 4 grams were repeated for a total of 3 trials before the higher intensities were examined successively . thresholds were first determined on the palmar aspect of the right index finger and afterward the glans . spatial threshold was determined using the tactile circumferential discriminator ( wyeth - ayerst international inc ., westtown , pa .). this device consists of a series of eight aluminum rods that vary in cross sectional diameter and therefore in circumference from 12 . 5 mm to 40 mm . the subject is initially presented with a reference rod ( labeled 0 ) placed firmly against the skin for a period of approximately 2 seconds and then with a “ test ” rod ( numbered 1 - 7 ) that differs in circumference . threshold is determined as the smallest difference in circumference that can be reliably detected on six consecutive trials . this procedure evaluates the spatial properties of sensation ( i . e . minimal separation , number and distribution of activated receptors ) and is similar to the measurement of two - point discrimination thresholds . thresholds were again determined first on the index finger and then on the glans of the penis . a subject unable to differentiate between 7 and 0 was assigned the highest threshold ( i . e . score of 8 ). hot and cold thermal thresholds were determined using a two alternative forced choice procedure on both the penis and index finger . at each site the subject was presented with a thermal signal generated by a device , as discussed herein . stimuli were presented against the skin using a hand - held thermal probe , capable of delivering both hot and cold temperatures over a 40 ° temperature range . the probe was set to an acclimation temperature of 32 ° c . and all comparisons were made against this reference . the temperature was increased at increments of 1 ° c . until the patient was able to correctly identify which temperature was warmer six times consecutively . that temperature was then recorded as the thermal threshold for warmth . the same procedure was followed for cold discrimination with the temperature decreased at increments of 1 ° c . in order to control for the possibility that any differences observed were due to differences in cutaneous temperatures between no ed and ed , surface skin temperature was measured at the test site in a subset of subjects . the assessment of thermal thresholds was labor intensive and time consuming . not all subjects elected to participate in this assessment . thermal thresholds were determined in a total of 36 subjects ( 28 with ed and 8 without ed ). the following parameters were evaluated : age , history of diabetes , history of hypertension , measurement of tactile circumferential discrimination of the glans and finger , biothesiometry of the glans and finger , warm temperature threshold of the finger and glans , cold temperature threshold of the finger and glans . analysis for the tactile circumferential discriminator was performed both with the stated number and with the converted diameter in inches . analysis for the swm was also performed for both the labeled diameter of the filament and the corresponding value of force in grams . univariate distributions were assessed for normality . bivariate relationships were assessed using chi square , t test , and pearson correlations . composite null hypotheses were assessed with mixed models repeated measures analysis of variance using sas proc mixed ( v . 8 . 1 , 2001 ), allowing us to covary for age , diabetes , and hypertension . results the demographics of the 73 patients are presented in table 1 below . the mean age was 48 . 8 ( range 21 - 77 ) and 55 . 0 ( range 22 - 81 ) for no ed and ed , respectively . although the subjects with ed were slightly older , the age difference between groups was not significant ( ρ - 0 . 12 ). as expected , the iief score tended to be reduced ( greater evidence of ed ) as a function of age ( r − 0 14 ), however the correlation was again not significant ( p = 0 . 24 ) tcd values are the labeled number . the monofilament values are the diameter of the monofilaments converted into the corresponding target force in grams the ρ values remained significant for the monofilaments when analysis was performed for reported monofilament diameter . the biothesiometer measurement is the relative value stated on the biothesiometer . the warm and cold thresholds are reported in ° c . tcd values are the labeled number . the monofilament values are the diameter of the monofilaments converted into the corresponding target force in grams . the ρ values remained not significant for the monofilaments when analysis was performed for reported monofilament diameter . the biothesiometer measurement is the relative value stated on the biothesiometer . the warm and cold thresholds are reported in ° c . when measured at the glans of the penis , threshold values for each of the five sensory modalities evaluated were significantly increased ( diminished sensation ) in those with ed as compared to values of those with no ed ( table 2 ). for instance , the threshold for the detection of a stimulus as “ cold ” was approximately 4 . 7 ° c . lower ( further from reference temperature ) for ed group as compared to no ed ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). similarly , while a stimulus was perceived as “ warm ” when it was an average of 3 . 8 ° c . above the reference temperature in subjects without ed , it needed to be more than 7 . 6 ° c . above reference to be detected as “ warm ” in the subjects with ed , modalities associated with both small diameter axons ( i . e . temperature ) and large diameter axons ( i . e . pressure , vibration , spatial threshold ) were all sharply different across groups . the differences in mean values at the penis across groups remained significant for each of the neurophysiologic measures ( except vibration , p & lt ; 0 . 06 ) even after controlling for age , diabetes and hypertension . the deficit in sensory function was consistently greater in patients with worse ed , resulting in highly significant correlation between each of the five neurophysiological measurements of the penis and the patient &# 39 ; s iief score ( table 3 ). each of the correlations was in the expected direction ( table 3 ). the correlation of each measure and iief scores also remained significant after controlling for age , diabetes and hypertension ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ). since resident skin temperature may have an effect on cutaneous sensation , especially thermal thresholds , we examined the surface temperature of the skin overlying the glands in a limited random sample of subjects in no ed and ed groups the mean temperature of subjects in subjects without ed was 31 . 8 ° c . ( n = 2 ), and is not distinguishable from the mean cutaneous temperature of the glans in patients with erectile dysfunction ( 31 . 9 ° c ., n = 11 ). in contrast to the results obtained at the penis , there were no significant differences between no ed and ed groups in cutaneous sensory thresholds measured at the finger ( table 4 ) only one measure , warm threshold , strongly trended in the direction of decreased function in subjects with ed ( ρ = 0 . 07 ). in addition , there was no significant correlation between any of the five thresholds examined at the finger and patient &# 39 ; s iief scores . diabetes and hypertension , as well as age , may also influence sensation . the prevalence of hypertension was similar across groups . of those patients with a history of hypertension 74 . 1 % also reported erectile dysfunction compared with 71 . 7 % of the population without ed . regression models using age , hypertension , and diabetes as covariates demonstrated that hypertension , for all neurophysiologic measurements of both the penis and finger , was not significant , indicating that hypertension does not contribute to the results obtained . of those patients with a history of diabetes , 88 . 2 % also reported erectile dysfunction as compared with 67 . 9 % of the population who reported no history of diabetes . there was a significant contribution ( based on regression analysis ) associated with diabetes and measurements of vibration at the penis ( p = 0 . 003 ). we also demonstrated a significant contribution by diabetes to warm threshold ( p = 0 . 04 ) at the penis and to tactile circumferential discriminator at the finger ( p = 0 . 04 ). although diabetes contributed significantly to vibration and warm threshold at the penis , its impact on these measurement did not outweigh the overall differences between those with ed and normal controls . age is a third subject variable that might alter sensory thresholds . as expected , in the present study there was a significant correlation between increasing age and worsening cutaneous sensation of the finger to vibration , pressure and spatial resolution ( based on regression analysis ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ). again , the contribution of age towards the cutaneous measurements did not obscure the overall differences between those patients with ed and normal controls . sensation on the glans penis , as defined by the examined sensory thresholds , was significantly diminished in patients with ed and these differences remained significant when controlling for age , diabetes , and hypertension . in contrast , thresholds on the index finger were equivalent in the ed and non - ed groups . threshold and iief scores were highly correlated , consistent with an association between diminished sensation and decreasing iief score ( worse erectile functioning ). these relations also remained significant when controlling for age , diabetes , and hypertension . the findings demonstrate dysfunction of large and small diameter nerve fibers in patients with ed of all etiologies . further , the neurophysiologic measures validate the use of the iief as an index of ed , as objective findings of sensory neuropathy were highly correlated with worse iief scores . the sensory threshold methods utilized represent novel , non - invasive and relatively simple procedures , which can be used in a longitudinal fashion to assess a patient &# 39 ; s neurological response to therapies . the method of this invention can also be supplemented , if desired , by determination of the spatial perception threshold and / or the application of pressure , i . e ., the sensitivity to touch determination to provide a two - point determination . although the invention has been illustrated by the preceding examples , it is not to be construed as being limited to the materials employed therein , but rather , the invention relates to the generic area as hereinbefore disclosed . various modifications and embodiments thereof can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof .

US-85186104-A

storage containers for expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed . the containers permit an expandable valve to be stored in its expanded configuration and then converted to its contracted configuration while still in the container . a mechanism incorporated into the container facilitates the conversion . for example , the container may have a base and a lid , and a crank manipulable from outside . the lid actuates a key within the container that engages the valve to perform the contraction . if the valve is a spirally wound type of expandable valve , the key may be attached to an inner side edge and rotated to wind the valve into a tight spiral . a drain in the container may facilitate removal of a preservative solution so that the valve can be seen during the contraction process , or so that the valve can be rinsed while still within the container .

the present invention provides a storage container for a minimally invasive prosthetic heart valve that also facilitates delivery and implantation of the valve . minimally invasive heart valves come in a variety of designs , including directly radially expandable types and so - called “ rolled ” heart valves that are spirally wound into a contracted configuration and expanded by unwinding . the presently illustrated heart valve is of the latter type , but it should be understood that the principles of the present invention are applicable to all types of expandable heart valves . in essence , the present invention provides a single vehicle for storing , preparing , and handling an expandable prosthetic heart valve just prior to implantation . many minimally invasive heart valves include flexible leaflets typically made from bioprosthetic animal tissue . the embodiment illustrated herein is a more recently developed variation which discloses a rolled - type prosthetic heart valve using bovine pericardial leaflets . this valve is similar to that shown and described in co - pending u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 815 , 521 , expressly incorporated herein by reference . whatever the material of the flexible leaflets , it is advantageous to store them in a relaxed state to minimize folding or compression of the leaflets . however , to deliver such expandable heart valves , they must be contracted to pass through a relatively small diameter delivery tube , thus requiring folding and compressing of the leaflets . the present invention enables the storage of a heart valve in its expanded configuration to better protect the flexible leaflets during the potentially long storage times , and permit easy contraction of the heart valve just prior to delivery . it should be understood , therefore , that a number of aspects of the present invention are applicable to all types of expandable heart valves . that is , various mechanisms for contracting heart valves within a storage container are anticipated by the disclosure herein , and thus the invention should not be limited to the illustrated embodiment . for example , mechanisms currently known for contracting expandable stents around balloons could be incorporated into the storage container of the present invention to adapt to those expandable heart valves that more closely resemble conventional stents ( i . e ., those that do not unroll but are directly radially expanded using an internal balloon or expansion device , wherein the expanded shape is maintained by inherent elastic and / or plastic material properties ). with these principles in mind , the invention will now be described in detail with respect to the attached drawings . [ 0028 ] fig1 illustrates in elevational view an assembled storage container 20 of the present invention generally comprising a lid 22 covering the open mouth of a base 24 . as shown , the base 24 is generally cylindrical in exterior shape , and the lid is disk - shaped having a conventional flange overlapping the open mouth of the base . although not shown , the lid 22 desirably couples to the base 24 using appropriate threading or snap - on features . the storage container 20 is typically useful for storing bioprosthetic heart valves having leaflets that require wet storage , typically in a preservative . therefore , when the lid 22 is coupled to the base 24 , the container 20 is desirably leak - proof . the components of the storage container may be made of a variety of corrosion - resistant materials , though molded polymers are preferred . [ 0029 ] fig2 illustrates the storage container 20 with the base 24 removed , and schematically shows a rolled - type prosthetic heart valve 30 coupled to the lid 22 . the heart valve 30 may be formed of the generally rectangular sheet - like stent body 31 having a first side edge 32 and a second side edge 34 . when expanded , the first side edge 32 desirably mates with the second side edge 34 to form a tubular structure suitable for mounting in the native valve annulus . flexible or bioprosthetic leaflets mounted in windows in the sheet - like stent body 31 are not illustrated for clarity , though various embodiments are disclosed in co - pending u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 815 , 521 . a mechanism for converting the prosthetic heart valve 30 from its illustrated expanded configuration to a rolled or spirally - wound contracted configuration includes a key 40 that engages the first side edge 32 , a clamp 42 that engages the second side edge 34 , and a crank handle 44 rotatably coupled to the key 40 through the lid 22 . various means are contemplated for releasably attaching the key 40 to the first side edge 32 , and the clamp 42 to the second side edge 34 . for example , as seen in the detailed view of fig2 a the first side edge 32 may include a plurality of t - shaped tabs 50 bent from the adjacent stent body 31 so as to engage complementary t - shaped slots 52 provided in the key 40 . in the illustrated embodiment , the key 40 is a hollow tube that accommodates the tabs 50 . likewise , fig3 illustrates the heart valve 30 in a rolled up or contracted configuration and shows a plurality of keyhole - shaped cutouts 56 adjacent the second side edge 34 of the stent body 31 that mate with buttons 58 provided in the clamp 42 ( see fig4 ). each button 58 includes a narrowed neck portion and an enlarged head portion that fits through the enlarged opening in one of the cutouts 56 , the button then being displaced such that the neck portion resides within the narrow opening of the cut out . the directionality of the means for releasably attaching the heart valve 30 to the key 40 and clamp 42 is such that the valve can be converted from its expanded configuration as seen in fig2 and 5 , to its contracted configuration , at which time the valve can be detached from the key and clamp for subsequent implantation . the conversion of the heart valve 30 from its expanded to its contracted configuration will now be described . the key 40 and clamp 42 work in conjunction to relatively circumferentially displace the first side edge 32 with respect to the second side edge 34 . in the exemplary embodiment , the clamp 42 ( and second side edge 34 ) releasably attaches to an inner wall of the base 24 while the key 40 ( and first side edge 32 ) rotates along a fixed axis within the base 24 . after the heart valve 30 has been converted to its contracted configuration , it may be removed along with the key 40 and clamp 42 from the base 24 . in this regard , the clamp 42 comprises an elongated member having the characteristics of a dovetail slide so as to fit within a cooperating channel in the inner wall of the base 24 formed by a pair of inwardly directed flanges 60 , as seen in fig6 . after the heart valve 30 has been rolled or wound up into its contracted configuration , it may be linearly removed along with the clamp 42 from the base 24 , as best seen in fig7 a . one or more clips 61 as seen in fig7 b may be added to surround the heart valve 30 and temporarily constrain it in its rolled configuration . the heart valve 30 may then be disconnected from the storage container components , including the winding key 40 . the winding operation that converts the heart valve 30 from its expanded configuration to its contracted configuration is seen in two stages in fig8 a and 8b . in fig8 a , the sheet - like stent body 31 of the valve 30 is seen defining a relatively large spiral closely fitting within the base 24 . the key 40 is shown attached to the first side edge 32 and positioned just radially inward in the container with respect to the clamp 42 to which the second side edge 34 is attached . as will be described in greater detail below , the key 40 rotates about an axis 62 fixed within the container . from the perspective of fig8 a , rotating the key 40 about the axis 62 in a clockwise direction winds the sheet - like stent body 31 into a relatively tight spiral , as seen in fig8 b . the thickness of the stent body 31 and number of windings of the body in the contracted configuration determines the spacing between the key 40 and clamp 42 . desirably , the spacing is as shown such that the contracted configuration of the valve 30 fills the space between the key 40 and clamp 42 . fig8 b also shows the clip 61 constraining the heart valve 30 in its contracted configuration . with reference to fig1 , and 7 , the key 40 comprises a shaft journaled through the lid 22 and turned by the crank 44 . in a preferred embodiment , a ratchet device ( not shown ) is provided within a hub 70 ( fig1 ) contained within the lid 22 to prevent reverse rotation of the key 40 . after the heart valve 30 has been wound up , it may be removed from the base 24 along with the assembly of the lid 22 , key 40 , and crank 44 , as seen in fig7 a . subsequently , the contracted valve 30 is constrained from re - expansion by clips ( such as the clips 61 seen in fig7 b ), bands , sutures , or other similar expedient to prevent premature expansion prior to delivery to an implantation site . for example , features on the second side edge 34 may engage cooperating features in the sheet - like stent body 31 to lock the stent in its spirally wound configuration . these features can then be released when expansion of the stent body is desired . as mentioned above , a preferred expandable heart valve includes the stent body 31 and a plurality of flexible leaflets ( not shown ). if the leaflets need to remain hydrated during storage , such as if they are made of bioprosthetic material , the entire container 20 may be filled with a preservative solution during storage . to facilitate implantation of the valve 30 , the base 24 desirably incorporates a drain , such as the drain hole 80 seen in the bottom wall of the base in fig6 . alternatively , the entire bottom wall of the base 24 may be removable , such as with threading . just prior to use of the valve 30 , the preservative solution is drained from within the base 24 . if the entire bottom wall of the base 24 is removed , the valve 30 in its expanded configuration is thus exposed so that the valve can be seen during the contraction process and can be rinsed while in the container in either the contracted or expanded configuration , thus reducing the chance of damage to the valve . alternatively , the crank 44 is used to convert the valve 30 into its contracted configuration , which is then removed from the base 24 as seen in fig7 a and 7b . the valve 30 in its contracted configuration can then be rinsed . while the foregoing describes the preferred embodiments of the invention , various alternatives , modifications , and equivalents may be used . moreover , it will be obvious that certain other modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims .

US-94539201-A

surgical apparatus useful for eye surgery , wherein an incision is made in the eye corneo - scleral tissue , and via which a plastic lens is to be introduced into an eye lens zone in a capsule from which a natural lens has been removed , the lens having haptic structure including haptics attached thereto comprising a surgical forceps having two longitudinally elongated , laterally spaced arms and two blades , the arms extending in parallel relation , each blade integral with an arm at the forward end thereof , each blade being blunt at the forward end thereof ; whereby the forceps may be displaced to controllably receive a haptic or lens , or both , between the blades and to controllably displace the haptic or lens , or both , for positioning the haptics and lens in the capsule ; and a tube receiving the forceps , with the blades positioned to engage and displace the haptic and lens , in the tube .

in fig1 - 4 , the surgical forceps 10 has a body 11 , which is elongated in the direction 12 , the body typically being tubular . the forceps has two longitudinally elongated and laterally spaced arms 13 and 14 which project forwardly from the body and at opposite sides of the body axis 15 . these arms extend in generally parallel relation ; and arm 14 may be slightly shorter than arm 13 to allow for enhanced capability for grasping and maneuvering of a haptic ( typically a trailing haptic as respects insertion into the eye ), or trailing edge of a lens implant , or both , by blades carried by the arms , to enable clear viewing of the position of the longer blade ( arm ) without its being obscured by the shorter blade ( arm ), and to allow sequential entry of the blades into the eye via a small slit in the sclera . the leading haptic and the lens are typically inserted by use of a forceps or insertion tube . such blades are indicated at 16 and 17 integral with the forward ends of two arms ; and they are generally spoon - shaped in outline , as is clear from fig2 and also from fig4 . in those fig2 and 4 , each blade is seen to have a width which varies along the length of the blade . thus , the width w 1 of blade 16 increases from the blade tip to a maximum at 16a , and then decreases rearwardly to a minimum at 16b , the blade then joining the arm at region 18 , with the arm width increasing at 13a toward juncture with the tube 11 at 13b . in similar fashion , shorter blade 17 has width w 2 , which increases toward a maximum at 17a and then decreases rearwardly to a minimum at 17b . the blade and arm 14 juncture at 20 , with arm 14 width then increasing rearwardly along concave edges 21 to merge with the tube 11 at points 22 . in fig4 it is clear that blade 16 projects forwardly to greater extent than blade 17 , the latter being slightly smaller in outline than blade 16 , enhancing the haptic maneuvering functions and capability of the two blades , and also enabling one blade to precede the other into the narrow slit in the sclera . the body 11 provides a cannula 23 , which is elongated from the rearward end of the instrument 24 and which discharges openly at 25 between the two arms 13 and 14 , whereby liquid , such as a saline aqueous solution , may be supplied during surgery to discharge onto and into the eye to prevent collapse of the eye &# 34 ; bag &# 34 ; during haptic and lens insertion maneuvering , as referred to . see saline solution supply at 40 and duct 41 . in fig5 and fig1 a , the instrument 10 is shown with the two blades on blade arms , grasping the trailing haptic trailing portion 26 , which is shown projecting outwardly from the eye during insertion . the lobe - shaped blades have been positioned beyond the haptic strand so that the strand is between the narrowed blade portions 16c and 17c . see fig1 a . the instrument is then twisted or rotated about its axis 15 ( as in direction 82 in fig1 a ) to &# 34 ; capture &# 34 ; the haptic strand between the narrowed portions of the blades , as also indicated in fig1 and also in fig1 a . the direction of twist is shown at 28 in fig1 a . in addition , the narrowing of the blade arm extents between which the haptic is captured locates the captured haptic lengthwise of the instrument to prevent it from sliding endwise off the instrument so long as the instrument is twisted , as described . this then enables the surgeon to implant the trailing haptic or lens implant , or both , into the eye cavity via the narrow slit in the wall of the eye , as referred to . see in this regard the slit 30 shown in fig5 lens 27 that has passed through the slit into the eye bag 28 , and opened ( if folded ) and the leading haptic 25 in the eye . bi - directional bluntness or convexity of blade edges assures that eye tissue will not be damaged by push contact with the blades during haptic twisting and insertion via the slit into the eye . as regards blade bi - directional edge convexity , note a first axial plane 30 extending generally normal to the blades in fig4 and a second axial plane 31 extending generally normal to plane 30 and bisecting the space ( see fig2 ). having such planes defined , the following convexities exist : i ) each blade forward end ( see ends 16a and 17a ) is forwardly convex in planes parallel to the first plane 30 ( see convexities at ends 16a and 17a in fig3 ), and ii ) each blade forward end is forwardly convex in planes parallel to the second plane 32 and intersecting the blade forward end ( see convexities at ends 16a &# 39 ; and 17a &# 39 ; in fig4 ). also , each blade has overall width substantially greater than the blade thickness , as is clear from fig3 and 4 . the instrument is also usable to force the haptic or lens implant , or both , to be released in the sulcus , posterior to the iris ; and to grasp a displaced ( luxated or sub - luxated ) haptic lens optic which has inadvertently fallen into the depths of the eye , for retrieval without severe damage to the intraocular tissues and positioning of the haptic lens optic for a very satisfactory intro - capsular implantation . referring to fig6 a view similar to fig1 the forceps apparatus 10 is shown extending within a tube 60 having a bore 61 , as also seen in fig7 . in the latter view , the forceps is shown gripping or holding a lens 62 having haptics 63 and 64 confined in the tube . note haptic 63 retained between narrowed blade portions 16c and 17c . the haptics typically engage the tube bore 61 providing stability of lens positioning in the tube . the tube is insertible into the eye region 65 via a slit 66 formed in a wall 67 of the eye . see the broken line position 60a of the tube forward end in fig7 . the forceps 10 carrying the lens is then displaced forwardly in the tube into the eye to release the lens , as for example in response to leftward twisting of the forceps . initial gripping of the lens or its haptic or haptics is accomplished by rightward twisting of the forceps , including its blades . note the abrupt angulations at 16d between the blade 16 and the narrowed stem 16c , to enhance grasping of the haptic or lens implant edge . both blades may have such abrupt angulation . fig8 is another view showing insertion of the tube through the slit in the eye wall , the lens then being movable forwardly by the forceps blades into the capsule designated at 65a for release . note the haptic 64 , which has been released , to expand into the position shown to engage the internal periphery of the capsule for ultimate positioning of the lens 62 . fig9 is a view showing the retraction of the tube 60 after the lens and the haptics have been released by the forceps within the eye capsule . note that the tube enables controlled twisting of the forceps both to the right and to the left , to enable controlled gripping and releasing of the lens 62 into the eye bag 65a . fig1 shows the use of the forceps blades 16 and 17 to maneuver the haptic 64 through the slit 66 , if need be and into the capsule , the tube 60 at this time being located to project outside or into the eye region about the capsule . the tube directs and steadies the forceps , which can be moved lengthwise relative to the tube and rotated therein to maneuver the haptic 64 into the bag 65a . in fig7 the haptics 63 and 64 may engage the bore 61 of the tube with light friction to enable twisting of the forceps relative to the lens , for controlled twisting , as referred to , the narrowing of the blades at 16b and 17b , as described above , contributing to these functions and the desired results in terms of a lens gripping and lens release at precise times desired by the physician . fig1 shows gripping by the blades 16 and 17 of a lens 70 having tabular haptics 71 and 72 , and within the tube 60 , as referred to , for controlled insertion and release in the eye , indicated at 65 . the method of maneuvering a lens haptic or lens implant into desired position in the eye includes the steps : a ) providing a tube to be partly inserted endwise in the eye , c ) causing the tube to enter the eye and causing the bladed means to engage the haptic or lens implant edge and eject the haptic and lens from the tube and into the eye , d ) causing the bladed means to grasp the haptic or lens implant by twisting the stem in the tube to twist the bladed means to effect displacement of the haptic or implant adjacent the bladed means , e ) and maneuvering the grasped haptic or lens implant into desired position in the eye by maneuvering the stem in the tube . that method also includes irrigating the grasped haptic or lens implant during said maneuvering . haptic release after completed positioning includes reverse twisting of the blade means , and withdrawal of the blade means from the eye , via the slit in the sclera . that slit is typically between 3 and 4 millimeters in length , so that the overall diameter of the instrument 10 is typically between 3 and 6 millimeters . additional steps include irrigating the grasped haptic during maneuvering ; and releasing the grasped haptic in the eye by reverse twisting of the stem in the tube and of the bladed means forwardly of the tube . in the above , the forceps and its blades cut as a piston to push the lens from the tube , the bluntness of the blades assuring absence of damage to the lens and haptics .

US-11018593-A

a computer implemented method is provided for planning a position and / or a movement trajectory of a medical instrument in a heterogeneous body structure such that the instrument is delivered to a target region in the heterogeneous body structure . the method includes providing at least one of a ) body structure data corresponding to mechanical properties of the heterogeneous body structure , wherein said mechanical properties influence a movement of the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure due to the mechanical interaction between the instrument and the heterogeneous body structure , b ) instrument data concerning mechanical and / or geometric properties of the instrument , or c ) movement data concerning mechanical properties that are intended to cause and / or describe a movement of the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure . the position and / or movement trajectory of the instrument in the heterogeneous body structure to the target region or a probability that said position and / or movement trajectory will be achieved then is determined based on at least one of the movement data , the body structure data or the instrument data .

fig1 shows an exemplary heterogeneous body structure 10 , an instrument 30 inserted into the heterogeneous body structure 10 , and a region 20 in the heterogeneous body structure 10 which is highly rigid or difficult to penetrate . the region within the body structure 10 but outside the rigid region 20 should be easy to penetrate . in the region 22 of the rigid region 20 , the instrument 30 is diverted and / or bent by the rigid region 20 , wherein the instrument 30 is pushed forward by the force f . in accordance with the laws of vector addition , the force f can be divided into a force f 1 and a force f 2 . the force f 1 generates a corresponding counter force f 0 in the region 22 of the heterogeneous body structure 10 . this force f 0 causes the instrument 30 to bend . in accordance with the laws of elasticity , the curvature of the bend is dependent on the elasticity modulus of the instrument 30 and on its geometric properties , in particular its diameter . the elasticity modulus depends in particular on the material of the instrument 30 . the subsequent course of the movement of the instrument 30 in the heterogeneous body structure 10 can be calculated on the basis of curvature radius . in the region 22 of the rigid region 20 of the heterogeneous body structure 10 , it is also of course possible , depending on the shape - changing properties of the region 20 , for the edge of the rigid region to be deformed . this deformation can be calculated and may influence the course of the movement trajectory of the instrument 30 . fig2 a to 2 g show examples of a possible movement progression , which can be calculated , predicted and in particular planned by the method described herein . in each of the figures , the entry point of the instrument 30 into the heterogeneous body structure 10 is indicated by a circle 12 . the cross “ x ” indicates the desired target region . in the example shown in fig2 a , the rigid region 20 of the heterogeneous body structure 10 is too rigid or impenetrable for the instrument 30 to penetrate . this problem could be overcome , for example , by changing the instrument data , e . g ., increasing the penetration of the instrument , and / or the movement data ( e . g ., changing the force ). however , without changing such parameters , the target area “ x ” in fig2 a cannot be reached , and this result can be calculated by the method described herein . in the example shown in fig2 b , the instrument 30 is bent at the rigid region 20 . bending the instrument 30 results in a deviation of the tip of the instrument 30 away from the desired target area “ x ”. if the instrument 30 is a catheter , then in this example the drug dispensed from the “ bent ” catheter would not reach the desired target region “ x ”. in the example shown in fig2 c , the rigid region 20 is likewise impenetrable , such that a surgeon cannot reach the target area “ x ” using a planned instrument 30 ( using particular instrument data and movement data ). in other words , the instrument is blocked from reaching the target region “ x ”. in fig2 d , an instrument 30 having suitable instrument data and suitable movement data has been selected with the aid of the method described herein in order to penetrate the rigid region 20 so as to reach the desired target location “ x ”. in the example of fig2 e , the instrument 30 is bent at the rigid region 20 . the suitable entry point 12 and the suitable instrument data have been determined on the basis of the method described herein such that the instrument 30 bends at the rigid region 20 so as to reach the target region “ x ”. this is even possible when the starting location 12 for the movement of the instrument 30 is only slightly variable , because barriers 40 prevent the instrument 30 from being inserted at a different location . suitably selecting the instrument data , in particular a suitable elasticity of the instrument 30 ( and movement data ), then allows the instrument to reach the target region “ x ”. in particular , elasticity data and geometric data of the instrument 30 can be calculated from the curvature radius of the instrument necessary for reaching the target point “ x ”. on the basis of this , a suitable instrument can be ( automatically ) selected or proposed , wherein the selected or proposed instrument exhibits the appropriate characteristics . the instrument , for example , may be selected from a database comprising instrument characteristics . fig2 f shows an example in which an instrument 30 is diverted by the rigid structure 20 such that dispensing the drug through the instrument 30 misses the target area “ x ”. the risk of such diversion and / or of the drug not reaching the target region can be calculated with the aid of the method described herein . fig2 g shows an example of how an instrument can reach a desired target region “ x ” with the aid of the method described herein . two rigid regions 20 a and 20 b are situated in the heterogeneous body structure 10 . possible starting locations for the movement are prevented by the barriers 40 . a linear movement of the instrument 30 in fig2 g would lead to the instrument 30 hitting the rigid surface of the region 20 a . penetrating this surface is undesirable for medical reasons or would lead to undesirable instrument properties . a suitable ductility of the instrument can be calculated as described herein to achieve the desired movement trajectory to the target “ x ”. in particular , an instrument having an appropriate elasticity can be selected , which leads to curvature radii in the bending of the instrument when it contacts the rigid regions 20 a and 20 b , such that the end of the movement trajectory matches the target region . fig3 shows an exemplary device for guiding an instrument through a heterogeneous body structure , in particular an instrument guiding device . a data processing means 300 ( e . g ., a computer ) calculates movement data for guiding a guiding mechanism on the basis of the body structure data of the heterogeneous body structure 10 , instrument data concerning an instrument 30 and a desired target area 400 and / or desired movement trajectory . the guiding mechanism 350 can include a robot arm 360 comprising multiple joints 370 , 380 and 390 . the instrument 30 is held at one end 340 of the arm 360 , and the robot arm 360 guides the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure to the desired target area 400 based on the calculated movement data for the movement along a movement trajectory . moving now to fig4 there is shown a block diagram of an exemplary computer 300 that may be used to implement one or more of the methods described herein . the computer 300 may include a display 302 for viewing system information , and a keyboard 304 and pointing device 306 for data entry , screen navigation , etc . a computer mouse or other device that points to or otherwise identifies a location , action , etc ., e . g ., by a point and click method or some other method , are examples of a pointing device 306 . alternatively , a touch screen ( not shown ) may be used in place of the keyboard 304 and pointing device 306 . the display 302 , keyboard 304 and mouse 306 communicate with a processor via an input / output device 308 , such as a video card and / or serial port ( e . g ., a usb port or the like ). a processor 310 , such as an amd athlon 64 ® processor or an intel pentium iv ® processor , combined with a memory 312 execute programs to perform various functions , such as data entry , numerical calculations , screen display , system setup , etc . the memory 312 may comprise several devices , including volatile and non - volatile memory components . accordingly , the memory 312 may include , for example , random access memory ( ram ), read - only memory ( rom ), hard disks , floppy disks , optical disks ( e . g ., cds and dvds ), tapes , flash devices and / or other memory components , plus associated drives , players and / or readers for the memory devices . the processor 310 and the memory 312 are coupled using a local interface ( not shown ). the local interface may be , for example , a data bus with accompanying control bus , a network , or other subsystem . the memory may form part of a storage medium for storing information , such as application data , screen information , programs , etc ., part of which may be in the form of a database . the storage medium may be a hard drive , for example , or any other storage means that can retain data , including other magnetic and / or optical storage devices . a network interface card ( nic ) 314 allows the computer 300 to communicate with other devices . a person having ordinary skill in the art of computer programming and applications of programming for computer systems would be able in view of the description provided herein to program a computer system 300 to operate and to carry out the functions described herein . accordingly , details as to the specific programming code have been omitted for the sake of brevity . also , while software in the memory 312 or in some other memory of the computer and / or server may be used to allow the system to carry out the functions and features described herein in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention , such functions and features also could be carried out via dedicated hardware , firmware , software , or combinations thereof , without departing from the scope of the invention . computer program elements of the invention may be embodied in hardware and / or in software ( including firmware , resident software , micro - code , etc .). the invention may take the form of a computer program product , which can be embodied by a computer - usable or computer - readable storage medium having computer - usable or computer - readable program instructions , “ code ” or a “ computer program ” embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system . in the context of this document , a computer - usable or computer - readable medium may be any medium that can contain , store , communicate , propagate , or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . the computer - usable or computer - readable medium may be , for example but not limited to , an electronic , magnetic , optical , electromagnetic , infrared , or semiconductor system , apparatus , device , or propagation medium such as the internet . note that the computer - usable or computer - readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed , as the program can be electronically captured , via , for instance , optical scanning of the paper or other medium , then compiled , interpreted , or otherwise processed in a suitable manner . the computer program product and any software and hardware described herein form the various means for carrying out the functions of the invention in the example embodiments . although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments , it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings . in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements ( components , assemblies , devices , compositions , etc . ), the terms ( including a reference to a “ means ”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond , unless otherwise indicated , to any element which performs the specified function of the described element ( i . e ., that is functionally equivalent ), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention . in addition , while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments , such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments , as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application .

US-85896107-A

the invention provides methods and products wherein a reactive starch constituent , including an edible constituent , is thermally treated to react it , preferably in a dynamic process environment , to produce products ranging from high to quite low densities and from soft to apparently dry textures . the wide range of textures enables the provision of food products such as low calorie , digestible and safe , long duration pet food chews . cooking is preferably conducted in an extruder , preferably at low moisture or in the total absence of added water . the methods of dynamic cooking reduce cost in a number of ways including decreased process steps , increased throughput , decreased capital expenses , and decreased raw product cost . the invention provides an edible composition produced by pre - activating particles , mixing the particles with solvents providing bonds , and inputting energy into the mixture via an extrusion process to form a firm cohesive material .

the present invention provides edible compositions that can be used in the manufacture of various finished food articles . more specifically , the present invention relates to methods for providing digestible cohesive materials of a controllable texture . in an embodiment , the composition is a pet food product . generally , the product of the present invention comprises at least one pre - activated material composed from a vegetable containing starch source , and at least one bridger that is defined as additional molecules that bind or create a complex between a plurality of pre - activated materials or between the pre - activated material and the protein . in one preferred embodiment , the starch source is derived from a high amylose cereal source , a waxy - cereal source and a combination thereof . in an embodiment , the vegetable starch source includes a cereal source selected from rice , millet , wheat , corn , rye , buckwheat , barley , sorghum , and cassaya ; or potato , soy , pea , lupin , tapioca and combinations thereof . furthermore , the starch sources may consist of a pure starch which is pre - cooked , native , or modified . in one embodiment at least one protein source is included . the protein source is selected from an animal , vegetable , dairy , biomass source or combinations thereof . the animal protein is selected from the group consisting of at least one of the following : beef , chicken , turkey , pork , fish , lamb , duck , rabbit , albumin , eggs , gelatin , blood - plasma , salmon , tuna , cod , hake , mackerel , a meat - by - product or combinations thereof . the vegetable protein is selected from the group consisting of at least one of the following : soy , wheat , millet , buckwheat , rye , sorghum , cassaya , lupin , tapioca , corn , rice , bean , lima bean , legumes , pea , chickpea , alfalfa , potato , barley , oat , pre - treated vegetable protein and combinations thereof . one preferred embodiment , the vegetable protein is gluten . furthermore , the protein source is a dairy source , e . g . casein , whey , and milk . in still another embodiment , the protein material is a biomass such as a micro - organism culture . the protein may be provided as a protein concentrate . the protein may be natural ; it may be extracted from a natural source ; it may be derived from a chemical pre - process ; or it may be derived from a physical modification . the bridger is added to improve the texture of the finished product . in an embodiment , more than one bridger can be utilized . a bridger can create a hydrogen - bond , an ionic bond , an apolar interaction , a covalent bond and a combination thereof . in an embodiment , the bridger is selected from the following group to create a hydrogen bond : a ) any molecular species that contains polar or polarizable chemical groups able to establish hydrogen bonds for example hydroxyl , sulfhydryl , sulfonyl groups or any combination thereof ; b ) any oligosaccharide which is able to establish polar bonds , e . g ., glucose , fructose , xylose , lactose , sorbitol , malto - dextrines , saccharose in the form of a syrup or powder and any combination thereof ; c ) any polyhydric solvent , e . g ., ethane diol , propanol - 1 ; propanol - 2 ; propane diol - 1 ; 2 , propane diol - 1 ; 3 , propane triol ( glycerol ), and superior homolog of polyol series and any combination thereof ; and d ) amino acid or peptide with sulfhydryl , hydroxy or amino groups and any combination thereof . in an alternative embodiment , the bridger is selected from the following group to create an ionic bond : sucrose fatty acid esters , sucrose stearate , glyceryl monostearate , polyoxyethylene monostearate , l - ascorbyl 6 - palmitate , ascorbyl stearate , 6 - o - palmitoyl - l - ascorbic acid , calcium and sodium stearoyl - 2 - actylates ( ssl ), succinylated monoglyceride ( smg ), ethoxylated monoglycerides , polysorbates , diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono - and diglycerides ( datem ), stearoyl tartrate , 3 - mercapto - 1 , 2 propanediol , dodecane thiol , thio - propanediol , methylsulfonylmethane ( dimethyl sulfone ), mannitol , maltose , lactose , dextrose , sucrose , sorbitol , fructose , glucono - delta - factone , propionate , sorbate , lysotecithin , fatty acids , hydrolysable tannins , phenolic acids , and polyphenols and any combination thereof . a further embodiment , a bridger is selected from the following group to create a covalent bond consisting of ionic bridgers : cationic and anionic emulsifiers , fatty acid derivatives , and phospholipids and any combination thereof . a still further embodiment hydrophobic derivatives polyphenolic derivatives , lipogluten ; thio - glycerides ; tannins , emulsifiers , sugars , polyols , sugar modifiers , modified starch , and plastifiers and any combination thereof . a native starch granule is a crystalline structure composed of amylose and amylopectin that does not have any reactive sites . the cross - section of the granule consists of alternating layers of amylose and amylopectin . normally as described in the prior art , after gelatinization occurs an amorphous mixture of amylose and amylopectin occurs . however , the pre - activation process utilizes low moisture content to create sheets of amylopectin where amylose is oriented on the surface . the sheets produce a large specific surface area ( m2 / g ) compared to the prior art . on this surface , a number of reactive sites are available . the reactive sites consist of amylose or available terminal helices of amylopectin molecules . this large available specific surface presents a higher chemical reactivity as compared to the materials used in the prior art . a pre - process is utilized to produce the pre - activated starch material . the pre - process creates high reactive specific surfaces on the pre - activated material . a variety of processes can be used to produce the reactive surfaces . any technology which is able to produce a reactive surface can be used , including : extrusion ; puffing ; lamination ; high pressure ; micro - waves ; ultrasounds ; enzymatic ; baker oven ; steam oven ; pulse electrical fields ; and grinding . some pre - activated materials are commercially available , such as extruded rice or puffed rice , e . g . rice krispies ®, manufactured by kellogg company , battle creek , mich . the pre - activated starch material provides a high specific reactive surface that chemically reacts with an animal and / or vegetable protein and the bridger to form a specific network that results in a variety of new textures . a range of textures is formed by varying the proportions of the pre - activated material , proteins and bridgers . in still another embodiment , other new textures are formed by chemically reacting the pre - activated starch material with a bridger . the chemical reaction may be improved by utilizing high amylose materials . normally , waxy starch has a low reactive surface because it lacks amylose , but by utilizing the pre - activation process there is an increase in the number of reactive sites on the surface . the reactive sites are formed by terminal helices from depolymerized amylopectin . fig1 shows rheological curves of mixtures of gluten and extruded rice with or without bridger addition . the following curves are acquired with a rheometer ( ar1000 — ta instrument ). the measurement is made with a plate to plate module with 1 mm gap . the g ′ ( elastic modulus expressed in pascal ) is recorded as function of temperature of the sample which is heated or cooled down by a peltier effect . the sample is heated up to 96 ° c . ( first left part of the curve ), then kept at 96 ° c . during 10 minutes ( point corresponding to the abscise origin ; t ° c . variation 0 ° c .) and then cooled down to 20 ° c . ( right part of the curve ). the objective is to compare a mixture of gluten ( g ) and extruded rice ( rizinel ®) ( g2 ) to the same mixture with addition of various bridgers . additionally , the mixture may be also compared to the gluten tested alone . the dough is obtained by mixing powders with glycerol and water and then set between the plates for measurement . the potential final relative texture of the finished product is given by the g ′ value at the end of the cooling step ( last value on the right of the curve ). the bridgers in these examples have been selected to represent three main chemical categories : mono - an di - glycerides emulsifiers long carbon chain with end polar groups ( e . g . alcohol ) combination of hydroxyl and sulf - hydryl functions . bridgers have been added to the mixture at level of 0 . 05 % of the total mixture for dafasoft ®, 0 . 5 % for dodecanediol and 10 % for thioglycerol . it may be seen from the curve that the addition of bridgers resulted in higher g ′ values than the g ′ value obtained with the mixture of gluten ( g ) and extruded rice ( g2 ) alone . 1 - 12 dodecanediol resulted in 50 % texture improvement after cooling and mono - di - glyceride mixture ( dafasoft ®) in 32 % texture improvement as compared to the reference mixture without bridgers . the texture improvement is due to gluten — starch network building - up that should result in higher hardness of the resulting cohesive mass . thio - glycerol did not allow a significant texture improvement after cooling . nevertheless , the texture of the mixture with added thioglycerol showed a more stable texture variation at temperature from 80 ° to 20 ° indicating a significant interaction between gluten and extruded rice at higher temperatures . furthermore , the establishment of the gluten - starch network is slower than with the other mixture and occurs at higher temperature during the heating step . a reaction process may consist of a chemical reaction between the reactive starch material , protein and bridgers in the presence of other optional materials . in another embodiment the reaction process consists of a chemical reaction between the reactive materials and bridgers in the presence of other optional materials . optional materials such as additives may include at least one additional constituent selected from the group consisting of fibers , cellulose , bentonite , dicalcium phosphate , a nutrient mixture , a reactive sugar , an amino acid , and inert or non - digestible fillers . the mixture may further include a preservative . suitable examples include potassium sorbate , sorbic acid , methyl para - hydroxybenzoate , calcium propionate and propionic acid . the reaction processes used to form the finished product include the following : extrusion , cooking , puffing , lamination , high pressure , micro - waves , ultrasounds , enzymatic , rotary molding , molding , injection molding , thermo molding , cutting , baker oven , steam oven , retorting , and pulse electrical fields . a method of the production of an edible composition comprises the steps of disposing about 10 % to about 90 % by weight of at least one pre - activated , vegetable starch source , and 0 . 1 to 40 % by weight of at least one bridger in a dynamic device , mixing the constituents to form a homogenous mixture and subjecting the mixture to a dynamic thermal treatment . in a preferred embodiment of the method , at least one protein source is added to the mixture . the reaction process of the present invention , according to an embodiment , provides for cooking of the reactive material of the constituent to obtain a product having a desired chewability . the method provides for the reactive material to be processed under a diverse range of conditions by varying selected cooking parameters to produce products with a broad range of textures . this allows one to produce a food , such as a pet food or a pet snack or treat , that has a long chewing duration . the processes of the present invention includes structuring or shaping the product in general , and is not limited to producing edible long chewing duration products for pets . the products of the present invention have a broad range of textures and exhibit high degrees of flexibility and strength . the wide range of textures enables the provision of food products such as low calorie , digestible and safe , long duration pet food chews . cooking is preferably carried in an extruder , preferably at low moisture or in the total absence of added water . the methods of dynamic cooking reduce cost in a number of ways including but not limited to decreased process steps , increased throughput , decreased capital expenses and decreased raw product cost . the product of the present invention comprising pre - activated starch materials , proteins and bridgers , has a broad range of textures and exhibits high degrees of flexibility and strength . the characteristics of this end product are widely variable and depend upon how the processing parameters are controlled . for example , the final product will depend on the extrusion variables such as barrel temperature , screw configuration , nozzle size and shape , screw speed , and the moisture content of the material prior to processing . in the pet food area , the possible applications are pet treat products , semi - moist pet food products , wet pet food retorted products or dry pet food products . in a preferred embodiment , the edible composition of the present invention comprises the pre - activated , vegetable starch source in an amount of 30 % to 50 %, the protein in an amount of 0 % to 40 % and the bridger in an amount of 10 % to 30 %, all values based on dry matter . particular preferred edible compositions are those having combined the following components : the invention thus also provides methods for producing edible compositions , which have a texture that requires them to be chewed for an extended period before they can be swallowed . the range of texture which may be achieved varies from very hard to soft structure . in some applications the texture may be aerated and fragile . in one embodiment , the finished product is chewy . in another embodiment , the finished product is not chewy . in one embodiment , edible products are provided for use as chews or treats for pets . the moisture content of the finished product ranges from about 5 % to about 85 %. in one embodiment , the product is shelf stable . in another embodiment , the product is contained within a sterilized package . the product can take any shape or form and is of any size . the cooking ( heating ) is carried out preferably at low water activity and under low moisture conditions . prior to the cooking , the expanded starch constituent and the bridger component , when used , are preferably mixed together to form a substantially homogeneous mixture , which is then placed in a cooking vessel . preferably , the mixture comprises from about 10 % to about 90 % by weight of the starch constituent and more preferably from about 40 % to about 80 % by weight of the starch constituent . preferably , the mixture comprises from about 0 % to about 50 % water by weight . further preferably , the mixture comprises from about 1 % to about 15 % water by weight . preferably the mixture comprises from about 0 . 1 % to 40 % by weight of the bridger component . further preferably , the mixture comprises from about 0 . 5 % to about 20 % of the bridger component by weight . in an embodiment the mixture comprises 11 - 22 % of the bridger component . in an embodiment the mixture comprises 10 - 19 % of the bridger component . in an embodiment the mixture comprises 15 - 30 % of the bridger component . the following examples are provided as indicative of how to utilize the methods described above . 21 % expanded rice ( rizinel ex 180 ) 15 . 6 % wheat gluten 3 % puffed wheat 3 % sorbitol 3 % poultry meal 15 . 6 % glycerol 21 . 9 % water 16 . 9 % other ingredients in alternative embodiments , the same extrusion parameters along with other combinations of reactive starch materials , protein sources and bridgers can be utilized as described in table 1 : in an embodiment of a pet treat product . by definition a pet treat is not a complete and nutritionally balanced main meal . this treat is manufactured by extrusion following the same recipe as described in example 1 with the following modifications : 33 % expanded rice ( rizinel ® ex 150 ) 25 % wheat gluten 3 % puffed wheat 3 % poultry meal 6 % other ingredients ( preservatives , flavours , colorants , anti - stalling agent ) another embodiment of a pet treat is described below . the recipe is identical to example 2 except the pork gelatine is the protein source in place of the wheat gluten . because of gluten replacement by gelatin , the product achieved has a different texture which is softer compared to the treat described in example 2 . 33 % expanded rice ( rizinel ® ex 180 ) 25 % pork gelatine 3 % puffed wheat 3 % poultry meal 6 % other ingredients ( preservatives , flavours , colorants , anti - stalling agent ) in another embodiment , a pet treat is described below . the recipe is identical to example 2 except glycerol is replaced by a mixture of sorbitol and glycerol . the product shall have a longer shelf life than the treat described in example 2 . 33 % expanded rice ( rizinel ® ex 180 ) 15 % pork gelatine 3 % puffed wheat 13 % poultry meal 6 % other ingredients ( preservatives , flavours , colorants , anti - stalling agent ) in another embodiment of a pet treat . the recipe is identical to example 3 except glycerol is replaced by a mix of dimodan ®. ( distilled monoglyceride ) and water . this will improve the cohesion of the product and the reactivity between the protein and expanded rice . 33 % expanded rice ( rizinel ® ex 180 ) 15 % pork gelatine 3 % puffed wheat 13 % poultry meal 6 % other ingredients ( preservatives , flavours , colorants , anti - stalling agent ) in this embodiment , the recipe is identical to example 5 except pork gelatine is replaced by wheat gluten . wheat gluten is more reactive than the gelatine . therefore the cohesion is further increased . 33 % expanded rice ( rizinel ® ex 180 ) 25 % wheat gluten 3 % puffed wheat 3 % poultry meal 6 % other ingredients ( preservatives , flavours , colorants , anti - stalling agent ) this is a further embodiment of this invention . the recipe is identical to example 1 except rizinel ® is replaced by rice pre - treated by ultra high pressure technology and glycerol is replaced by a mix of sucrose ester of fatty acid and glycerol 86 . ultra high pressure treatment was applied . the high pressure treatment results in a different starch reactivity and results in creating a new starch lamellar layer of a higher density . this is an example of using sucrose fatty acid ester as a bridger . 33 % high pressure rice 25 % wheat gluten 3 % puffed wheat 3 % poultry meal 6 % other ingredients ( preservatives , flavours , colorants , anti - stalling agent ) the manufacturing is carried out keeping the following parameters : the following combinations are mixed in a torque rheometer rheomix 3000 with roller rotor speed between 60 to 90 rpm during 150 seconds . after mixing , the dough developed in the rheomix has been extracted and compressed until 18 kn during 3 minutes . after one week stabilization , tpa ( texture profile analyse ) and compression tests were carried out . impact of bridgers on texture properties are reported in the following table : nb : higher is the hardness of a product and harder is the product . higher is the elasticity coefficient and more elastic is the product it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to the presently preferred embodiments described herein . such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages . it is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims .

US-8609706-A

a method of playing a game that includes a plurality of tiles that are marked with a number , a letter , or a pictorial symbol . each player aims to replicate a sequence on identical game cards with allocated , swapped , and chosen tiles , using sets within chosen sequence . the method may be implemented by a game kit comprising physical tiles , tile racks , and other physical items . alternatively the method may be implemented by software and run on a computerized device , which may include a networked computer server and various remote computerized player devices .

the game is generally intended for 2 to 4 players , ages 6 and up . the game may be either implemented in the form of a game kit of actual physical gaming pieces , or alternatively in the form of software that runs on a computerized device containing at least one microprocessor cpu which implements virtual gaming pieces that are displayed on a computer video or other graphics display screen . in alternative embodiments , the game may be played as a single player computerized device game , or alternatively as a game with more than 4 players in either a computer or physical gaming piece embodiment . in the computerized form , the computerized device may be a hand - held video game , a cellular phone , a pad based computer , a hand - held computer , a desktop computer , or other such device . in the computerized form , the game may be run either directly on a machine local to the user , or alternatively may be run on a remote computerized server device over a networking system , such as a telephone network or the internet , and the results transmitted over the network to various computerized devices local to the various players . when implemented in a game kit form , the gaming kit may comprise a limited number of tiles , such as 90 tiles . in one embodiment , shown in fig1 , these tiles may comprise number tiles , such as four sets of tiles with the numbers 1 through 9 on each tile ( 102 ), thus providing 36 number tiles . the images on the tiles and the gaming kit may reflect various themes , such as a sports theme , an adventure theme , or a theme that mimics the look ( but not the rules ) of adult games , such as mahjong or popular card games such as bridge or poker . for example , for a mahjong graphical theme , the gaming kit may comprise a first set of illustrated tiles , here termed “ dragon tiles ” ( 104 ) which may , for example , comprise four sets of tiles with different logos on them , such as a red dragon , a green dragon , and a bar of soap , thus providing 12 first illustrated tiles . the gaming kit may also comprise a set of second illustrated tiles , here termed “ suit tiles ” ( 106 ), which may for example comprise four sets of tiles with different illustrations on them , such as the chinese symbols for “ crack ”, “ bam ” and a chinese “ dot ” symbol , thus providing 12 second illustrated tiles . the gaming kit may also comprise a set of third illustrated tiles , here termed “ wind tiles ” ( 108 ), and may for example comprise four sets of tiles with a logo indicating different wind directions on them , such as “ north ”, “ east ”, “ west ” and “ south ” thus providing sixteen third illustrated tiles . the gaming kit may additionally comprise a set of fourth illustrated tiles ; here termed “ flower tiles ” ( 110 ), which may for example comprise a set of six tiles with flower illustrations on them . the gaming kit may additionally comprise a set of fifth illustrated tiles , here termed “ joker tiles ” ( 112 ), which may , for example , comprise a set of eight tiles with a stylized head or figure of a clown or “ joker ” like illustration . the actual number of each type of tile may vary depending upon the maximum number of players that are intended to be able to play at any one time . fig2 shows a close up of some of the gaming tiles that may be used , either as physical game pieces , or alternatively as computer graphics , on one embodiment of the game . note that the game tiles may also have different colors , so that the dragon tile ( 200 ) may be green , while the alternate dragon tile ( 202 ) may be red . in addition to the gaming tiles , the gaming kit may also comprise additional components , such as a set of tile racks ( fig3 ) ( e . g . four tile racks ), a mechanism for randomizing and distributing the gaming tiles , such as a drawstring bag , cup , or other device ( fig4 ), and a list or menu of preferred outcome tile set patterns or goals , which often may be printed on a card and designated as a “ game card ”. examples of these goals are shown in fig5 and 6 . fig5 ( 500 ) shows the odd number goals , which may be printed in a first distinctive color , and ( 502 ) shows the even number goals , which may be printed in a second distinctive color . by contrast , ( 504 ) shows a three in a row goal , where the odd numbers may be printed in a first distinctive color , and the even numbers may be printed in a second distinctive color . finally ( 506 ) shows a 3 , 6 , 9 goal , where again the odd and even numbers may be printed in different distinctive colors . fig6 shows the various winds and dragons suit goals . the tile rack fig3 ( 300 ), may optionally be designed so as to accommodate both tiles intended to be publicly displayed to other players ( 302 ), as well as to accommodate tiles that are intended to remain hidden from other players ( 304 ). the tiles are initially randomized , and as the game is played , the distribution of the tiles will be transformed from an initial random distribution inside the mechanism for randomizing and distributing the gaming tiles , into a more ordered and non - random state . for example , as fig4 shows , the various game tiles ( 100 ) can be placed into a container . here a draw - string bag ( 400 ) is shown , with a draw - string opening ( 402 ) and the tile distribution can be randomized by shaking the bag ( 400 ). the bag can then be opened and , without looking at the tiles , a player may withdraw one tile from the bag at a time , thus obtaining a randomized tile distribution . alternatively , in the computerized form of the invention , the electronic tiles may be randomized by a random number generator algorithm . at the end of the game , the tiles will have been transformed from a series of randomly distributed tiles into a series of more ordered game tiles that may , for example be placed in a non - random distribution on the provided tile racks ( fig3 , ( 300 )), and additionally may be placed in a non - random distribution on a gaming surface , such as the top of a table . thus from a physics or statistical perspective , the entropy of the game system tiles are transformed during the course of the game . the randomized tiles represent a higher entropy state , and these tiles are transformed into a lower entropy state by a series of gaming operations as described herein . the game scheme or “ object of the game ” for accomplishing this tile transformation will generally be by a process in which the players , either human or computerized , will match the tiles ( either real or virtual ) that have been assigned to the various tile racks ( either real or virtual ) to any hand on the game card ( either real or virtual ). a flow chart showing the general order of operations or “ rules ” of the game is shown in fig7 . this flow chart may also be used to implement a software version of the game designed to be run on one or more computerized devices . to begin the game , the tiles , either real or virtual , are randomized ( 702 ). as previously discussed , for real ( physical ) tiles , this can be done by , for example , placing the tiles into a container , such as a bag , shaker , or can , and shaking the container . the tiles can then be withdrawn by hand from the container , or alternatively randomly shaken out one at a time basis , and then placed on the tile racks ( 704 ). usually a limited number of tiles , such as nine tiles per player , will be withdrawn from the container on the initial randomization step , and to ensure that the tiles are randomly selected , if a human user is used to withdraw the tiles , the human user will be expected not to look at and bias the distribution of the tiles as they are randomly withdrawn from the container . for virtual tiles , as previously discussed , this can be done by randomizing the selection of tiles in computer memory , such as the computer &# 39 ; s random access memory , according to one or more standard randomization algorithms . the computer can then distribute these “ virtual tiles ” into “ virtual racks ” ( fig3 , 300 ) and display the results on a video or other type of display screen . if the game is being run on a remote computer , such as a remote internet computer server , then the results of the randomization process and the virtual tile distribution onto virtual racks can be transmitted over the network , such as the internet , and be displayed on a computerized device local to the user , such as on a web browser running on a personal computer , cell phone , or other device . after the initial tile randomization and distribution process , each player may optionally sort his or her tiles , placing pairs and triples together , to facilitate pattern recognition and to make it easier to determine how close the player &# 39 ; s assortment of tiles ( or “ hand ”) is to the desired goal , to be discussed shortly . the general object of the game is to be the first player to match the tiles on the player &# 39 ; s tile rack to any preferred hand ( preferred tile distribution outcomes ) displayed on the game card or other game instructions for use . during the course of the game method , after the initial tile randomization and distribution steps , the distribution of the tiles will be further transformed by several different game operations , including tile exchange , tile picking , tile throwing , and tile calling . these tile exchange , tile picking , tile throwing , and tile calling steps will in turn be informed or controlled by various tile distribution goals which will often be displayed on game cards or other instructional devices available to each player . all players will compare their initial assortment of tiles with the goal ( 706 ), determine which tiles , such as three tiles , are likely to be least useful at obtaining the goal , and remove these respective tiles from the user &# 39 ; s tile rack to exchange or give away ( 708 ). next , at the same time , all players pass these tiles ; face down or with their values otherwise hidden , to either a different player , or in the case of a computerized system , to a computer software module that is simulating a different human player . so any given player will both give away tiles and receive tiles during the exchange process ( 708 ). usually the pattern of tile distribution will follow a set pattern , such as always passing to the next player on the right of any given player , in a closed or circular like manner so that all players pass tiles and all players receive tiles . this tile exchange may be performed one , or optionally two or more times , depending on the version of the game rules . the general strategy of algorithm used to determine which tiles to pass is to check the player &# 39 ; s particular set of tiles against the various preferred tile sets , or “ hands ” displayed on the game card or other instructional media . a generally good strategy will be to look at the various preferred outcome tile sets or “ hands ”, set this as a preliminary goal , and then exchange tiles that do not appear to be consistent with the referred outcome tile set . a secondary strategy is to try to avoid giving away matched pairs or triples of game tiles , as these may be overly useful to the player receiving the tiles , and thus reduce the chances of achieving the preferred outcome tile set first . the initial tile exchange will may often be set to take place only once , at the beginning of the game . the subsequent steps below will then usually be repeated a number of times ( 710 ), during the course of a game , on a per - player - turn basis , until the reservoir of randomized tiles in the tile randomization device ( bag ) is exhausted . here a fresh tile is randomly selected from the tile dispensing container ( 712 ), and examined by the player ( 714 ). if the new tile is needed to allow the distribution of tiles on the player &# 39 ; s tile rack to more closely approach the preferred outcome tile set , then the newly selected tile is placed on the tile rack , and a different tile from the tile rack , ( normally one that is not required to approach the preferred outcome tile set or goal ), will be selected and discarded or “ thrown ” ( 716 ), following throw rules as discussed below . if the newly selected tile does not allow the distribution of tiles on the player &# 39 ; s tile rack to more closely approach the preferred outcome tile set , then the newly selected tile may be itself thrown . when this is done in social game situations involving children , often the youngest player may be allowed to pick and throw first . in a computerized version , a computer software module will do the steps of randomly selecting a fresh tile , and the user may indicate which tile to select or throw by viewing the computer display screen , video screen , and the like , and selecting the appropriate tile by a mouse click , finger motion , verbal command and the like . if a network computerized version is used , multiple players , who may be in entirely different parts of the world , may inform a centralized computer game server of their particular decisions by sending data over a network , such as the internet . alternatively the computerized computer game server may simulate the play of any missing human players by appropriate software modules . in one embodiment , generally suitable for a game kit , the tiles may be thrown ( 716 ) by placing them in the middle of the common playing surface , such as the playing table . when played in a multi - user social situation , the player may optionally loudly say the name of the tile for all other players to hear . for example : when a player throws a tile face up in the middle of a gaming table , the player may loudly say the name of that tile such as : “ red dragon ” or “ three ” or “ flower ”, etc . in one embodiment , the previously thrown tiles that are face up in the middle of the table are no longer in play and may not be picked up by any player . similarly a computerized game playing system may remove these tiles by making them as inactive in the computer &# 39 ; s memory . here , the general tile throwing rule or constraint is that the player must always have the predetermined number of tiles , such as nine tiles , including the tiles that are displayed on the front part of your tile rack . in this example , the only time that a player will have 10 tiles is when a player picks or calls the 10th tile to win the game , and no discarding or throwing operation is then needed because the game is over . in both game kit and computerized versions , players will continue to pick and throw in clockwise order , until the game is won . if the previous player has just thrown a tile that the currently playing player needs to complete 3 of a kind or 4 of a kind tile matching between the tiles in the tile rack , and the preferred outcome tile set ( goal ), then the current player may acquire this tile by “ calling ” the tile ( 720 ). normally the player will only do so if , in the player &# 39 ; s judgment , this recently thrown tile will help the player further refine his or her set of tiles to more closely resemble the preferred outcome tile set or “ hands ” previously selected by the user ( 718 ). in the game kit embodiment , after picking up the tile from the table or gaming surface , the player will display the completed three of a kind or four of a kind part of the hand that the player is collecting on , for example , the front part of the player &# 39 ; s tile rack as is shown in fig3 ( 302 ), faces towards the other players , thus making this information publicly available ( 722 ). the player will then typically choose a tile from his or her tile rack to throw , so that the player is again left with only the preset number of tiles , such as nine tiles . in one embodiment of the game rules , the player may call a thrown tile at any time , even if it is not the player &# 39 ; s turn . in a computerized version of the game , much the same procedure will apply . however here the computer system can keep track of the completed three of a kind or four of a kind tile set , and can automatically display these tiles to the other players using a variety of different alternative graphic display schemes . these alternative schemes can include a graphic display of virtual tiles on a virtual tile - rack , such the tile rack as shown in fig4 , or an alternative graphic design . in order to improve the game play experience , the following optional rules or constraints on the tile calling process may be also used . 1 ) a player may only call a tile which completes a three of a kind or a four of a kind tile set . this player must then display this completed set for all to see . 2 ) one or more joker tiles may be used to complete a three of a kind or four of a kind tile set . 3 ) a player may only call a tile when another player throws the tile . an additional constraint that may be helpful in a game kit context with multiple players is the constraint that the player must also hear the tiles name said out loud by the tile - throwing player . 4 ) a player may not call a tile that was thrown earlier in the game . 5 ) if more than one player calls a tile , the player next in turn gets possession of the called tile . 6 ) once a player calls and display his or her tiles , they cannot be changed . player may decide in mid play that the previously selected preferred outcome tile set is no longer appropriate , and instead select a new preferred outcome tile set as the new game goal , however this new preferred outcome tile set must have the same three of a kind or four of a kind matching tile set which the player has previously obtained and displayed on his or her tile rack . 7 ) a player may only display the three of a kind or four of a kind matched tile set part of the hand that is completed with the called tile . a player may not reveal or display any other completed three of a kind or four of a kind matched tile set from his or her tile rack . this rule is intended to prevent the other players from guessing the player &# 39 ; s hand , and therefore confounding the player by avoiding throwing the tiles that the player needs to complete his or her preferred outcome tile set . after a call , the game will generally continue with the next player whose turn is after the player who called the tile . a player can steal a joker from the front display part of any tile rack , even his own . to steal a joker you must replace the joker with the tile that completes the 3 or 4 of a kind . tiles to replace the joker can come from your tile rack or picked from the drawstring bag . you can steal a joker at the beginning of a turn or after you pick from the drawstring bag , but not after you throw a tile . players pick , throw , and call tiles until a player &# 39 ; s tiles exactly match a hand on the game card ( 724 ). when this happens , that player is declared the winner of the game ( 726 ). otherwise the game continues and repeats until the supply of randomized tiles in the tile dispenser is exhausted ( 728 ). if this occurs and no player has previously won , then the game is declared a draw ( 730 ). alternatively , the game may be considered to be a method of playing a game whereby players pick , discard , and swap tiles , in attempt to be the first player whose hand replicates a sequence on identical game cards using multi - colors . this method will generally comprise the steps of ( when said game is played with two or more players ), picking a designated number of tiles , and performing a tile exchange operation by exchanging 3 unwanted tiles with another corresponding player ( such as the next player in the position of game flow ), until a complete exchange cycle is completed . next the tiles are picked and discarded in clockwise order with opportunity for players to call needed tiles to complete sets within the sequence . in the game rules , jokers may be wild and can be used to represent any tile symbol , and may be claimed by any player who has the tile of said joker &# 39 ; s assigned symbol . the game will continues until any player &# 39 ; s hand matches a sequence on the game card , and optionally each set within the replicated sequence is a different color . if the tile randomization device or tile receptacle is empty then the game is considered to be a draw . here all players will use the identical set of game cards to play the game . other variations of the game design and game parts are possible , and are included in the general game method . for example , additional number of game cards with new goal sequences may be provided . an additional or alternate number of game tiles may also change . the tile colors may also be changed . the tile numbers , letters , and pictorial symbols may also change . the tile racks , tiles , and tile receptacle ( s ) may be made of any material and may vary in color , size , shape and design . as previously discussed , a computer software version following the same or similar game rules , and typically running on a microprocessor or other type of computer cpu may also be provided . additional embodiments can be added to both add an additional air of unpredictability to the game , as well as to add additional time pressure to the game . the various players will have at least partial knowledge of the contents of the other player &# 39 ; s tile racks , both because some of the tiles will be made public as a result of the call tile procedure and 3 or 4 of a kind matching , and because players can also take note of which tiles are being discarded or thrown by other players . thus more skilled players will start to create a strategy that anticipates other player &# 39 ; s moves to some extent . to increase unpredictability , which will to some extent even up the skill differences between young or inexperienced players and adult or skilled players , a random spinner device may be added to the game . this is shown in fig8 . for example , after every player has had a turn , the spinner may be spun , and the direction of the game changed . as another example , the spinner may randomly direct users to add extra tiles to the game , skip a turn , take two turns and so on . to add extra interest , this spinner device ( 800 ) could have a spinner pointer in the shape of a dragon head spinner ( 802 ) mounted on a pivot ( 804 ) above a base with various game options ( 806 ). to add additional time pressure , a sand timer or kitchen timer could be used , either on a per turn basis , a per multiple - player turn basis , or even on a per game basis . this timer could be used to count down to when the game will reverse direction , or alternatively count down to the end of the game . dice , including customized dice , ( for example , dice with dragon logos or dragon shapes ) might also be added to increase the unpredictability of the game . these dice could be in non - standard dice shapes in addition to the standard platonic solids , such as catalan solids , di - pyramids , trapezohedra , prisms , modified prisms ( odd ), modified prisms ( even ), anti - prisms , spheres and other shapes . more specifically the dice can be selected from the group consisting of triagonal trapezohedron , hexahedron d 6 , pentagonal trapezohedron d 10 , heptagonal trapezohedron d 14 , tridecagongonal trapezohedron d 26 , heptadecagonal trapezohedron d 34 , icosikaipentagonal trapezohedron d 50 , triangular prism d 5 , square prism d 6 , pentagonal prism d 7 , 2 - antiprism d 4 , 3 - antiprism d 8 , sphere , spherical d 4 , spherical flattened d 6 , spherical flattened d 8 , spherical flattened d 32 , spherical flattened d 50 , spherical flattened d 100 , and other shapes . the dice value could , for example , be used to change game direction , allow a free ( extra ) tile pick , force a random tile replacement in a player &# 39 ; s tile rack , or otherwise add other random elements that will again tend to even out skill differences between players . supplemental game packs may also be made available . for example , challenge game cards with additional rules , including pairs , may also be sold or provided to increase the complexity of the play and keep the game interesting for more experienced players . such challenge hands , for example , may have rules . for example , here the rules may be that a player cannot call for the pair part of the hand , and / or a player cannot use a joker for the pair part of the hand , and / or a player cannot call a joker that was thrown . many other variations on game play will also be within the general spirit of the invention .

US-82079210-A

a process for treating hair involving contacting the hair with a composition containing a surfactant mixture , the surfactant mixture containing : an esterquat ; and a fatty acid amidoamine .

it has surprisingly been found that mixtures of ( a ) esterquats , more particularly those whose acyl groups represent mixtures of mono - and dicarboxylic acids and ( b ) fatty acid amidoamines satisfy the desired requirement profile . the preparations are transparent during production and do not cloud , even in the event of storage . both silicone oils and antidandruff agents can be stably incorporated even in relatively high concentrations and are not secreted again , even after storage for 4 weeks at 40 ° c . the treated hair shows excellent softness and is easier to comb — in some cases more so than in the prior art . “ esterquats ” ( component a ) are generally understood to be quaternized fatty acid alkanolamine ester salts . these are known compounds which can be obtained by the relevant methods of preparative organic chemistry . reference is made in this connection to international patent application wo 91 / 01295 ( henkel ), according to which triethanolamine is partly esterified with fatty acids in the presence of hypophosphorous acid , air is passed through the reaction mixture and the whole is then quaternized with dimethyl sulfate or ethylene oxide . in addition , german patent de 4308794 c1 ( henkel ) describes a process for the production of solid esterquats in which the quaternization of triethanolamine esters is carried out in the presence of suitable dispersants , preferably fatty alcohols . overviews on this theme have been published by r . puchta et al . in tens . surf . det ., 30 , 186 ( 1993 ), by m . brock in tens . surf . det ., 30 , 394 ( 1993 ), by r . lagerman et al . in j . am . oil chem . soc ., 71 , 97 ( 1994 ) and by i . shapiro in cosm . toil . 109 , 77 ( 1994 ). the quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts correspond , for example , to formula ( i ): in which r 1 co is an acyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , r 2 and r 3 independently of one another represent hydrogen or have the same meaning as r 1 co , r 4 is an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a ( ch 2 ch 2 o ) q h group , m , n and p together stand for 0 or numbers of 1 to 12 , q is a number of 1 to 12 and x is halide , alkyl sulfate or alkyl phosphate . typical examples of esterquats which may be used in accordance with the present invention are products based on caproic acid , caprylic acid , capric acid , lauric acid , myristic acid , palmitic acid , isostearic acid , stearic acid , oleic acid , elaidic acid , arachic acid , behenic acid and erucic acid and the technical mixtures thereof obtained , for example , in the pressure hydrolysis of natural fats and oils . technical c 12 / 18 cocofatty acids and , in particular , partly hydrogenated c 16 / 18 tallow or palm oil fatty acids and c 16 / 18 fatty acid cuts rich in elaidic acid are preferably used . to produce the quaternized esters , the fatty acids and the triethanolamine may be used in a molar ratio of 1 . 1 : 1 to 3 : 1 . with the performance properties of the esterquats in mind , a ratio of 1 . 2 : 1 to 2 . 2 : 1 and preferably 1 . 5 : 1 to 1 . 9 : 1 has proved to be particularly advantageous . the preferred esterquats are technical mixtures of mono -, di - and triesters with an average degree of esterification of 1 . 5 to 1 . 9 and are derived from c 8 - 18 head - fractionated fatty acid , tallow fatty acid , palm oil fatty acid , coconut oil fatty acid , oleic acid , ricinoleic acid and hydrogenation products and mixtures thereof ( iodine value 0 to 40 ). in performance terms , quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts corresponding to formula ( i ), in which r 1 co is an acyl group containing 16 to 18 carbon atoms , r 2 has the same meaning as r 1 co , r 3 is hydrogen , r 4 is a methyl group , m , n and p stand for 0 and x stands for methyl sulfate , have proved to be particularly advantageous . corresponding products are commercially available under the name of dehyquart ® au ( cognis deutschland gmbh ). besides the quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts , other suitable esterquats are quaternized ester salts of fatty acids with diethanol - alkyamines corresponding to formula ( ii ): in which r 1 co is an acyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , r 2 is hydrogen or has the same meaning as r 1 co , r 4 and r 5 independently of one another are alkyl groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms , m and n together stand for 0 or numbers of 1 to 12 and x stands for halide , alkyl sulfate or alkyl phosphate . finally , another group of suitable esterquats are the quaternized ester salts of fatty acids with 1 , 2 - dihydroxypropyl dialkylamines corresponding to formula ( iii ): in which r 1 co is an acyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , r 2 is hydrogen or has the same meaning as r 1 co , r 4 , r 6 and r 7 independently of one another are alkyl groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms , m and n together stand for 0 or numbers of 1 to 12 and x stands for halide , alkyl sulfate or alkyl phosphate . in addition , other suitable esterquats are substances in which the ester bond is replaced by an amide bond and which — preferably based on diethylenetriamine — correspond to formula ( iv ): in which r 1 co is an acyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , r 2 is hydrogen or has the same meaning as r 1 co , r 6 and r 7 independently of one another are alkyl groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and x is halide , alkyl sulfate or alkyl phosphate . amide esterquats such as these are commercially obtainable , for example , under the name of incroquat ® ( croda ). finally , other suitable esterquats are compounds based on ethoxylated castor oil or hydrogenation products thereof which correspond to formula ( v ): in which r 8 co is a saturated and / or unsaturated ethoxylated hydroxyacyl group containing 16 to 22 and preferably 18 carbon atoms and 1 to 50 oxyethylene units , a is a linear or branched alkylene group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms , r 9 , r 10 and r 11 independently of one another represent hydrogen or a c 14 alkyl group , r 12 is a c 1 - 4 alkyl group or a benzyl group and x is halogen , alkyl sulfate or alkyl phosphate . so far as the choice of the preferred fatty acids and the optimal degree of esterification are concerned , the examples mentioned for ( i ) also apply to the esterquats corresponding to formulae ( ii ) to ( v ). the esterquats corresponding to formulae ( i ) to ( v ) may be obtained both from fatty acids and from the corresponding triglycerides . one such process , which is intended to be representative of the relevant prior art , is proposed in european patent ep 0750606 b1 ( cognis ). the condensation of the alkanolamines with the fatty acids may also be carried out in the presence of defined quantities of dicarboxylic acids , for example oxalic acid , malonic acid , succinic acid , maleic acid , fumaric acid , glutaric acid , adipic acid , sorbic acid , pimelic acid , azelaic acid , sebacic acid and / or dodecanedioic acid . in this way , the esterquats are obtained with a partly oligomeric structure which can have an advantageous effect on the clear solubility of the products , particularly where adipic acid is used . corresponding products are commercially available under the name of dehyquart ® d 6003 ( cognis deutschland gmbh ) and are described , for example , in european patent ep 0770594 b1 ( cognis ). the esterquats are normally marketed in the form of 50 to 90 % by weight alcoholic solutions which may readily be diluted with water as required . the fatty acid amidoamines which form component ( b ) are also known substances which may be obtained in known manner , for example by reaction of fatty acids with polyfunctional . preferred fatty acid amidoamines correspond to formula ( vi ): in which r 13 is a linear or branched , saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , r 14 and r 15 independently of one another represent hydrogen , an optionally hydroxysubstituted alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms , b is a linear or branched alkylene group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms and n is the number 1 or 2 . with regard to the fatty acids , the amidoamines may be derived from caproic acid , caprylic acid , 2 - ethylhexanoic acid , capric acid , lauric acid , isotridecanoic acid , myristic acid , palmitic acid , palmitoleic acid , stearic acid , isostearic acid , oleic acid , elaidic acid , petroselic acid , linoleic acid , linolenic acid , elaeostearic acid , arachic acid , gadoleic acid , behenic acid and erucic acid and technical mixtures thereof , fatty acid amidoamines based on coconut oil fatty acids being preferred . other preferred compounds are those of which the amide component is derived from ethylenediamine , propylenediamine , diethylenetriamine , dipropylenetriamine , aminoethyl ethanolamine and , in particular , n , n - dimethyl aminopropylamine and mixtures thereof . overall preference is attributed to fatty acid amidoamines which combine the individual structural features mentioned as preferred . the esterquats and the fatty acid amidoamines may be used in a ratio by weight of 99 . 1 : 0 . 1 to 10 : 90 . however , a ratio of 75 : 25 to 25 : 75 and , more especially , 60 : 40 to 40 : 60 has proved to be particularly advantageous from the performance perspective because synergistic increases in performance are observed with ratios in those ranges . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , the esterquats and the fatty acid amidoamines are used together with fatty alcohols and / or fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers . for example , particularly stable emulsions and creams for treating and , more particularly , conditioning the hair can be obtained in this way . the fatty alcohols or fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers preferably correspond to formula ( vi ): in which r 16 is a linear or branched alkyl and / or alkenyl group containing 6 to 22 and preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms and m is 0 or a number of 1 to 20 and preferably 10 to 15 . typical examples are caproic alcohol , caprylic alcohol , capric alcohol , lauryl alcohol , myristyl alcohol , cetyl alcohol , stearyl alcohol , isostearyl alcohol , oleyl alcohol , elaidyl alcohol , petroselinyl alcohol , arachyl alcohol , gadoleyl alcohol , behenyl alcohol and erucyl alcohol and technical mixtures thereof such as , for example , cocoalcohol or cetearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide addition products thereof . the esterquats and fatty acid amidoamines on the one hand and the fatty alcohols or fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers on the other hand may be used in a ratio by weight of 90 : 10 to 10 : 90 and are preferably used in a ratio by weight of 35 : 65 to 50 : 50 . as mentioned at the beginning , a particular concern of the invention is the stable incorporation of silicone oils and antidandruff agents which , normally , are very difficult to incorporate in emulsions and have a tendency to separate out in the event of prolonged storage , particularly under the influence of temperature . suitable silicone oils are , for example , dimethyl polysiloxanes , methylphenyl polysiloxanes , cyclic silicones and amino -, fatty acid -, alcohol -, polyether -, epoxy -, fluorine -, glycoside - and / or alkyl - modified silicone compounds which may be both liquid and resin - like at room temperature . other suitable silicone oils are simethicones which are mixtures of dimethicones with an average chain length of 200 to 300 dimethylsiloxane units and hydrogenated silicates . a detailed overview of suitable volatile silicones can be found in todd et al . in cosm . toil . 91 , 27 ( 1976 ). the silicone oils may be used in quantities of 1 to 20 and preferably 5 to 15 % by weight , based on the preparations . suitable antidandruff agents are pirocton olamin ( 1 - hydroxy4 - methyl - 6 -( 2 , 4 , 4 - trimethylpentyl )- 2 -( 1h )- pyridinone monoethanolamine salt ), baypival ® ( climbazole ), ketoconazol ® ( 4 - acetyl - 1 -{ 4 -[ 2 -( 2 , 4 - dichlorophenyl ) r - 2 -( 1h - imidazol - 1 - ylmethyl )- 1 , 3 - dioxylan - c - 4 - ylmethoxy - phenyl }- piperazine , ketoconazole , elubiol , selenium disulfide , colloidal sulfur , sulfur polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate , sulfur ricinol polyethoxylate , sulfur tar distillate , salicylic acid ( or in combination with hexachlorophene ), undecylenic acid , monoethanolamide sulfosuccinate na salt , lamepon ® ud ( protein / undecylenic acid condensate ), zinc pyrithione , aluminium pyrithione and magnesium pyrithione / dipyrithione magnesium sulfate . the antidandruff agents may be used in quantities of 0 . 1 to 2 % by weight and are preferably used in quantities of 0 . 5 to 1 . 5 % by weight , based on the preparations . the present invention also relates to the use of the mixtures of components ( a ) and ( b ) for the production of hair care preparations , more particularly hair conditioners , preferably those in the form of emulsions , which are , in particular , hair creams that may contain the mixtures in quantities of 1 to 30 , preferably 2 to 20 and more particularly 5 to 15 % by weight , based on the preparations . finally , the present invention relates to the use of the mixtures of components ( a ) and ( b ) for the production of hair care preparations , more particularly those in the form of emulsions . these cosmetic preparations which may be produced using the cationic mixtures may additionally contain mild surfactants , oil components , emulsifiers , pearlizing waxes , consistency factors , thickeners , superfatting agents , stabilizers , polymers , fats , waxes , lecithins , phospholipids , biogenic agents , uv protection factors , antioxidants , deodorizers , antiperspirants , film formers , swelling agents , insect repellents , self - tanning agents , tyrosine inhibitors ( depigmenting agents ), hydrotropes , solubilizers , preservatives , perfume oils , dyes and the like as further auxiliaries and additives . suitable surfactants are anionic , nonionic and / or amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants which are normally present in the preparations in quantities of about 1 to 70 , preferably 5 to 50 and more particularly 10 to 30 % by weight . typical examples of anionic surfactants are soaps , alkyl - benzenesulfonates , alkanesulfonates , olefin sulfonates , alkylether sulfonates , glycerol ether sulfonates , α - methyl ester sulfonates , sulfofatty acids , alkyl sulfates , fatty alcohol ether sulfates , glycerol ether sulfates , fatty acid ether sulfates , hydroxy mixed ether sulfates , monoglyceride ( ether ) sulfates , fatty acid amide ( ether ) sulfates , mono - and dialkyl sulfosuccinates , mono - and dialkyl sulfosuccinamates , sulfotriglycerides , amide soaps , ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof , fatty acid isethionates , fatty acid sarcosinates , fatty acid taurides , n - acylamino acids such as , for example , acyl lactylates , acyl tartrates , acyl glutamates and acyl aspartates , alkyl oligoglucoside sulfates , protein fatty acid condensates ( particularly wheat - based vegetable products ) and alkyl ( ether ) phosphates . if the anionic surfactants contain polyglycol ether chains , they may have a conventional homolog distribution although they preferably have a narrow - range homolog distribution . typical examples of nonionic surfactants are fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers , alkylphenol polyglycol ethers , fatty acid polyglycol esters , fatty acid amide polyglycol ethers , fatty amine polyglycol ethers , alkoxylated triglycerides , mixed ethers and mixed formals , optionally partly oxidized alk ( en ) yl oligoglycosides or glucuronic acid derivatives , fatty acid - n - alkyl glucamides , protein hydrolyzates ( particularly wheat - based vegetable products ), polyol fatty acid esters , sugar esters , sorbitan esters , polysorbates and amine oxides . if the nonionic surfactants contain polyglycol ether chains , they may have a conventional homolog distribution , although they preferably have a narrow - range homolog distribution . typical examples of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants are alkylbetaines , alkylamidobetaines , aminopropionates , aminoglycinates , imidazolinium betaines and sulfobetaines . the surfactants mentioned are all known compounds . information on their structure and production can be found in relevant synoptic works , cf . for example j . falbe ( ed . ), “ surfactants in consumer products ”, springer verlag , berlin , 1987 , pages 54 to 124 or j . falbe ( ed . ), “ katalysatoren , tenside und mineralöladditive ( catalysts , surfactants and mineral oil additives )”, thieme verlag , stuttgart , 1978 , pages 123 - 217 . typical examples of particularly suitable mild , i . e . particularly dermatologically compatible , surfactants are fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates , monoglyceride sulfates , mono - and / or dialkyl sulfosuccinates , fatty acid isethionates , fatty acid sarcosinates , fatty acid taurides , fatty acid glutamates , α - olefin sulfonates , ether carboxylic acids , fatty acid glucamides , alkylamidobetaines , amphoacetals and / or protein fatty acid condensates , preferably based on wheat proteins . suitable oil components are , for example , guerbet alcohols based on fatty alcohols containing 6 to 18 and preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms , esters of linear c 6 - 22 fatty acids with linear or branched c 6 - 22 fatty alcohols or esters of branched c 6 - 13 carboxylic acids with linear or branched c 6 - 22 fatty alcohols such as , for example , myristyl myristate , myristyl palmitate , myristyl stearate , myristyl isostearate , myristyl oleate , myristyl behenate , myristyl erucate , cetyl myristate , cetyl palmitate , cetyl stearate , cetyl isostearate , cetyl oleate , cetyl behenate , cetyl erucate , stearyl myristate , stearyl palmitate , stearyl stearate , stearyl isostearate , stearyl oleate , stearyl behenate , stearyl erucate , isostearyl myristate , isostearyl palmitate , isostearyl stearate , isostearyl isostearate , isostearyl oleate , isostearyl behenate , isostearyl oleate , oleyl myristate , oleyl palmitate , oleyl stearate , oleyl isostearate , oleyl oleate , oleyl behenate , oleyl erucate , behenyl myristate , behenyl palmitate , behenyl stearate , behenyl isostearate , behenyl oleate , behenyl behenate , behenyl erucate , erucyl myristate , erucyl palmitate , erucyl stearate , erucyl isostearate , erucyl oleate , erucyl behenate and erucyl erucate . also suitable are esters of linear c 6 - 22 fatty acids with branched alcohols , more particularly 2 - ethyl hexanol , esters of c 18 - 38 alkylhydroxycarboxylic acids with linear or branched c 6 - 22 fatty alcohols ( cf . de 197 56 377 a1 ), more especially dioctyl malate , esters of linear and / or branched fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols ( for example propylene glycol , dimer diol or trimer triol ) and / or guerbet alcohols , triglycerides based on c 6 - 10 fatty acids , liquid mono -, di - and triglyceride mixtures based on c 6 - 18 fatty acids , esters of c 6 - 22 fatty alcohols and / or guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids , more particularly benzoic acid , esters of c 2 - 12 dicarboxylic acids with linear or branched alcohols containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms or polyols containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups , vegetable oils , branched primary alcohols , substituted cyclohexanes , linear and branched c 6 - 22 fatty alcohol carbonates such as , for example , dicaprylyl carbonate ( cetiol ® cc ), guerbet carbonates based on fatty alcohols containing 6 to 18 and preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms , esters of benzoic acid with linear and / or branched c 6 - 22 alcohols ( for example finsolv ® tn ), linear or branched , symmetrical or nonsymmetrical dialkyl ethers containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms per alkyl group such as , for example , dicaprylyl ether ( cetiol ® oe ), ring opening products of epoxidized fatty acid esters with polyols and / or aliphatic or naphthenic hydrocarbons , for example squalane , squalene or dialkyl cyclohexanes . suitable emulsifiers are , for example , nonionic surfactants from at least one of the following groups : [ 0046 ] products of the addition of 2 to 30 mol ethylene oxide and / or 0 to 5 mol propylene oxide onto linear c 8 - 22 fatty alcohols , c 12 - 22 fatty acids , alkyl phenols containing 8 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and alkylamines containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl group ; [ 0047 ] alkyl and / or alkenyl oligoglycosides containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the alk ( en ) yl group and ethoxylated analogs thereof ; [ 0048 ] adducts of 1 to 15 mol ethylene oxide with castor oil and / or hydrogenated castor oil ; [ 0049 ] adducts of 15 to 60 mol ethylene oxide with castor oil and / or hydrogenated castor oil ; [ 0050 ] partial esters of glycerol and / or sorbitan with unsaturated , linear or saturated , branched fatty acids containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and / or hydroxycarboxylic acids containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms and adducts thereof with 1 to 30 mol ethylene oxide ; [ 0051 ] partial esters of polyglycerol ( average degree of self - condensation 2 to 8 ), polyethylene glycol ( molecular weight 400 to 5000 ), trimethylolpropane , pentaerythritol , sugar alcohols ( for example sorbitol ), alkyl glucosides ( for example methyl glucoside , butyl glucoside , lauryl glucoside ) and polyglucosides ( for example cellulose ) with saturated and / or unsaturated , linear or branched fatty acids containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and / or hydroxycarboxylic acids containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms and adducts thereof with 1 to 30 mol ethylene oxide ; [ 0052 ] mixed esters of pentaerythritol , fatty acids , citric acid and fatty alcohol according to de 1165574 ps and / or mixed esters of fatty acids containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , methyl glucose and polyols , preferably glycerol or polyglycerol , [ 0053 ] mono -, di - and trialkyl phosphates and mono -, di - and / or tri - peg - alkyl phosphates and salts thereof , [ 0057 ] polymer emulsifiers , for example pemulen types ( tr - 1 , tr - 2 ) of goodrich ; the addition products of ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols , fatty acids , alkylphenols or with castor oil are known commercially available products . they are homolog mixtures of which the average degree of alkoxylation corresponds to the ratio between the quantities of ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide and substrate with which the addition reaction is carried out . c 12 / 18 fatty acid monoesters and diesters of adducts of ethylene oxide with glycerol are known as lipid layer enhancers for cosmetic formulations from de 20 24 051 ps . alkyl and / or alkenyl oligoglycosides , their production and their use are known from the prior art . they are produced in particular by reacting glucose or oligosaccharides with primary alcohols containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms . so far as the glycoside unit is concerned , both monoglycosides in which a cyclic sugar unit is attached to the fatty alcohol by a glycoside bond and oligomeric glycosides with a degree of oligomerization of preferably up to about 8 are suitable . the degree of oligomerization is a statistical mean value on which the homolog distribution typical of such technical products is based . typical examples of suitable partial glycerides are hydroxystearic acid monoglyceride , hydroxystearic acid diglyceride , isostearic acid monoglyceride , isostearic acid diglyceride , oleic acid monoglyceride , oleic acid diglyceride , ricinoleic acid monoglyceride , ricinoleic acid diglyceride , linoleic acid monoglyceride , linoleic acid diglyceride , linolenic acid monoglyceride , linolenic acid diglyceride , erucic acid monoglyceride , erucic acid diglyceride , tartaric acid monoglyceride , tartaric acid diglyceride , citric acid monoglyceride , citric acid diglyceride , malic acid monoglyceride , malic acid diglyceride and technical mixtures thereof which may still contain small quantities of triglyceride from the production process . addition products of 1 to 30 and preferably 5 to 10 mol ethylene oxide onto the partial glycerides mentioned are also suitable . suitable sorbitan esters are sorbitan monoisostearate , sorbitan sesquiisostearate , sorbitan diisostearate , sorbitan triisostearate , sorbitan monooleate , sorbitan sesquioleate , sorbitan dioleate , sorbitan trioleate , sorbitan monoerucate , sorbitan sesquierucate , sorbitan dierucate , sorbitan trierucate , sorbitan monoricinoleate , sorbitan sesquiricinoleate , sorbitan diricinoleate , sorbitan triricinoleate , sorbitan monohydroxystearate , sorbitan sesquihydroxystearate , sorbitan dihydroxystearate , sorbitan trihydroxystearate , sorbitan monotartrate , sorbitan sesquitartrate , sorbitan ditartrate , sorbitan tritartrate , sorbitan monocitrate , sorbitan sesquicitrate , sorbitan dicitrate , sorbitan tricitrate , sorbitan monomaleate , sorbitan sesquimaleate , sorbitan dimaleate , sorbitan trimaleate and technical mixtures thereof . addition products of 1 to 30 and preferably 5 to 10 mol ethylene oxide onto the sorbitan esters mentioned are also suitable . typical examples of suitable polyglycerol esters are polyglyceryl - 2 dipolyhydroxystearate ( dehymuls ®) pgph ), polyglycerin - 3 - diisostearate ( lameform ® tgi ), polyglyceryl - 4 isostearate ( isolan ® gi 34 ), polyglyceryl - 3 oleate , diisostearoyl polyglyceryl - 3 diisostearate ( isolan ® pdi ), polyglyceryl - 3 methylglucose distearate ( tego care ® 450 ), polyglyceryl - 3 beeswax ( cera bellina ®), polyglyceryl - 4 caprate ( polyglycerol caprate t2010 / 90 ), polyglyceryl - 3 cetyl ether ( chimexane ® nl ), polyglyceryl - 3 distearate ( cremophor ® gs 32 ) and polyglyceryl polyricinoleate ( admul ® wol 1403 ), polyglyceryl dimerate isostearate and mixtures thereof . examples of other suitable polyolesters are the mono -, di - and triesters of trimethylol propane or pentaerythritol with lauric acid , cocofatty acid , tallow fatty acid , palmitic acid , stearic acid , oleic acid , behenic acid and the like optionally reacted with 1 to 30 mol ethylene oxide . typical anionic emulsifiers are aliphatic c 12 - 22 fatty acids , such as palmitic acid , stearic acid or behenic acid for example , and c 12 - 22 dicarboxylic acids , such as azelaic acid or sebacic acid for example . other suitable emulsifiers are zwitterionic surfactants . zwitterionic surfactants are surface - active compounds which contain at least one quaternary ammonium group and at least one carboxylate and one sulfonate group in the molecule . particularly suitable zwitterionic surfactants are the so - called betaines , such as the n - alkyl - n , n - dimethyl ammonium glycinates , for example cocoalkyl dimethyl ammonium glycinate , n - acylaminopropyl - n , n - dimethyl ammonium glycinates , for example cocoacylaminopropyl dimethyl ammonium glycinate , and 2 - alkyl - 3 - carboxymethyl - 3 - hydroxyethyl imidazolines containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl or acyl group and cocoacylaminoethyl hydroxyethyl carboxymethyl glycinate . the fatty acid amide derivative known under the ctfa name of cocamidopropyl betaine is particularly preferred . ampholytic surfactants are also suitable emulsifiers . ampholytic surfactants are surface - active compounds which , in addition to a c 8 / 18 alkyl or acyl group , contain at least one free amino group and at least one — cooh or — so 3 h group in the molecule and which are capable of forming inner salts . examples of suitable ampholytic surfactants are n - alkyl glycines , n - alkyl propionic acids , n - alkylaminobutyric acids , n - alkyliminodipropionic acids , n - hydroxyethyl - n - alkylamidopropyl glycines , n - alkyl taurines , n - alkyl sarcosines , 2 - alkylaminopropionic acids and alkylaminoacetic acids containing around 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group . particularly preferred ampholytic surfactants are n - cocoalkylaminopropionate , cocoacylaminoethyl aminopropionate and c 12 / 18 acyl sarcosine . finally , other suitable emulsifiers are cationic surfactants , those of the esterquat type , preferably methyl - quaternized difatty acid triethanolamine ester salts , being particularly preferred . typical examples of fats are glycerides , i . e . solid or liquid , vegetable or animal products which consist essentially of mixed glycerol esters of higher fatty acids . suitable waxes are inter alia natural waxes such as , for example , candelilla wax , carnauba wax , japan wax , espartograss wax , cork wax , guaruma wax , rice oil wax , sugar cane wax , ouricury wax , montan wax , beeswax , shellac wax , spermaceti , lanolin ( wool wax ), uropygial fat , ceresine , ozocerite ( earth wax ), petrolatum , paraffin waxes and microwaxes ; chemically modified waxes ( hard waxes ) such as , for example , montan ester waxes , sasol waxes , hydrogenated jojoba waxes and synthetic waxes such as , for example , polyalkylene waxes and polyethylene glycol waxes . besides the fats , other suitable additives are fat - like substances , such as lecithins and phospholipids . lecithins are known among experts as glycerophospholipids which are formed from fatty acids , glycerol , phosphoric acid and choline by esterification . accordingly , lecithins are also frequently referred to by experts as phosphatidyl cholines ( pcs ). examples of natural lecithins are the kephalins which are also known as phosphatidic acids and which are derivatives of 1 , 2 - diacyl - sn - glycerol - 3 - phosphoric acids . by contrast , phospholipids are generally understood to be mono - and preferably diesters of phosphoric acid with glycerol ( glycerophosphates ) which are normally classed as fats . sphingosines and sphingolipids are also suitable . suitable pearlizing waxes are , for example , alkylene glycol esters , especially ethylene glycol distearate ; fatty acid alkanolamides , especially cocofatty acid diethanolamide ; partial glycerides , especially stearic acid monoglyceride ; esters of polybasic , optionally hydroxysubstituted carboxylic acids with fatty alcohols containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms , especially long - chain esters of tartaric acid ; fatty compounds , such as for example fatty alcohols , fatty ketones , fatty aldehydes , fatty ethers and fatty carbonates which contain in all at least 24 carbon atoms , especially laurone and distearylether ; fatty acids , such as stearic acid , hydroxystearic acid or behenic acid , ring opening products of olefin epoxides containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms with fatty alcohols containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and / or polyols containing 2 to 15 carbon atoms and 2 to 10 hydroxyl groups and mixtures thereof . the consistency factors mainly used are fatty alcohols or hydroxyfatty alcohols containing 12 to 22 and preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms and also partial glycerides , fatty acids or hydroxyfatty acids . a combination of these substances with alkyl oligoglucosides and / or fatty acid n - methyl glucamides of the same chain length and / or polyglycerol poly - 12 - hydroxystearates is preferably used . suitable thickeners are , for example , aerosil ® types ( hydrophilic silicas ), polysaccharides , more especially xanthan gum , guar - guar , agar - agar , alginates and tyloses , carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl cellulose , also relatively high molecular weight polyethylene glycol monoesters and diesters of fatty acids , polyacrylates ( for example carbopols ® and pemulen types [ goodrich ]; synthalens ® [ sigma ]; keltrol types [ kelco ]; sepigel types [ seppic ]; salcare types [ allied colloids ]), polyacrylamides , polymers , polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone . other consistency factors which have proved to be particularly effective are bentonites , for example bentone ® gel vs - 5pc ( rheox ) which is a mixture of cyclopentasiloxane , disteardimonium hectorite and propylene carbonate . other suitable consistency factors are surfactants such as , for example , ethoxylated fatty acid glycerides , esters of fatty acids with polyols , for example pentaerythritol or trimethylol propane , narrow - range fatty alcohol ethoxylates or alkyl oligoglucosides and electrolytes , such as sodium chloride and ammonium chloride . superfatting agents may be selected from such substances as , for example , lanolin and lecithin and also polyethoxylated or acylated lanolin and lecithin derivatives , polyol fatty acid esters , monoglycerides and fatty acid alkanolamides , the fatty acid alkanolamides also serving as foam stabilizers . metal salts of fatty acids such as , for example , magnesium , aluminium and / or zinc stearate or ricinoleate may be used as stabilizers . suitable cationic polymers are , for example , cationic cellulose derivatives such as , for example , the quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose obtainable from amerchol under the name of polymer jr 400 ®, cationic starch , copolymers of diallyl ammonium salts and acrylamides , quaternized vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl imidazole polymers such as , for example , luviquat ® ( basf ), condensation products of polyglycols and amines , quaternized collagen polypeptides such as , for example , lauryidimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen ( lamequat ® l , grunau ), quaternized wheat polypeptides , polyethyleneimine , cationic silicone polymers such as , for example , amodimethicone , copolymers of adipic acid and dimethylaminohydroxypropyl diethylenetriamine ( cartaretine ®, sandoz ), copolymers of acrylic acid with dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride ( merquat ®) 550 , chemviron ), polyaminopolyamides as described , for example , in fr 2252840 a and crosslinked water - soluble polymers thereof , cationic chitin derivatives such as , for example , quaternized chitosan , optionally in microcrystalline distribution , condensation products of dihaloalkyls , for example dibromobutane , with bis - dialkylamines , for example bis - dimethylamino - 1 , 3 - propane , cationic guar gum such as , for example , jaguar ® cbs , jaguar ® c - 17 , jaguar ® c - 16 of celanese , quaternized ammonium salt polymers such as , for example , mirapol ® a - 15 , mirapol ® ad - 1 , mirapol ® az - 1 of miranol . suitable anionic , zwitterionic , amphoteric and nonionic polymers are , for example , vinyl acetate / crotonic acid copolymers , vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl acrylate copolymers , vinyl acetate / butyl maleate / isobornyl acrylate copolymers , methyl vinylether / maleic anhydride copolymers and esters thereof , uncrosslinked and polyol - crosslinked polyacrylic acids , acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride / acrylate copolymers , octylacrylamide / methyl methacrylate / tert .- butylaminoethyl methacrylate / 2 - hydroxypropyl methacrylate copolymers , polyvinyl pyrrolidone , vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymers , vinyl pyrrolidone / dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate / vinyl caprolactam terpolymers and optionally derivatized cellulose ethers and silicones . other suitable polymers and thickeners can be found in cosm . toil ., 108 , 95 ( 1993 ). uv protection factors in the context of the invention are , for example , organic substances ( light filters ) which are liquid or crystalline at room temperature and which are capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation and of releasing the energy absorbed in the form of longer - wave radiation , for example heat . uv - b filters can be oil - soluble or water - soluble . the following are examples of oil - soluble substances : [ 0091 ] 3 - benzylidene camphor or 3 - benzylidene norcamphor and derivatives thereof , for example 3 -( 4 - methylbenzylidene )- camphor as described in ep 0693471 b1 ; [ 0092 ] 4 - aminobenzoic acid derivatives , preferably 4 -( dimethylamino )- benzoic acid - 2 - ethylhexyl ester , 4 -( dimethylamino )- benzoic acid - 2 - octyl ester and 4 -( dimethylamino )- benzoic acid amyl ester ; [ 0093 ] esters of cinnamic acid , preferably 4 - methoxycinnamic acid - 2 - ethylhexyl ester , 4 - methoxycinnamic , acid propyl ester , 4 - methoxycinnamic acid isoamyl ester , 2 - cyano - 3 , 3 - phenylcinnamic acid - 2 - ethylhexyl ester ( octocrylene ); [ 0094 ] esters of salicylic acid , preferably salicylic acid - 2 - ethylhexyl ester , salicylic acid - 4 - isopropylbenzyl ester , salicylic acid homomenthyl ester ; [ 0096 ] esters of benzalmalonic acid , preferably 4 - methoxybenzalmalonic acid di - 2 - ethylhexyl ester ; [ 0097 ] triazine derivatives such as , for example , 2 , 4 , 6 - trianilino -( p - carbo - 2 ′- ethyl - 1 ′- hexyloxy )- 1 , 3 , 5 - triazine and octyl triazone as described in ep 0818450 alor dioctyl butamido triazone ( uvasorb ® heb ); [ 0101 ] 2 - phenylbenzimidazole - 5 - sulfonic acid and alkali metal , alkaline earth metal , ammonium , alkylammonium , alkanolammonium and glucammonium salts thereof ; [ 0102 ] sulfonic acid derivatives of benzophenones , preferably 2 - hydroxy - 4 - methoxybenzophenone - 5 - sulfonic acid and salts thereof ; [ 0103 ] sulfonic acid derivatives of 3 - benzylidene camphor such as , for example , 4 -( 2 - oxo - 3 - bornylidenemethyl )- benzene sulfonic acid and 2 - methyl - 5 -( 2 - oxo - 3 - bornylidene )- sulfonic acid and salts thereof . typical uv - a filters are , in particular , derivatives of benzoyl methane such as , for example , 1 -( 4 ′- tert . butylphenyl )- 3 -( 4 ′- methoxyphenyl )- propane - 1 , 3 - dione , 4 - tert . butyl - 4 ′- methoxydibenzoyl methane ( parsol 1789 ) or 1 - phenyl - 3 -( 4 ′- isopropylphenyl )- propane - 1 , 3 - dione and the enamine compounds described in de 19712033 a1 ( basf ). the uv - a and uv - b filters may of course also be used in the form of mixtures . particularly favorable combinations consist of the derivatives of benzoyl methane , for example 4 - tert . butyl - 4 ′- methoxydibenzoylmethane ( parsol ® 1789 ) and 2 - cyano - 3 , 3 - phenylcinnamic acid - 2 - ethyl hexyl ester ( octocrylene ) in combination with esters of cinnamic acid , preferably 4 - methoxycinnamic acid - 2 - ethyl hexyl ester and / or 4 - methoxycinnamic acid propyl ester and / or 4 - methoxycinnamic acid isoamyl ester . combinations such as these are advantageously combined with water - soluble filters such as , for example , 2 - phenylbenzimidazole - 5 - sulfonic acid and alkali metal , alkaline earth metal , ammonium , alkylammonium , alkanolammonium and glucammonium salts thereof . besides the soluble substances mentioned , insoluble light - blocking pigments , i . e . finely dispersed metal oxides or salts , may also be used for this purpose . examples of suitable metal oxides are , in particular , zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and also oxides of iron , zirconium oxide , silicon , manganese , aluminium and cerium and mixtures thereof . silicates ( talcum ), barium sulfate and zinc stearate may be used as salts . the oxides and salts are used in the form of the pigments for skin - care and skin - protecting emulsions and decorative cosmetics . the particles should have a mean diameter of less than 100 nm , preferably between 5 and 50 nm and more preferably between 15 and 30 nm . they may be spherical in shape although ellipsoidal particles or other non - spherical particles may also be used . the pigments may also be surface - treated , i . e . hydrophilicized or hydrophobicized . typical examples are coated titanium dioxides , for example titandioxid t 805 ( degussa ) and eusolex ® t2000 ( merck ). suitable hydrophobic coating materials are , above all , silicones and , among these , especially trialkoxyoctylsilanes or simethicones . so - called micro - or nanopigments are preferably used in sun protection products . micronized zinc oxide is preferably used . other suitable uv filters can be found in p . finkel &# 39 ; s review in söfw journal 122 , 543 ( 1996 ) and in parf . kosm . 3 , 11 ( 1999 ). besides the two groups of primary sun protection factors mentioned above , secondary sun protection factors of the antioxidant type may also be used . secondary sun protection factors of the antioxidant type interrupt the photochemical reaction chain which is initiated when uv rays penetrate into the skin . typical examples are amino acids ( for example glycine , histidine , tyrosine , tryptophane ) and derivatives thereof , imidazoles ( for example urocanic acid ) and derivatives thereof , peptides , such as d , l - carnosine , d - carnosine , l - carnosine and derivatives thereof ( for example anserine ), carotinoids , carotenes ( for example α - carotene , β - carotene , lycopene ) and derivatives thereof , chlorogenic acid and derivatives thereof , liponic acid and derivatives thereof ( for example dihydroliponic acid ), aurothioglucose , propylthiouracil and other thiols ( for example thioredoxine , glutathione , cysteine , cystine , cystamine and glycosyl , n - acetyl , methyl , ethyl , propyl , amyl , butyl and lauryl , palmitoyl , oleyl , γ - linoleyl , cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof ) and their salts , dilaurylthiodipropionate , distearylthiodipropionate , thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof ( esters , ethers , peptides , lipids , nucleotides , nucleosides and salts ) and sulfoximine compounds ( for example butionine sulfoximines , homocysteine sulfoximine , butionine sulfones , penta -, hexa - and hepta - thionine sulfoximine ) in very small compatible dosages ( for example pmol to pmol / kg ), also ( metal ) chelators ( for example α - hydroxyfatty acids , palmitic acid , phytic acid , lactoferrine ), α - hydroxy acids ( for example citric acid , lactic acid , malic acid ), humic acid , bile acid , bile extracts , bilirubin , biliverdin , edta , egta and derivatives thereof , unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof ( for example γ - linolenic acid , linoleic acid , oleic acid ), folic acid and derivatives thereof , ubiquinone and ubiquinol and derivatives thereof , vitamin c and derivatives thereof ( for example ascorbyl palmitate , mg ascorbyl phosphate , ascorbyl acetate ), tocopherols and derivatives ( for example vitamin e acetate ), vitamin a and derivatives ( vitamin a palmitate ) and coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin , rutinic acid and derivatives thereof , α - glycosyl rutin , ferulic acid , furfurylidene glucitol , carnosine , butyl hydroxytoluene , butyl hydroxyanisole , nordihydroguaiac resin acid , nordihydroguaiaretic acid , trihydroxybutyrophenone , uric acid and derivatives thereof , mannose and derivatives thereof , superoxid - dismutase , zinc and derivatives thereof ( for example zno , znso 4 ), selenium and derivatives thereof ( for example selenium methionine ), stilbenes and derivatives thereof ( for example stilbene oxide , trans - stilbene oxide ) and derivatives of these active substances suitable for the purposes of the invention ( salts , esters , ethers , sugars , nucleotides , nucleosides , peptides and lipids ). in the context of the invention , biogenic agents are , for example , tocopherol , tocopherol acetate , tocopherol palmitate , ascorbic acid , ( deoxy ) ribonucleic acid and fragmentation products thereof , β - glucans , retinol , bisabolol , allantoin , phytantriol , panthenol , aha acids , amino acids , ceramides , pseudoceramides , essential oils , plant extracts , for example prune extract , bambara nut extract , and vitamin complexes . cosmetic deodorants counteract , mask or eliminate body odors . body odors are formed through the action of skin bacteria on apocrine perspiration which results in the formation of unpleasant - smelling degradation products . accordingly , deodorants contain active principles which act as germ inhibitors , enzyme inhibitors , odor absorbers or odor maskers . basically , suitable germ inhibitors are any substances which act against gram - positive bacteria such as , for example , 4 - hydroxybenzoic acid and salts and esters thereof , n -( 4 - chlorophenyl )- n ′-( 3 , 4 - dichlorophenyl )- urea , 2 , 4 , 4 ′- trichloro - 2 ′- hydroxydiphenylether ( triclosan ), 4 - chloro - 3 , 5 - dimethylphenol , 2 , 2 ′- methylene - bis -( 6 - bromo - 4 - chlorophenol ), 3 - methyl4 -( 1 - methylethyl )- phenol , 2 - benzyl - 4 - chlorophenol , 3 -( 4 - chlorophenoxy )- propane - 1 , 2 - diol , 3 - iodo - 2 - propinyl butyl carbamate , chlorhexidine , 3 , 4 , 4 ′- trichlorocarbanilide ( ttc ), antibacterial perfumes , thymol , thyme oil , eugenol , clove oil , menthol , mint oil , farnesol , phenoxyethanol , glycerol monocaprate , glycerol monocaprylate , glycerol monolaurate ( gml ), diglycerol monocaprate ( dmc ), salicylic acid - n - alkylamides such as , for example , salicylic acid - n - octyl amide or salicylic acid - n - decyl amide . suitable enzyme inhibitors are , for example , esterase inhibitors . esterase inhibitors are preferably trialkyl citrates , such as trimethyl citrate , tripropyl citrate , triisopropyl citrate , tributyl citrate and , in particular , triethyl citrate ( hydagen ® cat ). esterase inhibitors inhibit enzyme activity and thus reduce odor formation . other esterase inhibitors are sterol sulfates or phosphates such as , for example , lanosterol , cholesterol , campesterol , stigmasterol and sitosterol sulfate or phosphate , dicarboxylic acids and esters thereof , for example glutaric acid , glutaric acid monoethyl ester , glutaric acid diethyl ester , adipic acid , adipic acid monoethyl ester , adipic acid diethyl ester , malonic acid and malonic acid diethyl ester , hydroxycarboxylic acids and esters thereof , for example citric acid , malic acid , tartaric acid or tartaric acid diethyl ester , and zinc glycinate . suitable odor absorbers are substances which are capable of absorbing and largely retaining the odor - forming compounds . they reduce the partial pressure of the individual components and thus also reduce the rate at which they spread . an important requirement in this regard is that perfumes must remain unimpaired . odor absorbers are not active against bacteria . they contain , for example , a complex zinc salt of ricinoleic acid or special perfumes of largely neutral odor known to the expert as “ fixateurs ” such as , for example , extracts of ladanum or styrax or certain abietic acid derivatives as their principal component . odor maskers are perfumes or perfume oils which , besides their odor - masking function , impart their particular perfume note to the deodorants . suitable perfume oils are , for example , mixtures of natural and synthetic fragrances . natural fragrances include the extracts of blooms , stems and leaves , fruits , fruit peel , roots , woods , herbs and grasses , needles and branches , resins and balsams . animal raw materials , for example civet and beaver , may also be used . typical synthetic perfume compounds are products of the ester , ether , aldehyde , ketone , alcohol and hydrocarbon type . examples of perfume compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate , p - tert . butyl cyclohexylacetate , linalyl acetate , phenyl ethyl acetate , linalyl benzoate , benzyl formate , allyl cyclohexyl propionate , styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate . ethers include , for example , benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes include , for example , the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms , citral , citronellal , citronellyloxyacetaldehyde , cyclamen aldehyde , hydroxycitronellal , lilial and bourgeonal . examples of suitable ketones are the ionones and methyl cedryl ketone . suitable alcohols are anethol , citronellol , eugenol , isoeugenol , geraniol , linalool , phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol . the hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and balsams . however , it is preferred to use mixtures of different perfume compounds which , together , produce an agreeable fragrance . other suitable perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low volatility which are mostly used as aroma components . examples are sage oil , camomile oil , clove oil , lemon balm oil , mint oil , cinnamon leaf oil , lime - blossom oil , juniper berry oil , vetiver oil , olibanum oil , galbanum oil , ladanum oil and lavendin oil . the following are preferably used either individually or in the form of mixtures : bergamot oil , dihydromyrcenol , lilial , lyral , citronellol , phenylethyl alcohol , α - hexylcinnamaldehyde , geraniol , benzyl acetone , cyclamen aldehyde , linalool , boisambrene forte , ambroxan , indole , hedione , sandelice , citrus oil , mandarin oil , orange oil , allylamyl glycolate , cyclovertal , lavendin oil , clary oil , β - damascone , geranium oil bourbon , cyclohexyl salicylate , vertofix coeur , iso - e - super , fixolide np , evernyl , iraldein gamma , phenylacetic acid , geranyl acetate , benzyl acetate , rose oxide , romillat , irotyl and floramat . antiperspirants reduce perspiration and thus counteract underarm wetness and body odor by influencing the activity of the eccrine sweat glands . aqueous or water - free antiperspirant formulations typically contain the following ingredients : [ 0125 ] auxiliaries in the form of , for example , thickeners or complexing agents and / or [ 0126 ] non - aqueous solvents such as , for example , ethanol , propylene glycol and / or glycerol . suitable astringent active principles of antiperspirants are , above all , salts of aluminium , zirconium or zinc . suitable antihydrotic agents of this type are , for example , aluminium chloride , aluminium chlorohydrate , aluminium dichlorohydrate , aluminium sesquichlorohydrate and complex compounds thereof , for example with 1 , 2 - propylene glycol , aluminium hydroxyallantoinate , aluminium chloride tartrate , aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrate , aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrate , aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrate and complex compounds thereof , for example with amino acids , such as glycine . oil - soluble and water - soluble auxiliaries typically encountered in antiperspirants may also be present in relatively small amounts . oil - soluble auxiliaries such as these include , for example , typical water - soluble additives are , for example , preservatives , water - soluble perfumes , ph adjusters , for example buffer mixtures , water - soluble thickeners , for example water - soluble natural or synthetic polymers such as , for example , xanthan gum , hydroxyethyl cellulose , polyvinyl pyrrolidone or high molecular weight polyethylene oxides . standard film formers are , for example , chitosan , microcrystalline chitosan , quaternized chitosan , polyvinyl pyrrolidone , vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymers , polymers of the acrylic acid series , quaternary cellulose derivatives , collagen , hyaluronic acid and salts thereof and similar compounds . suitable swelling agents for aqueous phases are montmorillonites , clay minerals , pemulen and alkyl - modified carbopol types ( goodrich ). other suitable polymers and swelling agents can be found in r . lochhead &# 39 ; s review in cosm . toil . 108 , 95 ( 1993 ). a suitable self - tanning agent is dihydroxyacetone . suitable tyrosine inhibitors which prevent the formation of melanin and are used in depigmenting agents are , for example , arbutin , ferulic acid , koji acid , coumaric acid and ascorbic acid ( vitamin c ). in addition , hydrotropes , for example ethanol , isopropyl alcohol or polyols , may be used to improve flow behavior . suitable polyols preferably contain 2 to 15 carbon atoms and at least two hydroxyl groups . the polyols may contain other functional groups , more especially amino groups , or may be modified with nitrogen . typical examples are [ 0143 ] alkylene glycols such as , for example , ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , propylene glycol , butylene glycol , hexylene glycol and polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of 100 to 1000 dalton ; [ 0144 ] technical oligoglycerol mixtures with a degree of self - condensation of 1 . 5 to 10 such as , for example , technical diglycerol mixtures with a diglycerol content of 40 to 50 % by weight ; [ 0145 ] methylol , compounds such as , in particular , trimethylol ethane , trimethylol propane , trimethylol butane , pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol ; [ 0146 ] lower alkyl glucosides , particularly those containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl group , for example methyl and butyl glucoside ; [ 0147 ] sugar alcohols containing 5 to 12 carbon atoms , for example sorbitol or mannitol , [ 0148 ] sugars containing 5 to 12 carbon atoms , for example glucose or sucrose ; suitable preservatives are , for example , phenoxyethanol , formaldehyde solution , parabens , pentanediol or sorbic acid and the silver complexes known under the name of surfacine ® and the other classes of compounds listed in appendix 6 , parts a and b of the kosmetikverordnung (“ cosmetics directive ”). suitable perfume oils are mixtures of natural and synthetic perfumes . natural perfumes include the extracts of blossoms ( lily , lavender , rose , jasmine , neroli , ylang - ylang ), stems and leaves ( geranium , patchouli , petitgrain ), fruits ( anise , coriander , caraway , juniper ), fruit peel ( bergamot , lemon , orange ), roots ( nutmeg , angelica , celery , cardamom , costus , iris , calmus ), woods ( pinewood , sandalwood , guaiac wood , cedarwood , rosewood ), herbs and grasses ( tarragon , lemon grass , sage , thyme ), needles and branches ( spruce , fir , pine , dwarf pine ), resins and balsams ( galbanum , elemi , benzoin , myrrh , olibanum , opoponax ). animal raw materials , for example civet and beaver , may also be used . typical synthetic perfume compounds are products of the ester , ether , aldehyde , ketone , alcohol and hydrocarbon type . examples of perfume compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate , phenoxyethyl isobutyrate , p - tert . butyl cyclohexylacetate , linalyl acetate , dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate , phenyl ethyl acetate , linalyl benzoate , benzyl formate , ethylmethyl phenyl glycinate , allyl cyclohexyl propionate , styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate . ethers include , for example , benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes include , for example , the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms , citral , citronellal , citronellyloxyacetaldehyde , cyclamen aldehyde , hydroxycitronellal , lilial and bourgeonal . examples of suitable ketones are the ionones , a - isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone . suitable alcohols are anethol , citronellol , eugenol , isoeugenol , geraniol , linalool , phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol . the hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and balsams . however , it is preferred to use mixtures of different perfume compounds which , together , produce an agreeable perfume . other suitable perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low volatility which are mostly used as aroma components . examples are sage oil , camomile oil , clove oil , melissa oil , mint oil , cinnamon leaf oil , lime - blossom oil , juniper berry oil , vetiver oil , olibanum oil , galbanum oil , ladanum oil and lavendin oil . the following are preferably used either individually or in the form of mixtures : bergamot oil , dihydromyrcenol , lilial , lyral , citronellol , phenylethyl alcohol , α - hexylcinnamaldehyde , geraniol , benzyl acetone , cyclamen aldehyde , linalool , boisambrene forte , ambroxan , indole , hedione , sandelice , citrus oil , mandarin oil , orange oil , allylamyl glycolate , cyclovertal , lavendin oil , clary oil , β - damascone , geranium oil bourbon , cyclohexyl salicylate , vertofix coeur , iso - e - super , fixolide np , evernyl , iraldein gamma , phenylacetic acid , geranyl acetate , benzyl acetate , rose oxide , romillat , irotyl and floramat . suitable aromas are , for example , peppermint oil , spearmint oil , aniseed oil , japanese anise oil , caraway oil , eucalyptus oil , fennel oil , citrus oil , wintergreen oil , clove oil , menthol and the like . suitable dyes are any of the substances suitable and approved for cosmetic purposes as listed , for example , in the publication “ kosmetische färbemittel ” of the farbstoffkommission der deutschen forschungsgemeinschaft , verlag chemie , weinheim , 1984 , pages 81 to 106 . examples include cochineal red a ( c . i . 16255 ), patent blue v ( c . i . 42051 ), indigotin ( c . i . 73015 ), chlorophyllin ( c . i . 75810 ), quinoline yellow ( c . i . 47005 ), titanium dioxide ( c . i . 77891 ), indanthrene blue rs ( c . i . 69800 ) and madder lake ( c . i . 58000 ). luminol may also be present as a luminescent dye . these dyes are normally used in concentrations of 0 . 001 to 0 . 1 % by weight , based on the mixture as a whole . the total percentage content of auxiliaries and additives may be from 1 to 50 % by weight and is preferably from 5 to 40 % by weight , based on the particular preparations . the preparations may be produced by standard hot or cold processes and are preferably produced by the phase inversion temperature method . various emulsions containing silicone oils and active substances were tested for their stability . the esterquats used were all methyl - quaternized triethanolamine esters which were present as methosulfates and which only differed in their acyl components , namely : eq1 : palm oil fatty acid ( dehyquart ® au 56 ) eq2 : oleic acid and adipic acid ( 60 : 4 , dehyquart ® au 04 ) eq3 : cocofatty acid and adipic acid ( 60 : 40 , dehyquart ® au 93 ) eq4 : caprylic acid and adipic acid ( 70 : 30 , dehyquart ® abio 8 ) eq5 : ricinoleic acid + 18eo the fatty acid amidoamines used were all condensation products of cocofatty acid which only different in their amide components , namely : faaa1 : ethylenediamine faaa2 : diethylenetriamine faaa3 : aminoethyl ethanolamine faaa4 : n , n - dimethyl aminopropylamine the results of the stability tests are set out in table 1 where (+++)= no change , (++)= slight clouding , (+)= slight separations , (−)= distinct separations and (−−)= complete separation . examples 1 to 7 correspond to the invention , examples c1 to c5 are intended for comparison . [ 0163 ] table 2 examples of cosmetic preparations ( water , preservative to 100 % by weight ) composition ( inci ) 1 2 3 4 5 6 dehyquart ® a 04 2 . 0 2 . 0 2 . 0 2 . 0 4 . 0 4 . 0 dioleoyl / adipinoylmethylethoxymonium methosulfate cocofatty acid n , n dimethylamino 0 . 6 0 . 6 0 . 6 0 . 6 0 . 6 0 . 6 ethyl amide eumulgin ® b2 0 . 8 0 . 8 — 0 . 8 — 1 . 0 ceteareth - 20 eumulgin ® vl 75 — — 0 . 8 — 0 . 8 — lauryl glucoside ( and ) polyglyceryl - 2 polyhydroxystearate ( and ) glycerin lanette ® o 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 5 3 . 0 2 . 5 cetearyl alcohol cutina ® gms 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 1 . 0 glyceryl stearate cetiol ® he 1 . 0 — — — — — peg - 7 glyceryl cocoate cetiol ® pgl — 1 . 0 — — 1 . 0 — hexyldecanol ( and ) hexyldecyl laurate cetiol ® v — — — 1 . 0 — — decyl oleate eutanol ® g — — 1 . 0 — — 1 . 0 octyldodecanol nutrilan ® keratin w — — — 2 . 0 — — hydrolyzed keratin generol ® 122 n — — — — 1 . 0 1 . 0 soja sterol hydagen ® cmf 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 chitosan copherol ® 1250 — — 0 . 1 0 . 1 — — tocopherol acetate

US-47655303-A

the convertible beach attire of the invention is useful as swimming or sun - bathing attire . the invention comprises a pair of modesty panels of cloth or the like , and connector means attached to and / or forming part thereof and releasably connected to opposite sides of the panels to cause them to depend therefrom at the front and rear . the attire itself includes the bottom of a spring - type bikini , skimpy sunsuit or the like under the panels . the connector means may also include components which permit the panels to be affixed to the sides when not in use . the convertible beach attire is simple , attractive , inexpensive , highly functional and convenient .

now referring particularly to fig1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings , novel convertible beach attire 10 is schematically shown displayed about the mid section 12 of a wearer . as shown , the attire 10 comprises a pair of generally rectangular , flexible panels 14 and 16 , which may be of cloth , plastic or the like , connected around the waist of the wearer by a pair of connector means 18 disposed on opposite sides of the wearer &# 39 ; s waist . attire 10 also includes a bikini bottom 20 or such other swim or sun - bathing garment as may be appropriate for the purpose . the connector means 18 preferably are of corrosion - resistant metal or of plastic and serve a dual purpose in that they provide the fasteners to hold both the bikini bottom 20 and the panels 14 and 16 in place . in addition , as may be seen in fig3 the connectors 18 provide a means for supporting a panel such as 14 in a stored position on one side of the wearer when it is not to be used to cover up portions of the body which are exposed by the bikini 20 . the upper edge of the bikini is provided with a waistband or belt 22 having end ties , strings or straps 28 which are secured on opposite sides of the wearer to connectors 18 . as is seen in further detail in fig3 the connector means 18 includes an outer loop or ring 24 and an inner loop or ring 26 . the bikini straps or strings 28 are secured at opposite ends of the ring 24 in conventional fashion as by ties , loops or the like . the inner ring 26 , in the embodiment of fig3 is joined to the outer ring 24 along an upper edge thereof and extends downward to a position of support for the panel 14 , as shown in fig3 the panel 14 is provided with a pair of releasable clips 30 for attaching to the ring 26 . these clips 30 are affixed to opposite sides of the panel 14 at the upper corners thereof by fasteners 32 , which may be releasable clamps or may simply be permanently stitched to the panel 14 . panels 14 and 16 may be completely disconnected from the attire 10 by releasing the clips 30 from the rings 26 of connectors 18 . however , one preferred way of moving panels 14 , 16 to out - of - the - way positions ( i . e ., to shift from the configuration of fig1 and 2 to that of fig3 ) is to merely disconnect only one clip 30 of each panel 14 , 16 , the clips 30 which are disconnected being diagonally opposite each other , so that as a result panel 14 hangs down from one side ring 26 , being held there by one clip 30 , as does panel 16 from the opposite side ring 26 . reconnecting the release clips 30 of the panels 14 , 16 to the ring 26 of the connector 18 on the opposite side from that from which the panel was released develops the configuration shown in fig3 in which the panel is supported in the stored position at the side of the wearer . in order to facilitate such repositioning of the panels 14 , 16 , it is desirable that the clips 30 be free to slide and pivot on the rings 26 from the generally horizontal alignment shown in fig1 to a generally vertical depending alignment as in fig3 . the ring 26 , being unobstructed along the bottom , facilitates such movement and , together with the releasable clips 30 , admits of easy convertibility of the panels 14 , 16 to permit a variety of color combinations -- reversible inside to outside , reversible front to back , etc . swivel members 36 may be provided in the form of strings or elastic for simplicity and ease of reversing the panels 14 , 16 . the members 36 may alternatively be pivotable swivels if desired . as shown in fig4 a slightly different form of connector means is provided . here , a corrosion - resistant connector 40 , used in the convertible beach attire of the invention , is provided with corrosion - resistant spring clip fasteners 42 releasably attached to outer ring portions 43 and secured , as by sewing , to the belt portion 44 of bikini underpants 46 . the inner ring 48 of the connector 40 is secured to the outer ring 43 at both the upper and lower mid portions for added strength and support . releasable clips 50 , attached to panels 14 , 16 , support the latter from opposite end portions of the inner ring 48 . particular details of a preferred connector means 18 are shown in fig5 . the connector 18 is typical of the embodiments shown and described hereinabove . fig5 is a plan or edge view of the connector 18 which may preferably be molded of plastic or formed of some other corrosion - resistant material . as indicated in fig5 the connector 18 comprises outer and inner rings 24 and 26 joined together at a mid - portion 60 with the ends spaced transversely of each other and lying in different vertical planes . the outer ring 24 has a pair of end loops 62 , 63 to which corresponding thongs or other fastenings from the associated bikini or panty garment are secured . it will be noted that the outer ring 24 is configured with a slight concave curve to conform to the body in the region of contact . the inner ring 26 is shown with a pair of end loops 66 and 67 to which the clips 30 of the associated panels 14 , 16 may be secured . the end loops 66 , 67 of the inner ring 26 are configured to project outwardly away from the plane of the outer ring 24 , thereby providing clearance from the wearer &# 39 ; s body so that the clips 30 may be readily hooked and unhooked without risk of pinching or scratching the wearer . as already described , when the modesty panels are to be removed from their operative position and placed in the stored position at opposite sides of the wearer &# 39 ; s body , one of the clips 30 will be unhooked from its associated ring end member 66 or 67 and moved to the corresponding member of another connector 18 on the opposite side of the wearer &# 39 ; s body . in this manner the two fasteners of a single panel , such as 14 , will be secured on the same side from the end members 66 , 67 of the inner ring 26 , as shown in fig3 . in this way the modesty panels may be conveniently stored and at hand , available for transferring to their original position whenever there is need for their use . in the arrangements shown in fig5 the releasable clips 30 are shown in two somewhat different configurations . the right - hand clip 30 is a conventional snap safety link having a spring member 70 bearing against a hook end 72 . this type of connector locks itself in position and can only be released by moving the free end of the spring member 70 away from the hook portion 72 so as to open the connector for release . the clip 30 shown in the left - hand side of fig5 has its outer end 74 in the form of a resilient spring member with a leader 76 to open the spring member 74 as the clip is being pushed outwardly onto the end 66 of the inner ring 26 . pushing the clip 30 inwardly relative to the connector 18 serves to open the spring portion 74 sufficiently to release the clip 30 from the ring portion 66 . such a fastener may readily be fashioned of plastic or some similar resilient material . although there have been described above specific arrangements of convertible beach attire in accordance with the invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage , it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto . accordingly , any and all modifications , variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art should be considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .

US-66607576-A

the present invention provides a method of stimulating vascularization at a site in a mammal , said method comprising contacting said site with a matrix comprising gelatin and a nitric oxide inhibitor . the gelatin is preferably denatured collagen . the nitric oxide inhibitor may be a sulfonated moiety . the inhibitor may be an l - arginine analog , such as aminoguanidine , n - monoethyl l - arginine , n - nitro - l - arginine and d - arginine . the matrix may further comprise a nitric oxide scavenger , such as dextran , heparin , cysteine and cystine .

the present invention provides a hydrogel matrix which is useful for promoting vascularization . the matrix has been previously described in u . s . application ser . no . 09 / 113 , 437 , and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 824 , 331 , herein incorporated by reference . the matrix is able to immobilize water at appropriate storage temperatures and provide binding sites for cells that stimulate growth in terminal cell types , such as beta cells . the matrix of the invention stimulates local blood vessel growth within a thin fibrous capsule or sheet . while the invention is not bound by any mechanism of action , it is hypothesized that the matrix collagen fragments serve as both a scaffolding and stimulus for fibroblasts and new , physiologic blood vessel expansion , without stimulating immune cell response . upon breaking the intimal basement membrane of any tissue , polar amino acid sequences are exposed . for example , injection into a muscle with a needle will provide this tearing . the matrix contains denatured collagen fragments loosely bound to dextran , which bind to the exposed polar surface of the basement membrane . highly polar amino acid additives may be included in the matrix which aid in binding of the collage fragments to the polar surface of the membrane . within a few hours , the aqueous portion of the matrix is absorbed by the surrounding tissue , leaving only the peptide fragments bound to the exposed polar surfaces . the nitric oxide inhibitors and scavengers present in the matrix inhibit the attraction and activation of immune cells to the area . the denatured connective tissue monomers that are co - polymerized with the dextran component of the matrix provide scaffolding required for endothelial proliferation . the connective tissue fragments resemble immature collagen in that they are not cross - linked in the large triple standard helix found in mature collagen . in utero , single - stranded collagen monomers are laid down first , then cross - linked with other monomers to form mature collagen . this process is followed by cellular binding and differentiation , as well as new blood vessel supply . because collagen sequences are conserved in mammalian species , it is believed that the matrix collagen fragments serve both a scaffolding and as a stimulus for fibroblasts and new physiologic blood vessel expansion , without stimulating immune cell response . the matrix of the present invention is a combination of a gelatin component and a liquid composition . the gelatin acts as a substrate for cellular attachment . the preferred gelatin component is denatured collagen . denatured collagen contains polar and non - polar amino acids that readily form a gel based on amine , carboxyl group , hydroxyl group , and sulfhydryl group interactions . the matrix is designed to be in a free flowing or liquid phase at host body temperature in order to provide maximum diffusion across the membrane in vivo . the matrix remains in solid phase at the lower storage temperatures , such as 4 ° c . boiling or otherwise treating intact collagen to form denatured collagen breaks covalent chemical bonds and increases the number of heat sensitive hydrogen bonds and dipole moment attractions . by replacing the covalent chemical bonds with temperature sensitive bonds and attractions , the desired cells can be embedded in a solid matrix formulation at colder temperatures for sustained storage . boiling or otherwise treating intact collagen breaks the tightly coiled helical tropocollagen subunits and causes the subunits to open up into separate peptide chains . these uncoiled strands provide multiple binding areas for cells to attach . the gelatin is present at a concentration of about 0 . 01 to about 40 mm , preferably about 0 . 05 to about 30 mm , most preferably about 1 to 5 mm . advantageously , the gelatin concentration is approximately 1 . 6 mm . the above concentrations provide a solid phase at storage temperature and a liquid phase at transplant or injection temperature . the gelatin component of the matrix of the present invention is mixed with a liquid composition . the liquid composition is preferably based upon a standard culture medium , such as medium 199 , supplemented with additives and additional amounts of some medium components , such as supplemental amounts of polar amino acids as described above . the matrix of the present invention may further include a nitric oxide scavenger . for example , l - cysteine acts as a nitric oxide scavenger and appears to obscure immune recognition sites by binding or docking to the surface of the cells . l - cysteine also provides disulfide linkages which increases the matrix &# 39 ; s resistance to force and further protects the cells contained therein . nitric oxide ( no ) is a pleiotropic mediator of inflammation . no plays an important role in vascular function during inflammatory responses . no is a soluble gas produced by endothelial cells , macrophages , and specific neurons in the brain . no is active in inducing the inflammatory response . the final concentration of l - cysteine is about 5 to about 5 , 000 μm , preferably about 10 to about 800 μm , most preferably about 100 to about 800 μm . in one embodiment , the final concentration is about 20 μm . the matrix of the present invention preferably comprises a nitric oxide inhibitor . for example , aminoguanidine is an l - arginine analogue and acts as a nitric oxide inhibitor . other l - arginine analogues that act as nitric oxide inhibitors could also be used in the present invention . the final concentration of aminoguanidine is about 5 to about 500 μm , preferably about 10 to about 100 μm , most preferably about 15 to about 25 μm . in one embodiment , the final concentration is about 20 μm . in order to increase cell binding , intact collagen may be added in small amounts to provide an additional binding network for the cells contained in the matrix . the final concentration of intact collagen is from about 0 to about 5 mm , preferably 0 to about 2 mm , most preferably about 0 . 05 to about 0 . 5 mm . in one embodiment , the concentration of intact collagen is about 0 . 11 mm . the matrix of the present invention may optionally include a divalent chelator which increases the rigidity of the matrix by removing inhibition of — nh 2 to — cooh hydrogen bonding . the divalent chelator also protects against microbial contamination of the matrix . a preferred divalent chelator is edta . the concentration range for the chelator is about 0 to about 10 mm , preferably 1 to about 8 mm , most preferably about 2 to about 6 mm . in a preferred embodiment , edta is present at a concentration of about 4 mm . conventional antibiotics can also be added to further protect against microbial contamination . while the matrix of the invention does not require the presence of sera , albumin or other nutrient sources may be added to the matrix if desired . preferably , the albumin used is of the same species as the cells contained within the matrix . as described above , use of the same species albumin promotes increased robustness in the cells contained in the matrix . the concentration of albumin is about 0 to about 2 % by volume , preferably 0 to about 0 . 5 % by volume , most preferably about 0 to about 0 . 1 % by volume . in a preferred embodiment , the concentration of albumin is about 0 . 05 % by volume . the matrix may contain an effective amount of polar amino acids therein . the polar amino acids may be selected from the group consisting of arginine , lysine , histidine , glutamic acid and aspartic acid , or other amino acids or other polar chemicals . an effective amount is the amount necessary , to increase the rigidity of the matrix and further enhance binding of the collagen fragment to the polar surface of the basement membrane . in one embodiment , the concentration of polar amino acids is raised to a final concentration of between about 3 to about 150 mm , preferably about 10 to about 65 mm , and more preferably about 15 to about 40 mm . advantageously , the added polar amino acids comprise l - glutamic acid , l - lysine , and arginine . the final concentration of l - glutamic acid is about 2 to about 60 mm , preferably about 5 to about 40 mm , most preferably about 10 to about 20 mm . in one embodiment , the concentration of l - glutamic acid is about 15 mm . the final concentration of l - lysine is about 0 . 5 to about 30 mm , preferably about 1 to about 15 mm , most preferably about 1 to about 10 mm . in one embodiment , the concentration of l - lysine is about 5 . 0 mm . the final concentration of arginine is about 1 to about 40 mm , preferably about 1 to about 30 , most preferably about 5 to about 15 mm . in one embodiment , the final concentration of arginine is about 10 mm . for long term storage of cells , an effective amount of cryoprotectant may be added that allows the matrix to be stored at lower temperatures without cellular damage . preferably , the cryoprotectant is metabolically stable and capable of creating an inert cushion to prevent thermal expansion and contraction of cells . a preferred cryoprotectant is sulfated dextran . the cryoprotectant is present at a concentration of about 0 to about 2 mm , preferably 0 to about 1 mm , most preferably about 0 to about 0 . 1 mm . in one embodiment , the cryoprotectant is present in a concentration of about 0 . 086 mm . dextran is also useful as a nitric oxide scavenger . table 1 below lists particularly preferred key components of the matrix of the present invention along with suitable concentrations as well as preferred concentrations for each component . the matrix may be used to stimulate or enhance vascularization in a mammal at an anatomic site without immune cell stimulation at the site , resulting in long term functional vascularity . that is , after insertion of the matrix in a mammal , vascularization is stimulated in tissue surrounding the matrix . “ anatomic site ” is a predetermined site in a mammal where vascularization is needed . anatomic sites include sites of disease in an organism such as sites of chronic inflammation , atherosclerosis , sites also include sites where a transplant , including cells and / or organs will be placed within a mammal . in essence , generally any site within a mammal may be a suitable site . in particular , muscles , body cavities , particularly the abdominal or the peritoneal cavity are preferred sites . “ vascularization ” refers to the formation and maintenance of blood vessels . stimulation or enhancement of vascularization is defined as increasing blood vessel formation and resulting blood circulation beyond that which would occur naturally . the vascularization enhanced by the matrix is maintained in the organism . this is counter to the temporary vascular changes observed during an immune response . inflammation is accompanied by proliferation of small blood vessels ( angiogenesis ). however , angiogenesis is often followed by regression or a loss of vessel structure . that is , the vessel integrity is not maintained following inflammation . in contrast , the vascularization or blood vessel formation of the invention results in mature vessels that maintain vessel integrity and survive as mature vessels . the process mimics vasculogenesis where a vascular network is established during embryogenesis . thus , the vascularization of the invention is characterized by a network of mature blood vessels that is maintained in the host . an effective amount of the matrix is applied to a site in a mammal where vascularization is desired . an effective amount is an amount necessary to stimulate the flow of blood to the desired anatomic site . the matrix may be used to improve vascularization at a transplant site so that a blood supply is already available for the transplanted cells , tissues , or organs in the recipient . however , matrix may be routinely applied to the transplant site at the time of the procedure with neovascularization occurring within a few days , generally about 4 to 7 days . the vascularization effect of the matrix increases the likelihood of long - term cell and organ viability in a recipient . the methods of the invention can be used to increase vascularization in any mammal in need thereof . mammals of interest include humans , dogs , cows , pigs , cats , sheep , horses , etc ., particularly humans . any means may be used to apply or administer the matrix to the desired anatomic site . the amount of matrix applied will vary depending upon the amount of circulation needed ( for example , the size of the organ or tissue to be implanted in the recipient , the area of the site , etc . ), the weight and size of the recipient , the condition being treated , and the like . an effective amount of the matrix is an amount that promotes the desired amount of vascularization or blood flow and prevents an immune response and the formation of scar tissue . as the matrix apparently stimulates vascularization by physical contact with tissue , the amount to be injected can be determined by ( i ) the linear length of tissue disruption to expose polar basement membrane sites and ( ii ) the volume of the disrupted tract or area to be filled with matrix . the matrix may be used to increase vascularization in patients in need thereof . thus , the methods of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions that benefit from increased blood circulation , for providing a vascularized site for transplantation , for enhancing wound healing , for decreasing scar tissue formation , i . e ., following injury or surgery , for conditions that may benefit from directed suppression of the immune response at a particular site , and the like . any condition that would benefit from increased blood flow are encompassed such as , for example , gangrene , diabetes , poor circulation , arteriosclerosis , atherosclerosis , coronary artery disease , aortic aneurysm , arterial disease of the lower extremities , cerebrovascular disease , etc . in this manner , the methods of the invention may be used to treat peripheral vascular diseases by directly injecting matrix to promote vascularization . likewise , the matrix is useful to treat a diseased or hypoxic heart , particularly where vessels to the heart are obstructed . injection of the matrix into the myocardium results in the formation of new blood vessels . other organs with arterial sclerosis may benefit from an injection of the matrix . likewise , organs whose function may be enhanced by higher vascularization may be improved by an injection of the matrix . this includes kidneys or other organs which need an improvement in function . in the same manner , other targets for arterial sclerosis include ischemic bowel disease , cerebro vascular disease , impotence of a vascular basis , and the like . additionally , formation of new blood vessels in the heart is critically important in protecting the myocardium from the consequences of coronary obstruction . injection of the matrix into ischemic myocardium may enhance the development of collaterals , accelerate the healing of necrotic tissue and prevent infarct expansion and cardiac dilatation . the matrix is suitable for use in the transplantation of cells within a transplant device such as described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 08 / 568 , 694 , which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety . a transplant device is any device designed to contain and protect cells transplanted into a host organism for the production of hormones or other factors . examples of other transplant devices suitable for use with the matrix include those described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 686 , 091 , 5 , 676 , 943 and 5 , 550 , 050 . however , it is also recognized that the matrix may be used as the sole transplant vehicle without using such devices . the methods of the invention are useful for the stimulation of new blood vessels without the presence of immune cells and the characteristic immune response . thus , the use of the matrix of the invention results in vascularization without the formation of scar tissue . therefore , the matrix may be utilized in any physiological setting where the formation of blood vessels is desired . cardiac and stroke patients may benefit by an increase in vascularization . thus , the matrix may be used to improve circulation in post stroke or heart attack victims . because the matrix is beneficial in preventing or reducing the inflammatory response , it may be used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases , including rheumatoid arthritis , atherosclerosis , tuberculosis , chronic lung diseases , autoimmune diseases , particularly rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosis . for treatment , the matrix is injected or applied at the site of interest . for example , to reduce arthritis , the matrix may be injected into a joint in need thereof . as indicated previously , the matrix is useful to prepare a transplant site for tissues or organs of interest . such organ transplants include , but are not limited to , pancreas , kidney , heart , lung , liver , etc . the matrix may also be used in combination with other implants as a surgical adhesion barrier . this finds particular use with breast implants . coating the implant in the matrix prevents or reduces the likelihood of scar tissue formation and adhesion , thus reducing pain and inflammation following surgery . likewise , the matrix may serve as an adjunct to provide vascularization to a cellular implant . such cells in the implant may be native or genetically modified . in one embodiment , cells embedded in matrix may be utilized for grafting into the central nervous system to treat defects , diseases , or damage of the central nervous system . in this manner , the matrix may be utilized in methods for intracerebral neural grafting . that is , cells which are utilized to replace or inject into the central nervous system may be contained within the matrix of the invention . such central nervous system diseases include parkinson &# 39 ; s disease , huntington &# 39 ; s disease , alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease , bipolar disease , schizophrenia , and many other major human diseases . methods for intracerebral grafting are known in the art . see , for example , blacklund et al . ( 1985 ) j . neurosurg . 62 : 169 - 173 ; madrazo et al . ( 1987 ) new eng . j . med . 316 : 831 - 36 ; bjorklund et al . ( 1986 ) ann . n . y . acad . sci . 475 : 53 - 81 ; and dunnett et al . ( 1983 ) trends neurosci . 6 : 266 - 270 . see also joyner et al . ( 1983 ) nature 305 : 556 - 58 ; miller et al . ( 1984 ) science 225 : 630 - 632 ; selden et al . ( 1982 ) science 236 : 714 - 18 , etc . in this method , the matrix of the invention can be used with donor cells , including genetically modified donor cells , including fibroblasts , neurons , glial cells , keratinocytes , hepatocytes , connective tissue cells , ependymal cells , chromaffin cells , and other mammalian cells susceptible to genetic manipulation and grafting . following in vitro fertilization , the embryo is implanted in a female for gestation . the methods of the invention can be used to prepare a vascularized bed for transplantation . in this embodiment , matrix is injected into the uterine wall to promote blood vessel formation prior to implantation of the embryo . alternatively , matrix may be applied at the time of implantation to aid in vascularization . as indicated earlier , the matrix enables vascularization without stimulating immune cells . thus , the matrix finds use in promoting wound healing . the matrix provides new blood vessel growth and fibroblasts to the site without the attraction of immune cells . the matrix prevents inflammation while promoting wound healing . any tissue , or site , in need of repair or healing may benefit from application of the matrix to the site . sites include those resulting from injury or surgery . the matrix may be applied to internal , or external surgical or injury sites to reduce the pain accompanying a classic inflammatory response , and to reduce scar tissue formation . the matrix is also beneficial for superficial wound healing . thus , it may be useful to apply to skin ulcers , burn areas , ulcers that form secondary to peripheral vascular disease , or other tissue damage . the following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limitation . place 835 ml of medium 199 into a stirred beaker . while stirring , heat the solution to 50 ° c . using a syringe , add 20 ml of albumin to the stirred solution . pipette 63 . 28 μl of cysteine , 1 ml of l - glutamine and 200 μl of aminoguanidine into the stirred beaker . add the following gamma irradiated dry raw materials : 120 grams of denatured collagen , 50 grams of dextran , and 0 . 1 grams of intact collagen . use a glass stirring rod to aid mixing of the dry materials into solution . pipette 8 ml of edta into the solution . pipette 5 ml of l - glutamic acid , 5 ml of l - lysine acetate , and 5 ml of arginine hcl into the stirred beaker . note that the solution will turn yellow . use 10 % naoh to adjust the ph of the matrix solution to a final ph of 7 . 40 ± 0 . 05 . cells may be embedded in the matrix of the present invention using the following procedure . aspirate the supernatant from centrifuged cell pellets . add a volume of cell culture medium and matrix to the cell pellets . add a volume of matrix approximately equal to about 4 times the pellet volume . add a volume of cell culture medium to the cell pellets equaling approximately 0 . 05 times the matrix volume added . store the encapsulated cells at refrigerated temperatures if not using immediately . normal 200 - 300 gram rats were injected intramuscularly with enhanced matrix . the animals were sacrificed at 4 - 6 days , and 21 days . histologic sections revealed copious fibroblasts and new blood vessel formation at the injection site . notably absent was the presence of immune or inflammatory cells . when placed around encellin xp devices , manufactured by encelle , inc ., a thin fibrous capsule forms around the device which remains vascularized for the duration of the implant ( out to four months in dogs and six months in rabbits ). a non - adherent fibrous sheath with blood vessels was apparent at time of explant four months after surgical implantation in the dog . fig1 shows blood vessel formation 6 weeks post implant where a bioartificial pancreas that has a bioactive surface ( tissue in matrix placed in wells covered by parylene n ) was implanted between muscle layers with matrix liberally applied over the front and back . fig2 shows a vascularized device sheath 16 weeks post implant in a diabetic dog . the ability of the matrix of the present invention to stimulate blood vessels inn a fibrous capsule was compared to matrigel with or without bfgf or vegf when applied around polycarbonate devices intermuscularly in rats . devices surrounded by these materials or no material were removed from some rats at 21 days and some at 50 days . bfgf and vegf are two angiogenic growth factors currently in human clinical trials . polycarbonate disks were implanted submuscularly in rats . the implants were removed after 21 and 50 days , stained with h & amp ; e , and masson &# 39 ; s trichrome . the capsule thickness and vascular density of the capsule were evaluated . only the matrix of the present invention stimulated new blood vessel growth between 21 and 50 days post injection . while all other groups stimulated initial new blood vessel growth up to 21 days , a diminution in both blood vessel number and fibrous capsule thickness was documented as mature scar tissue was formed . in addition , the matrix treated animals did not show the immune cell / inflammatory response observed in the bfgf and vegf treated animals . see , fig3 and 4 . fig3 shows that after 21 days of implantation , the capsule thickness around the implanted devices were significantly ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ) lower in the em +, rs , and rs + treated samples when compared to the coated polycarbonate disks ( control ). disks coated with just matrigel also showed a significantly ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ) lower capsule thickness than the control . the presence of growth factors seems to eliminate any reduction in capsule thickness with pure matrigel . after 50 days of implantation , no significant differences in capsule thickness with pure matrigel . after 50 days of implantation , no significant differences in capsule thickness were observed in any treatment group . fig4 shows that after 21 days of implantation , the observed vascular density surrounding the implanted disks as essentially the same for all treatments except for those with growth factors present . after 50 - days of implantation , the additional vascular density observed with the growth - factor - enhanced matrigel implants disappears . the vascular density of the implants with no matrix and the matrigel covered implants decreased from 21 to 50 days . on the other hand , the vascular density provided by the matrices of the present invention ( em , em +, rs , and rs +) all remained the same or increased . the matrix can be applied to any area where new , physiologic vascularization is required . it can serve as an adjunct to provide vascularization to an implanted drug delivery or cell system , or can be used to enhance vascularization at a pathologic site . such examples of the latter would be in diabetic peripheral vascular disease , cerebral ischemia , ischemic heart disease , raynaud &# 39 ; s phenomenon , or post - stroke . the matrix might also prove useful in surgical applications where a minimization of scar tissue is desired . because a thin fibrous capsule is formed that remains vascularized , the matrix may be applied to surgical breast implants to minimize painful adhesions . all publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains . all publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference . although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding , it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims .

US-76633001-A

a coffee roasting machine for roasting coffee , particularly in small batch sizes for sale and distribution to individual customers . the coffee roaster is suitable for placement entirely within a retail sales outlet or establishment and for being operated by any person , such as , an employee , customer , or patron who has little or no knowledge , skill , or experience in roasting coffee beans . the coffee - roasting machine selects an appropriate coffee roasting instruction set , stored internally , that corresponding to information input into the coffee - roasting machine for roasting a particular type of coffee bean or coffee bean blend to a desired roast level . the information is integrally included on a package of coffee beans for roasting and is directly readable by the machine or manually inputtable by an operator .

referring to fig1 and 2 , the present invention relates to a coffee - roasting device and system , and methods of use thereof , including embodiments relating to a complete , self - contained user - friendly operating and merchandising system for roasting a variety of beans using automatic roasting , based on user or automatically inputted bean information . one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating drum type coffee - roasting device having an internal heat source . as shown in fig1 , the coffee roasting device 10 includes a bean input hopper 20 for inputting coffee beans , a rotatable drum with optional internal vanes ( drum 35 shown in cutaway view in fig3 , the vanes having reference number 40 ) for agitating coffee beans contained therein , an electric motor 50 for rotating the rotatable drum contained in a roasting chamber 30 , a heating unit ( not shown in fig1 ), one or more blowers 60 , optional internal baffling 70 ( shown in fig5 ), and a chaff collector 80 . further , the coffee - roasting machine 10 includes an emissions control device 90 , a control module 100 ( see fig2 ), a fire suppression system 110 ( see fig2 ), an exhaust system ( not shown in fig1 and 2 ), and insulation 120 for maintaining a safe external temperature . the coffee - roasting device 10 also includes a bean release chute 130 ( not shown in fig1 and 2 ) and cooling tray or bin 150 . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the cooling tray 150 is enclosed within an enclosure 160 of the coffee roasting device 10 . alternately , as shown in fig3 through 8 , the cooling tray 150 is external to the coffee - roasting device 10 . it is within the scope of the present invention , therefore , that the coffee - roasting devices include either an internal or external cooling bin . further , each component of the coffee - roasting device 10 can be modular , allowing easy manufacture , servicing , and replacement . the one or more blowers 60 cause external air to enter the coffee - roasting machine 10 and , in a closed - loop system , the one or more blowers 60 also recirculate air within the coffee - roasting device 10 . in one embodiment , the coffee - roasting device 10 is an open - loop system with respect to air ( i . e ., non - recirculating air type ) and requires no external ventilation ( e . g ., due to emissions control , allowing venting within an enclosed space ). alternately , the scope of the invention also includes closed - loop systems ( e . g ., recirculating air type ), which also permit venting to an enclosed space . the heating unit includes any suitable type of heating source , such as electrical heating elements , gas heating elements , or other types . in one embodiment , the heating element heats incoming and , optionally , recirculated air ( such as in closed - loop embodiments ). the heated air and / or any recirculated air is subsequently used to roast the coffee beans . referring to fig3 - 8 , the heated air is ducted through at least a portion of the coffee - roasting device 10 via the baffling 70 . the heated air then moves out of the baffling 70 and into the roasting chamber 30 where the heated air roasts the coffee beans located therein . the heated air is then conducted out of the roasting chamber 30 , through the chaff collector 80 , through an emission control device 90 ( described in more detail below ), and then exhausted out of the coffee - roasting machine 10 via the exhaust outlet . alternatively , all or part of the heated air is recirculated back through the coffee - roasting device 10 to further roast the coffee beans . however , it is within the scope of the invention that the heating element be disposed within the roasting chamber 30 to apply heat directly to the coffee beans . in such an embodiment the blower 60 circulates incoming air through the roasting chamber , at which point the air is heated , emissions products are collected , and the air is subsequently directed to the emissions control device 90 . optionally , all or a portion of the air is then recirculated to the roasting chamber 30 to further aid in roasting the coffee beans . accordingly , the scope of one embodiment of the present invention includes both direct - heating and convective heating elements . while one embodiment of a coffee - roasting device 10 has been described , such embodiment is merely given as an example . moreover , the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment but includes coffee - roasting machines of different configurations , such as , but not limited to , those including only convection heating , only direct heating , and no recirculation . the emissions control device 90 can be any suitable device for removing emissions products , such as a catalytic converter or an electrostatic precipitator . the emissions control device 90 removes emission products , such as oils , tars , smoke , residues , etc ., from an exhaust emitted by the coffee - roasting device 10 . as a result , according to an embodiment of the present invention , the coffee - roasting device 10 is a “ vent - less ” system , meaning the device 10 does not require the exhaust emitted therefrom to be directed outside of an enclosure , such as an enclosed retail environment , a grocery , or other enclosed space . further , according to a closed - loop embodiment of the present invention , the emissions control device 90 reduces or eliminates off - flavors imparted to the coffee beans and the likelihood of potential fires occurring as a result of the emission products when all or a portion of the heated air is recirculated . the control module 100 includes cooperating features ( e . g ., processor and memory , input device , such as keypad , keyboard , dials , buttons , or switches , and / or bar code scanner , readout ( e . g ., video screen or liquid crystal display (“ lcd ”)), speaker ( not shown ), or other device for providing confirmation and other output information ( including , for example , roasting progress and warnings ), and electronics and hardware to control and monitor roasting ( including , for example , emission level ) and to provide output information ). further , the control module 100 controls various operations of the coffee - roasting device 10 , such as the internal temperature of various portions of the coffee - roasting device 10 , the roasting time , activation of a fire suppression system 110 , and the start and stop of the coffee - roasting device 10 . moreover , the control module 100 is used to input information , such as bean type and roasting profiles , to enable the coffee - roasting device 10 to roast a particular type of coffee bean or coffee bean blend to a particular degree of roast , as explained in more detail below . also described below , the automated or semi - automated aspects of the system permit minimally skilled operators to perform all roasting related functions . in some embodiments , the processor component allows tracking and statistical and other recordkeeping with regard to the system ( e . g ., numbers of roasting cycles and most used bean types ) and may also include a capability for communicating information ( e . g ., via a network , such as the internet ) with a centralized location or locations , such as servers . the coffee - roasting device 10 may also include one or more sensors to indicate failure of particular components and to provide an appropriate indication to inform a user that the coffee - roasting device 10 requires maintenance . further , the coffee - roasting device 10 may also include one or more interlocks to prevent operation thereof if one or more requirements are not met . for example , one interlock prevents operation if a chaff catcher is not in place within the chaff collector 80 . a second interlock may prevent operation of the system if a water inlet is not connected to the fire prevention system 110 for variations that include this feature . also , an interlock may prevent operation when one or more components of the coffee - roasting device 10 are not securably attached . a further interlock may prevent operation of the coffee - roasting device 10 where the cooling tray 150 is not in an appropriate position or configuration . it is within the scope of the invention to have other interlocks to prevent operation of the coffee - roasting device 10 when in a particular configuration . the control module 100 may also include a manual or automatic shut - off for use when , for example , electrical power is lost , the rotatable drum 35 stops rotating , the roasted coffee beans or some other portion of the coffee - roasting device 10 meets or exceeds a predetermined temperature , or for any other reason . the fire suppression system 110 can be of any type , such as a water or co 2 based system , and may be made to activate automatically , such as when a temperature of the coffee - roasting device 10 meets or exceeds a predetermined value . in one embodiment , the coffee - roasting device 10 includes one or more temperature sensors located , for example , in the roasting chamber 30 , the chaff collector 80 , the heating element , and the exhaust system . in some embodiments , the temperature sensors may , for example , be monitored via an lcd or other display . in one embodiment , the fire suppression system 110 includes a water tank ( not shown ) that must be filled to a predetermined level in order for the coffee - roasting device 10 to operate . alternatively , the fire suppression system 110 includes an external water connection point ( not shown ). in a further embodiment , the coffee - roasting device 10 includes a canister of co 2 that must contain a predetermined pressure in order for the coffee - roasting machine 10 to operate . when a temperature of the coffee - roasting machine 10 exceeds a predetermined temperature , the fire suppression system 110 is activated , causing automated valves ( not shown ) to open , thereby releasing the water , co 2 , or other fire suppressant into one or more areas of the coffee - roasting device 10 , such as at the locations where the temperature sensors are located . further , the fire suppression system 110 may also include a manually controlled valve conveniently located for activation by a user . as shown in fig9 , the system of one embodiment of the present invention includes packages 170 of unroasted beans of a predetermined size or predetermined sizes . the packages , and information on the packages , are usable alone or in conjunction with user - selected input to program the coffee - roasting device 10 of the system . for example , each package 170 may be of a predetermined volume , size , or weight , such as five pounds of beans in a standard shaped package . for example , the packages 170 may be milk - carton shaped , roughly five by seven inches in cross - section . the use of uniform sized packaging allows easy shipping ( e . g ., in box containing eight closely packed packages , which may include different bean types ) and storage in the integrated bins of a retail unit . the uniform packages in a storage area also allow immediate determination at any time of remaining stocks and the number of packages needed to maximize storage . however , packages of any predetermined size and configuration are within the scope of the invention , and the system of the present invention is not dependent upon any package of any particular shape or size . in an alternate embodiment , the unroasted coffee beans are provided in bulk bins 180 , as shown in fig1 . fig1 illustrates a merchandising system according to the present invention . in one embodiment , each bin 180 is sized to correspond to the batch size of the coffee - roasting device 10 , i . e ., the capacity of the bin 180 is equal to a full load of coffee beans for roasting by the coffee - roasting device 10 . alternatively , the batch size is substantially equal to the size of a separately provided package 190 . unroasted coffee beans from the bins 180 are emptied into the separately provided package 190 of a predetermined size , for example . a user fills the package 190 with a predetermined amount , such as by filling the package up to a fill line or other indicator 195 on the package 190 . additionally , one or more different packages 190 , fillable by the user , may be provided . each different package 190 may corresponds to a particular coffee bean type , coffee bean blend , or a particular level of roast desired by the user , for example . further , the packages 190 include information ( interchangeably referred to as “ special packaging information ”) in the form of a bar code , transponder , or other automatically transmittable information , for example . the information is incorporated with the packaging or usable with the packaging , and operates in conjunction with the control module 100 of the coffee - roasting device 10 . for example , the control module 100 may include a barcode reader or receiver capable of receiving the information . the control module 100 reads or receives the information contained with the package 190 for use by the coffee - roasting device 10 of the system . alternatively , the information included with the packages 190 is user readable information ( e . g ., manually readable markings , such as weight , bean type , and roast level ) and is inputtable into the coffee - roasting device 10 by a user . the information included with the packages 170 or 190 can include any type of information , such as coffee bean type , coffee bean volume or weight , or the type of roasting to be applied to the coffee beans . for example , the information may include the type of coffee beans or coffee bean blends contained in the package 170 or 190 , such as columbian , sumatran , costa rican , kenyan , the type or degree of roast ( referred to interchangeably as “ roast profile ”) to be applied to the coffee beans , such as french roast , italian roast , espresso roast , or other information relating to the coffee beans or desired roast required by the coffee - roasting device 10 to perform an appropriate roast operation . in an embodiment of the present invention wherein the packages 170 or 190 are configured to hold a predetermined size or weight of coffee beans , the information may only include information regarding coffee bean type or desired roast . further , the information , according to some embodiments of the present invention , includes a unique identifier that allows the packaging to be useable only once . for example , the information may be in the form of a one - time use code . according to one embodiment , once the information has been inputted , the coffee - roasting device 10 allows the user to select the type of roast desired . once all of the necessary information has been inputted , the coffee - roasting device 10 selects the corresponding roast profile instruction set ( e . g ., instructions for a roasting process performed by the coffee - roasting device to roast a particular type of coffee bean to a particular roast level ) and begins the roasting process . in one embodiment of the present invention , the device stores a plurality of roast profile instruction sets , each of which corresponds to a particular type of coffee bean or coffee bean blend and desired roast profile . the roast profile instruction sets are stored in the memory of the control module 100 . a roast profile instruction includes the necessary instructions to operate the coffee - roasting device 10 to roast a particular type and amount of coffee bean to a particular roast level . for example , the instructions sets include a required roasting temperature and roasting time for roasting , for example . for a coffee - roasting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention that provides a constant roast temperature , the roast profiles may only include information such as roasting time . however , roast profile instruction sets may include other information in addition to roast time and temperature , such as information to start and stop the one or more blowers 60 , time to start and stop the heating element , etc . it is within the scope of the invention to include within a roast profile instruction set any and all information necessary to operate the coffee - roasting device 10 to roast a given amount of a particular coffee bean type or coffee bean blend to a desired roast profile . in an embodiment of the present invention where the roast profile is selectable by the user after the special packaging information ( including information such as coffee bean type ) has been input into the coffee - roasting device 10 , some roast profiles available with one or more coffee bean types may not be available with one or more other coffee bean types , because , for example , some coffee bean types do not produce a good flavor or are otherwise not desirable with a particular roast profile . moreover , the system of the present invention is usable with any number of different coffee bean types . further , it is within the scope of the present invention that new roast profile instruction sets may be added or that existing roast profile instruction sets may be deleted or modified to correspond , for example , to changes in available coffee bean types or taste preferences . in operation , according to an embodiment of the present invention , the coffee - roasting device 10 of the system receives input on a bean type , weight or volume , and desired roast profile . the user of the system selects a bean type ( e . g ., package of beans ) and inputs the type and weight information ( e . g ., by keypad or automatic input via scanning of a barcode ; weight information may always be the same via use of uniform package sizes ). the user then inputs or selects a desired roast profile ( e . g ., dark or “ french roast ”). in some embodiments , only certain roast profiles are enabled for some bean types , for example , to protect against improper or inadvertent mis - roasting . optionally , a “ warming up ” indication is provided to the user , if the system needs to warm up before operation , prior to receiving the beans for roasting . the coffee - roasting device 10 determines a proper roasting level for the beans ( such as by time and temperature or just time if a single temperature is always used for roasting , adjusted for the particular bean type and roasting characteristics inputted or selected ). the user then dumps or otherwise places the beans from the pre - packaged container into the machine , such as via the input hopper 20 . the machine circulates the beans in the drum 30 and roasts the beans , while chaff or other to be discarded portions of the beans are expelled from the drum 30 ( e . g ., by gravity drop through drum perforations or via use of an opening into a larger volumetric space , producing a pressure drop and subsequent precipitation of chaff ). in one embodiment , the blower 60 either continuously operates , or operates intermittently as necessary ( e . g ., based on sensor information or user selection ) so as to siphon smoke or other emissions from the coffee - roasting device 10 of the system , and to direct the emissions to the emission control device 90 . the system then proceeds to roast , per the inputted information . upon completion of roasting , the roasted beans are either automatically released to the cooling tray 150 , or , for example , the system provides an indication to allow the user to manually release the beans to the cooling tray 150 . an embodiment having the cooling tray 150 located externally to the coffee - roasting device 10 allows cycling of roasting and cooling . moreover , this arrangement facilitates three to four roasting cycles per hour using a single machine . in one embodiment , the cooling tray 150 includes a plurality of perforations therein to provide airflow over the roasted coffee beans for cooling . additionally , air from the cooling tray 150 can be drawn through a portion of the coffee - roasting device 10 and emissions control device 90 to remove any emission products given off during cooling . further , the coffee - roasting device 10 may also include a bypass to the emissions control device 90 at a point during cooling when the roasted coffee beans no longer give off any emission products . following cooling of the roasted beans , the beans are placed into bins segregated by bean type , which may be used , for example , to fill consumer containers ( e . g ., coffee bags ) for sale at a retail point of purchase . alternately , the roasted coffee beans may be collected directly by the user into a container upon cooling of the roasted coffee beans . moreover , the system may include indicator levels ( e . g ., low level markings ) or sensors to indicate when roasting of a type is required or suggested ( e . g ., to replenish bin level ). optionally , upon a set number of roastings or other trigger mechanism occurring , the system indicates to the user the need to perform maintenance , such as emptying the chaff collector 80 and cleaning the coffee - roasting device 10 . in some embodiments , the coffee - roasting device 10 may be cleaned via exposure to raised temperature from the heating element , while no beans are contained in the drum 30 . referring to fig1 , one embodiment of the system includes a self - contained retail unit 200 having the encapsulated coffee - roasting device 10 , as well as integrated bins 210 or compartments for holding pre - roasted beans and for collecting roasted beans , once roasting is complete . the system optionally includes bins 220 for holding and segregating roasted beans ( e . g ., for easy packaging ), and storage capacity for holding packages of beans prior to roasting , with components of the coffee - roasting device contained behind the fronting unit . combined with the automated or semi - automated aspects of the system , these units allow minimally skilled operators to perform all roasting related functions . moreover , the bins 210 and 220 are sized to correspond to a batch size of the coffee - roasting device 10 , although bins of any size are within the scope of the present invention . while there has been described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention , it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto , and it is intended that the disclosure cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention . other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art .

US-41726006-A

a compact and portable measuring device that is quickly and easily attachable to a fish holding device , at an end of the fish , and provides a visually readable scale , which can be used to easily identify the length of the fish and can later be read in a photograph of the fish and measuring device , even if taken at a distance away from the fish and the device .

referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail , and in particular to fig1 , there is illustrated a fish 1 held by the jaws 4 of a holder 2 attached to the lip 3 of the fish 1 . the jaws 4 of the holder 2 place pressure at a single point 5 on the lip 3 of the fish 1 . because pressure is only applied at a single point 5 , the fish 1 can pivot around the single point 5 and the weight of the fish 1 causes the fish to hang in a vertical orientation , with the edge 6 of the lip 3 , defining a first end of the fish 1 , directly above the distal tail 7 , defining a second end of the fish 1 . variations on the holding device 2 shown in fig1 can be used to achieve the same result . it is , however , a goal of the invention that the fish 1 be oriented in the same plane and direction as the measuring device 18 , which will be described in detail in the proceeding paragraphs . fig2 shows the base 8 of the measuring device 18 . it can be seen from the diagram that base 8 consists of two flat sections 9 , 10 joined at an approximately 90 degree angle , forming an “ l ” shaped configuration . the base can be constructed of almost any material which can maintain the “ l ” shape and allow for attachment of the measuring tape 15 ( to be described below ). in a preferred embodiment , the base material is aluminum , which is inexpensive , durable , and resistive to rust when exposed to salt water . as shown in fig2 , a first section 9 of the base 8 has a finger - shaped groove 11 , penetrating entirely through the section 9 , and running from one edge 12 of the section 9 to a point near the center 13 of the section 9 . the second section 10 of the base 8 is provided with an attachment point 14 for connecting a measuring tape 15 ( not shown ). the attachment point 14 is shown in fig2 as a tubular slot formed in an end of the second section 10 . fig3 shows the tape 15 attached to the base 8 , creating complete measuring device 18 . as can be seen in fig3 , a tubular - shaped object 16 attached to an end of measuring tape 15 is inserted into slot 14 of base 8 . this construction provides the advantage of being able to separate the tape 15 from the base 8 so that the tape 15 can be cleaned or replaced after a long period of use . the ability to separate the base 8 and tape 15 can also provide an advantage for storage space . although a slot is shown in the diagrams , many other methods of removably attaching the pieces may be utilized . some examples might be velcro ™, interlocking pieces , magnets , etc . it should also be noted that the object of the device can be achieved if the pieces 8 and 15 are permanently attached . the tape 15 is a flexible ribbon - like material that attaches to the base 8 . the tape 15 can vary widely in materials and can be provided in multiple lengths , depending on the predicted length of the objects to be measured . in a preferred embodiment , the tape 15 is at least several inches wide and has incremented scale markings 17 indicating distances from a zero point on the tape , much like a common yardstick . the scale markings 17 are shown in fig3 as spanning from one edge of the tape 15 to the opposite edge , except for an area in the center of the tape where incremented numerals are printed . it should be noted that the downward facing surface 21 of section 9 is the zero mark for measuring a fish 1 . therefore , the first number marking on tape 15 must factor in the length of section 10 . in a preferred embodiment , the tape and scale markings 17 will be highly contrasting colors , making measurement determination possible from at least several feet away . by selecting a tape material that is flexible , the device can be easily compacted simply by rolling or folding the tape 15 into a small area near the base 8 . the measurement device 18 is utilized by orienting the first section of the base 9 , having the groove 11 , in a mostly horizontal plane and the second section 10 to which the tape 15 attaches is positioned in a vertical , downward pointing direction . this orientation is shown in fig4 . by sliding the groove 11 in the horizontal section 9 of the base 8 around the clamping jaws 4 of the holding device 2 , the base 8 can rest on the uppermost point 6 of the fish &# 39 ; s mouth 3 , which is the zero point for the measurement . it should be noted that although a groove 11 is described as a means of attaching the base 8 to the holder 2 , a variety of other methods exist with which to attach the base , or even the tape directly , to a fish holder 2 , while still achieving the same object . gravity causes the tape 15 , which is attached to the base 8 , to hang in the same downward direction as does the fish 1 hanging from the holder 2 . to ensure that the tape remains in a downward direction , even in windy conditions , the bottom section 20 of tape 15 can be provided with a weighted object . a tubular object 19 sewn into the end 20 of tape 15 is shown in fig4 . the weight could also be clipped onto the tape 15 at any point along its length . other methods of attaching the weight can be just as effective . an observer looking at the fish 1 , with the tape 15 in the background , i . e ., with the fish 1 between the observer and the tape 15 , can easily see at what marking 17 , along the length of the tape 15 , the tail of the fish 7 ends , defining the length of the fish 1 . by selecting a marking 17 color that is highly contrasting with the selected tape 15 color , the measurement will be easily discernable from a significant distance away from the fish and tape . the length of the fish 1 can then be noted mentally , recorded in a separate record book , or , as is an advantage of the present invention , a photograph may be taken of the fish 1 . because the color of tape 15 and markings 17 has been selected so as to contrast with one another , and the markings are selected of a sufficient size , the markings 17 on the tape 15 will be easily captured by the film for later review . in accordance with an additional feature of the present invention , and as shown in fig5 , base 8 can be provided with a strap 22 which can be used to ensure that base 8 does not become detached from holder 2 . in a preferred embodiment , strap 22 is elastic material that can be stretched around the outside edge of section 9 and prevents the holder 2 from exiting the slot 11 of base 8 . it should be noted that there are many other configurations and materials that can be used for obstructing the pathway of the groove 11 and thereby preventing the base 8 from falling off of holder 2 . for instance , the width of the groove can be reduced near the opening , a door - type piece can be provided near the opening of the groove , the groove can be formed in a zigzag - type pattern , or any other similar method may be utilized . while the object of the invention is to provide a way to easily measure and / or record the length fish , the device 18 is not limited to only the measurement of fish . the device 18 can be used to measure an almost unlimited number of other objects in a manor similar to that described in the preceding paragraphs .

US-78391504-A

a pmr catheter including an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end , and a conductor extending therethrough . an insulator disposed around the conductor . at least one conductive loop disposed at the distal end of the shaft . the conductive loop having an electrode disposed at its distal end .

referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the several views , fig1 is a longitudinal , cross - sectional view of a catheter 10 in accordance with the present invention . catheter 10 includes an elongate shaft 11 having a proximal portion 12 and a distal portion 14 . a loop 16 is connected to catheter 10 at the distal end of shaft 11 . proximal portion 12 of shaft 11 is preferably formed from a metallic member such as a stainless steel hypotube . portion 14 is preferably formed from a metallic member such as a nitinol hypotube . loop 16 is preferably formed from , for example , a nitinol ribbon having a cross section of about 0 . 003 inches by about 0 . 005 inches as well . the connections between proximal shaft 12 , distal shaft 14 and loop 16 should be formed from a solder or other conductive material such that a conductive path can be formed through shaft 11 to loop 16 for conductance of rf energy . as one skilled in the art would recognize , an rf generator can be connected to the proximal end of shaft 11 to deliver radio frequency energy to loop 16 . the strength of the rf field delivered to loop 16 should be sufficient to create the desired wound in a patient &# 39 ; s myocardium when performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization ( pmr ). to guard against injury to the vasculature through which catheter 10 is advanced , shaft 11 is insulated . proximal portion 12 can be insulated by a layer of polyethylene 18 . distal portion 14 can be insulated by a layer of polyimide 20 . these insulative materials are illustrative examples only , as other biocompatible materials may advantageously be used as insulators . loop 16 is preferably heat set to expand from a compressed position to be passed through a guide catheter to , for example , the left ventricle of the patient &# 39 ; s heart . loop 16 is preferably heat set such that as loop 16 enters the left ventricle , it will expand to a size greater than the diameter of the guide catheter lumen through which loop 16 was advanced . a radiopaque marker 22 is preferably disposed at the distal end of loop 16 . marker 22 is preferably formed from a radiopaque material such as gold or platinum . marker 22 should be conductively connected to loop 16 to enable marker 220 to act an electrode to deliver rf energy to a patient &# 39 ; s myocardium . if it is desired to form craters in the patient &# 39 ; s myocardium , the distance which marker 22 extends distally from loop 16 should be less than the maximum transverse dimension of marker 22 ( a crater is a hole having a width greater than its depth ). to focus the rf energy on marker 22 , loop 16 can be insulated with a material such as heat shrink ptfe . if a portion of loop 16 , for example , adjacent its distal end , is left uninsulated , the uninsulated portion of loop 16 can act as an electrode . in such an instance , a very wide crater can be formed . the width of the crater being approximately equal to the transverse dimension of the uninsulated portion of loop 16 . since loop 16 can have a transverse dimension greater than that of the guide catheter lumen through which it is advanced , the crater can have a width which is in turn , greater than the diameter of the guide catheter lumen . it can be appreciated that to the extent that the transverse portion of loop 16 is insulated , it can act as a stop limiting the penetration of marker 22 . it should be noted that marker 22 and loop 16 can be pressured against the endocardium during the pmr procedure . during the pmr procedure , since the heart continues to beat , marker 22 will be motion when in contact with the heart . to absorb the movement of the heart and keep marker 22 in contact with the heart wall , it can be appreciated that loop 26 can act as a shock absorber to dampen the change in force incident to marker 22 as the heart beats . fig2 is a perspective view of a distal end of an alternate embodiment 100 of a catheter in accordance with the present invention . catheter 100 includes a shaft 111 and a loop 116 extending distally therefrom having a radiopaque marker 122 disposed on the distal end thereof . a second loop 124 extends from the distal end of shaft 111 to proximate , and proximal of the distal end of loop 116 . it can be appreciated that if a portion of second loop 124 were not insulated and it were connected to ground or a lower voltage than loop 116 , that it could act as a second pole to create a bi - polar rf ablation device ( a second pole could be added to each of the other embodiments disclosed herein as well ). a distal portion of loop 116 , as well as marker 122 , can be used as an electrode if left uninsulated . insulating loop 124 , loop 124 can act as a stop limiting penetration of loop 116 into the myocardium during the pmr procedure . the various components of catheter 100 can be formed from the same materials as catheter 10 and assembled in a similar manner . fig3 shows a perspective view of a distal end of yet another embodiment 210 of the catheter in accordance with the present invention . catheter 210 includes a shaft 211 and a distal shaft extension 226 . disposed at the distal end of extension 226 is a tip 228 . shaft 226 is preferably formed from a metal such as nitinol . tip 228 can be a ball shaped tip formed from , for example , stainless steel . shaft extension 226 and ball tip 228 are connected to shaft 211 by soldering or other means to form a conductive path from shaft 211 through extension 226 into ball tip 228 . ball tip 228 can then act as an electrode to form holes in the myocardium of the patient &# 39 ; s heart during the pmr procedure . catheter 210 includes a first loop 216 and a second loop 224 . preferably loops 216 and 224 as well as extension 226 are insulated by a material such as heat shrink ptfe . when loops 216 and 224 are insulated , they can act as stops limiting the penetration of tip 228 into the myocardium of the patient &# 39 ; s heart . fig4 shows a perspective view of the distal end of yet another embodiment 310 of the catheter in accordance with the present invention . catheter 310 is substantially similar to catheter 210 , having a shaft 311 , a conductive shaft extension 326 and electrode tip 328 . catheter 310 also includes first and second loops 316 and 324 , respectively . each of the elements 310 are formed from the same materials in essentially the same way as that of the previous embodiments and , in particular , of catheter 210 . tip 326 , however , includes a truncated surface 330 . in addition , a lumen extends through the entire length of the catheter exiting at opening 332 in tip 328 . during pmr , contrast media , growth factor or other drugs can be delivered to the myocardium of the patient &# 39 ; s heart through the lumen . fig5 shows a distal end of yet another embodiment 410 of the catheter in accordance with the present invention . catheter 410 includes a shaft 411 which defines a lumen 413 extending between the proximal and distal ends of shaft 411 . loop 416 extends distally from lumen 413 . loop 416 has a first end 434 and a second end 436 which extends to the proximal end of shaft 411 . end 434 is anchored to shaft 411 proximate the distal end of shaft 411 . a marker 422 can be disposed on loop 416 . loop 416 is preferably formed from a metallic ribbon such as a nitinol ribbon having cross - sectional dimensions of about 0 . 003 inches by about 0 . 005 inches . at least one end of loop 416 is connected to a radio frequency generator . loop 416 can also be stainless steel , cold worked and heat treated into the desired geometry . as shown in fig5 loop 416 is disposed in an advancement position a . in fig6 loop 416 is shown in a deployed position b . loop 416 can be shifted from position a to position b by advancing end 436 distally . loop 416 can be shifted from position b to position a by pulling end 436 proximally . as can be seen in fig6 loop 416 has a substantial transversely extending distal portion . this configuration can be obtained by heat setting or pre - forming loop 416 as known to those skilled in the art . it can be appreciated that if the substantially transversely extending portion of loop 416 is left uninsulated to form an electrode , an electrode can be delivered during the pmr procedure which is substantially wider than the diameter of the guide catheter lumen through which it is advanced . loop 416 can , however , be insulated such that only marker 422 acts as an electrode . in use , each of the catheters of the present invention is preferably advanced percutaneously through a guide catheter extending through the aorta into the left ventricle of a patient &# 39 ; s heart . it can be appreciated that the various embodiments can be advanced into other heart chambers as well . once the electrode has been advanced to the patient &# 39 ; s heart , rf energy is delivered to the electrode . the electrode is then repeatedly advanced into the patient &# 39 ; s myocardium to create holes therein . numerous advantages of the invention covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description . it will be understood , however , that this disclosure is , in many respects , only illustrative . changes may be made in details , particularly in matters of shape , size , and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention . the inventions &# 39 ; s scope is , of course , defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed .

US-62007800-A

a method and apparatus for providing an average signal characteristic profile derived from signals obtained from different cycles of a cyclically recurring physiological phenomenon . a signal produced from first and second cycles of the physiological phenomenon is sampled at a series of data points to obtain second physiological property values at the data points . the change in the second physiological property values for the first cycle signal between a pair of successive data points and the change in the second physiological property values for the second cycle signal between the same pair of successive data points are determined and averaged . the average change amount is applied to a value of the average signal characteristic profile at one of the pair of successive data points to produce a new second physiological property value for the average signal characteristic profile at the other of the data points of the pair .

apparatus for obtaining the signals needed for volumetric capnography ( vcap ) is shown in fig2 . the breathing gas composition is measured with any type of fast response equipment for sensing the co 2 properties of the breath pattern of patient 20 . this may typically include an analyzer using infrared absorption , or a chemical analyzer , for co 2 . the sensor for the analyzer can be located within the measuring device 22 or at mouthpiece 24 through which patient 20 breaths . in the former case , the analyzer is of the side - stream type in which a gas sample is drawn through a sample line 26 for analysis . in the latter case , the gas analyzer is of the main - stream type in which the gas composition is analyzed directly from the breathing gases . breathing gas volume can be measured by integration of a flow signal over time using a breathing gases flow sensor located in mouthpiece 24 . for flow measurement , any known type of flow sensor , including thermal , ultrasonic , and pressure difference sensors can be utilized . a pressure difference sensor may use e . g . a flow restrictor or pitot - tube to create the flow dependent pressure signal . the flow sensor signal is transferred through the signal transfer line 28 to the measuring device 22 . arterial blood is sampled into a syringe 30 e . g . from an artery of patient 20 . typically , an artery in the arm is used for this purpose . the blood gas quantities are determined in a blood gas analyzer , not shown . fig3 and 4 present the same simplified example explained above in connection with fig1 to show how an averaged signal representing a characteristic profile of a cyclical signal is formed by the practice of the present invention . although the present description exemplarily , for reasons of simplicity , presents the method using only two breaths 100 and 120 , the number of breaths employed can be any number greater than one . advantageously for the purpose of forming an appropriate vcap curve for comparative and diagnostic purposes , all breaths occurring during collection of the arterial blood sample are included in composing the average signal characteristic profile . sampling of the breaths to be used in the method of the present invention begins from a reference point , which in fig3 is the beginning of expiration at zero volume , or at point 40 . reference point 40 may also be any other well - defined point in a breath or breaths . the expired gas co 2 concentration at the reference point is calculated as average of all breath values at this point . in the example shown in fig3 , this would be a zero concentration for each breath . further co 2 samples are taken as the expiration proceeds , i . e . as the expired breathing gases volume moves to the right along the abscissa of fig3 . the sampling may occur at constant or variable intervals , and corresponding reference axis values starting from the reference point . the sampling for each breath is carried out at similar abscissa values , that is , at the same expired breathing gas volumes . respective changes along the ordinate , which is breathing gases co 2 concentration expressed as partial pressure in fig3 , are calculated between two successive samples for each breath 100 , 120 as the difference between the two samples . as shown more clearly in the enlarged view of fig4 , the changes between two successive samples are expressed with arrows 42 . in the method and apparatus of the present invention , an average expiration profile is formed starting from the reference point value 40 , by adding the average changes in the values for breaths 10 and 12 to an average value at a previous point . upon reaching the maximum abscissa value of any breath participating in the average change calculation , the method excludes this breath from further averaging , and the averaging continues among only the remaining breaths . specifically , the average change calculation is shown in fig4 of the drawing . fig4 shows the ordinate of fig3 and a portion of the abscissa around 300 ml of expired breathing gases volume along with portions of the data curve for breaths 100 and 120 . four successive sampling points a , b , c , and d are shown . to carry out the method of the present invention , the change in breathing gases co 2 partial pressure ( pco 2 ) for breaths 100 and 120 is calculated between successive samplings . for example , the change in pco 2 for breath 100 between sampling points a and b is about 4 mmhg and for breath 12 about 3 mmhg . the average change for breaths 100 and 120 would be 3 . 5 mmhg . in determining the profile 140 for the patient &# 39 ; s expired breathing gases , the amount of 3 . 5 mmhg would be added to a reference value 140 a established at sampling point a of about 19 mmhg , to produce a new value for the profile point 140 b of about 22 . 5 mmhg for the average characteristic profile curve 140 . the same procedure is carried out in an analogous manner for sampling points b and c and sampling points c and d produce points 140 c and 140 d on curve 140 . this procedure may be continued up to the largest expiration volume of any breath included in the averaging , i . e . the tidal volume v t and a continuous curve 140 is formed that accurately reflects the pco 2 characteristics of both breaths 100 and 120 , as shown in fig3 , even though the expired volume of one breath , breath 100 , is less than that of another breath , breath 120 . over a period of time , average tidal volume v t determines lung ventilation . therefore , the average characteristic curve 140 is advantageously continued up to the average of the tidal volumes of the individual breaths . this is point 44 in fig3 as determined by the volume scale abscissa distance between the vcap start - and end - points . in fig1 and 3 , the expiration start is nominated as zero volume , thus the vcap end - point 44 projection on the volume scale defines the tidal volume . for breaths 10 and 100 , the tidal volume end point is 430 ml . for breaths 12 , 120 , the tidal volume end point is 600 so the average tidal volume is 515 ml as shown in fig3 by 44 . the end - tidal co 2 concentration obtained by carrying out the technique of the present invention is the end - point co 2 concentration 46 of the vcap curve at volume v t 44 , as shown by line 48 projected to the ordinate , and is about 30 mmhg . as illustrated in fig3 , the breath 100 ends at the tidal volume end point of 430 ml while the second breath 120 ends at the tidal volume end point of 600 ml . the average vcap curve 140 is calculated between pairs of successive sampling points as the average change between the sampling points for the breaths 100 and 120 at all of the sampling points below the tidal volume end point for the smaller breath 100 . for sampling points below the tidal volume of the smaller breath 100 , both breaths 100 and 120 have measured values for pco 2 at both of the pair of successive first and second data points . the system and method of the present invention determines the amount of change between successive sampling points for each of the two breaths 100 and 120 and determines an average change between the successive first and second data points . this average is added to the reference value established at the first data point to create the reference value at the second data point . in the method and apparatus of the present invention , at successive sampling points following the tidal end point of breath 100 , only the second breath includes a pco 2 value . since no physiological property value is present for the first breath , the method and apparatus of the present invention utilizes only the change in pco 2 of the breath 120 that includes the pco 2 at both of the air of successive data points as the average change amount . thus , as can be seen in fig3 , the average characteristic curve 140 follows the breath 120 for data points following the tidal volume end point for breath 100 . thus , contrary to the prior art system shown in fig1 , the average characteristic curve 140 does not automatically track with the larger breath and instead utilizes only the change in the second physiological property of the larger breath . the slope of the profile for the alveolar portion of expiration , from about 325 ml of expired volume on , determined from the average vcap curve 140 now expresses correctly the true alveolar v / q profile . comparison to the paco 2 analyzed from the blood sample during the recording of the breaths used for formation of the average vcap characteristic profile and indicated by line 50 in fig3 gives a full picture of the v / q relationship of the lung . various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention . for example , while the present invention has been described using the physiological functioning of the lungs as an example of a cyclic process , it could be used with other cyclic processes such as those associated with the functioning of the heart . and , it can also be used in connection with the measurement of other components of a subject &# 39 ; s breathing gases besides co 2 , such as oxygen or nitrous oxide .

US-29295605-A

an oral care implement includes a reservoir containing at least one active agent . the implement has an activator for activating a delivery device which delivers a predetermined amount of an active agent to one or more outlets . a wide variety of types of active agents can be administered at appropriate and accurate doses for therapeutic , hygienic , and / or other benefits .

fig1 schematically illustrates a toothbrush 1 having a handle 10 and a head 12 containing tooth cleaning elements , such as bristles 16 and / or elastomeric cleaning elements ( not shown ) or the like . a storage location , such as a reservoir 15 , is provided within the handle 10 for storing the active agent . the handle 10 or other exterior portion of the toothbrush 1 preferably contains a delivery device actuator or switch , such as a user - actuated button 22 , for activating a delivery device such as pump 18 . the pump 18 can be located before or after the reservoir 15 . upon pressing the button 22 , the pump 18 causes a predetermined quantity of a medium preferably containing an active agent to be delivered from the reservoir 15 through a channel 19 leading to a plurality of outlets 20 . as shown in fig1 , the outlets 20 may be located on the surface of the head 12 between or in the vicinity of the bristles 16 . alternatively , the outlets 20 may be located on other portions of the head 12 , handle 10 , or elsewhere on the toothbrush 1 . alternatively , the active agent may be delivered through the bristles 16 , such as if the bristles comprised hollow lumens or the like . in this arrangement , the tip of the bristles made have at least one aperture for releasing the active agent . alternatively , the active agent can also be delivered simultaneously through outlets 20 located at different portions of the toothbrush 1 , for example to aid in the application of the active agent to different areas of the mouth . although a plurality of outlets 20 is illustrated , it is contemplated that a single outlet could be used . the switch for activating the pump 18 may be a button 22 , as illustrated in fig1 , or may be another type of switch such as a user - activated toggle switch or rotating dial . depressing the button 22 preferably activates a timing circuit which causes the pump 18 to operate for an interval needed to pump a predetermined amount of the medium containing the active agent from the reservoir 15 and through the outlets 20 . the pump is connected to a power source or has a power source , such as a battery ( not shown ). the timing circuit causes the pump 18 to operate for an interval of time which either may be preset or may be adjustable , e . g ., by a user - activated rotating dial , which may vary depending on the active agent and the desired delivery regimen . while an external switch 22 has been described , it will be appreciated that a user - operated , internal switch that activates the delivery device upon the mechanical action of brushing , is also contemplated . the medium containing the active agent can be incorporated into a sealed reservoir 15 during manufacture of the toothbrush 1 , in which case the toothbrush 1 can be disposed of after the supply of the active agent is exhausted . alternatively , the reservoir 15 can be refillable through an inlet ( not shown ), or can be replaceable , e . g ., by inserting a replaceable cartridge into a recess in the toothbrush or toothbrush handle 10 . fig2 schematically illustrates an example of a replaceable cartridge 30 . the cartridge can have a sharpened element 35 which penetrates a membrane in the recess of the toothbrush to permit the medium to flow from the cartridge 30 into the channel 19 . the cartridge 30 can be spring - loaded to stay in place after insertion into the recess , and can have a seal to prevent unwanted leakage of the active agent . the cartridge 30 can be disposable or refillable . other methods of providing a refillable and / or replaceable cartridge or the like are contemplated . optionally , a user - activated switch , such as a dial ( not shown ), can have multiple settings for selecting one of several active agents . for example , the dial can have a first setting for oxidizer / whitener treatment , a second setting for breath freshener treatment , and a third setting for antimicrobial treatment . the dial setting instructs the timing circuit to activate the pump 18 for a time interval appropriate for the selected active agent . in one embodiment , a kit comprises a toothbrush and at least one cartridge containing an active agent . a user may select among multiple cartridges for a desired treatment . if the active agents have different intervals of application , the toothbrush can be provided with a dial , as previously described , to enable the user to select the appropriate setting . similarly , a single cartridge can come pre - loaded with multiple active agents that can be selectively accessed and delivered by a switch or the like . the kit can also include a dentifrice if desired . the predetermined amount can be suitably selected to deliver an accurate dose of the active for its intended purpose . the amount can be controlled by controlling the duration the pump 18 operates after the button 22 is pressed . the duration of dispensation will depend on the desired dose and the flowrate of the medium , and typically ranges from about 1 second to 5 minutes , often from about 5 seconds to about 2 minutes , and preferably ranges from about 10 seconds to 30 seconds . the timing of the dispensing action can be either right after the button 22 is pressed , or at a delay programmed as desired . any suitable pump can be used for delivering the medium from the reservoir 15 to the outlets 20 . suitable devices are commercially available , such as the gas - generating cell or microcell technology available from microlin technology / ceramatec inc . reference also is made to u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 135 , 126 , 6 , 575 , 961 , 6 , 045 , 055 , 5 , 427 , 870 , and 5 , 567 , 287 , and published application u . s . 2005 / 0023371 a1 , the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as alternative pump arrangements useable in the toothbrush . the pump may deliver the medium through a variety of different actions that are mechanical , electrical , chemical or a combination thereof , depending on the pump structure . for example , the gas - generating cell available from microlin technology employs a piston - cylinder type of arrangement . advantageously , the active agent itself can be contained in the reservoir 15 . in other words , it is not necessary to generate the active agent internally or in situ . this simplifies the construction of the toothbrush and avoids the need to handle any byproducts associated with the synthesis of the active agent . alternatively , an agent in one reservoir can be delivered via a delivery device to another reservoir where it is “ activated ,” where it is then delivered via another delivery device to the one or more outlets . this type of delivery system , employing multiple connections that are direct or indirect , is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention . in fig1 , a toothbrush 1 is shown schematically having a head 12 , bristles 16 , and a handle 10 . it should be understood that any bristle configuration and any handle configuration can be used , and the present invention should not be regarded as being limited to any particular configuration . the outlet ( s ) 20 preferably are located in the bristle region on the bristle side of the head of the toothbrush , for example between or interspersed with bristles 16 . alternatively , the outlet ( s ) 20 can be located on the side of the head opposite the bristles , or on the side edges of the head , or on a combination of sides as desired . alternatively , the outlet ( s ) 20 can be located adjacent the head or in the region of the head , but not actually on the head . the toothbrush 1 can be used by applying toothpaste to the bristles 16 and brushing the teeth in a conventional manner . a predetermined amount of the active agent is administered by activating the switch , e . g ., depressing button 22 , to activate the pump 18 , which causes the medium containing the active agent to be delivered though the outlets 20 . the switch instructs the timing circuit to activate the pump 18 for a predetermined time , which in turn dispenses the active agent in a predetermined dose through the outlets 20 . the active agent can be then applied to the teeth of a user using bristles 16 via the outer surface of the bristles 16 . nevertheless , in another arrangement , the active agent can be applied teeth via a lumen within the bristle 16 , instead of outlet 20 . the active agent can be administered before , during , or after brushing . non - limiting examples of active agents which can be used include antibacterial agents , such as chlorhexidine , cetyl pyridininum chloride , triclosan , zinc salts , and magnolia extract ; anti - attachment agents , such as ethyl lauroyl arginine hcl ; oxidative or whitening agents , such as hydrogen peroxide , urea peroxide , sodium percarbonate , and pvp - h 2 o 2 ; anti - cavity agents , such as sodium fluoride , sodium monofluorophosphate , stannous fluoride ; supercharged fluoride delivery ingredients ( such as dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and others disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 785 , 956 ); tooth sensitivity ingredients , such as kno 3 , stannous fluoride , sodium silicate , and bioactive glass ( such as those disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 338 , 751 ); gum health actives , including those which reduce inflammation pathways and / or interfere in bacterial processes which produce inflammatory stimuli , such as univestin ( unigen pharma ), bachalin , polyphenols , ethyl pyruvate , green tea extracts , rosemary extracts and other herbal extracts , and guanidinoethyl disulfide ; nutritional type ingredients , such as vitamins , minerals , amino acids , vitamin e , and folic acid ; tartar control or anti - stain ingredients , including phosphate salts , polyvinylphosphonic acid , pvm / ma copolymer ; enzymes , such as those used for plaque disruption ; sensate ingredients , such as those providing cooling ( such as menthol ), tingle , or heat sensations ( such as capsaicin or capsicum oil ); flavors and flavor ingredients ; colorants or other aesthetic agents ; and combinations thereof examples of flavors and flavor ingredients include essential oils , menthol , carvone , and anethole , and various flavoring aldehydes , esters , and alcohols . examples of essential oils include oils of spearmint , peppermint , wintergreen , sassafras , clove , sage , eucalyptus , marjoram , cinnamon , lemon , lime , grapefruit , and orange . the active agent and / or its medium can be selected to complement the toothpaste formula , such as by coordinating flavors , colors , aesthetics , or active ingredients . a flavor can be administered to create a gradual flavor change during brushing , which presently is not possible using toothpaste alone . the flavor changes described here along with other changes in sensation can also be used as a signal for indicating that an effective brushing routine is complete . a colorant can be added to create a color change during use . flavor and / or color can also be used to signal another benefit , such as tooth whitening or anti - bacterial action . the active agent may be compatible with toothpaste , or may be unstable and / or reactive with typical toothpaste ingredients . non - limiting examples of components which tend to be unstable and / or reactive with typical toothpaste ingredients include hydrogen peroxide , sodium fluoride ( reacts with calcium or zinc salts ), various calcium salts ( reacts with sodium fluoride ), and cationic ingredients , such as cetyl pyridinium chloride , chlorhexidiene , and ethyl lauroyl arginine hcl ( react with sls , other anionic ingredients , and many silica abrasives ). the active agent also may be a tooth cleaning agent to boost the overall efficacy of brushing . such tooth cleaning agents may or may not be compatible with the toothpaste ingredients . the active agent can be provided in any suitable vehicle , such as in an aqueous solution or a non - aqueous solution or an oil or in the form of gel or paste or an emulsion or a multiple emulsion or a liquid crystal gel . the vehicle can have a variety of different visual aesthetics including clear solution or gel or opaque solution or gel . non - limiting examples of vehicles include water , monohydric alcohols such as ethanol , poly ( ethylene oxides ) such as polyethylene glycols such as peg 2m , 5m , 7m , 14m , 23m , 45m , and 90m available from union carbide , carboxymethylene polymers such as carbopol ® 934 and 974 available from b . f . goodrich , and combinations thereof . the selection of a suitable vehicle will be apparent to persons skilled in the art depending on such factors as the properties of the active agent and the desired properties of the medium , such as viscosity . examples of tooth whitening compositions are described in u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 770 , 266 and 6 , 669 , 930 , the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference . the predetermined quantity of the medium dispensed may vary over a wide range depending on such factors as the identity of the active agent and its concentration in the medium . the quantity dispensed usually ranges from about 1 to about 100 μl per use , more usually from about 5 to about 50 μl . for example , the pump 18 can be configured to deliver 10 μl of 20 % cetylpyridinium chloride gel over a period of 30 seconds , e . g ., for application during the first 30 seconds of brushing the teeth . an advantage of this delivery is that ingredients incompatible with the toothpaste are exposed to the toothpaste as little as possible . the reservoir can contain a quantity of the active agent medium intended for a single use or a small number of uses , or may facilitate repeated use over an extended period of time , e . g ., up to several months or several years ( if used with a toothbrush having a replaceable head for example ). the size of the reservoir can be selected to be compatible with the desired overall dimensions of the toothbrush 1 as well as such factors as the stability of the active agent and the quantity of medium administered during each application . the supply of active agent in the reservoir 15 preferably is free or substantially free of components which are incompatible with the active agent and / or the medium containing the active agent , such as incompatible toothpaste components as previously identified . in the preferred practice of the invention , the reservoir 15 is free or substantially free of toothpaste , as toothpaste is separately applied to the bristles 16 by the user . alternatively as noted above , an active agent may be originally retained in one reservoir and then transferred to another reservoir where it is activated just prior to delivery , which may be useful in certain conditions or circumstances . the toothbrush 1 can be equipped with a light source , such as an ultraviolet ( uv ) or infrared ( ir ) light . the light source can be used to enhance tooth cleaning or whitening by itself and / or by activating the active agent and / or ingredients in the toothpaste . the toothbrush 1 can have a secondary switch ( not shown ) for activating the light source . an example of a toothbrush having a uv light source for activating a photoactivatable material for tooth cleaning is described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 343 , 400 to massholder et al . the back of the toothbrush 1 can be equipped with a special surface for polishing teeth with ( silica ) toothpaste . non - limiting examples of such a surface include rubber , elastomer , woven fabric or wool . the toothbrush 1 optionally can be provided with compartments and / or access panels for access to the various components , such as the power source and reservoir . the power source can be , for example , a replaceable or rechargeable battery as well known . the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention . table i illustrates a cetylpyridinium chloride concentrate that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as an antibacterial agent . table i ingredient wt % carbopol 974p 1 - 2 peg 600 10 fd & amp ; c blue # 1 ( 1 % 0 . 5 cetylpyridinium chloride 20 water q . s . table ii shows a hydrogen peroxide solution that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening booster . table ii ingredient wt % carbopol 974p 1 - 2 hydrogen peroxide 30 water q . s . table iii illustrates a hydrogen peroxide gel which that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening liquid . the gel also can be applied post - brushing for tooth whitening . table iii ingredient wt % water 10 . 07 carbopol 974 1 . 00 95 % ethyl alcohol 34 . 8 glycerin 5 . 00 peg 600 10 . 00 peg 2m 14 . 00 hydrogen peroxide 25 . 00 85 % phosphoric acid 0 . 05 monobasic sodium phosphate 0 . 05 total 100 . 00 table iv shows a phosphoric acid solution that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening liquid . the solution has a ph of about 4 . 0 . table iv ingredient wt % purified water 25 . 1 carbopol 974 1 . 00 95 % ethyl alcohol 34 . 8 glycerin 5 . 00 peg 2m 15 . 00 urea peroxide 18 . 00 85 % phosphoric acid 0 . 10 monobasic sodium phosphate 1 . 0 total 100 . 00 table v illustrates another hydrogen peroxide solution that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening booster . the composition alternatively can be applied to the teeth after brushing as a whitening agent . table v ingredient wt % carbopol 974p 1 95 % ethyl alcohol 34 . 8 glycerin 5 peg 600 10 peg 2m 14 85 % phosphoric acid 0 . 05 monobasic sodium phosphate 0 . 05 hydrogen peroxide 25 water q . s . alternative liquid whitening gels are prepared by modifying the base formula of example 5 by adding either ( 1 ) 2 to 5 wt % polyethylene ( pe ) powder having an average particle size of 6 to 8 microns ; ( 2 ) 1 to 5 wt % polytetrafluoroethylene ( ptfe ) powder having particle size of 5 to 6 microns ; ( 3 ) 0 . 8 to 2 . 5 wt % polypropylene ( pp ) powder having a particle size of 4 to 50 microns ; ( 4 ) 2 to 5 wt % pe powder and 0 . 11 to 0 . 4 wt % titanium dioxide powder having a particle size of 10 to 45 microns . examples of gels having the polymer and / or inorganic titanium powders incorporated in the base formula are shown in tables vi and vii . table vi g a b c d e f ( wt ( wt %) ( wt %) ( wt %) ( wt %) ( wt %) ( wt %) %) base 99 . 0 98 . 0 95 . 0 98 . 0 95 . 0 99 . 2 97 . 5 formula + pe — — — 2 . 0 5 . 0 — — + ptfe 1 . 00 2 . 0 5 . 0 — — — — + pp — — — — — 0 . 8 2 . 5 table viii shows another exemplary composition of a liquid whitening gel that is dispensed from a reservoir of a toothbrush during brushing as described herein . table viii liquid gel formula wt % carbomer 1 . 00 peg 600 9 . 96 bht 0 . 03 glycerin 4 . 98 water 17 . 00 ethyl alcohol 34 . 67 peg 2m 13 . 95 h 2 o 2 ( 35 %) 17 . 93 sodium phosphate 0 . 05 phosphoric acid 0 . 05 titanium dioxide 0 . 38 table ix example shows the composition of a breath protection gel that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir as described herein . table ix ingredient wt % carbopol 974p 1 pvm / ma copolymer 10 triclosan 20 ethyl alcohol 40 zinc gluconate 20 water q . s .

US-45708606-A

a holder for golf clubs or similar articles is in the form of a continuous strip of flexible but resilient material fastened to a base at spaced points and bent , between those points , to define a series of adjacent loops to grip the articles between them . each of the loops has a body of resilient foam within it to hold the loops yieldably distended . in one adaptation the holder is mounted on a golf pull cart having wheels foldable to a position where the pull cart can fit in the customary space on a motorized golf cart provided for golf bags . in another form the cart is provided with a pivoted leg for holding the cart in an upright position .

referring first to fig1 - 4 , the golf cart shown therein comprises a base member in the form of a flat rectangular panel 2 which may be of plywood or similar material having a downwardly and forwardly sloping tray 4 on its forward face and at the bottom end thereof . near the top of the panel 2 a holding means , generally designated 6 , is shown and which comprises an elongated strip 8 of suitable resilient plastic material such as that heretofore described , secured to the panel 2 at spaced positions thereacross by means such as the staples shown at 10 in fig4 . the material of the strip 8 between staples 10 is looped outwardly to define adjacent forwardly extending loops between which the shafts of golf clubs may be positioned to be frictionally held therein . preferably , the interiors of the loops , indicated at 12 , contain a slightly compressed body 14 of suitable foamed plastic material . as shown , the bodies 14 are normally of generally square sectional shape and of a length about equal to that of the width of strip 8 . when placed within the loops 12 , they become slightly compressed and tend to hold the loops distended toward adjacent loops . if desired , the strip 8 may also be provided with a thin layer 16 of formed plastic material on its outer surface to increase the frictional grip of the holding means on an article placed between the loops 12 without damaging or marring the same . rigid plates 18 are secured to the edges of the panel 2 at the ends of the holder 6 to thus retain the loops 12 of the holder all within the lateral confines of the panel 2 and to prevent their undue expansion or lateral flaring . at the rear of the panel 2 there is provided means defining a hollow compartment , generally indicated at 20 , for storage and transport of clothing or other golfing accessories . access to the interior of the compartment may be provided by slide fasteners 22 or 24 . one edge of the panel 2 is also provided with a rigid handle 26 whereby the cart may be carried when collapsed in the manner to be described . extending upwardly and rearwardly from the compartment 20 is a generally u - shaped pull handle 28 by which the user may manually tilt the cart rearwardly and pull the cart over a golf course . one or more tubular holders 30 may be provided to extend downwardly from the upper surface of the compartment 20 and therethrough to any desired lower position and which may serve as holding means for a putter or further golfing accessories such as ball retrivers , umbrellas or the like . referring now to fig2 and 3 , ground wheels 32 are provided for the cart and are journalled on an axle 34 . the axle 34 is supported by brackets 36 bolted to the panel 2 on the rear face thereof adjacent the bottom of the panel . a further bracket 38 is secured to the rear face of the panel 2 and extends rearwardly therefrom generally midway between the wheels 32 and to a rearmost position at or near the rear peripheral edge of the wheels 32 . the rear end of the bracket 38 is rearwardly bent as shown at 40 and is provided with a pivot 42 upon which a strut or rod 44 is freely suspended between the bracket and its reversely bent end . the rod 44 may be of any suitable lightweight but rigid material and extends downwardly from the pivot 42 and also upwardly therefrom . the length of the strut 44 below pivot 42 is such that , when the rod is swung rearwardly to a position where it abuts the reversely bent end of the bracket 38 , its lower end is substantially in the plane containing the bottom edge of wheels 32 and the forward and lower edge of tray 4 . in this position it will be obvious that the strut 44 serves to maintain the golf cart upright and in a stable attitude . as it also apparent from fig2 the rod 44 extends upwardly above pivot 42 and a relatively heavy counterweight 46 is fixed to its upper end . in the position shown in full lines in fig2 the counterweight tends to hold the strut 44 in the illustrated inclined position . when it is desired to move the cart , all that is necessary for the user to do is to grasp the handle 28 and pull rearwardly thereon . the cart will then swing rearwardly with the strut 44 engaging the ground and which will itself swing rearwardly about its lower end as a pivot , lifting the wheels slightly , and permit the wheels to again drop onto the ground with the strut extending generally in the direction illustrated by dotted lines in fig2 wherein the upper end portion of the strut engages the reversely bent end of bracket 38 . it will be apparent that the weight 46 will now tend to hold the strut 44 in its dotted line position and particularly when the golf cart is tilted rearwardly for pulling along the ground . in that condition , the strut 44 will extend generally horizontally . in some cases , the cart may be provided with two of the pivoted struts , one near each of the wheels 32 . as best shown in fig2 it is contemplated that the tray 4 be provided with a removable bottom layer 48 of foamed plastic material to provide better frictional retention of golf club heads against crowding together or sliding thereon . the layer 48 is preferably made removable , by means of bolts and wing nuts 50 whereby it may be cleaned and replaced . in the modification shown in fig5 and 6 , the rear of the panel 2 is provided with a pair of brackets 52 at its outer edges and wheels 32 and axle 34 are mounted on a further generally u - shaped bracket 54 . the side arms 56 of bracket 54 are journalled intermediate their ends on the brackets 52 by suitable pivot means 58 at the outer ends of brackets 52 . thus , the bight portion of bracket 54 may be positioned closely adjacent the panel 2 to position the wheels 32 in the full line position shown in fig6 . a spring latch 60 is secured to the panel 2 and is configured to embrace and retain the bracket 54 in the described position for normal use of the cart . the spring latch 60 , however , may be depressed at its lower end to release the bracket 56 and permit the same to swing about pivots 58 to the dotted line position of fig6 . it is to be noted that the wheels 32 lie in planes outwardly of the edges of panel 2 so that they may swing past the edges of that panel to the dotted line position of fig6 . obviously , in their dotted line position the golf cart is more compact and more readily stored . referring now to fig7 - 9 , a third modification of wheel mounting means is shown . in this form of the device , a rearwardly open transverse channel member 62 is secured to the rear face of panel 2 and extends substantially from one edge of the other of the panel adjacent its lower end . a first arm 64 carried by pivot 66 is pivotal relative to the channel 62 and has a ground wheel 68 journalled at the rear end thereof . a flange portion 70 on arm 64 engaes an end edge of channel 62 to the outward swinging movement of the arm relative to channel 62 and a pivoted latch 72 carried by arm 64 may be engaged in a slot 74 in the channel 62 to hold the arm in the illustrated rearwardly extending position . the pivoted latch 72 has a forwardly extending spring 76 provided at its free end with a loop 78 . it will be obvious that the latch 72 may be forcibly swung rearwardly about its pivot 80 and thus deflect the loop 78 outwardly to permit releasing the latch from slot 74 . upon return of the latch , to the position shown in fig9 loop 28 will snap behind the rear end edge of arm 64 to releasably hold the latch in position . when latch 72 is released , arm 64 may be swung inwardly to lie within channel 62 and thus position wheel 68 , as shown in broken lines in fig7 so that the wheel lies rearwardly of panel 2 and generally parallel thereto . a second and l - shaped arm 82 is pivoted in the other end portion of channel 62 and is so configured that when in the full line position of fig8 its wheel 84 is parallel to the wheel 68 when the latter is in its full line position . leaf spring 86 ( fig8 ) carries a pin 88 freely movable through an aligned opening in the upper flange of channel 62 in such position as to extend downwardly behind arm 82 and hold arm 82 in the full line position of fig7 . obviously , the pin 88 may be lifted to permit the arm 82 to swing to the dotted line position of fig7 wherein its wheel 84 lies rearwardly of the folded wheel 68 and generally parallel thereto . in this position , as seen from fig7 the pin 88 will hold leg 82 in its dotted line position . in the folded positions described , the golf cart is of minimum width and the wheels will permit the cart to stand upright , the wheels acting as supporting struts . also , the cart may be moved laterally by tilting the same slightly rearwardly to throw the weight onto the folded wheels 84 and 68 . the cart of the present invention may be constructed to hold the permitted number of golf clubs and yet be of sufficiently narrow dimensions as to be readily received in the usual space provided for golf bags on motorized golf carts . however , such motorized golf carts are conventionally provided with straps adapted to extend around a golf bag to hold the same in place . obviously , such straps if employed with the present golf cart would interfere with removal of the clubs from holder 6 . to adapt the cart to such use it is contemplated that it be provided with a knotted elastic cord 92 , as shown in fig1 and 11 , slidable through an eyelet 96 in the rear wall of the compartment 20 and provided with a hook or the like 94 at its outer end whereby it may be engaged with a portion of the motorized golf cart to hold the device in place thereon without the use of the usual straps . the foregoing description relates to specific uses for the holding means 6 , previously described . such holding means , however , are adaptable to more general use than on golf carts and fig1 illustrates one embodiment wherein a length of flexible strip material 100 is secured at spaced positions to a supporting base 102 to define loops 104 similar to those previously described . also shown are the bodies 106 of resilient foam material within the loops 104 for the purpose already described . the base 102 may be secured to any suitable support and the device may be employed to releasably hold any desired articles capable of being received between and frictionally held by the loops 104 . if desired , the outer surface of the strip 100 may also be provided with the layer of plastic foam material as shown in fig4 and as already described . fig1 shows a second embodiment of a holding means of general utility but one that may be placed on a table or desk top . in this form a generally l - shaped rigid base member 108 has the strip of material 110 secured thereto in the manner already described but arranged to define elongated loops 112 arranged to generally radiate from the inner corner of the base 108 , all as clearly shown in fig1 . here again , the loops are preferably provided with the internal foamed material 114 to hold the loops laterally distended and ensure good frictional grip with articles placed therebetween . again , the strip 110 may be provided with a layer of foamed material on its outer surface if desired or necessary . while a limited number of specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein , the same are merely illustrative of the principles involved and other forms may be devised within the scope of the appended claims .

US-91750478-A

a clamping and cutting device that has a blade and blade receptacle aspect of the cutting mechanism with open clamping mechanisms that are actuated in a step - wise fashion due to a mechanical timing mechanism .

apparatus and methods for performing a procedure to cut and clamp an elongate biological organ , such as an umbilical cord , are described herein . in some embodiments , a method for cutting and clamping an elongate biological organ includes disposing about an elongate biological organ ( e . g ., an umbilical cord ) a cutter clamp assembly . the cutter clamp assembly has a clamp with a lower jaw portion and an upper jaw portion coupled for relative movement between an open configuration defining an organ receiving zone therebetween and a closed configuration defining a clamped zone therebetween . the cutter clamp assembly includes a cutter assembly having a blade portion and a blade receptacle portion coupled for relative movement between a first , open configuration , a second , partially closed configuration , and a third , fully closed configuration . the blade portion includes a blade projecting toward the receptacle portion . the cutter assembly defines a cutting zone between the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion . the blade is at least partially clear of the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in the partially closed configuration and the blade is disposed across the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in the fully closed configuration . the cutter assembly is releasably coupled to the clamp with the clamped zone of the clamp disposed laterally adjacent to the cutting zone of the cutter assembly . the cutter clamp assembly further includes a cutting timer mechanism configured such that relative movement of the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion between the open configuration and the partially closed configuration of the cutter assembly produces relative movement of the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion between the open configuration and the closed configuration of the clamp . the cutting timer mechanism is configured to permit further relative movement of the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion between the partially closed configuration and the fully closed configuration of the cutter assembly without further relative movement of the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion of the clamp . with the cutter clamp assembly disposed about the elongate biological organ , or more specifically , with a first portion of the organ disposed in the organ receiving zone of the clamp , and a second portion of the organ disposed in the cutting zone of the cutter assembly , manual pressure can be applied to the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion of the cutter assembly to urge the cutter assembly from the open configuration to the partially closed configuration and thus to urge the clamp from the open configuration to the closed configuration and to clamp the first portion of the elongate biological organ . further manual pressure can be applied to the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion to urge the cutter assembly from the partially closed configuration to the fully closed configuration and to cut the second portion of the organ . upon cutting of the second portion of the organ , the clamp can be separated from the cutter assembly , with the clamp at least temporarily retained on the second portion of the organ . in some embodiments , a cutter clamp assembly is provided to perform the above cutting and clamping procedure . such an assembly can include , for example , a clamp , a cutter assembly , and a cutting timer mechanism . the clamp can include a lower jaw portion and an upper jaw portion coupled for relative movement between a first , open configuration and a second , closed configuration . the clamp can define between the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion an organ receiving zone in the open configuration of the clamp and a clamped zone between the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion in the closed configuration of the clamp . the clamp can be configured to receive a first portion of an elongate compressible biological organ in the organ receiving zone and to compress the received first portion of the organ between the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion into the clamped zone . the cutter assembly of the cutter clamp assembly can include a first portion and a second portion coupled for relative movement between a first , open configuration , a second , partially closed configuration , and a third , fully closed configuration . either the first portion or the second portion can include a blade projecting toward the other of the first portion and the second portion . the cutter assembly can further define a cutting zone between the first portion and the second portion such that the blade is at least partially clear of the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in the partially closed configuration , and the blade is disposed completely across the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in the fully closed configuration . the cutter assembly can be releasably coupled to the clamp by a mounting connection between the lower jaw portion of the clamp and the second portion of the cutter assembly , with the clamped zone of the clamp disposed laterally adjacent to the cutting zone of the cutter assembly , such that a second portion of the elongate biological organ can be received in the cutting zone when the first portion of the organ is disposed in the clamped zone . the cutting timer mechanism of the cutter clamp assembly can include a first timer portion disposed on the upper jaw portion of the clamp and a second timer portion disposed on the first portion of the cutter assembly . the first timer portion can be engageable with the second timer portion such that relative movement of the first portion and the second portion of the cutter assembly between the open configuration and the partially closed configuration of the cutter assembly produces relative movement of the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion between the open configuration and the closed configuration of the clamp . the cutting timer mechanism can be configured to permit further relative movement of the first portion and the second portion of the cutter assembly between the partially closed configuration and the fully closed configuration of the cutter assembly without further relative movement of the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion of the clamp . fig1 a is a schematic illustration of a cutter clamp assembly , according to an embodiment . the cutter clamp assembly 1000 can include a cutter assembly 1100 configured to cut an elongate biological organ , a first clamp 1200 configured to clamp a portion of the organ and removably coupled to the cutter assembly 1100 via a first clamp mount 1300 , a second clamp 1400 configured to clamp a portion of the organ and removably coupled to the cutter assembly 1100 via a second clamp mount 1500 , and a cutting timer mechanism 1600 coupled to the cutter assembly 1100 and the first clamp 1200 . the cutter clamp assembly 1000 can be disposed about an elongate biological organ o ( also referred to herein as “ organ ”), as shown in fig1 b . more specifically , the organ o can be placed in a desired position relative to the cutter clamp assembly 1000 in which a first portion of the organ o is disposed in a cutting zone of the cutter assembly 1100 , a second portion of the organ o is disposed in an organ receiving zone of the first clamp 1200 , and a third portion of the organ o is disposed in an organ receiving zone of the second clamp 1400 , the first portion of the organ o being disposed between both the second and third portions of the organ o . when the organ o is in the desired position relative to the cutter clamp assembly 1000 , the cutter clamp assembly 1000 can be actuated to transition ( 1 ) the first clamp 1200 from its open configuration to its closed configuration and to clamp the second portion of the organ o , and ( 2 ) the second clamp 1400 from its open configuration to its closed configuration and to clamp the third portion of the organ o . the cutter clamp assembly 1000 can be further actuated to transition the cutter assembly 1100 from its open configuration to its closed configuration and to cut the first portion of the organ . in some embodiments , when the cutter clamp assembly 1000 is actuated to transition the first clamp 1200 to its closed configuration and the second clamp 1400 to its closed configuration , the cutter assembly 1100 is also transitioned . in such embodiments , upon actuation of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 , the cutter assembly 1100 is transitioned from its open configuration to a partially closed configuration . upon proper clamping of the organ o between the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 , the cutter assembly 1000 can be further actuated to transition the cutter assembly 1100 from its partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration and to cut the first portion of the organ . in this manner , the cutter clamp assembly 1000 can both clamp and cut an organ o in response to a continuous force or movement applied to the cutter clamp assembly 1000 , e . g ., a continuous manual movement provided by an operator of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 . enabling both cutting and clamping in response to a continuous manual movement can simplify the procedure and promote repeatable safe and effective operations . as shown in fig1 c , after the cutter clamp assembly 1000 has clamped and cut the organ o , the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 can be decoupled or otherwise separated from the cutter assembly 1100 , with the first clamp 1200 removably coupled to or retained on the second portion of the organ o and the second clamp 1400 removably coupled to or retained on the third portion of the organ o . for example , during a procedure on an umbilical cord , after the cutter clamp assembly 1000 has clamped and cut the umbilical cord , the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 can be separated from the cutter assembly 1100 , with the first clamp 1200 retained on a portion of the umbilical cord that is attached to a placenta , and the second clamp 1400 retained on a portion of the umbilical cord that is attached to a newborn . upon separation of both the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 from the cutter assembly 1100 , one or both of the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 can be independently transitioned from its closed configuration to its opened position to separate one or both of the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 from the organ o , to sample contents of the organ o , or to readjust one or both of the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp &# 39 ; s 1400 position relative to the organ o and then independently re - transition one or both of the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 from its opened configuration to its closed configuration to re - clamp the organ o . although the cutter clamp assembly 1000 has been shown and described as having two clamps ( i . e ., the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 ), in other embodiments , the cutter clamp assembly 1000 can have any suitable number of clamps configured to clamp a portion or portions of an elongate biological organ . for example , in alternative embodiments , a cutter clamp assembly can include only one clamp configured to clamp a portion of an elongate biological organ . in some embodiments , the clamp ( s ) ( e . g ., the first clamp 1200 and / or the second clamp 1400 ) can include one or more indicia of identification . indicia of identification , for example , can include a unique identification code or symbol , radio - frequency identification ( rfid ), a bar code , a logo , a color code , etc . the indicia of identification can be associated with , for example , a particular health care facility , a particular patient or relative of the patient , a particular geographical region , etc . in some instances , for example in developed countries , the indicia of identification can help identify abandoned newborns , and in developing countries , the indicia of identification can aid in the collection of regional and national health outcome statistics . in some embodiments , alternatively or in addition to the indicia of identification on the one or more clamps , indicia of identification can be disposed on the cutter assembly . in some embodiments , the clamps ( e . g ., the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 ) can include matching or corresponding identification or visual indicium . for example , after an umbilical cord procedure ( i . e ., after clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord ), the clamp attached to the placenta side of the cord can be matched to the clamp attached to the newborn side of the cord . in this manner , a health care practitioner , for example , can identify or match the placenta to the corresponding newborn from which it was previously attached . fig2 a - c are schematic illustrations of the cutter assembly 1100 of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 of fig1 a - c in open , partially closed , and fully closed configurations , respectively . as shown , the cutter assembly 1100 includes a blade receptacle portion 1120 and a blade portion 1110 rotationally coupled or hinged to the blade receptacle portion 1120 via a cutter assembly hinge 1160 . the cutter assembly hinge 1160 is configured to promote relative angular movement or otherwise provide a pivot point between the blade portion 1110 and the receptacle portion 1120 . in this manner , as discussed above with respect to fig1 a - 1c , transition of the cutter assembly 1100 between configurations ( e . g ., open configuration , partially closed configuration , fully closed configuration ) can include the blade portion 1110 and the blade receptacle portion 1120 rotating relative to each other about the cutter assembly hinge 1160 . a cutting zone 1180 is defined between the blade portion 1110 and the blade receptacle portion 1122 . as shown , the cutting zone 1180 is defined at least partially within the blade receptacle 1122 . the blade portion 1110 includes a blade 1112 configured to pierce or cut the organ o when placed into contact with the organ o . as shown , the blade 1112 projects toward the blade receptacle portion 1122 . as shown across fig2 a - 2c , when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its open configuration ( fig2 a ), the blade 1112 is clear of the cutting zone 1180 . when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its partially closed configuration ( fig2 b ), the blade 1112 is at least partially clear of the cutting zone 1180 . when the cutter assembly 1100 in in its fully closed configuration ( fig2 c ), the blade 1112 is disposed completely across the cutting zone . in such embodiments , in use , in some instances , the blade 1112 may make contact with and at least partially pierce ( e . g ., prior to severance of the organ o ) the organ o when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its partially closed configuration . in alternative embodiments , unlike as illustrated in fig2 b , the blade may be completely clear of the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in its partially closed configuration . the blade 1112 can be shaped and sized in any suitable manner configured to cut the organ o . for example , in some embodiments , the blade 1112 can be constructed at least partially from non - metallic materials to promote safety for users and patients of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 . as such , the blade 1112 can be configured to cut an elongate biological organ while limiting the blade &# 39 ; s 1112 ability to undesirably cut , for example , a finger of a user of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 . further , the non - metallic construction of the blade 1112 can limit or prevent reuse or multiple reuses of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 , thereby limiting or reducing the likelihood of insanitary uses of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 . even further , the non - metallic construction of the blade 1112 can promote a more cost - effective cutter clamp assembly 1000 , due in part to the cost - effective manufacturing processes ( e . g ., injection molding ) available in connection with such materials . as a further example , in some embodiments , the blade 1112 can be constructed from degradable materials ( e . g ., a degradable polymer ) to reduce waste and waste collection , particularly for example , in developing countries or regions without suitable and safe waste collection . as a further example , in some embodiments , the blade 1112 can be constructed with anti - microbial additive materials ( e . g ., an antimicrobial composite polymer ) to discourage colonization of a bacterial , for example , in developing countries or regions . the blade 1112 and the blade portion 1110 can be monolithically formed , or alternatively , the blade 1112 and the blade portion 1110 can be formed separately and then joined together . the blade receptacle portion 1120 defines a blade receptacle 1122 configured to receive a portion of the blade 1112 . for example , when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its fully closed configuration ( fig2 c ), a portion of the blade 1112 is disposed across or within the blade receptacle 1122 . in this manner , in use , the blade 1112 can sever and pass through a portion of the organ as the blade 1112 transitions from being clear of the cutter zone 1180 to at least partially being disposed within the receptacle 1122 . to cut an elongate biological organ ( e . g ., an umbilical cord ), the cutter assembly 1100 can be manipulated from a first , open configuration , to a second , partially closed configuration , to a third , fully closed configuration , as shown in sequence in fig2 a - 2c , respectively . with the cutter assembly 1100 disposed about the organ ( i . e ., between the blade portion 1110 and the blade receptacle portion 1120 , the cutter assembly 1100 can be manipulated ( e . g ., by a manual force applied by a user to the blade portion 1110 and / or the blade receptacle portion 1120 ) to transition the cutter assembly 1100 from its open configuration ( fig2 a ) to its partially closed configuration ( fig2 b ). although not shown in fig2 b , as described above with reference to fig1 a - 1c , and described further herein with respect to fig3 a , 3b and 4 , the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 are configured to clamp portions of the organ when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its partially closed configuration ( fig2 b ) and coupled to the first clamp 1200 and the second clamp 1400 . as shown in sequence from fig2 b to 2c , the cutter assembly 1100 can be further manipulated ( e . g ., by the manual force ) to transition the cutter assembly 1100 from its partially closed configuration ( fig2 b ) to its fully closed configuration ( fig2 c ) ( i . e ., the blade portion 1110 and the blade receptacle portion pivot about the cutter assembly hinge 1160 ) and to cut or sever the organ ( not shown ). as shown in fig2 c , the blade 1112 of the blade portion 1110 is disposed within the blade receptacle 1122 of the blade receptacle portion 1120 when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its fully closed configuration . when the cutter assembly 1100 is in its fully closed configuration ( fig2 c ), the cutter assembly latch 1170 can be actuated to lock or limit relative movement between the blade portion 1110 and the blade receptacle 1122 . in some embodiments , the cutter assembly latch 1170 can be reversibly actuate - able such that the latch 1170 can temporarily lock the cutter assembly 1100 in its fully closed configuration ( e . g ., during storage prior to use and / or after use ). in alternative embodiments , the cutter assembly latch 1170 can be substantially permanently actuated such that the cutter assembly 1100 is locked in its fully closed configuration when the cutter assembly latch 1170 is engaged . in such embodiments , the cutter assembly latch 1170 can limit or prevent reuse of the cutter assembly 1100 and potential contamination resulting from such reuse . further , in yet alternative embodiments , a cutter assembly can include multiple cutter assembly latches . for example , in such embodiments , the cutter assembly can include a first cutter assembly latch to temporarily lock the cutter assembly in its fully closed configuration ( e . g ., for safe and sanitary storage prior to use ), and a second cutter assembly latch to substantially permanently lock the cutter assembly in its fully closed configuration ( e . g ., for safe and sanitary storage after use , and to prevent reuse ). in some embodiments , the latch 1170 can self - engage in response to the force applied to transition the cutter assembly 1100 from its partially closed configuration to its fully closed configuration . such self - engagement ( e . g ., via an interference fit ) can provide for desirable locking of the cutter assembly , as discussed above , without requiring a user of the assembly from separately manipulating the latch . in yet alternative embodiments , the latch 1170 can require manipulation by a user to engage . although the cutter assembly latch 1170 is shown and described as moving pivotally about a hinge , in alternative embodiments , a cutter assembly latch 1170 can move linearly with alternative mechanisms for connecting the moveable portions , e . g ., the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2130 . fig3 a and 3b are schematic illustrations of the first clamp 1200 of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 of fig1 a - c in open and closed configurations , respectively . for efficiency , only the first clamp 1200 will be discussed , however , it should be understood that the second clamp 1400 can be the same as or similar to the first clamp 1200 . as shown , the first clamp 1200 includes a first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 and a first clamp lower jaw portion 1210 rotationally coupled or hinged to the first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 via a first clamp hinge 1230 . the first clamp hinge 1230 is configured to promote relative angular movement or otherwise provide a pivot point between the first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 1210 . in this manner , as discussed above with respect to fig1 a - 1c , transition of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 between configurations ( e . g ., from open configuration to partially closed configuration ) can include the first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 1210 rotating relative to each other about the first clamp hinge 1230 . to clamp the organ o ( e . g ., an umbilical cord ), the first clamp 1200 can be manipulated from a first , open configuration , to a second , closed configuration , as shown in sequence in fig3 a and 3b , respectively . with the first clamp 1200 disposed about the organ o ( i . e ., the organ o is positioned within the first clamp organ receiving zone 1251 defined between the first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 1210 ), the first clamp 1200 can be manipulated ( e . g ., by a manual force applied by a user to the first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 and / or the first clamp lower jaw portion 1210 ) to transition the first clamp 1200 from its open configuration ( fig3 a ) to its closed configuration ( fig3 b ). as shown schematically in fig3 b , the organ o is clamped and deformed within the first clamp 1200 clamped zone 2252 . further , as shown in fig3 b , the first clamp 1200 includes a first clamp latch 1240 . when the first clamp 1200 is in its closed configuration ( fig3 b ), the first clamp latch 1240 can be actuated to lock or limit relative movement between the first clamp upper jaw portion 1220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 1210 . in this manner , the first clamp 1200 can be secured in its closed configuration during storage prior to use and / or after use . further , after use , i . e ., when a portion of an organ is clamped by the first clamp 1200 , the first clamp latch 1240 can secure the organ in its clamped or deformed configuration ( e . g ., to promote sanitation and limit undesirable contamination of the organ or patient ). the first clamp 1200 can be further manipulated to disengage the first clamp latch 1240 and / or transition the first clamp 1200 from its closed configuration to its open configuration . for example , in a procedure involving clamping an umbilical cord , the first clamp 1200 can clamp the umbilical cord to facilitate the cutting of the umbilical cord , and then the first clamp 1200 can be disengaged ( moved from its closed configuration to its open configuration ) or separated from the umbilical cord such that blood can be withdrawn from the umbilical cord , the first clamp 1200 can be repositioned and re - engaged , or simply removed from the cord . in some embodiments , the latch 1240 can self - engage in response to the force applied to transition the first clamp 1200 from its open configuration to its closed configuration . such self - engagement ( e . g ., via an interference fit ) can provide for desirable locking of the first clamp 1200 , as discussed above , without requiring a user of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 from separately manipulating the latch 1240 . in alternative embodiments , the latch may require manipulation of the latch by a user to engage the latch . in alternative embodiments , a latch can be substantially permanently engaged such that the latch locks the first clamp in its closed configuration . in such embodiments , the latch can limit or prevent reuse of the clamp and potential complications resulting from removal of the latch from the organ or patient . for example , in procedures in which umbilical cord blood collection is not performed , the latch can remain engaged such that the organ remains clamped by the latch . in such cases , in some instances , the latch can remain clamped about the organ at least until the organ is detached from the patient or when a trained healthcare personnel removes the clamp . although the latch 1240 is shown and described as moving pivotally about a hinge , in alternative embodiments , a latch can move linearly with alternative mechanisms for connecting movable portions . fig4 is a side - view schematic illustration of the cutter clamp assembly 1000 with the first clamp 1200 in its closed configuration and clamped about the organ o , and the cutter assembly 1100 in its partially closed configuration . with the organ o clamped by the first clamp 1200 , the organ o is positioned and arranged to be cut by the cutter assembly 1100 . said another way , the cutter clamp assembly 1000 is configured such that , in use , the first clamp 1200 clamps the organ o such that the organ o is secured ( e . g ., prior to cutting or severing of the organ o ) in a position to promote proper cutting of the organ o by the cutter assembly 1100 . fig5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method of cutting and clamping an elongate biological organ , according to an embodiment . the method 100 includes disposing a cutter clamp assembly ( e . g ., the cutter clamp assembly 1000 or any other cutter clamp assembly described herein ) around an elongate biological organ ( e . g ., an umbilical cord ), at 102 . the cutter clamp assembly can include a clamp with a lower jaw portion and an upper jaw portion coupled for relative movement between an open configuration defining an organ receiving zone therebetween and a closed configuration defining a clamped zone therebetween . the cutter clamp assembly can further include a cutter assembly having a blade portion and a blade receptacle portion coupled for relative movement between a first , open configuration , a second , partially closed configuration , and a third , fully closed configuration . the blade portion can include a blade projecting toward the receptacle portion , and the cutter assembly can define a cutting zone between the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion . in such a manner , the blade is clear of the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in the partially closed configuration and the blade is disposed across the cutting zone when the cutter assembly is disposed in the fully closed configuration . the cutter assembly can be releasably coupled to the clamp with the clamped zone of the clamp disposed laterally adjacent to the cutting zone of the cutter assembly . the cutter clamp assembly can further include a cutting timer mechanism configured such that relative movement of the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion between the open configuration and the partially closed configuration of the cutter assembly produces relative movement of the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion between the open configuration and the closed configuration of the clamp . the cutting timer mechanism can permit further relative movement of the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion between the partially closed configuration and the fully closed configuration of the cutter assembly without further relative movement of the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion of the clamp . at 102 , a first portion of the organ is disposed in the organ receiving zone of the clamp , and a second portion of the organ is disposed in the cutting zone of the cutter assembly ( e . g ., the cutting zone being laterally off - set from the organ receiving zone of the clamp ). in this manner , a user can visually confirm proper positioning of the organ relative to the cutter clamp assembly prior to clamping or cutting of the organ , and the cutting and clamping of the organ can be temporally off - set . the method 100 further includes applying manual pressure to the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion of the cutter assembly to urge the cutter assembly from the open configuration to the partially closed configuration and thus to urge the clamp from the open configuration to the closed configuration and to clamp the first portion of the organ , at 104 . in this manner , the first portion of the organ can be clamped and secured such that the second portion of the organ is suitably arranged to be cut by the cutter assembly . for example , with the first portion of the organ being clamped when the second portion of the organ is cut , fluids within the organ are limited or prevented from undesirably flowing out of the organ through the opening caused by the cutting . further , with the organ clamped prior to severance of the organ , potential contamination or infection of the organ or patient ( e . g ., newborn and / or mother ) is limited . the method 100 further includes applying further manual pressure to the blade portion and the blade receptacle portion to urge the cutter assembly from the partially closed configuration to the fully closed configuration to cut or sever the second portion of the organ , at 106 . the method 100 further includes separating the clamp from the cutter assembly , with the clamp retained on the second portion of the organ , at 108 . in this manner , the second portion of the organ can remain clamped when separated from the cutter assembly . in some embodiments , a method can further include disengaging the clamp ( e . g ., causing the clamp to transition from its closed configuration to its open configuration ) to reposition and reclamp the organ , withdrawn organ fluid or blood , or replace with a different clamp . fig6 a and 6b are perspective views of a cutter clamp assembly 2000 according to another embodiment , in an open configuration . fig6 c is a perspective view of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 in a fully closed configuration . the cutter clamp assembly 2000 includes a cutter assembly 2100 configured to cut an elongate biological organ , a first clamp 2200 configured to clamp a portion of the organ and removably coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 via a first clamp mount 2300 , and a second clamp 2400 configured to clamp a portion of the organ and removably coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 via a second clamp mount 2500 . the cutter assembly 2100 of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 , as illustrated in fig7 a in perspective view , in an open configuration , and in fig7 b in perspective view , in a closed configuration , includes a blade portion 2110 and a blade receptacle portion 2120 rotatably coupled to the blade portion 2110 via a cutter assembly hinge 2160 . the blade portion 2110 , as illustrated in fig8 a in perspective view , includes a blade 2112 configured to pierce , cut , and / or sever an elongate biological organ ( not shown ). the blade 2112 includes a blade tip 2113 configured to initiate a cut or pierce of an elongate biological organ . the blade portion 2110 further includes a blade portion grip 2116 ergonomically designed to facilitate gripping , actuating , or otherwise manipulating of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 by a user . as shown , the blade 2112 projects toward the blade receptacle portion 2122 of the cutter assembly 2100 . as shown in fig6 a - c , the blade receptacle portion 2120 ( illustrated in fig8 b in perspective view ) of the cutter assembly 2100 is rotationally coupled or hinged to the blade portion 2110 via the cutter assembly hinge 2160 . the cutter assembly hinge 2160 is configured to promote relative angular movement or otherwise provide a pivot point between the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 . in this manner , transition of the cutter assembly 2110 between configurations ( e . g ., open configuration , partially closed configuration , fully closed configuration ) includes the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 rotating relative to each other about the cutter assembly hinge 2160 . the blade receptacle portion 2120 includes a blade receptacle 2122 configured to receive and at least partially surround the blade 2112 when the cutter assembly 2100 is in its partially closed configuration and / or its fully closed configuration . in this manner , the blade tip 2113 can be disposed within the blade receptacle 2122 , e . g ., during storage of the cutter assembly 2100 or upon completion of a procedure , to limit or prevent undesirable or accidental cutting . the blade receptacle portion 2120 further includes a blade receptacle organ receiver 2124 configured to receive and / or guide a portion of the organ prior to cutting of the organ . the blade receptacle organ receiver 2124 provides repeatable and easy positioning of a portion of the organ in preparation for cutting of the organ by the blade 2112 , and provides suitable seating of the portion of the organ during the cutting of the same . for example , in use , a portion of an organ can be positioned across the blade receptacle organ receiver 2124 when the cutter assembly 2100 is in its open configuration . further , the cutter assembly 2100 can be actuated such that the blade 2112 pierces the organ when the organ is disposed within the blade receptacle organ receiver 2124 . in this manner , the blade receptacle organ receiver 2124 at least temporarily contains the organ and provides a surface or counter - force to facilitate cutting or severing of the organ , and limits or prevents the organ from undesirably slipping or sliding away from the blade portion 2110 upon , e . g ., upon contact with the blade 2112 . the blade receptacle portion 2120 further includes a blade receptacle portion grip 2126 ergonomically designed to facilitate gripping , actuating , or otherwise manipulating of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 by a user . in this manner , in use , a user can grip both the blade receptacle portion grip 2126 and the blade portion grip 2116 and apply forces ( e . g ., a user can squeeze both grips , with one or two hands ) thereto to actuate the cutter clamp assembly 2100 to cut or sever an organ . the cutter assembly hinge 2160 of the cutter assembly 2100 includes a cutter hinge pin 2161 rotatably coupled to and disposed within a cutter hinge socket 2162 . the cutter assembly hinge 2160 further includes a cutter hinge stabilizer 2163 configured to stabilize or guide the cutter assembly 2100 between configurations . as shown , the cutter hinge stabilizer 2163 includes a cutter hinge stabilizer projection 2164 ( projecting from the blade portion 2110 ) and a cutter hinge stabilizer receptacle ( or guide ) 2167 configured to receive the projection 2164 to provide stiffening or stabilization ( e . g ., limit undesirably lateral movement ) between the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 . the cutter hinge stabilizer 2163 is further configured to inhibit an organ from extending or sliding into , or otherwise interfering with the hinge 2160 and impeding actuation of the cutter assembly 2100 ( e . g ., preventing the cutter assembly 2100 from fully transitioning from its open configuration to its partially closed configuration , and to its fully closed configuration ) when the organ is clamped or in the process of being clamped or when the organ is cut or in the process of being cut . in this manner , interruption of the hinge 2160 during transitioning of the cutter assembly 2100 between configurations can be inhibited by the cutter hinge stabilizer 2163 . the cutter assembly hinge 2160 further includes a cutter hinge stop 2166 configured to limit or set a maximum angle defined between the blade portion 21110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 . similarly stated , the cutter hinge stop 2166 is configured to limit or prevent relative angular rotation between the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 beyond a threshold . as shown in fig7 b and 8b , the cutter hinge stop 2166 includes a projection extending from the blade receptacle portion 2120 that corresponds with and is operably coupled to the blade portion 2110 . in use , for example , as the cutter assembly 2100 is moved to the open configuration ( e . g ., from its partially closed configuration ), relative movement of the blade portion 2110 relative to the blade receptacle portion 2120 is limited by contact between the projection of the cutter hinge stop 2166 and the corresponding surface of the blade portion 2110 . the cutter assembly 2100 further includes a cutter assembly latch 2170 configured to , when engaged , releasably retain the cutter assembly 2100 in its fully closed configuration . said another way , the cutter assembly latch 2170 is configured to , when engaged , limit relative movement between the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 ( e . g ., during storage before or after use of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 in a procedure ). the cutter assembly latch 2170 includes a cutter assembly latch projection 2172 extending from the blade portion 2110 and a cutter assembly latch receptacle 2174 defined by the blade receptacle portion 2120 and configured to receive , engage with and be releasably coupled to the cutter assembly latch projection 2172 . in use , when the cutter assembly is transitioned to its fully closed configuration ( e . g ., in response to a manual force provided by a user to the blade portion grip 2116 and the blade receptacle portion grip 2126 ), the cutter assembly latch projection 2172 is urged into the cutter assembly latch receptacle 2174 beyond a threshold ( by way of a snap or interference fit ) such that the cutter assembly latch 2170 engages . in this manner , the latch 2170 can self - engage , e . g ., without requiring separate manipulation of the latch 2170 by a user . such self - engagement promotes ease of use by allowing , for example , a single user to perform effectively and safely a cut / clamp procedure with the cutter assembly 2100 . in this embodiment , the cutter assembly latch 2170 can be engaged and disengaged by a user . for example , to disengage the cutter assembly latch 2170 , a user can manipulate the cutter assembly latch projection 2172 ( e . g ., press the latch projection from its biased position ) to free or separate the latch projection 2172 from the latch receptacle 2174 such that the cutter assembly 2100 can be transitioned from its fully closed configuration to its partially closed or open configurations . in alternative embodiments , the cutter assembly latch 2170 can be substantially permanently engaged such that the cutter assembly latch 2170 locks the cutter assembly 2100 in its fully closed configuration when the cutter assembly latch 2170 is engaged . in such embodiments , the cutter assembly latch can limit or prevent reuse of the cutter assembly 2100 and potential contamination resulting from such reuse . moreover , as discussed above , the cutter clamp assembly includes a first clamp 2200 , as illustrated in fig9 a - c in perspective views , in an open configuration , and in fig9 d in perspective view , in a closed configuration . the first clamp 2200 is configured to clamp a portion of an elongate biological organ , and includes a first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 and a first clamp lower jaw portion 2210 rotationally coupled or hinged to the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 via a first clamp hinge 2230 . the first clamp hinge 2230 is configured to promote relative angular movement or otherwise provide a pivot section or point between the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 2210 . in this manner , the first clamp can transition between configurations ( e . g ., open and closed configurations ) by the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 2210 rotating relative to each other about the first clamp hinge 2230 . similar to the discussion with respect to the first clamp 1200 , to clamp an organ , the first clamp 2200 can be manipulated from a first , open configuration , to a second , closed configuration . the first clamp hinge 2230 is configured to be biased to its open configuration . the first clamp hinge 2230 includes a first clamp hinge guard 2232 configured to facilitate clamping ( i . e ., movement of the first clamp hinge 2230 from its open , biased configuration , to its closed , unbiased configuration ) of an organ by providing stabilization or stiffening of the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 , the first clamp lower jaw portion 2210 , and the desired dynamics of the first clamp hinge 2230 as the first clamp 2200 transitions between configurations . the first clamp hinge guard 2232 is further configured to limit or prevent the organ from extending or sliding into , or otherwise interfering with the first clamp hinge 2230 ( e . g ., preventing the first clamp 2230 from fully transitioning to its closed position ) when the organ is clamped or in the process of being clamped by the first clamp hinge 2230 . as shown , the first clamp hinge guard 2232 includes a first clamp hinge guard projection 2233 and a first clamp hinge guard receptacle 2234 configured to receive or slidably mate with the first clamp hinge guard projection 2233 , e . g ., when the first clamp 2200 is in its closed configuration . in use , for example , as the first clamp 2200 is manipulated to clamp an organ , i . e ., as the first clamp 2200 is transitioned from its open configuration to its closed configuration , the first clamp hinge guard projection 2233 will slide into the first clamp hinge guard receptacle 2234 . in this manner , in use , the first clamp hinge guard 2232 provides stiffening or stabilization ( e . g ., lateral stabilization ) to promote proper clamping of an organ while limiting any undesirable counterforces by the organ from contributing to or causing incomplete clamping of the organ . similarly stated , the first clamp hinge guard 2232 promotes continuous desirable alignment between the first clamp lower jaw 2210 and the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 during clamping and cutting of the organ . the first clamp lower jaw 2210 of the first clamp 2200 includes a first clamp organ receiver 2214 configured to receive a portion of an organ to be clamped , and a first clamp lower jaw teeth 2216 configured to grip , hold or otherwise promote retainment of , the portion of the organ to be clamped . in this manner , in use , the first clamp organ receiver 2214 and the first clamp lower jaw teeth 2216 can promote proper positioning and retainment of the organ in preparation for and during clamping of the organ , and during cutting of the organ . the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 includes a first clamp actuator arm 2224 having stiffening ribs 2225 to provide structural stiffening or support , and a first clamp upper jaw lever 2221 coupled to the actuator arm 2224 via a first clamp upper jaw lever support 2223 . the stiffening ribs 2225 , in use , for example , provide stabilizing support to the first clamp actuator arm 2224 to resist undesirable movement of the actuator arm 2224 in response to torque generated in part by the interaction of the first clamp 2200 and the cutting timing mechanism 2600 , as described in further detail herein . the upper jaw lever 2221 , collectively with the first clamp lower jaw 2210 , is configured to compress or clamp a portion of the organ when the portion of the organ is disposed in the first clamp organ receiver 2214 . the upper jaw lever 2221 includes first clamp upper jaw teeth 2222 configured to grip , hold or otherwise promote retainment of the portion of the organ to be clamped . disposed between the first clamp upper jaw lever 2221 and the first clamp actuator arm 2224 is a first clamp upper jaw lever support 2223 ( e . g ., a fulcrum ) configured to provide support about which the upper jaw lever 2221 can pivot or move , e . g ., in response to contact with the organ , relative to the first clamp actuator arm 2224 , the first clamp hinge 2230 and the first clamp lower jaw 2210 . as discussed in further detail herein , during a clamp and cut procedure , predictable and repeatable timing of the clamping relative to the cutting is important to the effectiveness , safety and overall success of such a procedure . elongate biological organs , however , vary in size , stiffness and other properties , across various patients . accordingly , the upper jaw lever 2221 , the upper jaw lever support 2223 and the actuator arm 2224 are collectively configured to promote predictable and repeatable clamp and cut timing for a wide range of organs having various properties and characteristics . for example , in use , as the first clamp 2200 is actuated ( i . e ., transitioned from its open configuration to its closed configuration ) and the upper jaw lever 2221 and the lower jaw 2210 come into contact with a portion of the organ , the allowance of relative movement between the first clamp upper jaw lever 2221 and the first clamp actuator arm 2224 allows for suitable clamping of the organ without undesirably affecting the timing of the clamping relative to the subsequent cutting or severing of the organ , as will be discussed in further detail herein with respect to the cutter timer mechanism 2600 . further , such relative movement allows for use of a single - sized clamp for clamping of organs having various sizes , e . g ., small diameter organs and large diameter organs , without having to design and manufacture clamps of various sizes to facilitate various sized organs . the first clamp 2200 further includes a first clamp latch 2240 having a first clamp latch first portion 2242 and a first clamp latch second portion 2244 configured to removably engage with or couple to the first portion 2242 . when engaged , the first clamp 2200 is removably locked in its closed configuration . similarly stated , the first clamp latch 2240 , when engaged , is configured to limit relative movement between the first clamp lower jaw 2210 and the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 ( e . g ., the first clamp actuator arm 2224 of the upper jaw portion 2220 ). in this manner , the first clamp 2200 can be secured in its closed configuration during storage prior to use and / or after use . further , after use , i . e ., when a portion of an organ is clamped by the first clamp 2200 , the first clamp latch 2240 can secure the organ in its clamped or deformed configuration ( e . g ., to promote sanitation and limit undesirable contamination of the organ or patient ). the first clamp 2200 can be further manipulated to disengage the first clamp latch 2240 and / or transition the first clamp 2200 from its closed configuration to its open configuration . for example , in a procedure involved clamping an umbilical cord , the first clamp 2200 can clamp the umbilical cord to facilitate the cutting of the umbilical cord , and then the first clamp 2200 can be disengaged ( moved from its closed configuration to its open configuration ) or separated from the umbilical cord such that blood can be withdrawn from the umbilical cord . in some embodiments , the latch 2240 can self - engage in response to the force applied to transition the first clamp 2200 from its open configuration to its closed configuration . such self - engagement ( e . g ., via an interference fit ) can provide for desirable locking of the first clamp 2200 , as discussed above , without requiring a user of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 from separately manipulating the latch 2240 . such self - engagement can further promote ease of use by allowing , for example , a single user to perform effectively and safely a cut / clamp procedure with the cutter assembly 2100 . in alternative embodiments , the latch may require manipulation of the latch by a user to engage the latch . in yet alternative embodiments , the latch can be substantially permanently engaged such that the latch locks the first clamp in its closed configuration when the latch is engaged or actuated . in such embodiments , the latch can limit or prevent reuse of the clamp and potential complications resulting from removal of the latch from the organ or patient . for example , in procedures in which umbilical cord blood collection is not performed , the latch can remain engaged such that the organ remains clamped by the latch . in such cases , in some instances , the latch can remain clamped about the organ at least until the organ is detached from the patient or when a trained healthcare personnel removes the clamp . as discussed above and as illustrated , for example , in fig6 a - 6c , the first clamp 2200 is removably coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 via the first clamp mount 2300 . the first clamp mount 2300 is configured to operably and removably couple the first clamp 2200 to the cutter assembly 2100 such that , as discussed further herein , the first clamp 2200 can be actuated when coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 , and decoupled or separated from the cutter assembly 2100 when the first clamp 2200 is in its closed configuration and the cutter assembly 2100 has transitioned from its open configuration its fully closed configuration . in this manner , in use , the first clamp 2200 can separate from the cutter assembly 2100 and maintain clamping of a portion of the organ when the organ has been cut or severed by the cutter assembly 2100 . the first clamp mount 2300 includes a collection of corresponding features of the cutter assembly 2100 and the first clamp 2200 . referring to the cutter assembly 2100 , the first clamp mount 2300 includes a first clamp mount cutter portion 2130 of the cutter assembly 2100 , defining a first post 2131 and a second post 2132 extending from the blade receptacle portion 2120 . referring to the first clamp 2200 , the first clamp lower jaw portion 2210 of the first clamp 2200 includes a first clamp mount clamp portion 2212 configured to releasably mate with the first clamp mount cutter portion 2130 of the cutter assembly 2100 . as shown , for example in fig6 a , the first clamp mount clamp portion 2212 of the first clamp lower jaw 2210 defines receptacles or sockets configured to receive and slidably and removably mate with the first post 2131 and the second post 2132 of the first clamp mount cutter portion 2130 . as discussed above , in use , a force applied at and to the cutter assembly , e . g ., the blade receptacle portion grip 2126 and the blade portion grip 2116 , can actuate the cutter clamp assembly 2000 such that relative movement of the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 of the cutter assembly 2100 between its open configuration and its partially closed configuration produces relative movement of the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 and the first clamp lower jaw portion 2210 of the first clamp 2200 between its open configuration and its closed configuration . to facilitate such suitable timing and transfer of forces to cause transitions between such configurations , the cutter clamp assembly 2000 includes a cutting timer mechanism 2600 . the cutting timer mechanism 2600 includes a first clamp cutting timer shoulder 2226 of the first clamp 2200 extending laterally from the first clamp actuator arm 2224 . the first clamp cutting timer shoulder 2226 defines a first clamp cutting timer receptacle 2227 configured to slidably couple to or mate with a corresponding first projection 2152 of a cutting timer blade portion 2150 ( of the cutting timer mechanism 2600 ) of the cutter assembly 2100 . as shown , for example in fig7 , the first projection 2152 of the cutting timer blade portion 2150 extends from the blade 2112 of the cutter assembly 2100 , and is configured to slide within or be guided by the first clamp cutting timer receptacle 2227 when the first clamp 2200 is coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 and the cutter assembly 2100 transitions from its open configuration to its partially closed configuration . moreover , with the first clamp 2200 in its closed configuration , as the cutter assembly 2100 transitions from its partially closed configuration to its fully closed configuration , the first projection 2152 slides towards and beyond an edge of the first clamp cutting timer receptacle 2227 . with the first projection 2152 separated from the first clamp cutting timer receptacle 2227 , further relative movement of the cutter assembly 2100 ( from its partially closed configurations towards its fully closed configuration ) includes the first projection 2152 of the cutting timer blade portion 2150 interfere with and push the first clamp upper jaw portion 2220 such that the first clamp mount cutter portion 2130 of the cutter assembly 2100 is decoupled or separated from the first clamp mount clamp portion 2212 , and the first clamp 2200 is decoupled or separated from the cutter assembly 2100 . as discussed herein , the cutter clamp assembly 2000 further includes a second clamp 2400 configured to clamp a portion of an elongate biological organ and removably coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 via the second clamp mount 2500 . the second clamp 2400 is the same as and functions the same as the first clamp 2200 , but is a mirror image of the first clamp 2200 . similarly , the second clamp mount 2400 is the same as and functions the same as the first clamp mount 2300 . for example , the second clamp 2400 includes a second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 and a second clamp lower jaw portion 2410 rotationally coupled or hinged to the second clamp upper jaw portion 2320 via second clamp hinge 2420 . similar to the discussion with respect to the first clamp 1200 and the first clamp 2200 , to clamp an organ , the second clamp 2400 can be manipulated from a first , open configuration , to a second , closed configuration . with the second clamp 2400 disposed about an organ ( i . e ., the organ is positioned within a second clamp organ receiving zone 2451 defined between the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 and the second clamp lower jaw portion 2410 ), the second clamp 2400 can be manipulated ( e . g ., by a manual force applied by a user to the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 and / or the second clamp lower jaw portion 2410 ) to transition the second clamp 2400 from its open configuration to its closed configuration . the second clamp hinge 2430 is configured to be biased to its open configuration . the second clamp hinge 2430 includes a second clamp hinge guard 2432 configured to facilitate clamping ( i . e ., movement of the second clamp hinge 2430 from its open , biased configuration , to its closed , unbiased configuration ) of an organ by providing stabilization or stiffening of the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 , the second clamp lower jaw portion 2410 , and the desired dynamics of the second clamp hinge 2430 as the second clamp 2400 transitions between configurations . the second clamp hinge guard 2432 is further configured to limit or prevent the organ from extending or sliding into , or otherwise interfering with the second clamp hinge 2430 ( e . g ., preventing the second clamp 2430 from fully transitioning to its closed position ) when the organ is clamped or in the process of being clamped by the second clamp hinge 2430 . as shown , the second clamp hinge guard 2432 includes a second clamp hinge guard projection 2433 and a second clamp hinge guard receptacle 2434 configured to receive or slidably mate with the second clamp hinge guard projection 2433 , e . g ., when the second clamp 2400 is in its closed configuration . in use , for example , as the second clamp 2400 is manipulated to clamp an organ , i . e ., as the second clamp 2400 is transitioned from its open configuration to its closed configuration , the second clamp hinge guard projection 2433 will slide into the second clamp hinge guard receptacle 2434 . in this manner , in use , the second clamp hinge guard 2432 provides stiffing or stabilization ( e . g ., lateral stabilization ) to promote proper clamping of an organ while limiting any undesirable counterforces by the organ from contributing to or causing incomplete clamping of the organ . similarly stated , the second clamp hinge guard 2432 promotes continuous desirable alignment between the second clamp lower jaw 2410 and the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 during clamping and cutting of the organ . the second clamp lower jaw 2410 of the second clamp 2400 includes a second clamp organ receiver 2414 configured to receive a portion of an organ to be clamped , and a second clamp lower jaw teeth 2416 configured to grip , hold or otherwise promote retainment of the portion of the organ to be clamped . in this manner , in use , the second clamp organ receiver 2414 and the second clamp lower jaw teeth 2416 can promote proper positioning and retainment of the organ in preparation for and during clamping of the organ , and during cutting of the organ . the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 includes a second clamp actuator arm 2424 having stiffening ribs 2425 to provide structural stiffening or support , and a second clamp upper jaw lever 2421 coupled to the actuator arm 2424 via a second clamp upper jaw lever support 2423 . the stiffening ribs 2425 , in use , for example , provide stabilizing support to the second clamp actuator arm 2424 to resist undesirable movement of the actuator arm 2424 in response to torque generated in part by the interaction of the second clamp 2400 and the cutting timing mechanism 2600 , as described in further detail herein . the upper jaw lever 2421 , collectively with the second clamp lower jaw 2410 , is configured to compress or clamp a portion of the organ when the portion of the organ is disposed in the second clamp organ receiver 2414 . the upper jaw lever 2421 includes second clamp upper jaw teeth 2422 configured to grip , hold or otherwise promote retainment of the portion of the organ to be clamped . disposed between the second clamp upper jaw lever 2421 and the second clamp actuator arm 2424 is a second clamp upper jaw lever support 2423 ( e . g ., a fulcrum ) configured to provide support about which the upper jaw lever 2421 can pivot or move , e . g ., in response to contact with the organ , relative to the second clamp actuator arm 2424 , the second clamp hinge 2430 and the second clamp lower jaw 2410 . as discussed in further detail herein , during a clamp and cut procedure , predictable and repeatable timing of the clamping relative to the cutting is important to the effectiveness , safety and overall success of such a procedure . elongate biological organs , however , vary in size , stiffness and other properties , across various patients . accordingly , the upper jaw lever 2421 , the upper jaw lever support 2423 and the actuator arm 2424 are collectively configured to promote predictable and repeatable clamp and cut timing for a wide range of organs having various properties and characteristics . for example , in use , as the second clamp 2400 is actuated ( i . e ., transitioned from its open configuration to its closed configuration ) and the upper jaw lever 2421 and the lower jaw 2410 come into contact with a portion of the organ , the allowance of relative movement between the second clamp upper jaw lever 2421 and the second clamp actuator arm 2424 allows for suitable clamping of the organ without undesirably affecting the timing of the clamping relative to the subsequent cutting or severing of the organ , as will be discussed in further detail herein with respect to the cutter timer mechanism 2600 . further , such relative movement allows for use of a single - sized clamp for clamping of organs having various sizes , e . g ., small diameter organs and large diameter organs , without having to design and manufacture clamps of various sizes to facilitate various sized organs . the second clamp 2400 further includes a second clamp latch 2440 having a second clamp latch second portion 2442 and a second clamp latch second portion 2444 configured to removably engage with or couple to the second portion 2442 . when engaged , the second clamp 2400 is removably locked in its closed configuration . similarly stated , the second clamp latch 2440 , when engaged , is configured to limit relative movement between the second clamp lower jaw 2410 and the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 ( e . g ., the second clamp actuator arm 2424 of the upper jaw portion 2420 ). in this manner , the second clamp 2400 can be secured in its closed configuration during storage prior to use and / or after use . further , after use , i . e ., when a portion of an organ is clamped by the second clamp 2400 , the second clamp latch 2440 can secure the organ in its clamped or deformed configuration ( e . g ., to promote sanitation and limit undesirable contamination of the organ or patient ). the second clamp 2400 can be further manipulated to disengage the second clamp latch 2440 and / or transition the second clamp 2400 from its closed configuration to its open configuration . for example , in a procedure involved clamping an umbilical cord , the second clamp 2400 can clamp the umbilical cord to facilitate the cutting of the umbilical cord , and then the second clamp 2400 can be disengaged ( moved from its closed configuration to its open configuration ) or separated from the umbilical cord such that blood can be withdrawn from the umbilical cord . in some embodiments , the latch 2440 can self - engage in response to the force applied to transition the second clamp 2400 from its open configuration to its closed configuration . such self - engagement ( e . g ., via an interference fit ) can provide for desirable locking of the second clamp 2400 , as discussed above , without requiring a user of the cutter clamp assembly 2000 from separately manipulating the latch 2440 . such self - engagement can further promote ease of use by allowing , for example , a single user to perform effectively and safely a cut / clamp procedure with the cutter assembly 2100 . in alternative embodiments , the latch may require manipulation of the latch by a user to engage the latch . in yet alternative embodiments , the latch can be substantially permanently engaged such that the latch locks the second clamp in its closed configuration when the latch is engaged or actuated . in such embodiments , the latch can limit or prevent reuse of the clamp and potential complications resulting from removal of the latch from the organ or patient . for example , in procedures in which umbilical cord blood collection is not performed , the latch can remain engaged such that the organ remains clamped by the latch . in such cases , in some instances , the latch can remain clamped about the organ at least until the organ is detached from the patient or when a trained healthcare personnel removes the clamp . as discussed above and as illustrated , for example , in fig6 a - 6c , the second clamp 2400 is removably coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 via the second clamp mount 2300 . the second clamp mount 2300 is configured to operably and removably couple the second clamp 2400 to the cutter assembly 2100 such that , as discussed further herein , the second clamp 2400 can be actuated when coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 , and decoupled or separated from the cutter assembly 2100 when the second clamp 2400 is in its closed configuration and the cutter assembly 2100 has transitioned from its open configuration its fully closed configuration . in this manner , in use , the second clamp 2400 can separate from the cutter assembly 2100 and maintain clamping of a portion of the organ when the organ has been cut or severed by the cutter assembly 2100 . the second clamp mount 2300 includes a collection of corresponding features of the cutter assembly 2100 and the second clamp 2400 . referring to the cutter assembly 2100 , the second clamp mount 2300 includes a second clamp mount cutter portion 2140 of the cutter assembly 2100 , defining a first post 2141 and a second post 2142 extending from the blade receptacle portion 2120 . referring to the second clamp 2400 , the second clamp lower jaw portion 2410 of the second clamp 2400 includes a second clamp mount clamp portion 2412 configured to releasably mate with the second clamp mount cutter portion 2140 of the cutter assembly 2100 . as shown , for example in fig6 a , the second clamp mount clamp portion 2412 of the second clamp lower jaw 2410 defines receptacles or sockets configured to receive and slidably and removably mate with the second post 2131 and the second post 2132 of the second clamp mount cutter portion 2140 . as discussed above , in use , a force applied at and to the cutter assembly , e . g ., the blade receptacle portion grip 2126 and the blade portion grip 2116 , can actuate the cutter clamp assembly 2000 such that relative movement of the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 of the cutter assembly 2100 between its open configuration and its partially closed configuration produces relative movement of the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 and the second clamp lower jaw portion 2410 of the second clamp 2400 between its open configuration and its closed configuration . to facilitate such suitable timing and transfer of forces to cause transitions between such configurations , the cutter clamp assembly 2000 includes a cutting timer mechanism 2600 . the cutting timer mechanism 2600 includes a second clamp cutting timer shoulder 2426 of the second clamp 2400 extending laterally from the second clamp actuator arm 2424 . the second clamp cutting timer shoulder 2426 defines a second clamp cutting timer receptacle 2427 configured to slidably couple to or mate with a corresponding second projection 2154 of a cutting timer blade portion 2150 ( of the cutting timer mechanism 2600 ) of the cutter assembly 2100 . as shown , for example in fig7 , the second projection 2154 of the cutting timer blade portion 2150 extends from the blade 2112 of the cutter assembly 2100 , and is configured to slide within or be guided by the second clamp cutting timer receptacle 2427 when the second clamp 2400 is coupled to the cutter assembly 2100 and the cutter assembly 2100 transitions from its open configuration to its partially closed configuration . moreover , with the second clamp 2400 in its closed configuration , as the cutter assembly 2100 transitions from its partially closed configuration to its fully closed configuration , the second projection 2154 slides towards and beyond an edge of the second clamp cutting timer receptacle 2427 . with the second projection 2154 separated from the second clamp cutting timer receptacle 2427 , further relative movement of the cutter assembly 2100 ( from its partially closed configurations towards its fully closed configuration ) includes the second projection 2154 of the cutting timer blade portion 2150 interfere with and push the second clamp upper jaw portion 2420 such that the second clamp mount cutter portion 2140 of the cutter assembly 2100 is decoupled or separated from the second clamp mount clamp portion 2412 , and the second clamp 2400 is decoupled or separated from the cutter assembly 2100 . in use , as illustrated in fig1 a - 10c , during an umbilical cord procedure , for example , with the cutter assembly 2100 coupled to the first clamp 2200 via the first clamp mount 2300 and the cutter assembly 2100 coupled to the second clamp 2400 via the second clamp mount 2500 , the umbilical cord can be disposed across the cutter clamp assembly 2000 in preparation for clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord ( see e . g ., fig1 a ). more specifically , a first portion “ fp ” of the umbilical cord can be disposed across the first clamp organ receiver 2214 and within the first clamp organ receiving zone 2251 . a second portion “ sp ” of the umbilical cord can be disposed across the blade receptacle portion organ receiver 2124 and within the cutting zone 2180 . a third portion “ tp ” of the umbilical cord can be disposed across the second clamp organ receiver 2414 and within the second clamp organ receiving zone 2451 . in this manner , as illustrated in fig1 a , the second portion of the umbilical cord ( i . e ., the portion of the umbilical cord to be cut ) is disposed between the first and third portions of the umbilical cord ( i . e ., the portions of the umbilical cord to be clamped ). due in part to the symmetry on either side of the blade 2112 , a user can approach the umbilical cord from various sides and angles . in some instances , for example , the first portion of the umbilical cord can be on the placenta - side of the umbilical cord while the third portion of the umbilical cord is on the newborn - side of the umbilical cord . in other instances , for example , the first portion of the umbilical cord can be on the newborn - side and the third portion of the umbilical cord can be on the placenta side . such a configuration promotes repeatable approaches regardless of the particular user , and similarly limits potential for mistakes ( e . g ., by an untrained user ). with the umbilical cord suitably positioned relative to the cutter clamp assembly 2000 , pressure ( e . g ., manual pressure from a user ) can be applied to the blade portion 2110 of the cutter assembly 2100 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 of the cutter assembly 2100 to transition the cutter assembly 2100 from its open configuration to its partially closed configuration and thus to transition ( 1 ) the first clamp 2200 from its open configuration to its closed configuration and to clamp the first portion of the umbilical cord between the first clamp lower jaw 2210 and the first clamp upper jaw lever 2221 , and ( 2 ) the second clamp 2400 from its open configuration to its closed configuration and to clamp the third portion of the umbilical cord between the second clamp lower jaw 2410 and the second clamp upper jaw lever 2421 . as discussed herein , the pressure applied to transition the cutter assembly 2100 to its partially closed configuration causes the first projection 2152 of the cutting timer blade portion 2150 to slide along the first clamp cutting timer receptacle 2227 of the first clamp cutting timer shoulder 2226 such that the pressure is transferred from the first projection to the first clamp 2200 to urge the first clamp 2200 to its closed configuration . further , the first clamp latch 2240 engages when the first clamp 2200 is in its closed configuration and the first portion of the organ is clamped by the first clamp 2200 . similarly , the pressure applied to transition the cutter assembly 2100 to its partially closed configuration causes the second projection 2252 of the cutting timer blade portion 2150 to slide along the second clamp cutting timer receptacle 2427 of the second clamp cutting timer shoulder 2426 such that the pressure is transferred from the second projection to the second clamp 2400 to urge the second clamp 2400 to its closed configuration . further , the second clamp latch 2440 engages when the second clamp 2400 is in its closed configuration and the third portion of the organ is clamped by the second clamp 2400 . in some instances , with the cutter assembly 2100 in its partially closed configuration , the blade tip 2113 can pierce and at least partially cut the second portion of the organ such that the blade portion 2112 is in communication with contents ( e . g ., blood ) of the organ . with the first clamp 2200 and the second clamp 2400 in close proximity to the blade 2110 ( i . e ., on either side of the blade 2110 ), content splatter in response to the cutting and clamping is limited or at least partially contained in the cutter clamp assembly 2000 , thereby promoting sanitation of the area surrounding the procedure . said another way , the first clamp 2200 and the second clamp 2400 , in some instances , can intercept or block content from splattering from the cutter clamp assembly 2000 . further , with the first clamp 2200 and the second clamp 2400 and their closed configurations , further pressure applied to transition the cutter assembly 2100 towards its fully closed configuration causes the first clamp 2200 and the second clamp 2400 to separate from the cutter assembly 2100 , with the first clamp 2200 retained on the first portion of the organ and the second clamp 2400 retained on the third portion of the organ . further pressure ( e . g ., manual pressure by a user ) can be applied to the blade portion 2110 of the cutter assembly 2100 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 of the cutter assembly 2100 to transition the cutter assembly 2100 from its partially closed configuration to its fully closed configuration ( see e . g ., fig1 b ), and to cut or sever the second portion of the organ . upon the further pressure , the cutter assembly latch 2170 engages when the cutter assembly 2100 is in its fully closed configuration such that further relative movement between the blade portion 2110 and the blade receptacle portion 2120 is limited . as illustrated in fig1 c , upon severance of the umbilical cord , the first clamp 2200 can be separated from the cutter assembly 2100 while remaining clamped to a portion of the umbilical cord . in an alternative embodiment , a cutter clamp assembly can be configured similar to or the same as the cutter clamp assembly 2000 , except that a cutter hinge of the cutter assembly includes a ratchet mechanism configured to allow movement of the cutter assembly from its open configuration to its partially closed configuration , and further to its fully closed configuration , but to limit movement in a reversed direction , i . e ., from the fully closed configuration to the partially closed configuration , and from the partially closed configuration to the open configuration . in this manner , when a cutter clamp assembly having a ratchet mechanism is used to clamp and cut an elongate biological organ , the ratchet mechanism can limit or prevent opening or removal of the cutter assembly prior to complete actuation or complete or suitable severing of the organ . in some embodiments , the ratchet mechanism can substantially permanently secure the cutter assembly in its closed configuration . fig1 illustrates a cutter clamp assembly 3000 having a cutter hinge ratchet 3165 . the cutter clamp assembly 3000 can be constructed and function similar to any of the cutter clamp assemblies described herein , e . g ., the cutter clamp assembly 2000 . thus , some details regarding the cutter clamp assembly 3000 are not described below . it should be understood that for features and functions not specifically discussed , those features and functions can be the same as or similar to any of the cutter clamp assemblies described herein . as shown in fig1 , the cutter clamp assembly 3000 includes a cutter hinge ratchet 3165 . the cutter hinge ratchet 3165 is configured to allow movement of the cutter hinge stabilizer projection 3164 ( projecting from the blade portion 3110 ) relative to the cutter hinge stabilizer receptacle ( or guide ) 3167 when the projection 3164 is disposed within the stabilizer receptacle 3167 and the cutter assembly 3000 is moving from an open configuration to a partially closed configuration or from a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration . further , the cutter hinge ratchet 3165 is configured to limit or prevent movement of the cutter hinge stabilizer projection 3164 from the cutter hinge stabilizer receptacle 3167 when the projection 3164 is disposed within the stabilizing receptacle 3167 . similarly stated , the cutter hinge ratchet 3165 limits or prevents the cutter assembly 3100 from transitioning from a closed configuration to a partially closed configuration or from the partially closed configuration to an open configuration . in this manner , when the cutter clamp assembly 3000 is used to clamp and cut an elongate biological organ , the ratchet mechanism can limit or prevent opening or removal of the cutter assembly 3000 prior to complete actuation or complete or suitable severing of the organ . further , the cutter hinge ratchet 3165 can limit or prevent reuse of the cutter assembly ( and the cutter clamp assembly ), thereby limiting insanitation and infections due to such reuse . in an alternative embodiment , a cutter clamp assembly can be configured similar to or the same as the cutter clamp assembly 3000 , except that the cutter assembly excludes a cutter assembly latch . in such embodiments , the cutter hinge ratchet can be configured to lock the cutter assembly in its fully closed configuration ( e . g ., after the cutter assembly is used in a procedure ) such that the cutter assembly cannot transition from its fully closed configuration ( e . g ., from its fully closed configuration to its partially closed configuration or its open configuration ). fig1 illustrates a cutter clamp assembly 4000 having a cutter hinge ratchet 3165 and excluding a cutter assembly latch 2170 . the cutter clamp assembly 4000 can be constructed and function similar to any of the cutter clamp assemblies described herein , e . g ., the cutter clamp assembly 1000 , 2000 , and / or 3000 . thus , some details regarding the cutter clamp assembly 4000 are not described below . it should be understood that for features and functions not specifically discussed , those features and functions can be the same as or similar to any of the cutter clamp assemblies described herein . as shown in fig1 , the cutter clamp assembly 4000 includes a cutter hinge ratchet 4165 . the cutter hinge ratchet 4165 is configured to allow movement of the cutter hinge stabilizer projection 4165 ( projecting from the blade portion 4110 ) relative to the cutter hinge stabilizer receptacle ( or guide ) 4167 when the projection 4164 is disposed within the stabilizer receptacle 4167 and the cutter assembly 4000 is moving from an open configuration to a partially closed configuration or from a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration . further , the cutter hinge ratchet 4165 is configured to limit or prevent movement of the cutter hinge stabilizer projection 4164 from the cutter hinge stabilizer receptacle 4167 when the projection 3164 is disposed within the stabilizing receptacle 4167 . similarly stated , the cutter hinge ratchet 4165 limits or prevents the cutter assembly 4100 from transitioning from a closed configuration to a partially closed configuration or from the partially closed configuration to an open configuration . in this manner , when the cutter clamp assembly 4000 is used to clamp and cut an elongate biological organ , the ratchet mechanism can limit or prevent opening or removal of the cutter assembly 4000 prior to complete actuation or complete or suitable severing of the organ . further , the cutter hinge ratchet 4165 can limit or prevent reuse of the cutter assembly ( and the cutter clamp assembly ), thereby limiting insanitation and infections due to such reuse . in alternative embodiments , cutter clamp assemblies can be constructed and function similar to or the same as any of the cutter clamp assemblies described above , but can include a blade portion grip and / or a blade receptacle portion grip having a greater width over a greater extent of each side of the cutter assembly , and / or can define finger indentations for improved comfort and more secured grip , thereby promoting effective , repeatable ( i . e ., consistent use across various users ), and easy actuation of the cutter clamp assembly by a user . in some embodiments , a blade portion grip and / or a blade receptacle portion grip can include one or more eye loops ( e . g ., allowing a user to slide his / her finger therethrough ) to promote more stability , grip , and a better transfer of force from the user to the cutter clamp assembly . in some embodiments , a blade portion grip and / or a blade receptacle portion grip can extend beyond one or more edges of the blade portion and / or the blade receptacle portion , thereby providing more grip surface area for a user , and / or providing improved torque ( e . g ., due to a greater distance of the applied force by the user from the cutter assembly hinge ) when a user applies a manual force to the cutter clamp assembly . optionally , an antibacterial agent , such as chlorhexidine , can be packaged with a cutter - clamp assembly ( e . g ., any of the cutter - clamp assemblies described herein ) so that the antibacterial agent can be applied to the organ ( e . g ., the umbilical cord ) stump after delivery . as another option , the packaged antibacterial agent , such as chlorhexidine , may be laid and / or stabilized across the cutting zone of the cutter assembly so that the package is opened and automatically dispersed on the organ during clamping and cutting of the organ . said another way , actuation of one or more clamps , or actuation of the cutter assembly , can cause the antibacterial agent ( e . g ., by piercing a package containing the antibacterial agent ) to be released at or near the cutting or clamping zones , thereby limiting complications resulting of insanitation or infections . while various embodiments have been described above , it should be understood that they have been presented in a way of example only , and not limitation . where schematics and / or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions , the arrangement of components may be modified . while the embodiments have been particularly shown and described , it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made . although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and / or combinations of components , other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and / or components from any of the embodiments discussed above .

US-201715598542-A

fermented ammoniated condensed whey is solidified by mixing it with certain calcium salts and allowing the mixture to stand . the mixture , while still liquid , may be mixed with grains , roughage and forage materials , or it may be shaped into blocks , cubes or pellets . solidified facw can be used as a feed supplement for ruminant animals . during the solidification calcium ammonium lactate is formed which is a new crystalline chemical composition . calcium ammonium lactate may be prepared in purified form from lactic acid , calcium hydroxide and ammonia . cal is useful independently as a feed supplement for ruminant animals .

the present invention is applicable to facw obtainable from various types of whey and having a variety of compositions . facw contains , as specified in section # 573 . 450 of the federal register , 35 to 55 % ammonium lactate . the calcium salts which are used in accordance with the invention are salts of strong mineral acids , such as calcium chloride , calcium sulfate and calcium phosphate . calcium chloride is preferred , being effective in smaller quantities , and producing harder products , than calcium sulfate , which in turn is more effective than calcium phosphate . effectiveness is believed to be correlated with water solubility . it is possible also to use alkaline calcium salts such as calcium carbonate , calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide . however , when alkaline calcium salts are used , a mineral acid must be added in an amount sufficient to neutralize , so that the facw is not rendered alkaline , so as to prevent loss of ammonia . preferably sufficient mineral acid is added to form the calcium salt with all of the calcium . the amount of calcium required to solidify an facw - containing feed to any specified hardness generally has to be determined experimentally . it has been found that 6 to 10 % calcium , by weight of facw , is generally sufficient . this amount is the percentage of calcium . the amount of any particular calcium salt must be adjusted to give the appropriate amount of calcium . the most elementary application of this invention is the solidification of facw . the facw and calcium salt are mixed at room temperature to dissolve the salt and the mixture poured into a suitable mold for hardening . it is best to slowly add this salt while vigorously mixing facw to eliminate clumping and hasten its solution . if an alkaline calcium salt is used in combination with mineral acids , as described above , the acids are best added to the facw during agitation followed by the slow addition of the alkaline salt . if calcium chloride ( cacl 2 . 2h 2 o ) is used singly or if mineral acids are added prior to the addition of an alkaline salt , extensive heat is generated . calcium chloride has a positive heat of solution and typically produces a temperature rise of 1 ° to 1 . 5 ° c . ( 2 ° to 3 ° f .) for each percent of the dihydrate added . when mineral acids are used in combination with alkaline calcium salts , the heats generated result primarily from the solution of the acids . the neutralization of the acidified facw by the alkaline salt is not significantly exothermic . a rise of 1 . 5 ° c . ( 3 ° f .) is typically observed for each percent of mineral acid ( 95 % h 2 so 4 or 85 % h 3 po 4 ) added . the facw - calcium mixture can be maintained as a free flowing liquid if the temperature is maintained above the temperature at which solidification is spontaneously initiated . this critical temperature is typically 25 ° to 30 ° c . but can vary depending on the exact composition of the facw , the calcium salt used , the amount of calcium added and the rate of cooling . if the facw prior to calcium addition is at room temperature ( 20 ° c . ), the elevated temperature obtained following typical additions of calcium chloride or mineral acids plus alkaline salts is sufficiently high to maintain the facw - calcium mixture in a liquid state . for example , if an facw - calcium mixture is to contain 20 % by mass of the dihydrate , with a temperature of 20 ° c . prior to blending , the temperature of the mixture will be typically 40 ° to 50 ° c . following complete solution of the calcium salts . such a mixture will remain as a liquid for a prolonged period , unless it is cooled . if the additions do not result in a mixture having a temperature that is greater than the critical solidification temperature , sufficient heat must be applied to the facw fraction before blending to prevent premature solidification . by regulating the rate and extent of cooling , the rate of solidification can be controlled . relatively rapid solidification can result if the fluid is cooled at a specified rate to a temperature that nearly equals or is slightly lower ( supercooling ) than the critical temperature before being poured into a mold . once the critical temperature is attained , the product can be maintained as a liquid for a period of approximately 2 to 5 minutes , which is sufficient time to transfer the slightly thickened fluid from the mixing vessel to the solidification mold . once solidification is initiated , a hard , dry product can result in about 15 minutes or less . the exact rate and extent of cooling employed when applying this method must be determined experimentally and will vary with the formulation used and the facw composition . it is necessary to control the rate of cooling so as to permit mold pouring at the critical temperature or during the supercooling phase . if cooling is too rapid , solidification can result prematurely and the method cannot be applied to attain the desired result . rapid solidification is desired when insoluble materials such as minerals or grain fragments are slurried or suspended in liquid facw prior to initiating the solidification process . when the process is controlled to produce rapid solidification the suspended material can be homogeneously distributed in the finished solid . this process is especially applicable to the production of lick blocks containing insoluble matter where the matter must be homogeneously suspended . if the facw mixture to be solidified contains no suspended solid matter , it may be desirable to implement a slow - setting procedure . this procedure is simpler to employ , since careful regulation of the cooling rate is not necessary . the facw - calcium mixture is simply maintained at a temperature that is greater than the solidification temperature , poured into an appropriate mold and permitted to cool ( usually under ambient conditions ) until the solidification temperature is attained and solidification is achieved . with this method , solidification usually occurs in from 1 to 6 hours depending on the formulation used , the initial temperature of the fluid and the cooling conditions . generally the temperature at which the fluid is poured should be at least 2 ° to 5 ° c . above the known solidification temperature so as to avoid premature solidification that could occur if pouring were attempted at a slightly lower temperature . if the temperature is more than 5 ° c . above the known solidification temperature , solidification will be delayed . in addition to the production of solidified facw in molds , this invention can be applied to the production of facw pellets or cubes using commonly known extrusion type devices . to apply these devices to liquid facw - calcium mixtures at elevated temperatures , the mixtures must be cooled to the point at which solidification is initiated ( or supercooled ) and forced through the extrusion device precisely when the desired consistency is attained . when using such a process , the rate and extent of cooling have to be carefully regulated so that the material is thickened to a desirable consistency just prior to being forced through the die of the extrusion device . after it has been formed , the extruded material can harden completely within minutes . the exact timing must be determined by trial for each formulation used . facw solidification in accordance with the invention can be conducted also with the inclusion of other nutrients , such as molasses , corn steep liquid , yeast extract products , minerals and vitamins . in addition , drugs added to feed products may be included depending on the final use of the product . for example , rumensin ® could be added to blocks , pellets or cubes for feeding cattle . in general , larger amounts of calcium salt are needed to attain a desired hardness when the facw contains excessive amounts of molasses than when the process is practiced with facw itself . mixtures containing up to 25 parts by weight of molasses for each 100 parts of facw may be solidified using conventional amounts of the calcium salts . higher levels than 25 parts of molasses may be used , but the level of calcium may have to be elevated . other ingredients may also influence solidification , and trial and error must be implemented to determine the level of calcium required to effect hardening . a more sophisticated application of this invention is the use of facw - calcium mixtures to bind forage , roughage and other plant products when producing protein - concentrate pellets , cubes or range - blocks . it is best to premix the facw and calcium salt maintaining the temperature high enough to prevent premature solidification , blend the resulting mixture with the ruminant animal feeds again maintaining an elevated temperature , and compress the blend in a mold or apply extrusion - type processing . in such products it is generally desirable to include about 30 to 40 % by weight of the facw - calcium salt mixture . the exact amounts of facw and calcium required for solidification will vary with the nature of the ingredients included in the formulation , and the desired hardness of the block . the exact formulation must be determined experimentally for each intended binding application . when feeds of this type are produced using facw , the regulation of temperature during production is critical to the success of the process . solidification of the facw fraction must be prevented until the feed mixture is fully blended and compacted or extruded to its final shape by maintaining it above the solidification temperature . if solidification is premature , the ingredients will not bind adequately . generally if the liquid facw - calcium premix and the plant ingredients are blended rapidly and compressed or processed immediately , a well bound product will result , even without auxiliary heating . generally , when the liquid facw - calcium mixture is at 40 °- 50 ° c ., and it is blended in normal proportions with the plant product mixture at room temperature , the temperature of the resulting blend is low enough to initiate solidification of the facw - calcium fraction . however , the mixture generally will remain sufficiently moist and sticky to permit good compaction to occur for a period of approximately 5 to 10 minutes . if the blended feed is to remain for an extended period of time before compression processing , the total feed must be heated so as to maintain it above the solidification temperature . after blending the facw , calcium salt and plant ingredients , the mixture is compressed in the desired form and left to harden by the solidification of the facw . during formation sufficient pressing must be applied to compact the product to a convenient density , i . e ., remove extraneous pockets of air . if the solidified product is not to cure or be stored in a mold , sufficient pressure must be applied to maintain the shape of the product until solidification is sufficiently complete to allow the shape to be maintained before the product is removed from the mold . the following examples illustrate the invention . all parts and percentages are given on a weight basis , unless stated otherwise . the following formulation was used to produce a 30 - pound lick - type range block : ______________________________________ingredient percent______________________________________facw ( 60 % solids ) 80cacl . sub . 2 . 2h . sub . 2 o 20 100______________________________________ a 5 - gallon bucket was used as a mixing vessel , with agitation from an air - driven barrel mixer fitted with a single set of three 2 - inch blades . the mixing vessel was placed within a 15 - gallon tub which was filled with water for rapid cooling of the blended feed ingredients . the mold used to shape the lick block was a 3 - gallon plastic tub ( 6 × 11 × 14 inches ). utilization of the plastic tub permitted easy removal of the finished block , since the inside walls were smooth and slightly tapered at the open end . the cacl 2 . 2h 2 o fraction ( 6 pounds ) was poured slowly into the vigorously mixing facw fraction ( 24 pounds ). the mixture was agitated for approximately 5 minutes to assure complete solution of the added salt . after mixing , the temperature of the facw mixture was elevated 33 ° c . from room temperature to approximately 56 ° c . after the initial 5 minutes of mixing , cold tap water was circulated through the cooling vessel and the fluid cooled at an approximate rate of 1 . 5 °± 0 . 5 ° c . per minute . the fluid mixture began to thicken when a temperature of approximately 31 ° c . was reached , and it was immediately poured into the mold for solidification . the mixture hardened in about 10 minutes and was removed from the mold after 1 hour . the block attained maximum hardness after two or three days of curing . the finished block was chemically analyzed and observed to contain the following : ______________________________________constituent percent ( m / m ) ______________________________________cpe 36 . 9cpe from non - protein nitrogen 31 . 6lactic acid 29 . 8estimated solids 68 . 0calcium 5 . 85______________________________________ this block was fed free - choice to a herd of heifers and dry cows under normal field conditions and was observed to provide adequate palatability and weatherability . a 30 - pound lick - type block similar to that of example i was prepared with the inclusion of black strap molasses from the following formulation : ______________________________________ingredient percent______________________________________facw ( 60 % solids ) 70cacl . sub . 2 . 2h . sub . 2 o 20molasses , black strap 10 100______________________________________ the procedure used to produce this block was similar to that employed in example i . the facw and molasses were premixed , then the calcium salt was added as previously described . this material required approximately six hours to solidify and several days to attain maximum hardness . the finished block was chemically analyzed and observed to contain the following : ______________________________________constituent percent______________________________________cpe 33 . 3cpe from non - protein nitrogen 28 . 4lactic acid 27 . 9estimated solids 69 . 5calcium 5 . 78______________________________________ this block when used in the field as a lick - feed was palatable and weathered well . the following formulation was used to produce a 30 - pound facw range block using calcium carbonate plus acids for solidification : ______________________________________ingredients percent______________________________________facw ( 60 % solids ) 68caco . sub . 3 1585 % h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 1595 % h . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 2 100______________________________________ in addition to neutralizing the alkaline effect of the carbonate , the acids served as a valuable source of phosphorus and sulfur . this block was prepared using the apparatus described in example i . the acids were first added to the facw and mixed . following the addition of the acid , the temperature of the mixture rose from 23 ° c . to 48 ° c . the caco 3 was next added slowly to the warm facw - acid mixture over a period of about 15 to 20 minutes . extensive foaming , resulting from the production of carbon dioxide , was observed during and following the addition of caco 3 . slow addition was used to control the neutralization reaction and prevent excessive foaming . after carbonate addition was completed , the blend continued to produce gas slowly for periods exceeding one hour . after one hour , cooling was initiated . the liquid began to thicken when a temperature of about 27 ° c . was attained , and it was immediately poured into the mold . carbon dioxide production continued after the thickened liquid was transferred to the molds , and the solidifying product expanded as the evolved gases were entrapped . the volume of the dried block was about 50 % larger than the freshly poured product . the product solidified in about six hours and attained maximum hardness after several days of curing . the finished block was chemically analyzed and found to contain the following : ______________________________________constituent percent______________________________________cpe 31 . 9cpe from non - protein nitrogen 27 . 5lactic acid 26 . 2estimated solids 70 . 5ph 5 . 70calcium 6 . 42phosphorus 4 . 85sulfur 0 . 52______________________________________ a 30 - pound range block similar to that described in example iii was produced , with the inclusion of low moisture shelled corn , using the following formula : ______________________________________ingredient percent______________________________________facw ( 60 % solids ) 52 . 2caco . sub . 3 12 . 085 % h . sub . 3 po . sub . 4 12 . 095 % h . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 1 . 6ground corn , lms 20 . 0 100______________________________________ the procedure implemented was similar to that described in example iii . the corn fraction was added to the other premixed ingredients just prior to initiating the cooling operation . a temperature rise of 22 ° c . was observed during preparation of the premix . solidification was initiated after cooling to approximately 32 ° c . the thickening product was not poured until it had attained a consistency that would permit suspension of the corn fragments . the solidification was completed after about 6 hours and maximum hardness was attained after several days of curing . the block matter was physically similar to that produced in example iii , and the corn particles appeared to be uniformly distributed within the product . ______________________________________constituent percent______________________________________cpe 28 . 5cpe from non - protein nitrogen 22 . 6lactic acid 22 . 3estimated solids 74 . 0ph 5 . 51calcium 4 . 50phosphorus 4 . 43sulfur 0 . 26______________________________________ a 200 - gram high soy range cube was produced with facw plus calcium serving as the binding agent using the following formulation : ______________________________________ingredient percent______________________________________soybean meal 65 . 7facw ( 60 % solids ) 28 . 1cacl . sub . 2 . 2h . sub . 2 o 6 . 2 100______________________________________ the facw and cacl 2 ingredients were premixed with vigorous mechanical agitation for about 5 minutes . this premix was then blended with the soybean meal in a 500 - liter stainless steel beaker using a large metal spatula . blending was conducted for 3 to 5 minutes ( just long enough to attain mixture uniformity ) and immediately transferred to a 400 - ml plastic beaker which served as a solidification mold . the blend was tightly packed by hand pressure , covered with plastic film and permitted to remain undisturbed for several hours before removing the mold . the mixing and packing operation employed in this example was sufficiently rapid to avoid premature solidification . the product was sufficiently moist and sticky at the time of packing to attain good binding . the finished product was dry , observed to be of a desired hardness , and displayed good weathering characteristics . the finished product was estimated to contain the following : ______________________________________constituent percent______________________________________cpe 42 . 5cpe from non - protein nitrogen 9 . 9lactic acid 10 . 1estimated solids 80 . 1calcium 1 . 90______________________________________ a 200 - gram soy range cube similar to that described in example v was prepared with the inclusion of black strap molasses , using the following formula : ______________________________________ingredient percent______________________________________soybean meal 59 . 1facw ( 60 % solids ) 25 . 3molasses , black strap 10 . 0cacl . sub . 2 . 2h . sub . 2 o 5 . 6 100______________________________________ the preparation of this cube was similar to that produced in example v . the molasses was premixed with the facw prior to the addition of the calcium salts . this product was also dry , observed to display desired hardness and had good weathering characteristics . the finished product was to contain the following : ______________________________________constituent percent______________________________________cpe 38 . 5cpe from non - protein nitrogen 8 . 91lactic acid 9 . 11estimated solids 81 . 8calcium 1 . 80______________________________________ range blocks similar in composition to commercially produced protein blocks were produced using facw and cacl 2 as binding agents in the following three formulations : ______________________________________ percentingredients block 1 block 2 block 3______________________________________soybean oil meal 47 . 9 40 . 4 30 . 3facw 26 . 7 32 . 8 41 . 1dehydrated alfalfa 9 . 20 9 . 20 9 . 20linseed meal 1 . 83 1 . 83 1 . 83calcium chloride , 5 . 85 7 . 20 9 . 00dihydrateammonium polyphosphate 3 . 11 3 . 11 3 . 11ammonium sulfate 0 . 548 0 . 548 0 . 548sodium chloride 4 . 57 4 . 57 4 . 57zinc sulfate , heptahydrate 0 . 124 0 . 124 0 . 124manganese sulfate , . 0496 . 0496 . 0496monohydrateferric sulfate . 0578 . 0578 . 0578magnesium sulfate , 0 . 122 0 . 122 0 . 122dihydratecupric sulfate . 0952 . 0952 . 0952cobalt sulfate . 00194 . 00194 . 00194sodium iodide . 00066 . 00066 . 00066vitamins # # # total 100 100 400______________________________________ # 50 , 000 and 12 , 500 u . s . p . units of vitamin a and vitamin d . sub . 3 , respectively , added per pound of block . the facw and cacl 2 components were premixed and added collectively to the remaining dry ingredients , which were also premixed . the facw - cacl 2 premixes were prepared in a 2 - gallon plastic bucket . each facw fraction was blended vigorously with a grohav ® air mixer fitted with a single set of 2 - inch blades during the slow addition of each respective cacl 2 fraction . rapid mixing and slow addition was used to prevent agglomeration and clumping of the cacl 2 . each facw - calcium premix was mixed for about five minutes after the addition to assure that cacl 2 had been totally dissolved . the temperature of each facw fraction was elevated during the premixing operations in which cacl 2 was added . the temperature of the premixes were elevated about 20 ° c . with the 22 % additions of cacl 2 . 2h 2 o . the premixing of the dry ingredients was conducted in a davis batch horizontal ribbon - type mixer ( model # s - 1 ) with a mixing capacity of five cubic feet . the liquid premix was poured slowly and uniformly onto the mixing dry ingredients to help assure uniformity of mix . after the liquid addition was completed , the mixing was continued for an additional five minutes . any feed that was sticking in excess to the ribbon blades or remaining stagnant in the lower corners of the mixer was then removed with a metal spatula and mixing was continued for an additional five minutes . each of the blendings of feed ingredients mixed loosely and freely in the horizontal ribbon mixer . the mixtures prepared to produce blocks 1 and 2 ( 27 and 33 % facw , respectively ) were moist and slightly sticky . the block 3 mixture ( 41 % facw ) was noticeably more moist and sticky . before solidification , the block 3 mixture was wet and almost paste - like . even though the three mixtures blended uniformly without clumping , they were observed to pack tightly if compressed in one &# 39 ; s hand . excessive mixing times had to be avoided , since solidification of the feed mixes initiated in about 15 minutes or less . if not removed from the mixer expeditiously , the mixtures were observed to form a hard , relatively dry crust on the back side of the ribbon blades and on the mixer walls in areas of stagnant mixing . also , if mixed excessively , the feed mixtures were observed to dry to an extent that did not permit adequate packing , i . e ., the feed particles lost their adhesive nature . the moist , freshly - prepared feed blends were easily packed with good uniformity into the block mold . some disuniformity was observed in the density of the pack due to the layered addition of the feed mixture , i . e ., the top portion of each strata was observed to be slightly more dense than the bottom portion . the moist feed materials prepared to produce blocks 1 and 2 compressed to very firm solid masses that were not easily crumbled . the block 3 mixture remained somewhat soft and pasty immediately after packing . the feed mixtures were removed immediately from the mixer and packed into a block solidification mold . the mold was a rectangular wooden box , constructed to approximate the shape and size of most commercial range blocks . the faces of the mold were held together by screws so as to permit the disassemblement of the box for easy removal of the finished block . the open end from which the mold was filled was filled with a movable lid that fit within the box . after filling , a 25 - pound weight was placed on the movable lid so as to apply a constant pressure to the solidifying feed mixture . each feed mixture was packed manually in the solidification mold with the butt end of a 4 - foot length of 4 × 4 &# 34 ; board weighing approximately ten pounds . the wet feed was added to the box in fractions weighing 1 - 2 pounds each with each fraction being thoroughly tamped ( packed ) before the addition of each subsequent fraction . once the mold was filled , the lid was placed on the exposed feed surface and weighed . even though the feed blends were left in the mold for 4 to 6 hours , it appears that blocks 1 and 2 would retain their shape and remain firm if the mold was removed immediately after packing . the blocks would likely maintain some surface stickiness but would probably be resistant to crumbling and breakage . after being compressed into the form of a block , they could be immediately packaged and stacked without being damaged . the mold was removed from block 1 with little difficulty . the mold was easily freed from the block mass with little resistance and little feed remained adhered to the wood . the block surface was dry and firm . the mold , however , was not easily removed from blocks 2 and 3 . considerable force was needed to pull away from the wooden mold from block 2 . large fragments of the hardened feed adhered to the wood and were torn from the block . the block surface was still sticky but remained firm . this problem possibly could have been alleviated if the mold were lined with sheet plastic or other non - stick surface prior to filling . block 3 adhered even more firmly to the wood mold . a metal spatula had to be forced between the block and the mold to release it . the block surface remained very sticky and although it was firm , an impression could be made in it with the force of a person &# 39 ; s thumb . after being bagged and allowed to stand for a one - week curing period , all of the blocks were very hard and dry and displayed no surface stickiness . the blocks as a whole were not easily crumbled , but some crumbling was observed at the edges of the block surfaces . ______________________________________nutrient block 1 block 2 block 3______________________________________ % crude protein 39 . 5 38 . 1 36 . 3equivalent % cpe derived from 12 . 4 15 . 4 17 . 7npn % lactic acid 10 . 5 12 . 8 17 . 6 % drymatter 83 . 8 81 . 7 78 . 3ph 5 . 68 5 . 64 5 . 57 % ash 12 . 1 12 . 8 15 . 4 % calcium 1 . 64 2 . 13 2 . 37 % phosphorus 0 . 91 0 . 69 0 . 71 % sulfur 0 . 07 0 . 10 0 . 18 % sodium 1 . 58 1 . 41 1 . 98 % chloride 7 . 8 10 11______________________________________ the blocks were fed and consumed by cattle in approximately the correct amount for their size and basal ration . these blocks weathered well and were judged to be equivalent to normal feed blocks . this process is not restricted to these examples or devices but could be carried out using commercially available food and feed industry equipment by control of temperatures , facw level and calcium level . the molds used could be any commercially available container provided it was sufficiently rigid . pressing of the material into the mold could be by any device such as cheese block presses or other such commonly used device . feed block presses could also be used but high pressure is not required .

US-10948080-A

in a method for automatically gutting fish of the catfish species , the belly cavity is opened around the anal orifice either before or after opening the gills by severing the gullet and opening the blood stream , and the contents of the belly cavity are removed by pushing these from one of the openings of the cavity out of the other . in a machine for carrying out this method , the fish are conveyed sideways by a recessed conveyor . the belly cavity is opened in the vicinity of the anus by separating away the cartilaginous plate carrying the ventral fins . the contents of the ventral cavity are removed by a rotary body rotating synchronously with the conveyor and having tools successively arranged in a cantilevered helix around its circumference which comprise a clearing tool with scraping segments , a brush tool , a high - pressure spray device and a cutting tool for slitting open the belly cavity along its length .

an endless conveyor 1 for conveying the fish , a retaining conveyor 2 associated with the upper run of the conveyor 1 and devices for opening the belly cavity around the anal opening , hereinafter referred to as the anal cue device 3 , for opening the gills , hereinafter referred to as the gullet cut device 4 , and for clearing the belly cavity , hereinafter referred to as the gutting device 5 are arranged in a frame of a fish processing machine which is represented only schematically . the endless conveyor 1 is driven in a suitable manner and equipped with a plurality of troughs 1 . 1 , which serve to receive the fish in a swimming position , i . e . on their bellies and with their longitudinal axes oriented transverse to the conveying direction . each trough 1 . 1 comprises of a pair of trough elements 1 . 2 , which are arranged in the plane of the conveyor and synchronously held against one another under spring force . the trough elements 1 . 2 form a hollow or recess which is adapted to the shape of the fish around the belly by being essentially v - shaped and converging towards one end of the trough . an adjustable gap 1 . 4 is located at the base of the recess . at the front of the other end of the trough , each trough element 1 . 2 is provided with a fork element 1 . 5 which serves as alignment means and comprises a guiding portion 1 . 6 which projects above the trough element 1 . 2 . when the trough 1 . 1 is viewed from the front , the fork elements 1 . 5 resemble a y with a split trunk . on the upper run of the conveyor , the troughs 1 . 1 are guided in a horizontal plane . the retaining conveyor 2 is driven to move synchronously with the conveyor 1 and equipped with retaining elements 2 . 1 . on the upper run of the conveyor 1 , a retaining element 2 . 1 is associated with each trough 1 . 1 of the conveyor 1 and accompanies the latter throughout the processing operation . each retaining element 2 . 1 comprises on its underside an angularly recessed portion extending transversely to the conveying direction which may be provided with spikes extending from the angle . the retaining conveyor 2 is guided such that the undersides of the retaining elements 2 . 1 are in contact with , and press against , the backs of the fish . the pressure exerted can be controlled by means of the plurality of resilient pressing elements , of which only two , 2 . 2 and 2 . 3 , are represented in the drawings . the anal cut device 3 comprises a unit arranged below the upper run of the conveyor 1 and pivotally mounted on an axle 3 . 1 , which is fixed with respect to the frame and extends in parallel with the conveyor . the unit comprises a guiding shoe 3 . 3 which is followed in the direction of movement by a circular knife 3 . 2 , driven in an appropriate manner to rotate . the guiding shoe 3 . 3 comprises a guiding slit 3 . 4 extending in the direction of angular movement and being closed at its rear end by the circular knife 3 . 2 . the cutting plane of the circular knife 3 . 2 lies parallel to the direction of conveyance as it is pivoted about the axle 3 . 1 . the guiding slit 3 . 4 is laterally limited by edges 3 . 5 , which are formed as blunt blades . in the region in front of cutting edge 3 . 6 of the circular knife 3 . 2 , the guiding shoe 3 . 3 is substantially formed as section of a cylinder , which has an axis corresponding to the axle 3 . 1 and which is arranged almost tangentially to the base of the troughs 1 . 1 . the pivotal movement of the anal cut device 3 is implemented by means of a suitable , non - represented adjustment member , and is combined with a displacement component in the axial direction such that synchronous associated movement of the device 3 and the trough 1 . 1 occurs when the former is pivoted into its operative position . the gullet cutting device 4 consists of a unit arranged below the upper run of the conveyor 1 and pivotally mounted on an axle 4 . 1 , which is fixed with respect to the frame and extends parallel to the conveying direction . this unit comprises a circular knife 4 . 2 , which is driven in a suitable manner to rotate and is arranged with its cutting plane extending parallel to the conveyor 1 and directly adjacent the path described by the advancing fork elements 1 . 5 . the gullet cutting device 4 is joined to the pressing element 2 . 2 of the retaining conveyor 2 arranged above it by means of an articulated connection in the form of a coupling mechanism 4 . 3 , which is only schematically represented in fig1 . as a consequence , the degree of pivotal movement of the device 4 and thus the depth of the cut made by the circular knife 4 . 2 is controlled in accordance with the displacement of the pressing element 2 . 2 caused by each individual fish . in this operation a restoring spring 4 . 4 serves to restore the device 4 to its original position after a fish has passed . the gutting apparatus 5 comprises a rotating member 5 . 1 , which is driven in an appropriate manner to rotate and is arranged below the upper run of the conveyor 1 . the axle of rotation 5 . 2 of the rotating member 5 . 1 is mounted on a pair of horizontally arranged connecting rods 5 . 3 , which are arranged to pivot about a frame - fixed axle 5 . 4 and carry the axle 5 . 2 of the rotating member 5 . 1 such that it lies in a plane lying parallel to the plane of the conveyor 1 but diverges from the conveying direction . the rotating member 5 . 1 is provided with tools arranged successively in a screw thread - like manner around its circumference . these tools are formed as a cantilever and are guided around a circular path which is concentric with the axle 5 . 2 of the rotating member 5 . 1 and intersects the trough elements 1 . 2 . according to the order of operation , the tools include : a clearing tool 5 . 5 , comprising a scraping element 5 . 6 adapted to the sectional profile of the belly cavity and having a front end converging in a wedge - like manner and an outer surface formed so as to present a rough surface directed towards its end ; a brush tool 5 . 7 , comprising a segmented body 5 . 8 with outwardly directed bristles 5 . 9 ; a high pressure spray device 5 . 10 having a nozzle 5 . 11 for generating a fan - shaped water jet and a cutting tool 5 . 12 with a cutting blade 5 . 13 directed in the sense of rotation and extending sickle - like towards the axle 5 . 2 . the nozzle 5 . 11 is supplied with high pressure water via a rotary gasket 5 . 14 . as symbolically indicated in fig1 an articulated coupling mechanism 5 . 15 connects the gutting device to the pressing element 2 . 3 of the retaining conveyor 2 positioned above it . the device 5 is thus lifted , i . e . the depth of operation of the tools 5 . 5 , 5 . 7 and 5 . 10 are controlled , in accordance with the displacement of the pressing element 2 . 3 effected by each individual fish . the restoring spring 5 . 16 then serves to restore the device 5 to its original position after a fish has passed . the operation of the machine according to the invention is described in the following with reference to the processing of a fish of the species ictaluridae . a fish to be processed 6 is positioned with its belly downmost and its tail extending rearwardly between the guiding portions 1 . 6 of the fork elements 1 . 5 such that the guiding portions 1 . 6 are tangential to the flanks of the fish directly behind the gill flaps . the fish is then pushed into the receiving trough 1 . 3 such that the trough elements 1 . 2 are pushed apart and the fork elements 1 . 5 penetrate into the soft structure located behind the gill flaps . a retaining element 2 . 1 of the retaining conveyor 2 is then brought into contact with the back of the thus fixed and positioned fish , and the latter is subsequently advanced by the conveyor 1 . during this operation , a defined force is applied by the pressing elements 2 . 2 or 2 . 3 which causes the belly structure of the fish comprising the cartilaginous plate 6 . 2 to be forced through the gap 1 . 4 at the base of the trough 1 . 3 . the fish then arrives in the operating area of the anal cut device 3 which begins to pivot upwards at the moment when the longitudinal axis of the fish corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the device 3 . the guiding shoe 3 . 3 then surrounds and gathers up the cartilaginous plate 6 . 2 before this is sheared off by the circular knife 3 . 2 with the consequence that the belly cavity of the fish is opened around the anal orifice and the end portion of the intestine is severed . the fish subsequently arrives in the operating area of the gullet cutting device 4 . this moves directly adjacent the fork elements 1 . 5 of the trough 1 . 1 to perform a transverse cut in the fish which penetrates to the backbone so that all structures located in this sectional area are severed . during this operation , the depth of penetration of the circular knife 3 . 2 is controlled according to the size of the fish by means of the height of the fish back . the fish is then advanced to the gutting device 5 with the gill cavity 6 . 1 open , and non - shown means ensure that the belly cavity can be accessed longitudinally by bending the fish head backwards about its neck away from the cut surface formed by the gullet cutting device 4 . in the gutting device 5 , the rotation of the rotary member 5 . 1 and the progression of the conveyor 1 are synchronized in such a way , and the pitch of the helical arrangement of the processing tools is selected such that the first effective cleaning tool 5 . 5 is ready for operation on the arrival of the fish in a position corresponding to the symmetry axis of the fish so as to penetrate through the gullet cut into the belly cavity . as the conveyor 1 advances , the entrails are pushed out of the belly cavity opening produced by the anal cut device 3 , and further cleaning is effected by the following brush tool 5 . 7 and the high pressure spray device 5 . 10 . the belly cavity is subsequently opened by means of the cutting tool 5 . 12 , which effects a longitudinal cut from the inside of the belly cavity to the outside . due to the fact that the cleaning is carried out with the belly cavity closed , the generally problematic removal of the dermis covering the blood vessels , and the opening of the blood stream can be effected without difficulties and without damage to the fish . the fish processed in this manner can , if necessary , subsequently be headed by a non - shown head knife mounted fixedly on the frame . the embodiment described above is just one of several arrangements of the components according to the invention which can effect the thorough and reliable gutting of fish . it will be appreciated that it is unimportant whether the above described anal cut device 3 comes into operation before or after the gullet cutting device 4 . likewise the clearing of the belly cavity by the gutting device can be effected either by pushing the entrails from front to back as described above or from back to front with the tool 5 . 5 entering by the anal opening . in other words , it is essential that the belly cavity be opened only at its ends to form a tunnel structure , whereby the rear opening of the cavity is performed so as to remove the anal opening and thereby simultaneously ensure the severence of the connection between the intestine and the ventral wall of the fish . in this way , when the clearing tool 5 is inserted at one end , pressure builds up within the structure to expel the entrails fully from the other end . moreover , the closed structure means that the tool 5 maintains a better contact with the walls of the belly cavity and can remove the blood vessels completely and reliably .

US-55134095-A

the present invention relates to a transgenic mouse model for developing enzyme replacement therapy for iduronate - 2 - sulfatase deficiency syndrome , for example , hunter syndrome . more specifically , the present invention relates to a transgenic mouse to be used for developing enzyme replacement therapy for iduronate - 2 - sulfatase , wherein the immune response against injected enzyme , such as , recombinant iduronate - 2 - sulfatase has been minimized in transgenic mouse model in the course of treating in vivo iduronate - 2 - sulfatase replacement .

for preparing a transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase without generating anti - ids igg antibody , an iduronate - 2 - sulfatase knock - out mouse has to be prepared . the first step for preparing a knock - out mouse is to construct a targeting vector . said targeting vector consists of 2027 bp of left arm , 1800 bp of neomycin resistance gene ( pgk - neo ) and 5393 bp of right arm . the left arm is constructed from 12133 residue to 14160 residue of wild type allele of iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene . the right arm is constructed from 15643 residue to 21036 residue of wild type allele of iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene . the neomycin resistance gene ( pgk - neo ) is flanked by loxp sites where residue 14161 to residue 15642 of the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene are deleted . further , the deletion part of iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene is located at exon 2 and exon 3 of human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene . the pgk - neo construct is made by deleting exon 2 and exon 3 in iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene . in its place , a neomycin resistance cassette is inserted . the mutated fragment is subcloned into the pgk - tk plasmid , which contains the hsv thymidine kinase ( tk ) gene driven by the pgk promoter in a bluescript vector . the second step for preparing a knock - out mouse is to electroporate the embryonic stem ( es ) cells with linearized targeting vector , followed by plate on fibroblast feeder layers . es cells are treated with geneticin ( neomycin analog ) to select for cells that had incorporated the targeting construct . es cell clones surviving drug selection are screened for homologous recombination events by southern blot analysis . in the process of constructing the targeting vector , an exogenous xhoi restriction site and ecori restriction site are introduced at the 5 ′ end of the pgk - neo cassette and 3 ′ end of the pgk - neo cassette respectively . therefore , es cell genomic dna is digested with xhoi and ecori and dna blots are hybridized with a probe corresponding to an iduronate - 2 - sulfatase gene region located 5 ′ and 3 ′ to the integration site of the construct . with this strategy , the native allele is indicated by 9 . 2 kb and a mutant allele produced by homologous recombination is indicated . finally , a single clone of es cells that had undergone homologous recombination is microinjected into blastocysts and 10 chimeric mice are generated . six of the chimeras demonstrate 90 % chimerism by color . five chimeric males transmit the mutated allele through the germline . heterozygote offspring are identified by both pcr and southern analysis of genomic dna . heterozygotes exhibit a grossly normal phenotype and normal fertility . genotyping 124 offspring from heterozygote crosses reveals the expected mendelian ratios (+/+ 37 / 124 , 29 . 8 %; +/− 54 / 124 , 43 . 5 % and −/− 33 / 124 , 26 . 6 %) indicating no significant effect on embryo development . on the other hand , the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase mutation mouse ( c84t ) or iduronate - 2 - sulfatase mutation mouse ( r88p ) also has to be prepared by the following process . the first step for preparing the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase mutation mouse is to prepare mutated iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cdna by 2 step pcr amplification to be used for construction of a targeting vector . for preparing the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase mutation mouse ( c84t ), mutated cdna in the dna targeting construct has been prepared with the following steps : i ) preparing human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cdna by amplifying wild type allele using forward primer of seq id no : 2 and reverse primer of seq id no : 3 ; and ii ) preparing mutated human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cdna by amplifying the cdna prepared in step ( i ) subjected to site directed mutagenesis using primer of seq id no : 4 and reverse primer of seq id no : 5 . for preparing the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase mutation mouse ( r88p ), mutated cdna in the dna targeting construct has been prepared with the following steps : i ) preparing human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cdna by amplifying wild type allele using forward primer of seq id no : 2 and reverse primer of seq id no : 3 ; and ii ) preparing mutated human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cdna by amplifying the cdna prepared in step ( i ) subjected to site directed mutagenesis using primer of seq id no : 6 and reverse primer of seq id no : 7 . the second step for preparing the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase mutation mouse is to electroporate the embryonic stem ( es ) cells with linearized targeting vector having mutated iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cdna ( c84t ) or ( r88p ), followed by plate on fibroblast feeder layers . es cells are treated with geneticin ( neomycin analog ) to select for cells that had incorporated the targeting construct . es cell clones surviving drug selection are screened for homologous recombination events by southern blot analysis . finally , a single clone of es cells that had undergone homologous recombination is microinjected into blastocysts and 10 chimeric mice are generated . six of the chimeras demonstrate 90 % chimerism . five chimeric males transmit the mutated allele through the germline . heterozygote offspring are identified by both pcr and southern analysis of genomic dna . heterozygotes exhibit a grossly normal phenotype and normal fertility . genotyping 124 offspring from heterozygote crosses reveals the expected mendelian ratios (+/+ 37 / 124 , 29 . 8 %; +/− 54 / 124 , 43 . 5 % and −/− 33 / 124 , 26 . 6 %) indicating no significant effect on embryo development . a transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase without generating anti - ids igg antibody has been finally prepared by cross - breeding the knock - out mouse prepared in the preceding steps and mutation mouse ( c84t ) or ( r88p ) prepared in the preceding steps . the finally prepared transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase without generating anti - ids igg antibody can be classified by 2 types . one is a transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase resulted from cross breeding the knock - out mouse and mutation mouse ( c84t ). the other is a transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase resulted from cross - breeding the knock - out mouse and mutation mouse ( r88p ). transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase has the following physiological characteristics . this transgenic mouse can express a phenotype of inactive iduronate - 2 - sulfatase , which does not cause the formation of anti - ids igg antibody . however , this transgenic mouse shows similar pathophysiological characteristics of the iduronate - 2 - sulfatase knock - out mouse , because expressed inactive iduronate - 2 - sulfatase cannot degrade glycosaminoglycan ( gag ). further , neutralized antibody is not generated in the course of ids enzyme replacement in said transgenic mouse , which may result in adverse sensitization to the injected ids enzyme . therefore , this transgenic mouse can be used as an optimal animal model for developing enzyme replacement therapy for iduronate - 2 - sulfatase . the other aspect of the present invention is to provide a transgenic mouse model for developing enzyme replacement therapy for iduronate - 2 - sulfatase deficiency syndrome , wherein the target enzyme for treating iduronate - 2 - sulfatase deficiency syndrome has been experimented and selected by the following steps : i ) preparing transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase without generating anti - ids igg antibody ; ii ) administering a candidate enzyme to said transgenic mouse ; iii ) measuring the efficacy of the candidate enzyme and adverse effect caused by anti - ids igg antibody ; and iv ) selecting the optimal enzyme showing maximum efficacy and minimum adverse effect among candidate enzymes . through use of the subject transgenic mouse , one can identify ligands or substrates that bind to , modulate , antagonize or agonize iduronate - 2 - sulfatase . screening to determine drugs that lack effect on this enzyme is also of interest . areas of investigation are the development of treating hunter syndrome . of particular interest are screening assays for enzymes that have a low toxicity for the human body . a wide variety of assays may be used for this purpose including determination of the localization of drugs after administration , labeled in vitro protein - protein binding assays , protein - dna binding assays , electrophoretic mobility shift assays , immunoassays for protein binding , and the like . depending on the particular assay , a whole transgenic mouse may be used . the term “ enzyme ” as used herein describes any molecule including iduronate - 2 - sulfatase , its analogue or its equivalent with the capability of affecting the biological action of iduronate - 2 - sulfatase . generally , a plurality of assay mixtures can be run in parallel with different agent concentrations to obtain a differential response to the various concentrations . typically , one of these concentrations serves as a negative control , i . e ., at zero concentration or below the level of detection . candidate enzymes encompass numerous chemical classes , though typically they are enzymes . candidate enzymes comprise functional groups necessary for structural interaction with enzymes , particularly hydrogen bonding , and typically include at least an amine , carbonyl , hydroxyl or carboxyl group , preferably at least two of the functional chemical groups . candidate enzymes are obtained from a wide variety of sources including libraries of synthetic or natural compounds . for example , numerous means are available for random and directed synthesis of a wide variety of organic compounds and biomolecules , including expression of randomized oligonucleotides and oligopeptides . alternatively , libraries of natural compounds in the form of bacterial , fungal , plant and animal extracts are available or readily produced . additionally , natural or synthetically produced libraries and compounds are readily modified through conventional chemical , physical and biochemical means , and may be used to produce combinatorial libraries . the therapeutic enzymes may be administered in a variety of ways , orally , topically , parenterally , e . g ., subcutaneously , intraperitoneally , by viral infection , intravascularly , etc . inhaled treatments are of particular interest . depending upon the manner of introduction , the compounds may be formulated in a variety of ways . the concentration of therapeutically - active compound in the formulation may vary from about 1 . 0 - 100 wt . %. the pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared in various forms , such as granules , tablets , pills , suppositories , capsules , suspensions , salves , lotions and the like . pharmaceutical grade organic or inorganic carriers and / or diluents suitable for oral and topical use can be used to make up compositions containing the therapeutically - active compounds . diluents known to the art include aqueous media , vegetable and animal oils and fats . stabilizing agents , wetting and emulsifying agents , salts for varying the osmotic pressure or buffers for securing an adequate ph value , and skin penetration enhancers can be used as auxiliary agents . the following examples relate to pathophysiological characteristics of a transgenic mouse tolerant to human iduronate - 2 - sulfatase without generating anti - ids igg antibody compared to that of a wild type mouse . the urine amount of glycosaminoglycan ( gag ) in a 38 weeks old transgenic mouse was in the range of 135 - 175 μg / ml . on the other hand , the urine amount of gag in a 38 weeks old wild type mouse was in the range of 10 - 30 μg / ml . therefore , the urine amount of gag of the 38 weeks old transgenic mouse was 5 - 20 fold of that of the 38 weeks old wild type mouse . it means that the 38 weeks old transgenic mouse could not degenerate the gag in the body , because the 38 weeks old transgenic mouse did not produce active iduronate - 2 - sulfatase in the body . in case of a 16 weeks old transgenic mouse , the urine amount of gag of the 16 weeks old transgenic mouse was in the range of 115 - 140 μg / ml , while the urine amount of gag of the 16 weeks old wild type mouse was in the range of 15 - 40 μg / ml . the growth of liver was extremely retarded in the transgenic mouse . further , the growth of spleens and lungs in the transgenic mouse was also retarded compared to those of the wild type mouse . in the liver and kidney of the transgenic mouse , a lot of glycosaminoglycan ( gag ) was accumulated in the lysosomes of these organs . further , the growth and development of these organs in the transgenic mouse were shown to be retarded . in case of the liver , the following pathological characteristics were shown . lysosome - laden kupffer cells are readily found at 4 weeks of age with very little evidence of significant hepatocyte storage . by 10 weeks of age , further progression of storage within the reticuloendothelial system has occurred and there is now evidence of significant hepatocyte vacuolation . at this age 20 to 30 % of the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes appear to be taken up by lysosomes , as contrasted to very few discernible lysosomes within normal liver samples . elaprase was administered to the transgenic mouse of the present invention for more than 24 weeks . however , any significant increase of anti - ids igg antibody could not be detected . on the other hand , the knock - out mouse prepared in the preceding steps showed an increase of anti - ids igg antibody .

US-98685211-A

the present invention provides an exercise device for exercising at least two groups of muscles . the device includes a first subframe supporting body support members including a foot rest and seat . a second subframe is operably coupled to the first subframe by a joint having two axes of rotation and internal stops for controlling the rotation about both axes . a back rest is carried by the second subframe . the back rest is movable in generally opposite directions to exercise the two groups of muscles . elastomeric resistance elements are selectively and operably coupled across the joint .

the figs . depict the exercise device 20 of the present invention and features and components thereof . although the preferred embodiment of the device 20 is intended primarily for use in performing ab - curls or ab - crunches to exercise the abdominal muscles of a user and leg presses starting from a seated position to exercise the legs and back muscles , the device 20 , and particularly the joint thereof , could be adapted for performing other exercises by , for example , repositioning the joint . one such other exercise is bent knee situps . with regard to means for fastening , mounting , attaching or connecting the components of the present invention to form the exercise device 20 as a whole , unless specifically described as otherwise , such means are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as machine screws , rivets , nuts and bolts , toggles , pins , or the like . other fastening or attachment means appropriate for connecting components include adhesives , welding ( e . g ., frame members ) and soldering , the latter particularly with regard to electrical connections required for electrical or electromechanical monitoring equipment ( not shown ) associated with the device 20 . unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught , materials for making the components of the present invention are selected from appropriate materials such as aluminum , steel , metallic alloys , various plastics and vinyls , plexiglass , fiberglass or the like . in the following description , any references to right and left , top and bottom , upper and lower and horizontal and vertical are to be read and understood with their conventional meanings and with reference to viewing embodiments of the exercise machine 20 of the present invention as depicted in fig1 an isometric view of one embodiment , and fig2 an elevational view of the same embodiment , depicting a person ready to use the machine 20 . the terms joint , articulate and articulation are intended to mean a movable connective hinge , joint or coupling between two rigid or semi - rigid parts , and the state of being joined , coupled or connected movably . the terms joint , articulate and articulation are also intended to encompass a three - link , two degree of freedom , grounded open chain linkage , i . e ., the preferred embodiment of the joint of the present invention . referring then to the figures , particularly fig1 the exercise machine 20 of the present invention includes a frame 22 , body support members 24 and a connective double joint 26 . the frame 22 includes a generally arcuate floor - contacting subframe 28 formed by two generally tubular rails , in turn forming two substantially similar , mirror image tubular front legs 30 , 32 and two substantially similar , mirror image tubular rear legs 34 , 36 . the subframe 28 includes a first end indicated generally at 38 and a second end indicated generally at 40 . between the ends it includes an uppermost location 42 . the frame 22 also includes a second subframe 44 , best seen in fig2 and 10 . the second subframe 44 is movable with respect to the first subframe 28 and , referring to fig4 includes a back rest mounting plate 46 , an integral support structure comprising a span 48 and a plurality gussets ( all indicated at 50 ). a substantially continuous web 52 extends between the plate 46 and span 48 , and among the gussets 50 . at one end , the second subframe member 44 includes concentric circular flanges 54 , 56 forming a hub structure 57 . the inner flange 54 defines a mounting hole 58 for receiving a tubular cross pin axle 59 . a tubular axle 59 is preferred , but a solid axle ( not shown ) could be used . the outer flange 54 and internal gussets 60 between the flanges 54 , 56 define a pair of generally arcuate , kidney - shaped stop receiving openings 62 , 64 . the ends 66 , 68 of each opening 62 , 64 are rounded and slightly tapered . the movable subframe 44 also includes an upper crosspin mounting hole 69 spaced from the first mounting hole 58 for receiving a back cross pin 70 ( fig1 and 2 ). the body support members , indicated generally at 24 in fig1 include a foot rest 74 , a seat 76 and a back rest 78 . the foot rest 74 is adjacent to one end 38 of the base subframe 28 and the seat 76 is located between the uppermost region 42 of the subframe and the foot rest 74 . referring to fig1 , the seat 76 is generally above the foot rest 74 . the back rest 78 includes a tail end 80 generally adjacent to the seat 76 and an uppermost head end 82 . between the tail end 80 and the head end 82 , the backrest 78 includes a substantially continuous curved central portion 84 designed to accommodate and match the natural contour of the human spine from the lumbar to the cervical region . the foot rest 74 includes a textured upper portion 86 . the texture may be provided by a plurality of parallel raised regions or treads as shown in fig1 and 10 , or other texturing means , such as raised islands or scallops , can be used . similarly , the central portion 84 of the back rest 78 includes a textured region 90 at about the shoulder blade area of a user ( as depicted in fig1 ). a continuous curved handle bar 92 is provided adjacent to the uppermost head end 82 of the back rest 78 . the handlebar 92 is generally u - shaped and terminates at two padded hand grips 94 , 96 . a mounting block 98 , which may be integrated with the handlebar 92 or the back rest 78 , is provided to connect the handlebar 92 to the back rest 78 . referring to fig8 and 9 , the exercise device 20 of the present invention includes elastomeric , band - like tension members 102 for placement at the pivot points of the joint 26 as depicted in fig1 . the tension members 102 are generally bone - shaped , including two ends 104 , 106 , each end with a receiving hole 108 . the ends 104 , 106 are connected by a continuous shaft 110 . the elastomeric members 102 are available in at least two different sizes or weights to provide at least two levels of resistance . this is depicted by the apparent difference between the members 102 shown in fig8 and 9 . referring to fig2 - 7 , the joint 26 includes a base 120 . the base 120 includes a pin terminal 122 and an elongated bridge 124 integrally connected to the pin terminal 122 , both of which are provided with rail nests 123 . the pin terminal 122 includes a central web 125 with an aperture 126 for receiving a base cross pin 130 ( shown in fig2 ). the pin terminal 122 also includes a plurality of clamping bolt holes 132 whereby the front and rear leg members of the base frame may be coupled to the base 120 in the rail nests 123 . the base 120 includes a generally upright standard 134 formed by a plurality of gussets 136 and webs 138 . the standard 134 terminates in an uppermost concentric circular flange hub structure 140 , including concentric circular flanges 141 , 142 . the inner flange 141 defines a mounting hole 143 . the outer flange 142 and internal gussets 144 between the flanges 141 , 142 define a pair of generally arcuate , kidney - shaped stop receiving openings 146 , 148 . the stop ends 150 of each opening 146 , 148 are rounded and slightly tapered . the mounting hole 143 is for receiving a second tubular cross pin axle 152 ( seen in fig2 and 3 ). the joint 26 further includes a generally hollow link arm 156 ( fig2 ) formed by a pair of mating link half members , a right half link member 160 and a left half link member 162 . the link halves 160 , 162 have a substantially continuous , smooth exterior surface 163 , as exhibited by the left link half 162 shown in fig6 and a gusseted , honeycomb interior structure as shown in fig7 . each link half 160 , 162 includes four internal stop half posts 170 , a central box structure 172 and blind half post 174 . each link half 160 , 162 includes a circular interior flange 175 adjacent each end . when the arm 156 is assembled , the flanges 175 of both half links 160 , 162 cooperatively define openings 176 , 178 . opening 176 is for being aligned with the hole 58 and receiving the axle 59 , and opening 178 is aligned with the hole 143 of the standard 134 to receive the other axle 152 . it should be appreciated that the link halves 160 , 162 are substantially mirror images , although they have complementary stepped edges . specifically , as shown in fig7 the edges 173 of the box structure 172 and the facing , innermost edges 177 of the stop half posts 170 and blind half post 174 of the left link half 162 are stepped or kerfed to form a step . as seen in fig5 the mating edges of the right half link 160 are stepped complementarily the opposite way . the mated stepped edges of the link halves 160 , 162 , particularly of the blind post 174 , are depicted in fig3 a . when the link halves 160 , 162 are assembled , as shown in fig2 bolts 182 are passed entirely through the joined stop and blind half posts 170 , 174 , respectively , to secure them together . the joined stop half posts 170 are within the stop receiving openings 62 , 64 and 146 , 148 and , cooperatively therewith , form the internal stops of the present invention . as shown in fig3 suitable bearings 149 or other suitable low friction material may be lodged at the holes for receiving the axles 59 , 152 and , although not shown , in the holes 108 of the elastomeric members 102 as well . spring clips 185 ( one is depicted in fig2 ) may be used to hold the elastomeric members 102 in place on the joint 26 , i . e ., on the extending ends of the cross pins 130 , 70 and axles 59 , 152 . it should be appreciated that the joint 26 of the present invention comprises the base 120 and the subframe member 44 , specifically the hub portions thereof , joined by the arm 156 formed by the right and left half links 160 , 162 . the box structure , stop and blind posts , stepped edges of the arm 156 and the through bolts holding the half links 160 , 162 together provide that the arm 156 is strong and rigid . fig1 depicts an alternative embodiment of the joint 26 of the present invention wherein the movable subframe 44 carries a cross pin terminal 200 . a first axle 202 is received at one end of an arm 204 and at the standard 206 which has an upper , flat stop surface 207 . the second , free end 208 of the arm 204 carries a second axle 210 . the arm 204 also carries a mid - link pin 212 , and has a external stop edge 213 . elastomeric members 214 ( similar to the member 102 ) are mounted on the ends of the pins to provide resistance to movement . fig1 - 12 depict the use of the exercise device 20 of the present invention . fig1 depicts the neutral , initial position a user is in before exercising or between repetitions of exercise movements . in fig1 , wherein the neutral position is shown in phantom , and wherein the user &# 39 ; s feet are on the ground in an alternative exercise position ( with respect to the foot - on - footrest position ), the user has initially bent forward at the waist , moving the top of the back rest 78 generally toward the foot rest 74 , thereby &# 34 ; crunching &# 34 ; the abdominal muscles . this movement is accomplished by moving the top 82 of the back rest 78 forward , along or about the axis of rotation provided by the axle 59 against the resistance provided by the members 102 &# 39 ;. it should be appreciated that the stop openings 146 , 148 adjacent to the axis of rotation about axle 152 are at their limit of travel , i . e ., their ends are moved toward and are against the stop posts formed by the joined stop half posts 170 , and that the arm 156 does not move . relaxing the abdominal muscles returns the user to the neutral position , and returns the stop openings 62 , 64 adjacent to the axle 59 to or adjacent to the limit of their range of travel . for doing leg presses to exercise the back , gluteus and quadricep muscles , again the user starts from the neutral position ( depicted in fig1 ), and uses the back , gluteus and quadricep muscles to move the top 82 of the back rest 78 away from the foot rest 74 , thereby raising the buttocks from the seat 76 , arcing or arching the body as shown in fig1 . during this movement , the stop openings 62 , 64 adjacent to the axle 59 are locked against the stops inside the arm 156 , and the free end of the arm 156 ( i . e ., the end adjacent to the axle 59 ) and axis of rotation at the free end of the arm 156 move upwardly and rearwardly as far as the user wants , but not farther than the range of motion permitted by the internal stop posts ( formed by the stop half posts 170 ) and stop openings 146 , 148 adjacent to the axle 152 . both the internal stop posts and stop openings 146 , 148 adjacent to the axle 152 have a range of motion during this movement from an initial stop point or relationship to a final stop relationship , wherein the back rest 78 is tipped backwardly into the generally horizontal position depicted in fig1 . the user then relaxes and returns to the neutral position . either exercise movement may be done selectively , alternatively and / or repetitively until the desired level of workout is achieved . fig1 and 14 depict two stored positions of the exercise device 20 of the present invention . the elastomeric members 102 are detached from the axle 152 , and the back rest 78 is folded forwardly until it is closely adjacent to the seat 76 with the tail end 80 tucked under the arm 156 . the device 20 may be simply folded and left in place ( fig1 ) or it may be turned on end and stored vertically ( fig1 ). the exercise device 20 may be changed or modified , as long as the ergonomic aspects of the device 20 are not impaired , by changing the support subframe 28 , i . e ., the legs , to have more acute angles or be more softly curved . the body support members ( foot rest 74 , seat 76 and back rest 78 ) may be positioned or shaped differently , again as long as the overall beneficial ergonomic effect of the device 20 is not diminished . for example , a single , generally continuous elongated body support member ( not shown ) may be substituted for the foot rest 74 and seat 76 , and the body support members may be adjustably or movably coupled to the frame , e . g ., the foot rest 74 or seat 76 may be tiltably adjustable . the arrangement of the elastomeric members 102 with respect to the pins 70 , 130 and axles 59 , 152 may be changed , as long as appropriate resistance to motion is provided . additionally , torsion disks or a friction breaking system using pads or a pad and disk arrangement could be substituted for or used in conjunction with the elastomeric members 102 . non - slip &# 34 ; feet &# 34 ; may be carried by the subframe 28 . while the body support members and at least a substantial portion of the joint 26 are formed of molded plastic , other materials and methods may be used to fabricate them . although a description of a preferred embodiment has been presented , various changes , including those mentioned above , could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention . it is desired , therefore , that reference be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention .

US-56693795-A

a barbed bodily tissue connector for insertion into tissue comprises an elongated body having a substantially polygonal periphery in cross - section including at least three sides . each side meets an adjacent side at an edge of the elongated body . a plurality of barbs project from the edges of the body . the barbs are configured such that they are yieldable in a direction toward the body and resist retraction from tissue in an opposite direction .

the present invention allows a surgeon to rapidly and securely attach the edges of a wound in human tissue without the necessity for threading and tying numerous individual stitches or for using a complicated or elaborate tool . as used herein , the term “ wound ” means an incision , laceration , cut , or other condition where suturing , stapling , or the use of another tissue connecting device might be required . with reference to fig1 and 2 , there is shown a barbed tissue connector 2 constructed in accordance with the present invention . connector 2 includes a body 4 which is generally circular in cross section and a plurality of closely - spaced barbs 6 which extend around the periphery of the body 4 . a pointed end 9 is formed on the body 4 to facilitate penetration of the connector 2 into tissue . the body 4 preferably has sufficient dimensional stability to assume a substantially rigid configuration during use and is sufficiently resilient to return to a predetermined shape after deflection therefrom . in some applications , it may be desirable for the body 4 to be flexible and substantially nonresilient so that the shape of an inserted connector will be determined by surrounding tissue . barbs 6 serve to hold the connector in tissue and resist retraction of the connector from the tissue . the barbs 6 can be arranged in any suitable pattern , for example , in a helical pattern as shown in fig1 . in a helical pattern of barbs 6 , it is preferable that the number of barbs occupying one revolution not be an integer , thereby avoiding parallel axial rows of barbs ; such an arrangement provides a more uniform distribution of forces on the tissue and lessens the tendency of an inserted connector 2 to cut through tissue . if the number of barbs in one revolution is not an integer , the barbs in successive revolutions will be offset , as shown in fig2 , and the amount of offset will determine which barbs are in axial alignment . for example , if the barbs in successive revolutions are offset by ½ barb , the barbs in every second revolution will be in axial alignment , and by extension , if the barbs in each successive revolution are offset by 1 / x barb , the barbs in every x revolution will be in axial alignment . as shown in fig1 , each barb 6 includes a first side 8 which forms an obtuse angle alpha with the body 4 and a second side 10 which forms an acute angle beta with the body 4 . each barb 6 tapers to a point 7 , and the amount of difference between the angle alpha of side 8 and angle beta of side 10 will control the amount of taper in the barb 6 . a barb 6 which tapers from a broad base to a narrow tip can be effective in resisting retraction , yet will yield toward the body 4 during insertion to reduce the effort and tissue damage associated with insertion of the connector 2 . the barbs 6 can be generally conical , as shown in fig1 , or they can be any other shape which will function in substantially the same manner as the conical barbs . the configuration of barbs 6 and the surface area of the barbs can vary depending upon the tissue in which the connector 2 is used . the proportions of the barbs 6 can remain relatively constant while the overall length of the barbs and the spacing of the barbs are determined by the tissue being connected . for example , if the connector 2 is intended to be used to connect the edges of a wound in skin or tendon , each barb 6 can be made relatively short to facilitate entry into this rather firm tissue . if the connector 2 is intended for use in fatty tissue , which is relatively soft , the barbs can be made longer and spaced farther apart to increase the holding ability in the soft tissue . as shown in fig1 , the barbs 6 on connector 2 have a uniform unidirectional configuration , that is , the barbs 6 are uniformly spaced on body 4 and all the sides 8 are oriented in the same direction , facing pointed end 9 . connector 2 can be inserted into tissue with the sides 8 of each barb 6 facing in the direction of motion . connector 2 will prevent movement of tissue in the direction in which it was inserted . a pair of connectors 2 inserted adjacent to each other and in opposite directions will prevent movement of tissue in either direction across a wound . connector 2 can be formed of a material sufficiently hard for point 9 to pierce tissue and enable the connector to be inserted in tissue when a substantially axial force is applied to body 4 . connector 2 is preferably composed of a bioabsorbable compound , such as a polyglycolic acid or polylactic acid polymer or copolymer . the use of a bioabsorbable material eliminates the necessity of removing the connector from the patient , which can be a painful and possibly dangerous process . connector 2 can be formed , for example , by injection molding . in one representative example of connector 2 for use in muscular tissue , the body 4 is formed from polyglycolic acid , has a length of 1 to 5 cm , and a diameter of about 1 mm . the diameter of a circle extending around points 7 of barbs 6 will be about 3 mm , and the barbs are spaced apart from each other on body 4 by a distance of 1 mm . side 8 forms an angle of 135 degrees with the body 4 and side 10 forms an angle of 75 degrees with the body 4 . in fig3 , there is shown a second embodiment of the present invention in which barbs 16 are arranged in a uniform bidirectional configuration on a barbed tissue connector 12 . barbs 16 are constructed in the same manner as barbs 6 on connector 2 . a first set of barbs 15 on connector 12 are arranged in a helical pattern and face a pointed end 20 , and a second set of barbs 16 on connector 12 are arranged in a helical pattern and face a pointed end 21 . each of the pointed ends 20 , 21 should be sufficiently hard and sharp to easily penetrate tissue in which the connector is to be used . connector 12 is particularly suitable for applications where the edges of a wound are prone to separate . connector 12 can be used by inserting one of the ends , for example end 20 , into a first side of a wound ( not shown ), spreading the wound slightly to expose the second side of the wound , inserting the end 21 of the connector 12 into the second side of the wound , and then pressing the edges of the wound together . the barbs 15 and 16 on the ends of the connector 12 will grasp the tissue on each side of the wound and prevent the edges of the wound from spreading . with reference to fig4 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention in which a barbed tissue connector 22 has a nonuniform bidirectional configuration . connector 22 comprises a pointed end 23 and one or more barbs 26 facing a first direction which alternate with one or more barbs 27 facing a second direction . at each axial location , there can be a number , e . g . 4 - 9 , of circumferentially - spaced barbs 26 or 27 . to insert connector 22 into tissue , the surgeon would use an inserting device 80 as described below . the arrangement of barbs 26 , 27 on connector 22 would prevent any localized movement of tissue relative to the connector in an axial direction . with reference to fig5 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention in which a barbed tissue connector 32 has a uniform bidirectional configuration . connector 32 comprises a body 34 having pointed ends 33 and 35 . a plurality of axially - spaced barbs 36 adjacent pointed end 33 face toward end 35 , and a plurality of axially - spaced barbs 37 adjacent pointed end 35 face toward end 33 . barbs 36 and 37 can be circumferentially - spaced around body 34 at each axial location , or the barbs 36 and 37 can be of the same construction and arranged in the same pattern as barbs 6 on connector 2 . to insert a connector 32 , the surgeon would use an inserting device 80 as described below . if the body 34 of the connector 32 is sufficiently rigid , the connector 32 would prevent tissue retained by the barbs 36 from moving toward end 35 and tissue retained by barbs 37 from moving toward end 33 . it will be apparent that only one end of connector 32 needs to be pointed ; two pointed ends are preferable , however , so that the surgeon does not have to take the time to insure that connector 32 is oriented in the inserting device 80 with a pointed end protruding from the inserting device . with reference to fig6 and 7 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention in which a barbed tissue connector 42 comprises a body 44 having a pointed end 45 for penetration into tissue . a head 47 is formed on an opposite end of body 44 . a plurality of circumferentially - spaced barbs 46 are formed on body 44 at each of a number of axial locations . as shown in fig7 , three barbs 46 are formed at each axial location ; however , more or less than three barbs 46 could be used for certain applications . barbs 46 include a first side 48 formed at an obtuse angle to the body 44 and a second side 49 which projects from body 44 at an acute angle . the connector 42 can be forced into tissue by applying a force to the head 47 . the connector 42 can be applied by hand , or it can be inserted using an inserting device 80 as described below . the connector 42 can be formed entirely of a bioabsorbable material , or the head 47 and the body 44 can be composed of different materials . for example , the body 44 can be composed of a bioabsorbable material , and the head 47 can be composed of metal for superior strength and to facilitate insertion of the connector 42 . head 47 can be made flat , as shown in fig6 , or the head can be formed by a single ring of barbs ( not shown ) facing in a direction opposite to that of the barbs 46 . in use , a series of connectors 42 can be inserted into tissue , such as along the edges and in the field of a skin graft . after an adequate amount of time has passed for the wound to heal , the tissue beneath each head 47 could be depressed slightly to permit the head 47 to be cut from the body 44 . the tissue would then rise up over the cut end of the body . such a process would reduce scarring which could result from a long - term projection of the body 44 through tissue and would eliminate the necessity to remove connectors 42 from the patient . with reference to fig8 and 9 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention in which a barbed tissue connector 52 has a uniform unidirectional configuration . connector 52 comprises a body 54 having a non - circular cross - sectional shape . body 54 includes a plurality of barbs 56 which are generally triangular in cross section and are equally spaced around the periphery of the body at a series of axial locations . each of the barbs 56 includes a first side 58 disposed at an obtuse angle to body 54 and a second side 60 disposed at an acute angle to the body . body 54 includes a pointed end 53 to facilitate entry in tissue . use of a non - circular cross - sectional shape increases the surface area of the connector 52 and facilitates the formation of the multiple barbs on the connector . for example , barbs 56 can be formed on a piece of stock having a triangular cross section by removing material at successive axial locations from the three edges of the stock . it will be apparent that a similar process could be used to form barbs on stock of a different cross section ( not shown ), for example , a rectangular or hexagonal cross section . in the use of the disclosed connectors , such as connectors 2 and 42 , the surgeon can grip the connector in one hand and push the connector into the tissue . as an alternative to directly inserting the connectors into the tissue , the surgeon can use an inserting device 80 as shown in fig1 and 11 . the inserting device 80 comprises a circular tubular body 82 . the tubular body 82 can be generally arcuate in an axial direction , and the body 82 is sufficiently long to contain at least a portion of a barbed tissue connector c . device 80 has an inwardly tapered leading end 84 and an outwardly tapered , or flared , trailing end 86 . a handle 83 is provided on body 82 adjacent trailing end 86 to enable the surgeon to manipulate the inserting device 80 . in order to facilitate entry of the connector c and the device 80 into tissue , a connector c is positioned in tubular body 82 with a pointed end p of the connector c extending from leading end 84 . in a preferred embodiment , the interior diameter of the body 82 is made slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the connector c so that the barbs b of a connector c in the body 82 will press against the body 82 ; as a result , the connector c will be retained in the body 82 during insertion in tissue with the point p properly positioned outside of the body 82 . the connector can also be positioned in body 82 with a barb b outside of body 82 to insure that the connector c will not be pushed back in the body 82 during insertion . in one application of device 80 , the surgeon inserts the body 82 having connector c therein into the patient &# 39 ; s tissue 87 until the connector c reaches a desired position , for example , the position shown in fig1 . device 80 is then withdrawn in the direction of arrow 90 , and a barb , or barbs , b on the connector c penetrates and catches the tissue 87 to hold the connector c in the inserted position . use of the inserting device 80 is particularly recommended when the connector c includes multiple barbs facing more than one direction , such as connectors 22 and 32 , or when the connector is too flexible for insertion without additional support . while the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments thereof , it is to be understood that numerous variations in the details of construction , the arrangement and combination of parts , and the type of materials used may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .

US-96849408-A

improved wet combability of hair is achieved by aqueous colorants for keratin fibers , such as pelts and human hair , based on oxidation dye precursors , which are mixed with a peroxide - containing composition , immediately before use , containing at least one developer substance and at least one coupler substance , and also trisphosphoric acid ester - trichloride as a hair care composition . the colored keratin fibers do not show the customary known damage .

examples which may be mentioned of developer components which are to be employed are primary aromatic or heteroaromatic amines having another functional group situated in the p - position , such as p - phenylenediamine , p - toluylenediamine , p - aminophenol , 3 - methyl - 4 - amino - phenol , 2 - hydroxyethyl - 1 , 4 - diaminobenzene , tetraaminopyrimidine , 2 , 5 - diaminopyridine and its derivatives , and other compounds of the type mentioned , which additionally carry one or more functional groups , such as oh groups , hn 2 groups , nhr groups or nrr groups , r being an optionally substituted alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms . other developer components known to the person skilled in the art can furthermore be used . coupler components , such as e . g . α - naphthol , resorcinol , 4 - chlororesorcinol , 2 - methylresorcinol , m - aminophenol , m - phenylenediamine , m - toluylenediamine , 1 , 5 - or 1 , 7 - dihydroxynaphthalene , 5 - amino - 2 - methylphenol , 6 - amino - 2 - methylphenol or derivatives of the compounds mentioned , can be employed . other coupler components known to the person skilled in the art can also be employed . moreover , the hair colorants can optionally contain customary direct - absorbing dyes , if this is necessary to achieve certain color , shades . the oxidative coupling , i . e . the development of the coloration , can be carried out basically as with other oxidation dyes , even by atmospheric oxygen . expediently , however , chemical oxidizing agents are employed . the hair colorants according to the invention are aqueous compositions . among them are to be understood all compositions which is some way contain water , such as e . g . creams , emulsions , gels or even simple solutions . the composition of the hair colorants is a mixture of the dye components with the additives customary for such cosmetic preparations . customary additives in solutions , creams , emulsions or gels are e . g . solvents such as water , lower aliphatic alcohols , for example ethanol , propanol and isopropanol , or glycols , glycerol and glycol ethers such as propylene glycol , furthermore wetting agents or emulsifiers from the classes of anionic , cationic , amphoteric or non - ionic surface - active substances such as fatty alcohol sulphates , alkylsulphonates , alkylbenzenesulphonates , alkyltrimethylammonium salts , alkylbetaines , ethoxylated fatty alcohols , ethoxylated nonylphenols , fatty acid alkanolamides , ethoxylated fatty acid esters , and furthermore thickeners such as higher fatty alcohols , starch , cellulose derivatives , petroleum jelly , liquid paraffin and fatty acids . the constituents mentioned are used in the amounts customary for such purposes , for example , the wetting agents and emulsifiers in concentrations of approximately 0 . 5 to 30 % by weight , while the thickeners can be contained in the preparations in an amount from approximately 0 . 2 to 25 % by weight . depending on the compositions , the hair colorants according to the invention have a weakly acidic , neutral or alkaline reaction . in particular , they have a ph in the alkaline range between 7 . 5 and 11 . 5 , adjustments preferably being carried out with ammonia . however , organic amines , e . g . monoethanolamine and triethanolamine , or alternatively inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide , can also be used . in carrying out processes for the oxidative dyeing of hair , the colorants of this invention , which contain a combination of at least one developer substance known in hair coloration with at least one coupler substance and also tris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - hydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acid ester - trichloride and , if desired , additionally direct - absorbing dyes , are mixed with an oxidizing agent shortly before use and this mixture is applied to the hair . suitable oxidizing agents for the development of the hair coloration are mainly hydrogen peroxide , for example as a 6 % strength aqueous solution , and its addition compounds to urea , melamine or sodium borate as well as mixtures of hydrogen peroxide addition compounds of this type with potassium peroxodisulphate . hence , any suitable source for hydrogen peroxide can be used which this expression is intended to encompass . the temperatures used to carry out the process of dyeing in this case vary in the range from 15 ° to 40 ° c . after a duration of action of about 30 minutes , the hair colorant is removed from the dyed hair by rinsing . after this the hair can be washed with shampoo . a customary aftertreatment with a conditioning agent is unnecessary . hence , another feature of the invention is a system for the dyeing of hair which eliminates a conditioning step as a separate aftertreatment . the fact that the tris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - hydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acid ester - trichloride , commercial name phospholipid efa ( described un u . s . pat . no . 4 , 209 , 449 incorporated herein by reference ) contained in the hair colorant imparts surprisingly advantageous properties to the hair during and after the dyeing process emerges from the following investigations : the wet - combing forces of several chemically unpretreated strands of hair were determined over a combing distance of 100 mm in the form of a combing force curve ( universal test apparatus uts 2t , for transducer 20 n . max ., combing rate 60 mm / minute ). each strand was combed 10 times in this process . for cleaning , the strands were washed exclusively with sodium lauryl sulphate and , after rinsing clear with tap water , left for 10 minutes in 1 % strength citric acid and rinsed clear again . before each combing force measurement , the particular strand lay for at least 15 minutes in tap water at 20 ° c . for uniform swelling . before clamping the strand in the measuring apparatus , the individual hairs were completely disentangled by precombing by hand . a . 30 minutes at room temperature in a 1 : 1 mixture of the colorant cream according to example 1 and 6 % strength h 2 o 2 . b . 30 minutes at room temperature in a 1 : 1 mixture of the colorant cream according to example 1 , but without addition of tris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - hydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acid ester - trichloride and 6 % strength h 2 o 2 . c . the hair strands treated according to b were treated with a 1 % strength solution of tris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - hydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acid ester - trichloride in water for one minute at room temperature . this corresponds to the treatment with a conditioning agent . the investigations have shown : i . the strands treated according to the invention as in a , show an increase in the wet - combing force by 16 . 2 % compared with untreated strands . this means that the treated hair can readily be combed wet and the damage to the hair is clearly lower in comparison with conventional processes . ii . the strands treated according to the prior art as in b , show an increase in the wet - combing force by 31 . 1 % compared with untreated strands . this means that the treated hair can no longer be readily combed wet and the great damage to the hair is clearly discernible . iii . the strands treated as a comparison as in c , show an increase in the wet - combing force by 36 . 03 % compared with strands treated according to the prior art as in b . this result shows that the hair can no longer readily be combed wet and the greater damage to the hair is clearly discernible . rinsing with a hair care composition for one minute at room temperature produces no measurable improvement . the above investigations show that the addition according to the invention of tris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - hydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acid ester - trichloride to the colorant surprisingly succeeds in achieving an improvement in the area of wet - combing behavior during the use of this oxidative hair colorant by 48 %. the result of the hair strands treated as in c , shows that the wet - combing behavior cannot be improved by aftertreatment with a 1 % strength solution of tris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - hydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acid ester - trichloride , which corresponds to the method of treatment of a conditioning agent . the following examples are intended to illustrate the subject of the invention in greater detail , but without restricting it hereto . ______________________________________p - toluylenediamine 1 . 85 gm - aminophenol 0 . 25 gresorcinol 0 . 65 g1 - methoxy - 2 - amine - 4 -( 2 - hydroxyethyl )- 0 . 05 gaminobenzene sulphate1 % strength ammonium polyacrylate 9 . 00 g5 % strength ammonium polymethacrylate 2 . 00 gpotassium oleate 21 . 50 gpolyoxyethylene ( 10 ) oleyl ether 2 . 00 gtitanium dioxide 0 . 80 gglycerol monostearate 2 . 20 gcetyl alcohol 13 . 00 gdecyl oleate 2 . 30 gcetyl / stearyl alcohol / polyoxyethylene ( 40 ) 1 . 00 gcastor oil / sodium cetyl / stearyl sulphatecetyl / stearyl alcohol / sodium 1 . 50 gcetyl / stearyl sulphatepolyoxyethylene ( 30 ) cetyl / stearyl ether 1 . 70 gpolyoxyethylene ( 3 ) lauryl ether 1 . 00 gtris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - 2 . 00 ghydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acidester - trichloride50 % strength potassium hydroxide solution 2 . 00 gtetrasodium edta 0 . 50 gsodium dithionite 0 . 30 g25 % strength ammonia 6 . 00 gperfume 0 . 30 gwater to 100 g______________________________________ as a hair colorant , 50 g of the above mentioned cream were mixed with 50 g of 6 % strength hydrogen peroxide solution shortly before use . the mixture is allowed to act for 30 minutes at room temperature on natural hair which has turned gray . the hair colorant is then rinsed out , and the hair is shampooed and dried . it has taken on a deep medium brown hue . in comparison with hair colored according to the prior art , the wet combability of the colored hair is clearly improved . ______________________________________p - toluylenediamine 1 . 00 gresorcinol 0 . 25 g2 - amino - 3 - hydroxypyridine 0 . 10 g2 - methylresorcinol 0 . 10 gm - aminophenol 0 . 05 g3 - nitro - 4 - aminophenol 0 . 20 g1 % strength ammonium polyacrylate 9 . 00 g5 % strength ammonium polymethacrylate 2 . 00 gpotassium oleate 21 . 50 gpolyoxyethylene ( 10 ) oleyl ether 2 . 00 gtitanium dioxide 0 . 80 gglycerol monostearate 2 . 20 gcetyl alcohol 13 . 00 gdecyl oleate 2 . 30 gcetyl / stearyl alcohol / polyoxyethylene ( 40 ) 1 . 00 gcastor oil / sodium cetyl / stearyl sulphatecetyl / stearyl alcohol / sodium 1 . 50 gcetyl / stearyl sulphatepolyoxyethylene ( 30 ) cetyl / stearyl ether 0 . 70 gpolyoxyethylene ( 3 ) lauryl ether 1 . 00 gtris ( 3 - n , n - dimethyl - n - linolenamidopropyl - 2 - 2 . 00 ghydroxyammoniumpropyl ) phosphoric acidester - trichloride50 % strength potassium hydroxide solution 2 . 00 gtetrasodium edta 0 . 50 gsodium dithionite 0 . 30 g25 % strength ammonia 6 . 00 gperfume 0 . 30 gwater to 100 g______________________________________ as a hair colorant , 50 g of the above mentioned cream were mixed with 50 g of 6 % strength hydrogen peroxide solution shortly before use . the mixture is allowed to act for 30 minutes at room temperature on light brown natural hair . the hair colorant is then rinsed out , and the hair is shampooed and dried . it has taken on a deep chestnut hue . the wet combability of the dyed hair in comparison with hair colored according to the prior art is clearly improved . the invention also features a two package product for sale to the consumer wherein one part of the package is formed of the developer , coupler , the trichlorophosphoric acid ester as well as auxiliary agents , adjuvants and conventional ingredients . the second part of the package is the source of hydrogen peroxide .

US-40352895-A

the present invention relates generally to a method and related devices for the deactivation of landmines . more particularly , the present invention includes several devices used to carry out a method of training live animals , such as rats , to seek out and destroy active landmines in the field , or to localize , unearth , and mark the location of active mines , thereby reducing the danger of their later removal by valuable sniffing mine clearing animals , technology , and mine clearing personnel , making a landmine clearance effort more effective and efficient .

the present invention provides a method and a series of devices for deactivating landmines which includes the training of animals such as rodent rats to seek out and dig up landmines by using the faint scent of common explosives and the training of animals to aid in the localization of landmines by using methods and devices capable of marking the location of landmines in a number of different ways . because the vast percentage of active mines use tnt ( trinitrotoluene ) and other explosive products containing nitrate or nitrate based compounds , this inherent characteristic found in most active landmines can be effectively exploited by using nitrate odor to implement a method having broad application to localize , unearth , and detonate active mines . specifically , rats , or other animal , having similar detection and training capabilities will be cross - conditioned to associate an addictive drug or a combination of various addictive drugs , which can be orally self - administered by the rat themselves , with the aromatic scent of nitrates containing explosives . such conditioning or training of rats will be achieved by providing the addictive drug , in odorless form , from an appropriate dispenser buried on the ground that resembles a landmine present in the area in question . these animals seek out the scent of the explosives with the trained determination to obtain the addictive drug or drug combinations . as they disrupt the nearby soil and partially dig up the landmine area searching for the addictive drug they perform critical and essential steps in the process of identifying and locating landmines . other related methods include features that maximize greater precision in a pin - point location of the landmines . precise localization of buried or unearthed mines can be achieved by a spectrum of different modalities based upon the degree of dependence on technology and cost : ( a ) the dropping of colored pellets to mark the pin - point location or exact site where the rat has spent a significant long period of time unearthing a mine ; ( b ) the use of an electronic “ signal emitting ” device attached onto the rat &# 39 ; s body or an apparatus worn by the rats , wherein from a plotting of the rats &# 39 ; movements , one is able to extrapolate the precise location of the terrain the rat has spent a disproportionate amount of time , which are possibly the active landmine sites ; ( c ) the rat is conditioned to perform a specific behavior once a mine is localized and unearthed . such behaviors ( e . g . circling the mine once or a number of times , etc ) would be one that is easily interpretable on a tracking computer program because of the “ tagged ” tracking system employed ; ( d ) the rats may wear a “ catheter jacket ” device or a small knappsack device ( kd ) with similar tracking functions , having both a “ tag ” ( e . g ., electronic signal emitting chip ) and some type of prominent object ( such as a small bright red ball ) which the rat may drop on the ground after it has found a mine . identification of the exact location of a mine may be achieved by a number of technical devices , including gps technology , using either a satellite , or a minefield - specific “ gps mapping system ”, whereby a triangular electric “ field ” is created , and within which the rats are allowed to operate . the major steps of the processes and of the devices of the present invention are described in more detail below : 1 ) laboratory training of rats requires the development of a cross - addiction in the animals to certain drugs such as nicotine , methamphetamine and / or similar substances , with the scent of tnt and related nitrate compounds . in other words , animals associate the scent of tnt or related nitrate compounds with the addictive substances . particularly , the specific training process of the animals would include male adults rats being trained to become addicted to an odorless , minimal - taste , highly addictive drug , which would be administered to rats only in the presence of nitrate containing vapors of similar quality and concentration as those which dogs are trained to detect , follow , and locate . essentially , the rats are conditioned to associate their olfactory stimulus of “ bomb - nitrates or nitrate - smelling substances ,” with a highly addictive substance which is coupled with food and then only to the nitrate scent . namely , the rats are conditioned or trained to believe that the addictive drug is synonymous with “ following ” and “ seeking ” the distinctive olfactory profile of “ bomb - smelling ” nitrate substances . alternately , the development of the rats could be coupled with manipulation of certain genetic traits , thus the training of the animals could be enhanced by genetic engineering . in other words , once certain animal behaviors can be isolated and studied , the development of rats which are genetically more suited to tolerate the presence of nitrates , or have some predisposition to addiction to nitrate substances , could be used in conjunction with the training of rats for the purpose in question . 2 ) the rats gradually learn to seek out landmines in a controlled laboratory environment and then in the field within special triangular mobile enclosures ( see fig4 ) by using their olfactory sense and drug induced drive as motivation . knowing the exact area which has been cleared can be accomplished by setting up a triangular shaped map . the boundaries of such areas are simple to create and because each post is made equidistant , precise calculations can be made to identify the amount of the areas which have been “ cleared ” by the rats . therefore , rats are released into a triangular enclosed space and begin seeking dummy landmines ( dlms ) using scent , sight and / or feel . 3 ) once the rats locate the landmines , they will search for the addictive substances on the surface of the dlms and come to detect the small conical plastic perforated containers ( cpcs ) which house small amounts of tnt scented cotton and addictive drugs mixed with odorless food pellets . dlms as shown in fig2 release the scent of tnt from its top perforated chamber and in the lower base chamber . in other words , when the rats come upon suspect dlms , they begin to dig around them in the hopes of finding one or more conical perforated containers ( cpcs ) that will dispense / disperse the scent of tnt from the top perforated chamber and a few pellets of the same addictive drug ( ad ) in oral form contained in a lower base level chamber . this small container , the cpcs , can be 1 . 5 inch tall and 1 . 5 inch wide at the base , and may be located on any surface of a dlm , including its underside ( see fig2 and 3 ). 4 ) while searching for the dlms and the addictive substances , the rats are capable of sufficiently disturbing the landmine &# 39 ; s specific site or location in the surrounding soil and dirt . this disturbance makes the location of the landmine more conspicuous and identifiable for human clearers , which in turn makes clearance much safer for later deactivation and / or removal by a person , with or without the aid of a dog . thus , when the ground , soil around the dlms have been disturbed after a certain amount of time at night (× hours ), the rats are called back to their container , possibly using ad rewards . the rats learn that three short blasts from an ultrasonic horn is a signal for them to return to their home field cages . consequently , real landmines have now become visually easier for dogs and humans to detect , clear , and remove . 5 ) once the rats have spent a sufficient amount of time searching for and “ digging up ” landmines , they can be summoned back to their transport cages by a signal of a subsonic horn device to which the rats have been trained to respond positively . this “ recall ” method is made more certain because rats are trained to receive the immediate rewards of food mixed with the addictive drug when they respond to the subsonic horn device used . 6 ) in some circumstances , the rats &# 39 ; activity may detonate the mines . because the rats search only within a confined area ( the triangular enclosure mte ; see fig4 ) and are not accompanied by humans or trained dogs , occasional detonation of landmines during this process will not cost any human lives or cause the loss of trained dogs . in some cases , detonation may indeed be the desired outcome , wherein the training can be modified to condition and train the rats to manipulate the sensory device of small landmines simulators in the laboratory . that is , creating the expectation of receiving the addictive drug / food mixture , the rats can be trained to disturb the sensory devices in the laboratory sufficient to cause detonation of a real landmine in the field . 7 ) use of other devices and methods can enhance the above methods , when used alone or in combination therewith . the methods which can be used to achieve a precise localization and identification of the dummy landmines ( dlm ) may include the implementation of : ( i ) a small rectangular plastic container which may be attached to the rats &# 39 ; back as if it were a knapsack ( knapsack device - kd ) ( see fig5 ). a kd can consist of a small light plastic / rubber container having an elliptical shape which is fastened to the rats &# 39 ; back using small harness of plastic or heavy cloth . it can house a small battery and machine that dispenses small pellets through a rear opening at regular set time intervals . these pellets can be of bright color and may also fluoresce under ultraviolet light and possess a very distinctive odor to aid in their localization by sight and / or smell the next day after the rats have been removed . specifically , the kd can be a small rectangular plastic box containing a number of small colored pellets ( about 6 mm in diameter ) which releases colored pellet or pellets , one at a time , every predetermined amount of seconds . consequently , the area where the rat spends most of its time “ searching ” for a landmine will have a disproportionally large amount of colored pellets compared to areas where no landmine is found because the rats will spend more time digging up a suspect dlm in an area which contains the landmine . clustered droppings of these pellets will be found in an active area with landmines , and human clearers will be able to subjectively judge and ascertain , depending on different characteristics such as type of the terrain and other variables , whether an area harbors active landmines . the trainer &# 39 ; s ability to predict the performance of the rats can be strengthened by placing the rats in a field location where the dlm contain two or more cpc on its surface , thereby making the rats spend more time around these additive - reinforced landmines so that a trainer may know whether the rats will perform basically in the same way in a field with real landmines . this approach may be very beneficial and well - suited for use by indigenous villagers because there is no great need to highly skilled personnel and local young rats and inexpensive drugs such as nicotine , amphetamine or narcotics may be used . ( ii ) a kd containing a small transmitter which emits an individually numbered signal every predetermined duration , which in turn , is detected by three equidistantly placed antennae ( on the posts of the mte ) so that the signal is triangulated , analyzed and then plotted on a computer screen that is scaled to the area and shape of the mobile triangular enclosure ( mte ) may be used in conjunction or alone . with this method and apparatus , mine clearing personnel have more information , such as the number and the likely locations of suspect landmines . when they approach these areas alone or with their dogs , there is a greater margin of safety , effectiveness and efficiency . more discrete units of land can be safely cleared in less time and at less overall cost . this type of objective proficiency testing may help develop a high rate of accuracy relative to normal data from conventional landmine removal training programs . more specifically , this variation consists of another type of kd containing a small battery powered fm transmitter designed to send a certain signal every x number of seconds . three simple antennae , each located at a defined place , e . g ., at the three angles of an isosceles triangle formed by the triangular enclosure , cab receive the signal . as the signals are received , the data is analyzed by a simple triangulation program to determine the exact location of the rat relative to the parameters of the triangular area enclosed and then graphed based on frequency of signals . as each rat spends more time at one particular location , more signals will mark that location which can be readily identified by the pc graphing program . this method allows very accurate identifications of locations . ( iii ) a kd containing a small anterior prong which protrudes forward into the left - sided field of vision of the rat . midway on this prong there is a small light which is turned on and off from afar by a signal controlled by a computer program designed for this purpose . at the distal tip of this prong there is a small two - edged clasp which can be pressed together when a rat bites it . in other words , this type of kd contains a small semi - flexible extension on one side which extends to be in the animals &# 39 ; field of vision and has a small yellow light near its tip at which there is a small two pronged y - shaped tip . this allows for the rat to lean over and click both ends of the prong to make a clicking sound . the rat must first find the dlms and determine if it houses any cpcs . in the laboratory , some dlms will indeed have cpcs where if the rats should bite or tug at the tiny pronged handle , the rats will receive a mildly noxious injection of a chemical instead of the ad . therefore , if the cpc is present , the rat simply eats it . if the cpc is not present , in order for the rat to self - administer the ad via microinjection and be assured of receiving the ad , the animal must repeat the trained steps as described above . therefore , this type of kd contains a small amount of addictive drug dispensed directly into the rats &# 39 ; brain by means of a small cannula . the rat first finds a suspect dlm and digs it up . because this may take several minutes , there is a large number of signals from the rat &# 39 ; s kd in that location . the computer program sends a preprogrammed signal to the rat &# 39 ; s kd and a light is turned on . the rat is conditioned to interpret this to mean that if it now bites the distal clasp while the light is on , it will receive an immediate reward of a small amount of addictive drug which is sent directly to its brain via the cannula . after a few seconds the light is turned off and the computer has identified the precise location of the rat at this time . the light will no longer be turned on again in that location . the rat then knows that it should “ move on ” and find another dlm to repeat the process and obtain an additional dose of the drug in this way . this type of training can be achieved because the rats are taught in the laboratory and in the field that , if they bite the clasp while the light is not turned on , they will immediately receive a noxious stimulus . this type of kd device and method may be appropriate for dense urban areas and for use by the military personnel to clear not only landmine areas but also unexploded ordinance . other security or law enforcement entities may use this method for locating caches of hidden weapons or narcotics . in short , this type of variation consists of a kd having a microinjection mechanism that gives the rat an intracranial micro - dose of ad , if and only if , the dlms do not have cpcs on their surface and if the tiny handle is bitten or tugged at by the rats . using this method , the rats would be trained to ascertain whether there are no cpc on the dlm . the rat will be sure that it is safe to tug at the tiny handle and self - administer the ad , if and only if , the tiny yellow light is in the turned on . simultaneously , a fm signal is transmitted for later analysis and plotting similar to what has been described above . finally , after the computer has identified the location of the rat , it sends a signal that instructs the kd to turn off the small yellow light while the rats location is within 15 inches from the last identified dlm . accordingly , the rat learns that it must move to another location to find a new dlm in order to get a fresh “ fix ” of the ad . the kd which is used in this method as well as the other methods above have a small elliptical shape about ¾ of an inch thick and weighing about 30 to 50 grams that is attached to the rats &# 39 ; back to appear like a miniature knapsack . for the method described herein , the underside part of the kd houses a flexible small tube that leads from the kd to a sub - cutaneous lodged hypodermic or an indwelling intracranial cannula . the tube itself contains three separate smaller tubes connected to a connector inside the kd so three different substances can be administered in any sequence . in front and on the left side of the kd , a small rigid tube extends forward to lie near the rats &# 39 ; mouth . near the tip of this rigid tube , a small led yellow light can be made visible , including a small two - pronged set of a tiny handle that emits a clicking noise when pressed together by the rats own teeth in a biting or gnawing movement . within the kd , the following components may be found : ( 1 ) a small transmitter and receiver capable of dependable short distance , ( 2 ) a device that can be controlled by certain reception signals to cause an attached mini - pump to inject any one of the three substances through the tubes , ( 3 ) a device that , in response to certain signals can cause the small yellow led light to turn off or on or flicker , and ( 4 ) another electronic device that constantly emits a tracking fm signal to determine the exact location of the rat at any given time . the above described steps exploit not only the rats &# 39 ; sense of smell , but their ability to sense form and shapes of objects , i . e ., their abilities to discern different tactile stimuli . importantly , this method could be used with other types of animals , such as bird , bats , or free ranging dogs , to aid in the identification and location of objects having certain shape , smell and / or contours . other related applications possible with this method could include the identification and location of hidden caches of illicit addictive drugs hidden in the holds of ship among large crates of fruit , for instance . the novel features of the present invention provides human clearers of the most critical information : the exact location of an active mine , accomplished through the unearthing and tracking of the animal done by a marking technology system . the rats are capable of being trained to show the mine itself , including any unanticipated features such as booby traps which other animals such as dogs cannot provide . present methods and technologies now available only provide localization to a very limited degree . vital information concerning the location of active mines is preconceived , and mostly unknown to the clearing personnel . the present method and device of the present invention provides them with this knowledge by exposing any otherwise visible booby trap mechanisms and wire connections to remote detonation sites , and may neutralize or detonate any booby trap mechanisms which would have otherwise explode with simple handling / unearthing by untrained persons . the foregoing is meant to illustrate , but not to limit the scope of the invention . indeed , those of ordinary skill in the art can readily envision and produce further embodiments , based on the teachings herein , without undue experimentation . the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics . the described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not as restrictive . the scope of the invention is , therefore , indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description . all changes which come within the meaning and range of the equivalence of the claims are to embraced within their scope .

US-58565400-A

a computer - implemented method of controlling a display of a computer device by : rendering on the display a game board having a plurality of selectable game objects , each at a respective tile location in an array . user input is detected to select a game object causing the game object to move in a direction . a game move is implemented in which the selected game object is moved to an adjacent new tile location and swapped with the selected game object . match data is generated if the move results in at least three game objects of the same characteristic occupying adjacent tile locations , which are removed from the rendered image . new game objects are generated to replace the removed game objects .

the terms user and player are used interchangeably throughout this document and no specific meaning is intended using one or the other unless the context suggests otherwise . in the following description of various implementations of the invention , reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form part thereof , and in which is shown by way of illustration various implementations in which the invention may be utilized . it is to be understood that the other implementations may be utilized , and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing form the scope of the present invention . fig6 shows a schematic picture of a computing device , containing a central processing unit 172 and random access memory 174 . the cpu 172 acts according to input given from input devices 170 such as a keyboard , mouse or touchscreen . computer buses 178 are used to communicate , both between input devices 170 and the cpu 172 , but also between different controllers within the computer device , such as a graphics controller 180 and a network controller 182 . these controllers in turn communicate with external devices , such as a display 184 for video output with which the graphics controller 180 communicates to present the game board , and the network controller 182 communicates with for instance the internet 122 , through wireless or wired connections . a user can interact with the computing device through input devices 170 such as a pointing device ( e . g . mouse ) and a keyboard . fig7 portrays an exemplary overall environment in which the present invention can be utilized . a virtual game is stored on for instance a game server 205 . the virtual game is to be played on a client device , such a computer 220 , 225 or a smartphone or other handheld device 230 . the client device can also be a kiosk , arcade gaming station , smart tv or other device with computing capabilities , input devices and a screen that can present the game to a user . the client device communicates with the game server 205 and a social network server 215 , for instance through the internet 220 or other network . it should be understood that the social network server 215 and the game server 210 do not have to be located in different places , they could be on the same server or on a plurality of servers located in different locations . people skilled in the art will understand that other devices than the exemplary ones listed can also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . the techniques described in this patent can be deployed in many different gameplay architectures . for example , a computer game can be implemented as a computer program that is stored and runs entirely locally on the processor of a pc , games console , tablet or mobile telephone or other computing device . the game can be implemented solely as a computer program that is stored and runs entirely on one of many processors in a remote server , and data streams or updates are supplied to the client device ( e . g . tablet , smartphone , etc .) to enable the client to render and display graphics and sounds ; this ‘ web services ’ approach is increasingly common . another aspect is a hybrid one , in which back - end servers handle some elements of the gameplay , and for instance a java game applet is provided to client devices and it is the locally running java applet that generates the graphics / sounds / user interaction for gameplay on the player &# 39 ; s client device . some data may be fed back to the back - end servers to enable scoring , interaction with other players and cross - platform synchronisation . generally , the techniques described in this specification are not specific to any one game architecture but can be deployed on any suitable game architecture . the game can be implemented allowing a user to interact with it in different ways depending on the capabilities of the device which the user is accessing the game with . a user can interact with the game through using a touch screen where the user can select and / or move elements on the game board with a finger or for instance with a stylus . the game can also be played with a pointing device such as a mouse or other interaction devices such as keyboard . mobile devices may have a touch screen interface where the player can interact with the game using a finger or a pointing device such as a stylus . some mobile devices have hard keys that complement the touch screen interface . such hard keys may be in the form of a button or in the form of a joystick type of interaction . over the course of players playing the game , data will be produced . this data can for instance be related to a player &# 39 ; s game performance or to game information related to a social network to which the game is connected . it is possible to gather this data , store it and make use of it for instance to improve the game . stitcheroo is a level - based action puzzle game in which players slide coloured bricks , or plushies , past each other to create line combinations of three or more . the game is played on a series of 9 × 9 game boards of plushies in 5 - 6 different colours with automatic refills along the z - axis to ensure a constantly filled game board . three or more plushies of the same colour in a line or l / t - formation will create a combo , and refills may in turn generate chain combos . any playable plushie may be swiped up , down , left or right and will pass under all other plushies in the same row or column until coming to a full stop against another plushie of the same colour , an obstacle or a wall . all passed plushies will naturally be moved one step in the opposite direction ; enabling chain reactions among other plushie constellations . all passed plushies will naturally be moved one step in the opposite direction ; enabling chain reactions among other plushie constellations . combos in stitcheroo are made by sliding plushies to create groups of three or more of the same colour . once a combo has been created , the group disappears , leaving room for new , random plushies to be refilled from above . refills can , in turn , create further combos as they land , which will lead to further refills , and so on . all passed plushies will naturally be moved one step in the opposite direction , enabling further chain reactions among other plushie constallations behind the passing plushie . slide - by combos in stitcheroo are made by sliding plushies past rows or columns of the same kind , momentarily forming a line combo . all slide - by combos are activated instantly , visualized by an animation of a wave of energy travelling from the sliding plushie to the ends of the combo line . the sliding plushie may then travel on to create further slide - by combos , regular combos or simply come to a stop against a wall or a plushie of the same colour . either way , the sliding plushie always disappears . upon disappearing , the squares left empty by the combos are refilled by random plushies as usual . golden buttons in stitcheroo are score bonuses present on the game board , carrying a set amount of points when collected . to collect a golden button , a played plushie must pass or be placed on the square carrying it . each level holds three randomly placed golden buttons , either appearing exposed from the start or hidden beneath an obstacle . to reveal a hidden golden button , the obstacle hiding it must first be removed , upon which the golden button may be collected as normal . if not collected before the end of a level , any exposed golden buttons will be transferred to the next level , while hidden ones are lost . golden buttons which are transferred between levels can never be re - hidden . obstacles in stitcheroo are either destructible or indestructible . indestructible obstacles are just another name for level boundaries , which may appear anywhere and in any shape on the game board . destructible obstacles , however , are actual objects present on the game board . visually represented as thimbles , the obstacles have two basic states ; silver and bronze . to clear an obstacle , combos need to be made adjacent to it , upon which the obstacle goes from bronze to silver before completely vanishing . by clearing obstacles , the freed up squares will automatically fill up with plushies and enable the player to pass unhindered . creating a 4 line - combo instantly causes an animation of all combined plushies to contract in a generic smoke effect . from the effect , the two end plushies slide off in opposite directions without hesitation , possibly creating chain combos . creating a 5 line - or l / t - combo instantly causes an animation of all combined plushies to contract in a generic smoke effect . from the effect , the last added plushie continues on without delay at the same time as all plushies of the same colour start to slide along in the same direction , able to create reverse combos on the way , before ultimately exploding without radius ( i . e . without involving other plushies ) against any obstacles or wall . creating a 6 t - combo instantly causes an animation of all combined plushies to contract in a generic smoke effect . from the effect , the last added plushie carries on uninterrupted in the same direction until reaching an obstacle or wall , clearing all plushies in its way . upon impact , the plushie bounces while changing columns or rows and sliding back the same way it came . this repeats until reaching the far corner of the wall in the general direction of movement , where the plushie ultimately explodes without radius . creating a 7 t - combo instantly causes an animation of all combined plushies to contract in a generic smoke effect . from the effect , a plushie of the combination &# 39 ; s colour emerges and grows rapidly on the square of the last added plushie , until reaching the size of 3 × 3 squares . finally exploding in a big cloud of dust while shaking the camera violently , the super - sized plushie then sends all plushies on the game board flying cheerily off screen . naturally , all obstacles are removed in the blast , revealing and collecting any hidden golden buttons , along with already exposed ones . fig1 - 5 show an edited version of the game board as it will be rendered to a user on the display of his computer device . the board has been reduced to a 5 × 5 grid and only partially filled for illustrative purposes . the game objects are represented by simplified shapes in this instance , and are called ‘ plushies ’. when operated by a user input device in the form of a mouse , a plushie can be moved by clicking and holding it , then dragging the plushie in any of the 4 axis parallel directions within the x - y plane of the board ( up , down , left or right ). the plushie will only slide if , by moving in the selected direction , it will make a group of at least 3 matching plushies in a combo at some point before stopping . the plushie will slide even if it is not directly involved in the combo if the movement of another plushie causes a combo , as in to make a reverse combo . a plushie will stop if it meets an obstacle , or another plushie of the same colour , or the edge of the board . if it reaches any of these having been directly involved in a slide - by combo it will explode . plushies have characteristics , such as colour and shape , which can be used to identify matches . fig1 a shows a section of a typical board , a domed plushie p 1 in tile t 15 has been chosen and dragged in the negative x direction ( to the left ) on the board . this is an allowed move as a 3 line combo will be made as a result . fig1 b shows the first move the plushie t 15 will make . the domed plushie of t 15 will move to the left , under the triangular plushie in tile t 14 . the triangular plushie in tile t 14 will move to the right , to fill the tile previously occupied by the sliding domed plushie , t 15 . this is referred to as a ‘ swap ’ or ‘ reverse swap ’. fig1 c shows the result of the first move . the next element movement is indicated with arrows . the triangular plushie , having moved to tile t 15 , has made a 3 line combo in the y direction at tiles t 10 , t 15 , and t 20 . this is a reverse combo . the domed plushie continues across the board and slides under the next cylindrical plushie at t 13 . fig1 d shows the domed plushie having moved under the cylindrical plushie to t 13 . the cylindrical plushie having taken the place the domed plushie left behind at t 14 . the 3 matched triangular plushies ( at t 10 , t 15 , and t 20 ) have now exploded denoted by a wavy line , which represents an animation which would be displayed . the domed plushie at t 13 now creates a new group of 3 in the y direction . this is a slide - by combo . the domed plushie at t 13 continues to slide to the left . arrows indicate the next element movement . fig1 e shows the board after the domed plushie has moved under the next , ‘ u ’ plushie to t 12 . the ‘ u ’ plushie has moved to tile t 13 . the two stationary domed plushies that were at t 8 and t 18 in fig1 d have exploded . the domed plushie at t 12 continues to slide . fig1 f shows the domed plushie reaching the edge of the board at t 11 . the domed plushie has moved past the cube plushie at t 11 , which has moved into the hole left behind at t 12 . the domed plushie makes another group of 3 in the y direction at t 6 , t 11 , and t 16 . the domed plushie at t 11 cannot slide any further as it has reached the board edge . fig1 g shows the board after the whole slide of the domed plushie is completed . all of the events in fig1 a - f occur without any further user input after the original click and drag of the domed plushie at t 15 in fig1 a . the final group of 3 has vanished , the central domed plushie also vanishing as it has reached the edge of the board , and thus the end of its slide . fig2 shows the refilling of the holes left in the board after the plushies forming the combos outlined by dashed lines in fig1 c , 1 d , and 1 f have exploded . holes are filled with plushies selected at random . the board is refilled along the z - axis ( from above ). here all holes are shown refilling at the same time for illustrative purposes . in the actual gameplay , holes may be filled while other combos are being made elsewhere on the board . refilling the board is postponed during the outcomes of 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 combos so as not to obscure the player &# 39 ; s vision with falling plushies . fig3 a shows another typical board arrangement . the domed plushie in t 15 is held and dragged to the left . the arrow shows the plushie &# 39 ; s entire slide . fig3 b shows the first move the domed plushie will make indicated with arrows . the domed plushie at t 15 will move to the left , under the triangular plushie at t 14 . the triangular plushie will move to the right to t 15 , to fill the tile previously occupied by the sliding domed plushie . fig3 c shows the board after the domed plushie has moved to t 14 . the next move is indicated with arrows . fig3 d shows the domed plushie at t 13 having swapped places with the cylindrical plushie now at t 14 . the domed plushie now makes a slide - by combo with the domed plushies at t 8 and t 18 . this slide - by combo is outlined using a dashed line . the arrows show the next move for the sliding domed plushie . fig3 e shows the result of the domed plushie continuing to t 12 , having swapped places with the ‘ u ’ plushie now at t 13 . the two stationary domed plushies from t 8 and t 18 involved in the slide - by combo have exploded . the sliding domed plushie now comes to a stop at t 12 . this is because it has reached a plushie of the same type ( colour / shape ). fig3 f shows the board after the sliding domed plushie has disappeared from t 12 . the plushie previously at t 12 has exploded as a result of having been directly involved in a combo . by which it is meant that at some point during the slide it formed a combo which included it and at least 2 other plushies of the same type ( colour / shape ). fig4 a shows the refilling of the holes left in the board from the slide - by combo outlined by a dashed line in fig3 d . this is done along the z - axis as shown previously in fig2 . refilling the board from the z - axis allows for minimal changes to the board between moves . this enables a player to make a new combo by sliding another plushie while holes are being refilled elsewhere on the board . fig4 b shows a group of three red plushies being made at tiles t 8 , t 9 , and t 10 as a result of the random refilling of the holes on the board . this combo disappears as part of the original move , with no extra input required from the player . fig4 c shows the board after the 3 combo of red plushies has exploded . no plushies were moving so the refilling of these 3 holes will be the only change to the board . refilling is along the z - axis . fig5 a shows the board set where the next move will create a 6 - combo . the move to create the 6 - combo is shown using arrows . a cube plushie at t 22 will switch with a ‘ u ’ plushie at t 17 . part of the board has not been filled with plushies for illustrative purposes only . fig5 b shows the 6 - combo outlined by a dashed line . the 6 - combo encompasses plushies in tiles t 7 , t 12 , t 16 , t 17 , t 18 , and t 19 . the ‘ u ’ plushie now occupies tile t 22 . fig5 c shows the board immediately after the 6 - combo is made . the 6 - combo instantly causes an animation of all combined plushies to contract in a generic smoke effect . from the effect , the last added plushie at tile t 17 carries on uninterrupted in the same direction , until reaching an obstacle or wall , clearing all plushies in its way , for example the plushie at t 2 . blasting plushies resulting from 4 and 6 combos can pass holes , move out of the grid and cross each other &# 39 ; s paths . fig5 d shows how the last added plushie at t 17 carries on sliding uninterrupted in the same direction . when reaching a wall or the board edge , the boosted plushie bounces upon impact , and continues in the opposite direction in the adjacent column or row . the boosted plushie clears all plushies in its way . cleared plushies 502 can be seen flying off in various directions having previously occupied tiles t 2 , t 3 , t 8 , t 13 , t 23 and t 4 . cleared plushies leave the board completely . this continues until the boosted plushie 504 reaches the far corner of the wall in the general direction of movement , where the plushie ultimately explodes without radius . no plushies are spawned during the booster motion , so as not to obscure the player &# 39 ; s vision with falling plushies . fig9 is a schematic diagram showing components of software used to implement the game and control the display . the game software is executed on a processor by code stored in a memory , locally at the computer device or remotely . the game comprises a game logic component 2300 which incorporates the rules , etc . of the game . an input detection component 2302 detects user inputs by the input devices 170 to detect where a user has clicked and what action a user has just taken . a rendering component 2304 is responsible for rendering each screen after a user move , and for displaying the explosions and other animations arising in the game . the rendering component is also responsible for displaying the refill in the z - axis to animate a refill as though the plushies are arriving from above the screen to refill the game board . a matrix component 2308 stored in a memory provides a matrix representation of the game board as shown schematically in fig8 . in reality the matrix component can be supplied by any suitable data structure , held in local memory or remote memory accessible by the device , and is responsible for identifying for each tile location on the board information about what is to be displayed at that tile location . this information is provided to the rendering component to control the display . in described embodiments of the present invention , the matrix 2308 is implemented as a three - dimensional grid . that is , the board is shown with two dimensions x and y , and there is a third dimension which is denoted here as dimension n ( so that it does not become confused with the third dimension in the real world which is denoted z ). the ‘ n ’ for dimension comprises four layers which are shown schematically in fig8 and denoted a buttonlayer bl , normallayer nl , explodelayer el and falllayer fl . the normallayer nl of the data structure is the layer that holds data concerning the moving plushies . so referring back to fig1 through 5 , the tile numbers t 1 , t 2 , etc ., can be considered to represent grid positions in the normallayer of the data structure . the position of a game object in the data structure is either where it is or where it is going ( the next tile location ). when it starts to move it changes position to its destination even though it is closer to its start at that point . obstacles ( such as thimbles ) are held in the grid structure in the normallayer . providing a multi - layer grid structure in the n dimension allows the display to be controlled so that the game mechanics discussed above can readily be made visible to a user in an engaging and simplified fashion . the layers act as logical layers . the provision of the layers allow simultaneous activity at one tile . for example , there could be a button hidden in the buttonlayer while a thimble is in the normallayer at the same tile position . a plushie can be moving in a tile position in the normallayer , while another tile is exploding at that tile position , in the explodelayer . note that when a plushie moves into a tile location occupied by another plushie of a different characteristic , this is detected in the normallayer . the animation of one plushie moving ‘ under ’ the adjacent plushie is effected by the rendering component . a tile can be exploding in a tile position in the explodelayer while another tile is falling towards that position in the falllayer . a plushie can be passing through a position the normallayer while another plushie is falling towards that tile position in the falllayer . to render the game board on the display of a computer device , data is extracted for each tile position from each of the four layers of the data structure and supplied to the rendering component 2304 to allow each tile position to be rendered . thus , a tile can simultaneously show a plushie moving , another one exploding and another one falling , for example . the game logic handles these are distinct events , while the rendering component can amalgamate them to display all active functions at a particular tile location . fig9 illustrates four cases of possible game piece configurations with respect to the layers of the grid . they are each separated into a case 1 - 4 . case 1 , there can be a button 602 hidden in ‘ button layer ’ while a thimble 604 is in ‘ normal layer ’. case 2 , a plushie 606 can be moving in a position in ‘ normal layer ’, while another plushie 608 is exploding in ‘ explode layer ’. case 3 , a plushie 608 can be exploding in a position in ‘ explode layer ’, while another plushie 610 is falling towards that position in ‘ fall layer ’. case 4 , a plushie 606 can be passing through a position in ‘ normal layer ’, while another plushie 610 is falling towards it in ‘ fall layer ’. note that if the thimble 604 is removed by game play , the button 602 is revealed , and the rendering component changes the graphical image on the display to change the thimble to a button at that location , although the button stays in the logical button layer . fig1 shows how these four layers are presented to the player in real game play . plushies fill the board around obstacles , in this case both bronze 702 and silver 704 thimbles . bronze thimbles are presented as sitting over silver thimbles . buttons 706 also occupy some tiles instead of plushies . two explosion clouds 708 can be seen around the recently created holes in the board due to the latest move . two bronze thimbles 710 can be seen flying out of the frame . the thimbles are thrown off the board when plushies explode next to them . fig1 shows plushies 902 falling in from the fall layer , along the z - axis , to refill the board . data for rendering the images on the display is managed in layers in the graphics component , to allow for the action associated with one plushie to be ‘ overlaid ’ on the action associated with another plushie in an image rendered to a user . the main layers of the playing area from bottom to top are : some graphics are simply set to not render when below other things . i . e . buttons below thimbles . fig1 shows the starting game board as well as the statistics band which is presented down the right hand side of the board . vital information is presented to the player along the right - hand side of the screen . at the top is presented a target score 902 to complete the level . below this is a timer 904 that counts down the total playing time remaining . each stitch around the edge of the pink circle represents a second within the current minute . below this is the number of remaining moves 906 . underneath this is the number of buttons collected 908 out of the total available to collect on the current level . fig1 illustrates a flow diagram of operation of a match detector component 2310 . the match detector component 2310 has a responsibility for performing two different kinds of match checks . a match check is performed when a plushie has changed its position in a game move , and a match is also formed to test what would happen if a plushie were to move in the direction indicated by a user . the data in normallayer of the grid is used to detect matches . the colours of plushies in the normallayer of the grid are copied into a colour grid , the corresponding colour of each plushie being copied into the corresponding tile position . when a plushie has been selected , the next position ( adjacent tile in the direction which has been chosen by the player ) is the starting position of the check . the check is performed , detecting colour matches in and around that position . after detecting user selection of a plushie s 1300 , this check s 1302 is carried out . when a player tries to make a move , the algorithm performs a match check for each position that the plushie would pass and all reversing moves of the plushies that it passes . if any match is detected , the algorithm will stop and the move will start . thus , in step s 1304 , a check is made to see whether any combination has resulted with the plushie in the next starting position . if a match has resulted , the move is permitted s 1306 . if no combination has been detected on the game board , then the position of the plushie in the next adjacent tile in the direction of the move is checked and the process repeats s 1308 . when the game performs a check for potential combos before allowing a plushie to move , there is no guarantee that an anticipated combo will occur . this is because other combos may have been completed in the meantime , and resulted in plushies exploding which would have been involved in the anticipated combo . thus , after the move has been implemented , at step s 1310 checks are made again for reverse or slide by combos on the game board . if a combo is detected step s 1312 , the appropriate animation is activated as described earlier . if no combination is detected , the plushie is slid to its end condition and no further action is taken . note that the end condition could be an edge of the game board , a hole in the game board ( created by removal of a plushie ), an obstacle ( such as a thimble ) or a game object having a matching characteristic . this may mean that a plushie cannot complete a slide it has started , due to changes in the game board while it is sliding .

US-201414501730-A

a new , quick , simple , efficient , safe , and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence , in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside to outside . a variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure .

in describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings , specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity . however , the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected , and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose . by the surgical procedure of the present invention , the patient is first placed in the gynecological position , legs on stirrups and thighs in hyperflexion . the patient &# 39 ; s buttocks ( i ) reach the edge of the table . the operative field is cleaned with a standard antiseptic agent and draped with multiple drapes rather than a single trousers - shaped drape , with care being taken to keep the groin folds in the operative field . labia minor ( j ) are suspended by fixation to the skin with nylon suture a few centimeters above the vulvar ostium , inside the thigh folds , in order to expose the vulva , keeping the groin folds ( k ) in the operative field . a 16 fr foley catheter is inserted into the bladder . the points ( m ) where the needles will exit at the skin level are identified by tracing a horizontal line at the level of the urethral meatus ( n ). the exit points are located approximately 1 to 3 centimeters and preferably 2 centimeters above this line , and outside the thigh folds at a distance of 1 - 4 cm , and preferably 2 cm ( see fig1 and 10 a ). a 2 - to 10 - mm skin incision , and preferably 5 - mm incision , is made at each exit point . the anterior vaginal wall is suspended with two allis clamps on either side of the midline , 1 cm proximally to the urethral meatus . a median sagittal incision of the vaginal wall is started at this level and is continued proximally ( towards the vaginal pouches ) over a 1 cm distance ( fig1 b ). both vaginal mucosal and sub - mucosal tissues are incised . minimal para - urethral sub - vaginal dissection is then carried out laterally , with the blade , over a few millimeters distance , on either side ( fig1 a ). one allis clamp grasps right minor and major labia while another allis clamp holds the left margin of the sub - urethral vaginal incision , to clearly expose the most posterior aspect of the right vulvar vestibulum . fine dissection scissors are introduced through the blade - initiated dissection path , and then further , with a 45 20 angle relatively to the urethral sagittal plane , towards the upper part of ischio - pubic ramus ( fig1 b and 11c ). it is important to correctly expose the vulvar vestibulum and to respect the specific direction of the dissection in order to avoid any perforation of the vaginal wall . once the upper part of the ischio - pubic ramus is reached and bone contact is perceived , the right obturator membrane is perforated with the tips of the scissors , which are then slightly opened . during the dissection , bleeding can occur but is never important and only occasionally requires a blood - aspirating device . the introducer is then pushed in the pre - formed dissection pathway until it reaches and perforates the obturator membrane . the open side of the introducer &# 39 ; s gutter must be facing the operator ( fig1 d ). the distal end of the tube is mounted onto the spiral segment of the needle and the assembled device is gently slipped along the gutter of the introducer so as to pass through the obturator foramen ( fig1 e ). the introducer and allis clamps are removed . at this step , the handle of the needle must be aligned in a parallel manner with the sagittal axis of the vulvar slit . then , thanks to a rotational movement of the passer , the pointed tip of the tube appears at the previously incised skin exit points at the level of the thigh folds ( fig1 f ). the tube is pulled from the supporting needle , which is removed by a backwards - rotational movement , until the first centimeters of the tape become externalized . the same technique is applied to the left side , with care being taken not to twist the tape . when both tubes have been extracted through the skin incisions , the ends of the tape are cut . the tape is then aligned under the junction between the mid and distal urethra and the tension of the tape is adjusted by exerting a traction on its two ends and by interposing a pair of scissors between the tape and the urethra so as to leave a space avoiding any tension of the tape . the plastic sheaths are then removed simultaneously ( fig1 a ). an alternative procedure for correctly aligning the tape under the urethra is to grasp the tape at its middle with babcock forceps so as to create a small , 5 mm - long tape loop ( fig1 b ). as described above , traction is exerted on the distal ends of the tape , which brings the babcock forceps grasps in contact with the urethra . plastic sheaths and then babcock forceps are removed and a small sub - urethral space is thus created between the tape and the ventral aspect of the mid - urethra . the tape ends are cut in the subcutaneous layer and the incisions are closed . four different specifically designed surgical needles are used to slide in the sub - urethral tape through the obturator foramens ( o ). the in - out transobturator passage of the needle 4 is shown in fig2 a - 2d . the needle 4 is rotated around the ischio - pubic ramus ( p ) from inside to outside ( in extenso , from a vaginal wound underneath the urethra towards the folds of the thighs ) by means of a simple rotational movement ( fig2 a , 2b and 2 c ). the needle perforates the various muscular structures and membrane which fills the obturator hole ( o ), and , thanks to its spiral design , the tip 5 of the needle appears at the previously defined skin exit point lateral to the thigh fold . the tape ( t ) is then inserted either directly or indirectly depending on the type of needle used ( fig2 d ). the four instruments share a common aspect ( see fig3 a - 3d ) which is a spirally shaped needle having a defined design ( length , curvature , diameter , shape ) supported by a common handle . all these devices have been created to insert the tape from inside to outside ( in extenso from a vaginal wound underneath the urethra towards the folds of the thighs ), either indirectly (‘ string - passing ’ and ‘ tube - passing ’, needles ) or directly (‘ tube - supporting ’ and ‘ needle - holder ’ needles ). the four surgical needles comprise a flat spiral section 4 , with a definite diameter , attached to a vertical section 3 by a junction 6 as shown in fig3 a . the flat spiral section 4 comprises an open circular or nearly - circular segment having a length of ½ to ¾ of a circle and an extremity 5 which is located at specific distances “ b ” and “ d ” spaced from the junction 6 between the vertical and spiral segments ( fig3 c ). the b and d distances may be varied from up to 3 . 5 cm for b and from 4 to 8 cm for d . the flat spiral section 4 may also comprise two linear segments 8 and 9 from 1 to 3 . 5 cm , as illustrated in fig4 to 7 . in the “ string - passing ” needle of fig4 a - 4c the lower segment a of the device comprises a 5 - 15 cm , and preferably a 10 - cm handle 1 secured to the upper segment of the device with a set screw 2 . the upper segment b of the device , which has a 2 - 5 mm , preferably 4 - mm diameter , comprises a 6 - 18 cm , preferably 12 . 5 cm flat spiral section 4 attached to a 5 - 15 cm , preferably 9 - cm vertical section 3 at the junction point 6 . the flat spiral section is an open , spirally shaped , nearly circular segment , with its end or tip 5 located at a distance d from point 6 . the extremity of the spiral segment includes a 3 - 15 mm , preferably 8 - mm long eyelet 7 , through which a lace , a string or a tape can be passed . the flat spiral section may comprise two 1 - 3 . 5 cm , preferably 2 - cm linear segments 8 and 9 . the distance d may be varied from 4 to 8 cm . alternatively , the upper b and lower a segments of the instrument can be built as one unique segment , without junction parts . in the ‘ tube - passing ’ needle of fig5 a - 5c , the lower segment a of the device comprises a 5 - 15 cm , preferably 10 - cm handle 1 secured to the upper segment b of the device with a set screw 2 . the upper segment b of the device , which has a 2 - 5 mm , preferably 4 - mm diameter , comprises a 6 - 18 cm , preferably 12 . 5 - cm flat spiral section 4 attached to a 5 - 15 cm , preferably 9 - cm vertical section 3 at the junction point 6 . the flat spiral section is an open , spirally shaped , nearly circular segment , whose extremity or tip 5 ′ has a 5 - 15 mm , preferably 7 - mm long , conic shape and is formed by one to five , preferably three curled segments , enabling the attachment of the tube to the spiral segment . the flat spiral section may comprise two 1 - 3 . 5 cm , preferably 2 - cm linear segments 8 and 9 . alternatively , the upper b and lower a segments of the instrument can be built as one unique segment , without junction parts . in the ‘ tube - supporting ’ needle of fig6 a - 6d , the ‘ tube - supporting ’ device enables the direct passage of the tape from inside to outside in one unique rotational movement . the instrument supports a novel element , which is an arrow - like tube whose distal end is closed and pointed . the tape is bound in the inner portion of the proximal end of the tube . the lower segment a of the device comprises a 5 - 15 cm , preferably 10 - cm handle 1 secured to the upper segment b of the device with a set screw 2 . the upper segment b of the device , which has a 2 - 5 mm , preferably 3 mm diameter , comprises a 4 . 5 - 17 . 6 cm , preferably 11 . 8 - cm flat spiral section 4 attached to a 5 - 15 cm , preferably 9 - cm vertical section 3 . the flat spiral segment of the ‘ tube - supporting ’ needle is in general 0 . 4 - 1 . 5 cm , preferably 0 . 7 cm shorter than the spiral section of the ‘ string - passing ’ or ‘ tube - passing ’ needles . the flat spiral section is an open , spirally shaped , nearly circular segment , whose distal extremity or tip 5 ″ is flat . the flat spiral section may comprise two 1 - 3 . 5 cm , preferably 2 - cm linear segments 8 and 9 . alternatively , the upper b and lower a segments of the instrument can be built as one unique segment , without junction parts . the element supported by the ‘ tube - supporting ’ needle as shown in fig6 e and 8e is an arrow - like tube c , which is commonly but not exclusively made of high density polyethylene and has a length of 10 - 25 cm , preferably 17 cm . the inner diameter of the tube is 2 . 0 - 4 . 5 mm , preferably 3 . 3 mm and its outer diameter is 3 . 0 - 5 . 5 mm , preferably 4 . 3 mm . the wall of the tube is 0 . 3 - 0 . 8 mm , preferably 0 . 5 mm thick . the distal end of the tube has a length of 3 - 40 mm , preferably 7 mm , is sharp with the pointed part having a 3 - 20 mm , preferably 5 mm length . the tube bears a lateral opening which is 5 - 20 mm , preferably 10 mm long and is located at 10 - 20 cm , preferably 12 . 5 cm from the distal end of the tube . this lateral opening enables the introduction of the spiral segment 4 of the needle into the tube as shown in fig6 d . the proximal end 20 of the tube c is bound in its inner portion to the tape 22 . it is possible that by removal of the segment of the tape that passes through the adductor muscles would cause post - operative pain . to avoid this possibility , the tape length would be reduced to approximately 12 centimeters . both ends of the tapes would be attached to a nylon suture , creating a loop at the tape &# 39 ; s ends , and ending as a single string at its distal extremity . to improve the device shown in fig6 d , two possibilities exist : a ) either include the nylon suture in the sheath over an approximate 18 cm distance ( fig6 f and 6g ), b ) or make the tube approximately 18 cms longer ( fig6 h and 6i ). the surgical procedure using the device of fig6 f - 6i would remain the same as the one described for fig6 d , and the tape would traverse only the obturator muscles and membrane . in this way , urethral support would be sufficient . in the ‘ needle - holder ’ device , as shown in fig7 a - 7f , the ‘ needle - holder ’ device comprises a unique segment with a handle 1 and a pair of needles at the ends of which the tape is attached . this device enables to slip in the tape from underneath the urethra towards the obturator foramens ( in extenso , from inside to outside ) in one single rotational movement . the lower segment a of the device comprises a 5 - 15 cm , preferably 10 - cm handle 1 secured to the upper segment 3 of the device with a set screw 2 . the upper segment b of the device is divided into two elements : the vertical section 3 and the spiral section 4 . the vertical section comprises , at its distal end 24 , a slot 26 in which the proximal end of the spiral section 4 of the needle shown in fig7 d can be inserted and then secured in place by a pin system . the spiral section 4 , an open spirally shaped , nearly circular segment , is 6 . 0 - 18 . 0 cm , preferably 12 . 5 - cm long and has a 2 - 5 mm , preferably 4 - mm diameter . its distal extremity or tip 5 is pointed . the flat spiral section may comprise two 1 - 3 . 5 cm , preferably 2 - cm distal linear segments 8 and 9 . the proximal segment 8 of the spiral section , which may also be linear , includes a small slot 28 enabling the insertion of pin 30 , as well as an eyelet 32 designed for the attachment of the tape to the spiral section . pin 30 is inserted in slot 28 by movement - of a section 34 of vertical section 3 as shown in fig7 e and 7f . the at rest position of fig7 e shows pin 30 ready to engage in slot 28 when spiral section 4 is inserted into slot 26 after retraction and then extension of section 34 as shown in fig7 f . the spiral section of the ‘ needle - holder ’ needle , to which the tape is attached , can be displaced from its supporting handle once it has been passed through the obturator orifice and the skin by means of one single rotational movement from inside ( underneath the urethra ) to outside ( the groin folds ). the most simple technique : use a needle - holder as shown in fig7 a with the needle as shown in fig7 g having the same shape and diameter as those of the string - passing needle , but with a thickness of only approximately 2 mms . the needle would be simply slipped in the gutter of the guide and turned around the ischio - pubic ramus as one rotates the needle - holder . one alternate would be to pass a reverdin &# 39 ; s needle as shown in fig7 h in the guide &# 39 ; s gutter . in both cases , the insertion can be carried out directly ( suture inserted in the eyelet before rotation of the needle ). modification of the string - passing needle : the last five centimeters 50 of the string - passing needle as shown in fig7 i would have a thickness reduced to approximately 2 mms . a suture would be introduced in the eyelet and an approximate 12 cm tape prolonged with the nylon suture would be pulled in the perineal track ( from inside to outside , with direct insertion ). the sheath would need to be removed at the vaginal level . in another example , as shown in fig7 j , the distal end of the spiral needle would be 5 cms shorter , and this spiral needle would include a small gutter as shown in cross section taken along line 7 - 7 in fig7 k and along 8 - 8 in fig7 l , bearing a distal orifice , to allow the passage of a thin needle 52 . at its distal extremity , the gutter inside the spiral needle would present an angulation , so that the thin needle passed in the gutter would exit more medially in the thigh . once the pre - passage has been formed by the scissors in the obturator membrane , from underneath the urethra towards the ischio - pubic ramus , one may encounter some difficulty to slip in the needle of these newly designed devices through this pre - passage . an instrument , called the ‘ introducer ’, as shown in fig9 a - 9 c , may ease the passage of the needles in the perineal region , towards the obturator membranes . this instrument , which is 9 - 15 cm , and preferably 11 cm long , comprises two segments : a proximal 2 - 7 cm , and preferably 4 cm long , 3 - 6 mm , and preferably 4 mm diameter , tubular segment 34 and a distal , semi - circular , 5 - 11 cm , and preferably 7 - cm long , 3 - 6 mm , and preferably 4 - mm diameter , gutter g . the gutter of the introducer is brought into contact with the upper part of the ischio - pubic ramus . the needles are introduced alongside the gutter , which plays the role of a shoe - horn to ease the slipping in of the needle towards the obturator foramen . when the ‘ string - passing ’ ( fig4 ) or the ‘ tube - passing ’ ( fig5 ) needles are used for the procedure , a pre - passage in the obturator membrane has to be made with the scissors prior to the passage of the needles . then , the needle is rotated around the ischio - pubic ramus ( p ). the needle perforates the various muscular structures and membrane which fill the obturator hole ( o ), and , thanks to its spiral design , the tip of the needle appears at the previously defined skin exit point lateral to the thigh fold . the same procedure is repeated at the controlateral side with an oppositely curved needle . on both sides , a string or a tube is attached to the tip of each ‘ string - passing ’ or ‘ tube - passing ’ needle , respectively . the needle , together with the string or the tube , is rotated back towards the sub - urethral vaginal opening . a synthetic ( or biological ) tape , which is commonly but not exclusively made of polypropylene , is then tightened to the string or to the tube at its urethral side . the tape is then slipped in from inside to outside , on both sides , by pulling the string or the tube from its skin end . the same technique can be applied when the ‘ tube - supporting ’ ( fig6 ) or the ‘ needle - holder ’ ( fig7 ) needles are used . in these two needle variants , the tape , which is attached directly to the tube or to the needle , can be passed directly from below the urethra to the exit points by applying a simple rotational movement on the handle which supports the needle on both sides . additionally , the end of the needle can be detached from the handle once passed through the obturator foramen ( see fig7 ). whichever needle design used , once the procedure has been completed , the tape is correctly positioned underneath the mid - urethra with care being taken not to twist or deform the tape as a cord . no tension has to be exercised on the ends of the sling so that a space remains between the tape and the posterior aspect of the urethra . the introduction of a pair of scissors in the interstice can readily control this space between the urethra and the tape . whenever the tape is wrapped in plastic sheaths , these wrappings have to be removed once the tape has been passed through on each side . the tape is cut at the level of the skin exit points without any further fixation . the vaginal and skin incisional wounds are closed with sutures . the ‘ straight tube - supporting ’ needle shown in fig8 a - 8f is a modification of the ‘ tube - supporting ’ needle described above and permits to slip in the arrow - like tube described in fig6 e and 8e , which is attached to the tape . this device has been designed to insert the tape from downside ( in extenso , underneath the urethra ) to upside ( in extenso , pre - or retro - pubic region ) the device comprises a handle a attached to a sagitally curved , 12 - 18 cm , preferably 15 cm long , 2 . 5 - 3 . 5 mm , preferably 3 mm thick upper segment b , which supports the tube attached to the tape c . the “ straight tube - supporting ” needle , like all other needles herein described , can be built as one unique , disposable segment . a total of 107 patients were consecutively operated on using the above - detailed surgical procedure . surgery was carried out under spinal , general , and local anesthesia in 82 , 24 , and 1 cases , respectively . mean age of the patients was 62 ± 12 . 6 years ( median = 62 years ; range = 29 - 88 ) and mean parity was 2 . 54 ± 1 . 7 ( median = 2 . 5 ; range = 0 - 9 ). seventeen patients ( 15 . 9 %) had been operated previously for incontinence and / or vaginal prolapse . most patients ( n = 74 ; 69 . 2 %) suffered from typical symptoms of sui , documented by detailed history , physical examination , endoscopic assessment and urodynamic testing . ulmsten &# 39 ; s test was positive in every case . the other patients ( n = 33 ; 30 . 8 %) had associated pelvic organ prolapse . in this group , 45 . 4 % of the patients had genuine sui and 54 . 6 % had potential sui . all patients had a follow - up visit at one month after surgery , with detailed interview , clinical examination , urine analysis , and postvoid residual determination . the procedure was carried out in all 107 consecutive case subjects , independently of the patient &# 39 ; s size and weight . each of the 214 needles was passed through the obturator foramens and exited at the skin level exactly where it had been marked and incised . mean operative time was 14 min ( median = 13 ; range = 7 - 20 ) in case of isolated sui treatment . patients with tvt operations only were hospitalized for a mean of 1 . 8 days ( range 0 . 5 - 8 days ). no major peri - or post - operative complication was encountered . no injury to the urethra , bladder , nerves or bowel was noted . significant (& gt ; 100 ml ) intra - operative bleeding did not occur . in none of the cases was the vaginal wall perforated during the operation . no ecchymose or hematoma was noticed after the procedure . only few and minor complications were observed . postoperative minor vaginal erosion was noted in one patient . three patients ( 2 . 8 %) had complete retention ; two of them had undergone associated prolapse surgical treatment . in these patients , a tape release procedure was carried out in the immediate postoperative period with local anesthetic injection and intravenous sedation as needed . no tape required to be sectioned . none of the patients who underwent a tape release procedure developed incontinence or fistula . twenty - seven patients ( 15 . 9 %) complained directly after the procedure that they had moderate pain or discomfort in the thigh folds . this symptom usually abated within 2 days and was in all cases controlled by non - opioid antalgics . in 2 patients ( 1 . 9 %), more severe pain persisted for one week and was associated with hip arthralgia , probably as a result of the gynecological position during the procedure . superficial vein thrombosis occurred in one patient developed at day 8 after surgery , with secondary development of an abscess that required drainage . evolution of this patient was favorable . since the occurrence of this adverse event , care was taken to prophylactically administer powerful antibiotics in all patients undergoing the surgical treatment . this analysis mainly focuses on the reproducibility and early complication rates associated with the newly developed surgical procedure and tools of the present invention . at one month after the procedure , the postoperative evaluation showed that 95 of the 107 patients ( 88 . 8 %) were cured of sui . another 8 patients ( 7 . 5 %) were improved and there were 4 failures ( 3 . 7 %). patients not cured by the procedure were incontinent directly after the procedure . a few patients ( n = 9 ; 8 . 4 %) exhibited de novo urgency at 1 month after the intervention . at the opposite , some patients ( n = 33 ; 30 . 8 %) who had urgency before the operation noted a reduction in the importance of this symptom after the procedure . the foregoing description should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention . since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described , and , accordingly , all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to , falling within the scope of the invention .

US-85414004-A

a removable cover for a snowboard having an elongated , longitudinally expandable bottom portion of configuration substantially that of a snowboard bottom surface and a c - shaped expandable collar secured to and circumscribing the bottom portion , the collar being configured to receive the circumferential edge of a snowboard .

referring to the drawings and first to fig1 and 2 , the basic external appearance of a snowboard cover that incorporates the principal of this invention is shown . the snowboard cover is indicated generally by the numeral 10 . in completed form it is an integral device , that is , a cover that does not require separate components such as straps , binders or the like . snowboard cover 10 has a bottom 12 that in planar view and elevational view is generally configured to match a snowboard for which the cover is dimensioned . snowboards vary in size although those on the market at this time have a commonality in their basic geometrical configurations and the snowboard cover of this invention is specifically designed and constructed so as to adjust to a variety of sizes , however , it is understood that in the preferred practice of the invention more than one basic size snowboard cover may be desirable . that is , in the actual practice of the invention at a commercial level ideally there will be more than one size of snowboard covers however there does not need to be a separate snowboard cover for every specific size or shape of snowboards . surrounding the snowboard cover bottom 12 is a circumferential collar 14 that , as shown in fig3 and 4 , is of generally c - shaped configuration . the base or bottom 12 of the snowboard cover is formed of a bottom layer 16 and top layer 18 . each of the layers 16 and 18 are preferably formed of a tough cellular foam plastic , preferably of about 1 / 4 in thickness arranged in longitudinal patterns as will be described subsequently . positioned between bottom layer 16 and top layer 18 is a thin elastomeric sheet , the elastomeric sheet being indicated by the numeral 20 . collar 14 that circumscribes the snowboard cover can be formed of cellular foam tubing such as manufactured by &# 34 ; imcoa &# 34 ;. the dimensions of collar 14 may be such as 7 / 16 &# 34 ; i . d . by 3 / 8 &# 34 ; wall or 7 / 8 &# 34 ; i . d . by 1 / 2 &# 34 ; wall . the c - shaped cross - sectional configuration of collar 14 leaves an interior opening 22 that circumscribes the carrier to receive the complete peripheral surface of a snowboard . along the side edges of the snowboard cover , as seen in fig3 a supplementary c - shaped padding 24 is preferably employed . padding 24 is added to reinforce the protection of the snowboard longitudinal side edges since the sharp corners formed by the snowboard side edges are important to the performance of the snowboard and these critical sharp edges are easily damaged in the transportation and storage of a snowboard . the construction of the snowboard bottom is best illustrated in the diagrammatic view of fig5 . to facilitate longitudinal expansion of the snowboard cover to fit snowboards of varying lengths , the bottom layer 16 is formed of individual components or pads , identified by 16a , 16b and 16c . in like manner , the top layer 18 is formed of multiple components or pads and arranged so as to provide for overlapping of the bottom pads . in fig5 the top layer pads are indicated by 18a , 18b and 18c . it is understood that the number of pads making up the bottom and top layers may vary , however , it is important in practicing the invention that the ends of the top layer pads ( 18a , 18b and 18c ) overlap with respect to the ends of the pads making up the bottom layers ( 16a , 16b and 16c ). elastomeric sheet 20 is positioned between bottom layer 16 and top layer 18 and is bonded to the top and bottom layers adjacent the opposite ends of the elastomeric sheet but the elastomeric sheet is preferably not bonded in the intermediate portion between the opposed ends of the snowboard so as to permit the length of the snowboard bottom , made up of layers 16 and 18 , to expand relative to each other . the forward peripheral edge 26 of bottom layer 16 ( see fig4 ) is secured to collar 14 by means of an adhesive . in like manner , the longitudinal side edges 28 of bottom layer 16 are secured to collar 14 by adhesive ( see fig3 ). thus , the edges of the bottom layer 16 are attached around the full periphery of collar 14 , however , the elasticity of collar 14 allows the various bottom layer pads , such as pads 16a , 16b and 16c as seen in fig5 to expand relative to each other . as seen in fig4 the forward edge 30 of top layer 18 is bonded , such as by means of adhesive , to collar 14 . however , as seen in fig3 the longitudinal side edges 32 of top layer 18 are not bonded to collar 14 so as to permit the collar to stretch with respect to the top layer , and particularly to stretch with respect to top layer pads 18a , 18b and 18c ( see fig5 ). elastomeric sheet 20 is seen in fig3 since it extends from adjacent the front to adjacent the rearward end of bottom 12 but is not seen in fig4 since the sheet is secured to both the bottom layer 16 and top layer 18 at locations adjacent to but spaced away from the bottom front and rearward ends . covering the upper surface of top layer 18 and extending within opening 22 formed in collar 14 , is a finish layer of elastomeric material , identified by the numeral 34 . the circumferential edge portion of finish layer 34 is bonded to collar 14 around the entire periphery of the collar . elastomeric finish layer 34 acts in conjunction with sheet 20 and the elasticity provided by collar 14 to permit the cover to resiliently expand lengthwise so as to encompass snowboards of varying lengths . the bottom and top layers 16 and 18 are , as previously indicated , preferably made of cellular foam plastic pads . a material commercially available that is suitable for construction of the bottom and top layer pads is sold under the name &# 34 ; rubatex &# 34 ;. collar 14 can be successfully made from a cellular foam tubing product sold under the trademark &# 34 ; imcoa &# 34 ;. these commercially available products are representative of the type of materials that can be employed in practicing the invention may be manufactured by using other materials or , may be made in the future by suitable products that do not commercially exist today . where adhesive is required , contact cement is preferred . the claims and the specification describe the invention presented and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning from the use of such terms in the specification . the same terms employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than specifically employed herein . whenever there is a question between the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the more specific use of the terms herein , the more specific meaning is meant . while the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity , it is manifest that many changes may be made in the details of construction and the arrangement of components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure . it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification , but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims , including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled .

US-6513898-A

a blender has a container shaped in an oblong cross - section with the opposite ends of semi - circular shape and parallel straight walls inbetween these ends . the rotary cutter is positioned at the center at one of the semi - circular ends giving the container an off - center heavier side . the power base on which the container sits provides a telescoping tower to house an electrical interlock safety switch at its upper end which is engaged by an element on the container cover so that only when the cover is fully on the container can the blender be activated .

a blender embodying the invention is generally designated 10 in fig1 . it comprises a base 12 having a motor with an upwardly facing coupling part ( not shown ) in the center of a support collar 14 , and a container 16 having a bottom peripheral wall and cap 18 which is threaded onto the lower end of the container and fits into collar 14 . the height of the container is at least twice the width f its lower end . in the center of the cap is a bushing journaling a shaft ( not shown ) having a downward second coupling part ( not shown ). the coupling parts automatically interengage when the container sits on the base . the base is provided with a tubular opening 22 which receives in telescoping fashion a tower 24 . by virtue of this construction , the tower 24 can be extended all the way up ( fig3 ) to the level of the cover of the container or can be retracted down into the base ( fig4 ) so that with the container removed , the blender can be more readily stored . mounted inside the upper end of the tower 24 by means ( not shown ) is an interlock safety switch 26 which may be activated by an l - shaped member 28 vertically slideable in a u - shaped holder 30 mounted against a wall of the tower more adjacent the container 16 . the same inside wall of the tower 24 is horizontally slotted as at 32 . the container 16 is provided with a cover 34 ( fig7 ) formed with a downward inwardly offset vertical wall 34a which fits inside the mouth of the container when the cover is closed . the cover 34 is provided with a circular opening 36 which receives a plug 38 . the plug may be removed during the blending process to add ingredients if desired or necessary . the cover is also formed with a generally horizontal outward operating tab 40 molded integrally with the cover . by virtue of the structure disclosed , when the container 16 with its cover on is set in position on the collar 14 and turned into the position shown , the tab 40 fits into the slot 32 . the tab 40 drives down the l - shaped member 28 to depress the actuator of the switch 26 . when the switch 26 closes its circuit through the wires 42 ( fig5 ) the motor within the base 12 may be activated by controls 20 . a cutter 44 is disposed on the upper end of the shaft in the bushing in the bottom cap 18 as described . it will be noted that the container 16 from a position above the cutter 44 is offset , that is to say , in fig6 the left - hand side of the container extends out well beyond the right - hand side with repsect to the axis of the cutter , giving the container a heavy side . as shown best in fig6 the container in the level of the section line 6 -- 6 comprises a semi - circular proximate side wall 16a and a semi - circular remote side wall 16b , the two curved wall sections being joined by parallel flat side walls 16c and 16d . the axis of the cutter 44 and the bottom cap 18 is disposed coaxial with the curved side wall 16a . thus , to meet the bottom cap 18 , the remote sidewall 16b is formed at its lower end with an inwardly declining belly 16e ( fig7 ). the fins which taper toward their distal edge are disposed every 90 ° within the container and thus are disposed as at 46 and 48 where the curved side wall 16a meets the flat side walls 16c and 16d and as at 50 midway around the wall between the fins 46 and 48 . an additional fin 52 is formed at the midpoint of the remote end wall 16b . generally , the major flow in the container is as follows . at the lower end of the chamber the liquid spins off the cutter under the fins , contacts the fins and goes up along the fins and at the top moves inward to the axis of the cutter and back down to the bottom . this general circulating , of course , induces secondary counter flow in the form of back flows , eddies , etc . because of the many contra - moving contiguous layers of liquid in the container , there are produced conditions of high shear . these conditions are especially effective in the blending and mixing of ingredients , dry or liquid , and in reducing particle size of solids . it will be clear that in the container contiguous layers of liquid will be moving at different speeds . for instance , because of centrifugal force , the liquid between fins 46 and 52 will be moving linearly at a high rate along the straight section 16d of the wall . slower layers will be nearby . as can be imagined , the directions of flow of liquid at any point in the container can only be approximated in any diagram in the most general way . what can be said with certainty is that a particle of liquid experiences many abrupt changes in direction and is influenced by the straight wall sections 16c and 16d in a way which would not be true if the container were merely circular or symmetrical as the containers of the prior art . further , having the inward fins and the cutter offcenter and , at the same time , coaxial with a section of the wall 16a will enhance the variety of different directions and speeds to which a given particle is subject . because of the asymmetrical shape of the container , the material cannot rotate with the blade as in present blenders . also , in prior blenders the material stratifies , the outside moves slowly , goes up and returns down the center . the present blender violently moves the material at high speed and blends with much less power and eliminates cavitation . the overall result is thus a better blending than in a symmetrical container in the prior art . moreover , the present blender eliminates cavitation and the rotating stratified layers turning with the cutter as has characterized blenders of the prior art . it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown but the invention is instead defined by the scope of the following claim language , expanded by an extension of the right to exclude as is appropriate under the doctrine of equivalents .

US-4852093-A

an articulator for dental models includes upper and lower clamp portions which are pivotally interconnected by a resilient universal hinge joint . each clamp includes a pivotally mounted first elongate clip member for engaging one side of the respective upper or lower model portions and a second clip member for engaging the opposite side thereof . resilient means biases the clip members toward each other for resiliently engaging the model portions therebetween . an adjustable stop mounted on the upper and lower clamp portions limits pivotal movement of the model portions toward each other .

articulator 10 includes an upper frame 11 and a lower frame 12 which are pivotally connected by a resilient hinge joint 14 . upper frame 11 is generally l - shaped in plan view as shown in fig2 and has a base portion 16 and a leg portion 17 extending generally normally to base portion 16 . extending inwardly from the upper end of leg portion 17 is a pivot tip 18 which is slotted at 19 for receiving one end of an elongate clip 20 . more specifically , a pivot pin 22 extends through aligned openings 24 and 26 in the pivot tip 18 and clip 20 , respectively , for pivotally supporting clip 20 in slot 19 . a pin 27 is affixed to and extends outwardly from the opposite end of clip 20 and into an opening 28 formed in leg 20 and adjacent base portion 16 . a spring 30 surrounds pin 27 and is held in position by means of a nut 32 which is received on the threaded end of pin 27 for compressing spring 30 and thereby urging the clip 20 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in fig2 and about pin 22 . a second elongate clip 34 is disposed at the opposite side of top frame 11 and in general parallelism with clip 20 . the second clip 34 is resiliently interconnected with the pivot tip 18 by means of a spring 36 which extends between a pin 38 extending through one end of bar 34 and the pin 22 . the opposite end of the second side bar 34 has a pin 37 extending therefrom and through an opening 38 in a short leg portion 39 formed at the opposite end of base 16 . a spring 40 surrounds pin 37 and is held in position by means of a nut 42 which is received under the threaded end of pin 37 . it will be appreciated that the springs 36 and 40 bias the second clip 34 inwardly toward the first clip 20 . the lower clamp 12 is substantially similar to upper clamp 11 and accordingly , the corresponding parts will be identified by the same reference numeral except that they will be distinguished by means of a prime (&# 39 ;). specifically , the lower clamp 12 includes a leg portion 17 &# 39 ; having an inwardly projecting pivot tip 18 &# 39 ; which is slotted at 19 &# 39 ; so that a first clip 20 &# 39 ; may be pivotally connected by means of a pin 22 &# 39 ;. the opposite end of first clip 20 &# 39 ; is resiliently urged away from leg portion 17 &# 39 ; by means of a spring ( not shown ) which surrounds a pin 27 &# 39 ; extending laterally from first side clip 20 &# 39 ;. a second clip ( now shown ) is also mounted to the base 16 &# 39 ; of the lower frame 12 and is substantially identical to the second upper clip 34 . the lower frame 12 differs from the upper frame 11 in having an upwardly extending neck portion 46 and which has at its upper end the socket portion 48 of pivot joint 14 while upper frame 11 carries the ball portion 49 thereof . specifically , the socket joint includes a dished portion 50 mounted at the upper end of neck 46 and from which extend a pair of side socket portions 52 and 54 which are generally arcuate but have a radius of curvature slightly larger than the ball 49 . in addition , a cup - shaped resilient member 56 is disposed below ball 49 and is urged into resilient engagement therewith by means of a spring 58 disposed between member 56 and lower socket portion 50 . spring 58 is held in position and may be compressed by means of a threaded pin 60 affixed to member 56 and extending downwardly therefrom through an enlarged opening 62 in lower socket portion 50 and a nut 64 threaded on the lower end of pin 58 and below socket portion 50 . in order to limit pivotal movement of the upper frame 11 relative to the lower frame 12 , a stop assembly 68 is provided . the latter includes a fixed stop 70 projecting inwardly from the neck 46 of the lower frame 12 and a screw 72 which is received in a threaded opening 74 formed in the base 16 of upper frame 11 . a nut 74 may be disposed between upper frame 11 and the head 76 of screw 72 to hold the latter in its adjusted position . an alternate form of the adjustable stop is shown in fig3 to include a bifurcated member 80 which is adjusted relative to an opening 82 formed in the base 16 of the upper frame 11 by means of a pair of nuts 84 . the lower end of the member 80 engages a relatively wider stop 86 integrally formed on the lower frame 12 ( not shown ) in fig3 . in operation of the apparatus just described , the upper dental model 90 is positioned between the clips 20 and 34 of the upper frame assembly 11 and toward this end the nuts 32 and 42 may first be loosened . in addition , in order to facilitate the clamping action between the clips 20 and 34 and the model 90 , the latter may be provided with a pair of parallel slots 96 one of which is formed along each side and which are slightly larger in depth and width than the clips 20 and 34 . after the clips 20 and 34 have been positioned in the grooves 96 , the nuts 32 and 42 are tightened until the upper model 90 is resiliently clamped by clips 20 and 34 . the lower model 98 is similarly provided with side slots 100 and is mounted between the lower clips in the same manner as the upper model 90 . it will be appreciated that the resilient pivot joint 14 not only permits pivotal movement of the upper frame assembly 11 relative to the lower frame assembly 12 but in addition , some lateral and longitudinal movement to approximate relative movement in the human jaw . while only a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described , it is not intended to be limited thereby but only by the scope of the appended claims .

US-71249676-A

the invention relates to a safety ski binding toe mechanism comprising a skid plate underlying the forward end of the ski boot sole . according to the invention , the skid plate , or the pivotable and longitudinally shiftable sole retainer , respectively , is provided with keying means preventing the skid plate from twisting relative to the ski boot sole at least within the elastic yield limits of the toe mechanism . the keying means may comprise a pair of guide jaws receiving the ski boot sole therebetween , or may be constituted by stop portions or projections on the upper surface of the skid plate cooperating with complementary counter stops or engagement means of the ski boot sole .

affixed to the upper surface of a ski by means of a base plate 1 , 2 and screws 3 is a vertically extending cylindrical bolt 4 provided with an annular flange or a relatively rotatable annular disk 5 adjacent its lower end . for a determined portion of its height , bolt 4 is formed with a thrust surface 4a extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the ski . a housing 6 of a release mechanism is pivotably supported on bolt 4 and contains a slidable plunger 9 biased into engagement with thrust surface 4a by a spring 8 . the tension of spring 8 is selectively adjustable by an adjustment screw 7 . plunger 9 has a plunger rod 9a extending through spring 8 . the end of housing 6 facing away from adjustment screw 7 is formed with an upper extension 6a to which a sole or toe holder 13 is pivotally connected by a bolt 11 or pin 11 extending perpendicular to the ski &# 39 ; s upper surface . sole retainer 13 is formed with a longitudinally extending slot or recess 10 slidingly receiving a guide roller 12 on lower end of bolt 11 . at its end facing towards pivot bolt 4 , sole retainer 13 is formed with a thrust surface 13a extending substantially transversely of the longitudinal direction of the ski and adapted to contact the outer peripheral surface 5a of disk 5 . inclined flanks extend rearward from both ends of thrust surface 13a . sole retainer 13 is formed with clampdown portion adapted to overlie a sole 17 of a ski boot inserted into the safety ski binding for preventing it from being lifted upwardly . in the embodiment shown , sole retainer 13 is further formed with a skid plate 16 extending underneath the forward end of sole 17 and having a pair of guide members or guide jaws 14 extending vertically upwardly from its upper surface on opposite sides of sole 17 . sole retainer 13 as well as the rearward end of skid plate 16 are movably supported on the upper ski surface by low - friction pads 15 . fig3 to 5 show the displacement of the various parts of the toe mechanism during a torsional movement of the ski boot sole 17 about an axis extending vertically to the ski &# 39 ; s upper surface in the region of the heel of the sole , such as occurs during or prior to a torsion fall . in fig3 the ski boot is still in the skiing position . the forward thrust usually exerted by the heel mechanism biases thrust surface 13a of sole retainer 13 into engagement with disk 5 , so that the forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the ski are transmitted to the base plate at this point . pin 11 with its roller 12 is disposed within the longitudinal extend of guide slot 10 . spring 8 acting through plunger 9 holds the toe mechanism centered in this position . in the case of a lateral twisting movement occurring as shown in fig4 lateral guide jaws 14 cooperate with the clampdown portion of sole retainer 13 to ensure that skid plate 16 and sole retainer 13 perform a lateral movement in unison with the ski boot . during this movement , thrust surface 13a rolls or slides on disk 5 , with the forces acting in the longitudinal direction continuing to be transmitted to base plate 2 through disk 5 . the toe mechanism is designed to have predetermined elastic yield limits within which a lateral twisting movement of the ski boot is possible without release operation . in the embodiment shown , the elastic yield limits are determined by the length of thrust surface 13a . in fig4 the elastic yield limit is attained as the end of thrust surface 13a is just contacting disk 5 . if at this point the torsional force exerted by the ski boot is discontinued or reduced , spring 8 acts to return the sole retainer 13 together with ski boot 17 to the position of fig3 with no relative rotation occurring between skid plate 16 and ski boot sole 17 . the engagement of roller 12 in slot 10 permits relative longitudinal movement between sole retainer 13 and the release mechanism to occur during this phase . if , on the other hand , the torsional force persists , the end of thrust surface 13a moves beyond the longitudinal center line of the ski , and thus beyond the center of disk 5 , whereupon the inclined flux extending rearward from thrust surface 13a opposite to the twisting direction comes into engagement with disk 5 , allowing housing 6 of the release mechanism to be further rotated during further forward movement of sole retainer 13 , until the ski boot is released . during this movement , guide roller 12 may travel along slot 10 into engagement with the end thereof . as soon as the ski boot has left the toe mechanism , spring 8 acts to return the toe mechanism to its original position . the second embodiment of the toe mechanism shown in fig6 and 7 differs from the one shown in fig1 to 5 in that the lateral guide jaws on skid plate 16 are replaced by a pair of stop projections 18 aligned substantially transversely of the ski &# 39 ; s longitudinal direction on the upper surface of skid plate 16 . for cooperation with stop projections 18 , the underside of the toe portion of ski boot sole 17 is formed with a recess 17a extending up to the toe end of sole 17 . on insertion of the ski boot into the toe mechanism , or the sole retainer 13 , respectively , recess 17a receives one of said stop projections 18 adjacent each lateral side . in cooperation with the forward thrust exerted by the ( not shown ) heel mechanism , the engagement of stop projections 18 in recess 17a results in two fixed support points operatively connecting ski boot sole 17 to skid plate 16 in such a manner that skid plate 16 is again constrained to move in unison with sole 17 in relation to the pivot axis at the heel portion of the sole . during lateral twisting movements of the ski boot sole within the elastic yield limits determined by the length of thrust surface 13a , there will thus be no rotary movement of skid plate 16 relative to sole 17 . the third embodiment of the toe mechanism as shown in fig8 and 9 differs from the previously described ones by the keying means between skid plate 16 and ski boot sole 17 being formed by a single cylindrical stop projection 19 on the upper surface of skid plate 16 and cooperating with a longitudinal groove 17b formed in the underside of ski boot sole 17 . groove 17b opens at the toe end of sole 17 with a flared or funnel - shaped enlarged portion facilitating entry of stop projection 19 during insertion of sole 17 into sole retainer 13 . on rotation of the ski boot about an axis located at its heel portion , sole retainer 13 and stop projection 19 retained in groove 17a cooperate to couple ski boot sole 17 to skid plate 16 in such a manner that the latter is constrained to move in unison with the lateral twisting movement of the ski boot . also in this case there occurs no relative rotation between skid plate 16 and ski boot sole 17 at least within the elastic yield limits as determined by the length of thrust surface 13a . the fourth embodiment of the toe mechanism as shown in fig1 and 11 differs from the previously described ones by the design of the keying means operatively connecting sole 17 to skid plate 16 . in this embodiment , sole retainer 13 is formed with inclined lateral stop portions 20 adapted to be engaged by counter stop portions 17c projecting beyond the lateral contours of ski boot sole 17 . stop projections 17c advantageously extend over the full thickness of ski boot sole 17 and are formed with a forwardly facing stop edge extending accurately parallel to the stop portion of sole retainer 13 . under the action of the forward thrust exerted by the ( not shown ) heel mechanism , there is also in this case established a positive and force - transmitting connection between ski boot sole 17 and sole retainer 13 , and thus with skid plate 16 . a fifth embodiment of the toe mechanism as shown in fig1 and 13 differs from the previously described ones in that opposite lateral sides of ski boot sole 17 are provided with outwardly projecting stop projections 17d , such as cylindrical head screws adapted on insertion of ski boot sole 17 into sole retainer 13 to come into engagement with counter stop portions or surfaces 20 of sole retainer 13 to establish a two - sided operative connection between ski boot sole 17 and skid plate 16 . it is also contemplated that stop projections 17d could be formed by a shaft extending transversely through ski boot sole 17 with laterally projecting ends . in all of the above described embodiments of the toe mechanism , it is of particular importance that , even if portions of the keying means are incorporated in the ski boot sole , the ski boot can be used without restriction for normal walking , and may be employed with conventional toe mechanisms of any safety ski bindings , as the forward end portion of the ski boot , which in conventional toe mechanism is engaged by the sole retainer or clampdown portion , respectively , conforms to that of a standard sole . a sixth embodiment shown in fig1 , 15a and 15b differs from the previously described ones in that the lateral guiding jaws corresponding to the ones shown in fig1 to 5 , designated 14a in this embodiment , are pivotably mounted on skid plate 16 , enabling them on reaching the elastic yield limit ( fig1 b ) to be tilted out of the way , so as not to interfere with the release of the ski boot . to this effect , each lateral guide jaw 14a is mounted on skid plate 16 by means of a pivot axis 31 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of skid plate 16 or at an angle thereto , as indicated by a dot - dash pivot axis 31 &# 39 ;, said angle corresponding to the pivot angle of skid plate 16 about the pivot axis at the rear portion of sole 17 within the elastic yield limits . the lateral guiding jaws 14a are prevented from being tilted out of the way within the elastic yield limits by the lateral edges 21a of ski 21 or by backup fittings 30 provided thereon . only after passing backup fitting 30 or the upper ski edge 21a is the guiding jaw 14a facing towards the twisting direction able to be tilted out of the way , so that the ski boot is no longer prevented from being laterally released in the respective direction . the described arrangement for preventing the lateral guiding jaws from being tilted out of the way within the elastic yield limits may be replaced by other locking mechanisms located in skid plate 16 , in sole retainer 13 or separate therefrom . in the tilted position , guiding jaws may extend in alignment with the upper surface of skid plate 16 , or even therebelow , as indicated at 14a &# 39 ;. as soon as the release mechanism acts to return sole retainer 13 and skid plate 16 to the skiing position , the lateral guiding jaws are also cammed back to their upright operative position . alternatively or additionally this function may be carried out by weak return springs . in a seventh embodiment of a toe mechanism as shown in fig1 and 17 , sole retainer 13 is again provided on both of its sides with lateral guiding jaws 14b connected thereto by pivot axes 31a extending perpendicular to the upper surface of the ski . a locking mechanism ensures that the lateral guiding jaws yield only after the toe mechanism has moved beyond its elastic yield limit . in the embodiment shown , each guiding jaw 14b is formed with an extension 32 extending into sole retainer 13 below the plane of the upper surface of skid plate 16 , the pivotal movement of which is inhibited by a longitudinally slidable ( at 36 ) stop member 33 in sole retainer 13 as long as the lateral movement of sole retainer 13 does not exceed the elastic yield limits . this is accomplished in a simple manner by connecting stop members 33 to a thrust bar 34 recessed into thrust surface 13a and adapted to project therefrom as soon as thrust surface 13a is disengaged from disk 5 . under the bias of a spring 35 , thrust bar 34 will then project from thrust surface 13a so as to withdraw stop member 33 from extension 32 , permitting guiding jaw 14b to pivot in the direction of arrow 37 . thrust bar 34 is advantageously formed with rounded ends to that on resetting of sole retainer 13 by the release mechanism , disk 5 pushes thrust bar 34 back into thrust surface 13a , whereby stop member 33 again projects into the path of extension 32 . a ( not shown ) return spring in the pivot mounting of guiding jaw 14b ensures that guiding jaw 14b returns to its operative position immediately after the ski boot sole has left sole retainer 13 . an eighth embodiment of a toe mechanism as shown in fig1 and 19 differs from the previously described ones mainly by the design of the hinged connection between sole retainer 13 and housing 6 of the release mechanism . skid plate 16 is also in this case provided with lateral guiding jaws 14 for establishing a keyed connection between ski boot sole 17 and skid plate 16 by receiving the ski boot sole between them . in this embodiment , housing 6 has an extension 27 extending into sole retainer 13 and carrying a pin 11 &# 39 ; both ends of which are received in longitudinally extending guide slots 10 &# 39 ; a , 10 &# 39 ; b . affixed to base plate 1 between sole retainer 13 and housing 6 is a stop member 25 formed with a thrust surface 25a facing towards sole retainer 13 . opposite thereto the underside of sole retainer 13 is formed with a thrust surface 13a having a rectilinear center portion extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the ski , and two rearwardly curved flanks . with the same length of thrust surface 13a , the elastic yield limits of this toe mechanism are wider than in the previously described embodiments , as the dimensions of the stationary thrust surface 25a transversely of the longitudinal direction of the ski are greater than those of disk 5 in the previous embodiments . on opposite sides of its longitudinal axis , sole retainer 13 carries two anchor pins 22 for anchoring one end of each of a pair of tension springs 23 , the other ends of which are connected to pin 11 &# 39 ;. tension springs 23 serve for centering sole retainer 13 with respect to housing 6 of the release mechanism . this operative connection between sole retainer 13 and housing 6 ensures that after housing 6 and sole retainer 13 have been reset to the skiing position by the action of spring 8 , sole retainer 13 remains in the skiing position even if there is no force - transmitting engagement between thrust surfaces 13a and 25a . as soon , however , as the ski boot is inserted into sole retainer 13 , it exerts the customary forward thrust , whereby the thrust surfaces 13a and 25a are compressed into force - transmitting engagement to stabilize sole retainer 13 . in a ninth embodiment according to fig2 and 21 , skid plate 16 is formed with a pair of lateral guiding jaws 14 projecting upwards at some distance from sole retainer 13 so as to establish positive connection between the ski boot sole and skid plate 16 at the rear portion of the latter . in this embodiment , sole retainer 13 is stabilized not by means of stop member 25 fixedly connected to the ski as in fig1 and 19 , nor by the employ of a disk fixedly connected to the ski as in fig1 to 17 , but rather by cooperation of thrust surface 13a with a counter thrust surface 24 formed on housing 6 between lateral limits 24a and 24b . this type of stabilization necessarily results in the sole retainer being shifted towards the ( not shown ) heel mechanism on being reset to the skiing position , offering the additional advantage that within the elastic yield limits , the resetting action of the release mechanism located in housing 6 is enhanced by the forwardly biased sole retainer 13 , so that the sole retainer together with the skid plate 16 reliably returns to the original position , taking the ski boots with it . in addition , this embodiment may also be provided with resilient means , such as the springs 23 shown in fig1 and 19 , for assisting the centering of sole retainer 13 .

US-33353081-A

a toy includes a building element apparatus having coupling mechanisms on at least two exterior surfaces of a housing containing a vibration speaker that includes a permanent magnet that is moveable relative to a base ; a coil positioned near the permanent magnet , moveable relative to the permanent magnet , and configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from a control system such that both the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate at the same time in manners that are based on the electromagnetic signal frequencies ; and a sound producer including a diaphragm that is mechanically linked to the coil to move with the coil . the simultaneous vibration of the diaphragm and the permanent magnet causes the simultaneous vibration of the at least two exterior surfaces of the building element apparatus , movement of a toy component mechanically linked to the permanent magnet , and the production of audible sound .

the following description provides exemplary implementations only , and is not intended to limit the scope , applicability , or configuration of the disclosure . rather , the following description of the exemplary implementations provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary implementations . various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims . referring to fig1 , a toy construction system 100 is designed to harness the tactile vibrations 105 produced from a vibration speaker 110 to animate one or more interconnectible building elements 115 of a construction set 117 while also being able to provide sound 120 from the vibration speaker 110 . the sound 120 produced by the vibration speaker 110 can be synchronized with the animation of the building elements 115 to provide for more realistic play . the vibration speaker 110 can provide a cost - effective solution to provide both motion and sound in a compact design for controlling building elements and other components of construction sets . the construction sets therefore can be built with different configurations to provide different animations in combination with sound without requiring an additional vibrating mechanism or motor . moreover , the vibration speaker 110 can be configured within a building element ; and therefore can be repositioned within the construction set depending on the animation desired . in particular , the vibration speaker 110 produces the tactile vibrations 105 , the sound 120 , or both the tactile vibrations 105 and the sound 120 depending on the frequency characteristics of an electromagnetic signal 125 that is input to a coil 127 within the speaker 110 , the signal 125 being generated from a control system 130 . the control system 130 includes internal memory that can store information about components of the system 100 , and a processing unit that accesses the internal memory . the control system 130 can also include an input / output device for communicating with other components , such as the arrangement of building elements 115 or other building elements of the construction set 117 , or for communicating with users to enable users to input information to the control system 130 . for example , an electrical connection can be connected to the control system 130 and implemented in any of the building elements of the construction set 117 or the arrangement of building elements 115 or to another component such as a base that houses the control system 130 . the electrical connection can be a female socket that receives a signal from a male plug to enable users to create their own sound effects and mix animation frequencies that can be input through the male plug , through the female socket , and to the control system 130 . the control system 130 can be configured to access information within internal memory housed in these other building elements and can output the signal 125 based on this accessed information . the control system 130 receives energy from an energy source 135 ( such as a battery ) when one or more switches 140 are activated . the coil 127 generates a magnetic field that depends on the frequency characteristics of the signal 125 ; and it is the interaction of this generated magnetic field with a nearby permanent magnet 145 within the vibration speaker 110 that is adjusted to thereby produce the tactile vibrations 105 , the sound 120 , or both the tactile vibrations 105 and the sound 120 . the tactile vibrations 105 are produced by the motion of the permanent magnet 145 , which is suspended by a suspension system 150 relative to a base 155 of the vibration speaker 110 . the permanent magnet 145 gains kinetic energy most effectively ( and therefore produces the greatest tactile vibrations ) if a driving frequency of the signal 125 is below a predetermined tactile frequency value , the predetermined tactile frequency value depending on the design and types of materials used within the speaker 110 and also on the material and weight of the permanent magnet 145 , which is the heaviest component of the vibration speaker 110 . thus , for a permanent magnet 145 made of ferrite and having a suspension system 150 made of metal , the predetermined tactile frequency value can be about 120 hz ; and the frequency range at which the tactile vibrations 105 are most efficiently produced can be about 70 hz - 120 hz . on the other hand , for driving frequencies within the signal 125 that are greater than an predetermined audible frequency value , the permanent magnet 145 is not able to gain kinetic energy as effectively , and there is very little relative motion between the permanent magnet 145 and the coil 127 ; in this situation , most of the kinetic energy is transferred to the coil 127 , which moves and vibrates relative to the permanent magnet 145 due to the interaction of the generated magnetic field with the permanent magnet 145 . a diaphragm 160 attached to the coil 127 moves and vibrates with the coil 127 ; and it is the vibration of the diaphragm 160 that causes the oscillation of pressure transmitted through the air adjacent the vibration speaker 110 to produce the sound 120 . in one particular example in which the diaphragm 160 is made of mylar ™, the predetermined audible frequency value can be about 20 hz , and the audible frequency range at which the diaphragm 160 efficiently vibrates can be about 20 hz - 20 khz . thus , it is possible to provide an electromagnetic signal 125 that has frequency characteristics within both ranges to produce both tactile vibrations 105 and sound 120 from the vibration speaker 110 . it is also possible to adjust the frequency characteristics to select one or the other of the tactile vibrations 105 and the sound 120 to output depending on the design of the building elements 115 and the animation desired . the electromagnetic signal 125 can include two sets of signals , one that is within a range of frequencies below the predetermined tactile frequency value and one that is within a range of frequencies above the predetermined audible frequency value ; and these signals can be adjusted by the control system 130 , as needed , to produce different sounds and animations in the building elements 115 . importantly , the tactile vibrations 105 are not harnessed from the sound 120 or from the motion or vibration of the diaphragm 160 ( and the coil 127 ), which produces the sound 120 ; rather , the tactile vibrations 105 are harnessed from the motion and vibration of the permanent magnet 145 , and also the base 155 , which moves because the permanent magnet 145 moves . additionally , the tactile vibrations 105 are mechanically linked to the vibrations of objects ( in this case , the magnet 145 or the base 155 ) while the sound 120 is produced from the oscillation of pressure in the compressible medium such as air due to the vibration of the diaphragm 160 . the tactile vibrations 105 produced by the vibration speaker 110 are mechanically transmitted to a support building element 165 , which includes one or more coupling mechanisms 167 for enabling the support building element 165 to be interconnected with other building elements of the construction set 117 . the support building element 165 can be designed as a platform building element 165 with a flat shape or can be an elongated or rounded building element with any suitable shape that can depend on the toy building built or the application of the vibrations . the toy construction system 100 also includes a motion converter apparatus 170 that converts the tactile vibrations 105 into a unidirectional motion 180 , which is thereby transferred to the building elements 115 mechanically linked to the apparatus 170 to cause the building elements 115 to move along a unidirectional path defined by the motion 180 . the unidirectional motion 180 can be a rotational motion in which objects travel along a path of a circle or a translatable motion in which objects travel along a linear path . the unidirectional motion 180 can be reversed to reverse the path of the building elements 115 by reversing a setting of the motion converter apparatus 170 , as discussed below with respect to fig2 a and 2b . as also discussed below , and as shown in fig5 a and 5b , the motion converter apparatus 170 can be a self - contained apparatus in which all of the components of the apparatus 170 are within a single building element unit . alternatively , the motion converter apparatus 170 can be made up of distinct components , which are described below . the vibration speaker 110 , the support building element 165 , the control system 130 , the one or more switches 140 , and the energy source 135 can be separable components of the toy construction system 100 . in some implementations , which are described below , the vibration speaker 110 , the support building element 165 , the control system 130 , the one or more switches 140 , and the energy source 135 are part of a self - contained apparatus , within a single building element unit . referring also to fig2 a , an exemplary toy construction system 100 is shown in which the tactile vibrations 105 from the vibration speaker 110 can be mechanically transferred to an optional arrangement 266 of building elements that could include the support building element 165 described above . the tactile vibrations 105 can be mechanically transmitted through each of the building elements of the arrangement 266 to the motion converter apparatus 170 , which converts the tactile vibrations 105 into a first unidirectional motion 280 . the first unidirectional motion 280 is mechanically transferred to an arrangement 215 of building elements , which , in this example , are shown in a first arrangement to produce a first animation . the motion converter apparatus 170 includes a first element 271 that is mechanically constrained by the motion of the tactile vibrations 105 ( for example , through the arrangement 266 ) so that the first element 271 vibrates with the tactile vibrations 105 . in some examples provided below , the first element 271 can be a building element that has coupling mechanisms that enable the first element 271 to be interconnected with other building elements of the toy construction set 117 . the first element 271 includes a first receiving surface 272 . the motion converter apparatus 170 also includes a second element 273 that includes a second receiving surface 274 . the first element 271 and the second element 273 are moveable relative to each other . the second element 273 can be a building element that has coupling mechanisms that enable the second element 273 to be interconnected with other building elements of the toy construction set 117 . the motion converter apparatus 170 includes a set of slantable bristles 275 positioned between the second receiving surface 274 and the first receiving surface 272 ; the bristles 275 being slanted at a first angle relative to a neutral position 201 . each of the bristles 275 makes contact at its first end with the first receiving surface 272 such that the tactile vibrations 105 transmitted to the first element 215 are transmitted to the first ends of the bristles 275 . the first ends of the bristles 275 are unconstrained and able to freely move and because of this , the bristles 275 can be considered to be slantable by an angle relative to the neutral position 201 . the bristles 275 are set or fixed at a particular angle relative to the neutral position 201 while in a natural environment , which can be considered as the environment in which the bristles 275 are not in contact with , and therefore are not receiving any force from , the first element 271 . moreover , the second ends of the bristles 275 are constrained by the second receiving surface 274 so that as the second ends of the bristles 275 move , the second receiving surface 274 moves . additional details about the geometry of the bristles and the arrangement of the bristles 275 are discussed below and with reference to fig1 a - 17 . the arrangement of the bristles 275 impacts the path of the unidirectional motion 280 ; thus , if the bristles 275 were arranged in a rectangular pattern , then the unidirectional motion 280 would be linear and if the bristles 275 were arranged in a circular pattern , then the unidirectional motion 280 would be circular . to enable the bending of the bristles 275 , the bristles 275 are made of a soft , bendable , and non - magnetic material such as urethane or silicon . in some implementations , the bristles 275 are made using an injection molding process . other processes for making the bristles 275 are possible . for example , the bristles 275 can be made with casting molds . when the first element 271 vibrates , the slanted bristles 275 are forced to vibrate between bent shapes and the natural shapes of the bristles 275 when in the natural environment , and the amplitude of the vibration periodically bends the bristles 275 at the frequency of the vibration . as the bristles 275 snap back to their natural shapes from being bent , the bristles 275 are forced into the unidirectional motion 280 ; thus , the vibration is converted into the first unidirectional motion 280 , and this motion depends on the angle at which the bristles 275 are slanted . the slanted bristles 275 move with the unidirectional motion 280 and cause the second element 273 , which is constrained by the motion of the second ends of the bristles 275 , to also move with the unidirectional motion 280 . the unidirectional motion 280 of the second element 273 is mechanically transferred to the arrangement 215 to produce an animation . the animation of the arrangement 215 depends on the configuration , geometry , and types of building elements used in the arrangement 215 . referring also to fig2 b , as mentioned above , the unidirectional motion can be reversed to reverse the path of the building elements 215 by reversing or changing a setting of the motion converter apparatus 170 . in this example , the setting that can be reversed or changed is the angle at which the bristles 275 are slanted relative to a neutral position ( which , in fig2 a and 2b is indicated at line 201 ). thus , in fig2 b , the bristles 275 are slanted at another angle ( which is opposite to the angle at which the bristles 275 are slanted in fig2 a ) relative to the neutral position 201 . in this way , when the first element 271 vibrates , the slanted bristles 275 in fig2 b are forced to vibrate , and this vibration is converted into a second unidirectional motion 281 that depends on the angle at which the bristles 275 are slanted in fig2 b . the slanted bristles 275 that move with the second unidirectional motion 281 cause the second element 273 ( which is constrained by the motion of the second ends of the bristles 275 ) to also move with the second unidirectional motion 281 along the second unidirectional path ( which is opposite to the first unidirectional path ). thus , the arrangement 215 produces a second animation . referring to fig3 a - c , an exemplary vibration speaker 310 is shown . the vibration speaker 310 includes the permanent magnet 345 that floats or is suspended from the base 355 by way of a suspension system 350 ( which , in this example , is a spider structure ). the vibration speaker 310 also includes the diaphragm 360 that is mechanically linked to the coil 327 . vibrations of the permanent magnet 345 occur at particular frequencies of the signal 125 , and these vibrations are transferred to the suspension system 350 and to the base 355 . the permanent magnet 345 can be made of any material that can be permanently magnetized . thus , for example , the magnet 345 can be made of a rare earth material such as neodymium or it can be made of a nonmetallic , ceramic - like ferromagnetic compound such as ferric oxide or ferrite . the suspension system 350 can be made of a material that is elastic ; examples of the material used in the suspension system 350 include plastic and metal . the suspension system 350 can be adjusted to have a particular elasticity that depends on the materials used and on the weight and material of the magnet 345 that it suspends . referring to fig4 a and 4b , and as mentioned above , in some implementations , the vibration speaker 110 , the support building element 165 , the control system 130 , the one or more switches 140 , and the energy source 135 can be configured within an exemplary self - contained apparatus 485 . in this example , the support building element 465 and the vibration speaker 410 are suspended by a suspension 486 or 487 over a base 488 , which houses the control system 430 and the energy source 435 . the suspension 487 is a porous structure such as foam and the suspension 486 is a solid / pliable structure such as a spring . either or both of these types of suspensions can be used to suspend the support building element 465 and the vibration speaker 410 above the base 488 to enable the free movement of these components . other types of suspension structures are possible . in any case , the suspension 486 or 487 enables the vibrations 105 from the vibration speaker 410 to be freely transmitted to the support building element 465 . the base 488 can also include one or more coupling mechanisms 489 such as recesses for interconnecting with other building elements of the construction set 117 . referring to fig5 a and 5b , an exemplary self - contained motion converter apparatus 570 is designed as a building element that can be connected with other building elements of the construction set 117 . in this example , the motion converter apparatus 570 includes a first building element 571 , a second building element 573 , and a plurality of bristles 575 between the first building element 571 and the second building element 573 . the first and second building elements are moveable relative to each other along a unidirectional path , yet they are also constrained such that they cannot move along paths other than the unidirectional path ( for example , along a direction perpendicular to the unidirectional motion that defines the unidirectional path ). in this particular example , the second building element 573 is rotatable relative to the first building element 571 about the axis 501 but the second building element 573 is not translatable relative to the first building element 571 along the direction of the axis 501 by more than enough distance to enable this free rotation between the elements 571 , 573 . the first building element 571 includes coupling mechanisms such as recesses 576 that enable the element 571 to be interconnected with other building elements of the construction set 117 . the first building element 571 also includes a first receiving surface 572 that faces the bristles 575 . the first building element 571 includes a first connector 577 positioned such that the axis 501 intersects the center of the first connector 577 . the first connector 577 enables attachment between the first building element 571 and the second building element 573 , as discussed below . the first building element 571 is the element that is in contact with and constrained by the tactile vibrations 105 so that the first building element 571 vibrates with the tactile vibrations 105 . the second building element 573 includes coupling mechanisms such as studs 578 that enable the element 573 to be interconnected with other building elements of the construction set 117 . the second building element 573 also includes a second receiving surface 574 that faces the first building element 571 , and a second connector 579 that mates with the first connector 577 to enable the relative motion of the elements 573 , 571 along the unidirectional path but to constrain the elements 573 , 571 along directions perpendicular to the unidirectional path . the bristles 575 are slanted at a first angle relative to a neutral position or axis , which , in this particular example , extends along the axis 501 . each of the bristles 575 makes contact at its first free end with the first receiving surface 572 such that the tactile vibrations 105 transmitted to the first building element 571 are transmitted to the first ends of the bristles 575 . moreover , the second ends of the bristles 575 are constrained by the second receiving surface 574 so that as the second ends of the bristles 575 move , the second receiving surface 574 moves . in this particular example , the second ends of the bristles 575 are fixed to a top plate 537 , which is fixed to the second receiving surface 574 . in other implementations , the second ends of the bristles 575 are fixed directly to the second receiving surface 574 . thus , when the first building element 571 vibrates , the slanted bristles 575 are forced to vibrate , and the amplitude of the vibration periodically bends the bristles 575 at the frequency of the vibration . as the bristles 575 snap back from being bent , the bristles 575 are forced into a unidirectional motion that depends on the angle at which the bristles 575 are slanted relative to the neutral axis , which is the axis 501 . in this example , the unidirectional motion is a circular motion ; the slanted bristles 575 rotate about the axis 501 and cause the second building element 573 ( which is constrained by the motion of the second ends of the bristles 575 ) to also rotate about the second axis 501 . the direction of rotation depends on the angle at which the bristles 575 are slanted relative to the neutral axis which is the axis 501 . referring also to fig6 a - 6c , an exemplary toy construction system is shown that includes the self - contained apparatus 485 that houses the control system 430 , the one or more switches 440 , and the energy source 435 and suspends the vibration speaker 410 and the support building element 465 . in this example , an arrangement 666 includes four 2 × 2 building elements mechanically connected to the support building element 465 . the motion converter apparatus 570 is mechanically connected to the top building element of the arrangement 666 to convert the vibrations 105 produced by the vibration speaker 410 within the apparatus 485 into a circular unidirectional motion 680 that causes an arrangement 615 of building elements to rotate about the central axis 501 of the apparatus 570 . in this example , the arrangement 615 is designed to resemble a rotor system of a helicopter . the building elements of the arrangement 615 include coupling mechanisms such as studs for connection to other elements of the toy construction set 117 . referring to fig7 a , in one implementation , the vibrations 105 from the vibration speaker 110 , which are transmitted through the support building element 165 , are transmitted to a remote location by way of an elongated building element 771 , which can be considered as the first element 271 of the motion converter apparatus 170 . in this case , the bristles 775 are positioned next to and contacting the elongated building element 771 to thereby convert the vibrations 105 into a first unidirectional motion 780 of a second element 773 , which is then transmitted to the arrangement of building elements 115 . as shown in fig7 b , if the angle of the bristles 775 is reversed , then the vibrations 105 are converted into a second unidirectional motion 781 of the second element 773 . in this way , the vibrations 105 that can be produced by the vibration speaker 110 at one location of the construction system 100 can be transmitted across various elements of the system 100 to a remote position at another distinct location of the construction system 100 . in this particular example , as more clearly shown in fig7 c , the elongated building element 771 may have a smooth surface over which the bristles 775 are placed ; and the bristles 775 can be in a rectangular arrangement such that the vibrations 105 cause the bristles 775 and also the second element 773 to move along a linear unidirectional path 780 . referring to fig8 , in another implementation , the vibrations from the vibration speaker 110 , which are transmitted through the support building element 165 , are transmitted to a remote location by way of an arrangement 866 that includes an elongated building element 868 that is interconnected with the support building element 165 , and a box - like building element 869 that is interconnected or joined with the elongated building element 868 . moreover , a motion converter apparatus 870 is mechanically linked with the box - like building element 869 and the arrangement of building elements 115 is interconnected with the motion converter apparatus 870 . in this particular implementation , the vibrations 105 produced by the vibration speaker 110 are transmitted through the arrangement 866 , namely , through the elongated building element 868 and the box - like building element 869 , which is remote from the support building element 165 . the motion converter apparatus 870 converts the vibrations 105 into the unidirectional motion 880 , which is transmitted to the building elements 115 . referring to fig9 a - 9c , the bristles of the motion converter apparatus 170 can be incorporated into a reversible bristle device 990 that includes a set of slantable bristles 975 unconstrained at a first end while fixed at a second end to a cap 973 , which serves the same purpose as the second element 273 detailed above . the cap 973 is moveable relative to a base 991 along a first path 998 away from or toward a neutral position a ( shown in fig9 a ) and that is constrained relative to the base 991 along a second path 999 that is perpendicular to the first path . the neutral position a is a position in which the bristles 975 are unslanted relative to the first receiving surface 272 ( which is shown in fig9 a ), which is the vibrating surface that the bristles 975 contact to enable motion conversion . in other words , in the neutral position a , the bristles 975 are normal to the plane of the first receiving surface 272 . the base 991 has a plurality of through holes 992 through which the first end of the bristles 975 extend . as mentioned above , the cap 973 is constrained relative to the base along the second path 999 so that the cap 973 and the base 991 can be held together as a self - contained unit . to enable this , the cap 973 and the base 991 include mating connection mechanisms . for example , the cap 973 can include a flange 993 and the base 991 can include clips 994 that extend above the flange 993 so that the cap 973 is unable to move a significant amount along the second path 999 . some motion along the second path 999 may be needed to enable the cap 973 to move freely relative to the base 991 along the first path 998 . as shown in fig9 b , the cap 973 can be moved relative to the base 991 along a first direction 996 of the first path 998 to a position b and fixed in position b relative to the neutral position a . in position b , the bristles 975 are slanted in a first manner relative to the neutral direction ( which extends along the second path 999 ). thus , while in position b , the bristles 975 of the bristle device 900 act to convert vibrations 105 applied to the first receiving surface 272 into a first unidirectional motion ( which would actually be in the first direction 996 ). as shown in fig9 c , the bristle device 900 can be reversed so that the bristles 975 convert the vibrations 105 applied to the first receiving surface 272 into a second unidirectional motion that is opposite to the first direction 996 . in fig9 c , the cap 973 is moved relative to the base 991 along a second direction 997 of the first path 998 to a position c and then fixed in position c . in position c , the bristles 975 are slanted in a second manner relative to the neutral direction . in this way , the motion conversion direction of the bristle device 900 is easily reversed by moving the cap 973 relative to the base 991 . the cap 973 may or may not include coupling mechanisms ( such as studs ) for connecting to building elements of the construction set 117 . while such coupling mechanisms are not shown in fig9 a - 9c , they are included in the design of fig1 a - 10d . the bristles 975 , the cap 973 , and the base 991 can be designed to convert the vibrations 105 into a linear unidirectional motion ; in this particular case , the bristles 975 , the cap 973 , and the base 991 would have a rectangular geometry . the reversible bristle device 990 can also include a fixation apparatus for fixing the base 991 at a particular position or angle relative to the cap 973 and thus ensure that the bristles 975 are held at a certain angle . the fixation apparatus can be a frictional engagement between the base 991 and the cap 973 . for example , one of the base 991 and the cap 973 can include detents and the other of the base 991 and the cap 973 can include a pressure activated latch . as another example , one of the base 991 and the cap 973 can include a keyed - out area and the other of the base 991 and the cap 973 can include an extrusion that allows the base 991 to stay at a given angle relative to the cap 973 . in other implementations , and with reference to fig1 a - 10d , the reversible bristle device 1090 is designed to convert the vibrations 105 into a rotational or circular motion . in the bristle device 1090 , the bristles 1075 , the cap 1073 , and the base 1091 have circular geometries . the reversible bristle device 1090 also includes a plate 1095 that is mechanically linked to the cap 1073 so that the plate 1095 moves as the cap 1073 moves relative to the base 1091 along the first path 1098 away from or toward the neutral position ( which is the position shown in fig1 a - 10d ). the bristles 1075 are connected to the plate 1095 at their second ends to enable the fixation between the second ends of the bristles 1075 and the cap 1073 . the plate 1095 can be mechanically linked to the cap 1073 using one or more of adhesive or bonding agents , connection devices , and a frictional engagement . for example , as shown in fig1 b - 10d , the plate 1095 includes an opening 1077 through which a peg 1079 of the cap 1073 is inserted , and the size of the cross - sectional shape of the peg 1079 is complementary to the size of the plate opening 1077 to enable a frictional engagement between the plate 1095 and the peg 1079 to thereby constrain the movement of the plate 1095 to the movement of the peg 1079 and the cap 1073 to which the peg 1079 is attached . in the bristle device 1090 , the cap 1073 includes coupling mechanisms such as studs 1078 for connecting to building elements of the construction set 117 . the bristle device 1090 is shown in the neutral position in fig1 a - 10d . to active the bristle device 1090 to convert vibrations 105 applied to the first receiving surface 272 into a circular or rotational motion , the cap 1073 is rotated relative to the base 1091 along the first path 1098 away from the neutral position ( for example , using counterclockwise motion ). the circular motion can be reversed by rotating the cap 1073 relative to the base 1091 along the first path 1098 using a clockwise motion . in this way , the bristle device 1090 can be easily manipulated to reverse the unidirectional motion produced by the motion converter apparatus 170 . in other implementations , and with reference to fig1 a - 11c , the reversible bristle device 1190 is designed to convert the vibrations 105 into a linear motion . in the bristle device 1190 , the bristles 1175 , the cap 1173 , and the base 1191 have rectangular geometries . the reversible bristle device 1190 also includes a plate 1195 that is mechanically linked to the cap 1173 so that the plate 1195 moves as the cap 1173 moves relative to the base 1191 along the first path 1198 away from or toward the neutral position ( which is the position shown in fig1 a - 11c ). the bristles 1175 are connected to the plate 1195 at their second ends to enable the fixation between the second ends of the bristles 1175 and the cap 1173 . the plate 1195 can be mechanically linked to the cap 1173 using one or more of adhesive or bonding agents , connection devices , and a frictional engagement . while not show , the cap 1173 can include coupling mechanisms such as studs for connecting to building elements of the construction set 117 . the bristle device 1190 is shown in the neutral position in fig1 a - 11c . to active the bristle device 1190 to convert vibrations 105 applied to the first receiving surface 272 into a linear motion , the cap 1173 is translated relative to the base 1191 along the first path 1198 away from the neutral position ( for example , to the right of the page of the drawing ) by moving a knob 1184 , which is mechanically linked to the base 1191 , relative to the cap 1173 . as the knob 1184 is moved along the first path 1198 ( to the right of the page ), the base 1191 moves because the base 1191 is constrained by the knob 1184 , for example , by a direct connection between the base 1191 and the knob 1184 . the linear motion can be reversed by moving the knob 1184 along the first path 1198 in the opposite direction , for example , to the left of the page , relative to the cap 1173 . in this way , the bristle device 1190 can be easily manipulated to reverse the unidirectional motion produced by the motion converter apparatus 170 . as discussed above , vibrations 105 produced by the vibration speaker 110 are transmitted through the support building element 165 , and to the motion converter apparatus 170 . the vibrations 105 can be mechanically transmitted through each of the building elements of the arrangement 266 to the motion converter apparatus 170 . the mechanical transmission can be performed through the coupling mechanisms of the building elements . thus , it is the connection between the coupling mechanisms of adjacent building elements that transfers the vibrations 105 between the adjacent building elements . in some implementations , a special mechanical joint can be incorporated into one or more building elements in the toy construction system 100 to enable the mechanical transmission of the vibrations 105 from any one of the building elements to another building element . for example , with reference to fig1 a - 12d and 13a - 13d , one particular joint is a male and female dovetail ; in which the male dovetail 1218 is formed on the building element 1221 and the female dovetail 1319 , which interfits with the male dovetail 1218 , is formed in the building element 1322 . the joint can be formed into the building elements by injection molding . referring to fig1 a , a close - up of one of the bristles 275 is shown fixed or constrained to the second element 273 and in the neutral position 201 . as discussed above , the bristles 275 can be set at an acute angle relative to the neutral position 201 ; the angle selected determines how the second element 273 will move in response to the vibrations 105 imparted to the first element 271 . thus , as shown in fig1 b , the bristle 275 is at an angle θ 1 from the neutral position 201 and as shown in fig1 c , the bristle 275 is at an angle θ 2 from the neutral position 201 . the angle selected can be any value from 0 ° ( at the neutral position 201 ) just below 90 ° ( which is close to being flat against the surface of the second element 273 ). additionally , as discussed in more detail below with respect to fig1 a - 15c , 16 , and 17 , the motion converter apparatus 170 can include bristles 275 having variable angles to achieve different results in the motion produced at the second element 273 . the length l b of the bristles 275 can be selected based on the geometry of the motion converter apparatus 170 , and also can be selected based on the desired motion to impart to the second element 273 . thus , for example , as shown in fig1 d , a shorter length l b for the bristles 275 could impart a slower ( low speed ) motion or a shorter distance of motion to the second element 273 while , as shown in fig1 e , a longer length l b for the bristles 275 could impart a faster ( high speed ) motion or a longer distance of motion to the second element 273 . moreover , the bristles 275 of the motion converter apparatus 170 can be designed to have variable lengths , to achieve different results in motion produced at the second element 273 . moreover , while the bristles 275 can have a linear or straight geometry ( as shown in fig1 a ) when in the neutral position 201 ( and when not receiving any force from the first element 271 ), other geometries for the bristles 275 can be used either alone or in combination with linear geometries . for example , the bristles 275 can have a non - linear geometry , such as the curved geometry shown in fig1 f , when in the neutral position 201 and when not receiving any force from the first element 271 . in some implementations , the angles , geometries , and the lengths of each of the bristles 275 of the motion converter apparatus 170 can be identical to each other . however , it is possible to use different or variable angles , different or variable lengths , and different or variable geometries for the bristles 275 in a single motion converter apparatus 170 . additionally , while we have described bristle 275 arrangements that have simple geometric shapes such as circles and rectangles , which are easily described using mathematics , the arrangement of bristles 275 could be non - geometric or complex geometries ( which would not be easily described using mathematics ). additionally , the arrangement of bristles 275 could be selected or designed to produce a sequence of unidirectional motions or a random , non - vibratory motion . referring to fig1 a - 15c , an exemplary circular arrangement of bristles 1575 is shown in its natural environment ( thus , the first element 271 is not applying any force to the bristles 1575 ). the arrangement includes three sets of bristles , 1575 a , 1575 b , and 1575 c , with each set being on a concentric circle having a distinct radius and all of the bristles of every set being constrained by the motion of the monolithic second element 1573 ( or the monolithic plate 1595 if a plate is used ). the bristles in set 1575 a are naturally slanted at an angle θ a , the bristles in set 1575 b are naturally slanted at angle θ b , and the bristles in set 1575 c are naturally slanted at angle θ c , these angles given relative to the neutral position 1501 , which is shown going into the page in fig1 a . thus , for example , the angle θ a is greater than the angle θ a , which is greater than the angle θ c . by adjusting the angle at which the bristles 1575 of the arrangement are naturally set , the motion imparted to the second element 273 can be adjusted , for example , to impart the motion more efficiently to the second element 273 . referring to fig1 , another exemplary circular arrangement of bristles 1675 is shown in its natural environment ( thus , the first element 271 is not applying any force to the bristles 1575 ). the arrangement includes three sets of bristles , 1675 a , 1675 b , and 1675 c , with each set being on a concentric circle having a distinct radius and the bristles of each set being constrained by the motion of a respective partition or segment 1673 a , 1673 b , 1673 c of the second element 1673 ( or the segments of a plate 1695 if a plate is used ). each segment 1673 a , 1673 b , 1673 c of the second element 1673 can move independently about the center of the circular arrangement while being constrained along the axial direction . in some implementations , the bristles in each of the sets 1675 a , 1675 b , 1675 c can be naturally slanted at distinct angles , or can have distinct lengths or geometries . in other implementations , the bristles in all of the sets 1675 a , 1675 b , 1675 c can be naturally slanted at the same angles . by segmenting the second element 1673 ( and the bristle sets 1675 a , 1675 b , 1675 c constrained by each segment of the second element 1673 ), it is possible to create distinct unidirectional motions in the second element 1673 . for example , the segment 1673 a could move more slowly than the segments 1673 b and 1673 c . or , if the angles of the bristles in distinct sets are in different directions , then it could be configured to move the segment 1673 b along a unidirectional path 1681 b that is the opposite to the paths 1680 a , 1680 c , taken by respective segments 1673 a and 1673 c ( as shown in fig1 ). referring to fig1 , this concept of a segmented bristle arrangement and a corresponding segmented second element can be applied to a rectangular geometry . in this case , the bristles 1775 are segmented into sets 1775 a and 1775 b , which are respectively constrained by second element segments 1773 a and 1773 b . in this way , it might be possible to impart a non - linear ( for example , circular ) unidirectional motion 1780 to the rectangular bristle / second element geometry . referring to fig1 a - c , in another implementation , the vibration speaker 110 , the support building element 165 , the control system 130 , the one or more switches 140 , and the energy source 135 can be configured within an exemplary self - contained apparatus 1885 ( or building element apparatus ), in which omni - directional vibrations can be transmitted to permit the vibrations to be transferred from more than one surface of the apparatus 1885 , for example , from two distinct and opposite surfaces , as described next . the vibrations are produced in all three dimensions because the apparatus 1885 is rigidly fixed to the base 1855 of the vibration speaker 1810 . in this example , the support building element 1865 and the vibration speaker 1810 are fixedly secured to the building element base 1888 , which houses the control system 130 and the energy source 135 ( not shown in fig1 a ). for example , the base 1855 of the vibration speaker 1810 can be firmly mounted to the support building element 1865 , and the support building element 1865 can be firmly mounted or fixed to the building element base 1888 of the apparatus 1885 . the building element base 1888 includes one or more coupling mechanisms 1889 such as recesses for interconnecting with other building elements of the construction set 117 . thus , in this particular implementation and to contrast with the implementation described in fig4 b , the vibration speaker 1810 and the support building element 1865 are not suspended to freely move relative to the building element base 1888 . in this way , the vibrations 105 from the vibration speaker 1810 are freely transmitted along all directions outward to the outer surfaces of the apparatus 1885 . thus , the vibrations can be transmitted in an upward direction to the support building element 1865 and to any building element attached to the support building element 1865 , as discussed previously . moreover , the vibrations 105 from the vibration speaker 1810 are also freely transmitted along a downward direction to the building element base 1888 and to any building element to which the building element base 1888 is attached . in this example , the building element base 1888 is connected to a plate 1883 , and the plate 1883 can be attached to isolator devices 1811 , 1812 . the isolator devices 1811 , 1812 can be vibration - dampening devices such as rubber pads that prevent the vibrations imparted to the plate 1883 from being imparted to any item on which the plate 1883 is placed . moreover , the vibrations imparted to the plate 1883 can be transferred to other building elements ( such as element 1871 ) attached to a top side of the plate 1883 that are remote from the apparatus 1885 .

US-201313899490-A

a hybrid spinal implant device , and method of making the same are disclosed . the spinal implant device comprises two facing endplates , each having at least one anchoring wall or pin element , and a plastic spacer anchored to and located between the two endplates . the endplates may be manufactured from titanium . the plastic spacer may be manufactured from a radiolucent , and bio - compatible polymer - based material including polyetheretherketone , polyetherketone , polyetherketoneketone , and / or fiber reinforced plastic . the endplates made of titanium allow for enhanced bone growth , while the plastic / peek spacer element allows for improved load absorption and distribution . the spinal implant device , using titanium endplates and a peek spacer , provides excellent radiolucency thereby eliminating the need for x - ray markers either intra - or post - operation . the manufacturing method for the hybrid spinal implant device uses injection molding to insert or back injection mold the spacer between the two endplates .

in the following detailed description , reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout , and in which is shown , by way of illustration , the disclosed embodiments may be practiced . it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made in alternate aspects . therefore , the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense , and the scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims and all of their equivalents . moreover this detailed description is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings , which are to be considered part of the entire written description of the preferred embodiments . the drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the embodiments and examples may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness . in the description , relative terms such as “ horizontal ,” “ vertical ,” “ up ,” “ down ,” “ top ,” “ bottom ,” “ outer ,” “ inner ,” “ front ,” “ back ,” “ anterior ,” and “ posterior ,” as well as derivatives thereof ( e . g ., “ horizontally ,” “ downwardly ,” “ upwardly ,” etc .) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion . these relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation . further , terms including “ inwardly ” versus “ outwardly ,” “ upwardly ” versus “ downwardly ,” “ longitudinal ” versus “ lateral ” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation , or an axis or center of rotation , as appropriate . terms concerning attachments , coupling and the like , such as “ connected ” “ interconnected ,” “ coupled ,” “ engaged ” and “ attached ” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures , as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships , unless expressly described otherwise . in certain embodiments , the intervertebral spacer implant device may be employed to maintain appropriate spacing between adjacent vertebrae , for example , where wear or injury has led to the need for disc replacement . in other embodiments , the intervertebral spacer implant device may be configured for both disc and vertebrae replacement . regardless , embodiments of the described devices provide a spinal fusion device that provides column support to the spine and facilitates a fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies . in certain embodiments , as shown in the attached drawings , the fusion spacer device includes three elements , namely , a pair of endplates designed and configured to be attached to respectively upper and lower vertebrae surfaces , and a vertebral plastic disc spacer in between the two endplates . more particularly , as shown in fig1 , in a preferred embodiment , the disc spacer 10 includes an upper endplate 20 and a lower endplate 30 that sandwiches a plastic spacer element 40 . the assembly or construction of the disc spacer provides , in a preferred embodiment , that the plastic spacer element is back injection molded after the endplates 20 and 30 are placed within an injection molding tool . through use of back injection molding , the plastic spacer element 40 is formed to precisely the desired shape , and ensures complete contact between the surfaces of the spacer element with the respective upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 30 . in a preferred embodiment , as shown and described in more detail below , plastic spacer element is formed generally in a cylindrical shape . the isometric view shown in fig1 illustrates the plastic spacer element 40 as translucent to further show the location of anchoring elements to lock the relative position of the upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 30 with the spacer element 40 . the anchoring elements shown in fig2 , in a preferred embodiment , are wall protrusions 21 , integral with upper endplate 20 , and wall protrusions 31 , integral with lower endplate 30 . fig2 shows a side - view of a preferred embodiment of the disc spacer 10 , again with the plastic spacer element 40 shown as translucent to illustrate example anchoring elements . in addition to the wall protrusions 21 and 31 , which are integrally attached to the upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 30 , respectively , fig2 shows use of pin protrusions 22 and 32 , which are similarly attached to the upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 32 . the pin protrusions shown in fig2 are a t - shape , and are completely surrounded by the spacer element 40 . in view of the imbedded placement of the t - shaped pin protrusions 22 , 32 within the back injection formed spacer element 40 , such protrusions provide both lateral stability and further reduce the possible separation or delamination of either endplate 20 , 30 from the spacer element 40 . fig3 shows a cut - away side / isometric view of the disc spacer 10 , similar in orientation to the side view in fig2 . in addition to the wall protrusions 21 , 31 , and pin protrusions 22 , 32 shown fig2 , the cut - away view of fig3 shows a further wall protrusion which may be integrally formed with upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 30 . more specifically , wall protrusions 23 and 33 , integrally attached to upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 30 , respectively , each have distal shelf 28 ( at the end of wall protrusion 23 ) and 38 ( at the end of wall protrusion 33 ). the distal shelf 28 , 38 on wall protrusions 23 , 33 , similar to the pin protrusions 22 , 32 , provide both lateral stability and reduce the separation of either endplate 20 , 30 from the spacer element 40 . this is especially true given the preferred assembly method of back injection molding the spacer element between the endplates 20 , 30 . by back injection molding the spacer element 40 , the plastic material is fully formed and in full contact with all surfaces of the wall and pin protrusions . the cut - outs 24 , 25 , 34 , 35 shown in wall protrusions 21 and 31 serve a similar purpose as the pin protrusions 22 , 32 , and wall protrusion 23 , 33 ( having distal shelves 28 , 38 ). that is , in view of the back injection molding of the plastic spacer 40 , the plastic material is fully formed in and through cut - outs 24 , 25 , 34 , and 35 . although square or rectangular , and circular shapes are shown for the cut - outs 24 , 25 , 34 , and 35 , other shapes may be used in other embodiments and will be equally effective in providing lateral stability and reducing separation or delamination . the endplates 20 and 30 are , in a preferred embodiment , manufactured from a porous biocompatible metal such as titanium or titanium alloy . such metals exhibit significant bone apposition or fusion characteristics . moreover , the porosity of the endplates 20 and 30 , may be further tailored to promote ingrowth and fusion . indeed , in another preferred embodiment , conventionally available ingrowth promoting material may be accommodated at the surfaces of the endplates 20 , 30 that contact adjacent vertebra and also throughout holes or pores 27 , 37 included in the endplates 20 , 30 to help stimulate bone ingrowth and endplate fusion . the plastic spacer 40 is made , in a preferred embodiment , from a radiolucent polymer - based material such as polyetheretherketone (“ peek ”), polyetherketone (“ pek ”), polyetherketoneketone (“ pekk ”), or fiber reinforced plastic , each of which have a e - modulus that is more similar to bone than metal . moreover , given the e - modulus of peek , pek , and pekk , such plastics show optimal load absorption and load distribution when used as vertebral spacers . indeed , peek , pek and pekk are materials that are often used in the manufacture of intervertebral spinal implants . further , peek and other similar materials are almost entirely radiolucent and highly biocompatible . being radiolucent , the use of peek as a material for the spacer 40 , allows for precise positioning through use of x - ray equipment during and after insertion operation . moreover , with the use of the metal endplates 20 , 30 , the exact position of the disc spacer 10 in relation to adjacent vertebrae using flouroscopy during the operation is easily achieved , without the use of x - ray markers . as shown in fig1 through 6 , the surfaces of the endplates 20 , 30 may be formed with a highly uneven surface texture . the teeth or edges 29 , 39 shown on endplates 20 , 30 form a porous and substantially roughened surface texture of the endplate surfaces in contact with adjacent bone structure . the teeth 29 , 39 provide excellent stability against migration or lateral movement or migration after placement of the disc spacer 10 , as well as stability from flexion / extension loads , axial torsion loads , and lateral bending loads . the teeth 29 , 39 also , given the biocompatible nature of the titanium metal , promote fusion of the bone with the endplates 20 , 30 of spacer 10 . in other embodiments , the endplates 20 , 30 , or the surfaces of the endplates 20 , 30 may be made of alternate materials such as a nitride , carbide , or oxide of a porous metal . additionally , a porous cobalt / chromium alloys or stainless steel may be used as the metal . in another embodiment , appropriate sections of the endplates 20 , 20 may be constructed of a porous radiolucent material with a comparatively thin layer of metal , such as titanium , deposited over that endplate section . such a layer of metal may itself be crystalline or amorphous in structure . fig4 shows an isometric exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present disc spacer 10 . in this view , the cylindrical shape of the plastic spacer 40 is easier to see , in place between upper endplate 20 and lower endplate 30 . similarly , fig5 shows a side view of the three elements , namely endplates 20 and 30 , and plastic spacer 40 , in an exploded view . finally , fig6 shows a similar cut - away side view of the same three elements of disc spacer 10 . as noted , one illustrative embodiment of the method of manufacturing the disc spacer 10 is through the use of injection , or injection back molding . fig7 illustrates the basic steps of the method of precisely locating endplates 20 and 30 within an injection mold tool that provides the appropriate shape , size and form for the plastic spacer , and then injection molding the plastic material in between the two endplates , filling the form space between the two endplates 20 , 30 . the steps include first positioning the first endplate 100 within the injection mold tool ; then positioning the second endplate 200 within the injection mold tool , creating between the two endplates the desired shape , size and form for the plastic spacer 40 . next the unitary plastic spacer 40 is formed between the two endplates by back injection molding 300 with the selected plastic material . finally , the hybrid disc spacer 10 is removed 400 from the injection mold tool . it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the spacer 10 can be used between any adjacent bone portions , such as members at a joint , for example , in a void between such joint portions as might be developed by a fracture , through a procedure that removes bone as with a tumor . while the various embodiments and examples are contemplated for use with virtually any adjacent bone portions between which a spacer is required , the initial disclosure herein is directed towards spinal procedures wherein the spacer 10 is placed between adjacent vertebrae / joint members that make up the more generically referenced bone portions . as noted , the disclosed examples and embodiments are not however to be considered limiting as to effective uses of the spacer . it is also understood that while the present disclosure has been to at least one embodiment for an invertebral disc spacer , the scope and coverage of preferred embodiments can be further modified and still be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure . this application is therefore intended to cover any variations , uses , or adaptations of the present disclosed embodiments using its general principles . further , this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims . further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the devices and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description . accordingly , this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art of the general manner of carrying out the present disclosure . elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein , parts and processes may be reversed , and certain features of the preferred embodiments may be utilized independently , all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art of having the benefit of this description . changes may be made to the elements described herein , including shape of the spacer , without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the following claims .

US-201514964413-A

a delivery system is disclosed . the system is useful for the preprogrammed , unattended delivery of at least one beneficial agent to a pre - selected environment of use . the system comprises , a beneficial agent , a delivery module comprising , a closed tubular member twined about itself to form a multiplicity of continuous , entwined , mated members , the members having , an internal reservoir for storing agent in an amount for execution of the program , a rate controller which maintains the rate of agent delivered in an effective amount from the members throughout the life of the system , an energy source for transferring agent from the reservoir to the environment , and , a portal for releasing agent from the members to the environment , , a platform which integrates the module into a unit sized , shaped and adapted for insertion and retention in the environment , and , a program which provides for the controlled release of agent to produce the desired beneficial effect over a prolonged period of time .

in accordance with the practice of this invention , it has now been found the above - described systems can be made from polymeric materials manufactured in tube shape . the wall 12 of the manufacture is a rate controller for releasing agent over time . the materials selected for use are substantially free of any adverse effect on an animal host . since the body passageways are lined with an extremely delicate tissue , it is essentially the materials forming system 10 do not adversely effect the host . the materials used for the purpose of the invention are biologically compatible materials set forth below . by compatible is meant the materials are acceptable within the animal body . the materials do not break down , there is no absorption , and there isn &# 39 ; t any deleterious action on the sensitive tissues in the area of placement and retention over a prolonged period of time . exemplary wall forming materials that do not adversely effect the environment of use include olefins and vinyl - type polymers , carbohydrate - type polymers , synthetic condensation - type polymers , natural and synthetic rubber - type polymers , organo - silicon polymers , preformed microporous - type polymers and other diffusion release - type polymers . specific polymers include polyethylene , ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer , copolymers of polystyrene , polyvinylcarbazole , ( polyvinyl acetate , polyarcrylate , segmented ( polyether - coester ) polyester , cellulose , polyamide , polyethylene terephthalate , polyurethane , microporous polyurethane , polysiloxane , and the like . the polymers are known to the art in handbook of common polymers , by j . r . scott and w . j . roff , 1971 , published by the chemical rubber company , cleveland , ohio ; and in handbook of plastics and elastomers , edited by charles a . harper , 1975 , published by mcgraw - hill company , new york . the expressions &# 34 ; beneficial agent &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; useful agent &# 34 ; as used herein broadly includes compounds , composition of matter , or mixtures thereof that can be delivered in effective amounts to produce a beneficial and useful result . the active agents 16 include pesticides , herbicides , algicides , germicides , rodenticides , insecticides , antioxidants , plant growth promoters , plant growth inhibitors , preservatives , disinfectants , sterilization agents , catalysts , chemical reactants , fermentation agents , food supplements , nutrients , cosmetics , drugs , vitamins , sex sterilants , fertility inhibitors , fertility promoters , air purifiers , micro - organism attenuators , and other agents that benefit the environment of use , and the habitat . in a presently preferred embodiment , the active agent is an antifertility steroid . the steroids include progestational steroids that have antifertility properties and estrogenic substances that have antifertility properties . these substances can be of naturally occurring or synthetic origin and they generally possess a cyclopentanophenanthrene nucleus . the term progestational substance as used herein embraces progestogens , which latter term is used in the pharmaceutically acceptable steroid art to generically describe steroids possessing progestational activity , and the former also includes progestins , a term widely used for synthetic steroids that have progestational effects . the active antifertility progestational agents that can be used to produce the desired effects in mammals , including humans and primates , are without limitations : pregn - 4 - ene - 3 , 20 - dione ; progesterone ; 19 - nor - pregn - 4 - ene - 3 , 20 - dione ; 17 - hydroxy - 19 - nor - 17α - pregn - 5 ( 10 )- ene - 20 - yn - 3 - one ; 17 - ethinyl - 17 - hydroxy - 5 ( 10 )- estren - 3 - one ; 17α - ethynyl - 19 - norestosterone ; 6 - chloro - 17 - hydroxypregna - 4 , 6 - diene - 3 , 20 - dione ; 17α - hydroxy - 6α - methyl - 17 ( 1 - propynl ) androst - 4 - ene - 3 - one ; 9α , 10α - pregna - 4 , 6 - diene - 3 , 20 - dione ; 17 - hydroxy - 17α - pregn - 4 - en - 20 - yne - 3 - one ; 19 - nor - 17α - pregn - 4 - en - 20 - yn - 3 , 17 - diol ; 17 - hydroxy - pregn - 4 - ene - 3 , 20 - dione ; 17α - hydroxyprogesterone ; 17 - hydroxy - 6α - methylpregn - 4 - ene - 3 , 20 - dione ; 17 - hydroxy - 19 - nor - 17α - pregn - 4 - en - 20 - yn - 3 - one or norethindione ; 13 - ethyl - 17 - hydroxy - 18 , 19 - dinor - 17α - pregn - 4 - en - 20 - yn - 3 - one or norgestrel ; norethindrone ; norethynodrel ; norgesterone ; norgestrienone ; and mixtures thereof , and the like . the term estrogenic and estrogenic antifertility agents as used herein also include the compounds known as estrogens that possess antifertility properties including α - estradiol ; α - estradiol - 3 - benzoate ; 17α - cyclopentanepropionate estradiol ; 1 , 3 , 5 ,( 10 )- estratriene - 3 , 17α - diol dipropionate ; estra - 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 )- triene - 3 , 17α - diol valerate ; estrone ; ethinyl estradiol ; 17 - ethinyl estradiol - 3 - methyl ether ; mestranol , 17 - ethinyl estradiol - 3 - cyclopentoether estroil ; mixtures thereof , and the like . generally , the system will contain from 25 nanograms to 5 grams of progestational or estrogenic steroid for release at a rate of 0 . 05 micrograms to 50 milligrams per day , and in a presently preferred range of 0 . 5 milligrams to 6 . 0 milligrams per day . generally , the system can be used for a period of 1 day to 1 year , or longer . the above steroids and their dose amounts for humans are known in drill &# 39 ; s pharmacology in medicine , edited by dipalma , j . r ., 1965 , published by mcgraw - hill book company , new york , and in pharmacological basis of therapeutics , by goodman and gilman , 4th edition . the useful agent can be present in the form of accepted derivatives , such as their hydroxy or keto groups can be in a derivative form for the present purpose . these forms should easily convert to the parent agent upon its release from the device by activities such as enzymatic transformation , ph assisted hydrolysis , metabolic conversion , and the like . the derivatives also can be used to control the solubility of the agent in the liquid core and to assist in metering the agent from the device . suitable derivatives include ethers , esters , amides , salts , and the like . exemplary inner mass transfer conductors , 16a , that are suitable for use with the agent in the reservoir are generically liquid and liquid - like carriers that can transfer the agent to the wall of the device . these carriers are permeable to the passage of agents and they include liquids capable of forming a liquid carrier wall interface at the inner surface of the wall . typical conductors include a member selected from the group consisting essentially of alkylene glycols , dialkylene glycols , poly ( alkylene glycols ), vegetable oils , animal oils , fruit oils , nut oils , marine oils , mineral oils , sylvan oils , organic oils , inorganic oils , saline , buffers , aqueous media , aqueous media such as water mixed with poly ( alkylene glycols ) including poly ( ethylene glycols ) having a weight of 400 to 6000 , poly ( propylene glycol ) having a molecular weight of 500 to 2000 , polyoxyethylene / polyoxy propylene block copolymers having molecular weight of 1000 to 20 , 000 , glycerol polysorbate 80 , and the like . examples of carriers are known to the art in pharmaceutical sciences by remington , 1970 , published by mack publishing company , easton , pennsylvania . connector 13 used for joining the two ends of member 11 is made from a material that can join the ends , and does not adversely effect the agent , the member and the environment of use . the connector generally is a polymer material such as polyethylene , polyproplyene , nylon , polytetrafluoroethylene , and the like . the connector can be a solid or a tube made from these materials . the ends of member 11 can be adhesively united to form a closed system . the term adhesive as used herein means a substance that holds the ends together by surface attachment . the adhesive and ends join in intimate contact achieved by the adhesive wetting the ends . adhesives suitable for the present purpose include natural adhesives and synthetic adhesives . typical adhesives include animal , nitrocellulosic , polyamide , phenolic , amino , epoxy , isocyanate , acrylic , silicate , silicone , organic adhesives of the membrane polymers , and the like . the adhesives are known to the art in the encyclopedia of chemistry , second edition , edited by george l . clark and gessner g . hawley , 1966 , published by van hostrand reinhold company , cincinnati , ohio . the systems used for the purpose of this invention are fabricated as follows : first , a section of ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer tubing having a vinyl acetate content of 25 % is washed with water for 32 to 42 hours , and then dried in air at room temperature . then the tubing is cut into an appropriate length and shaped like a ring , as seen in fig1 . the system is shaped by forming a primary ring and threading the ends of the tube around the primary ring to form the auxiliary rings . next , a connector consisting of a solid polymeric polyethylene plug , having an outside diameter equivalent to the inside diameter of the primary tube , is very lightly dampened with an organic solvent , methylene chloride , and inserted into one end of the tube with a portion remaining for insertion into the other end of the tube . this dual insertion joins the opened tube at its two ends , thereby forming a closed system . the system is filled with agent by injecting an agent carrier mixture into the reservoir of the system through a needle admitted into the reservoir . the filling is continued until all of the air in the reservoir is displaced through an outlet needle admitted into the system . this procedure completely fills the reservoir . finally , the needle punctures are sealed with a little methylene chloride . reservoir 15 is filled with progesterone in silicone fluid having a molecular weight of 2500 , 50 % weight / weight . an additional system 10 is prepared having a toroidal shape and consisting of a main member and three auxiliary members by inserting a portion of a hollow sleeve tube into one end of the main tube and then inserting the remaining portion of the inner , polymeric sleeve tube into the free end of the main tube . the main and auxiliary members are prepared from butadiene - styrene block copolymer . the sleeve tube is made from low density polyethylene . the copolymer has a wall thickness of 0 . 5 mm and an internal diameter of 1 . 5 mm . the average outside diameter for the four inter - threaded members is about 8 . 8 mm , and the average diameter from a curvature of a member to the distant curvature of a member is about 45 mm . the reservoir is charged with 35 % progesterone and 65 % polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymer having a molecular weight of 3000 . delivery systems comprising ( 1 ) a microporous polyurethane multi - membered , interwound system are made by abutting and sealing the ends with a solvent based adhesive having highly reactive isocyanate groups for facilitating good adhesion of the polymeric ends ; and ( 2 ) a thermoplastic rubber by ultrasonically welding abutting ends , or by uniting abutted ends in the presence of heated air . a different delivery system housing three different agents is manufactured as follows : first , a spacer made of an agent impermeable polymer is inserted into a 70 cm length of tube and pushed to the mid - point , thereby forming two segments . next , 20 cm of each segment from the midpoint are filled with different agents and then distant spacers are inserted into the segments to the agent filled areas forming two reservoirs . the two end segments then are filled with a like agent from the distant spacers to the ends of the tube . then , the tube is held at its midpoint again forming the two segments that are curved into a first ring - shaped member having a diameter of about 5 cm . next , one segment is threaded around the ring three times and the other segment threaded in a like manner forming a multi - membered ring - shaped system . the ends of the system are joined by ultrasonic welding procedure . ultrasonic welding procedures acceptable for the present purposes are described in encyclopedia of polymer science and technology , vol . 9 , page 152 , vol . 12 , pages 721 to 724 , and vol . 14 pages 116 to 124 , published 1968 , by john wiley and sons inc ., new york . systems containing norethisterone can be placed in the vagina of fertile women where they will be well - received by the vagina . the systems are preferably placed between the rear endometrial wall of the vagina and the upper end of the pubic bone . in this place , the medicating system releases a contraceptively effective amount of steroid each day to yield the intended effect . it will be understood by those versed in the art in the light of the present specification , drawings and the accompanying claims , the invention makes available to the art both a novel and useful system for delivering agents to produce predesired effects ; and , the rate of release from these systems can be controlled to produce these effects . it will be further understood by those versed in the art that many and different embodiments of this invention can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention . accordingly , it is to be understood the invention is not to be construed as limited , but it embraces all equivalents inherent therein .

US-95348078-A

an electrolysis device is disclosed for producing alkaline water from water including an electrolysis vessel , a positive electrode , a negative electrode , a bipolar membrane element , and at least one cation exchangeable membrane within the electrolysis vessel . the bipolar membrane element has a cation exchangeable side and an anion exchangeable side , the cation exchangeable side being closer to the negative electrode than the anion exchangeable side . the at least one cation exchangeable membrane is arranged between the anion exchangeable side of the bipolar membrane element and the positive electrode , so as to define an alkali chamber between the bipolar membrane element and the cation exchangeable membrane . an ionic exchange resin is associated with the vessel , whereby flow of the water though the vessel and the ionic exchange resin produces alkaline water in the alkali chamber . various options and modifications are possible . a related washing machine such as a dishwasher is also disclosed .

reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention , one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings . each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention , not limitation of the invention . in fact , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . for instance , features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment . thus , it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . fig1 illustrates an exemplary washing machine 10 . the exemplary washing machine 10 may include for example a cabinet 12 , a hinged door 14 , a washing compartment 16 in which washing of objects occurs , a water supply 18 , and a water outlet 20 . if desired , water supply 18 may include separate hot and cold water supplies ( not shown ). water supply 18 and outlet 20 are connected to washing compartment 60 in conventional ways . washing compartment 16 could be fixed ( as in a dishwasher or the like ) or could include a movable / rotatable drum within a larger container ( as in a clothes washer or the like ). washing compartment 16 could include various conventional items within it such as sprayers , racks , tumbling structures , vents and drains , etc ., as desired . washing machine 10 may include a user interface 22 including one or more input devices such as buttons , and one or more output devices such as displays , led &# 39 ; s , etc . a conventional controller 24 , for example including a memory and processor , within washing machine 10 may receive and send signals from user interface 22 and other components of the device ( not shown for clarity as unnecessary to fully disclose and explain the present inventive concepts ), such as pumps , motors , valves , containers , sensors , power sources , rectifiers , etc ., as are known to perform desired washing activities and cycles . it should therefore be understood that washing machine 10 could comprise a clothes washer , a dish washer , a medical device sterilizer , or any other water - based machine for washing items . therefore , conventional components of such devices as mentioned above could be adapted to employ the detergentless cleaning devices disclosed herein . fig1 further schematically shows an electrolysis device 28 located within washing machine 10 and including an electrolysis cell 30 . a container 32 holds the alkaline product of electrolysis device 30 . conduits 34 and 36 connect container 32 to electrolysis device 30 , and conduit 38 connects container 32 to washing compartment 16 . a container 40 holds the acidic product of electrolysis device 30 . conduits 42 and 44 connect container 40 to electrolysis device 30 , and conduit 46 connects container 40 to washing compartment 16 . electrolysis device 30 may receive water from water supply 18 as well via conduit 48 . as shown in fig2 , a cell unit 50 includes a positive electrode 52 and a negative electrode 54 . the electrodes may be highly porous metals , such as titanium mesh for example . the cell unit includes a vessel 56 and a number of cells 58 , 60 , 62 , and 64 . the cells are divided by ion exchange membranes 66 , 68 , and 70 . membrane 66 is an anion exchange membrane , membrane 70 is a cation exchange membrane , and membrane 68 is a bipolar exchange membrane . membrane 68 has an anion exchange side 72 and a cation exchange side 74 . inlets 76 , 78 , 80 and 82 and outlets 84 , 86 , 88 , and 90 are provided for the cells 58 - 64 , respectively . each cell has within it a mixture of both cation and anion exchange resins 92 which may be any of a number of commercially available resins . for example , the resins may be cross - linked divinylbenzene , if desired . the cation exchange resin may have as a functional group a sulfonic group (— so3h or − so3na ), and the anion exchange resin may have as a the functional group a quaternary amine group . an acid container 94 and an alkaline container 96 are provided as well . acid container 94 has a first outlet 98 connected to cell inlets 78 and 82 , and a second outlet 100 that is connected to a desired end use location , such as the interior of a washer 10 . an inlet 102 is connected to cell outlets 86 and 90 . acidic liquid can thus cycle through cells 60 and 64 ( acidic chambers ) and container 94 via a pump ( not shown ). alkaline container 96 has a first outlet 104 is similarly connected to cell inlets 76 and 80 and a second outlet 106 connected to a desired end use location . inlet 108 is connected to cell outlets 84 and 88 . alkaline liquid can thus cycle through cells 58 and 62 ( alkalic chambers ) in a similar fashion . cells 58 - 64 should be large enough to generate sufficient alkaline water for cleaning the desired objects in a reasonable amount of time . for example , if used in a dishwasher , typical wash cycles vary from 30 - 75 minutes or so , depending on the device and the chosen cycle . therefore , the size , flow rate , current , etc . can be chosen to obtain an amount of alkaline water needed for a given cycle . to generate 1 . 2 gallons of alkaline water of a ph of over 11 , for example , might require cells with membranes as large as 10 × 20 cm , that run for an amount of time such as 20 - 25 minutes or so . such alkaline water can be used in a dishwasher instead of detergent to clean cookware during a typical cleaning cycle . the acidic water generated can be used during rinsing to sanitize or sterilize as well . the presence of the ion exchange resins within the cells allows the cells to operate while reducing caco 3 scaling and other such deposits on the ion exchange membranes while still allowing the chemical and electrical reactions to occur . it is believed that the regeneration of h and oh ions caused by the ion exchange resins beneficially prevents such scaling deposits . further , by placing the ion exchange resins in the cells , the resins do no wear out , or will do so much more slowly so that they need not be changed out during the life of the product . fig3 shows a variation of cell unit 50 of fig2 . in fig3 , like parts receive like reference numerals , so all need not be mentioned herein . cell unit 150 of fig3 differs from that of fig2 in that cells 158 - 164 do not include mixtures of ion exchange resins . instead , anion exchange resins 191 are located in cells 158 and 162 , and cation exchange resins 193 are located in cells 160 and 164 . resins may be of the types described above . splitting the resins on a per cell basis may provide better performance in certain situation in terms of higher acid and alkaline generation at a given set of parameters . fig4 shows another modified version in which mixed resins may be employed . however , cell unit 250 of fig4 includes three separate cells on each side of bipolar membrane 268 and formed by additional exchange membranes . as shown , cells 258 and 262 are connected to alkaline container 296 , as before . cells 260 and 264 are connected to acidic container 294 in similar fashion . membranes 265 and 270 are cation exchange membranes and membranes 266 and 271 are anion exchange membranes . cells 259 and 263 are connected to a water cycle . ion exchange resins 292 are mixed as illustrated , but could be separated out according to anion and cation as above , if desired . therefore , cell 250 provides a further separated system in which feed water can be provided as needed via a separate inlet . the feed water need not be circulated as shown , but may simply be provided to the washing device or drained after cycling though cell 20 . cell 250 may thus provide another arrangement for created alkaline water and acidic water for cleaning , while providing a ready source of water to the device as substances are used during cleaning . finally , fig5 shows an alternate device in which cell 350 is a modified version of cells 50 and 150 above . in cell 350 , however , separate containers 395 and 397 are provided for the anion exchange resin 391 and the cation exchange resin 393 , respectively . placing the exchange resins exterior to cell 350 does provide a number of the regenerative and anti - scaling benefits discussed above . however , in case performance degrades over time due to the resins and / or other portions of the cell becoming fouled or scaled , the resins can be replaced in containers 395 and 397 without having to replace the entire cell vessel 356 . in some applications , this may be sufficient to provide the benefits mentioned above while still allowing for maintenance . alternatively . the resins can be periodically changed on a regular schedule regardless of any fouling , degradation , etc ., if desired to ensure peak performance of cell 350 . accordingly , using the various electrolytic devices above and variations as disclosed , a detergentless wash can be achieved using alkalic and / or acidic water . in a dishwasher , sufficient alkalic water can be generated in a typical cycle amount of time , using minimal electric power as compared to the entire power demand of the machine , to suitably clean cookware using approximately 1 . 2 gallons of alkalic water at approximately 11 ph or more . thus , detergent need not be employed , providing cost and environmental benefits . it should be understood that the electrolytic device herein may be used with various applications , including clothes and dish washing devices . however , other washing devices and other devices requiring alkaline and / or acidic water may be practiced using the present teachings . this written description uses examples to disclose the invention , including the best mode , and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention , including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods . the patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims , and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art . such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims , or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims .

US-201114005293-A

a modular storage rack for cd jewel boxes , or the like , comprising individual tray units that are stackable vertically and connectable laterally . the tray itself has no moving parts but only a ribbon spring which acts to both secure the jewel box when inserted and eject the same when retrieval is desired . release of the jewel box is obtained by inward pressure against the spring and rotation of the box about a fulcrum on one of the tray walls , permitting the spring to urge the box out of the tray .

referring with greater particularity to the drawing figures , the reference numeral 10 indicates generally a modular storage rack for cds or the like embodying the principles of the invention . the storage rack 10 comprises a plurality of individual storage units 15 which may be assembled in any modular fashion as will subsequently become apparent . storage unit 15 comprises an open - topped tray 17 having a bottom wall 18 , a rear wall 20 and opposed side walls 22 and 24 . at the front of the side wall 22 , the storage unit comprises a short fragment of a front wall 26 . the tray 17 thus is completely open at its front except for the fragmentary front wall 26 . the distance between the side walls 22 and 24 is slightly greater than the width dimension of the cd jewel box 28 for which the storage unit 15 is designed . as a weight saving measure and for economy of material , the bottom wall 18 may be formed with a central trip 19 and cutouts as illustrated . the side wall 24 is provided with a projection 30 having a smooth camming surface 31 , said projection decreasing the dimension between the side walls 22 and 24 at that point and also serving as a fulcrum for rotation of a stored jewel box in a manner to be described . an arcuate ribbon spring 32 has one end 34 secured to the rear wall 20 by suitable means such as by frictional engagement in the retainer 36 . the spring 32 curves forwardly so that the free end 38 thereof is positioned over central strip 19 when the spring is in the inoperative and relaxed condition ( see fig1 ). operation of the storage unit 15 for retaining and releasing a cd may now be appreciated with reference to fig3 and 4 . when a jewel box 28 is inserted through the open front of the tray 17 through pressure applied in a central location on the cd edge , the ribbon spring 32 is stressed or lengthened away from its inoperative condition wherein the spring end 38 is centrally positioned to the condition shown in fig3 wherein the end 38 has been moved off center . release of inserting finger pressure now results automatically in securement of the jewel box with its front corner engaging the fragmentary front wall 26 and its side edge 28a abutting the tray side wall 22 . in this condition , the projection 30 abuts the jewel box side edge 28b , but there is otherwise a gap or space between said side edge and the tray side wall 24 . to retrieve the jewel box 28 , inward pressure is applied as indicated by the dotted line showing in fig3 . application of this pressure stresses further the spring 32 and causes the jewel box edge 28b to rotate about two pivot points , the tip 38 of the spring and the projection 30 , each of which acts as a fulcrum of rotation . release of the finger pressure permits the spring 32 to eject the box 28 which is possible because the front corner of the box has been rotated free of the fragmentary front wall 26 ( see fig4 ). it is important to note that , except for the spring 32 , the entire insertion and retrieval operation is accomplished with no moving parts that are subject to wear or breakage because the jewel box itself functions as the lever of rotation . it should also be noted that the invention will function for storage and release of objects with only one fulcrum of rotation . thus , elimination of the projection 30 would nonetheless permit rotation about the spring tip 38 with application of finger pressure at suitable positions to either side of the tray center line . referring again to fig1 , and 4 , it will be seen that the storage unit 15 comprises outer side walls 42 and 44 spaced , respectively , from the associated tray side walls 22 and 24 . the space between said pairs of side walls is partitioned by divider walls 46 to provide front and rear slots 48 , 48 , and a medial slot 50 . pairs of legs 52 , 52 , depend from bottom wall 18 , said legs being sized and positioned front and rear so that the same are adapted to be frictionally received by the slots 48 , 48 , of a storage unit 15 positioned therebeneath . the storage unit 15 thus may be stacked vertically to assemble a storage rack 10 of any desired height and cd volume as illustrated in fig1 . the legs 52 can be made larger if it is desired to accommodate a double cd unit . for effecting lateral connection of pairs of storage units 15 , the invention comprises clip members 54 . the clip member 54 is channel - or u - shaped in section and sized to fit within the medial slot 50 and frictionally engage the respective outer side walls 42 and 44 of a pair of adjacent storage units 15 . in this respect , the height of the legs 52 is slightly greater than the depth of the slots , thereby creating a gap between vertically stacked storage units sufficient to accommodate clip members 54 . storage rack 10 thus may be expanded horizontally as well as vertically to any desired size and capacity . the storage unit 15 may be integrally molded from a suitable lightweight and durable plastic , such as polystyrene . the cost of manufacture can be kept very low since the only assembly operation required is the anchoring of the spring 32 . the individual storage units 15 afford convenient portability for any desired number of cds while enabling assembly of a storage rack of unlimited capacity . the units also permit incremental storage growth relative to the growth of the user &# 39 ; s cd collection rather than requiring the purchase of fixed volume structure with unneeded large capacity . it should be appreciated that a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein for illustrative purposes only and is not otherwise limiting of the structure concepts of the invention . for example , while the invention has been described in connection with cd jewel boxes , it applies equally to other similar rigid rectangular objects such as audio cassettes , video cassettes , and the like . accordingly , changes and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .

US-78592691-A

described herein are the systems and methods of treating diseases related to fungal infection with light therapy . in one embodiment , an apparatus that utilizes one or multiple light emitting diodes to treat the fungus is applied externally to the infection area . light therapy may applied periodically at scheduled times with continuous or pulsed radiation .

the invention disclosed herein relates to the system and method of a non - invasive treatment approach by using light radiation to treat fungal infected tissues . these treatments are suitable for treating fungal diseases occurred on the surface of the body , in skin folds and nails . it uses light radiation at certain wavelength to cause the death or retarded growth of fungal pathogens residing in human tissue . reactive oxygen species ( ros ) can be generated under light - tissue / fungi interaction . light at certain wavelength has high efficiency in stimulating generation of ros in fungal infected areas . higher power ( as compared to traditional low light therapy which has power ranged in mw ) of light radiation and prolonged exposure time on tissue creates a fatal concentration of ros which is toxic to the pathogen , resulting the retardation or death of the fungi [ 12 ] . under the same circumstance of radiation , health human tissue around the infected area is not significantly affected by the light . depends on the scattering and absorption in the tissue , light can penetrate the human skin or nails and reach the infection tissue in the range of mm to cm . this makes it possible to effectively treat fungi infection underneath the skin or nail plate as compared to the use of topical drugs . light radiation only affects local tissue within the radiation zone and has no toxicity to the whole body , which is superior to the current oral treatment agents , such as lamisil . dermatophytes ( including the genera trichophyton , epidermophyton and microsporum ) are by far the most common pathogens of onychomycosis , with trichophyton rubrum ( t . rubrum ) causing 80 % of the infections [ 11 ] . candida albicans ( c . albicans ) are another common pathogen in fungal disease . ex vivo studies on liquid suspension of these fungi have demonstrated the effectiveness of blue and red light radiation in causing retarded growth or death of the fungi . fig1 demonstrates the effective killing rate of the blue light radiation on t . rubrum . the killing rates on t . rubrum are plotted against the exposure time . the blue led light has center wavelength at 470 nm and power density at 2 . 4 w / cm 2 . samples of the liquid t . rubrum culture were aliquoted into selected wells of 96 - well tissue culture plates for radiation with predefined dosage . the exposure time varies from 15 to 60 minutes . after radiation , liquid culture samples were diluted and spread onto separated plates and incubated at 37 ° c . for 72 hours . samples from the same liquid culture without light exposed were diluted and incubated at the same condition as positive control . after incubation , colonies were counted manually . the killing rate was calculated based on the decrease of colony - forming unit ( cfu ) counts after irradiation divided by the cfu counts of control ( no irradiation under same condition ). the killing rate on t . rubrum is above 95 % in all tested samples with radiation time ranging from 15 to 60 minutes . although not as efficient as blue light , red light ( center wavelength at approximately 630 nm ) also demonstrate a certain level of effectiveness in killing t . rubrum . on the other side , red light is more effective in killing c . albicans . fig2 shows the killing rate of red light on c . albicans . the preparation and experiment procedure are similar to the t . rubrum test described above . herein , we disclose a non - invasive approach that delivers light energy at the specific wavelength to cause the retardation or death of fungi which infect the human body . fungal infected area will be radiated with light at certain wavelength ( s ) depends on the type of pathogens , such as visible light at a range of 400 to 500 nm or at a range of 600 to 700 nm , with sufficient light exposure time and power density , such as exposure time of 1 to 200 minutes and power density of 0 . 1 to 10 w / cm 2 . if necessary , adaptations to limit photon or thermal related damage to non - target tissues can be used . equipment such as temperature sensors , thermal imaging systems and light control systems that monitor the treatment , e . g ., position of the light , level of cooling , contact of cooling device with treatment surface , duration and dosage of light energy at the treatment site , temperature of the target site on the surface or within deep tissues can be incorporated . contact or non - contact cooling systems for surgical application are similarly known in the art , and are useful in combination with the approaches described herein . these all provide methods for controlling the radiation of light in both the fungal - infected tissues and the non - target tissues . another means of modulating light radiation in treatment area is to use periodic pulsing of the light . one embodiment of the apparatus which deliver the light therapy could consist of three modules described below : a . one or multiple light sources such as blue or red led ( s ) or laser ( s ) to generate light at specific wavelength ( s ) b . a delivery system that can position and secure treatment sites such as toes or fingers or skin under light radiation during the treatment c . if necessary , a cooling system to maintain skin , nail or other human body temperature to avoid tissue burn or other heat related side effects ( such as pain , etc ) d . any other necessary components to ensure the effectiveness and safety of light therapy , such as temperature sensing and feedback system , body motion sensing and feedback system , etc . a . a control panel to manage the treatment mode , time and power , surface cooling and other necessary component to control the electronic parts b . a display panel for displaying necessary information during the treatment such as time , power density , temperature and others . c . if necessary , a control program responding to feedback system of such as temperature , body motion or other sensing technique implanted in the treatment module . 3 . the power supply module which provides powers for the light source , cooling fans , and other electronic parts . one or multiple blue or red leds may be adapted in this design . various methodologies could be applied to maintain the surface temperature , such as an “ air cooling ” device which blows room temperature or cold air onto the treatment area , or a “ contact cooling ” system which has a cooled heat exchanger in contact with the surface . fig3 illustrates one embodiment of treatment module , where the light source is physically secured onto the target area . the treatment system includes a light source and an associated delivery assembly , a tissue mounting assembly , a controller , a cooling assembly and optionally , a temperature device . in the illustrated embodiment of fig3 , the light source includes an array of led emitters with an associated delivery assembly , in the form of beam - forming optical couplers . in other embodiments , a different form and number of light sources can be used . the illustrated optional temperature device is in the form of a temperature sensor , which generates a signal representative of the patient &# 39 ; s tissue temperature based on the thermal footprint of the treatment area . other forms of generating a temperature signal can be used in other embodiments , including a processor which generates estimates of the temperature of the treatment tissue and adjacent tissue , based on a thermal model of the patient and the energy applied to and extracted from the treatment tissue , directly or indirectly . the optional cooling assembly is in the form of a cooler blowing room - temperature or cold air through channels for thermal convection to sufficiently cool a portion of the patient &# 39 ; s treatment region . in various embodiments , the contact heat exchanger may be adapted to extract heat across the patient &# 39 ; s tissue by a liquid heat transfer agent passing through a contact plate , by a thermoelectric heat transfer device or another known form of controlled surface contact cooling device . the light source and associated delivery assembly , the temperature device ( and its generated temperature signal ) and the cooling assembly , are all coupled to the control module . those elements operate under the control of control module to control the application of the light via beams to ( and optionally extraction of excessive heat across surfaces from ) the treatment area of the patient whereby the temperature of the tissue is below approximately 40 ° c . throughout the whole treatment period . the device above can be used in conjunction with current treatments modalities , such as topical , mechanical and oral treatments . 1 . roberts d t . prevalence of dematophyte onychomycosis in the united kingdom : results of an omnibus survey . br j dermatol 1992 : 126 : 23 . 2 . gupta a k , jain h c , lynde c w , macdonald p , cooper e a , summerbell r c . prevalence and epidemiology of onychomycosis in patients visiting physicians &# 39 ; offices : a multicenter canadian survey of 15 , 000 patients . j am acad dermatol 2000 : 43 : 244 - 248 . 3 . gupta a k , jain h c , lynde c w . prevalence and epidemiology of unsuspected onychomycosis in patients visiting dermatologists &# 39 ; offices in ontario , canada — a multicenter survey of 2001 patients . int j dermatol 1997 : 36 : 783 - 787 . 4 . alteras i , saryt e . prevalence of pathogenic fungi in the toe - webs and toe - nails of diabetic patients . mycopathologia 1979 : 67 ( 3 ): 157 - 159 . 5 . schein j r , gause d , stier d m , et al . onychomycosis : baseline results of an observational study . j am podiatr med assoc 1997 : 87 : 512 - 519 . 6 . drake l a , scher r k , smith e b , et al . effect of onychomycosis on quality of life . j am acad dermatol 1998 : 38 , 5 ( 1 ): 702 - 704 . 7 . finch j j , warshaw e m . toenail onychomycosis : current and future treatment options . dermatol ther 2007 ; 20 : 31 - 46 . 8 . katz h i . drug interactions of the newer oral antifungal agents . br j dermatol 1999 ; 141 ( suppl 56 ): 26 - 32 . 9 . mcinnes b d , dockery g l . surgical treatment of mycotic toenails . j am podiatr med assoc 1997 ; 87 : 557 - 64 . 10 . grover c , bansal s , nanda s , et al . combination of surgical avulsion and topical therapy for single nail onychomycosis : a randomized controlled trial . br j dermatol 2007 ; 157 : 364 - 8 . 11 . ghannoum m a , hajjeh r a , scher r , et al . a large - scale north american study of fungal isolates from nails : the frequency of onychomycosis , fungal distribution , and antifungal susceptibility patterns . j am acad dermatol 2000 ; 43 : 641 - 8 . 12 . huang y y , chen a c , carroll j d , hamblin m r . biphasic dose response in low level light therapy . dose response . 2009 september 1 ; 7 ( 4 ): 358 - 83 .

US-201213476006-A

a device for controlling the tension of a flexible connector , such as a wire , cable , or strap , applicable , in particular , as a tightening device for an alpine ski boot . a projection piece on the base has a central longitudinal groove along which the flexible connector extends to its point of attachment on the tension lever . an elastic retainer holds the tension lever on the base in open position , but in the event of shock to the tension lever , the second end of the lever disengages from a stop and moves to the outside of the projection piece .

fig1 shows the front part of the shell base 1 of an alpine ski boot , on which are mounted two devices 2 for control of the tension of a respective flexible connector 3 , such as a wire or cable . in this particular application , each of the mechanisms 2 is designed to control , by means of the flexible connector 3 associated with it , the movement of an internal tightening device which makes it possible to secure the skier &# 39 ; s foot inside the boot . each of the tightening mechanisms 2 comprises a base 4 , preferably made of a molded plastic material , which is inserted , and secured inside an opening 5 of suitable provided in the wall of the shell base 1 . the base 4 has mounted on it a movable tension lever 6 , of the &# 34 ; free &# 34 ; type , i . e ., which is not permanently connected to the base by any jointing mechanism whatever , such as a pin , and which can be maneuvered by acting on a first movable longitudinal end 6a thereof . the base 4 comprises a base plate 7 , which extends across the opening 5 of the shell , base 1 and which has , preferably , a slightly upward convexity . a projection piece 8 formed at its left end is inserted through the opening 5 and extends laterally a little beyond this opening , so that its edge 8a covers somewhat the edge of the opening 5 . this projection piece forms , in conjunction with the base plate 7 , a single piece which is substantially rectangular and symmetrical in relation to the vertical and longitudinal plane xx &# 39 ; of the base 4 , which extends transversely in relation to the shell base 1 . in this projection piece 8 , in the plane of symmetry xx &# 39 ;, there is a central longitudinal groove 9 whose bottom connects with the upper surface of the base plate 7 . this longitudinal groove 9 , which opens into the left edge and the upper side of the projection piece 7 , diverges downwardly . the flexible connector 3 runs longitudinally along the bottom of the groove and has a diameter more or less equal to the width of the bottom of the groove . accordingly , the two walls of the groove 9 , which converge slightly outward , form elastic means for the upward position - retention of the flexible connector , because when the flexible connector 3 passes across the narrow upper inlet of the groove 9 , the relatively rigid flexible connector 3 either elastically pushes the edges of the groove inlet transversely or is elastically crushed to some degree by the relatively stiff rigid edges of the inlet of the groove 9 . thus , the flexible connector 3 cannot freely come out of the groove 9 , because of the narrowness of the upper inlet of this latter . this flexible connector 3 , which originates inside the shell base 1 , penetrates into one end of the groove 9 and exits at the other end , so as to enter longitudinally into tension lever 6 to which it is connected at a point of attachment 6b intermediate between its ends . the projection piece 8 has , on the side turned toward the tension lever , i . e ., opposite the side on which the flexible connector 3 penetrates into the projection piece 8 , a stop 11 having a concave cylindrical surface by means of which it attaches to the upper surface of the base plate 7 and in the middle of which the groove 9 opens out . this surface is formed by a portion of a cylinder generated by rotation and having an axis a which is transverse in relation to the tension lever 6 , i . e ., perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry xx &# 39 ; of the base 4 , and its directrix is an arc of a circle of approximately 180 °. the second longitudinal end of the tension lever 6 is supported on the stop 11 incorporating a cylindrical surface . in fact , the lever 6 ends , opposite the stop 11 , in two parallel , spaced longitudinal arms 12 , 13 . the two terminal arms 12 , 13 together delimit a slot 14 through which , as it leaves the groove 9 , the flexible connector 3 passes before penetrating axially into the tension lever 6 to which it is hooked at point 6b . the ends 15 , 16 of the terminal arms 12 , 13 have cylindrical surfaces generated by rotation which have a shared transverse axis b and the same radius of curvature as the cylindrical - surface stop 11 . when the tension lever 6 is resting on the cylindrical - surface stop 11 , axis a of the stop and axis b of the cylindrical ends 15 , 16 of the lever 6 coincide , as shown in fig2 . in the closed or tightened position , the tension lever 6 lies flat on the base plate 7 of the base 4 , as shown in fig2 and is held in that position under the effect of the tension of the flexible connector 3 , which runs beneath the pivot axis a , b of the tension lever 6 on the base 4 . in fact , the tension to which the flexible connector 3 is subjected generates a moment of forces which draws the tension lever 6 toward the base 4 . if the skier wishes to relax the tension of the flexible connector 3 , i . e . to loosen his foot , he raises the tension lever 6 by causing it to pivot counter - clockwise around the common axis a , b , so to draw it into the raised , or open , position as illustrated in fig9 . in this raised position of the tension lever 6 , the flexible connector 3 , which is still engaged and held in the bottom of the groove 9 , becomes loosened because the connector then runs more or less through the common pivot axis a , b , and its path to the point of attachment 6b on the lever 6 is shorter . the residual tension of the flexible connector 3 , which has a lesser value , is nevertheless sufficient to hold the ends 15 , 16 of the lever 6 engaged in the stop 11 . fig1 shows the tension lever 6 disengaged above the stop 11 of the base 4 , the tension lever then being released and being retained only by the flexible connector 3 . this may result from a shock to the tension lever 6 in the open position illustrated in fig9 a shock severe enough to eject the cylindrical ends 15 , 16 of the tension lever 6 from the cylindrical stop 11 and to force the flexible connector to leave the groove 9 while remaining , however , gripped in its narrow upper inlet . this ejection of the tension lever 6 in the event of shock makes it possible to avoid damage or entire detachment of the lever 6 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 to 19 , the projection piece 8 is extended toward the right and above the base plate 7 by means of two thin vertical longitudinal wings 17 , 18 originating in the central part of the stop 11 incorporating a concave cylindrical surface and extending over a portion of the length of the base plate 7 , to which they are attached . these two relatively elastic wings 17 , 18 delimit a central narrow groove 19 which forms an extension of the groove 9 in the projection piece 8 . in this instance , the grooves 9 and 19 have a constant width which is substantially equal to the diameter of the flexible connector 3 , so that the flexible connector can be freely engaged in or disengaged from these grooves . the wings 17 and 18 extend between the two terminal longitudinal arms 12 , 13 of the tension lever 6 , which is connected to these wings 17 and 18 by latching or elastic locking devices formed on the pairs of adjacent sides of the arms 12 , 13 of the tension lever 6 and of the wings 17 and 18 . these latching devices comprise at least one boss on one of the surfaces of each pair of adjacent surfaces and a locking recess which houses this boss on the other adjacent surface , the recesses and bosses being transversely aligned . for example , in one embodiment , the wings 17 , 18 have respective , relatively thin central areas 17a , 18a , whose outer sides are bordered by upper marginal flanges 17b , 18b and marginal frontal , substantially flanges 17c , 18c , all of these flanges projecting outward from the external surfaces of the two wings 17 , 18 . the thin central areas 17a , 18a , which form locking recesses in relation to the marginal flanges 17b , 18b , 17c , 18c , work in conjunction with bosses on the internal surfaces of the two terminal longitudinal arms 12 , 13 of the tension lever 6 . these arms 12 , 13 also have a pair of first bosses 21 22 , which face each other and are transversely aligned more or less along axis b of the cylindrical ends 15 , 16 of the tension lever 6 , i . e ., along its pivot axis . the two arms 12 , 13 also support , on their internal surfaces , a pair of transversely aligned second bosses 23 , 24 , which are positioned farther away from the respective cylindrical ends 15 , 16 of the arms 12 , 13 than are the first bosses 21 , 22 . the second bosses 23 , 24 preferably are less thick than the first bosses 21 , 22 . in the closed position of the tension lever , i . e ., the flexible connector - tightening 3 position , as shown in fig1 , the four bosses 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 are engaged in the locking recesses 17a , 18a of the respective wings 17 , 18 . the cylindrical ends 15 , 16 of the arms 12 , 13 of the tension lever 6 are pressed against the cylindrical stop 11 , under the effect of the tension generated by the flexible connector 3 , and the tension lever is held flattened on the base 4 . in this position , the transverse axis b of the first bosses 21 , 22 becomes substantially coincides with axis a of the cylindrical stop 11 . if the skier raises the tension lever 6 in order to move it to the open position , as represented in fig1 , the lever initially pivots upward around the common axis a , b and , at a certain point during the resulting upward motion , the second bosses 23 , 24 encounter the upper flanges 17b , 18b of the wings 17 , 18 . because of the elasticity of these wings ( and / or of lateral arms 12 , 13 , the bosses 23 , 24 , which have a relatively slight thickness , then push the two wings together sufficiently to enable them to disengage from the locking recesses 17a , 18a as they travel over the flanges 17b , 18b , as shown in fig1 . the flexible connector 3 then takes on slack and the entire device is loosened . nevertheless , the tension lever 6 remains connected to the base 4 , because its first bosses 21 , 22 are still held in the locking recesses 17a , 18a in which they are engaged . however , the lever 6 exhibits a certain degree of potential mobility made possible by the movement of the first bosses 21 , 22 in the locking recesses 17a , 17b . in the event of shock to the lever 6 , the latter can easily separate from the base 4 , as shown in fig1 . this separation is possible because the first bosses 21 , 22 can , in turn , disengage from the locking recesses 17a , 18a by clearing the upper flanges 17b , 18b , because of the elasticity of the wings 17 , 18 ( and / or of the lateral arms 12 , 13 ). from this point on , the lever 6 is held only by the flexible connector 3 . the re - engagement of the tension lever 6 in the locking recesses 17a , 18a of the wings 17 , 18 is easily effected , as a result of the elasticity of the material which makes up these wings ( and / or the lateral arms 12 , 13 ). the arrangement of the bosses , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 and of the locking recesses 17a , 18a could also be reversed , the bosses 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 then projecting outward from the external surfaces of the longitudinal wings 17 , 18 and the locking recesses being formed in the internal surfaces of the longitudinal arms 12 , 13 of the tension lever 6 . it should be noted that , because the first bosses 21 , 22 are thicker than the second bosses 23 , 24 , the stress required to separate the lever 6 from the base 4 is greater than that required for shifting from the closed to the open position , and vice versa . fig2 to 23 illustrate an embodiment of the device described above with reference to fig1 to 19 . in this embodiment , the two terminal longitudinal arms 12 , 13 of the tension lever 6 bear only , on their internal surfaces , the pair of first bosses 21 , 22 aligned transversely along axis b . these bosses 21 , 22 are engaged in the recesses 25 , 26 , respectively , whose dimensions correspond to those of the bosses , so that the latter are secured in the recesses 25 , 26 , while forming the common hinge pin a , b for the tension lever 6 . when shock is applied to the lever 6 , the bosses 21 , 22 can disengage from the recesses 25 , 26 because of the elasticity of the terminal arms 12 , 13 of the lever 6 and / or of that of the wings 17 , 18 , thereby allowing the ends 15 , 16 of the arms 12 , 13 to disengage from the stop 11 and to travel above the projection piece 8 , as shown in fig2 . in a conventional manner , the tension lever 6 may be provided with means for adjusting the tension of the flexible connector 3 as desired , these means comprising , for example , a knurled knob engaged on a screw which is itself connected to the flexible connector 3 , or several notches spaced longitudinally beneath the tension lever 6 , for the connection of a loop formed by the flexible connector 3 . furthermore , the stop 11 may have a shape other than the curved shape described . in particular , it could form a throat having a v - shaped transverse section , thus constituting a rotation bearing for the curved - surface end piece of the tension lever 6 .

US-72548491-A

an apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure . the pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip . a pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips . a pushing frame provides arms that are slidable into base tubes of a base frame and the cylinders are connected between the arms and the base tubes to slide the pushing frame with respect to the base frame . further cylinders are employed to pivot the base frame , the pushing frame and the pushing plate between deployed and non - deployed positions .

while this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms , there are shown in the drawings , and will be described herein in detail , specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated . fig1 illustrates a few strips 20 of sod that have been laid in a longitudinal direction l of the sod strips onto a bed 26 of sand or the like . a most recently laid strip 20 a is shown being pushed in the lateral direction p by a vehicle 30 , such as a “ skid steer ” loader or the like in order to tighten up the packing of the adjacent strips , i . e ., to close or minimize the seam or gap 31 . the vehicle 30 is driven by wheels and tires 36 that achieve forward traction force in the direction p by the interaction between the tires 36 and the bed 26 . this interaction can cause ruts or other irregularities in the bed which must be smoothed before a subsequent strip 20 b ( shown dashed ) is placed on the bed 26 . a future strip to be laid is shown dashed as 20 c . in order for the vehicle 30 to be positioned against the strip 20 c to push in the lateral direction p , in practical terms , the vehicle must turned , driven and reoriented . this also can cause ruts or other irregularities in the bed which must be smoothed before a subsequent strip 20 b ( shown dashed ) is placed on the bed 26 . fig2 - 4 illustrate an apparatus 50 that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior method . the apparatus 50 includes an attachment or enhancement sod positioning apparatus 60 that is mounted on a vehicle 66 . the vehicle 66 can be a sod placement vehicle such as described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 213 , 218 , herein incorporated by reference . the vehicle 66 comprises a chassis frame 68 that is supported on six traction wheels and tires 70 , at least one of which is driven by an engine and drivetrain ( not shown ). the vehicle can also provide a source ( not shown ) of controllable hydraulic or pneumatic pressurized working fluid to operate the apparatus 60 , such as a compressor or pump and associated controls . the frame 68 includes a bay 74 in which a spindle 75 is mounted on a fork frame 76 that is used to hold and unroll sod rolls during placement of the sod strips onto the bed 26 . the fork frame 76 is controlled to pivot up or down depending on the degree of depletion of sod on a sod roll . to this end a hydraulic cylinder 67 a is connected between a stationary post 67 b on the chassis frame 68 and a cross beam 76 a of the frame 76 . the frame is pivotal about an axis defined by two aligned pivot connections 76 c ( only one visible in fig4 ). thus retraction of the cylinder 67 a will draw the cross member 76 a back and pivot the frame 76 up at the end supporting the spindle 75 , by pivoting the frame about the pivot connections 76 c . expansion of the cylinder will lower the spindle end of the frame 76 . sod installation machine frame can be expanded to accommodate sod rolls of different widths , such as 30 inches , 42 inches , 48 inches and 52 inches . the vehicle can be driven by a plurality of hydraulic motors , such as one per each wheel , or other known traction drive . the vehicle can include a hydraulic oil system that drives the traction motors , controls steering , and raises and lowers the fork frame and spindle that holds a sod roll , all controlled at an operators station 77 . also mounted on the chassis frame 68 is a hydraulic oil pump 79 and a fuel tank 81 ( fig4 ). the apparatus 60 comprises two posts 78 , 80 that are fixedly mounted to the frame 68 at a rear and front respectively of the near side of the vehicle , such as by fasteners or welding . a substantially u - shaped base frame 90 comprises rear and front base tubes 94 , 96 respectively . the base tubes 94 , 96 can have a square cross section and are hollow . a longitudinal brace tube 100 connects the rear and front tubes 78 , 80 . the rear and front base tubes 94 , 96 have open ends 94 a , 96 a , respectively . the front tube 96 is connected at a low position to the post 80 by a pin connection 106 to a pair of lugs 80 a to allow pivoting of the tube 96 with respect to the post 80 . the rear tube 94 is connected at a low position to the post 78 by a pin connection ( not visible in fig2 ) to allow pivoting of the tube 94 with respect to the post 78 , in an identical fashion as the front tube 96 is pivotally connected to the front post 80 . the frame 90 is supported from the posts 78 , 80 by a pair of actuators , such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders , a rear cylinder 110 and a front cylinder 112 . the rear cylinder is pivotally connected to an upper position on the post 78 by a pin connection 110 a to a lug 78 a . the cylinder 110 is also connected to a lug 94 b on the tube 94 by a pin connection 110 b . the front cylinder is pivotally connected to an upper position on the post 80 by a pin connection 112 a to a lug 80 b . the cylinder 112 is also connected to a lug 96 b on the tube 96 by a pin connection 112 b . by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure control of the working fluid into select ports of the cylinders 110 , 112 , the cylinders can be made to work in unison to contract or elongate which will either pivot the frame 90 up or pivot the frame 90 down with respect to the posts 78 , 80 . in the case of using hydraulic cylinders , the flow of pressurized fluid to the cylinders is maintained uniform through pressure regulating valves , enhancing performance . a pushing frame 150 is carried by the base frame 90 . the pushing frame 150 comprises rear and front arm tubes 156 , 158 . the arm tubes 156 , 158 are shaped and sized to slidably and telescopically fit into the open ends 94 a , 96 a of the base tubes 94 , 96 and to slide into the base tubes 94 , 96 , respectively . a front of each of the arm tubes 156 , 158 is connected to a pusher plate 170 via lugs 172 , 174 by pin connections 156 a and 158 a . the plate 170 has a bottom wall 178 and an upturned front wall 180 . a rear hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 202 is mounted between the arm tube 156 and the base tube 94 . a front hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 206 is mounted between the arm tube 158 and the base tube 96 . since the rear hydraulic tube is less visible in fig2 , the mounting of the front cylinder 206 will be described with the understanding that the rear cylinder 202 is mounted in identical fashion to the arm tube 156 and the base tube 94 , as the front cylinder 206 is mounted to the arm tube 158 and the base tube 96 . one end of the cylinder 206 is connected by a pin connection 206 a to the arm tube 158 via a lug 158 b extending on a bottom side of the arm 158 and an opposite end of the cylinder 206 is connected by a pin connection 206 b to the base tube 96 via a lug 96 b extending on a bottom side of the base tube 96 . by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure control of the working fluid into select ports of the cylinders 202 , 206 , the cylinders can be made to work in unison to contract or elongate , which will either slide the tube arms 156 , 158 in a direction out of the base tubes 94 , 96 or retract the tube arms 156 , 158 into the base tubes 94 , 96 . in the case of using hydraulic cylinders , the flow of pressurized fluid to the cylinders is maintained uniform through pressure regulating valves , enhancing performance . sliding the tube arms 156 , 158 in a direction out of the base tubes 94 , 96 pushed the frame 150 away from the vehicle to force the plate 170 to laterally push a sod strip in the direction p by forcing the upturned front wall 180 against a vertical lateral side of the sod strip 20 . retracting the cylinders 202 , 206 will retract the frame away from sod strip and ready the frame for pushing against a subsequent strip . thus , the movement of the pushing plate is in the lateral direction p that is perpendicular to a straight ahead driving direction v of the vehicle , i . e ., the direction wherein the wheels are n of turned but directed straight ahead . this allows the vehicle 66 to only travel in the straight ahead driving direction v parallel to the longitudinal direction l to move from strip to strip and still undertake lateral positioning adjustment of the sod strips to tighten up seams between adjacent strips in the direction p . a reorientation of the vehicle on the bed 26 to align a vehicle straight ahead driving direction in the direction p is avoided . fig4 also shows a stop assembly 216 comprising a threaded tube or threaded ferrule 217 welded to the bottom wall 178 and a bolt 218 adjustably threaded into the ferrule 217 . the head 218 a of the bolt 218 abuts the underside of the arm 158 if during positioning of the sod strip by hydraulic pressure from the cylinders 110 , 112 , 202 , 206 the plate 170 tips up in the back . the adjustable degree of permissible tipping is selected by the vertical position of the head 218 a that is selected by the degree of vertical threaded engagement of the bolt 218 into the ferrule 217 . an identical stop assembly 216 can be arranged in similar fashion between the bottom wall 178 and the arm 156 . a plurality of “ suitcase weights ” or removable weights 220 are shown in fig3 and 4 installed onto the spindle 75 . the weights 220 provide for an increased bracing force or reaction force via the tires of the vehicle during use of the cylinders 202 , 206 to push against a sod strip to shift the sod strip laterally or compress the sod strip laterally . alternative to using weights , a heavy sod roll can be carried on the spindle . although hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders 110 , 112 , 202 , 206 are mentioned , it is within the scope of the invention that other actuators can be used , such as electrically driven actuators . by retracting the cylinders 110 , 112 , 202 , 206 , the apparatus 60 can be folded up and the vehicle used for another purpose . the upturned front wall 180 of the pusher plate 170 can be pushed against the sod edge for positioning . as applicable , a selectable removable strip or plate can be provided that is fastened or otherwise secured to the bottom wall 178 or to the upturned front wall 180 to accommodate pushing sod of varying thickness , such as 1 inches to 5 inches , that best matches the thickness of the sod being installed . the removable strip or plate can attach to the plate 170 and run the length of the plate 170 . in some circumstances , the plate 170 works best when the bottom wall 178 lays flat against the bare ground for ease of operation and visibility for the operator , causing little or no disruption the existing grade or ground . different plates 170 can be attached to the arms 156 , 158 to accommodate different situations . for example , a 4 inch thick sod requires a wider upturned front wall 180 , or an attached strip , as well as a wider bottom wall 178 , wider in the direction p , providing a larger flat area to use the ground as leverage while pushing . other plates can also be used . also , the plate 170 pivots at pin connections 156 a and 158 a which is effective for ground pressure control and allowing for angle positioning of the plate 170 , depending on the terrain . also a side edge upturned wall 181 is sloped or curved up , like a ski or sled to accommodate pushing or sliding along the ground when the machine moves in the direction v , with minimal disruption to the ground and reduces the need to lift the apparatus 60 for repositioning . also , the apparatus 60 can be folded up more completely by detaching the connections 110 b and 112 b and folding the frames 90 , 150 up to the posts 78 , 80 and securing thereto . the connections 106 , 156 a , 158 a and similar pivotal connections or joints can comprise a through pin 280 and two engageable hairpin - shaped retainer wires 282 which insert into end pin holes through the through pin , for quick disconnect of the connection , as shown for connection 106 in fig4 . also , for example , as shown in fig5 , an alternate plate 300 that can replace the plate 170 shown in fig2 can have spaced apart spikes 320 over its bottom surface , which extend downwardly in perpendicular fashion from a bottom wall 322 . the spikes 320 can be 1 . 5 inch long spikes . the spikes 320 are useful for pushing sod in a repair area in the middle of a sod area , where there is no exposed vertical edge of the sod strip to push with a plate . thus the gripping of the spikes 320 into a top of the sod strip gives the apparatus 60 a grip on the sod strip to exert a pushing force in the direction p with respect to the apparatus 60 . from the foregoing , it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . it is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred . all references , including publications , patent applications , and patents , cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein , to the extent that the references are not inconsistent with the present disclosure .

US-201213358143-A

segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end - connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments .

while this invention may be embodied in many different forms , there are described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention . this description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated . for the sake of consistency , the terms ‘ peak ’ and ‘ trough ’ shall be defined with respect to the proximal and distal ends of the stent . each of the stents has a proximal end 91 and a distal end 93 and a longitudinal axis 95 , as seen in fig1 a . peaks 36 are generally concave relative to the proximal end of the stent and generally convex relative to the distal end of the stent . troughs 40 , on the other hand , are generally convex relative to the proximal end of the stent and generally concave relative to the distal end of the stent . notwithstanding this definition , the term peak is also intended to extend to regions 48 that are generally peak - like which may , nevertheless , contain trough - like regions within the peak - like region as seen in fig1 b . similarly the term trough is also intended to extend to regions 52 that are generally trough - like which may , nevertheless , contain peak - like regions within the trough - like region as seen in fig1 b . corresponding to each peak 36 is an inner diameter peak 38 where the inner diameter of the band - like element reaches its peak . the set of points on a given band - like element which are distal to inner diameter peak 38 is denoted peak region 48 . similarly , corresponding to each trough 40 is an inner diameter trough 42 where the inner diameter of the band - like element reaches its trough . the set of points on a given band - like element which are proximal to inner diameter trough 42 is denoted trough region 52 . for the sake of clarity , unless otherwise indicated , analogous portions of stents will be similarly labeled , using three digit reference numerals to distinguish among the various embodiments shown . also included within this definition of peak regions and trough regions are peak regions which are comprised of multiple peaks as well as trough regions which are comprised of multiple troughs such as those shown schematically in fig1 b . peak 36 is seen to consist of two sub - peaks 36 a , b and trough 40 is similarly seen to consist of two sub - troughs 40 a , b . in the case of peaks containing sub - peak and troughs containing sub - troughs , the peak region 48 includes all of the points along the band - like element between the sub - peaks that make up the peak and similarly , the trough region 52 includes all of the points along the band - like element between the sub - troughs that make up the trough . the inventive stents may incorporate one or more bands of a chosen wavelength . in some embodiments , the inventive stents include one or more small amplitude , short wavelength bands to provide for flexibility and one or more large amplitude , long wavelength bands to give side branch access or to provide for sections of alternative strengths such as soft and / or stiff sections . turning to the figures , fig2 shows a flat view of a stent configuration and fig3 shows the stent of fig2 in tubular form . that is , the stent is shown for clarity in fig2 in the flat and may be made from a flat pattern 110 ( fig2 ) which is formed into a tubular shape by rolling the pattern so as to bring edges 112 and 114 together ( fig2 ). the edges may then joined as by welding or the like to provide a cylindrical configuration such as that shown generally at 115 in fig3 . a more preferred method of manufacture begins with a thin walled tube which is then laser cut to provide the desired configuration . it may also be chemically etched or edm &# 39 ; d ( electrical discharge machined ) to form an appropriate configuration . the configuration can be seen in these figures to be made up of one or more spaced first band - like elements 120 . first band - like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves to the first band - like elements . the waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks 124 and troughs 128 taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in first band - like elements 120 open as the stent is expanded from an unexpanded state having a first diameter to an expanded state having a second diameter . the stent further comprises a plurality of spaced second band - like elements 132 having a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves to the second band - like elements . the waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks 136 and troughs 140 taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the second band - like elements open as the stent is expanded from an unexpanded state having a first diameter to an expanded state having a second diameter . first and second band - like elements are characterized by respective wavelengths and amplitudes with the wavelength and amplitude of the second band - like elements exceeding the wavelength and amplitude of the first band - like elements . adjacent first band - like elements 120 and second band - like elements 132 are interconnected via a plurality of interconnecting elements 144 . the ends of interconnecting element are circumferentially offset from each other . in an embodiment , as shown in fig2 and 3 , first band - like elements 120 and second band - like elements 132 alternate over the length of the stent . optionally , as shown in fig2 and 3 , each end 152 of the stent may terminate in a first band - like element . the invention also , however , contemplates each end terminating in a second band - like element , or further , one end terminating in a first band - like element and the other end terminating in a second band - like element . while a minimum of one connecting element is required to join adjacent band - like elements , two or more interconnecting elements are preferred . in one embodiment , as shown in fig2 and 3 , adjacent first and second band - like elements 120 and 132 are connected with three interconnecting elements 144 . further , in one embodiment , adjacent interconnecting elements 144 extending from peaks 136 on a first band - like element 120 are spaced five peaks apart on the first band - like element while adjacent interconnecting elements 144 extending from troughs 140 on a second band - like element 132 are spaced three troughs apart on the second band - like element . it is a further feature of the present invention that peaks 124 on first band - like elements 120 are circumferentially displaced on the periphery of the stent from troughs 140 on adjacent second band - like elements 132 . it is desirable that peaks and troughs be displaced in the expanded state of the stent to minimize the possibility of pinching or overlap between adjacent band - like elements . although the stent of fig2 is comprised of two different wavelength band - like elements , the invention contemplates stents with a plurality of different wavelength band - like elements . as such , other stents may have three , four or more different wavelength band - like elements . in another embodiment , the inventive stent is comprised of band - like elements of a single wavelength , interconnected by interconnecting elements . turning to fig4 a and 4 b , band - like elements 220 a , b are interconnected by interconnecting elements 244 a , b . adjacent band - like elements 220 a , b are 180 ° out of phase with one another . in the compressed state , the band - like elements consist of a plurality of peaks 236 a , b and troughs 240 a , b . peak region 248 a , b and trough region 252 a , b have been shaded in one instance for illustrative purposes . in the embodiment shown in fig4 a , each interconnecting element 244 a extends between a peak region 248 a and a trough region 252 a . rectilinear interconnecting elements 244 a consist of a first shank 280 a , a second shank 284 a and a link 288 a disposed in - between the first and second shanks 280 a and 284 a . first shank 280 a extends in a longitudinal direction from peak region 248 a and is substantially perpendicular to link 288 a . second shank 284 a extends in a longitudinal direction from trough region 252 a and is perpendicular to link 288 a . in the embodiment shown in fig4 b , the stent differs from the embodiment of fig4 a in that interconnecting element 244 b extending between a peak region 248 b and a trough region 252 b is curvilinear rather than rectilinear . in both fig4 a and 4 b , the interconnecting elements are seen to emanate from the middle of the peak and trough regions . in another embodiment , as shown in fig5 a , the inventive stent is comprised of band - like elements 320 a of a single wavelength , interconnected by interconnecting elements 344 a . adjacent band - like elements 320 a are 180 ° out of phase with one another . the band - like elements consist of a plurality of peaks 336 a and troughs 340 a . interconnecting elements 344 a extend between a peak region 348 a and a trough region 352 a . the peak regions 348 a and trough regions 352 a from which interconnecting elements 344 a emanate on a given band - like element 320 a are seen to extend longitudinally beyond adjacent peak regions 348 a ′ and trough regions 352 a ′ from which no interconnecting elements extend . the extension is such that at least a portion of peak regions 348 a overlap longitudinally along the stent with at least a portion of trough region 352 a on an adjacent band - like element 320 a ′. of course , the overlap is limited to the longitudinal direction and not to the circumferential direction . in another embodiment , as shown in fig5 b , interconnecting elements 344 b extend between peak region 348 b and a second closest trough region 352 b on an adjacent band - like element . interconnecting elements 344 b are seen to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis . as in the stent of fig5 a , peak regions 348 b from which interconnecting elements 344 b extend and trough regions 352 b from which interconnecting elements 344 b extend may extend beyond adjacent peak regions 348 b ′ and trough regions 352 b ′ from which no interconnecting elements 344 b emanates . in another embodiment , as shown in fig6 adjacent band - like elements 420 are in phase with each other . as in previous figures , band - like elements 420 are of a single wavelength , interconnected by interconnecting elements 444 . the band - like elements consist of a plurality of peaks 436 and troughs 440 . interconnecting elements 444 extend at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent between a peak region 448 and a trough region 452 . as such , ends of interconnecting elements 444 are circumferentially offset relative to each other . the exact angle will , of course , depend on the region from which the interconnecting elements extend , as well as on whether interconnecting elements interconnect nearest peaks and troughs , next nearest peaks and troughs or peaks and troughs that are further separated . in fig5 a , 5 b and 6 , the interconnecting elements are seen to emanate from the sides of the peak and trough regions . although for the embodiments of fig1 - 6 , the interconnecting elements extend from peak regions on band - like elements to trough regions on adjacent band - like elements , the invention further contemplates interconnecting elements extending from a position between a peak region and an adjacent trough region on a band - like element to a position intermediate a trough region and a peak region on an adjacent second band - like element as in fig7 . in the embodiment of fig7 interconnecting elements are seen to extend from a region between the peak region and the trough region on a band - like element . the stent is formed of adjacent band - like elements 520 which are 180 ° degrees out of phase with one another . interconnecting elements 544 extend from a region intermediate a peak region 548 and a trough region 552 on a band - like element to a region intermediate a peak region 548 and a trough region 552 on an adjacent band - like element . interconnecting elements 544 consist of a first shank 560 , a second shank 564 , and an intermediate member 568 disposed in - between first and second shanks 560 and 564 . first shank 560 and second shank 564 are substantially perpendicular to intermediate member 568 which extends in the longitudinal direction . although not depicted , the region from which interconnecting elements 544 emanate may be midway between peaks and troughs . the embodiment of fig7 also differs from the embodiments of fig2 - 6 in the orientation of the interconnecting elements . whereas the interconnecting elements in fig2 - 6 are all similarly oriented , in the embodiment of fig7 the orientation of interconnecting elements alternates between adjacent pairs of adjacent band - like elements . specifically , second shanks 564 ′ of interconnecting elements 544 ′ are seen to be displaced in a clockwise circumferential direction along the stent relative to first shanks 560 ′, and seconds shank 564 ″ of interconnecting elements 544 ″ are seen to be displaced in a counterclockwise circumferential direction along the stent relative to while first shank 560 ″. this feature is also seen in the embodiment of fig8 in which adjacent in - phase band - like elements 620 are interconnected by interconnecting elements 644 . interconnecting elements 644 extend at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent between a peak region 648 and a trough region 652 . as in fig7 the orientation of interconnecting elements alternates between adjacent pairs of adjacent band - like elements . specifically , the distal ends of interconnecting elements 644 ′ are seen to be oriented in a counterclockwise circumferential direction along the stent relative to the proximal end of the interconnecting elements while the distal ends of interconnecting elements 644 ″ are seen to be displaced in a clockwise circumferential direction along the stent relative to the proximal ends . although in the embodiments of fig2 - 8 , adjacent bands are connected by five interconnecting elements , additional or fewer interconnecting elements may be used . further , while interconnecting elements are shown spaced three peaks apart and three troughs apart , other separations are contemplated as well . in the embodiment of fig9 each band - like element 720 is seen to comprise peaks 736 of more than one amplitude and troughs 740 of more than one amplitude . large amplitude peaks 736 a and small amplitude peaks 736 b alternate as do large amplitude troughs 740 a and small amplitude troughs 740 b . as in the previous embodiments , the interconnecting elements are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis 795 of the stent . more generally , the invention is directed at stents comprising band - like elements whose amplitude varies along the band - like element . in another embodiment of the invention , as shown in fig1 , each band - like element 820 is seen to comprise peaks 836 of more than one amplitude and troughs 840 of more than one amplitude , however , peaks of the same amplitude are grouped together within a band - like element as are troughs of the same amplitude . it is further noted that in the embodiment of fig1 , the location of a group of peaks of given amplitude in a band - like element varies circumferentially along the length of the stent . interconnecting elements 844 connect peaks 836 and troughs 840 in adjacent band - like elements 820 . where several peaks of different amplitudes are present in a band - like element , the invention further contemplates the possibility of interconnecting elements extending from the large peaks 836 a to large troughs 840 a as in fig9 as well as the possibility of interconnecting elements extending from large peaks to small troughs or from small peaks 836 b to large troughs 840 a as in fig1 . further , the interconnecting elements between any two adjacent band - like elements may be of different lengths from one another as seen in fig1 and commence at different longitudinal positions within a band - like element and terminate at different longitudinal positions within a band - like element . interconnecting element 844 a is seen to be longer than interconnecting element 844 b . as in the previous embodiments , the interconnecting elements are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis 895 of the stent . in the embodiment of fig1 , interconnecting element 844 a is seen to be oriented at a smaller oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent than interconnecting element 844 b . as is apparent from fig1 , the invention is also directed to stents comprised of band - like elements whose wavelength varies along a given band - like element . region 898 and region 899 of band - like element are characterized by different wavelengths . it is also noted that in the embodiment of fig1 , all of the troughs 840 a , b in a given band - like element 820 are aligned longitudinally along the stent and differ only in their circumferential position along the stent . it is further noted in the embodiment of fig1 , the stent comprises a first group of interconnecting elements 844 a and a second group of interconnecting elements 844 b . the interconnecting elements of the first group are all parallel to one another and disposed at a different oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis than the members of the second group which are all parallel to one another . as such , the invention contemplates stents having several different groups of obliquely disposed interconnecting elements where the oblique angle differs from group to group . in another embodiment of the invention , as shown in fig1 , each band - like element 920 is seen to comprise peaks 936 a , b of different amplitudes and troughs 940 of different amplitudes , however , peaks of the same amplitude are grouped together within a band - like element as are troughs of the same amplitude . it is further noted that in the embodiment of fig1 the location of groups of peaks of given amplitude in a band - like element varies circumferentially along the length of the stent . interconnecting elements 944 connect large amplitude peaks 936 a and small amplitude troughs 940 b in adjacent band - like elements 920 . similarly , interconnecting elements 944 also connect small amplitude peaks 936 b and large amplitude troughs 940 a . the invention also contemplates stents similar to that shown in fig1 in which interconnecting elements extend from large peaks 936 a to large troughs 940 a , as in fig9 . similarly , interconnecting elements may extend from small peaks 936 b to small troughs 940 b . further , the interconnecting elements between any two adjacent band - like elements may be of different lengths from one another and disposed at different oblique angles . as is apparent from fig1 , the invention is also directed to stents comprised of band - like elements whose wavelength varies along a given band - like element . region 998 and region 999 of band - like element 920 are characterized by different wavelengths . it is also noted that in the embodiment of fig1 the large amplitude portions 999 of band - like element 920 are symmetrically disposed about the center 1001 of the band - like element as are the small amplitude portions 998 . the center 1001 of the band - like element is defined as a ring that runs along a path that is midway between the large peaks 936 a and large troughs 940 a of the band - like element . this feature may also be seen in the embodiment of fig9 . the invention is also directed to a tubular , flexible , expandable stent having a longitudinal axis , comprising one or more cylindrical shaped first segments . cylindrical shaped first segments 20 as seen in fig1 have first struts 23 having first 25 and second 27 ends . first segments 20 are defined by a member formed in an undulating pattern of interconnected paired first struts 23 , in which adjacent pairs of first struts 29 ′ and 29 ″ in a given first segment 20 are interconnected at opposite ends 31 ′ and 31 ″, respectively . adjacent segments are interconnected . the stent may be seen more clearly in fig2 - 8 . as shown , the stent of fig3 in addition to comprising first segments 120 which are defined by an undulating pattern of interconnected paired first struts 123 in which adjacent pairs of first struts 129 ′ and 129 ″ in a given first segment 120 are interconnected at opposite ends 131 ′ and 131 ″, respectively , the stent further comprises one or more cylindrical shaped second segments 132 , each second segment being defined by a member formed in an undulating pattern of interconnected paired second struts 135 and in which adjacent pairs of second struts 137 ′ and 137 ″ in a given second segment 132 are interconnected at opposite ends 139 ′ and 139 ″, respectively . first struts 123 are shorter than second struts 135 . first segments 120 are formed of a number of first struts 123 and second segments 132 formed of a number of second struts 135 , the number of first struts in a first segment exceeding the number of second struts in a second segment . first and second segments 120 and 132 are aligned on a common longitudinal axis 195 to define a generally tubular stent body , shown generally at 115 . first and second segments 120 and 132 alternate along the stent body . adjacent first and second segments 120 and 132 are connected by a plurality of interconnecting elements 144 . each interconnecting element 144 extends from an end 131 ″ of paired first struts on a first segment 120 to an end 139 ″ of paired second struts on an adjacent second segment 132 . the ends of interconnecting elements 144 are circumferentially offset relative to each other . desirably , upon expansion of stent 115 , paired struts 129 ″ and 137 ″ of adjacent segments 120 and 132 are displaced relative to each other about the periphery of the stent body to accommodate longitudinal flexing of the stent within the segments and without interference between adjacent segments . in the embodiments as shown in fig4 a , b , cylindrical shaped segments 220 a , b are formed of interconnected struts 223 a , b having first 225 and second 227 ends . adjacent pairs of struts 229 a , b ′ and 229 a , b ″ in a given segment 220 a , b are interconnected at opposite ends 231 a , b ′ and 231 a , b ″, respectively . adjacent segments are connected by a plurality of interconnecting elements 244 a , b . each interconnecting element 244 a , b extends from an end of paired struts 231 a , b ″ on a segment to an end of paired struts 231 a , b ′ on an adjacent segment . first end 245 a , b and second end 247 a , b of interconnecting elements 244 a , b are seen to be circumferentially displaced along the stent . similar structure , denoted by similar reference numerals may be found in the stents of fig5 a , b , and 6 - 8 . in particular , in the embodiment as shown in fig8 cylindrical shaped segments 620 are formed of interconnected struts 623 , having first 625 and second 627 ends . segments 620 are defined by a member formed in an undulating pattern of interconnected paired struts 623 in which adjacent pairs of struts 629 ′ and 629 ″ in a given segment 620 are interconnected at opposite ends 631 ′ and 631 ″, respectively . segments 620 are aligned on a common longitudinal axis 695 to define a generally tubular stent body . adjacent segments are connected by a plurality of interconnecting elements 644 ( and 644 ′) having first 645 ( 645 ′) and second 647 ( 647 ′) ends , each interconnecting element 644 ( 644 ′) extending from an end of paired struts 631 ″ on a segment to an end of paired struts 631 ′ on an adjacent segment . first end 645 ( 645 ′) and second end 647 ( 647 ″) are seen to be circumferentially displaced along the stent . additional embodiment of the stents are shown in fig1 - 15 . fig1 and fig1 show a fragmentary flat view of an unexpanded stent configuration and the actual tubular stent ( unexpanded ), respectively . that is , the stent is shown for clarity in fig1 in the flat and may be made from a flat pattern 1110 ( fig1 ) which is formed into a tubular shape by rolling the pattern so as to bring edges 1112 and 1114 together ( fig1 ). the edges may then joined as by welding or the like to provide a configuration such as that shown in fig1 . the configuration can be seen in these figures to be made up of a plurality of adjacent segments generally indicated at 1116 , each of which is formed in an undulating flexible pattern of substantially parallel struts 1118 . pairs of struts are interconnected at alternating end portions 1119 a and 1119 b . as is seen in fig1 , the interconnecting end portions 1119 b of one segment are positioned opposite interconnecting end portions 1119 a of adjacent segments . the end portions as shown are generally elliptical but may be rounded or square or pointed or the like . any configuration of end portions is acceptable so long as it provides an undulating pattern , as shown . when the flat form 1110 is formed into an unexpanded tube as shown in fig1 , the segments are cylindrical but the end portions 1119 of adjacent segments remain in an opposed position relative to each other . a more preferred method of manufacture begins with a thin walled tube which is then laser cut to provide the desired configuration . it may also be chemically etched or edm &# 39 ; d ( electrical discharge machined ) to form an appropriate configuration . interconnecting elements 1120 extend from one end portion 1119 of one segment 1116 to another end portion 1119 of another adjacent segment 1116 but not to an oppositely positioned end portion 1119 of an adjacent segment 1116 . there are at least three struts included between the points on each side of a segment 1116 at which an interconnecting element 1120 contacts an end portion 1119 . this results in the interconnecting elements 1120 extending in an angular direction between segments around the periphery of the tubular stent . interconnecting elements 1120 are preferably of the same length but may vary from one segment to the other . also , the diagonal direction may reverse from one segment to another extending upwardly in one case and downwardly in another , although all connecting elements between any pair of segments are substantially parallel . fig1 , for example shows them extending downwardly , right to left . upwardly would extend up left to right in this configuration . as a result of this angular extension of the interconnecting elements 1120 between adjacent segments and loops , upon expansion of the stent as seen in fig1 , the closest adjacent end portions 1119 between segments 1116 are displaced from each other and are no longer opposite each other so as to minimize the possibility of binding or overlapping between segments , i . e ., pinching . the number of interconnecting elements 1120 may vary depending on circumstances in any particular instance . three per segment are satisfactory for the configuration shown and at least three will be used typically . the alternate design shown in fig1 includes longer struts 1118 a in the two end segments 1116 a than in the intermediate segments 1116 . this allows the end segments ( 1116 a ) to have less compression resistance than the intermediate segments ( 1116 ), providing a more gradual transition from the native vessel to the support structure of the stent . otherwise , the configuration is the same as that shown in fig1 . as indicated in the figures , the invention contemplates a variation of interconnecting element shapes ranging from rectilinear to curvilinear . the invention further contemplates embodiments in which all interconnecting elements are similarly oriented as well as embodiments in which adjacent sets of interconnecting elements extending between adjacent pairs of segments are oppositely oriented ( e . g ., fig7 and 8 ). the invention also contemplates the use of interconnecting elements which extend from a range of positions along the segments , ranging from various positions in the area in which paired struts are interconnected to other positions along the struts . the invention also contemplates the possibility of interconnecting elements extending at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent and connecting adjacent peaks and troughs on adjacent segments as well as peaks and troughs on adjacent segments which are separated by one or more peaks and / or troughs . the invention also contemplates reversing the orientation of interconnecting elements as shown in fig7 and 8 . finally , there are preferably at least three interconnecting elements joining adjacent first and second segments although fewer or additional interconnecting elements are also contemplated . it is understood that the peaks and troughs of the present invention need not be rounded , as shown in the figures . the peaks and troughs may be bulbous , triangular , square , pointed , or otherwise formed of interconnected straight sections . as already indicated , this invention is applicable to self - expanding configurations , mechanically expandable configurations and to a wide variety of materials , including both metal and plastic and any other material capable of functioning as an expandable stent . for example , the stent may be of metal wire or ribbon such as tantalum , stainless steel or the like . it may be thin - walled . it may be of shape memory alloy such as nitinol or the like , etc . the interconnecting elements may be formed integrally with the band - like elements ( or segments ) or may be bonded thereto via such methods as adhesive bonding , welding or any other known method of bonding . the above examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive . these examples and this description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art . all these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the attached claims . those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto .

US-87859601-A

a method is provided for closing an end of a tubular food casing in such a way that the end so closed is made suitable for use as a hanger for the casing . in one embodiment , an end of a food casing is formed into a rigid loop suitable for hanging the casing . in a second embodiment , a die cut hole is made in a uniquely formed end of a casing , enabling the casing to be suspended by a hook inserted through the hole .

at the outset , it is to be understood that the drawings are to be read together with the specification , and are to be considered a portion of the entire &# 34 ; written description &# 34 ; of this invention , as required by 35 u . s . c . 112 . also , identical reference numerals on different figures refer to identical elements of the invention . described herein are several preferred embodiments of the invention which illustrate the best mode of practicing the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing an application for this patent . however , the claims are not intended to be limited in scope to the specific embodiments described herein , but are instead directed to the broader concept of forming part of a tubular food casing into a hanger . in this regard it is to be recognized that the precise method depicted in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claims . for example , although four longitudinal folds are shown , more or less folds are also contemplated . while less folds ( e . g ., three ) would require less time to make , this would also adversely effect the tubular shape of the filled casing . conversely , more folds would result in a truer tubular shape , but would require more time to make . also , although heat sealing and adhesive are described as preferred methods of sealing and forming the casing ends , it may not be necessary in all cases to use both methods to seal the casing ( i . e ., heat sealing alone or adhesive alone may be sufficient ). also , although one embodiment of the invention described herein includes a die cut hole in one end of the casing which does not sever the casing material along the longitudinal centerline , the hole may be made in any manner and take any form and may indeed severe the material along the longitudinal centerline . fig1 illustrates first embodiment 10 of the invention . casing 11 is generally cylindrical or tubular in shape after filling with food product ( see , e . g ., food product 26 shown in fig8 ). fig1 shows the end result of the method of the invention , wherein end 12 of casing 11 has been formed into rigid loop 13 . loop 13 may be secured about a hook or other fastening device to hang the food - filled casing . the first step in the method is to form one end of the tubular casing into a flattened portion . fig2 illustrates one way of doing this , wherein end 12 is formed into four longitudinal folds 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 , respectively . each fold comprises two layers of casing 11 . for example , fold 18 comprises layers 15 and 16 . the folds extend radially outward from imaginary longitudinal centerline 14 of casing 11 . fig3 is a cross - sectional view of the casing taken along plane 3 -- 3 of fig2 . obviously , merely folding the casing may be insufficient to seal the food product inside and prevent its escape through the seams of the folds . for this reason , it is preferable to heat seal the folds such that the individual layers of the folds melt into an integral piece . fig4 is a view similar to that of fig3 after heat sealing , which shows that seams 18 &# 39 ;, 19 &# 39 ;, 20 &# 39 ;, and 21 &# 39 ; have been eliminated . although heat sealing is preferred , it is also possible to seal the folds with adhesive . although not recommended , the end of the casing may be rolled into a loop without heat sealing or adhesive . adverting now to fig5 casing 11 is shown after folds 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 have been flattened in preparation for rolling . fig6 is a cross - sectional view of the casing taken along plane 6 -- 6 in fig5 . although not necessary , it is preferable to either heat seal or bind by adhesive the individual folds 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 to form an integral flattened portion 22 as shown in fig7 . the end result of the method is shown in side view in fig8 . as stated previously , it is possible to implement the method of the invention with various number of folds . for example , fig9 illustrates a view of a casing similar to fig3 except having three folds 23 , 24 and 25 . it should be noted also that , although it is preferred that the folds extend radially outward from the longitudinal centerline of the casing , this is not absolutely necessary to the invention . for example , any method of sealing the casing is intended to be within the scope of this invention , so long as the closure utilizes excess casing ( i . e ., casing not used to encase food product ) and the excess casing itself is formed into a hanger . fig1 and 12 illustrate second embodiment 30 of the invention . the major difference between the first and second embodiments is that , in the second embodiment , end 12 of casing 11 is die cut instead of formed into a rigid loop to form means for hanging the casing . similarly to the first embodiment , the first step in forming the second embodiment is to form one end of the tubular casing into a flattened portion . again , fig2 illustrates one way of doing this , wherein end 12 is formed into four longitudinal folds 18 , 19 , 20 , and 21 , respectively . each fold comprises two layers of casing as described previously . it may be desirable to apply a thin layer of adhesive between the layers prior to heat sealing . this applies to both embodiments . fig1 illustrates thin adhesive layer 29 between casing layers 15 and 16 of fold 18 . similar adhesive layers would be applied to all other fold layers . also similarly to the first embodiment , the individual folds are heat sealed to prevent food product from escaping . once the individual folds are heat sealed , a hole 31 is die cut into casing end 12 . die cut hole 31 is preferably made so as to leave casing material intact at the intersection of folds 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 ( coincident with longitudinal centerline 14 ). the intact material is indicated at 14 &# 39 ; in fig1 , and functions to strengthen the integral hanger means and ensure its integrity . although it is possible to die cut a hole completely through end 12 , severing the material along the longitudinal centerline of the casing , this would result in a weaker hanging means . once die cut hole 31 has been made , folds 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 are separated as shown in fig1 , and the casing is ready for hanging . while preferred embodiments of the method and article of manufacture of the invention have been described herein , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form , and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention , as defined in the appended claims .

US-51904690-A

a radiant heating unit for treating patients suffering from hypothermia is adapted to be used with a standard stretcher so that the patient may be moved into and removed from the device without moving the patient from one support surface to another . the unit includes an enclosure for defining a chamber into which the patient may be inserted . a guard is placed between the patient and the heated surfaces of the enclosure to protect the patient against direct contact with the heated surface of the enclosure .

the thermal recovery heating unit of the subject invention is a radiant heat device used for thermal recovery of patients who are hypothermic . the lowered body core temperature may be due to environmental exposure or medically induced for various surgical procedures . the thermal recovery heating unit is non - invasive and is adapted for ready use by recovery nurses or other technical personnel . the unit is advantageous in that it permits the initiation of therapy immediately , without lengthy patient preparation , and permits monitoring of the patient &# 39 ; s blood pressure , ecg rhythm and other vital signs during use . the radiant heating design of the system minimize the potential of thermal injury to the skin and avoid peripheral vasodilatation by keeping the skin temperature modest . various other procedures may be performed on the patient during treatment such as , by way of example , hemodialysis and the like . as shown in fig1 the heating unit 10 is adapted to be used with a standard hospital stretcher 12 . the front end panel 14 of the heating unit 10 includes a key hole opening 16 adapted to receive the stretcher 12 without interference . in the preferred embodiment , a standard stretcher model number 919 , manufactured by stryker medical products , is used , with the base cover 18 being modified to clear the key hole opening in the end panel 14 of the unit . the patient pad 20 is the standard pad supplied with the stretcher . the guide rails 22 , 24 are covered with a heat resistant coating to maintain the guide rails at a relatively cool temperature to minimize the risk of thermal injury to the patient during treatment . the stretcher bed 26 is supplied on an elevator system 27 . specifically , the bed is pivotally supported on a center post ( not shown ) enclosed in the bellows 28 . a manually operable elevator is secured to the bed 26 and the base 18 and is enclosed in the bellows 30 . the elevator actuator 32 may be used to tilt the bed 26 to place the patient in an inclined position , as is desirable for certain types of treatment . the preferred embodiment of the unit 10 is designed to accommodate the stretcher 12 in its horizontal position . as is common , the stretcher 12 includes a plurality of rollers or wheels 34 . the thermal recovery heating unit 10 includes identical end panels 14 at its front and back . each end panel 14 includes the key hole opening 16 which is adapted to receive the stretcher 12 in a nested relationship , as best shown in fig2 . the enlarged circular portion 36 of the opening 16 easily accommodates the patient with ample clearance on all sides . the narrow slotted portion 38 of the opening 16 is adapted to accommodate the elevator assembly 27 and the upper portion 19 of the cover 18 of the stretcher . the enlarged rectangular slotted portion 40 of the opening 16 accommodates the lower base and the wheels of the stretcher . in the preferred embodiment , the outer shell of the heating unit includes a pair of rectangular side panels 42 and an upper wrap around top panel 44 . the side panels 42 and top panel 44 have spaced apart parallel edges 46 and 48 , respectively , for accommodating a handle and / or control panel inset 50 . the control panel 52 is mounted in the panel 50 , as shown in fig1 . panel 50 also accommodates a bar handle 54 which is mounted to the insert panel 50 in typical fashion . a similar handle is mounted in the insert panel 50 on the opposite side of the unit for facilitating in movement of the unit . as best shown in fig2 and 4 , the end walls 14 and panels 42 , 44 are secured to and carried by a structural frame 58 having uprights or partial standards 60 , an upper cross brace 62 and a lower cross brace 64 . reinforcing braces such as the angle brace 66 provide structural rigidity to the frame . a longitudinal brace 68 secures the front and back frame members 58 to one another adjacent either side of the slot 38 , as best illustrated in fig2 . the longitudinal brace 70 is provided adjacent each top cross brace 62 for securing the front and back top braces of the frames 58 to one another near the top panel 44 . in the preferred embodiment , the frame is of a unitary welded construction , but it will be readily understood by those who are skilled in the art that any suitable method of assembly may be used . a pair of bottom panels 72 are secured to each of the cross bases 64 and uprights 60 to provide a closure for the rectangular slotted portion 40 of the key hole opening 16 , as best seen in fig1 and 2 . the end panels 14 , side panels 42 , top panel 44 and insert panels 50 are secured to the frame 58 to skirt and enclose the entire heating unit . in the preferred embodiment , the end panels 14 are each made of a molded fiberglass construction . the top panel 44 , side panels 42 and bottom panels are of formed stainless steel or the like . the entire outer surface is covered with an enamel to enhance its aesthetics as well as to provide a relatively impenetrable , easy to clean surface . a slotted , cylindrical , stainless steel drum 74 is mounted on the frame as shown in fig2 and is typically bolted to the frame with one bolt ( not shown ) in each of the frame braces it touches . in the preferred embodiment , an insulating material such as , by way of example , the insulating washer carried by each bolt may be disposed between the frame braces and the drum 74 to isolate the drum from the frame and the remainder of the unit . in the preferred embodiment , the drum is made of type 304 stainless steel , with a sand blasted finish , to provide an efficient radiant heating transfer device for defining the radiant heating chamber 78 of the subject invention . as best seen in fig2 and 6 , an elongate rail 80 is secured to the drum 74 by securing the rail 80 to the drum using one or more fasteners as 84 or the like . a rail is mounted on the drum of either side of and above the slot 38 . each rail 80 includes a linear axially extending track portion 85 . a wire grid 88 is placed inside the heating chamber 78 and is held in place , spaced outwardly from the drum , by placing the longitudinally extending end edges 94 on tracks 88 . the wire grid 88 is coated with a heat resistive coating , such as a plastimeric pvc coating , and is spaced outwardly from the surface of the drum 74 to keep the patient from coming into contact with the hot surface of the drum during treatment . the wire grid held in position on the rails 86 by a plurality of pins 90 which are maintained in suitable openings or apertures 92 in support 82 which is suitable attached to the rail 80 , as shown in fig4 and 6 . the side edge 86 of the extended rail 80 projects into the chamber to limit side - to - side movement of the stretcher 12 as it is moved into and out of the unit . the outer or lower edges 94 of the grid 88 are above the slotted portion 38 of the unit opening but , as can be seen in fig2 and 6 , are all times below the pad 20 and the upper surface of bed 26 of the stretcher , assuring that the patient cannot come into contact with the drum 74 . with specific reference to fig3 and 4 , it will be noted that the exterior surface of the drum has in contact therewith a continuous heating coil 96 disposed in a plurality of parallel , spaced apart rows extending from one longitudinal edge of the slotted drum cylinder about the periphery of the drum to the other longitudinal edge of the drum . in the preferred embodiment , the heating coils are insulated 450 ° c . high temperature cable manufactured by harbour industries , and are mounted in direct contact with the drum . the heating coils may be secured directly to the drum by a plurality of means . however , tape such as , by way of example , extreme high temperature tape , manufactured by custom tapes , inc ., has been found to be suitable for this purpose . as is best shown in fig4 an insulation pad such as , by way of example , 1000 ° 11 / 2 &# 34 ; fiberglass insulation , manufactured by owens - corning , is placed over the heating coils and held securely against the drum by a series of straps 100 . the insulation pad protects the outer skirt of the unit from heat and increases the efficiency of the unit by directing the heat generated by the heating coils 96 into the drum 74 . the enlarged circular opening 36 of the key hole 16 includes a rim or lip 102 , as best shown in fig1 and 5 . the outer edge of the lip 102 includes an integral channel 104 having a track or continuous edge 106 which is parallel to the axis of the drum 74 . in the preferred embodiment , a velcro fastener strip 108 is secured to the track 106 . the mated velcro fastener strip 109 is secured to one edge of a thermal blanket 110 , whereby the thermal blanket may be fastened to the unit for closing the openings 36 around the patient during treatment to contain the heat within the confines of the heating chamber 78 . in the preferred embodiment , the fasteners are velcro brand hook and loop fasteners . the thermal blanket is an astrocon no . 8 foil - backed nylon sheet , manufactured by metalized products . as best shown in fig2 and 4 , a plurality of rollers or casters 112 may be mounted in the ends of the upright standards or braces 60 of the frames 58 to provide for portability of the unit . in the preferred embodiment , a locking bar 114 is secured to the front and back braces and is engageable with the wheels to selectively lock the unit against movement . the locking bar is operable by means of a turning knob 116 which extends through an end panel 14 of the unit . the unit can be locked in place against accidental movement simply by turning each of the knobs 116 in one direction and unlocked by turning the knobs in the opposite direction . a typical power and control circuit for the subject invention is shown in fig7 . the unit is designed to be used with standard 120 volt ac power as indicated by the power supply symbol 118 . in the preferred embodiment , the power cord is in a recoil reel assembly 120 , as shown in fig2 and 4 . the power cord extends through a suitable opening 122 provided in an end panel 14 of the unit and includes an integral plug 124 which may be plugged into a standard wall receptacle . the power lines 126 and 128 are mounted in suitable manner to the upright brace or standard 60 of the frame and extend to the control module 130 of the unit , as shown in fig2 . the control module 130 is mounted in an inset panel 50 and includes the thermostat 132 , the relay 134 , the bi - metal safety interrupt 136 , and the on / off switch 138 . in the preferred embodiment , one side of the power supply 118 is interrupted by the switch 138 and is attached via the line 140 to the thermostat 132 . the thermostat is in direct communication with a sensor 142 which is mounted in the top of the drum , near the top , center of the chamber , as shown in fig2 . the sensor senses the heat in the chamber and communicates a correlating signal to the thermostat via lines 144 and 146 . the thermostat is in direct communication with an electronic control relay 134 via lines 148 and 150 . when the heat level in the chamber is below that programmed into the thermostat , the relay is operative to close the circuit between the power supply 118 and the heating coils 96 to provide power thereto for providing a resistance heating of the coils to heat the drum 74 . the thermostat and relay operate in the well known manner to disengage the power supply from the heating coils when the sensor indicates that the temperature of the chamber has reached the programmed temperature of the thermostat . in the preferred embodiment , the sensor 112 is a 100 ohm platinum film sensor , manufactured by gordon company , and the thermostat is an ewpc / 800 electronic thermostat , manufactured by eliwell - u . s . a . a bi - metal safety interrupt such as , by way of example , the 250 ° f . bi - metal thermostat , manufactured by bimet corp ., is inserted in series between the heater 96 and the relay 134 to insure against accidental overheating of the drum 74 if the sensor and / or thermostat malfunctions for any reason . in typical operation , a thermal recovery patient will be placed on the stretcher 12 , as shown in fig1 . the stretcher will then be nested in the heating chamber of the unit , as shown in fig2 and 3 , with the upper body portion of the patient inside the chamber 80 . the blankets 110 are then draped over the patient to close the chamber 80 . power is turned on by closing switch 138 and the heating coils are operative to bring the chamber temperature to approximately 105 ° f . the patient is maintained in this environment until his core body temperature reaches the desired level . using the radiant heating techniques of the present invention , the patient &# 39 ; s body core temperature is elevated without undue stress to or localized heating of the skin . this treatment is particularly suited for patients suffering from environment induced hypothermia as well as for recovery from lowered body temperatures induced for certain medical procedures . while certain features and embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein , it will be readily understood that the invention includes all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the appended claims .

US-97667992-A

electric cooker has cover containing electric heating element and base pan interposed by an invertible grill . grill is formed with mating zones , preferably grooves , about either side to cooperate with a depending rib from the cover . opposite faces of the grill present respectively a circular dam for hamburgers or the like , and a rectangular dam for sandwiches . irrespective of which face is up and serving as a cooking surface , cooperation of rib and associated mating zone provide good heat transfer to grill from cover .

referring more specifically to the drawings , the fast cooker embodying the invention is generally designated 10 in fig1 . it comprises a base pan 12 and a heated cover for the pan 14 . both pan and cover are shown with aligned , laterally extending handles 12a and 14a , respectively . the pan is formed with a notch 12b above the juncture of the handle 12a and receptacle portion of the base pan . as shown in fig4 base pan 12 is formed with a forward projection 16 opposite the handle 12a . the projection is provided with an opening 18 presenting an inwardly - directed knuckle 20 . aligned with the projection 16 and formed on the cover 14 is the projection 22 which has mounted therein a depending finger 24 adapted to engage the knuckle 20 , as shown , to removably but hingedly connect the cover and base pan . thus , when unlocked , the cover may be hinged open so that the finger 24 may be completely removed from the base pan so that the base pan can be immersed in a washing solution . at the distal end of the handle 14a , there is provided a hinged bail lock 26 which may be snapped over a nib 28 at the distal end of the handle 12a to lock releaseably the cover and base pan in the closed position . as best shown in fig4 the cover 14 comprises a top wall 30 of plastic to the underside of which is secured a metal frame 32 . the undersurface of the metal frame 32 provides a flat cooking surface 34 which is surrounded by a depending rib 36 . disposed in a depression in the opposite side of the rib 36 is a calrod , an ensheathed heating element 38 , which provides heat for the frame 32 . as shown , bolts 39 or the like secure the frame to the plastic top wall 30 . as shown in fig6 the terminals 38a of the calrod extend upwardly and are connected to respective leads 40 and 40a which extend to the contact pins 42 accessible from without the cover and adapted to be engaged by the usual electric connecting cord . lead 40a is interrupted by a conventional thermostat 44 secured in heat exchange relation to the frame 32 and adapted to open the electric circuit of the cooker at excessive temperatures . the calrod is held in the depression formed in the rib 36 by being staked therein as at 36a . the lower cooking surface comprises an invertible metal grill generally designated 50 . the grill is integrally formed with a rim 52 extending upwardly and downwardly therefrom , and a cooking surface 54 for one type of food article is provided on one face of the grill while a second cooking surface 56 is provided on the oppositely - facing surface . for convenience , handle 58 is provided extending laterally from the grill , and is formed on both upper and lower surfaces with thumb guards 58a to protect the operator from the heat of the grill , the handle and guard being of insulating plastic . the handle 58 is formed with an aperture 58b adjacent its distal end . as shown , the one cooking surface 54 is surrounded and defined by a circular dam 60 so that it is adapted to cook circular hamburger patties or the like . the opposite cooking surface 56 is surrounded and defined by a square or rectangular dam 62 and suitable for cooking grilled sandwiches . it is to be noted that the grill is perforated as at 64 within the dams to permit cooking juices to drip into the base pan 12 . it is also ( fig2 ) to be noted that when the circular wall side is up , holes extend through the grill upward of the circular wall to drain juices which may spill over the top of that wall in the hamburger cooking process ( see also fig6 ). an essential feature of the invention is that the respective cooking surfaces are surrounded outwardly of the respective dams by mating zones to receive the rib ; preferably the zones are peripheral grooves 66 and 68 respectively , the grooves being identical in configuration adapted to cooperate with the rib 36 selectively in heat exchange relationship so that the heat from the calrod 38 is communicated through the rib 36 to the metal surface of the groove 66 or 68 associated with the cooking surface facing upward . this is true irrespective of whether it is the one surface 54 or the other surface 56 which is in cooking position . it is to be noted from the drawings ( fig3 and 5 ) that the outer surface 62a of the rectangular wall 62 is a smooth upward extension of the mating zone or groove 68 closely conforming to the shape of the inwardly facing upward portion 36a of the rectangular rib 36 . also ( fig2 , and 6 ) a plurality of spaced portions 60a of the outer surface of the circular wall 60 comprise smooth upward extensions of the mating zone or groove 66 closely conforming to the shape of the inwardly facing upper portion 36a of the rectangular rib 36 ( fig4 ). this shaping of the parts increases the area of the metal grill which is in engagement with , or closely proximate to , the heated rib . such arrangement enhances the heat transfer from the heated rib 36 to the grill 50 . it is to be noted that the interior of the sidewall of the base pan 12 is formed with a ledge 70 to serve as a grill support means and that both the cover handle 14a and the base pan handle 12a are formed with contacting nibs respectively , 72 and 74 . because the outer portion of the periphery of the grill in the area of the mating zones is substantially symmetrical , ledge 70 serves to hold the grill upward so that the upwardly facing mating zone 66 or 68 engages the rib 36 irrespective of which side of the grill is up . additionally , the ledge 70 as shown ( fig4 and 5 ) serves to hold the grill above the floor of the base pan 12 so that the floor does not heat excessively the surface which supports the unit . in assembly , as for operation , the cooking surface 54 or 56 is selected depending on the food to be cooked and the food , hamburger or sandwich , is placed on the appropriately shaped surface which surface is directed upwardly . the grill is then placed in the base pan 12 with the downward edge of the rim 52 resting on the ledge 70 and the handle 58 extending through the notch 12b of the base . the opening 58b of the handle is placed to receive the nib 74 . the cover 14 , already pre - heated , is hingedly associated with the knuckle 20 as described and brought closed so that the cooking surface 34 engages the top surface of the food . the handle 14a is brought down over the handle 58 and 12a so that the food stuff is compressed and firmly clamped between the cooking surface . the nibs 72 and 74 engage through the opening 58b . the bail 26 is then brought around and snapped over the nib 28 to lock the unit together . after a prescribed cooking time , the assembly process is reversed , the cover opened to expose the cooked food for appropriate disposition . with the structure as disclosed , it is possible to hold clampingly either a sandwich for grilling , or a hamburger for cooking , by selecting the properly - shaped surface 54 , 56 and having that surface directed upwardly to support the item . provision of grooves 66 and 68 on either side of the grill engages rib 36 over a wide surface area promotes adequate heat transfer from the calrod . at the same time , the unit maintains the compactness , convenience , and fast cooking characteristic of prior units . having thus described the invention , what is desired by way of patent protection is defined by the scope of the following claim language which , of course , includes equivalents .

US-67362976-A

a method for automatically setting a collimator of an x - ray imaging system during image acquisition includes receiving rapid scout images at an imaging station . the location of the body regions in one of said images is then automatically detected . the detected location of the body regions is used to generate settings for the collimator . the settings are used for automatically adjusting the collimator to substantially cover the non - body regions and substantially expose the body regions .

fig1 schematically depicts one possible embodiment of a computerized x - ray imaging system 10 which employs an apparatus 38 for providing automatic collimation according to the present invention . the x - ray imaging system 10 is used for diagnostic imaging studies of the peripherals ( e . g . legs , arms , neck , and head ). the x - ray system 10 comprises a computerized imaging device 12 which includes an x - ray source 14 and a collimator 16 . the x - ray source 14 produces an x - ray beam 18 which is collimated by the collimator 16 . the collimator 16 may be one of several types of collimators generally used in x - ray studies of the peripherals . for example , the collimator 16 may be a block , a multi - leaf or a finger collimator . the collimated x - ray beam 20 passes through the area of interest 24 of the body 22 and strikes an x - ray image intensifier 26 . in other embodiments of the x - ray imaging system , the collimator may be located immediately in front of the image intensifier . the image intensifier 26 processes the x - ray beam 20 so that it can be recorded by recording media 28 such as film or a crt . the imaging device 12 is horizontally movable in the direction of arrow 30 so that x - ray images can be taken of the peripherals at a plurality of imaging stations . leg studies may typically include 5 - 7 imaging stations . horizontal movement of the imaging device 12 is provided by a stepper motor 32 which is controlled by a stepper controller 34 . a contrast media injection device 36 is provided for injecting a contrast media into the patient 22 just prior to diagnostic imaging . since x - ray diagnostic imaging is well known and commonly used , the details of these components need not be set forth herein any greater detail . the automatic collimation apparatus 38 interfaces with the collimator 16 of the system 10 . the automatic collimation apparatus 38 performs a method in which an x - ray image of the peripherals is segmented into body parts and non - body parts . the method uses this information to provide the collimator 16 with appropriate collimator settings during image acquisition . the settings are used by the collimator 16 to adjust itself to cover as much of the non - body region and as little of the body region as possible , given the collimator &# 39 ; s hardware constraints . the task of locating the body in an x - ray fluoroscopy image is difficult for a number of reasons . first , segmentation should take place without knowing which part of the body is being looked at . second , since x - ray fluoroscopy studies use low radiation dosages , the images generally have low signal to noise ratios . third , soft tissue boundaries often have very poor contrast . due to the poor contrast makes , conventional edge detection algorithms fail to detect these boundaries . fourth , existing collimation and noise make local intensity characteristics at a pixel inadequate for determining if it belongs to the body . finally , segmentation and automatic collimation need to be done at image acquisition time . this places tight constraints on the complexity of image processing operators which can be used . the method performed by the automatic collimation apparatus 38 of the present invention successfully overcomes these difficulties . when the method is implemented as software , it operates robustly and efficiently on noisy , low contrast , possibly pre - collimated x - ray fluoroscopy images . in comparison with manual segmentation of body parts , the method has very high (& gt ; 95 %) sensitivity and specificity . in one illustrative example of the method efficiently implemented as software , the method runs in less than 500 milliseconds or better per station , on a common 200 mhz pentium pro pc running windows nt 4 . 0 . with the use of parallelism and hardware acceleration , the running time can be further improved . fig2 is a flow chart depicting the steps of the automatic collimation method of the present invention . the method segments the body regions in an x - ray image of the peripherals from the background ( existing collimation , direct exposure ). the information about where the body is in an image is used to provide settings for the collimator 16 of the x - ray imaging system 10 shown in fig1 . in step a of the block diagram of fig2 the x - ray source of the x - ray imaging system is adjusted to provide an appropriate low - dosage fluoroscopy , and the collimator is adjusted to predetermined default settings for collimation . this step is repeated at each station . in step b , one of the incoming images at each station is preprocessed by downsizing and smoothing the image . these preprocessing steps are well known in the art and popularly used , thus further elaboration is not required here . step c involves detecting soft - tissue boundaries using directional curvatures of intensity profiles . finding the soft - tissue boundaries accurately is critical because the subsequent steps of global feature extraction and classification rely on this information . prior art edge detection methods often fail to detect soft - tissue boundaries in x - ray images because the boundaries often have very low contrast and unusually defined intensity distributions . soft - tissue boundaries are detected in the present invention by determining negative curvature points along line profiles of intensity in multiple chosen scanning directions . these provide a reliable indicator of low - contrast boundaries , such as soft - tissue . even for very low contrast or hazy soft - tissue boundaries , well defined points of negative curvature exist on the line profiles of intensity . this is illustrated in fig3 a - 3c . fig3 a depicts a peripheral x - ray image with low - contrast soft tissue boundaries near the ankle . an intensity profile along a horizontal line passing through the region of interest in fig3 a has points of negative curvature corresponding to these soft - tissue boundaries as shown in fig3 b . from a histogram equalized image of the line profile curvatures , very low - contrast boundaries are clearly preserved in the negative curvature image of fig3 c . curvatures of line profiles of intensity are computed as follows with the following formulas : i ( i , j ) is defined as the normalized intensity at pixel ( i , j ), w defines a parameter related to the window width and is dependent on the input image size , and atan is the are tangent function . the above computation is for horizontal curvatures of line profiles of intensity , however , similar computations can be performed for vertical or other directional curvatures of line profiles of intensity . in the present invention , all positive curvature values are ignored and therefore , removed by zeroing out the positive curvature values . it has been found that soft tissue boundaries are better captured by considering only negative curvatures . the curvature values shown in fig3 c are a combination of negative horizontal and vertical curvatures . the combined curvature value at a pixel is the minimum of the horizontal and vertical curvatures . although the negative curvature image in fig3 c reliably indicates all soft - tissue boundaries , it still contains numerous spurious boundaries . curvature is a second - order statistic and is therefore , noisy . in order for negative curvatures to be useful , the spurious boundary pixels must be reliably removed while preserving all the important boundaries of the soft - tissues . accordingly , in step d of the block diagram of fig2 the noise in the negative curvature image is adaptively removed using magnitude and alignment information . magnitude information alone is not used because it may eliminate very faint soft - tissue boundaries which are desirable to locate . noise is adaptively removed from the negative curvature image by strengthening well aligned curvature pixels and then finding an adaptive threshold based on the cumulative histogram of curvature values in the image . fig4 a - 4c depict adaptive noise removal from negative curvature images . fig4 a depicts an intensity image ( x - ray image ) and fig4 b depicts a corresponding noisy line profile negative curvature image . fig4 c depicts the negative curvature image of fig4 b after adaptively removing the noise . the images of fig4 b and 4c are histogram equalized to show detail . step e of the method depicted in fig2 involves dividing the image into &# 34 ; regions &# 34 ;. this is accomplished by providing the boundaries of significant regions in the image with a one - pixel representation of the cleaned up negative curvatures . the one - pixel representation is obtained by finding the local extrema in horizontal and vertical directions , combining them and performing simple noise removal using conventional connected components analysis techniques . the region information is for subsequently extracting global feature values which in turn , are used for classification as explained further on in greater detail . fig5 b shows the region boundaries for the image shown in fig5 a . in step f of the block diagram of fig2 appropriate features such as range of intensity values , size , etc ., are computed along horizontal and vertical lines within each region created in step e . the method of the invention preferably uses three features for segmentation . these features are homogeneity , representative intensity , and station number . homogeneity is the minimum amount of intensity variation along chosen directions , per pixel , inside a region . representative intensity is the median intensity in a region . station number is number of the current station with respect to the full - leg study . station numbers start at 0 at the pelvic region . due to running time constraints , it is necessary that these features be simple . additional features such as , the size of a region , the location of a region with respect to the station and with respect to the full - leg study , the variance of intensities in the region , etc ., have been tried . however , supervised decision tree methods used for classification in the present invention , advantageously indicate which features are the most useful for discrimination . these and traditional feature selection methods have shown that no improvement in the classification results are obtained by adding more features to the above set of three . step g of the method involves inter - region and intra - region propagation of the features . the features are first computed along scan lines in chosen directions in the image and then efficiently propagated over entire regions . well known adaptive smoothing techniques are used herein for feature value propagation . fig6 a - 6c show the homogeneity and representative intensity feature values for a typical image after propagation . in step h of the block diagram of fig2 each pixel in the image is classified as a body part or a non - body part , based on its feature values , using a decision tree . this involves constructing a set of rules which enable body and non - body regions to be determined on the basis of the feature values . the rules are constructed using supervised learning and are therefore , referred to herein as automatically learned classifiers . automatically learned classifiers advantageously improve automatically over time , as new data comes in . binary decision trees are used as the specific classifiers in the present invention . binary decision trees are easy to understand and analyze and make classification very fast because if / else statements are used . manually found and hard - coded rules typically used in prior art classification , are not used in the present invention because they may not generalize well , and the rules may need to be reconstructed when new data arrives . a predetermined number of data points ( pixels in the image ) are randomly selected as a training set . the training set is then used in a conventional decision tree method or algorithm to automatically construct the binary decision tree . the preferred decision tree method used is a conventional classification and regression tree ( cart ) method . this method is described by breiman et al ., classification and regression trees , chapman & amp ; hall publishers , 1984 ( software available from salford systems , inc .). since the cart method is well known , it need not be set forth in any great detail herein . however , some of the more important points of this method will now be described . the cart method takes as input a collection of labeled training instances , each instance having some attributes and a class label and produces a hierarchical decision tree as output . in the present invention , the instances are individual pixels , the attributes are the features computed above and the class labels are body part ( 1 ) and non - body part ( 0 ). cart then is used to construct binary decision trees from the data . at each stage , cart analyzes the training set to determine the test (&# 34 ; attribute ? value →&# 34 ;) that best discriminates between the classes , based on a feature evaluation criterion . the training set is then split into two subsets based on the best test . tree growing continues recursively until no more nodes can be created . once a full tree is constructed , cart prunes back the tree to remove noise - fitting nodes and / or marginally useful nodes , based on a portion of the training set that is reserved for this purpose . the preferred binary decision tree used in the present invention is relatively small and has only 160 terminal nodes . having a small tree is important because it shows that the chosen features are appropriate for the classification task , and that the tree has a high probability of classifying unseen data correctly . if for example , the selected number of data points includes 95 , 000 data points , a tree with 95 , 000 terminal nodes can be theoretically built . a 160 - node tree , which has high accuracy on hundreds of thousands of unseen data points , indicates that the features used are appropriate for classification . in using the binary tree for classification , the feature vectors at each pixel are individually &# 34 ; dropped down &# 34 ; the decision tree until a terminal node is reached . the label at the node is then assigned to the pixel . it should be understood that although the cart method is preferred , other decision tree methods or algorithms may be used if desired . in step i of the block diagram of fig2 the classification result is post - processed to remove noise . this involves smoothing labels over regions and performing a connected components analysis . such image processing operators are well known in the art and need no further description . in step j , a setting for the collimator is automatically determined from the classification result of step i . the collimator setting is selected to cover as much of the non - body part region as is possible while leaving uncovered as much of the body part as is possible . the collimator settings are automatically tailored to the constraints of the particular collimator used , for example , by taking into account the number of leafs , degrees of freedom , etc . in step k , the imaging system records the automatically computed collimator setting parameters which are subsequently used by the collimator . in step 1 , the x - ray source is moved to the next station and the method is repeated until all the stations are processed and the collimation parameters are recorded by the imaging system . fig7 depicts a graphical user interface which may be displayed by the automatic collimation apparatus . the images depicted are for a full leg study . it should be noted that other peripheral studies can be used as well . the interface displays multiple station input images 40 for the full leg , the input image of a single station 42 , the segmentation result for the one station 44 , and results for the full leg 46 . it is understood that the above - described embodiments illustrate only a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention . for example , a human override option may be provided for allowing the physician or operator to override the automatically selected collimator setting if desired . this and other numerous modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .

US-1572598-A

a gamma radiation cell for sterilizing industrial products , of the type constituted by a shielded enclosure provided with at least one tight access door , comprising an overhead conveyor for displacing transports supporting the products to be treated . the floor of the enclosure comprises a central well allowing storage of a source of irradiation which may be moved vertically . pipes connect this well to an oxygen reserve and to a reservoir for storing the ozone produced by radiolysis , this ozone being able to be admitted into the vessel of the transports .

referring now to the drawings , the cell shown in fig1 and 2 essentially comprises a box formed by a lateral wall 1 of rectangular section , a ceiling 2 and floor 3 , these three elements 1 , 2 and 3 being constituted by shields adapted to ensure an effective biological protection of the environment . the lateral wall 1 is provided with an opening 1 a equipped with a tightly fitted shielded door 4 displaced with the aid of a drive mechanism 5 . the ceiling 2 supports a carrousel which comprises an overhead conveyor 6 for the suspension and displacement of transports 7 , ten in number in the embodiment considered . as shown in fig3 the conveyor 6 itself comprises an upper rail 8 inside which moves a chain 9 supported in places by rollers 10 ; at the level of each pair of rollers 10 , the chain 9 is provided with a downwardly facing drive catch 11 . below the rail 8 and presenting the same profile in plan , there is provided a lower rail 12 inside which move ten carriages 13 , each of them being displaced with the aid of one of the catches 11 of the chain 9 . each carriage 13 is secured to a downwardly facing vertical pin 14 for supporting one of the boats 7 . to that end , the base of each pin 14 is rigidly secured to a fixed plate 15 which , via a ball bearing 16 , supports a rotating bush 17 secured with the upper part of one of the transports 7 by a cage 18 . it should be observed that , against the upper edge of the bush 17 is fixed a disc 19 of which the periphery , provided to project with respect to the bush , has radial notches cut therein , which define fingers 19a , eight in number in the embodiment shown . as will be set forth hereinafter , these fingers 19a are adapted to cooperate with catches 20 carried by a chain 21 , which is supported in places by rollers 22 moving in a fixed rail or sheath 23 . this latter extends parallel to the superposed rails 8 and 12 , being disposed outwardly with respect thereto . the chain 9 , enclosed by the upper rail 8 , is driven in translation by a gear motor 24 ( fig1 ), while the chain 21 mounted in the lateral sheath 23 , cooperates , for its drive , with an independent gear motor 25 . the two gear motors 24 and 25 are fixed against the ceiling 2 . a well 26 is arranged in the central part of the flooring 3 of the cell . inside this well 26 is housed a source of irradiation 27 constituted , in manner known per se , by a basket inside which are concentrically mounted pencils of radioactive cobalt ( cobalt 60 ) or other source of gamma radiation . the basket of the source 27 is suspended from a stopper 28 ( fig2 ) forming a lid for the inner vessel 29 of the central well 26 , the assembly thus being adapted to define a dry storage . with the stopper or lid 28 , there is associated a block and tackle of which the cable 30 is returned on a carriage 31 which moves on an upper rail 32 fixed against the ceiling 2 of the cell . this cable 30 is controlled by a winch 33 mounted laterally outside the wall 1 , while the carriage 31 may be displaced horizontally along the rail 32 by a winch 34 . appropriate means ( not shown ) are provided to ensure guiding of the assembly 27 - 28 during its vertical displacements . on the flooring 3 of the cell are fixed rails 35 for the displacement of a self - propelled carriage ( not shown ) which carries a manipulator robot intended , in liaison with the winches 33 and 34 , to allow initial positioning of the source of irradiation 27 and its replacement when it is spent . the upper part of at least some of the transports 7 is provided with a rotating joint 36 ( fig3 ) which opens in a vessel 7a fixed to the cage 18 of the boats shown and on which is fastened a radial pipe 36a whose free end , provided with a flap - valve connection , is capable of being connected on one of the flexible pipes of a connection device 37 . this latter , fixed against the ceiling 2 of the cell , is connected to atmosphere through appropriate filters . the cell is provided with a circuit for producing ozone by radiolysis which comprises a source of oxygen 38 ( fig4 ) placed in communication via a pipe 39 with the base of the vessel 29 of the central well 26 when the source of irradiation 27 is in a lower storage position inside the vessel 29 . this latter is connected by an upper pipe 40 to an ozone storage reservoir 41 through a compressor 42 . the base of the vessel 7a of the transports 7 comprises at its center a rotating joint associated with a radial pipe 43 ( fig2 ). each pipe 43 may be connected by a flexible pipe ( shown in the diagram of fig4 in the form of simple arrows referenced 44 ) to a connection device 45 housed in the flooring 3 of the cell ; this device 45 communicates by a pipe 46 with the storage reservoir 41 . the cell according to the invention is further equipped with two motor - driven ventilator units 47 and 48 fixed on the ceiling 2 and equipped with adequate filtration systems . unit 47 sucks , via a conduit 49 , the air or gas which is insufflated into the atmosphere of the cell via a conduit 50 connected to an appropriate source through unit 48 ; it is on this extraction conduit 49 that the connection provided between the connection device 37 and the atmosphere arrives . units 47 and 48 are servo - controlled so that a slight depression prevails in the cell . it goes without saying that the vessel 7a of each transport 7 is equipped with a door ensuring hermetic closure ; this vessel 7a comprises supports and other arrangements adapted to allow rational suspension and stowing of the products to be sterilized . as the case may be , the operations of loading and unloading the transports 7 may be effected either inside or outside the cell , the conveyor 6 being , in the latter case , provided with suitable switches . whatever the mode of loading , it will be appreciated that , once the products to be sterilized are installed in the vessel 7a of the transports 7 , said products are capable of receiving the treatment best suited to their nature and to their state , due to the remarkable operational versatility of the cell according to the present invention . in particular , it will be observed : that , with the aid of the motor - driven ventilator units 47 and 48 and of conduits 49 and 50 , the interior space of the enclosure 1 - 2 - 3 may be filled with a gas adapted to promote sterilization ( which may , moreover , be ozone directly taken from the well 26 ), the free ends of the pipes 36a and 43 being , of course , maintained open , as well as the doors of the vessels 7a ; that , on the contrary , the interior space of the vessel 7a of each transport 7 may be filled with ozone or other gas through pipes 43 and 36a mentioned above , by means of the connection devices 45 and 37 ; that , by means of the winch 33 , the source 27 may be extracted from the central well 26 for irradiation of the content of the vessels of the transports 7 , which obviously has for its effect to stop production of ozone inside the vessel 29 ; that , by operating gear motor 25 only , boats 7 may be driven in rotation about their support pin 14 while being immobilized in translation , the catches 20 carried by the chain 21 cooperating with the fingers 19a of the disc 19 to rotate each transport ; that , by operating gear motor 24 only , it is possible to displace in translation all the boats 7 in the cell , by rotating them on themselves further to the immobilization of the lateral chain 21 and the catches 20 ; and that , if both gear motors 24 and 25 are operated , transports 7 move in translation without rotating on themselves . it will be noted that , when boats 7 are driven in rotation about their axis , it is advantageous to impart thereto a perfectly regular step - by - step movement . this result may be obtained with the aid of elastic ball - bearing positioners 51 ( fig3 ) carried by the cage 18 and adapted to cooperate with impressions made in the lower face of the corresponding fixed plate 15 . it should be observed that spray nozzle pipes or nozzles may be disposed inside the cell , arranged to allow admission of a stream of oxygen during the treatment ( source 27 in upper work position ) in order to be recovered in the form of ozone either for storage or for another direct use outside . furthermore , transports 7 may be driven in rotation about their axis with the aid of independent motors , of the step - by - step type . it will also be understood that the source of irradiation 27 may be moved vertically with the aid of a pneumatic or hydraulic jack acting as a central shaft , in place of the lifting cable system 30 - 33 described hereinbefore . the central well 26 and the vessel 29 that it contains may be provided to be dismountable in order to be able to be manipulated and used in the manner of a packaging for transporting the source .

US-55654595-A

webbing is attached to a furniture frame by a hem and welting , which are laid in a channel and locked in with a strip that is slipped under the webbing and into the channel . this arrangement also holds the locking strip in place . the strip is removable so the webbing can be cleaned or replaced . the channel can be formed by welding flexible stock to a steel frame of any shape .

a chair exemplifying this invention is shown in fig1 . webbing 1 is attached around its perimeter to a tubular frame 2 . the means of attachment is shown in fig2 . this is the preferred embodiment . the webbing 1 has a hem 3 and welting 4 , which are tucked into a channel 5 in the frame 2 . the frame 2 comprises a base frame 6 and an external projection 7 bent over so that the channel 5 faces away from the webbing 1 . a locking strip 8 is placed under the webbing 1 and over the edge 9 of the channel 5 to lock in the hem 3 and welting 4 . ( the method of installation is described below .) when there is weight on the webbing 1 it pulls on the hem 3 and welting 4 , and the webbing 1 presses the locking strip 8 onto the edge 9 and keeps it in place . the narrowness of the channel 5 keeps the locking strip 8 and welting 4 in order . a flap 10 extending from the body 11 stabilizes the locking strip 8 in the channel 5 so that it can only be removed by deliberate effort . the flap 10 also provides a rounded contour that improves appearance and reduces wear on the webbing 1 . appearance is neat because the locking strip 8 is concealed , and it can not be removed casually by children or mischievous adults . the body 11 of the locking strip 8 also has a ridge 12 to keep the webbing 1 pressed neatly against the surface of the base frame 6 . to accommodate curves in the channel 5 , the hem 3 may be puckered over the welting 4 , and the welting 4 may be segmented . fig3 shows another embodiment using a locking strip 8 without the flap 10 . a test was conducted with this minimal configuration , using welting 4 of 0 . 105 inch diameter extruded nylon line and a locking strip 8 of two - wire electrical cord . this was quite strong enough to support the weight of an adult . test results were also satisfactory when the locking strip 8 was made of the same kind of nylon line as the welting 4 . however , in this embodiment the locking strip 8 can peeled out too easily , so in production the locking strip 8 should have the flap 10 to keep it in position . in another embodiment of the invention ( fig4 ) the channel 5 is narrow at its opening 13 but wider inside . the opening 13 is just wide enough to admit either the welting 4 or the locking strip 8 , but not both together . after installation the welting 4 bears on the underside 14 of the locking strip 8 and the surface of the base frame 6 . in this embodiment the opening 13 does not have to face directly away from the webbing 1 because the welting 4 is wedged in , and pulling on the webbing 1 from any direction only makes it tighter . on the other hand , this embodiment requires a stronger channel 5 because of the wedging action , and the channel 5 is bulkier . the external projection 7 can be l - shaped angle stock 15 , which is attached to a base frame 6 by welding , riveting or otherwise ( fig5 ). the base frame 6 may be metal tubing , wood or other material . in the preferred embodiment the angle stock 15 has slots 16 ( fig6 ) so that it can be bent in any shape to conform to a tubular base frame 6 . a welding compound 17 is deposited on the joining surfaces of the stock 15 during its manufacture to facilitate welding . such stock 15 is welded to a steel base frame 6 by clamping them together and heating . alternatively , they could be welded by the process that is used to weld tin cans , with high frequency high voltage pulses . the width of opening 13 of the channel 5 may be set during welding by placing a shim of the desired thickness between the channel edge 9 and the base frame 6 . this provides a means of compensation for thickness of fabric and number of layers . foam padding 18 and upholstery cloth 19 may be added ( fig7 ), and an additional hem 20 and welting 21 may be used for mounting . the channel 5 is deep enough for the extra welting 21 and both weltings 4 & amp ; 21 are kept in order . over much of the perimeter the upholstery cloth 19 may be sewn to the webbing 1 and the extra welting 21 eliminated . still another embodiment of the invention uses round tubing 22 ( fig8 ). the stock 15 for the channel 5 is modified accordingly . a handy method for installation and removal of the locking strip 8 is needed , not only for manufacture , but also to allow owners to clean , repair , or replace the webbing 1 . during installation the hem 3 , welting 4 and locking strip 8 are first pressed by hand into the channel 5 for a ways ; this is easy to do when the edge 9 is not yet covered by the webbing 1 . the locking strip may be removed by inserting a removing tool under the flap 10 at one end the locking strip 8 , then pushed and twisted to pry the locking strip 8 out of the channel 5 , by grasping the free end the entire locking strip 8 is peeled out of the channel 5 .

US-78894591-A

a thermoformed bladder is disclosed for assisting in the application of prosthetic mesh devices . the unit is fabricated from two layers of film that have been thermoformed in one localized region and then sealed . the sealed unit has air trapped within the three dimensional portion which can be forced into the non - formed region causing the non - formed region to expand and apply force against the prosthesis to assist in deployment .

a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig1 - 3 . the deployment device 1 is composed of a first bladder 2 that is in fluid communications with a second bladder 6 through at least one conduit 4 . the first and second bladders may be one compartment or several individual compartments of any desired shape adapted to deploy the medical textile in question . in a preferred embodiment in an unstressed condition the first bladder 2 ( or compartment ), has a three - dimensional shape for the containment of a volume of fluid sealed within the system , and the second bladder 6 ( or second compartment ), in an unstressed condition , remains in an essentially a flattened condition two - dimensional shape . the conduit 4 length is selected based on how and where the medical textile will be deployed . fig3 illustrates one embodiment in which the second bladder 6 is in the shape of a torus with a central passage 12 . the device is preferably manufactured out of a first sheet 8 and second sheet 10 of a biocompatible absorbable or non - absorbable polymeric film material such as polyurethane and pvc . at least one layer of film is thermoformed in one region to create a three dimensional space . a second sheet 10 of film is bonded to the first formed sheet 8 through the use of rf sealing , heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing . during the sealing operation , the thermoformed layer of film is allowed to maintain it &# 39 ; s three - dimensional shape . a limited volume of fluid 14 is placed within the device . suitable fluids that may be used in the device include saline solution , inert gases and air . preferably sterile air will be trapped within the sealed device since the sealing can be performed in normal ambient conditions . obviously the volumes of the first bladder 2 , the second bladder 6 and the conduit 4 must be adapted to allow the first bladder 2 to transfer sufficient fluid to the second bladder 6 to allow the second bladder 6 to deploy the medical textile device in the desired manner . the second bladder 6 may be any shape suitable to facilitate the deployment of a medical textile device . the sealed device may be sterilized by gamma sterilization and is then incorporated into the package with an appropriate medical device such as the hernia repair device . medical textile devices are well known in the art . these devices are generally knitted , woven or nonwoven textile devices made from biocompatible material . one suitable material for medical textile is knitted polypropylene . one suitable medical textile device is described in ser . no . 09 / 328 , 061 , filed jun . 8 , 1999 and assigned to ethicon , inc . which is hereby incorporated herein by reference . it is preferred that the deployment device is pre - assembled with the passage 12 is placed around the core 20 of the hernia repair device 3 as illustrated in fig3 . the assembly of the deployment device and the hernia repair device is inserted as described by the gilbert technique . once the hernia repair device is in the proper position , the first bladder 2 ( rectangular section of the deployment device ) is squeezed and flattened . this flattening of the three - dimensional shape forces the trapped fluid 14 ( i . e . air ) into the second bladder 6 of the deployment device 1 . since the polymeric film is flexible , the fluid 14 causes the second bladder 6 to expand into a three - dimensional shape that applies a uniform expansion force against the lower layer 16 of mesh below the fascia . the opening force causes the mesh to move outward into a deployed condition . once the surgeon is satisfied that the lower layer has deployed properly , the first bladder 2 ( rectangular section of the deployment device 1 ) is released . the force of the tissue causes the trapped fluid 14 ( i . e . air ) to pass back into the first bladder 2 . the device is then pulled off from the core 20 of the hernia repair device and is disposed of . the second embodiment illustrated in fig4 is intended for applying a flat piece of mesh posteriorly through an anterior approach . the deployment device 1 is manufactured with two rectangular bladders ( respectively 2 and 6 ) connected via conduit 4 . the first bladder 2 is preferably thermoformed while the second bladder 6 is preferably not thermoformed . in this procedure the second bladder 6 in a deflated form 1 is placed on a flat piece of mesh 22 . the mesh and deflated bladder 6 are rolled into a cylinder and the cylinder is inserted into the location of the repair . once the cylinder of mesh and deflated bladder is in the proper position , the first bladder 2 ( which is substantially inflated ) is squeezed . the compression of the first bladder 2 causes the trapped air to be forced into the second bladder 6 . this transfer of air causes the second bladder 6 to expand and unfurl . since the mesh is not attached , it is deposited in place , as it is unrolled with the unfurling section of the expanding device .

US-93840401-A

an extraction appliance with a brewing module for forming a brewing chamber for a portion capsule , with a water feed comprising a pump and a water heater for feeding water under pressure to the brewing chamber . the extraction appliance includes a control for the pump that can be integrated into the pump or be present at least partly externally of the pump , as well as a device for measuring the fluid flow into the brewing chamber . the control is configured such that a pump power of the pump is dependent on the fluid flow , and specifically such that given a lower fluid flow , the pump power is reduced in comparison to a greater fluid flow .

fig1 shows a schematic diagram of an extraction appliance , in particular of a coffee machine . the water feed includes a water tank 1 and a feed conduit 2 from the water tank to a brewing module 10 . the water is delivered by a pump 5 and flows through a water heater — here drawn as an instantaneous water heater — before it flows into the brewing module . a flow sensor 3 , which measures the flow of the water through the feed conduit , and , since the feed conduit 2 does not branch , thus also the flow into the brewing module 10 , is arranged upstream of the pump . the arrangement of the flow sensor in front of the pump has the advantage that the flow sensor is not arranged in the region which is under pressure and also not in the hot region . however , an arrangement downstream of the pump or even downstream of the water heater , in the throughflow direction , or in the water heater , is not to be ruled out a priori , in the case of a suitable design of the flow sensor . the integration of the flow sensor into the pump is also an option . at all events , it should be arranged such that the flow , which is measured by it , permits fluid flow into the brewing chamber formed given a closed brewing module and encompassing the capsule 20 to be determined . the fluid quantity flowing per unit of time is indicated as the fluid flow , represented , for example , as a volume or mass per unit time . the brewing module , as is known per se , comprises an injector 11 for introducing water into a portion capsule 20 , as well as a discharge device 12 ( or extraction device ) for discharging fluid out of the capsule into a pour - out 13 . a control 9 controls the pump 5 , and possibly also the water heater . the flow values , which are measured by the flow sensor 3 , as well as , as the case may be , the temperature values determined by an optional temperature sensor 8 serve as input variables for the control . such a temperature sensor 8 , as is drawn , can be arranged in a manner , in which it is in contact with the feed conduit 2 , subsequently to the water heater , in the water heater itself or on the water heater . the control can be configured such that it forms a control loop for the temperature , by way of the water heater being activated such that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 8 always moves in a certain range . the inclusion of other readings , specifically of the measure flow . is also possible for the temperature regulation . further input variables can be led to the control 9 and influence this . the extraction appliance , for example , can have an input module and / or programming module 6 , via which a desired fluid quantity as well as , under certain circumstances , also the temperature and possibly also a desired pump power can be influenced . a further possibility is the provision of a capsule recognition module 15 , by way of which — for example by way of a suitable coding of the inserted portion capsule — the parameters characterising the capsule can be called up , for example information as to whether the capsule comprises finely ground coffee or coffee which in contrast is more coarsely ground . moreover , it is also possible for a pump overheating sensor ( not represented in the figure ) or further sensors or input possibilities to be present . in embodiments , a manometer is not necessary , in order to influence the pump power , and generally such is also not present at all . one of the advantages of the procedure according to the invention is the fact that one can make do without such a relatively expensive and service - intensive element . the pump activation can be directly or indirectly dependent on all these measured parameters . however , one preferably envisages the measured fluid flow being used as the sole measured variable , on account of which the control adapts the pump power during the brewing method . all other parameters , inasmuch as they have an influence on the pump activation , either effect a presetting ( for example a desired fluid quantity or an “ on / off ” of the adaptive pump activation ) or , if need be , a termination of the brewing method ( for example actively by the user via the input module and / or programming module 6 or by way of a pump overheating protection etc . ), but preferably not an adaptive activation of the pump power . possibilities , as to how the regulating variable can be dependent on the measured flow are yet sketched in fig2 a to 2 f in each case , a correction factor k is plotted in dependence on the flow f in the figures . it is assumed that the following is valid for the pump power p : p = p 0 k , wherein p 0 corresponds to a normal power or maximal power . another regulating variable ( speed , frequency etc .) which influences the power can be set analogously to the power . according to fig2 a , the factor k is reduced from 1 to a value k 0 , as soon as the flow falls short of a threshold value f s ( see also fig3 b ). the factor remains at the value k 0 independently of the further development of the flow , after the reduction has been effected . several steps can also be envisaged , in contrast to fig2 a , for example the reduction to k 1 on falling short of an upper threshold value , and the reduction to k 2 & lt ; k 1 on falling short of a lower threshold value . fig2 b shows a variant , according to which the factor k is set back to 1 again if the flow then increases again beyond the threshold value after a reduction of k . a hysteresis can be envisaged , as is represented in fig2 b , i . e . the setting back to 1 is not effected until exceeding an upper threshold value f &# 39 ; s , in order to prevent a rapid switching to and fro . this embodiment can also be generalised onto several steps . in the embodiments of fig2 a and 2 b , the value k 0 is smaller than 1 and larger than 0 and , for example , can be between 0 . 3 and 0 . 8 , in particular between 0 . 4 and 0 . 7 , especially between 0 . 5 and 0 . 6 . fig2 c shows an example of a dependency on k as a continuous function of f . the value k is 1 above an upper threshold value f u , with a linear reduction down to a minimal correction factor k m at a lower threshold value f l . the value k m for example can lie between 0 . 3 and 0 . 8 , in particular between 0 . 4 and 0 . 7 , especially between 0 . 5 and 0 . 6 . the dependency of the factor on the flow as a function , which is composed of several straight lines having different gradients and which is linear in sections and as a whole is continuous , results in the embodiment according to fig2 d . fig2 e shows the generalisation onto a continuous , non - linear function . a dependency k ( f ), with which the gradient is negative in a region ( unbroken line to the very right ) is drawn in fig2 f . according to this variant therefore , it is possible for the pump power to drop again with very large measured flows . according to a subvariant , one can optionally also envisage the correction factor remaining at 1 even with large flows ( dashed line ; ( 1 )), at the very beginning of the brewing process , until the capsule is filled with fluid according to experience , whilst it is reduced ( unbroken line ; ( 2 )) in a later phase of the brewing process at high measured flows . analogously , it would also not be completely ruled out for the pump power to increase again at very small measured flows ( to the very left in the picture ). in all embodiments , the respective threshold values , in particular f s , are matched to the respective flow values in normal operation with a brewing without a blockage . in embodiments with steps such as in fig2 a and 2 b , the threshold value or the uppermost threshold value , for example , can lie between 50 % and 85 % of a normal flow ( normal flow in the context of the average flow which results after a certain time , after the capsule is filled with water ). in embodiments with a continuous course , the uppermost threshold valve f u for example can lie at a value between 70 % and 110 % of the normal flow , and a possible lower threshold ( fig2 c and 2 d ) between 0 and maximal 70 % of the upper threshold value . combinations of the procedural manners according to fig2 a - 2 f are also conceivable , for example a step - like reduction on falling short of a threshold value , in combination with a linear or non - linear function , etc .

US-201515311869-A

a method of preventing photoaging and other types of sun damage by topically applying a composition containing tempol is provided . pharmaceutical compositions comprising tempol for the prevention of photoaging and other types of sun damage are also provided .

profound changes take place in the superficial dermis as a result of chronic sun - exposure . the major alteration is the deposition of massive amounts of abnormal elastic material , termed solar elastosis . it has been shown that solar elastosis is accompanied by elevations in elastin and fibrillin mrnas and elastin promoter activity . a transgenic mouse model which contains the human elastin promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase ( cat ) reporter gene for testing compounds that may inhibit cutaneous photodamage has been developed . these mice express human elastin promoter activity in a tissue - specific and developmentally regulated manner . promoter activity can be studied in this model as a function of small increases in ultraviolet radiation , demonstrating the sensitivity of the assay . in addition , quantitative data can be obtained after only a single exposure to ultraviolet radiation . a test compound is applied to the skin of a transgenic mouse capable of expressing the human elastin promoter . the transgenic mouse is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation and human elastin promoter activity in the mouse is determined . the human elastin promoter activity is then compared to that in transgenic mice also exposed to an equivalent dose of ultraviolet radiation which were not treated with the test compound to determine whether or not the test compound provided protection against the ultraviolet radiation . since elastin promoter activation is a primary event in cutaneous aging , these mice represent a mouse model of human photoaging . using this transgenic mouse line , the ability of tempol to inhibit the effects of ultraviolet radiation on human elastin promoter activity was determined . in these experiments , 4 - 5 day old mice received either no treatment , 0 . 4m tempol , 245 mj / cm 2 uvb , or 245 mj / cm 2 uvb and 0 . 4m tempol . tempol was diluted in ethanol and was applied topically to the backs of these mice . following phototreatment , the backs of the mice were rinsed twice with 70 % isopropyl alcohol pads to remove any excess tempol . mice were sacrificed and skin harvested for determination of cat activity 24 hours after phototreatment . tempol alone produced no significant change , raising cat activity 1 . 7 fold ( s . d .= 0 . 48 ). uvb increased cat activity 7 . 2 - fold ( standard deviation ( s . d . )= 0 . 72 ), and the addition of tempol to uvb - treated mice decreased the elevation to 3 . 3 - fold ( s . d .= 0 . 68 ) that of untreated controls . experiments demonstrating the ability of tempol to protect against uvb - induced promoter activation were also performed in fibroblast cultures established from the skin of transgenic mice . cells received either no tempol or uvb ( controls ) 50 mm tempol alone without uvb , 5 . 5 mj / cm 2 uvb alone , pretreatment with 25 mm tempol and subsequent exposure to 5 . 5 mj / cm 2 uvb , or pretreatment with 50 mm tempol and subsequent exposure to 5 . 5 . mj / cm 2 uvb . tempol was added to culture dishes ten minutes prior to exposure to uvb and left on the cells 4 minutes after uvb exposure . tempol alone did not alter cat activity in these cells to a significant degree . uvb alone increased cat activity to 9 . 5 - fold ( s . d .= 0 . 47 ) that of unirradiated cells . the addition of 25 mm tempol to uvb - treated cells decreased the elevation to 4 . 2 - fold ( s . d .= 0 . 02 ) that of controls , while 50 mm tempol further decreased the elevation to 2 . 8 - fold ( s . d .= 1 . 4 ) that of controls . additional experiments were performed in cells with varying amounts of uvb . in these experiments , control cells received no uvb or tempol . uvb controls received either 0 . 7 , 1 . 4 , 2 . 7 or 5 . 5 mj / cm 2 of uvb . tempol controls received 100 mm of tempol and no uvb . uvb treated cells were preincubated with phosphate buffered saline ( pbs ) or 100 mm tempol 12 . 5 minutes before uvb . the effect of uvb and tempol on cell viability was determined using a tryptan blue exclusion kit . before application to cultures , tissue culture medium was removed and the cells were rinsed twice with pbs . cells were incubated in 10 cm diameter dishes with 3 ml of 100 mm tempol or pbs for 12 . 5 minutes prior to uvb exposure . uvb controls were placed in an equal amount of pbs 12 . 5 minutes prior to irradiation with uvb . after treatment , cells were cleansed twice with pbs and the tissue culture medium was replaced in all dishes . cells were harvested for determination of cat activity 24 hours after phototreatment . only fibroblasts from mice representing the same litter were used for any given experiment , and utilized in passage two to three times . two dishes of cells were used for each data point , and experiments were repeated in triplicate . thus , six values were determined for each experimental condition . for statistical analysis , a paired t - test was performed . data from these experiments is depicted in table 1 . table 1______________________________________in vitro effect of tempol on uvb - inducedinduction of cat activityuvb dose uvb + tempol % protection ( mj / cm . sup . 2 ) uvb cat cat from uvb______________________________________0 . 7 3 . 2 1 . 9 41 p & lt ; 0 . 011 . 4 8 . 1 2 . 1 74 p & lt ; 0 . 0012 . 8 15 . 7 4 . 8 69 p & lt ; 0 . 0015 . 5 20 . 0 11 . 6 42 p & lt ; 0 . 001______________________________________ as in previous experiments , tempol alone did not alter cat activity to a significant degree ( 1 . 2 - fold that of untreated cells ). uvb alone increased cat activity 3 . 2 -, 8 . 1 -, 15 . 7 - and 20 . 0 - fold that of control cells for uvb doses of 0 . 7 , 1 . 4 , 2 . 7 and 5 . 5 mj / cm 2 of uvb , respectively . the addition of 100 mm tempol to uvb - treated cells decreased this elevation to 1 . 9 -, 2 . 1 -, 4 . 8 - and 11 . 6 - fold greater than untreated controls for uvb doses of 0 . 7 , 1 . 4 , 2 . 7 and 5 . 5 mj / cm 2 of uvb , respectively . the free radical scavenging ability of tempol was also demonstrated in cells . cells received either no treatment , 5 . 5 mj / cm 2 of uvb , uvb with 50 mm tempol suspended in an quartz dish above the cells covered in saline , or uvb with 50 mm tempol applied directly to the cells with saline in a quartz dish suspended above the cells . tempol suspended above the cells functions as a uvb blocker . tempol applied directly to the cells functions as both a uvb blocker and a scavenger of free radicals . uvb alone resulted in a 14 . 2 - fold ( s . d .= 1 . 5 ) increase in cat activity . tempol suspended above the cells in a quartz dish ( and thus acting as a screen only ) resulted in a 2 . 4 - fold increase in cat activity as compared to untreated controls , which is almost a 6 - fold reduction from cells treated with uvb alone and not receiving tempol , thus demonstrating significant protection from uvb . when tempol was placed in direct contact with cells , cat activity was reduced to 1 . 5 - fold that of controls . accordingly , the scavenging properties of tempol reduced cat activity a further 38 %. thus , in addition to providing protection against photoaging by absorbing light , tempol has also been demonstrated to offer protection against damage once ultraviolet radiation has already reached the skin . experiments demonstrating the ability of tempol to protect against uva - induced promoter activation were also performed in fibroblast cultures established from the skin of transgenic mice . because a response to uva alone in vitro is not measurable and the in vivo response is relatively small , 8 - methoxypsoralen ( 8 - mop ) was added to the system to enhance the promoter response to uva . the addition of 8 - mop resulted in a substantial increase in cat activity following administration of uva , making this model more useful for studying agents which may protect against uva as well as uvb . in these experiments , control cells received no uva or 8 - mop . uva controls received either 0 . 5 , 0 . 75 or 1 . 0 j / cm 2 of uva without prior incubation with 8 - mop . 8 - mop controls received 1 μg / ml of 8 - mop but no uva . tempol controls received . 100 mm tempol and no uva or 8 - mop . puva - treated cells were preincubated with 1 . 0 μg / ml of 8 - mop in pbs and then exposed to 0 . 5 , 0 . 75 or 1 . 0 j / cm 2 . tempol treated cells were pretreated with 100 mm tempol 12 . 5 minutes prior to uva exposure . 8 - mop was also added to these cells at the same time as the tempol . it was found that the combination of 1 μg / ml of 8 - mop and 0 . 5 , 0 . 75 or 1 . 0 j / cm 2 of uva in fibroblast cultures resulted in increases in cat activity to 2 . 7 -, 9 . 0 - and 21 . 4 - fold that of controls , respectively . uva alone and 8 - mop alone failed to produce significant cat activity . the addition of tempol to the cultures reduced the puva - induced increase in cat activity to 1 . 5 -, 1 . 2 - and 2 . 0 - fold that of controls , respectively , thus almost completely eliminating the puva - induced increase in cat activity . the absorption spectrum of tempol has shown very little absorption in the uva range , making the protection by tempol against puva - induced elastin gene induction almost entirely due to the free radical scavenging abilities of tempol . in addition , suspending tempol above the cells failed to afford protection against the puva - induced increases in cat activity , thus further demonstrating that protection by tempol against uva - induced photodamage is almost entirely due to its free radical scavenging properties . accordingly , topical application of a composition comprising tempol to the skin provides protection against photoaging and other sun - damage such as sunburn and skin cancer . examples of compositions comprising tempol include , but are not limited to creams , lotions and sprays . methods of formulating tempol into creams , lotions and sprays as well as pharmaceutical additives for such formulations are well known to those skilled in the art . as will be obvious to those skilled in the art upon this disclosure , such compositions may further comprise secondary or additional sunscreens or free radical scavengers such as , but not limited to , vitamin c and vitamin e and analogs thereof . in a preferred embodiment , a composition comprising tempol is applied to the skin prior to exposure to the sun . however , application of these compositions subsequent to the exposure can also mitigate any damage resulting to the skin from this exposure . it is believed that these compositions of the present invention will be especially useful in protecting individuals with heightened sensitivities to the sun , such as , but not limited to , individuals undergoing psoralen treatment for cancer , psoriasis and other skin conditions ; individuals undergoing photodynamic therapy for skin cancer , psoriasis and other skin conditions ; individuals suffering from genetic repair defects such as xeroderma pigmentosa , albinism or other conditions resulting from decreased endogenous melanin pigment . the following nonlimiting examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention . a homozygous line of transgenic mice expressing the 5 . 2 - kb human elastin promoter linked to a cat reporter gene was used . hsu - wong et al ., j . biol . chem . 1994 , 269 : 18072 - 18075 . these mice express the human elastin promoter in a tissue - specific and developmentally regulated manner . mice four or five days old were used since at this age , visible hair growth is not yet present . fibroblast cultures were established from the skin of transgenic mice by explanting tissue specimens onto plastic tissue culture dishes and allowing cells to migrate to the surrounding area . the primary cultures were maintained in dulbecco &# 39 ; s modified eagle &# 39 ; s medium supplemented with 10 % fetal calf serum , 2 mm l - glutamine and antibiotics , at 37 ° c . the primary cell cultures were passaged by trypsinization , and the subcultures in passages three or four were utilized for uvb treatment . after uv exposure , the cells were incubated in tissue culture medium for 24 hours , and then harvested for determination of cat activity . to measure the expression of the human elastin promoter / cat reporter gene construct in the skin of transgenic mice and in fibroblast cultures established from these animals , cat activity was determined . for extraction of the cat from skin , the specimens were homogenized in 0 . 25 tris - hcl , ph 7 . 5 , using a tissue homogenizer ( brinkmann instruments , inc . westbury , n . y .). the homogenates were centrifuged at 10 , 000 x g for 15 minutes at 4 ° c . and the protein concentration in the supernatant determined by a commercial protein assay kit ( bio - rad laboratories , richmond , calif .). aliquots of the supernatant containing 100 μg of protein were used for assay of cat activity by incubation with 14 c ! chloramphenicol in accordance with well - known procedures . the acetylated and non - acetylatecd forms of radioactive chloramphenicol were separated by thin - layer chromatography and cat activity was determined by the radioactivity in the acetylated forms as a percent of the total radioactivity in each sample . irradiation with uvb for in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using a closely spaced array of seven westinghouse fs - 40 sunlamps , which delivered uniform irradiation at a distance of 38 cm . the energy output at 38 cm was measured with a solar light model 3d uva and uvb detector ( solar light company , philadelphia , pa .). the output of fs - 40 sunlamps was 23 . 4 units / hour of uvb at 38 cm , where each unit is equivalent to 21 mj / cm 2 or erythema effective energy . irradiation with uva was performed using a closely spaced array of seven sylvania fr40t12 puva lamps filtered through window glass of 2 mm thickness to remove wavelengths below 320 nm . the energy output at 38 cm from the array was measured with a solar light model 3d uva and uvb detector ( solar light company , philadelphia , pa .). the output of the lamps filtered through the window glass was 2 . 02 mw / cm 2 , with no detectable uvb .

US-85173997-A

a sponge mop having unique features such as squeegee left lever slide flexible member and squeegee right lever slide flexible member permitting the user to mop a horizontal floor while concurrently cleaning a vertical baseboard .

firstly , referring to fig1 which is a top left front perspective view of a sponge mop ( 10 ) and fig2 which is a front partial view of a sponge mop ( 10 ) exhibiting the sponge body ( 16 a ) on an open horizontal configuration . the sponge mop ( 10 ) comprises a mop head ( 14 ) movably connected to a shaft ( 12 ) by a mop head hinge ( 14 a ). the mop head ( 14 ) further comprises a left mop head ( 14 l ) securely connected to a left side of the mop head hinge ( 14 a ) extending outwardly therefrom and a right mop head ( 14 r ) securely connected to a right side of the mop head hinge ( 14 a ) extending outwardly therefrom . the left mop head ( 14 l ) comprises a hollow left mop head housing ( 14 la ) securely affixed on a top surface thereof . the right mop head ( 14 r ) comprises a hollow right mop head housing ( 14 ra ) securely affixed on a top surface thereof . the sponge mop ( 10 ) may optionally further comprise a handle ( 20 ) securely affixed to a top distal end of the shaft ( 12 ). the shape of the handle ( 20 ) is selected from a group consisting of round , triangle , square , rectangle , pentagonal , hexagonal , heptagonal and octagonal . the sponge mop ( 10 ) further comprises a flexible sponge ( 16 ) having a sponge body ( 16 a ) is removably securely affixed to the mop head ( 14 ). the sponge ( 16 ) comprises a sponge left base plate ( 16 l ) removably securely affixed to a bottom surface of the left mop head ( 14 l ) and a sponge right base plate ( 16 r ) removably securely affixed to a bottom surface of the right mop head ( 14 r ). the sponge ( 16 ) further comprises a sponge left outer plate ( 16 la ) positioned on a left distal end of a top surface of the sponge body ( 16 a ) adjacent to the sponge left base plate ( 16 l ) and a sponge right outer plate ( 16 ra ) positioned on a right distal end of a top surface of the sponge body ( 16 a ) adjacent to the sponge right base plate ( 16 r ). the sponge mop ( 10 ) further comprises a squeegee ( 18 ) having a squeegee slider ( 18 a ) movably mounted around the shaft ( 12 ). the squeegee ( 18 ) further comprises a squeegee left lever ( 18 l ) hingably affixed at a top distal end to a bottom left end of the squeegee slider ( 18 a ) and hingably affixed at a bottom distal end to a rigid squeegee left lever slide ( 18 la ) having a squeegee left lever slide flexible member ( 18 laa ) extending outwardly therefrom . the squeegee slider ( 18 a ) optionally comprises a squeegee top handle ( 18 bt ) securely affixed thereto extending therefrom and a squeegee bottom handle ( 18 bb ) securely affixed thereto extending therefrom , the squeegee left lever slide ( 18 la ) is movably mounted within the left mop head housing ( 14 la ). the squeegee ( 18 ) further comprises a squeegee right lever ( 18 r ) hingably affixed at a top distal end to a bottom right end of the squeegee slider ( 18 a ) and hingably affixed at a bottom distal end to a rigid squeegee right lever slide ( 18 ra ) having a squeegee right lever slide flexible member ( 18 raa ) extending outwardly therefrom , the squeegee right lever slide ( 18 ra ) is movably mounted within the right mop head housing ( 14 ra ). when the sponge mop ( 10 ) is slid along the floor ( 22 ) and contacts the wall ( 24 ), either the left or right distal end of the sponge body ( 16 a ) is able to turn vertically from a horizontal position by the flexibility of the squeegee left lever slide flexible member ( 18 laa ) or squeegee right lever slide flexible member ( 18 raa ). now referring to fig3 which is a front partial view of a sponge mop ( 10 ) exhibiting the sponge body ( 16 a ) on a closing vertical configuration functioning to squeeze excess fluid therefrom . during rinsing , excess fluid is removed from the sponge body ( 16 a ) by the user moving the squeegee slider ( 18 a ) in a downward direction which in turn moves the squeegee left lever ( 18 l ) and squeegee right lever ( 18 r ) in an outward and downward direction bending the sponge body ( 16 a ) in half via the mop head hinge ( 14 a ) and moving the rigid squeegee left lever slide ( 18 la ) and rigid squeegee right lever slide ( 18 ra ) against the sponge left outer plate ( 16 la ) and sponge right outer plate ( 16 ra ), respectively , squeezing the sponge body ( 16 a ) expelling fluid therefrom . it will be understood that each of the elements described above , or two or more together , may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above . while the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a mop , it is not intended to be limited to the details shown , since it will be understood that various omissions , modifications , substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention . without further analysis , the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can , by applying current knowledge , readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that , from the standpoint of prior art , fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention . what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims .

US-82554601-A

a substantially pure rawhide product and a mechanical method for manufacturing a substantially pure rawhide treat or chew for pets utilizing a double screw extruder with a number of heating zones and interchangeable extrusion dies . the method allows for the use of wet rawhide or rawhide scraps and contemplates the addition of various additives to the rawhide product . also claimed is a double screw extruder especially adapted for the preparation of substantially pure rawhide treats .

while the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment , it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiment . on the contrary , it is intended to cover all alternatives , modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . the starting material of the method of the instant invention is rawhide scraps which , as described above , contain approximately 70 % water . through the shearing , mixing and heating processes carried out in the method of the instant invention , this rawhide starting material is transformed into a soft , water containing rawhide substance with a consistency similar to pasta . the rawhide starting material is transformed so that it forms a coherent mass of rawhide which can be dried and cut into acceptable lengths and shapes . thus , the instant invention avoids the use of fillers and binders previously necessary in the prior art methods of mechanically manufacturing rawhide products . fig1 is a simplified diagram of the equipment used to process rawhide scraps by the inventive process . the inventive method can be carried out in a machine known as a twin - screw cooker extruder . the equipment utilized in the presently preferred embodiment of the inventive method is a twin screw extruder which includes a number of heating zones set up sequentially along the path of the extrusion of the rawhide . one type of extruding machine capable of being adapted for use with the present inventive method is the twin - screw cooker extruder , models bc 45 , 72 and 92 , all available from clextral , inc . any twin - screw cooker extruder may be utilized in performing the method of the present invention . as illustrated in fig1 rawhide scraps or rawhide 10 are stored in a container 12 for continuous feeding during the carrying out of the inventive process . preferably the container 12 is constructed of stainless steel . the rawhide goes through a well known preliminary treatment at the tanneries to remove the hairs of the whole skins , using various known chemicals , to take off the fat and leftover meat . the rawhide is cleaned of the chemicals by the addition of peroxide and whitened . one type of rawhide utilized in the present invention is the chemically processed rawhide which is not of sufficient size to be used in conventional pet chew production methods or scrap . another source of scrap rawhide is the waste pieces left over from the conventional pet chew production methods . as discussed above , the scrap rawhide is usually discarded or used in some uneconomical application . in the inventive method the scrap rawhide 10 is used &# 34 ; wet &# 34 ;, that is , without drying or pressing to remove the water as done in the prior known methods . while it is possible to dry or press the scrap rawhide 10 before use , that step is time and energy consuming and is not necessary to carry out the process of the instant invention . the scrap rawhide 10 is fed through the pump 14 to the extruder . a pump 14 is used to feed the extruder with scrap rawhide 10 . the pump 14 is preferably a gear pump , single screw extruder or double screw extruder which insures that the scrap rawhide 10 is fed at a sufficient rate under pressure . the pump 14 should preferably be adjustable in consideration of the weight of the scrap rawhide 10 to be delivered . the preferred pump 14 is a gear pump or a multilobe pump , such as that commercially available from blentech . this pump 14 is capable of constantly feeding the rawhide to the double screw extruder with at least 5 bar of pressure ( 1 bar equals approximately 14 . 5 psi ). preferably the pump is driven by a variable speed motor in order to vary the feed rate based on the consistency of the rawhide . an important part of the extruder is a pair of similar or identical co - penetrating screws 16 . these screws 16 rotate inside a fixed shell or barrel 18 . the screws 16 are rotated through an assembly 20 which comprises any conventional device for varying the speed of the rotation of the screws 16 . assembly 20 preferably comprises a variable speed motor ( electric or hydraulic ), a speed reducer and a high torque compact gear box with two co - rotating output shafts ( not shown ). the main functions of the twin screws 16 are to convey the rawhide 10 through the machine , to mix and knead the rawhide under pressure and for shearing the rawhide . fig2 illustrates an overview of the twin screws 16 and 16a of the double screw extruder . the screws 16 are configured to include a set of modular disc elements 24 assembled on one pair of shafts 22 . the shafts are splined , i . e ., provided with a series of uniformly spaced ridges parallel to their axes . the modular disc elements 24 are provided with corresponding grooves in order to allow the fixing of the mixing disc elements to the shaft and to ensure the transfer of torque from the shaft to the discs . this splined setup also allows the interchange of various sized and shaped mixing disc elements 24 . the disc elements 24 are available in various sizes and shapes . the availability of the modular disc elements 24 permits the manipulation of the screw profile and allows the user to develop screw profiles for a series of operations , i . e . shearing , mixing , kneading . this modularity also allows the user to vary the screw profile along the length of the screw shaft in order to change the process being performed at various locations along the screw . various types of modular mixing disc elements 24 can be used in the inventive process . mono - and bilobal discs are available for use , but were found to be less effective in sufficiently shearing and mixing the rawhide starting material . the best results for producing a substantially pure rawhide product were found using &# 34 ; mell &# 34 ; mixing discs and reverse screw discs ( explained below ). a reverse screw disc element is a disc element with a negative pitch . a reverse screw disc element tends to drive the raw material in reverse , i . e ., away from the exit of the twin screw extruder barrel . for that reason , the reverse screw disc element typically contains slots which allow the raw material to flow forward as it is mixed . &# 34 ; mell &# 34 ; mixing disc elements are illustrated in fig3 and 3a . the mell mixing disc elements 70 are attached to the screw shafts 16 and 16a by grooves on the inside of the elements which correspond to ridges on the shafts 16 and 16a . the mell mixing disc elements 70 are placed in a staggered configuration to allow the rawhide starting material to move through the disc elements . fig3 a is a front view of the mell mixing disc elements 70 shown on shafts 16 and 16a . the mell mixing disc elements 70 are provided with teeth 72 around the entire circumference of the disc 70 . the teeth 72 are spaced so that they form slots 74 . the slots 74 shear and mix the rawhide starting material and enable the material to travel through the discs . the screws 16 are also adaptable in terms of shape , length and pitch in order to optimize the rawhide product quality and extruder output . one preferred screw profile utilized to shear and mix the starting material into a consistency which is then formed into a pet chew product of substantially pure rawhide is a screw profile with two intense mixing zones of mell mixing discs and a reverse section . a sample preferred screw profile configuration is provided below : ______________________________________screw configurationmodular type ofelement length pitch screwnumber ( mm ) ( mm ) element______________________________________1 200 66 t2f2 100 50 c2f3 100 35 c1f4 150 25 c1f5 100 15 c1f6 100 mell mixing disc7 50 - 15 rev 3 × 108 100 25 c1f9 100 15 c1f10 100 mell 2 spl neg rev 3 × 1011 50 - 15 rev 3 × 1012 50 15 c1f______________________________________ this screw configuration was used in the examples disclosed at the end of this specification . the &# 34 ; length &# 34 ; of the screw elements is the length of the screw element along the shaft . for example in the above configuration , the first screw element is 200 mm long . adding up the lengths of all the screw elements provides the total barrel length , in this case 1200 mm . the &# 34 ; pitch &# 34 ; of the screw element is the distance ( in mm ) from one point of the screw to its horizontal equivalent one sphere ahead . the lower the pitch the tighter the screw , resulting in higher pressure on the rawhide being processed . the pitch is illustrated in fig4 . in fig4 the screw element 98 is affixed to shaft 16 and covers a length of shaft 16 . the pitch is illustrated by the horizontal distance 104 between points 100 and 102 . in a reverse disc ( identifiable in the chart above as having a negative pitch ( elements 7 and 11 )), the orientation of the screw element is in the opposite direction as discussed above . the types of screw elements in the screw configuration chart above are all standard screw elements under their designated names as available commercially from clextral , inc . t2f is a trapezoidal double flight , c2f is a conjugated double flight and c1f is a conjugated single flight . rev 3 × 10 is a reverse flight with three slots of 10 mm diameter . 2 spl neg is a mell mixing disc . in the illustrative screw configuration of the chart above , modular element nos . 1 - 5 carry the starting raw material through the initial heating zones and begins to compress the starting rawhide material . modular element no . 6 is a mell disc and no . 7 is a reverse disc . these modular elements are used to shear , mix and knead the rawhide . modular element nos . 8 and 9 act to further carry the rawhide along the heating zones and further compress the material . modular element nos . 10 and 11 comprise another heating and mixing zone in which a second mell disc ( element no . 10 ) and a second reverse disc ( element no . 11 ) act to shear , mix and knead the material . the final modular element no . 12 insures that the extruder has enough force to push the material through the die . as illustrated in fig1 placed sequentially along the barrel 18 are a number of heating zone modules 26 , 26a , 26b , 26c , etc . there can be any number of heating zone modules 26 . these modules 26 are maintained at specific temperatures and act to heat the rawhide 10 as it is conveyed along the screws 16 . this heating action , combined with the mixing and shearing action of the twin screws , acts to transform the starting scraps of raw material into a coherent mass . the heating zone modules 26 are preferably capable of temperatures up to at least 300 ° c . continuously and capable of being controlled within an accuracy of ± 2 ° c . preferably the heating zone modules 26 are heated by induction or resistance heating and the temperature is controlled by means of water arranged in a cooling circuit . the illustrative preferred twin - screw cooker - extruder has a barrel length of 1500 mm , but other barrel lengths are feasible for extruding substantially pure rawhide . the preferred barrel 18 has five ( 5 ) or six ( 6 ) 300 mm heating zone modules 26 assembled to each other with a clamp collar . each of the modules 26 is provided with a thermocouple . preferably the heating zone modules are provided with either an induction coil or a resistance heater . the induction coil is preferred because it provides fast heating and the ability to introduce intense precise zone heating . each of the heating modules 26 is preferably provided with an internal cooling circuit , including : ( 1 ) a stainless steel water feed manifold , ( 2 ) a stainless steel water return manifold , ( 3 ) stainless steel connections between manifolds and barrels , and ( 4 ) manual valves . preferably , the first module 26 is outfitted with a feeding port 28 for accepting the rawhide starting material from the pump 14 . each of the heating zone modules 26 are provided with two plugged holes 30 which may be adapted for the addition of additives by liquid injection or for the use of a transducer pressure or temperature gauge . the injection of liquid additives can be accomplished by a metering pump with approximately 10 bar pressure . optionally , one of the heating zone modules 26 is a degassing barrel with a vacuum to facilitate the removal of water from the scrap rawhide . the extruder is preferably also capable of being run at high pressure continuously , preferably up to 200 bar . in the instant invention the preferred pressure is approximately 20 bar . optionally , wet additives , such as coloring , flavorings , moisture retainers ( including , but not limited to , polypropylene glycol ) and mold inhibitors ( such as potassium sorbate ), or dry additives , such as color powder , onion powder or meat or bacon bits , can be added to the rawhide 10 and will result in a final extruded product which contains these flavors or colors . other dry additives , such as vitamins and nutritional supplements are also possible . an apparatus for adding dry additive is shown in fig1 . the dry additive 40 is stored in container 42 and is fed into the extruder by a pump 44 . the pump 44 is preferably a twin screw feeder . while the dry additives can be added at any time during the process , preferably the dry additives are added at the same time as the scrap rawhide 10 ( from different sources ) and both these constituents make up the starting material . both the scrap rawhide and the dry additives are fed into the barrel by means of a twin screw feeder . this feeder consists of a bin which contains a pair of intermeshing screws which can be run at variable speeds . by varying the speed , the quantity of dry additive can be varied as a percentage of the starting material . other possible additives include liquid additives , such as liquid color or liquid aroma . an apparatus for adding liquid additives is shown in fig1 . the liquid additive 46 is stored in container 48 and is fed to the extruder by a pump 50 . the pump 50 is preferably a metering pump . preferably , the barrel 18 may be adapted by the holes 30 to allow the liquid additives to be added at any point along the length of the barrel 18 and during any point of the extrusion process of the rawhide 10 . in the preferred embodiment a metering pump 50 for feeding the desired liquids into the various positions on the barrel 18 is provided . a preferred metering pump is a variable stroke dosing pump , such as model dkm k20 , commercially available from clextral . in the preferred embodiment , a stainless steel tank for holding a supply of the liquid additive is connected to the pump with a filter . at the exit end of the barrel 18 there is placed a central feed die plate assembly 32 which consists of a central feed front plate 34 and one of a number of interchangeable extrusion dies 36 . a thermocouple in the die plate 34 gives the temperature of the product being extruded . the temperature of the end product is a function of the temperatures of the heating zone modules 26 along the length of the barrel . however , it is preferred to use a cooled plate 34 to give the exiting product a better consistency . various extrusion dies 36 can be used to form the reconstructed rawhide product into various shapes attractive to pets . possible die shapes include , but are not limited to , rectangular , tube , flat and sticks with various diameters or other dies shaped to form the extruded rawhide into round bones , strips or square nuggets . as the reconstructed rawhide product is extruded through the die 36 , it is received on conveyer belt 38 which carries the product to a cutter for cutting the extruded product into various size pieces . since the reconstructed rawhide end product is very soft as it exits the extruder , a long die ( approximately 400 mm ) is used , when the thickness of the product demands greater shaping time . soon after the end product exits the die plate in the desired shaped &# 34 ; dough &# 34 ; it becomes rubbery . that point is the best time to cut the end product into sticks , nuggets , chunks or other desired forms . the resultant reconstructed rawhide product exits the die with a high percentage of water , but can be dried by simply hanging it up in open air . however , because of the high output of the inventive process ( up to about 300 lb / hour ), space and time can be saved by alternative methods of drying , such as with heat , or in dry or dry cold air . once dried , the result is a rawhide pet chew as hard as bone . a possible additional step is the basting or coating of the product with a number of well known mixtures . without basting or coating , the chew becomes hard , with a shiny , slightly lumpy appearance . the method according to the invention is further elucidated by the following examples . the extruding machine used in carrying out the examples was the twin - screw cooker extruder , model bc 45 , available from clextral inc . which had 6 heating zones . the screw configuration disclosed above was utilized . scrap rawhide starting material was extruded using the screw configuration disclosed above , with the heating modules set at the following temperatures : ______________________________________zone 1 2 3 4 5 6______________________________________temp . (° c .) 25 61 123 122 53 41______________________________________ the die temperature was 42 ° c ., the pressure bearing was 24 / 04 psi / bar . the current to the screw was 22 amps and the screws were run at 350 rpm . the throughput of rawhide extruded product was 171 lb / hr . the final product was 100 % rawhide . scrap rawhide starting material was extruded using the screw configuration disclosed above , with the heating modules set at the following temperatures : ______________________________________zone 1 2 3 4 5 6______________________________________init . temp . (° c .) 0 60 120 120 40 20final temp . (° c .) 26 59 120 110 60 40______________________________________ the die temperature was 37 ° c ., the pressure bearing was 96 / 5 psi / bar . the current to the screw was 15 amps and the screws were run at 350 rpm . the rawhide feeder pump was run at 210 lb / hr . scrap rawhide starting material was extruded using the screw configuration disclosed above , with the heating modules set at the following temperatures : ______________________________________zone 1 2 3 4 5 6______________________________________init . temp . (° c .) 0 60 120 119 40 20final temp . (° c .) 26 59 119 108 49 40______________________________________ a die for forming a strip product was used . the die temperature was 38 ° c ., the pressure bearing was 100 / 5 psi / bar . the current to the screw was 15 amps and the screws were run at 450 rpm . the throughput of rawhide extruded product was 283 lb / hr . the rawhide pump was run at 300 lb / hr . the extruded product was a 100 % rawhide product in strip form . a starting material of 80 % rawhide scrap and 20 % dry additives was extruded using the screw configuration disclosed above , with the heating modules set at the following temperatures : ______________________________________zone 1 2 3 4 5 6______________________________________init . temp . (° c .) 0 60 120 120 40 40final temp . (° c .) 26 60 119 119 54 44______________________________________ the die temperature was 44 ° c ., the pressure bearing was 60 / 06 psi / bar . the current to the screw was 20 amps and the screws were run at 350 rpm . the feeder for feeding the dry additives was run at 4 rpm . the throughput of rawhide extruded product was 216 lb / hr . the preconditioner was run at 210 rpm . the makeup of the end product was 80 % reconstituted rawhide and the remainder dry additives . the extruded product retained its shape and became consistent after one - half hour . a starting material of 83 % rawhide scrap and 17 % dry additives was extruded using the screw configuration disclosed above . the die temperature was 41 ° c ., the pressure bearing was 80 / 06 psi / bar . the current to the screw was 26 amps and the screws were run at 350 rpm . the feeder for the dry additives was run at 4 rpm . the throughput of rawhide extruded product was 202 . 2 lb / hr . the makeup of the end product was 83 % reconstituted rawhide and the remainder dry additives . scrap rawhide starting material was extruded using the screw configuration disclosed above , with the heating modules set at the following temperatures : ______________________________________zone 1 2 3 4 5 6______________________________________init . temp . (° c .) 0 60 120 120 40 20final temp . (° c .) 34 60 120 116 47 37______________________________________ yellow coloring was added to the extruded product by injecting a water and color mix . a die for forming a strip product was used . the die temperature was 40 ° c ., the pressure bearing was 100 / 5 psi / bar . the current to the screw was 20 amps and the screws were run at 350 rpm . the throughput of rawhide extruded product was 185 lb / hr . the rawhide pump was run at 210 lb / hr . the extruded product was a yellow rawhide product in a strip form . many other types of substantially pure rawhide products , free of fillers , can be produced with the methods of the instant invention . for instance , extruded rawhide product can be produced by the coextrusion of a pipe shaped outer shell of pure rawhide which surrounds an interior round strip of rawhide . using this method , rawhide treats can be manufactured which resemble bones containing marrow . the coextruded product is manufactured using the fillerless process of the present invention to transform rawhide scraps into a coherent mass of substantially pure rawhide in a tube - like outer shell . any of the additives and flavorings discussed above can be used in the outer shell . through the use of a coextrusion die and a second twin screw extruder , a soft filling , also made of substantially pure extruded rawhide by way of the present invention , is co - extruded into the outer shell . preferably , the flavoring and additives can be added to the inner filling . preferably , the inner filling can be kept soft and moist by the addition of polypropylene glycol and potassium sorbate . because the product consists almost exclusively of reconstituted rawhide scrape , with no filler , the end product will therefore last much longer than the previously available pet chews . further , this is an inexpensive way to provide a solid chew . alternatively , a beef jerky mix , or some other material is simply pumped into the outer shell at the die plate by the use of a pump , simple extruder or another twin screw extruder . drying and cutting of the coextruded product is similar to the processes described above . it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalents may be employed in practicing this invention . no limitations are to be inferred or implied except as set forth in the claims .

US-38159095-A

a harvesting header for a combine in which a consolidating auger of appreciable length extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the combine and said auger having reversely spiralled flights respectively extending inward from opposite ends of the auger toward the midpoint of the axis thereof , the improvement comprising barrier means in the form of one or more discs on said auger between the inner ends of said flights and operable to prevent any substantial movement of ears of corn along the auger trough past the center of the auger when the combine is operating on a sloping field area .

referring to fig1 it will be seen that the combine 10 , which is of the mobile type such as illustrated in aforementioned prior pat . no . 3 , 794 , 046 , has a header 12 , incorporating the principles of the present invention , supported on the forward end thereof which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the combine 10 . the particular header 12 is of the type commonly referred to as a &# 34 ; corn head &# 34 ; being employed to harvest corn by removing the ears thereof from the stalks and then consolidating the ears by means of an auger 14 of the type having oppositely or reversely spiralled flights 16 and 18 which extend around a central axial tube 20 of a suitable diameter to resist any appreciable flexing during operation of the header . it should be understood that the principles of the present invention are also equally applicable to the &# 34 ; cutter bar &# 34 ; type header illustrated in the aforesaid patent which is usually employed to remove the heads of maize and the like from the stalks thereof . the auger 14 operates in a trough 22 a portion of which is illustrated in fig3 but also is designated in fig1 and 2 . the inner edges of the flights 16 and 18 are securely fixed to the central axial tube 20 , such as by welding , and the inner ends of the flights 16 and 18 are spaced apart in the midportion of the auger for purposes of accommodating elements comprising the essential features of the present invention , details of which are described hereinafter . as best seen in fig3 the header 12 is provided with a substantially vertical , rear plate or wall 24 , said wall being provided with a substantially rectangular , central opening 26 through which consolidated crop material is discharged by the auger 14 for reception by the inlet end 28 of elevator 30 . the elevator 30 , as best shown in fig2 has a predetermined width and a housing which encloses an endless conveyor 32 which is shown fragmentarily in fig3 . said conveyor comprises a series of chains 34 which extend around suitable cog gears 36 , only the lower of which are shown in fig2 and 3 but cooperating gears also being located but not shown adjacent the upper , delivery end 38 of the elevator 30 , as seen in fig1 . the cog gears 36 are fixed to and supported by a transverse shaft 40 shown in fig2 and 3 and it will be understood that the coacting cog gears which are mounted in the upper delivery end 38 of elevator 30 , but not illustrated , are mounted upon a similar shaft , the shaft 40 and its unillustrated similar shaft in the upper end of the elevator 30 being supported within suitable bearings in side plates 42 of the housing which encloses the conveyor 32 of the elevator 30 . it also will be understood that the combine 10 has a threshing compartment , not shown , which is provided with its inlet end immediately adjacent the upper delivery end 38 of the elevator 30 . the threshing compartment may be of the transversely - arranged type , or the axially - arranged type being shown at least fragmentarily in said aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 794 , 046 . further , the header , as referred to above , whether of the type 12 primarily adapted to harvest ears of corn or of the type adapted to harvest the heads of maize , or other similar crop material heads , may be attached to either of the aforementioned combine types . when the combine is operating upon a sloping field surface in transverse relationship to the direction of slope with the header 12 disposed as illustrated in fig4 crop material ears or heads of the aforementioned types have a tendency to slide longitudinally along the trough of the header during harvesting . under such circumstances , there is a tendency for the product ears in the so called &# 34 ; uphill &# 34 ; end of the header 12 to slide downwardly toward the &# 34 ; downhill &# 34 ; end of the header 12 and if this were permitted to occur , it can be visualized that the separated crop material such as product ears 44 would be very substantially unevenly distributed by the auger 14 incident to moving the same through the dischage opening 26 of the header for reception by the conveyor 32 , upon which the crop material also would be unevenly distributed upon one side with respect to the other of said conveyor and similarly be distributed in an uneven manner to one side of the threshing compartment as distinguished from the other side thereof , whereby the full threshing and cleaning capacity of the combine is not utilized . to prevent the occurrence of such uneven accumulation or discharge of product material handled by the header 12 and especially the auger 14 therein , the present invention employs barrier means which in the preferred embodiment thereof comprise disc means 46 which are mounted preferably midway of the auger 14 between opposite ends thereof , as is clearly illustrated in fig1 for example . to accommodate the disc means 46 , it will also be seen in accordance with the preferred construction of the present invention that the inner ends of the flights 16 and 18 of the auger 14 are spaced axially apart , said spacing preferably being substantially coextensive with the width of the central opening 26 comprising the discharge means of the header . further , the disc means 46 preferably comprises a pair of compound type discs 48 which respectively comprise a pair of disc segments 50 which are shown in detail , in perspective manner , in fig5 . the discs 48 are perpendicular to the axis of the auger 14 and to firmly secure the segments 50 of said discs 48 to the central axial tube 20 , there is fixed to the central portion of the axial tube 20 a longitudinally extending flange 52 of relatively short radial dimensions , as best seen in fig3 and 4 , the inner edges of said flanges being securely fixed to the periphery of axial tube 20 such as by welding . in view of the fact that each disc 48 is composed of a pair of the segments 50 , a pair of the flanges 52 are provided , a clearly shown in fig3 the same being in diametrically opposed positions upon tube 20 as shown in fig3 . as viewed in fig2 and 4 , it will be seen that the upper flange 52 extends more to the left than the lower flange 52 which extends more to the right than upper flange 52 for purposes to be described . the arcuate segments 50 of the compound discs 48 are each provided with transversely extending ears 54 which extend evenly to opposite sides of the segments 50 and each oppositely extending section is provided with a hole , through which detachable connecting bolts 56 extend as seen in fig3 . said bolts also extend through holes in the flanges 52 , which holes are axially aligned with the holes in the ears 54 . to strengthen the segments 50 and permit them to resist deflecting tendencies occasioned by the operation of the combine upon tough , bulky material , the ears 54 and disc segments 50 have triangular gussets 58 welded to adjacent surfaces of said ears and segments . especially as viewed in fig2 and 4 , it is seen that the compound type discs 48 are of substantially the same height as the flights 16 and 18 of auger 14 . it also has been found to be advantageous to the present invention to provide radially extending beater blades 60 which are disposed in diametrically opposed positions as can be clearly seen from fig2 , and 4 . the outer edges of the blades 60 preferably are coextensive with the rims of the discs 48 . also , said blades are preferably formed from stiff material having limited flexibility such as certain types of plastic , stiff rubber - like material , or otherwise . the upper blade 60 as viewed in fig2 is coextensive with the upper flange 52 as viewd in said figure which extends more to the left than the lower flange 52 as viewed in said figure , whereby the lower beater blade 60 shown in fig2 extends more to the right than the upper beater blade 60 . the right hand end of the lower beater blade 60 also abuts or may be affixed to the inner end of the flight 18 and , correspondingly , the left hand end of the upper beater blade 60 , as viewed in fig2 extends to or may be connected to the inner end of the flight 16 . said beater blades also extend between the discs 48 and serve to provide positive means to feed crop material adjacent the discs 48 positively , in a preferably undershot manner , through the central discharge opening 26 of the header 14 and the corresponding inlet opening at the inlet end 28 of elevator 30 for engagement by the lower flight of the endless conveyor 32 , due to the direction of rotation of both the auger 14 and cog gears 36 , as indicated by the directional arrows shown on these respective members in fig3 . from the foregoing , it will be seen that the present invention therefore provides very capable means for preventing undue axial movement of crop material , such as ears of corn and other similar products in the trough 22 of header 12 , particularly when the combine is operated upon a sloping field surface of sufficient slope to tend to induce undesirable sliding of the crop material from the upper end of said header to the lower end thereof , for example , depending upon the direction in which the header is sloping . the discs 48 which effectively comprise barriers against such tendency of said crop material to slide by gravity under such circumstances are rugged and durable and the radial beater blades 60 which insure positive feeding of the separated crop material such as product ears 44 are readily secured to the flanges 52 by the same bolt means 56 which secure the ears 54 of the discs segments 50 to said flanges as can best be visualized from fig3 . while the invention has been described and illustrated in its several preferred embodiments , it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the precise details herein illustrated and described since the same may be carried out in other ways falling within the scope of the invention as illustrated and described .

US-67164776-A

terminal pins comprising a refractory metal forming a full perimeter weld connected to a terminal block comprising a dissimilar metal incorporated into feedthrough filter capacitor assemblies are discussed . the feedthrough filter capacitor assemblies are particularly useful for incorporation into implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers , cardioverter defibrillators , and the like , to decouple and shield internal electronic components of the medical device from undesirable electromagnetic interference signals .

referring now to the drawings , fig1 , 3 , and 9 show an internally grounded feedthrough capacitor assembly 10 comprising a feedthrough 12 supporting a discoidal filter capacitor 14 , a protective cap 16 , and a plurality of terminal blocks 18 . the feedthrough filter assembly 10 is useful with medical devices , preferably implantable devices such as pacemakers , cardiac defibrillators , cardioverter defibrillators , cochlear implants , neurostimulators , internal drug pumps , deep brain stimulators , hearing assist devices , incontinence devices , obesity treatment devices , parkinson &# 39 ; s disease therapy devices , bone growth stimulators , and the like . the feedthrough 12 portion of the assembly 10 includes terminal pins 20 that provide for coupling , transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from a patient &# 39 ; s heart , while hermetically sealing the interior of the medical instrument against ingress of patient body fluids that could otherwise disrupt instrument operation or cause instrument malfunction . while not necessary for accomplishing these functions , it is desirable to attach the filter capacitor 14 to the feedthrough 12 for suppressing or decoupling undesirable emi signals and noise transmission into the interior of the medical device . more particularly , the feedthrough 12 of the feedthrough filter capacitor assembly 10 comprises a ferrule 22 defining an insulator - receiving bore surrounding an insulator 26 . suitable electrically conductive materials for the ferrule 22 include titanium , tantalum , niobium , stainless steel or combinations of alloys thereof , the former being preferred . the ferrule 22 may be of any geometry , non - limiting examples being round , rectangle , and oblong . a surrounding flange 24 ( fig3 ) extends from the ferrule 22 to facilitate attachment of the feedthrough 12 to the casing ( not shown ) of , for example , one of the previously described implantable medical devices . the method of attachment may be by laser welding or other suitable methods . the insulator 26 is of a ceramic material such as of alumina , zirconia , zirconia toughened alumina , aluminum nitride , boron nitride , silicon carbide , glass or combinations thereof . preferably , the insulating material is alumina , which is highly purified aluminum oxide , and comprises a sidewall 28 extending to a first upper side 30 and a second lower side 32 . the insulator 26 is also provided with bores 34 that receive the terminal pins 20 passing therethrough . a layer of metal 36 , referred to as metallization , is applied to the insulator sidewall 28 and the sidewall of the terminal pin bores 34 to aid a braze material 38 in hermetically sealing between the ferrule 22 and the insulator 26 and between the terminal pins 20 and the insulator 26 , respectively . suitable metallization materials 36 include titanium , titanium nitride , titanium carbide , iridium , iridium oxide , niobium , tantalum , tantalum oxide , ruthenium , ruthenium oxide , zirconium , gold , palladium , molybdenum , silver , platinum , copper , carbon , carbon nitride , and combinations thereof . the metallization layer may be applied by various means including , but not limited to , sputtering , electron - beam deposition , pulsed laser deposition , plating , electroless plating , chemical vapor deposition , vacuum evaporation , thick film application methods , and aerosol spray deposition , and thin cladding . non - limiting examples of braze materials 38 include gold , gold alloys , and silver . then , if the feedthrough 12 is used where it will contact bodily fluids , the resulting brazes do not need to be covered with a biocompatible coating material . in other embodiments , if the brazes are not biocompatible , for example , if they contain copper , they are coated with a layer / coating of biocompatible / biostable material . broadly , the biocompatibility requirement is met if contact of the braze / coating with body tissue and blood results in little or no immune response from the body , especially thrombogenicity ( clotting ) and encapsulation of the electrode with fibrotic tissue . the biostability requirement means that the braze / coating remains physically , electrically , and chemical constant and unchanged over the life of the patient . according to one embodiment of the invention , the terminal pins 20 are preferably composed of a first metal comprising a refractory metal . a refractory metal is herein defined as a metal that is resistant to heating and has a melting temperature greater than about 1 , 800 ° c . non - limiting examples of refractory metals include niobium , molybdenum , tantalum , tungsten , rhenium , titanium , vanadium , zirconium , hafnium , osmium , iridium , and alloys thereof . in a more preferred embodiment , the terminal pins 20 comprise niobium and niobium alloys . as shown in fig1 - 5 , 8 , 8 a , and 9 , each terminal pin 20 is received in a throughbore 40 of the terminal block 18 . in a preferred embodiment , a proximal end portion 42 of the terminal pin 20 is received in the throughbore 40 of the terminal block 18 . terminal blocks 18 have a terminal block length 44 , a terminal block width 46 and a terminal block height 48 ( fig4 ). in a preferred embodiment , the length 44 of the terminal block 18 ranges from about 1 mm to about 5 mm , the width 46 of the terminal block 18 ranges from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and the height 48 of the terminal block 18 ranges from about 0 . 05 mm to about 5 mm . it is preferred that the terminal block 18 is composed of a second metal comprising an electrically conductive metal . non - limiting examples of conductor block 18 second metals include nickel , titanium , gold , silver , platinum , palladium , stainless steel , mp35n , and alloys thereof . in a more preferred embodiment , terminal blocks 18 are composed of nickel or a nickel alloy . each throughbore 40 of the terminal block 18 is preferably constructed with a diameter ranging from about 0 . 01 mm to about 0 . 10 mm such that the terminal pin 20 can pass therethrough . it is preferred that the terminal pin 20 is positioned such that the bore wall 50 of the terminal block 18 circumferentially surrounds the diameter of the terminal pin 20 . it is further preferred that an end portion 54 of the terminal pin 20 resides above the topside surface 52 of the terminal block 18 ( fig3 and 9 ). in a preferred embodiment , the terminal pin 20 resides from about 0 . 02 mm to about 0 . 2 mm above the top surface 52 of the terminal block 18 . although it is preferred that the end portion 54 of the terminal pin 20 is positioned above the topside surface 52 of the terminal block 18 , it is contemplated that the end portion 54 of the terminal pin 20 may be positioned below the top surface 52 of the terminal block 18 . furthermore , each terminal block 18 is preferably positioned on the topside 56 of a protective cap 16 . in a preferred embodiment , the terminal block 18 resides within a slot 58 formed into the topside surface 56 of the protective cap 16 ( fig1 , 4 ). each slot 58 is dimensioned such that the width 46 and length 44 of the terminal block 18 fit within the slot 58 . in addition , the terminal pins 20 are preferably positioned such that they are received through a throughbore 60 of the protective cap 16 . more specifically , the proximal portion 42 of the terminal pin 20 is received through the respective throughbores 60 and 40 of the protective cap 16 and the terminal block 18 . the protective cap 16 is positioned in a more distal location of the terminal pin 20 than the terminal block 18 ( fig3 ). in a preferred embodiment , the protective cap 16 is composed of a biocompatible polymeric material that can withstand temperatures up to about 300 ° c . it is preferred that the protective cap 16 is composed of a polyoxymethylene copolymer such as celcon ® m450 or hostaform ® c 52021 manufactured by ticona of florence , ky . other non - limiting materials comprising the protective cap 16 include silicone rubber , acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ( abs ), polyether ether ketone ( peek ), low and high density polyethylene , polyethylene chloride , polypropylene , acetal , acetylcellulose , acrylic resin , and polytetrafluoroethylene . in an alternate preferred embodiment , the protective cap 16 may also be composed of a ceramic insulator material . in a preferred embodiment , as shown in fig1 , 3 , 4 , and 9 the protective cap 16 has a height 62 defined by a protective cap sidewall 64 extending from a first protective cap end 66 to a second protective cap end 68 , wherein the terminal pin 20 extends through a protective cap throughbore 60 extending from the first protective cap end 66 to the second protective cap end 68 . as shown in fig3 , the terminal block 18 is positioned in a stacked relationship on the topside surface 56 of the protective cap 16 . the respective throughbores 60 , 40 of the protective cap 16 and terminal block 18 are aligned such that the proximal region 42 of the terminal pin 20 resides therethrough . it should be noted however , that the protective cap 16 may or may not be incorporated with a feedthrough assembly 10 comprising a capacitor 14 . in addition , the protective cap 16 is constructed such that a plurality of walls 70 project from the topside surface 56 of the protective cap 16 . more preferably , these walls 70 interconnect at a central junction 72 ( fig4 ). these walls 70 have a preferred wall thickness 74 of about 0 . 5 mm to about 5 mm , a preferred wall height 76 of about 1 mm to about 10 mm , and a preferred wall length 78 of about 1 mm to about 10 mm . the walls 70 electrically insulate the terminal blocks 18 from each other . in a specific embodiment of joining niobium to that of nickel , it is preferred that a weld 80 of increased niobium content is formed . such a weld 80 of increased niobium content is preferred because it reduces mechanical stresses within the niobium - nickel weld 80 , thereby increasing the robustness and minimizing weld cracking . it is believed that the increased robustness of the weld 80 of the present invention is attributed to the increased niobium content . as can be seen in the nickel - niobium binary phase diagram , illustrated in fig6 , an increased niobium content with respect to nickel , reduces the occurrence of inter - metallic phases . as illustrated in the diagram of fig6 , there are fewer inter - metallic phases , such as ni 3 nb 7 and ni 3 nb , above about 65 weight percent niobium . in a preferred embodiment , a full perimeter weld 80 is formed between the first metal of the terminal pin 20 and the second metal of the terminal block 18 . more specifically , the weld 80 is formed between the first metal of the terminal pin 20 and terminal block 18 , such that weld encompasses the full perimeter 84 of the terminal pin 20 . this is shown in fig1 , 2 , 4 and 5 . it is preferred that the weld 80 is formed about the proximal end region 54 of the terminal pin 20 . it is also preferred that the weld 80 , as shown in fig1 - 5 , 8 , 8 a , and 9 , is formed of a shape similar to that of a “ button ”. as illustrated in the cross - sectional view of fig3 , this “ button ” shaped weld 80 is formed above the top surface 52 of the terminal block 18 . a “ button weld ” is herein defined as a weld having the general shape and appearance of that of a button as illustrated in fig8 and 8a . in a preferred embodiment , an alloy is formed comprising a mixture of the first metal of the terminal pin 20 and the second metal of the terminal block 18 . in a preferred embodiment , an alloy comprising about 65 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of the first metal is combined with about 35 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the second metal . in a more preferred embodiment , a weld 80 comprising from about 65 to about 95 weight percent niobium is combined with about 35 to about 5 weight percent nickel . as previously mentioned , a niobium content of greater than about 65 weight percent provides for a niobium - nickel alloy with few inter - metallic phases . a weld 100 ( fig7 , 7 a ) comprising inter - metallic phases typically results in an undesirably brittle weld that is prone to cracking . fig7 and 7a illustrate a cross - sectional view of a prior art weld 100 having cracks 102 therewithin . weld cracks 102 , such as those illustrated and shown in fig7 and 7a , are typically form during prior art joining processes . it is possible that a crack 102 or multiple cracks 102 could propagate through the weld 100 , creating a pathway for the entry of undesirable debris that could disrupt the performance of the feedthrough assembly 10 and / or medical device . in contrast , the weld 80 of the present invention lacks these cracks 102 of the prior art weld 100 , as shown in the cross - sectional views of fig8 and 8a . as shown in the illustration and micrograph of fig7 and 7a , respectively , prior art weld 100 has an appearance of a flat “ nail head ” which is unlike the preferred “ button ” shape of the present invention weld 80 . it is believed that the curved shape of the preferred “ button ” weld 80 , acts as a stress reducer that contributes to the increased robustness of the present weld 80 . furthermore , as shown in the cross - sectional micrograph image of the present weld 80 of fig8 a , and the illustration of fig8 , there is a distinct boundary layer 106 positioned on either side of the weld 80 . this boundary layer 106 delineates the first metal of the terminal pin 20 from the second metal of the terminal block 18 . as shown in the illustration and micrograph of fig8 and 8a , the “ button weld ” 80 is distinguished from the prior art weld 100 shown in fig7 and 7a by the presence of the boundary layer 106 , a well defined distinct region comprising a mixture of the first metal of the terminal pin 20 and the second metal of the terminal block 18 . as shown , the boundary layer 106 has a well defined width 82 extending from the top surface 52 of the terminal block 18 to a position distally from the top surface 52 . unlike the weld 80 of the present invention , the prior art weld 100 as shown in the micrograph of fig7 a , does not have a distinct boundary layer 106 . the prior art weld 100 is characterized by a weld gradient region 104 in which the first metal of the terminal pin 20 appears to gradually diffuse or transition into the second metal of the terminal block 18 . this weld gradient region 104 appears of a distinct shade of grey , contrasting between the darker and lighter shades of grey of the terminal pin 20 and terminal block 18 , respectively . it is believed that the combination of the curved “ button ” like weld shape and the distinct boundary layers 106 between the first and second metals contributes to the reduced mechanical stress , therefore enabling a crack free weld . in addition , it is believed that the weld gradient region 104 of the prior art weld 100 , comprises undesirable inter - metallic phases that contribute to its brittleness . the present button weld 80 is manufactured during a welding process by a beam 110 of laser energy focused at a center region 114 of the end 54 of the terminal pin 20 , as illustrated in fig9 . focusing the laser energy at substantially the center 114 of the terminal pin 20 provides a concentration of heat there that melts and deforms the first metal of the terminal pin 20 . by focusing the heat energy at the center region 114 of the end 54 of the terminal pin 20 , the first metal content of the weld 80 is increased . a sufficient amount of heat is generated to effectively form the alloy joining the two dissimilar first and second metals 20 , 18 without generating &# 39 ; too much heat such that the protective cap 16 and other adjacent materials of the feedthrough assembly 10 are damaged . in addition , focusing the beam of laser energy 110 about the center region 114 of the end 54 of the terminal pin 20 , dissipates the energy away from the protective cap 16 thereby minimizing degradation of the adjacent cap 16 . in a preferred embodiment , a laser welding instrument 108 ( fig9 ) such as a lasag ® model sls200 is used to join the terminal pin 20 to the terminal block 18 . in a preferred embodiment , a laser pulse frequency of between about 10 hz to about 30 hz is used with a pulse width of between about 1 . 0 ms to about 5 . 0 ms to thereby generate a welding energy of from about 1 . 0 j to about 5 . 0 j to weld the dissimilar metals together . these preferred laser welding parameters provide a full perimeter weld 80 that sufficiently joins the two dissimilar metals of the terminal pin 20 and terminal block 18 . as further shown in fig2 , 4 and 5 , the feedthrough assembly 10 includes the filter capacitor 14 that provides for filtering undesirable emi signals before they can enter the device housing via the terminal pins 20 . the filter capacitor 14 comprises a ceramic or ceramic - based dielectric monolith 86 having multiple capacitor - forming conductive electrode plates formed therein . the capacitor dielectric 86 preferably has a circular cross - section matching the cross - section of the ferrule 22 and supports a plurality of spaced - apart layers of first or “ active ” electrode plates 88 in spaced relationship with a plurality of spaced apart layers of second or “ ground ” electrode plates 90 . the filter capacitor 14 is preferably joined to the feedthrough 12 adjacent to the insulator side 30 by an annular bead 92 of conductive material , such as a solder or braze ring , or a thermal - setting conductive adhesive , and the like . the dielectric 86 includes lead bores 94 provided with an inner surface metallization layer . the terminal pins 20 pass there through and are conductively coupled to the active plates 88 by a conductive braze material 96 contacting between the terminal pins 20 and the bore metallization . in a similar manner , the ground plates 90 are electrically connected through an outer surface metallization 98 and the conductive material 92 to the ferrule 22 . it is appreciated that various modifications to the invention concepts described herein may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .

US-201113155497-A