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Christmas tree stand comprising securing wedges

The invention relates to a Christmas tree stand with a holding body which surrounds the lower end of the trunk of a Christmas tree and with securing wedges for the trunk which are connected to the holding body via blade wedges.

1-8. (canceled) 9. A Christmas tree stand comprising: a holding body that receives a lower end of a trunk of a Christmas tree; a securing wedge with a guide pin, and a blade wedge having a guide channel, wherein the securing wedge is movably coupled to blade wedge via the guide pin and the guide channel; wherein the blade wedge is disposed within the holding body, and wherein the securing wedge moves between a first position and a second position when the guide pin moves in the guide channel; and wherein the securing wedge contacts and secures the trunk of the Christmas tree in the first position and releases the trunk of the Christmas tree in the second position. 10. The Christmas tree stand of claim 9 wherein the securing wedge has an edge proximal to the trunk of the Christmas tree, and wherein the edge curves away from the trunk of the Christmas tree when the securing wedge is in the first position. 11. The Christmas tree stand of claim 9 wherein the holding body has a cylindrical horizontal cross section and a lower end, and wherein the lower end of the holding body is further coupled to a closing plate. 12. The Christmas tree stand of claim 9 wherein the holding body has a lower portion that includes a stabilizing plate for the blade wedge. 13. The Christmas tree stand of claim 9 wherein the holding body further includes a channel that receives the securing wedge. 14. The Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein the channel is vertical to the ground when the Christmas tree stand secures a Christmas tree. 15. The Christmas tree stand of claim 9 wherein the securing wedge has an impact surface that forms an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to a vertical axis of the Christmas tree stand. 16. The Christmas tree stand of claim 15 wherein the angle is between 80 degrees and 60 degrees. 17. The Christmas tree stand of claim 9 wherein the securing wedge is a triangular steel plate having a thickness of 3 to 10 millimeter. 18. The Christmas tree stand of claim 17 wherein the securing wedge is a triangular steel plate having a thickness of 3 to 5 millimeter.

Stretch film and method for producing a stretch film

A stretch film for the packing of goods, particularly for the packing of goods stacked on a pallet, comprises a prestretched main film (10). The main film (10) is reinforced by reinforcement strips (12) extending in the longitudinal direction. The reinforcement strips (12) are made from film strips of prestretched film which have been folded a plurality of times in the longitudinal direction. Between two adjacent reinforcement strips (12), the main film (10) can comprise two mutually staggered rows of holes (16,18). This stretch film with perforations (14) is particularly useful for the packing of food items.

1. A method for producing a stretch film, comprising the following steps: supply of film strips (34) from a first prestretched film (22), generating reinforcement strips (12) by folding these film strips (34) at least once in longitudinal direction, supply of a further prestretched main film (10), and connecting the reinforcement strips (12) to the main film (10) in such a manner that the reinforcement strips (12) extend in parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the main film (10). 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the film strips (34) are generated by cutting a prestretched film (22). 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the main film (10) is perforated. 4. The method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein the main film (10) is perforated in such a manner that perforations are formed only in the regions of the main film (10) between the reinforcement strips (12). 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4 wherein, between two reinforcement strips (12), a plurality of mutually staggered rows of holes (16,18) are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the main film (10). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein at least one of the films (10,22) includes additives for intensifying the connection between the films. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6 wherein, for connecting the main film (10) and the reinforcement strips (12), the main film (10) and the reinforcement strips (12) have different temperatures. 8. The method according to a any one of claims 1-7 wherein the main film (10) and the reinforcement strips (12) are connected by application of heat. 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the film strips (34) are folded twice and preferably four times. 10. The method according to a any one of claims 1-9 wherein at least three reinforcement strips (12) are provided in parallel to each other. 11. A stretch film, comprising reinforcement strips (12) made from a first prestretched film (22) and extending in the longitudinal direction of a second prestretched main film (10), wherein the reinforcement strips (12) are film strips (34) made from the first prestretched film (22) which have been folded in the longitudinal direction. 12. The stretch film according to claim 11, characterized in that the main film (10) is perforated. 13. The stretch film according to claim 12, characterized in that the main film (10) is perforated only in the regions between the reinforcement strips (12). 14. The stretch film according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, between two reinforcement strips (12), the main film (10) is provided with a plurality of mutually staggered rows of holes (16,18) extending in the longitudinal direction. 15. The stretch film according to any one of claim 11-14, characterized in that the reinforcement strips (12) comprise film strips (34) which have been folded twice and preferably four times in the longitudinal direction. 16. The stretch film according to any one of claim 11-15, characterized in that at least three mutually parallel reinforcement strips (12) are provided. 17. Use of a stretch film according to any one of claims 11-16 for the packing of food items. 18. Use of a stretch film according to any one of claims 11-16 for wrapping a pallet load.

Alloy for use in bonded magnet, isotropic magnet powder and anisotropic magnet powder and method for production thereof, and bonded magnet

An alloy for bonded magnet alloy of the present invention includes at least Fe as a main component, 11-15 at % rare-earth element (R) that includes yttrium (Y) and does not include lanthanum (La), 5.5-10.8 at % B and 0.01-1.0 at % La, and has superior corrosion resistance. Using the obtained magnet powder by applying the d-HDDR process etc. to this bonded magnet, bonded magnet with not only magnetic properties but also reliability such as corrosion resistance and heat resistance etc., can be achieved.

1. An alloy for bonded magnet which includes at least Fe as a main component, 11-15 at % of rare earth element (hereafter referred to as [R]) that includes yttrium (Y) and does not include lanthanum (La), 5.5-10.8 at % of B and 0.01-1.0 at % of La, and has superior corrosion resistance. 2. An alloy for bonded magnet according to claim 1 which includes 0.05-1 at % of gallium (Ga) and 0.05-0.8 at % of niobium (Nb). 3. An alloy for bonded magnet according to claim 1 in which R is composed at least one of Nd, Pr and Dy. 4. Additionally, an alloy for bonded magnet according to claim 1 which includes 0.1-10 at % of cobalt (Co). 5. An isotropic magnet powder obtained by the HDDR process which includes putting an ingot, with alloy composition of at least the main component Fe, R including Y without La of 11-15 at %, B of 5.5-10.8 at % and La of 0.01-1.0 at %, through the hydrogenation step while maintaining the ingot between 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then after the hydrogenation step, carrying out the desorption step where hydrogen is removed, is used for bonded magnet with superior corrosion resistance. 6. An isotropic magnet powder obtained from the production method which includes the HDDR process which includes putting a magnet alloy, with alloy composition of at least the main component Fe, R including Y without La as well as B, through the hydrogenation step while maintaining the alloy between 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then after the hydrogenation step, carrying out the desorption step where hydrogen is removed, to which diffusion heat process is annexed or unified where a La blended powder that can be obtained by blending the obtained RFeB-type powder after the hydrogenation process or the dehydrogenation process with La-type powder composed of more than one kind that includes a simple substance of La, a La alloy, a La compound and their hydride (a simple substance of La, a La alloy as well as a hydride of La compound, hereafter referred as to La hydride), is heated at 673-1123 K and La is diffused on the surface and the inside of the RFeB-type powder, and when regarding the whole as 100 at %, it includes at least 11-15 at % of the above-mentioned R, 5.5-10.8 at % of the above-mentioned B as well as 0.01-1 at % of the above-mentioned La, and is used for bonded magnet with superior corrosion resistance. 7. An anisotropic magnet powder obtained by the d-HDDR process which includes putting an ingot, with alloy composition of at least the main component Fe, R including Y without La of 11-15 at %, B of 5.5-10.8 at %, and La of 0.01-1.0 at %, through the low temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining the ingot at less than 873 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then after the low-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the high-temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining 20-100 kPa and 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then the high-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the first evacuation step while maintaining 0.1-20 kPa and 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and after the first evacuation step, carrying out the second evacuation step where the hydrogen is removed, is used for bonded magnet with superior corrosion resistance. 8. An anisotropic magnet powder obtained from the production method which includes the d-HDDR process which includes putting a magnet alloy for bonded magnet, with alloy composition of at least the main component Fe, R including Y without La as well as B, through the low temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining the ingot at less than 873 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then after the low-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the high-temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining 20-100 kPa and 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then the high-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the first evacuation step while maintaining 0.1-20 kPa and 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and after the first evacuation step, carrying out the second evacuation step where the hydrogen is removed, to which diffusion heat process is annexed or unified where a La blended powder that can be obtained by blending the obtained RFeB-type powder after the high-temperature, the first evacuation process or the second evacuation process with La-type powder composed of more than one kind that includes a simple substance of La, a La alloy, a La compound and a La hydride, is heated at 673-1123 K and La is diffused on the surface and the inside of the RFeB-type powder, and when regarding the whole as 100 at %, it includes at least 11-15 at % of the above-mentioned R, 5.5-10.8 at % of the above-mentioned B as well as 0.01-1 at % of the above-mentioned La, and is used for bonded magnet with superior corrosion resistance. 9. An isotropic magnet powder obtained from the production method which includes the HDDR process which includes putting a magnet alloy for bonded magnet, with alloy composition of at least the main component Fe, R including Y without La as well as B, through the low temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining the ingot at less than 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then after the low-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the desorption step where hydrogen is removed, to which diffusion heat process is annexed or unified where a La blended powder that can be obtained by blending the obtained RFeB-type powder after the hydrogenation step and the desorptin step with La-type powder composed of more than one kind that includes a simple substance of La, a La alloy, a La compound and a La hydride, is heated at 673-1123 K and La is diffused on the surface and the inside of the RFeB-type powder, and when regarding the whole as 100 at %, it includes at least 11-15 at % of the above-mentioned R, 5.5-10.8 at % of the above-mentioned B as well as 0.01-1 at % of the above-mentioned La, and is used for bonded magnet with superior corrosion resistance. 10. Production method of an anisotropic magnet powder obtained from the production method which includes the d-HDDR process which includes putting a magnet alloy for bonded magnet, with alloy composition of at least the main component Fe, R including Y without La as well as B, through the low temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining the ingot at less than 873 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then after the low-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the high-temperature hydrogenation step while maintaining 20-100 kPa and 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and then the high-temperature hydrogenation step, carrying out the first evacuation step while maintaining 0.1-20 kPa and 1023-1173 K in a hydrogen atmosphere, and after the first evacuation step, carrying out the second evacuation step where the hydrogen is removed, to which diffusion heat process is annexed or unified where a La blended powder that can be obtained by blending the obtained RFeB-type powder after the high-temperature, the first evacuation process or the second evacuation process with La-type powder composed of more than one kind that includes a simple substance of La, a La alloy, a La compound and a La hydride, is heated at 673-1123 K and La is diffused on the surface and the inside of the RFeB-type powder, and when regarding the whole as 100 at %, it includes at least 11-15 at % of the above-mentioned R, 5.5-10.8 at % of the above-mentioned B as well as 0.01-1 at % of the above-mentioned La, and is used for bonded magnet with superior corrosion resistance. 11. A bonded magnet having superior corrosion resistance which can be achieved by mixing binder with the obtained isotropic magnet powder through the HDDR process that is composed of at least the main component Fe, 11-15 at % of R including Y without La, 5.5-10.8 at % of B as well as 0.01-1.0 at % of La, and then by compression molding. 12. A bonded magnet having its superior corrosion resistance which can be achieved by mixing binder with the obtained anisotropic magnet powder through the d-HDDR process that is composed of at least the main component Fe, 11-15 at % of R including Y without La, 5.5-10.8 at % of B as well as 0.01-1.0 at % of La, and then by compression molding.

<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Hard magnets (permanent magnet) are used in motors and various other equipment and they are demanded to possess superior magnetic characteristics to achieve the miniaturization and high performance. From this point of view, the development of a RFeB-type magnet (rare-earth magnet), made from a rare-earth element (R), Boron (B) and Iron (Fe), has up until now been popular. However, to further increase the demand for rare-earth magnet, a stable exhibition of the excellent magnetic characteristics becomes important in order to secure the reliability of the product made from the magnet. Because the main reason that rare-earth magnet degrade its magnetic characteristics lies on an oxidization of the main components such as Fe and R, rare-earth magnet is demanded to possess excellent corrosion resistance against the oxidization. Especially, in the case of rare-earth magnet that gets exposed to high-temperature condition where the oxidization can easily proceed, the magnet is demanded to possess excellent corrosion resistance under high-temperature condition. For example, in the case of use for each kinds of motors equipped in engine rooms of automobile cars, or in the case of use for driving motors in hybrid cars or electric cars, the rare-earth magnet has to maintain high magnetic characteristics at high-temperature range exceeding 100° C. However, a NdFeB-type magnet, for example, is poor in heat resistance with its generally large temperature-dependency (temperature coefficient), resulting in considerable decrease in coercivity at high-temperature range. So far, to improve the temperature dependency itself has been difficult. Therefore, up to this date, it has been dealt by initially enlarging coercivity (iHC) of rare-earth magnet, taking into account the degree of degradation in magnetic characteristics. By the way, many of applications concerned with rare-earth magnets with enhanced initial magnetic characteristics have been made, for example, the following open patents can be listed. {circle over (1)}U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,931, U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,058 In the former open patent, an alloy is disclosed which are composed of less than 40 atomic % (at %) R or R′ that are rare-earth elements, 0.5-10% at % B and a remainder of Fe, and whose main phase is (R, R′) 2 (Fe, TM) 14 B 1 (TM: transition element). Indeed, what is disclosed as a magnetic powder composed of the alloy is only an isotropic magnetic powder produced by quenching solidification. Moreover, concerning with time-variation properties or its controlling method of the isotropic magnetic powder or the applied hard magnets, nothing has been disclosed in this open patent. In the latter open patent, although similar alloys where the above-mentioned R is neodymium (Nd) or praseodymium (Pr) have, in this case again, nothing is disclosed about the above-mentioned time-variation properties. {circle over (2)} U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,770 In this open patent, alloys composed of (M w X x B 1-x ) 1-y (R z La 1-z ) y have been disclosed. M represent Fe or Co and so on, and X represents Si or Al and so on. By making the alloy into amorphous through quenching solidification method and then crystallizing it through heat processing, an isotropic magnetic powder can be obtained. Here La must be an essential component for formation of the above-mentioned amorphous structure. Again, in this open patent, nothing is reported about --- or its controlling method of the isotropic magnetic powder. {circle over (3)} Japanese examined Patent Publication No. 6-82575 (Japanese Patent No. 1947332), Japanese examined Patent Publication No. 7-68561 (Japanese Patent No. 2041426), Japanese Patent No. 2576671 and Japanese Patent No. Alternative production methods, other than the above-mentioned quenching solidification method (melt spinning method), include the HDDR (hydrogenation-disproportionation-desorption-recombination) processing method and the d-HDDR processing method. The HDDR processing method is used to produce RFeB-type isotropic magnet powder and RFeB-type anisotropic magnet powder, and it generally has two production steps. That is to say, the first step of 3-phase decomposition (disproportionation) reaction (the hydrogenation step) is carried out while maintained at 773-1273 K in a hydrogen gas environment on the order of 100 kPa (1 atm), and after that is the dehydrogenation step (the second step) where dehydrogenation occurs under vacuum. On the other hand, d-HDDR is used predominantly in as a production method for RFeB-type anisotropic magnet powder. As reported in detail in commonly-known literature (Mishima, et. al.: Journal of the Japan Applied Magnetics Society, 24 (2000), p. 407), it is defined as the control of the reaction rate between the RFeB-type alloy and hydrogen when going from room temperature to a high temperature. In detail, the four principal production steps are the low-temperature hydrogenation step (step 1) where hydrogen is sufficiently absorbed into the RFeB-type alloy at room temperature, the high-temperature hydrogenation step (step 2) where the 3-phase decomposition (disproportionation) reaction occurs under low hydrogen pressure, the evacuation step (step 3) where hydrogen is decomposed under as high a hydrogen pressure as possible, and the desorption step (step 4) where the hydrogen is removed from the material. The point, which differs from the HDDR process is that through the preparation of multiple production steps with different temperatures and hydrogen pressures, the rection rate of the RFeB-type alloy and hydrogen can be maintained relatively slow, thus homogeneously anisotropic magne powder. In these four open patents above-mentioned, a magnetic powder produced by those processes is reported. In Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-82575 a RFeB-type isotropic magnet powder which possesses recrystallized tetragonal structure is disclosed, and in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-68561 the production method of RFeB-type isotropic magnet powder using the HDDR process is disclosed. Indeed, even in these open Patent, nothing about time-variation properties etc. of the isotropic magnet powder is disclosed. In Japanese Patent No. 2576671 as well as Japanese Patent No. 2586198, RFeB-type anisotropic magnet powder with superior corrosion resistance as well as bonded magnet are disclosed. The prior magnet powder produced through thermo-plastic process is poor in corrosion resistance due to an introduction of a plastic process strain. On the other hand, as those open patents report, an corrosion resistance of magnet powder produced using the HDDR process improves with no introduction of a plastic process strain. That is, in the case of magnet powder produced using the HDDR process, the corrosion resistance improves because there is no grain boundary in its recrystallized structure, nor is stress strain caused by plastic process. However, the disclosed method in this open patent was far from sufficient in terms of improvement in corrosion resistance or magnetic characteristics of the magnet powder. {circle over (4)} Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-93610 In this open patent, a method to diffuse (or coating) Nd or Dy on the surface or inside of anisotropic magnet powder by means of diffusion heat process, is disclosed. The heat processed Nd or Dy acts as an oxygen getter, control as well as prevent a direct oxidization of R or Fe that compose main phase of magnet powder. As a result, the diffusion heat processed magnet powder achieves an excellent corrosion resistance. However, the corrosion resistance was not surely a sufficient level. As mentioned above, even if the prior rare-earth magnet powder and the magnet have a superior initial magnetic characteristics, the corrosion resistance was insufficient. In addition, even ones with improved corrosion resistance were not surely sufficient level, with no coexistence of magnetic characteristics and corrosion resistance on a high level. However, to achieve a coexistence of high functionalization and high reliability of the product using rare-earth magnet, to improve corrosion resistance of RFeB-type magnet powder with superior magnetic characteristics and the applied rare-earth magnets is very important. In addition, although many of the above-mentioned open patents are illustrating La as R that compose a main phase of RFeB-type magnet powder, none of them reports an example in which La is R. Also none of them utilizes La as to improve corrosion resistance of magnet powder.

Apparatus and method for water treatment by adsorption

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removal of arsenic or other metal salts from drinking water. The invention uses a bed of granulated ferric hydroxide to adsorp the metal in a pressurized adsorption chamber. The bed is sized to about 10 m3 and run with an EBCT of about 3 minutes which has been found to give an unprecedently long bed life of upto 200,000 bed volumes of treated water.

1. An apparatus for removing metals from water comprising: an adsorption chamber including a bed adapted to absorb metals, the bed having a bed height ranging from about 0.5 m to about 2.0 m, the bed comprising a ferric material, the ferric material comprising a granular ferric material having a grain density ranging from about 1 kg/dm3 to about 2 kg/dm3; a water inlet connectable to a first water supply on one side of the bed; a water outlet on the other side of the bed; a backwash inlet connectable to a second water supply on the said other side of the bed; wherein the apparatus is structured for normal operations and backwash operations, during normal operations, the apparatus is adapted for absorption of metals onto the bed as water flows from said one side to said other side, and the apparatus is structured for backwash operations as water flows from the backwash inlet to said one side of the bed and the empty bed contact time (EBCT) is between 1 and 6 minutes. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bed has a bed volume capacity of at least 10,000 bed volumes of water to be treated during normal operations. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bed has a bed volume capacity of at least 60,000 bed volume of water to be treated during normal operations. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bed has a bed volume capacity of at least 30,000 bed volume of water to be treated during normal operations between backwash operations. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bed has a bed volume capacity ranging from about 5 bed volumes of water to about 10 bed volumes of water during backwash operations. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is arranged for backwash operation having a flow rate of less than 50 m/h. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed is arranged for backwash operation having a flow rate of less than 30 m/h. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is structured such that a forward flush immediately precedes a backwash operation. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus is structured such that the forward flush comprises less then about 10 bed volumes of water. 10. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the apparatus is structured such that the forward flush comprises flushing water from the second supply from the said one side of the bed to the said other side of the bed. 11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus is structured such that the forward flush has a flow rate of less than 30 m/h. 12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus is structured such that the forward flush has a flow rate of less than 25 m/h. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the adsorption chamber further comprises a base arranged to support the bed. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the base includes one or more openings. 15. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the base comprises a wedgewire material. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the granular ferric material has an average diameter of less than 2 mm and more than 0.25 mm, 10% or less of the granules have a diameter greater than 2 mm and 5% or less of the granules have a diameter less than 0.25 mm. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the granular ferric material has an average diameter of about 0.8 mm. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the granular ferric material is a granulated natural material. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the granular ferric material comprises ferric hydroxide. 20. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the grain density ranges from about 1.5 kg/dm3 to about 1.7 kg/dm3. 21. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the grain density is about 1.58 kg/dm3. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the average bulk density at 45% water content is at least 1.1 g/cm3 and no more than 1.4 g/cm3. 23. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the average bulk density at 45% water content is within a range of about 1.2 g/cm3 to 1.3 g/cm3. 24. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the average bulk density at 45% water content is approximately 1.25 g/cm3. 25. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the material has a specific surface of about 1.6×105 m2/dm3. 26. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the material comprises at least 50% by weight iron. 27. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed includes a layer of gravel of greater average diameter than the ferric material. 28. The apparatus according to claim 1 where the metal is selected from the group consisting of arsenic; copper; cadmium, nickel; chromium; silver; lead; molybdenum; manganese; and mixtures thereof. 29. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed has a bed volume and the bed is structured such that the ferric material is replaced after at least 100,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 30. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed has a bed volume and the bed is structured such that the ferric material is replaced after at least 120,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 31. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed has a bed volume and the bed is structured such that the ferric material is replaced after at least 150,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 32. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pH in the bed of the adsorption chamber is within the range of 7.0 and 8.5 during normal operation. 33. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pH in the bed of the adsorption chamber is within the range of 7.5 and 8.0 during normal operation. 34. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pH in the bed of the adsorption chamber is within the range of 7.8 during normal operation. 35. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed is at least 1 m in height and the bed has a volume of about 10 m3. 36. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is arranged to provide a conditioning cycle when new bed material is added to the adsorption chamber, wherein the conditioning cycle comprises an initial bed stratification backwash, a conditioning backwash and a final conditioning forward flush. 37. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the initial bed stratification backwash comprises about 4 bed volumes of water at about 30 m/h. 38. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the final conditioning backwash comprises a backwash cycle as defined in the preceding claims. 39. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the conditioning forward flush comprises a forward flush as defined in the preceding claims. 40. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is arranged to provide a loading backwash of about 10 bed volumes of water at less than 10 m/h e.g. about 5 m/h, when loading the bed material into the adsorption chamber. 41. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of similar adsorption chambers having shared first water supplies and second water supplies. 42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein one of the adsorption chambers is undergoing any backwash cycle or forward flush at any one time. 43. The apparatus according to claim 41 wherein the adsorption chambers comprise a first group and a second group and the first water supply is arranged to supply water at different rates to the first and second groups. 44. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed is structured such that the rate of water through the bed in normal operation is less than 50 m/h. 45. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bed is structured such that the rate of water through the bed in normal operation is about 25 m/h. 46. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the EBCT in normal operation is about 3 minutes. 47. An apparatus for removing metals from water comprising: an adsorption chamber including a bed adapted to absorb arsenic, the bed having a bed height ranging from about 0.5 m to about 2.0 m, the bed comprising a ferric material, the ferric material comprising a granular ferric material having a grain density ranging from about 1 kg/dm3 to about 2 kg/dm3, the bed comprising a bed volume capacity of at least 60,000 bed volumes of water to be treated during normal operations between backwash operations; a water inlet connectable to a first water supply on one side of the bed; a water outlet on the other side of the bed; a backwash inlet connectable to a second water supply on the said other side of the bed; wherein the apparatus is structured for normal operations and backwash operations, during normal operations, the apparatus is adapted for absorption of metals onto the bed as water flows from said one side to said other side, and the apparatus is structured for backwash operations as water flows from the backwash inlet to said one side of the bed and the empty bed contact time (EBCT) is between 1 and 6 minutes.wherein the. 48. A process for removing metal from water comprising: a) providing a bed of ferric material having a bed height of between 0.5 and 2.0 m wherein the ferric material comprises a granular ferric material having a grain density between 1 to 2 kg/dm3; b) in normal operation, supplying water from a first water supply from one side of the bed to the other side of the bed such that metal is adsorbed from the water onto the bed; c) in backwash operation supplying water from a second water supply from said other side of the bed to said one side of the bed so as to remove contaminating material from the bed without substantially disrupting the media; wherein in normal operation, the empty bed contact time for said water is between 1 and 6 minutes. 49. The process according to claim 48 wherein at least 10,000 bed volumes of water are treated in normal operation between backwash operations. 50. The process according to claim 48 wherein at least 30,000 bed volumes of water are treated in normal operation between backwash operations. 51. The process according to claim 48 wherein 60,000 bed volumes of water are treated in normal operation between backwash operations. 52. The process according to claim 48 wherein the backwash operation comprises about 10 bed volumes of water. 53. The process according to claim 48 wherein the backwash operation comprises about 5 bed volumes of water. 54. The process according to claim 48 wherein the backwash operation has a flow rate of less than 50 m/h. 55. The process according to claim 48 wherein the backwash operation has a flow rate of less than 30 m/h. 56. The process according to claim 48 wherein a forward flush immediately precedes a backwash operation. 57. The process according to claim 56 wherein the forward flush comprises about 10 bed volumes of water. 58. The process according to claim 56 wherein the forward flush comprises about 5 bed volumes of water. 59. The process according to claim 56 wherein the forward flush comprises flushing water from the second supply from the said one side of the bed to the said other side of the bed. 60. The process according to claim 56 wherein the forward flush has a flow rate of less than 30 m/h. 61. The process according to claim 56 wherein the forward flush has a flow rate of less than 25 m/h. 62. The process according to claim 48, wherein the bed is supported on a base. 63. The process according to claim 62 wherein the base includes openings. 64. The process according to claim 62, wherein the base comprises a wedgewire material. 65. The process according to claim 48, wherein the granular ferric material has an average diameter of less than 2 mm and more than 0.25 mm, less than 10% of the granules have a diameter greater than 2 mm and less than 5% of the granules have a diameter less than 0.25 mm. 66. The process according to claim 48 wherein the granular ferric material has an average diameter of about 0.8 mm. 67. The process according to claim 48 wherein the granular ferric material is a granulated natural material. 68. The process according to claim 48 wherein the material comprises ferric hydroxide. 69. The process according to claim 48 wherein the grain density is between 1.5 to 1.7 kg/dm3. 70. The process according to claim 69 wherein the grain density is about 1.58 kg/dm3. 71. The process according to claim 69 wherein the average bulk density at 45% water content is at least 1.1 g/cm3 and/or no more than 1.4 g/cm3. 72. The process according to claim 69 wherein the average bulk density at 45% water content is within a range of from about 1.2 to about 1.3 g/cm3. 73. The process according to claim 69 wherein the average bulk density at 45% water content is about 1.25 g/cm3. 74. The process according to claim 48 wherein the granular ferric material has a specific surface of about 1.6×105 m2/dm3. 75. The process according to 48, wherein the granular ferric material comprises at least 50% by weight iron. 76. The process according to claim 48, wherein the bed includes a layer of gravel of greater average diameter than the ferric material. 77. The process according to claim 48 wherein the metal removed from the water is selected from the group consisting of: arsenic; copper; cadmium; nickel; chromium; silver; lead molybdenum and mercury. 78. The process according to claim 48 wherein the ferric material is replaced after at least 100,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 79. The process according to claim 48 wherein the ferric material is replaced after at least 120,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 80. The process according to claim 48 wherein the ferric material is replaced after at least 150,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 81. The process according to claim 48 wherein the pH in the bed of the adsorption chamber is normal operation is within a range of about 7.0 to about 8.5. 82. The process according to claim 48 wherein the pH in the bed of the adsorption chamber is normal operation is within a range of about 7.5 to 8.0. 83. The process according to claim 48 wherein the pH in the bed of the adsorption chamber is normal operation is about 7.8. 84. The process according to claim 48, wherein the bed height is at least 1 m. 85. The process according to claim 48 wherein the process further comprises a conditioning cycle when new bed material is added to process, wherein the conditioning cycle comprises an initial bed stratification backwash, a final conditioning backwash and a final conditioning forward flush. 86. The process according to claim 85 wherein the initial bed stratification backwash comprises about four bed volumes of water at about 30 m/h. 87. The process according to claim 85 wherein the final conditioning backwash comprises a backwash cycle as defined in any of the preceding claims. 88. The process according to claim 85 wherein the conditioning forward flush comprises a forward flush as herein before defined in any of the preceding claims. 89. A process for removing arsenic from water comprising: a) providing a bed of ferric material having a bed height of between 0.5 and 2.0 m wherein the ferric material comprises a granular ferric material having a grain density between 1 to 2 kg/dm3; b) in normal operation, supplying water from a first water supply from one side of the bed to the other side of the bed such that metal is adsorbed from the water onto the bed wherein 60,000 bed volumes of water are treated in normal operation between backwash operations; c) in backwash operation supplying water from a second water supply from said other side of the bed to said one side of the bed so as to remove contaminating material from the bed without substantially disrupting the media; wherein in normal operation, the empty bed contact time for said water is between 1 and 6 minutes; (d) replacing the ferric material after at least 120,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation. 90. A process for removing metal from water comprising: a) providing a bed of ferric material having a bed height of between 0.5 and 2.0 m wherein the ferric material comprises a granular ferric material having a grain density between 1 to 2 kg/dm3; b) in normal operation, supplying water from a first water supply from one side of the bed to the other side of the bed such that metal is adsorbed from the water onto the bed wherein 60,000 bed volumes of water are treated in normal operation between backwash operations; c) in backwash operation supplying water from a second water supply from said other side of the bed to said one side of the bed so as to remove contaminating material from the bed without substantially disrupting the media; wherein in normal operation, the empty bed contact time for said water is between 1 and 6 minutes; (d) replacing the ferric material after at least 120,000 bed volumes of water have been treated in normal operation; (e) performing a conditioning cycle when new bed material is added to process, wherein the conditioning cycle comprises an initial bed stratification backwash, a final conditioning backwash and a final conditioning forward flush.

<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Ground water represents an important source of drinking water but has been found to contain dissolved metal ions such as arsenic, copper, nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium, molybdenum, silver, mercury and manganese, often at undesirable levels. For example, recent regulations have stipulated that the level of arsenic should be less than 10 μg/l. Arsenic and other metals may be removed from water by using one or more of the following methods; (i) adsorption by activated aluminium, (ii) nanofiltration, (iii) in a clarification/filtration plant using overdosing coagulation; or (iv) ion exchange. Each of these processes has disadvantages. Activated aluminium has a limited adsorption capacity. Nanofiltration allows comparatively slow processing rates. The construction of a coagulation plant has a high capital cost due to e.g. the large amount of land required and high operating costs.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention seeks to provide an advantageous apparatus and method for the removal of metals. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for removing metals from water comprising an adsorption chamber including a bed having a bed height and comprising a ferric material, a water inlet connectable to a first water supply on one side of the bed, a water outlet on the other side of the bed and a backwash inlet connectable to a second water supply on the said other side of the bed, the apparatus being arranged for normal and backwash operations, in normal operation arsenic is adsorbed onto the bed from water flowing from the said one side to said other side, and in backwash operation water flows from the backwash inlet to said one side of the bed, the bed is between 0.5 m and 2.0 m, preferably at least 1.0 m, and the empty bed contact time (EBCT) is between 1 and 6 minutes. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for removing metal from water comprising the steps of: a) providing a bed of ferric material having a bed height of between 0.5 and 2.0 m; b) in normal operation supplying water from a first water supply from one side of the bed to the other side of the bed such that arsenic is adsorbed from the water onto the bed; c) in backwash operation supplying water from a second water supply from said other side of the bed to said one side of the bed so as to remove contaminating material from the bed without substantially disrupting the media; wherein in normal operation, the empty bed contact time for said water is between 1 and 6 minutes. The present inventors have found that using a bed of ferric adsorption media allows increased metal adsorption when compared to activated aluminium (wt/wt) with the consequential reduction in the cost associated therewith. Surprisingly, given the fragile nature of the bed, a long interval between backwashing cycles is possible without clearly increasing the differential pressure across the bed and/or without significant reduction in the adsorption rate and capacity of the bed. Furthermore the bed of adsorption material required by the present invention is made from a material which is relatively fragile in nature and so has been proportioned to allow the bed to be formed by educting the material into the adsorber without the bed material being disrupted. Yet the bed maintains sufficient size to allow the treatment of commercial volumes of water. Surprisingly, it has been found that the adsorption bed of the invention can treat an unprecedently large volume of water before replacement i.e. when it reaches the allowed/set limit for the metal being removed from the water, e.g. in the case of arsenic the treated water having 10 μg/l arsenic. The bed size in conjunction with the EBCT provide an adsorber with a high capacity, yet the bed size is not so great to cause logistical problems in maintaining the bed. This is important as the apparatus may well be in a remote location where complicated and/or frequent maintenance would greatly increase costs for the process. The adsorption bed of the present invention should not need to be replaced more frequently than once per annum which is considered to be commercially acceptable given the cost of the material. Preferred features of the invention have been given in the dependent claims. The preferred features have each been found to improve the cost efficiency of the plant and may be used together or individually. The use of a ferric adsorption material was also found to allow relatively high rates of metal adsorption and a reduction in the capital expenditure required to build a plant when compared to a sludge plant. Ferric oxide and hydroxide containing natural materials have been found to be both relatively cheap to use and to give satisfactory adsorption efficiencies e.g. the ability to adsorb large quantities of arsenic, typically 1.3 g to 3.5 g of arsenic is removed per Kg of Ferric Hydroxide. The use natural material containing these two compounds has been found to give high economy and high adsorption. Advantageously according to the first and second aspects of the present invention a layer of gravel separates the media from the support base. Gravel has been found to be an economic inert material to use which is widely available. Advantageously according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention the pH use is in the range of 6.5 to 8.5, particularly 7.0 to 8.0 and more particularly, 7.8 during normal operation. The adsorption of arsenic is satisfactory within this PH range and normally this means that no adjustment to the PH is required for processing greatly reducing the cost and complexity of the operating condition which latter advantage is very important given the plant is normally unmanned.

Method for accommodating large movements in a mooring system

A method of operating a mooring system exemplified by active mooring devices having attractive attachment elements fixable to a ship's hull. Each mooring device includes active means for moving the attachment element vertically and in the horizontal plane, and the method involves repositioning the attachment elements in a stepwise manner. The mooring devices also includes a seal for a vaccum attachment element.

1-19. (canceled) 20. A method of operating a mooring system, the mooring system comprising at least a first and a second mooring robot, each mooring robot having a robot arm with an attachment element for releasably fastening to a surface, the first and second robots each having first and second attachment elements respectively, wherein the operating method incorporates co-ordinated stepwise movements to re-position each attachment element between respective spaced apart starting and finishing positions, in which positions the attachment elements are fastened to the surface, the method comprising the steps: (a) firstly, while maintaining the second attachment element in its respective starting position, releasing the first attachment element from the surface; (b) secondly, while maintaining the second attachment element in its respective starting position, actuating the first mooring robot to move the first attachment element and re-fasten the first attachment element in its respective finishing position; (c) thirdly, while maintaining the first attachment element in its respective finishing position, releasing the second attachment element from the surface; and (d) fourthly, while maintaining the first attachment element in its respective finishing position, actuating the second mooring robot to move the second attachment element and re-fasten the second attachment element in its respective finishing position. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the mooring robots are mounted to a fixed dock. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the mooring robots are mounted to a floating dock. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein said surface is part of a freeboard of a ship's hull. 24. The method of claim 20, wherein the mooring robots are mounted to a floating vessel. 25. The method of claim 20, wherein each mooring robot provides means for at least two-dimensional movement for positioning the attachment element. 26. The method of claim 20, wherein each attractive element is pivotally fixed to a mooring robot providing three-dimensional translational movement, the mooring robot allowing external forces to displace the moored object, and the attachment element engaged therewith, by a distance in the horizontal plane from a selected moored position; wherein, separate from its structural components, the mooring robot comprises resilient restorative means which provide a restorative force acting to restore the attachment element to the selected moored position. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the three dimensional translational movement comprises movement of the mooring robot about two substantially perpendicular axes of rotation and translational movement along a translational axis arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the two axes of rotation. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein each attractive element is pivotally fixed to a mooring robot providing three-dimensional translational movement, the mooring robot allowing external forces to displace the moored object, and the attachment element engaged therewith, by a distance in the horizontal plank from a selected moored position; wherein, separate from its structural components, the mooring robot comprises resilient restorative means which provide a restorative force acting to restore the attachment element to the selected moored position. 29. The method of claim 20, wherein the stepwise movement is performed in the vertical direction. 30. The method of claim 20, wherein the stepwise movement is performed in the horizontal direction. 31. The method of claim 20, wherein in addition to the first and second mooring robots at least two additional mooring robots are employed, the attachment element of each additional mooring robot remaining fastened to the surface throughout the stepwise movement of the first and second robots. 32. The method of claim 28, wherein in addition to the first and second mooring robots at least two additional mooring robots are employed, the attachment element of each additional mooring robot remaining fastened to the surface throughout the stepwise movement of the first and second robots. 33. The method of claim 20, wherein each attachment element comprises an array of vacuum cups, each vacuum cup having a circumferential seal including a circumferential seal member of substantially constant cross-section, said member being mountable in a support frame rigidly fixed to the attachment element, the seal member being of elastomeric material and comprising: a first sealing face which has an arcuate portion between first and second sealing edges wherein partial deformation of the said first sealing face adjacent the first edge is required before the said second sealing edge contacts the surface. 34. The method of claim 26 wherein each attachment element comprises an array of vacuum cups, each vacuum cup having a circumferential seal including a circumferential seal member of substantially constant cross-section, said member being mountable in a support frame rigidly fixed to the attachment element, the seal member being of elastomeric material and comprising: a first sealing face which has an arcuate portion between inner and outer edges wherein partial deformation of the said first sealing face is required before the said inner sealing edge contacts the surface. 35. The method of claim 32 wherein each attachment element comprises an array of vacuum cups, each vacuum cup having a circumferential seal a circumferential seal member of substantially constant cross-section, said member being mountable in a support frame rigidly fixed to the attachment element, the seal member being of elastomeric material and comprising: a first sealing face which has an arcuate portion between inner and outer edges wherein partial deformation of the said first sealing face is required before the said inner sealing edge contacts the surface.

<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>One disadvantage of traditional mooring is the necessity to constantly adjust the mooring lines, particularly when a ship is secured to a fixed dock. This adjustment is to account for movement of the ship in response to winds, shifting tides, the addition or removal of cargo, and the like. The combination of high tidal movements and variations in ship displacement due to loading can result in a considerable vertical movement having to be accommodated by the mooring system. With a mooring device such as that described in the co-pending application based upon New Zealand Patent application No. 501395 (which specification is incorporated herein by reference), a vacuum attachment cup assembly is fixed to the ship's hull. Mechanical means limits movement of mooring robot up and down over the full extent of the relative vertical travel. This possible movement necessitates a larger working area, with consequent complication and increased cost. Japanese patent abstract publication no. 58206478 describes a mooring device and a method of changing the position of a vacuum cup fastening the device to the hull. When the device reaches the limits of its vertical travel the negative pressure in the vacuum cup is raised to a degree permitting the cup to slide without releasing from the hull. At its limits of travel this passive method therefore offers greatly reduced mooring forces, making the moored vessel vulnerable to failure of the mooring in adverse conditions of weather and current. The seal of the vacuum cup also suffers from abrasion when the cup slides down the hull in this manner and so to avoid regular sliding movement during operation the mooring device is provided with increased mechanical travel in the vertical direction, with consequent added complication and expense. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mooring system and method of operating a mooring system for accommodating a large relative vertical movement of a ship when docked. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a mooring system and method and system for accommodating a large relative vertical movement of a ship when docked which overcomes the problems of the prior art. A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a seal for use in an attachment element for use on a mooring robot. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS <EOH>Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pair of mooring robots, being a first preferred arrangement for performing the stepwise movement method according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front elevation illustrating the vertical travel of the vacuum cups of the mooring robots according to FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is front elevation of the vacuum cups of FIG. 2 at an intermediate stage in the stepping movement of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a vacuum cup provided with a seal according to the present invention in a released position, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a vacuum cup provided with a seal according to the present invention fully engaged with a hull surface. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Method for reversing the immunosuppressive effects of the melanoma inhibitory activity "mia"

A method for stimulating immune cells and/or the immune system, and/or reducing invasion and/or metastasis of tumor cells by inhibiting expression and/or functional activity of “Melanoma Inhibitory Activity” MIA.

1. A method for stimulating immune cells and/or the immune system, and/or reducing invasion and/or metastasis of tumor cells by inhibiting expression and/or functional activity of “Melanoma Inhibitory Activity” MIA. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inhibition of the expression and/or functional activity of MIA is achieved by using at least one nucleic acid molecule or derivative thereof, 3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the at least one nucleic acid molecule is an oligonucleotide, an antisense nucleic acid and/or a ribozyme. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inhibition of the synthesis and/or function of MIA is achieved using a molecule comprising the antisense sequences SEQ ID No. 1 to 3 or SEQ ID No. 10 to 39 or parts of the sequences having at least 8 nucleotides. 5. The method according to claim 3 wherein the antisense and/or ribozyme molecule is derived by synthesising a sequence wholly or partially complementary to MIA mRNA and testing for inhibitory activity of MIA. 6. The method according to claim 3 wherein the antisense and/or ribozyme molecule is integrated into a DNA delivery system comprising viral and/or non-viral vectors together with lipids selected from the group of anionic lipids, cationic lipids, non-cationic lipids and mixtures thereof. 7. The method according to claim 3 wherein the antisense and/or ribozyme molecule is modified at one or more of the sugar moieties, the bases and/or the internucleotide linkages and/or by coupling the antisense and/or ribozyme molecule to an enhancer of uptake and/or inhibitory activity. 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the inhibition of the expression and/or functional activity of MIA is achieved using peptides and/or proteins. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the peptides and/or proteins comprise the sequences SEQ ID No. 40 to 63 and analogs or derivatives thereof. 10. The method according to claim 8 wherein the peptide and/or protein is derived by screening an expression library and testing the expression products for inhibitory activity of MIA. 11. The method according to claim 8 wherein the peptide and/or protein is derived by screening randomly synthesised peptides and/or proteins for inhibitory activity of MIA. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inhibition of the expression and/or the function activity of MIA is achieved using an inhibitor of low molecular weight. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the inhibitor of low molecular weight is selected from compounds having any on of the structures 1 to 492 of FIG. 1 to 42 or comprise any of these structures as substructures, or parts of the structures 1 to 492 comprising at least an aromatic system and an amid bond. 14. The method according to claim 12 wherein the inhibitor of low molecular weight is obtainable by combinatorial chemistry and testing the products for inhibitory activity of MIA. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inhibition the expression and/or functional activity of MIA is achieved using DNA or RNA derivatives including aptamers and/or spiegelmers that bind to MIA. 16. The method according to claim 1 wherein the inhibition of MIA is achieved using antibodies or antibody fragments, such as Fab-fragments, single chain antibody or combinations thereof. 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the antibody or antibody fragments, such as Fab-fragments, single chain antibody or combinations thereof are obtainable by screening antibody libraries and testing the expression products for inhibitory activity of MIA. 18. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 17 wherein additionally an immunostimulatory agent, such as cytokines and/or inhibitors of the expression and/or function of interleukin-10 and/or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and/or Prostaglandin B2 and/or receptors for Prostaglandin E2 and/or inhibitors of VEGF. 19. A composition comprising a molecule or a combination of molecules for inhibiting the synthesis and/or function of MIA 20. A composition according to claim 19 wherein the molecule is selected from the oligonucleotides having any one of the SEQ. ID. No. 1 to 3 and SEQ ID No. 10 to 39 or parts of these sequences having at least 8 nucleotides. 21. A medicament comprising an inhibitor of the synthesis and/or function of MIA. 22. A medicament comprising an inhibitor of the synthesis and/or function of MIA combined with an immunostimulatory agent. 23. The use of the composition according to claim 19 for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or the treatment of neoplasms, infections and/or immunosuppressive disorders.

Method for producing an electric machine subassembly produced according to said method, and electric machine with said subassembly

The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine with the steps of: manufacturing at least one portion of a coil of a rotor or stator of an electric machine; positioning the at least one portion of the coil in a casting mould, whose cavity shape reproduces at least a portion of the assembly; filling the casting mould with pulverised soft iron particles with a thermoplastic synthetic coating; heat treatment of the filled casting mould until the synthetic coating of the soft iron particles softens; allowing the filled casting mould to cool; and removing the assembly from the casting mould.

1. A method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine with the following steps: manufacturing of at least one portion of a winding of a rotor or stator of an electric machine; positioning of the at least one portion of the winding in a casting mould, whose cavity shape reproduces at least a portion of the assembly; filling of the casting mould with pulverised soft iron particles with a thermoplastic synthetic coating; heat treatment of the filled casting mould until the synthetic coating of the soft iron particles softens; allowing the filled casting mould to cool; and removing the assembly from the casting mould. 2. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the soft iron particles filled into the casting mould are mechanically compacted prior to the heat treatment. 3. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in the soft iron particles filled into the casting mould, for the accommodation of an electronic circuit. 4. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the heat treatment step is performed in such a manner that the insulation of the coil is not damaged. 5. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 4, wherein the heat treatment is performed at approx. 250°-350° C., until the soft iron particles are surrounded by a uniformly melted synthetic coating, without the iron particles coming into a significant magnetically (or electrically) conductive connection with each other. 6. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one portion of the coil is manufactured from aluminium or copper. 7. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the coil is manufactured by casting. 8. The method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the coil is manufactured by punching recesses from a circular cylindrical tube of aluminium or copper. 9. An assembly for an electric machine, wherein a coil is at least partially surrounded by iron, characterised in that the iron is formed by interconnected soft iron particles with a thermoplastic synthetic coating. 10. An electric machine with a stator and a rotor, characterised in that the stator and/or the rotor is formed by an assembly according to claim 9.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine and an assembly which can be manufactured to this method, as well as an electric motor comprising such an assembly. Definitions The term “assembly of an electric machine” as used herein is to be understood as covering both a stator of an electric machine and, under certain conditions which will be described later, a rotor. An electric machine in this context is both an electric motor as well as an electric generator, regardless of whether the electric machine is designed as a rotary machine or, for example, as a linear motor. State of the Art In the state of the art it is known to build the magnetically conductive parts of an electric machine (in particular of an alternating current machine) of laminations because of the otherwise occurring eddy currents. For the laminated cores, typically single or double-sided insulated sheet panels of a thickness between 0.35 mm and 1.5 mm of dynamo sheet metal (hot rolled electric-quality sheet) are cut to correspondingly shaped strips. From these strips stator and rotor laminations with respective recesses are punched, whereby it is aimed at producing as little scrap as possible. The stator and rotor laminations manufactured in this manner are stacked upon each other and under pressure united to laminated cores in which the recesses of the individual laminations form grooves for the stator or rotor windings to be subsequently installed. These stator or rotor windings are preassembled and insulated preformed coils which are inserted into the open grooves. In the case of closed grooves the winding wires must be threaded in from the face of the laminated cores so that a corresponding coil is created. The above described approach has been developed in several detail aspects. In the manufacture of electric machines it has, in principle, been the proven and employed method for many decades and has not seen any fundamental changes. The above explanation, however, also shows that the manufacture is very expensive, that punching scrap is produced in the punching operation of the laminations, and that the installation operation of the windings or winding wires, respectively, into the groove is very time consuming. Moreover, so-called winding overhangs (portions of the windings which protrude beyond the face of the laminated cores) are inevitable, which do not contribute effectively to the performance of the electric machine. A development originating from a completely different field consists of providing finely pulverised soft iron particles with a thermoplastic coating of a synthetic material. Particularly well suited for this purpose is an iron powder where the iron particles with a diameter of approx. 20-150 μm have a coating of polyethylene of approx. 2-10 μm. Such a powder is, for example, described in SAE Technical Paper Series, “P/M Cores for Pulsed DC Ignition Systems”, David E. Gay, International Congress & Exposition, Detroit, Mich., Feb. 24-27, 1997. The materials described therein are suited for the implementation of the invention. It is, however, also possible to use corresponding materials with similar properties from other manufacturers for the inventive method. The inventors have found that such a material, in a surprising manner, is excellently suited to revolutionise the concept of the manufacturing process for electric machines or their assemblies, respectively, with the potential to manufacture electric machines, whose electric properties, in some cases, are even better than those of conventional electric machines which are comparable with respect to size, type of construction, etc. Problem on Which the Invention is Based Starting from the initially described approach for the manufacture of an electric machine, the invention is based on the problem to fundamentally simplify this operation in order to render it significantly more economic. The inventive solution of this object consists in a method for the manufacture of an assembly of an electric machine with the following steps: manufacturing of at least one portion of a winding of a rotor or stator of an electric machine; positioning of the at least one portion of the winding in a casting mould, whose cavity shape reproduces at least a portion of the assembly; filling of the casting mould with pulverised soft iron particles with a thermoplastic synthetic coating; heat treatment of the filled casting mould until the synthetic coating of the soft iron particles softens; allowing the filled casting mould to cool; and removing the assembly from the casting mould. This completely novel way of manufacturing electric machines or their components, respectively, has a number of significant advantages: Obviously, the expensive assembly step of placing the winding into the grooves of the laminations is omitted. In addition, assembly and alignment of the laminations relative to each other is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the winding can virtually be completely surrounded by the soft iron particles, so that no winding overhangs develop. In addition, the wires of the winding are not accommodated in preformed grooves. Rather, the soft iron particles adhere directly to the wires of the winding, so that virtually no air gap exists between the wires of the winding and the moulded body of soft iron particles (except the material thickness of the synthetic coating of the soft iron particles). detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? Advantageous Developments of the Invention In an embodiment of the inventive method the soft iron particles which have been introduced into the casting mould are mechanically compacted to such an extent before the heat treatment, that air pockets are no longer present within the soft iron particle powder or at the interfaces between the powder and the coil(s). This can be achieved by shaking, vibrating of the casting mould, compressing by means of a male mould, or the like, as well as by combinations of the individual above mentioned methods. In a further embodiment of the inventive method, a recess is formed in the soft iron particles in the casting mould before or during the heat treatment, into which an electronic circuit (e.g. a control circuit or a sensor assembly) for the electric machine is installed. The ends of the coil(s) may end in this recess so that the electronic circuit can be directly connected with them. The heat treatment step is performed in such a manner that the insulation of the winding wire (of paint, synthetic material, enamel, or ceramic material) is not damaged. Preferably, the heat treatment is performed at approx. 2500-350° C., until the soft iron particles are surrounded by a uniformly melted synthetic coating, without the iron particles coming into a significant magnetically (or electrically) conductive connection with each other. In a preferred embodiment of the inventive method, which is particularly suited for the manufacture of a rotor of an asynchronous motor, the coil forming the squirrel-cage rotor is made by casting. Alternatively, the coil can be manufactured by punching recesses from a circular cylindrical tube of aluminium or copper. In both cases, the coil which is manufactured in this manner is subsequently surrounded by the soft iron particles and heat treated. The invention also relates to an assembly for an electric machine, wherein one coil is at least partially surrounded by iron, with the iron being formed by soft iron particles interconnected by a thermoplastic synthetic coating. The invention finally relates to an electric machine with a stator and/or a rotor which is formed by such an assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, prior to compacting and heat treating a shaft is installed in the rotor and in the powder, with the shaft comprising an external polygon or projections, in order that the shaft be accommodated secured against rotation and captively after compacting and the heat treatment (and cooling down) in the rotor assembly. It is understood from the above description that other electric components with inductive components, too, for example reactors or transformers can be manufactured in accordance with this novel method. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="tail"?

Molecular weight markers for western blot

A method for the preparation of molecular weight standards having peroxidase activity which can be directly identified at the time of the detection of the antigen in all western blot techniques based on the use of peroxidase.

1. A method per the preparation of molecular weight standards for western blot, comprising the conjugation of two or more (poly)peptides, which can be the same or different, at least one of them having peroxidase activity, by means of a cross-linker. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the separation of the conjugation products according to their molecular weights. 3. A method as claimed in claims 1-2, wherein the (poly)peptide having peroxidase activity is selected from the group consisting of heme proteins/peptides. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said (poly)peptide having peroxidase activity is selected from the group of cytochrome C, microperoxidase, lactoperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase. 5. A method as claimed in claims 1-2, wherein the protein having no peroxidase activity is selected from the group of lysozyme, carbonic anhydrase, ovalbumin and serum albumin. 6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross linker is selected from irreversible bifunctional cross-linkers. 7. Molecular weight standards for western blot obtainable by the method of claims 1-6. 8. Molecular weight standards as claimed in claim 7, selected from the group consisting of: cytochrome C conjugate, microperoxidase and lysozyme conjugate, carbonic anhydrase and microperoxidase conjugate, cytochrome C and ovalbumin conjugate, cytochrome C and serum albumin conjugate. 9. A kit for the preparation of the molecular weight standards as claimed in claims 7 and 8, comprising, in separate containers, the (poly)peptide having peroxidase activity and the cross-linker, and optionally the protein having no peroxidase activity and the incubation buffer. 10. The use of a (poly)peptide having peroxidase activity for the preparation of a molecular weight standard for western blot. 11. The use as claimed in claim 10, wherein said (poly)peptide having peroxidase activity is selected from heme (poly)peptides. 12. The use of small size (poly)peptides having peroxidase activity as protein markers in those techniques that require enzyme labeling.

<SOH> TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND <EOH>Since the introduction of western blot technique, radioisotope-labelled antibodies have been progressively replaced by the enzyme-labelled antibodies, mainly for their easier handling and shorter detection time. At present, the most popular methods for western blot detection of proteins are based on peroxidase conjugates (antibodies, protein A, protein G, avidin, streptavidin, and the like) whose enzymatic activity is revealed by an appropriate substrate, either chromogenic or chemiluminescent. In common laboratory procedure, the molecular weight standards used in western blot, after transfer on membrane and staining, are marked by pencil to exactly attribute the corresponding bands. This procedure is also followed when using pre-stained standards, as the colors are generally altered or attenuated at the end of the western blot procedure, and therefore some bands disappear or are hardly detectable on the membrane. Moreover, when using chemiluminescent methods, all these standards have to be marked again on the autoradiography film, to avoid uncertain determination of the detected band. Molecular weight standards directly detectable on the membrane exist, but they require specific conditions or treatments. For example, biotin-conjugated standards are only detectable when biotin-(strept)avidin systems are used. A set of standards sharing a common epitope, detectable by a specific antibody included within the secondary antibody solution, is commercially available (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, Calif., U.S.A.). However, this method implies purchasing both markers and secondary antibodies from a unique manufacturer. No standards detectable by the peroxidase enzymatic activity directly in the membrane used for western blot are currently available. Methods for the detection of heme-proteins, after SDS-PAGE and transfer onto a nitrocellulose filter, based on the use of peroxidase substrates, both chromogenic and chemiluminescent, have been reported (Dorward D. W., 1993, Anal. Biochem. 209:219; Vargas C. et al., 1993, Anal. Biochem. 209:323). Furthermore, electrophoresis standards obtained by polymerization of a protein that gives raise to a discrete series of homopolymers are commercially available (Sigma, U.S.A., catalogue A9392, H2757, H2507, P8906).

Circuit arrangement for operating electric or electronic components in a motor vehicle having an electric system comprising two voltages

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for operating electric or electronic components in a motor vehicle with a two-voltage onboard network, with a direct current/direct current converter which comprises at least one input terminal, at least one output terminal and one ground terminal, with the input terminal being adapted to receive an input switching signal between a first voltage level and a ground level, and the output terminal being adapted to emit an output switching signal between a second voltage level, different from the first voltage level, and the ground level, the signal characteristic of which essentially follows the characteristic of the input switching signal, with the voltage converter with its input, output, and ground terminals being arranged in a housing which comprises a socket and which corresponds to a relay with respect to the dimensions and the positions of the input, output, and ground terminals at the socket.

1. A circuit arrangement for operating electric or electronic components in a motor vehicle with a two-voltage onboard network, with a direct current/direct current converter (30) which comprises at least one input terminal (12a′), at least one output terminal (18′) and one ground terminal (12b′), with the input terminal (12a′) being adapted to receive an input switching signal between a first voltage level and a ground level, and the output terminal (18′) being adapted to emit an output switching signal between a second voltage level, different from the first voltage level, and the ground level, the signal characteristic of which essentially follows the characteristic of the input switching signal, with the voltage converter with its input, output, and ground terminals being arranged in a housing (10) which comprises a socket and which corresponds to a relay with respect to the dimensions and the positions of the input, output, and ground terminals at the socket. 2. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the direct current/direct current converter is adapted to convert a voltage of approx. 12-14 V, which is applied at the input terminal (12a′) to a voltage of approx. 42 V, which is provided at the output terminal (18′). 3. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the direct current/direct current converter (30) is adapted to convert a voltage of approx. 42 V, which is applied at the input terminal (12a′) to a voltage of approx. 12-14 V, which is provided at the output terminal (18′). 4. The circuit arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, with a supply voltage terminal for a supply voltage (approx. 12-14 V or approx. 42 V, respectively) which corresponds to the level of the input switching signal. 5. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein one or each power semiconductor device of the direct current/direct current converter is arranged in a heat conductive contact with inductive components containing iron of the direct current/direct current converter. 6. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein electronic or electric components of the direct current/direct current converter are electrically and mechanically connected with each other via load-carrying lines. 7. The circuit arrangement according to one of the previous claims, wherein the direct current/direct current converter (30) comprises: at least two half-bridge circuits (H1, H2, H3) formed by two semiconductor devices (S11, S12; S21, S22; S31, S32) connected in series, wherein the respective two power semiconductor devices (S11, S12; S21, S22; S31, S32) are connected with a control circuit (ECU) which is adapted to switch the two power semiconductor devices (S11, S12; S21, S22; S31, S32) to connect the two power semiconductor devices forward and reverse in an antiphase manner, with a first terminal of an inductor (L1, L2, L3) being connected electrically conductive with the centre of each half-bridge circuit (H1, H2, H3), second terminals each of the inductors (L1, L2, L3) being connected electrically conductive with each other, and the inductors (L1, L2, L3) being connected magnetically conductive with each other by a magnetic coupling element (T), and with the control circuit (ECU) being adapted to drive the half-bridge circuits (H1, H2, H3) in such a manner that voltage is applied to only one of the inductors (L1, L2, L3). 8. The circuit arrangement according to claim 7, in whose direct current/direct current converter (30) a predetermined number n half-bridge circuits (H1, H2, H3) is connected with the control circuit (ECU) and with the centre of each half-bridge circuit (H1, H2, H3) a first terminal of one of a predetermined number n inductors (L1, L2, L3) is connected electrically conductive, and the second terminals of each inductor (L1, L2, L3) are connected electrically conductive with each other, with the magnetic coupling element (T) being preferably a ferrite-containing component which couples the n inductors (L1, L2, L3) with each other. 9. The circuit arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, in whose direct current/direct current converter (30) a further inductor (L4) is connected in series at the electric connecting point of the second terminals of the inductors (L1, L2, L3). 10. The circuit arrangement according to claim 7 or 9, in whose direct current/direct current converter (30) a smoothing capacitor (C1, C2) each is arranged in parallel to the half-bridge arrangements and at the terminal remote from the half-bridge arrangements of the inductors (L1, L2, L3) or of the further inductor (L4), respectively.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for the operation of electric or electronic components in a motor vehicle with a two-voltage onboard network. In the field of motor vehicles, relays are employed which are of compact construction, reliable function, and robustness. In particular, relays with corresponding housing dimensions and pin assignments are employed in motor vehicles, with the relays being normally inserted in plug-in sockets, in order to be easily replaceable for remedial purposes. In the following, the terms “direct current/direct current converter” and “direct voltage/direct voltage converter” will be used as synonyms in the sense of a dc/dc converter, in which an input voltage of a first level is converted to an output voltage of a second level.

<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING <EOH>FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a circuit arrangement of a relay in a two-voltage onboard network in a conventional circuitry. FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a circuit arrangement of a relay in a two-voltage onboard network according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a circuit arrangement of a voltage converter for an inventive circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 a shows a schematic side view of a magnetic coupling element with three inductors for the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 b shows a schematic plan view of the magnetic coupling element according to FIG. 4 a. FIG. 5 shows a schematic characteristic of drive signals for the circuit arrangement of the voltage converter according to FIG. 3 . detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Electronic apparatus

In the structure of an electronic apparatus, in which cooling of an heat-generating element is achieved through circulation of a liquid, in particular, for providing the structure of being high in cooling performance and reliability, wherein a heat-radiation pipe 9 is connected to a heat-radiation plate 10 disposed in a rear surface of a display 2, while thermally connecting a water-cooling jacket 8 with the heat-generating element 7, thereby circulating a coolant liquid between the water-cooling jacket 8 and the heat-radiation pipe 9 by means of a liquid driving device 11. The water-cooling jacket 8 can be formed in one body of a jacket base and a flow passage therein through the die-cast forming thereof, or can be constructed in one body with the water-cooling jacket and the flow passage of piping, through connection between the jacket base and the metal pipe.

1. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a heat-receiving member being thermally connected with a heat-generating element; a heat-radiation member being connected with said heat-receiving member; and a liquid driving means being connected with said heat-receiving member and said heat-radiation member, being received within a casing, in which a coolant liquid is circulated by said liquid driving means between said heat-receiving member and said heat-radiation member, wherein said heat-receiving member has a metal plate being thermally connected with said heat-generating element, and a flow passage for said coolant liquid is formed within an inside of said metal plate. 2. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a heat-receiving member being thermally connected with a heat-generating element; a heat-radiation member being connected with said heat-receiving member; and a liquid driving means being connected with said heat-receiving member and said heat-radiation member, being received within a casing, in which a coolant liquid is circulated by said liquid driving means between said heat-receiving member and said heat-radiation member, wherein a flow passage of said heat-receiving member is formed with a portion of a pipe constructing a flow passage within which said coolant liquid circulates. 3. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a heat-receiving member being thermally connected with a heat-generating element; a heat-radiation member being connected with said heat-receiving member; and a liquid driving means being connected with said heat-receiving member and said heat-radiation member, being received within a casing, in which a coolant liquid is circulated by said liquid driving means between said heat-receiving member and said heat-radiation member, wherein said heat-receiving member has a metal plate being thermally connected with said heat-generating element, and said metal base is thermally connected with a portion of a pipe within which said coolant liquid circulates. 4. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein said metal base and the portion of the pipe, within which said coolant liquid circulates, are connected through a grease or an adhesive of thermo-conductive property. 5. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein said metal base and the portion of the pipe, within which said coolant liquid circulates, are formed in one body. 6. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein the portion of the pipe, within which said coolant liquid circulates, is formed in loop-like, and is thermally connected with said metal base. 7. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein the portion of the pipe, within which said coolant liquid circulates, is formed in a loop-like shape, directing from a center to an outer periphery thereof, by roughly bringing a central position of the loop in coincident with that of said heat-generating element, so that said coolant liquid is directed from the center to the outer periphery in direction of circulation. 8. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein the portion of the pipe, within which said coolant liquid circulates, is formed in such a loop-like shape, that flows within flow passages are directed opposing to each other in direction thereof, and is thermally connected with said metal base. 9. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 1, wherein said heat-generating elements are disposed in a plural number thereof, and those plural number of the heat-generating elements are thermally connected with said heat-receiving member. 10. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 2, wherein said heat-generating elements are disposed in a plural number thereof, and those plural number of the heat-generating elements are thermally connected with said heat-receiving member. 11. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein said heat-generating elements are disposed in a plural number thereof, and those plural number of the heat-generating elements are thermally connected with said heat-receiving member. 12. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 1, wherein said heat-receiving member is cooled by means of a fan. 13. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 2, wherein said heat-receiving member is cooled by means of a fan. 14. An electronic apparatus, as described in the claim 3, wherein said heat-receiving member is cooled by means of a fan.

<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Conventional arts can be seen in, for example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 6-266474 (1994), and Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 7-142886 (1995), etc. In the Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 6-266474 (1994), for example, is shown the structure of an electronic apparatus, being made up with a main housing accommodating a wiring or circuit board therein, on which a heat-generating element is mounted, and a display housing, having a display panel and being attached onto the main housing rotatably, wherein a water-cooling jacket attached onto the heat-generating element, a heat-radiation pipe, and a liquid driving mechanism are connected with one another through flexible tubes. Further, in the Japanese Patent Laying-open No. Hei 7-142886 (1995), there is shown an example, in which the housing is made of a metal, for example, in the structure shown in the Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 6-266474 (1994). In those examples, heat generated in the heat-generating element is transferred to the water-cooling jacket, and then the heat is transferred from the water-cooling jacket to the heat-radiation pipe by driving a liquid by means of a liquid driving mechanism, thereby being radiated into the air outside. With such the electronic apparatuses, as being represented by a portable personal computer, etc., an increase of high heat generation by the heat-generating element (i.e., a semiconductor element) is remarkable accompanying with an improvement in performances thereof. On the other side, miniaturization or small-sizing and/or thinning in sizes of the housing is still desired or demanded, so as to be fit to be carried with. Any one of those known prior arts mentioned above has the structure, so that the heat generated in the heat-generating element is transferred to the display side, thereby to be irradiated thereon, with respect to the high heat generation of the heat-generating element. The transfer of heat from the heat-generating element to the display side is carried out through driving a liquid between both sides. The heat transfer by means of the liquid is very preferable in efficiency, and it is suitable for the heat transfer from the element generating heat at high temperature. However, cooling cannot be obtained fully upon the heat-generating element, when the efficiency is bad in the heat transfer from the heat-generating element to the liquid, even if being good in efficiency of the heat transfer by means of the liquid. It is also necessity to take in the consideration, reduction of the liquid within a system, due to penetration or permeation of liquid from the water-cooling jacket itself or a piping system thereof, and corrosion of the water-cooling jacket or the like, as well. However, in the conventional arts mentioned above, the consideration is not fully taken into about the structure of the water-cooling jacket for dissolving those drawbacks mentioned above.

<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic apparatus, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 2 ( a ) and 2 ( b ) are a front view and a A-A cross-section view of a water-cooling jacket applied in the electronic apparatus, according to the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention, for showing details thereof; FIGS. 3 ( a ) and 3 ( b ) are a front view and a B-B cross-section view of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3 ( c ) a front view of a variation thereof, for showing details thereof; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic apparatus, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 5 ( a ) and 5 ( b ) are partial cross-section views of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section view of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a front view of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a front view of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section view of a water-cooling jacket applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a front view of a water-cooling jacket and a fan applied in an electronic apparatus, according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 12 is a front view of a water-cooling jacket and a fan applied in an electronic apparatus, according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Composite building components

A structural insulated panel having a core (40) of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between, and bonded to, two facings (52). The facings are attached to faces of the core formed by moulding. Preferably the core is an expanded polymer moulding and the preferred polymer is polystyrene. The panel is useful as a building component.

1. A structural insulated panel having a core of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between, and bonded to, two facings, the facings being attached to faces of the core formed by moulding. 2. A panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the core is an expanded polystyrene moulding. 3. A panel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the core is formed by expansion of polystyrene cells in a mould in such that any variations in density are minimal. 4. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the expanded polystyrene is produced by pre-expanding polystyrene, maturing the pre-expanded polystyrene and then expanding the pre-expanded polystyrene and then expanding the pre-expanded matured polystyrene in steam. 5. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panel dimensions are 1.2 metres wide, 0.2 metres thick and 2.4 metres high/long. 6. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the facings are made from cementitious board, plywood, gypsum/textile composite board or OGB. 7. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the core comprises two mirror image halves. 8. A panel as claimed in claim 7 wherein each mirror image half of the core is provided with male/female location means for engagement of the two halves. 9. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the core includes at least one passageway. 10. A panel as claimed in claim 9 wherein there is a matrix of passageways positioned such that each passageway will align with, and be capable of connection to, a passageway of an adjacent such panel. 11. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an organic non-solvent, moisture controlled penetrative adhesive or glue is employed for bonding the parts of the panel together. 12. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim including recesses along the edges of oppositely facing surfaces of the core for receiving joining elements for connecting the panel to another such panel. 13. Use of an individual moulding of expanded polystyrene as a core in a structural insulated panel in which the core is sandwiched between, and bonded to, two facings. 14. A method of manufacturing a structural insulated panel comprising forming an expanded polystyrene core with at least two opposite faces produced by moulding and bonding facings to the two moulded faces. 15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the step of forming an expanded polystyrene core comprises pre-expanding polystyrene beads by heating the beads and providing steam thereto, cooling and drying the pre-expanded beads, maturing the pre-expanded beads and then further expanding the pre-expanded and matured beads with steam in a mould. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the mould used for further expansion of the pre-expanded and matured beads comprises a two part mould defining a mould cavity, each part being connected to a steam source, wherein the surfaces of the mould cavity are provided with a multiplicity of steam injection points. 17. A method as claimed in either claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the mould is an hermaphrodite mould. 18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the mould is shaped to provide each half of the core with male/female location means. 19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the mould is shaped to form recesses along the edges of oppositely facing surfaces of the core. 20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein the mould is shaped to form at least one passageway in the core. 21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20 wherein the bonding of parts of the panel is carried out with an organic non-solvent, moisture controlled penetrative adhesive or glue. 22. A method of constructing a building comprising using a panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

Device for adjusting the components of a chair

The invention relates to a device for adjusting a first component of a chair, in particular an office chair, with respect to a second component of the chair, the said device being provided with a latching unit by means of which one of the two components can be arranged in different positions with respect to the other component. The latching unit has a guide path which is arranged on the first component. A latching element is provided on the other component, it being possible for the latching element to be arranged in the guide path in latching positions which predetermine the positions of one component with respect to the other component. In order to obtain a functionally reliable latching procedure using a device of this type, it is proposed that the guide path (40) is of essentially groove-shaped design at least in the region of the latching positions, and the latching element (45) is guided in the groove-shaped guide path (40).

1. Device for adjusting a first component of a chair, in particular an office chair, with respect to a second component of the chair, the said device being provided with a latching unit by means of which one of the two components can be arranged in different positions with respect to the other component, the latching unit having a self-contained guide path which is arranged on the first component and on the other component a latching element being provided which has a latching pin (47) and can be arranged in the guide path in latching positions which predetermine the positions of one component with respect to the other component, the guide path (40) being of essentially groove-shaped design at least in the region of the latching positions, and the latching pin of the latching element (45) being guided in the groove-shaped guide path (40), characterized in that the latching element is a lever (45) which can pivot freely around a spindle body (40). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guidance between the latching element (45) and the guide path (40) has just one degree of freedom and the latching positions of the latching element (45) are arranged in a latching section (41′) of the guide path (40), the latching element (45) beina guided in an essentially form-fitting manner in the latching section (41′). 3. Device according to one or both of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove-shaped guide path (40) is provided with a return section (41″) 2nd a latching section (41′), and the return section (41″) and the latching section (41′) are connected to each other by two deflecting paths (42, 48), as a result of which the guide path is self-contained. 4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the latching segment (41′) has a plurality of latching positions of the latching segment, which positions are connected to one another in each case by essentially identical segments of the guide path (40). 5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide path (40) is arranged on a guide-path element (35′) which is connected to one of the components, and this component is guided rectilinearly on the other component of the chair. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the segments have a doubly curved profile. 7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided for adjusting the height of one component with respect to the other component. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the latching element (45) is arranged on a support of the chair and the guide path (40) is arranged on a backrest which is moveable with respect to the support. 9. Device according to one or more of claims 4 to 8, characterized that the two sections (41′, 41″) are spaced apart from one each other by means or an intermediate piece (36) which is orientated in the longitudinal direction of the said sections, a plurality of deflecting toes (38 and 38.1 to 38.4) which are spaced apart from each other being integrally formed on the intermediate piece (36) on the side which faces the latching section (41′). 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the deflecting toes (38 and 38.1 to 38.4) are designed and integrally formed on the intermediate piece (36) in such a manner that the latching pin (47) can be brought automatically into engagement with the particular latching stop (44 and 44.1 to 44.4). 11. Device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the spindle body (46) of the freely pivotable lever (45) is arranged opposite the guide-path element (35′). 12. Device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the pivotable lever (45) is substantially shorter than the longitudinal extent of the return section (41″).

Optical device for simultaneous multiple measurement using polarimetry and spectrometry and method for regulating/monitoring physical-chemical and biotechnical processes using said device

The invention relates to a device, especially an optical flow-through measuring cell, for the combined use of spectrometry and polarimetry for simultaneously measuring multiple variables in physical-chemical and biotechnical processes, with multiple optical layer thicknesses at the same time. Spectrometry can be used to detect dissolved substances in the medium flowing through the cell in the ultraviolet range (UV), the visible range (light) and the near infrared range (NIR) of electromagnetic radiation, in particular.

1-32. (canceled) 33. A flow-through measuring cell having an oblong measuring body (2) and a base structure (1) surrounding the measuring body (2) in a lengthwise direction, wherein the base structure (1) comprises an inlet connection element and an outlet connection element for the liquid to be measured and liquid-tight guides (17) on both longitudinal ends of the base structure (1) for one or more rods (16) extending crosswise or lengthwise to the base structure (1) and to the measuring body (2), for providing a continuously variable optical path length. 34. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the measuring body (2) is made of a transparent material for measuring. 35. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the measuring body (2) exhibits a round cross section with two plane-parallel surfaces in a lengthwise direction on the outer sides. 36. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the measurement body (2) exhibits a square cross section (11). 37. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the base structure (1) exhibits adapter receptacles (6, 6′). 38. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the base structure (1) and the measuring body (2) are designed together as a reciprocal, exchangeable module (14). 39. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the base structure (1) and the measuring body (2) at each end exhibit a closing component (7). 40. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 7, in which one or more optical windows (4) are placed in the closing component. 41. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the base structure (1) is equipped with one or several tempering units (12). 42. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1, in which the base structure (1) exhibits one or several tempering channels (13). 43. The use of a flow-through measuring cell according to claim 1 for regulating and monitoring physical-chemical and biotechnical processes. 44. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the measuring body (2) exhibits a round cross section with two plane-parallel surfaces in a lengthwise direction on the outer sides. 45. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the measuring body (2) exhibits a square cross section (11). 46. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the base structure (1) exhibits adapter receptacles (6, 6′). 47. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 3, in which the base structure (1) exhibits adapter receptacles (6, 6′). 48. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the base structure (1) and the measuring body (2) are designed together as a reciprocal, exchangeable module (14). 49. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 3, in which the base structure (1) and the measuring body (2) are designed together as a reciprocal, exchangeable module (14). 50. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the base structure (1) and the measuring body (2) at each end exhibit a closing component (7). 51. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the base structure (1) is equipped with one or several tempering units (12). 52. The flow-through measuring cell according to claim 2, in which the base structure (1) exhibits one or several tempering channels (13).

Organic field emission device and emission device

The present invention provides an organic electroluminescence light emitting device capable of preventing a color (hue) of light and a luminous efficiency from being varied depending on a concentration of a luminous material contained in a light emission layer and an operational condition such as an applied voltage, thereby exhibiting a high luminance, a high performance, and a stable, reliability. The light emitting device includes an anode (6), a hole transport layer (2), a light emission layer (3), an electron transport layer (4), or includes an anode (6), a hole transport layer (2), and a light emission layer (4) serving as an electron transport layer. A light emission region is formed by a mixed layer made from a luminescent material and a charge injection accelerating material. The luminescent material exhibits, in a state held as a single thin film between the anode (6) and the cathode (7), electroluminescence light emission when a DC voltage is applied thereto and has a charge transport characteristic. The charge injection accelerating material is different from the luminous material and has a charge transport characteristic capable of accelerating injection of charges in the luminescent material. The light emission region exists not only at an interface with an adjacent layer or its vicinity but also over a specific thickness region in the layer thickness direction.

1. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device, in which an organic layer having a light emission region is provided between an anode and a cathode, characterized in that at least one of layers constituting said organic layer is composed of a mixed layer made from a luminescent material and a charge injection accelerating material, wherein said luminescent material exhibits, in a state held as a single thin film between said anode and said cathode, electroluminescence light emission when a voltage is applied thereto and has a charge transport characteristic, and said charge injection accelerating material has a charge transport characteristic capable of accelerating injection of charges in said luminescent material; and said at least one of layers constituting said organic layer has a light emission region existing not only at an interface with an adjacent layer or its vicinity but also over a specific thickness region from said interface or its vicinity in the layer thickness direction. 2. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein said light emission region exists over the whole thickness of said mixed layer. 3. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 2, wherein on the basis of an intensity of light emitted from each or both of an interface between said mixed layer and an electron transport layer adjacent thereto and an interface between said mixed layer and a hole transport layer adjacent thereto, an intensity of light emitted from a position being equidistant from said both interfaces is in a range of 25% or more. 4. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein a concentration range of said luminous material on the basis of a mole number of said charge injection accelerating material in said mixed layer is in a range of 5 to 90 mole percent. 5. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein when said luminous material is configured as a luminous material having at least an electron transport characteristic, said charge injection accelerating material is configured as a charge injection accelerating material having an electron and/or hole transport characteristic. 6. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein when said luminous material is configured as a luminous material having at least a hole transport characteristic, said charge injection accelerating material is configured as a charge injection accelerating material having a hole and/or electron transport characteristic. 7. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein an energy level of a highest occupied molecular orbital of said charge injection accelerating material is equal to or deeper than that of said luminous material, and/or an energy level of a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of said charge injection accelerating material is equal to or shallower than that of said luminous material. 8. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 7, wherein an energy level of a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of a hole transport layer adjacent to said mixed layer is shallower than that of each of said luminous material and said charge injection accelerating material. 9. An organic electroluminescence light emitting device according to claim 7, wherein the same material as an electron transport material forming an electron transport layer adjacent to said mixed layer is used as said charge injection accelerating material. 10. An organic electroluminescence light emitting material according to claim 7, wherein the same material as a hole transport material forming a hole transport layer adjacent to said mixed layer is used as said charge injection accelerating material. 11. An organic electroluminescence material according to claim 7, wherein both the same material as an electron transport material forming an electron transport layer adjacent to said mixed layer and the same material as a hole transport material forming a hole transport layer adjacent to said mixed layer are used as said charge injection accelerating material. 12. A light emitting apparatus using an organic electroluminescence light emitting device described in any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. A light emitting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said light emitting apparatus is configured as a display in which said organic electroluminescence light emitting device is used as at least part of a pixel.

<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Displays have a major role in our daily living, for example, in the forms of television receivers, computer monitors, and portable information terminals. With advance of the Internet, displays as human interfaces have become increasingly important. These displays have been required to have a screen being comfortable for eyes to see and ensuring a definition high enough to allow clear viewing, and to have a resolution and a responsiveness high enough to allow clear, clean viewing of moving pictures without delay. Organic EL devices using organic compounds as luminescent materials exhibit a wide viewing angle, a high contrast, and an excellent visibility. Another advantage of organic EL devices is that since the devices emit spontaneous light, they do not require any backlight unlike liquid crystal, to thereby realize thinning of the size and reduction in weight, and also realize reduction in power consumption. Organic EL devices using organic compounds as luminescent materials are further advantageous in that they are operable with a low DC voltage at a high response speed, have a resistance against vibration, and are usable in a wide range of temperatures. Organic EL devices, therefore, have become a focus of attention as the next generation display devices, and some of them have already begun to be put into market. Organic electroluminescence light emitting devices using organic luminescent materials have a configuration that an organic electroluminescence layer containing an organic luminescent material is sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode has a light permeability. In these devices, light emission occurs when a DC voltage is applied between the anode and the cathode. FIGS. 10 and 12 show examples of related art organic electroluminescence light emitting devices (organic EL devices). FIG. 10 shows a related art organic electroluminescence light emitting device having a single-hetero structure, wherein an anode 6 made from a light permeable ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like, an organic layer 15 a composed of a hole transport layer 2 and an electron transport layer 4 , and a cathode 7 are sequentially stacked on a substrate 10 made from light permeable glass or the like, and the stacked structure thus formed on the substrate 10 is sealed with a protective layer 14 . In this device, when a DC voltage supplied from a power source 20 is applied between the anode 6 and the cathode 7 , light 5 having a specific wavelength is emitted from an interface between the hole transport layer 2 and the electron transport layer 4 . FIG. 11 shows another organic electroluminescence light emitting device having a double-hetero structure, wherein a light permeable anode 6 , an organic layer 15 b composed of a hole injection layer 1 , a hole transport layer 2 , a light emission layer 3 , and an electron transport layer 4 , and a cathode 7 are sequentially stacked on a light permeable substrate 10 , and the stacked structure formed on the substrate 10 is sealed with a protective layer 14 . It is to be noted that the hole injection layer is not necessarily provided. In this case, when a DC voltage supplied from a power source 20 is applied between the anode 6 and the cathode 7 , holes injected from the anode 6 reach the light emission layer 3 via the hole transport layer 2 , and electrons injected from the cathode 7 reach the light emission layer 3 via the electron transport layer 4 . As a result, hole-electron recombination occurs in the light emission layer 3 , to produce single exciton, from which light 5 having a specific wavelength is emitted. FIG. 12 is a view showing a configuration of a flat display using the above-described organic electroluminescence light emitting device. As shown in this figure, for a full-color display, an organic layer 15 ( 15 a , 15 b ) allowing emission of light of three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) is disposed between a cathode 7 and an anode 6 . In general, the cathode 7 is composed of cathode stripes 7 , and the anode 6 is composed of anode stripes 6 , wherein the cathode stripes 7 and the anode stripes 6 are arranged to cross each other. A signal voltage is selectively applied from a luminance signal circuit 24 to one of the cathode stripes 7 and a signal voltage is selectively applied from a shift register integrated control circuit 25 to one of the anode stripes 6 , whereby a portion (pixel) of the organic layer, located at a position where the selected cathode stripe 7 and the selected anode stripe 6 cross each other, emits light. The light emission layer can be made from one kind or two or more kinds of materials selected from various materials. As one example of a device structure, for example, of a type shown in FIG. 10 , characterized by including a light emission layer made from two or more kinds of materials, a two-layer structure having an electron transport layer 4 containing a luminescent material so as to serve as a light emission layer and a hole transport layer 2 has been reported by C. W. Tang, S. A. VanSlyke, and C. H. Chen in J. of Appl. Phys. 65-9, 3610-3616 (1989). This device structure has been also disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Sho 63-264692. This known technique is intended to provide an electroluminescence light emitting device capable of obtaining an optical output in a wider wavelength range at a lower applied voltage and exhibiting a high stability. In this device, as a mean for realizing such characteristics, a light emission layer is composed of an organic host material capable of sustaining injection of both holes and electrons, and a fluorescent material capable of emitting light in response to hole-electron recombination. The hue of light emitted from the light emission layer is modified by doping a slight amount of such a fluorescent material in the light emission layer. The minimum amount, being enough to achieve the above-described effect, of the fluorescent material varies depending on specific selection of the host material and the fluorescent material; however, according to the above-described known technique, it is described in the specification of the patent document that in any case, it is not required to use the fluorescent material in an amount of about 10 mole percent or more on the basis of the mole number of the host material, and more specifically, it is seldom required to use the fluorescent material in an amount of 1 mole percent or more. In the specification of the patent document, a hue as a function of a concentration of a fluorescent material is shown in Table II which summarizes the results of Examples 7-13. In this table, it is shown that assuming that a luminous efficiency of an EL device including a light emission layer containing no fluorescent material is taken as 1.0, a luminous efficiency of the same EL device as that described above except that the light emission layer containing 4.4 mole percent of a fluorescent material exemplified by 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-[2-(9-julolidyl)ethenyl]-4H-thiopyran is reduced to 0.14. It is also shown that the emission wavelength (535 nm) of the EL device including the light emission layer containing no fluorescent material becomes longer with the increase in concentration of the fluorescent material, and the emission wavelength of the EL device reaches 690 nm when the concentration of the fluorescent material is 4 mole percent. As compared with an EL device including a light emission layer made from a single luminescent material, the EL device produced by the above-described cited technique has some advantages. One of the advantages is to easily change the emission wavelength. For the EL device including the light emission layer made from a single luminescent material, in order to change the emission color, it is required to change a chemical structure of the luminescent material, and therefore, in order to introduce each substitutional group for changing the emission wavelength, it is required to synthesize a new material. On the contrary, according to the known technique, the emission wavelength can be changed by doping a slight amount of a fluorescent material in the host material. Another advantage is that a fluorescent material having neither film formability nor charge transport characteristic can be used. The known technique, however, has important problems from the viewpoint of practical use. One of the problems is that since the hue and the luminous efficiency are greatly varied depending on a variation in concentration of the fluorescent material as described in the specification of the patent document, it is difficult to perform quality control for keeping the characteristics in the production process. Another problem is that since the hue is varied depending on an applied voltage or current, it is difficult to stably control the hue in the case where the device is applied as an element of a display. In the device having the structure shown in FIG. 10 or 11 , holes and electrons are concentrated at an interface between the organic layers 2 and 4 or its vicinity, or concentrated at an interface between the organic layers 2 and 3 and its vicinity, or an interface between the organic layers 3 and 4 and its vicinity, and consequently, light emission occurs at the interface or its vicinity, causing deterioration of the device, thereby shortening the service life of the device. In other words, the device having the above structure is poor in reliability. To be more specific, for the device having the structure shown in FIG. 11 , if the light emission layer 3 is made from a single material having an electron transport characteristic, as shown in FIG. 13 illustrating energy levels of the layers constituting the device, a region (light emission region) in which hole-electron recombination efficiently occurs is concentrated in the vicinity of an interface, adjacent to a hole transport layer, of the light emission layer; and if the light emission layer 3 is made from a single material having a hole transport characteristic, as shown in FIG. 14 illustrating energy levels of layers constituting the device, a light emission region is concentrated in the vicinity of an interface, adjacent to an electron transport layer, of the light emission layer. Taking into account the above-described technical background, the present invention has been made, and an object of the present invention is to provide an organic electroluminescence light emitting device capable of preventing a color (hue) of light and a luminous efficiency from being varied depending on a concentration of a luminous material contained in a light emission layer and an operational condition such as an applied voltage, thereby exhibiting a high luminance, a high performance, and a stable, high reliability.

<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy level of each layer and a mechanism of light emission for an organic electroluminescence light emitting device of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an energy level of each layer and a mechanism of light emission for another organic electroluminescence light emitting device of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an energy level of each layer and a mechanism of light emission for a further organic electroluminescence light emitting device of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an energy level of each layer and a mechanism of light emission for still a further organic electroluminescence light emitting device of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an emission spectrum of a comparative organic electroluminescence light emitting device; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an emission spectrum of an organic electroluminescence light emitting device of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of an organic electroluminescence light emitting device used for measuring a light emission region; FIG. 8 is a spectral diagram showing a relationship between an actually measured emission spectrum and an emission spectrum estimated from a light emission distribution in a light emission layer; FIG. 9 is a spectral diagram showing a light emission distribution in a light emission layer; FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of an essential portion of a related art organic electroluminescence light emitting device; FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an essential portion of another related art organic electroluminescence light emitting device; FIG. 12 is a view showing a configuration of a full-color flat display using related art organic electroluminescence light emitting devices; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an energy level of each layer and a mechanism of light emission for a related art organic electroluminescence light emitting device; and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an energy level of each layer and a mechanism of light emission for another related art organic electroluminescence light emitting device. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Electronic device, communication system and method, information processing terminal and method, and information processing apparatus and method

An electronic device, a communication system and method, an information processing terminal and method, and an information processing apparatus and method capable of easily and rapidly performing communication. When a link pin (21A) is inserted into a VCR (3), the VCR (3) reads a pin ID stored in an RF tag of the link pin (21A) and reports the pin ID and the address to a management server (1). When the management server (1) has already acquired a pin ID of the link pin (21B) read out by a television receiver (5), the management server (1) determines whether a group ID included in the pin ID reported from the VCR (3) is identical a group ID included in the pin ID reported from the television receiver (5). If the group IDs are determined to be identical, the VCR (3) is connected to the television receiver (5). The present invention can be applied to various information processing apparatuses connected to the network.

1. An electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected through a network with each other, characterized by comprising: identification means identifiable by the sense of sight; storage means for storing identification information which includes at least information that associates the information processing terminals to be connected through the network with each other; and providing means for providing, when inserted into or placed on a predetermined information processing terminal, the information processing terminal with the identification information stored by the storage means. 2. A communication system comprising an information processing terminal and an information processing apparatus, characterized in that: the information processing terminal comprises: reading means for reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, first identification information stored in the electronic unit; transmission means for transmitting the first identification information read by the reading means and first positional information indicating the own position on a network to the information processing apparatus for managing a connection to another information processing terminal; and connection means for connecting, when second positional information of the another information processing terminal is reported from the information processing apparatus in response to the transmission of the first identification information and the first positional information performed by the transmission means, to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information, and the information processing apparatus comprises: receiving means for receiving the first identification information and the first positional information when they are transmitted; management means for managing a plurality of pieces of identification information and positional information which include the first identification information and the first positional information received by the receiving means; and reporting means for reporting, when among the identification information managed by the management means the first identification information sent from the information processing terminal and the second identification information sent from the another information processing terminal are the same, the first positional information of the information processing terminal to the another information processing terminal, and for reporting the second positional information of the another information processing terminal to the information processing terminal. 3. A communication method for a communication system comprising an information processing terminal and an information processing apparatus, characterized in that: an information processing method for the information processing terminal comprises: a reading step of reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, first identification information stored in the electronic unit; a transmission step of transmitting the first identification information read by the process of the reading step and first positional information indicating the own position on a network to the information processing apparatus for managing a connection with another information processing terminal; and a connection step of connecting, when second positional information of the another information processing terminal is reported from the information processing apparatus in response to the transmission of the first identification information and the first positional information performed by the process of the transmission step, to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information, and an information processing method for the information processing apparatus comprises: a receiving step of receiving the first identification information and the first positional information when they are transmitted; a management step of managing a plurality of pieces of identification information and positional information which include the first identification information and the first positional information received by the process of the receiving step; and a reporting step of reporting, when among the identification information managed by the process of the management step the first identification information sent from the information processing terminal and the second identification information sent from the another information processing terminal are the same, the first positional information of the information processing terminal to the another information processing terminal, and for reporting the second positional information of the another information processing terminal to the information processing terminal. 4. An information processing terminal characterized by comprising: reading means for reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, identification information stored in the electronic unit; transmission means for transmitting the identification information read by the reading means and first positional information indicating the own position on a network to an information processing apparatus for managing a connection to another information processing terminal; and connection means for connecting, when second positional information of the another information processing terminal is reported from the information processing apparatus in response to the transmission of the identification information and the first positional information performed by the transmission means, to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information. 5. An information processing terminal according to claim 4, characterized by further comprising reporting means for reporting, when the reading means cannot read the identification information, to the information processing apparatus that the connection is to be terminated. 6. An information processing method characterized by comprising: a reading step of reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, identification information stored in the electronic unit; a transmission step of transmitting the identification information read by the process of the reading step and first positional information indicating the own position on a network to an information processing apparatus for managing a connection to another information processing terminal; and a connection step of connecting, when second positional information of the another information processing terminal is reported from the information processing apparatus in response to the transmission of the identification information and the first positional information performed by the process of the transmission step, to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information. 7. A program for making a computer execute: a reading control step of controlling reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, of identification information stored in the electronic unit; a transmission control step of controlling the transmission of the identification information read by the process of the reading control step and first positional information indicating the own position on a network to an information processing apparatus for managing a connection to another information processing terminal; and a connection control step of controlling the connection, when second positional information of the another information processing terminal is reported from the information processing apparatus in response to the transmission of the identification information and the first positional information performed by the process of the transmission control step, to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information. 8. An information processing apparatus for managing a connection of information processing terminals, characterized by comprising: receiving means for receiving identification information of electronic units inserted into or placed on the information processing terminals, the identification information being read by the information processing terminals, and positional information of the information processing terminals on a network, when they are transmitted; management means for managing the identification information and the positional information received by the receiving means; and reporting means for reporting, when among the identification information managed by the management means first identification information sent from a first information processing terminal and second identification information sent from a second information processing terminal are the same, the positional information of the first information processing terminal to the second information processing terminal, and for reporting the positional information of the second information processing terminal to the first information processing terminal. 9. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus which manages a connection of information processing terminals, characterized by comprising: a receiving step of receiving identification information of electronic units inserted into or placed on the information processing terminals, the identification information being read by the information processing terminals, and positional information of the information processing terminals on a network, when they are transmitted; a management step of managing the identification information and the positional information received by the process of the receiving step; and a reporting step for reporting, when among the identification information managed by the process of the management step first identification information sent from a first information processing terminal and second identification information sent from a second information processing terminal are the same, the positional information of the first information processing terminal to the second information processing terminal, and for reporting the positional information of the second information processing terminal to the first information processing terminal. 10. A program for making a computer of an information processing apparatus for managing a connection of information processing terminals execute: a receiving control step of controlling receiving of identification information of electronic units inserted into or placed on the information processing terminals, the identification information being read by the information processing terminals, and positional information of the information processing terminals on a network, when they are transmitted; a management control step of controlling the management of the identification information and the positional information received by the process of the receiving control step; and a reporting control step for controlling reporting, when among the identification information managed by the process of the management control step first identification information sent from a first information processing terminal and second identification information sent from a second information processing terminal are the same, of the positional information of the first information processing terminal to the second information processing terminal, and reporting of the positional information of the second information processing terminal to the first information processing terminal. 11. An information processing terminal characterized by comprising: reading means for reading, when a first electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, identification information stored in the first electronic unit; transmission means for transmitting the identification information read by the reading means and first positional information indicating the own position on a network; receiving means for receiving second positional information indicating the position of another information processing terminal which has read the same identification information as the identification information from a second electronic unit, on the network, sent from the another information processing terminal in response to the transmission of the identification information and the first positional information performed by the transmission means; and connection means for connecting to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information received by the receiving means. 12. An information processing method characterized by comprising: a reading step of reading, when a first electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, identification information stored in the first electronic unit; a transmission step of transmitting the identification information read by the process of the reading step and first positional information indicating the own position on a network; a receiving step of receiving second positional information indicating the position of another information processing terminal which has read the same identification information as the identification information from a second electronic unit, on the network, sent from the another information processing terminal in response to the transmission of the identification information and the first positional information performed by the process of the transmission step; and a connection step of connecting to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information received by the process of the receiving step. 13. A program for making a computer execute: a reading control step of controlling reading, when a first electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, of identification information stored in the first electronic unit; a transmission control step of controlling the transmission of the identification information read by the process of the reading control step and first positional information indicating the own position on a network; a receiving control step of controlling receiving of second positional information indicating the position of another information processing terminal which has read the same identification information as the identification information from a second electronic unit, on the network, sent from the another information processing terminal in response to the transmission of the identification information and the first positional information performed by the process of the transmission control step; and a connection control step of controlling the connection to the another information processing terminal according to the second positional information received by the process of the receiving control step. 14. An information processing terminal characterized by comprising: reading means for reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, identification information stored in the electronic unit; synchronization establishment means for establishing synchronization with another information processing terminal located in a vicinity; requesting means for requesting the another information processing terminal with which synchronization has been established by the synchronization establishment means to report terminal-name information specified in the another information processing terminal; and connection means for connecting, when the terminal-name information has been reported in response to the request made by the requesting means, to the another information processing terminal which has reported the terminal-name information that includes the same identification information as the identification information read by the reading means. 15. An information processing terminal according to claim 14, characterized by further comprising generation means for generating the terminal-name information which includes at least the identification information read by the reading means. 16. An information processing method characterized by comprising: a reading step of reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, identification information stored in the electronic unit; a synchronization establishment step of establishing synchronization with another information processing terminal located in a vicinity; a requesting step of requesting the another information processing terminal with which synchronization has been established by the process of the synchronization establishment step to report terminal-name information specified in the another information processing terminal; and a connection step of connecting, when the terminal-name information has been reported in response to the request made by the process of the requesting step, to the another information processing terminal which has reported the terminal-name information that includes the same identification information as the identification information read by the process of the reading step. 17. A program for making a computer execute: a reading control step of controlling reading, when an electronic unit for associating information processing terminals to be connected, with each other is inserted or placed, of identification information stored in the electronic unit; a synchronization-establishment control step of controlling the establishment of synchronization with another information processing terminal disposed in a vicinity; a requesting control step of controlling requesting the another information processing terminal with which synchronization has been established by the process of the synchronization-establishment control step to report terminal-name information specified in the another information processing terminal; and a connection control step of controlling the connection, when the terminal-name information has been reported in response to the request made by the process of the requesting control step, to the another information processing terminal which has reported the terminal-name information that includes the same identification information as the identification information read by the process of the reading control step.

<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>As communication technologies have been advanced, various types of units, including not only personal computers but also PDAs (personal digital assistants) and television receivers, have been able to be connected to a network these days. Various systems have been proposed such as that in which images reproduced by a personal computer are sent to a television receiver through a home network and viewed by using the television receiver. Although connecting each unit to a network has been gradually made possible with a simple setting, however, it is necessary to set the address of a mating unit and others to execute communication with the unit in each case, and this setting is troublesome. To display an image reproduced by a personal computer on a television receiver, for example, the user needs to operate the personal computer to specify the address of the television receiver and others. When many units are connected to a network, it is difficult to check that which unit is connected to which unit. In consideration of the current situation, in which it is expected that structuring networks by radio communication, such as a radio LAN (local area network) and Bluetooth™, has been further spread, there is the possibility that the issue will become further serious in which units connected to each other are not known.

<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a view showing an example structure of a communication system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing example appearances of link pins shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an example appearance of a VCR shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing an example appearance of a television receiver shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example structure provided for each client shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example structure of a management server shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 6 is a view showing an example list managed by the management server. FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing processing of a client shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing processing of the management server shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 9 is a view showing another example structure of the communication system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing processing of a unit shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing another processing of a unit shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing another example appearances of link pins. FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing still another example appearances of link pins. FIG. 12C is a perspective view showing example appearances of link pins. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example appearance of a VCR on which a link card is placed. FIG. 14A is a view showing another example appearances of link cards. FIG. 14B is a view showing still another example appearances of link cards. FIG. 14C is a view showing example appearances of link cards. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"?

Soft restraining system

A device for restraining a miscreant includes a bell shaped tubular body adapted to envelop the torso of a miscreant. Openings at each end allow the body to be passed over the head to surround the torso of the miscreant. Restraining straps are each adapted to encircle one half of the tubular body. Each end of each of the straps may be locked at two diametrically opposed locations on the body. To deploy the device, it is held generally above the head of the miscreant and pulled downwardly over his head and torso. When the upper opening has passed the head of the miscreant to encircle his neck, one free end of each strap is pulled manually to cause lockable tightening thereof around the body of the device, thereby restraining the miscreant.

1. A device for restraining a miscreant, said device comprising a substantially tubular body adapted to envelop the torso of a miscreant and having an upper, in use, opening adapted to be passed over the head to surround the neck of the miscreant, and a lower, in use, opening, characterised in that said body is provided with a restraint strap system which comprises at least one pair of straps each adapted to encircle substantially one half of the tubular body and locking means for each end of each of said straps disposed at two substantially diametrically opposed locations on the tubular body. 2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the straps so pass through the locking means as to be manually graspable at either free end, whereby manual traction of either free end of a strap will cause lockable tightening of that strap around part of the body. 3. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the restraint strap system comprises two pairs of straps, one disposed above, in use, the other. 4. A device according to claim 3, characterised in that the upper, in use, pair of straps is adapted to encircle the miscreant in the region of his elbows and the lower, in use, pair of straps is adapted to encircle the miscreant in the region of his knees. 5. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the body has a substantially frustoconical shape extending from a comparatively narrow upper, in use, end to a wider lower, in use, end. 6. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the material of the body comprises a foraminous woven material. 7. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking means comprises a pair of D-rings at each end of the strap. 8. A method of restraining a miscreant comprising the steps of providing a device according to claim 1, said device generally above the head of said miscreant, pulling the device downwardly over the head and torso of the miscreant until the opening at the upper end of the tubular body has passed the head of the miscreant, characterised by the steps of manually pulling one free end of each strap to cause lockable tightening thereof around the body of the device, thereby restraining the miscreant at at least one location. 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the restraint strap system comprises two pairs of straps, one pair disposed above in use the other pair, and characterised by the further step of tightening the upper, in use, strap pair prior to tightening the lower, in use, strap pair.

Recombinant viral switches for the control of gene expression in plants

The invention describes a method of controlling a biochemical process or a biochemical cascade in plants utilizing a process of interaction between a heterologous DNA sequence in a transgenic plant, on one side, and a heterologous DNA sequence in a plant viral transfection vector, on the other. Optionally, the process of interaction further involves a low molecular weight component. The process of interaction makes the infection with a viral transfection vector a gene-“switch” which switches on a biochemical process or cascade of interest via various reactions such as nucleic acid recombination, replication, transcription, restriction, translation, protein folding, assembly, targeting, posttranslational processing, or enzymatic reaction. Further a process for producing a product in a transgenic plant and kit of parts for such a process is provided.