Author: claimsbot

1. A frequency divider comprising:
a function selector unit selecting a signal so that the selected signal in one of two feedback paths is dominantly input to a buffer unit, in synchronism with a clock signal frequency of which satisfies a certain condition;
the buffer unit buffering the signal input from the function selector unit and outputting the buffered signal;
the two feedback paths feeding back the output signal of the buffer unit to an input of the buffer unit; and
an inverter unit provided in one of the two feedback paths and inverting a signal value.
2. The frequency divider according to claim 1, wherein
the function selector comprises:
a first switch unit provided in one of the two feedback paths and turning on and off in synchronous with the clock signal in order to open and close one of the two feedback paths; and
a second switch unit provided in the other of the two feedback paths and turning on and off in an opposite timing to the first switch unit in order to open and close the other of the two feedback paths.
3. The frequency divider according to claim 1, wherein the function selector comprises:
a switch unit turning on and off in synchronous with the clock signal, wherein one of the two feedback paths is opened and closed by the switch unit while another of the two feedback paths including the inverter unit is always closed.
4. The frequency divider according to claim 2, wherein the first switch unit and the second switch unit transistor.
5. The frequency divider according to claim 1, wherein an operational delay of the inverter unit is adjustable.
6. The frequency divider according to claim 5, wherein the inverter unit comprises a variable resistor and the operational delay of the inverter unit is adjusted by changing the resistance of the variable resistor.
7. The frequency divider according to claim 1, further comprising:
a control unit turning off the inverter unit when the frequency divider is in a stand by mode.
8. The frequency divider according to claim 1, wherein
the certain condition is expressed by
1{2*(t_inv+t\u2014sw+t_buf)}<the frequency of the clock signal<min{1{2*(t\u2014sw+t_buf)},1(t_inv+t\u2014sw+t_buf)},
where t_inv is a delay time of the inverter unit, t_sw is a delay time of the function selector unit, t_buf is a delay time of the buffer unit and min{A, B} means smaller one of A and B.
9. A multiplexing system using the frequency divider according to claim 1.
10. A phase locked loop system using the frequency divider according to claim 1.
11. A clock generator using the frequency divider according to claim 1.
12. The frequency divider according to claim 3, wherein the switch unit is a transistor.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A multi-purpose head covering comprising:
a hat capable of covering at least a portion of a wearer’s head;
a mask capable of covering at least a portion of a wearer’s face, wherein the mask comprises a central body and two extensions, wherein the two extensions are disposed on either side of the central body and wherein each extension comprises a mask attachment member for attachment to the hat; and
a plurality of releasable fasteners attached to the mask, wherein fastening the releasable fasteners to one another changes the size of the mask.
2. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the two extensions are diametrically opposed to one another.
3. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the releasable fasteners are chosen from the group consisting of snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.
4. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the hat comprises a plurality of hat attachment members, wherein the hat attachment members are capable of releasably engaging the mask attachment members.
5. The head covering of claim 4, wherein the hat attachment members and the mask attachment members are chosen from a group consisting of snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.
6. The head covering of claim 1, the mask further comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface comprises elastic.
7. The head covering of claim 6, wherein the lower surface comprises elastic.
8. The head covering of claim 1, and further comprising a storage means that comprises a pocket within the hat, wherein the pocket is capable of being releasably fastened in a sealed configuration.
9. The head covering of claim 1, wherein the hat comprises a crown portion that is capable of covering at least a portion of the wearer’s head, wherein the crown portion comprises a sizing means for adjusting the size of the crown.
10. The head covering of claim 9, wherein the sizing means comprises an elastic cord that is sized to wrap at least partially around the crown portion and a spring driven locking member.
11. A multi-purpose head covering comprising:
a hat capable of covering at least a portion of a wearer’s head;
a mask capable of covering at least a portion of a wearer’s face, wherein the mask comprises a central body and two extensions, wherein the two extensions are disposed on either side of the central body and diametrically opposed to one another, wherein each extension comprises a mask attachment member for attachment to the hat; and
a plurality of releasable fasteners attached to the mask and approximately symmetrically arrayed with respect to a vertical line bisecting the mask into two approximately identical sides, wherein fastening a releasable fastener on one side to a matching releasable fastener on the other side changes the size of the mask.
12. The head covering of claim 11, wherein the two extensions are diametrically opposed to one another.
13. The head covering of claim 11, wherein the releasable fasteners are chosen from the group consisting of snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.
14. The head covering of claim 11, wherein the hat comprises a plurality of hat attachment members, wherein the hat attachment members are capable of releasably engaging the mask attachment members.
15. The head covering of claim 14, wherein the hat attachment members and the mask attachment members are chosen from a group consisting of snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.
16. The head covering of claim 11, the mask further comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface comprises elastic.
17. The head covering of claim 16, wherein the lower surface comprises elastic.
18. The head covering of claim 11, and further comprising a storage means that comprises a pocket within the hat, wherein the pocket is capable of being releasably fastened in a sealed configuration.
19. The head covering of claim 11, wherein the hat comprises a crown portion that is capable of covering at least a portion of the wearer’s head, wherein the crown portion comprises a sizing means for adjusting the size of the crown.
20. The head covering of claim 19, wherein the sizing means comprises an elastic cord that is sized to wrap at least partially around the crown portion and a spring driven locking member.

1. An intervertebral prosthesis system for implanting an intervertebral prosthesis within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates, the prosthesis system comprising:
a plurality of prosthesis components comprising a first component with a pear-shaped cross-sectional configuration and a second component with a hemispherical shaped configuration, the pear-shaped cross-sectional configuration of the first component being formed by a substantially triangular-shaped first portion having an arcuate upper surface, said first portion abutting a circular second portion including a planar upper surface, the upper surface of the second portion being recessed relative to the upper surface of the first portion such that a lower surface of the second component engages the upper surface of the second portion of the first component without engaging the arcuate upper surface of the first portion of the first component, the plurality of components being insertable into the disc space, wherein:
the components have surfaces configured to engage within the disc space in a manner such that the components form an assembled prosthesis of a size substantially preventing it from being outwardly expelled from the disc space through an opening in the disc space;
the components have bearing surfaces slidably engageable with the endplates to permit articulation between upper and lower vertebral endplates; and
the components each have an insertion rod attached to the component for inserting the respective component to which the insertion rod is attached into the disc space.
2. The intervertebral prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein a first insertion rod of the first component has a slot in which at least a second insertion rod of the second component can be inserted and used to guide the at least second component into the disc space.
3. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein each of the insertion rods are configured such that each can be detached from their respective components.
4. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises a slot and the second component comprises an insertion rod that fits in the slot.
5. The intervertebral prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein the prosthesis is configured such that in its final shape, it has a lower surface that is relatively flat.
6. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the prosthesis is configured such that in its final shape, it is shaped like half a pear after a whole pear is cut along a longitudinal axis of the whole pear.
7. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the prosthesis is configured such that in its final shape, the plurality of components are locked together with a locking mechanism.
8. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein when the prosthesis is in its final shape, the plurality of components are locked together with a locking mechanism.
9. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein an interface between the first and second portion defines a lip, and an exterior surface of the second component engages the lip to fix the position of the second component relative to the first component.
10. The intervertebral prosthesis of claim 1, wherein a first insertion rod of the first component has a slot in which at least a second insertion rod of the second component can be inserted and used to guide the at least second component into the disc space, a first end of the second insertion rod comprises a protrusion extending transversely therefrom configured for disposal in a first end of the first insertion rod to prevent the first insertion rod from moving relative to the second insertion rod.
11. A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis within a disc space between upper and lower vertebral endplates, the method comprising:
providing an intervertebral prosthesis system for implanting an intervertebral prosthesis within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates, the prosthesis system comprising:
a plurality of prosthesis components comprising a first component with a pear-shaped cross-sectional configuration and a second component with a hemispherical shaped configuration, the pear-shaped cross-sectional configuration of the first component being formed by a substantially triangular-shaped first portion having an arcuate upper surface, said first portion abutting a circular second portion including a planar upper surface, the upper surface of the second portion being recessed relative to the upper surface of the first portion such that a lower surface of the second component engages the upper surface of the second portion of the first component without engaging the arcuate upper surface of the first portion of the first component, the plurality of components being insertable into the disc space, wherein:
the components have surfaces configured to engage within the disc space in a manner such that the components form an assembled prosthesis of a size substantially preventing it from being outwardly expelled from the disc space through an opening in the disc space;
the components have bearing surfaces slidably engageable with the endplates to permit articulation between upper and lower vertebral endplates; and
the components each have an insertion rod attached to the component for inserting the respective component to which the insertion rod is attached into the disc space;
using the insertion rod of the first component to insert the first component through an incision in an annular wall and into the disc space;
using the insertion rod of the second component to insert the second component through the incision in the annular wall and into the disc space; and
after the first component and second component are in their respective final positions in the disc space, detaching the first and second insertion rods from their respective components.
12. The method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis of claim 11, wherein prior to insertion through the annular wall and into the disc space, the method further comprises rotating at least one of the components approximately 90 degrees so that the at least one component is inserted through the incision and into the disc space in a vertical position.
13. The method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis of claim 11, wherein the insertion rod of the first component has a slot and the insertion rod of the second component fits in the slot to enable the second component to cooperate with the first component and be guided into proper location in the disc space.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A magnetic toner comprising magnetic toner particles containing at least a binder resin and magnetic material particles each containing a titanium compound, wherein:
I) a ratio A mass % of a mass of moisture adsorbed to the magnetic material particles to a total mass of the magnetic material particles at a temperature of 28\xb0 C. and at a relative vapor pressure of 50% is 0.25 to 0.80 mass %;
II) a difference at an arbitrary relative vapor pressure between a mass of moisture adsorbed to the magnetic material particles in an adsorbing process for increasing a relative vapor pressure at a temperature of 28\xb0 C. and a mass of moisture adsorbed to the magnetic material particles in a desorbing process for reducing a relative vapor pressure at the same temperature is 0.10 mass % or less based on the total mass of the magnetic material particles; and
III) a ratio B mass % of a mass of the titanium compound in TiO2 equivalent to the total mass of the magnetic material particles is 0.1 to 10.0 mass %.
2. The magnetic toner according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material particles have an isoelectric point of pH 4.1 to 8.0.
3. The magnetic toner according to claim 1, wherein the ratio A mass % and the ratio B mass % satisfy the following equation (1).
0.50\u2267AB\u22670.05\u2003\u2003(1)
4. The magnetic toner according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material particles have an average particle size of 0.08 \u03bcm to 0.25 \u03bcm.
5. The magnetic toner according to claim 1, wherein when the magnetic material particles are subjected to a heat treatment at 160\xb0 C. for 1 hour in air, a ratio of an Fe2+ content in the magnetic material particles after the heat treatment to an Fe2+ content in the magnetic material particles before the heat treatment is 60% or more.
6. The magnetic toner according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin has an acid value of 1 mgKOHg to 50 mgKOHg.
7. The magnetic toner according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin has at least a polyester unit.