Author: claimsbot

1. A surgical reamer for cutting a bone socket, comprising:
a) a drive shaft comprising a distal drive shaft portion extending along a drive axis to a proximal drive interface connectable to a rotary drive mechanism;
b) at least one fixed blade member comprising a proximal fixed blade portion secured to the drive shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal fixed blade portion, wherein at least one fixed cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the fixed blade member;
c) a support shaft comprising a proximal support shaft portion secured to the proximal portion of the fixed blade member and extending to a distal support shaft portion;
d) at least one pin secured to the fixed blade member, the pin having a pin axis spaced from, but parallel to the drive axis;
e) at least one pivotable blade member comprising a proximal pivotable blade portion having an opening pivotably supported on the support shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal pivotable blade portion, wherein at least one pivotable cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the pivotable blade member;
f) at least one circumferential slot provided in the pivotable blade member with the fixed pin received in the slot;
g) a biasing member biasing between the pivotable blade member and the distal portion of the support shaft to thereby maintain a selected pivoted relationship between the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member; and
h) wherein the pivotable blade member is selectively pivotable toward and away from the fixed blade member to either expand or contract the reamer in relative overall size, such that:
i) when the reamer is in a fully contracted configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a closely spaced relationship with the fixed pin abutting one end of the circumferential slot in the pivotable blade member; and
ii) when the reamer is in a fully expanded configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a spaced apart relationship with the fixed pin abutting an opposite end of the circumferential slot to thereby block further spaced apart rotational movement of the at least one fixed cutting blade relative to the at least one pivotable cutting blade when cutting bone.
2. The surgical reamer of claim 1 wherein at least one of the fixed blade member and the pivoting blade member has two cutting blades extending upwardly from the distal fixed blade portion or the distal pivotable blade portion, as the case may be, spaced apart from one another with the reamer in the fully expanded configuration.
3. The reamer of claim 1 wherein the fully contracted configuration is a position in which the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member are collapsed into a relatively small overall size, thus facilitating insertion of the reamer through an incision.
4. The reamer of claim 1 wherein rotation of the reamer against tissue creates friction which acts to open the reamer from the fully contracted position into the fully expanded position.
5. The reamer of claim 1 wherein the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade have discrete cutting sites with raised teeth.
6. The reamer of claim 1 wherein the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade comprise arcuate blades.
7. The reamer of claim 1 wherein in the fully expanded configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade define a hollow concave domed portion for positioning the reamer in the bone socket and then collecting surgical debris during reaming.
8. A surgical kit for cutting a bone socket, the surgical kit comprising a plurality of reamers having an array of sizes corresponding to the needs of individual patients, each reamer comprising:
a) a drive shaft comprising a distal drive shaft portion extending along a drive axis to a proximal drive interface connectable to a rotary drive mechanism;
b) at least one fixed blade member comprising a proximal fixed blade portion secured to the drive shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal fixed blade portion, wherein at least one fixed cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the fixed blade member;
c) a support shaft comprising a proximal support shaft portion secured to the proximal portion of the fixed blade support member and extending to a distal support shaft portion;
d) at least one pin secured to the fixed blade member, the pin having a pin axis spaced from, but parallel to the drive axis;
e) at least one pivotable blade member comprising a proximal pivotable blade portion having an opening pivotably supported on the support shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal pivotable blade portion, wherein at least one pivotable cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the pivotable blade member;
f) at least one circumferential slot provided in the pivotable blade member with the fixed pin received in the slot;
g) a biasing member biasing between the pivotable blade member and the distal portion of the support shaft to thereby maintain a selected pivoted relationship between the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member; and
h) wherein the pivotable blade member is selectively pivotable toward and away from the fixed blade member to either expand or contract the reamer in relative overall size, such that:
i) when the reamer is in a fully contracted configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a closely spaced relationship with the fixed pin abutting one end of the circumferential slot in the pivotable blade member; and
ii) when the reamer is in a fully expanded configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a spaced apart relationship with the fixed pin abutting an opposite end of the circumferential slot to thereby block further spaced apart rotational movement of the at least one fixed cutting blade relative to the at least one pivotable cutting blade when cutting bone;

i) a holder for grasping the drive interface of one of the reamers, the holder including a quick-disconnect coupling for engaging and disengaging the reamer with a source of rotary power; and
j) a case for conveniently storing the reamers and the holder.
9. The reamer of claim 8 wherein the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade have discrete cutting sites with raised teeth.
10. The reamer of claim 8 wherein the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade comprise arcuate blades.
11. The reamer of claim 8 wherein in the fully expanded configuration, the reamer defines a hollow concave domed structure suitable for collecting surgical debris during reaming and which is then collapsible into the fully contracted position for removal of the reamer through an incision.
12. The surgical kit of claim 8 wherein rotation of the reamer against tissue creates friction which acts to open the reamer from the fully contracted position into the fully expanded position.
13. The surgical kit of claim 8 wherein a connector bar extends between the two cutting blades extending upwardly from the at least one of the fixed blade support member and the pivoting blade member.
14. A surgical reamer for cutting a bone socket, comprising:
a) a drive shaft comprising a distal drive shaft portion extending along a drive axis to a proximal drive interface connectable to a rotary drive mechanism;
b) at least one fixed blade member comprising a proximal fixed blade portion secured to the drive shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal fixed blade portion, wherein at least one fixed cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the fixed blade member;
c) a support shaft comprising a proximal support shaft portion secured to the proximal portion of the fixed blade member and extending to a distal support shaft portion;
d) at least one pin secured to the fixed blade support member, the pin having a pin axis spaced from, but parallel to the drive axis;
e) at least one pivotable blade member comprising a proximal pivotable blade portion having an opening pivotably supported on the support shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal pivotable blade portion, wherein at least one pivotable cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the pivotable blade member;
f) at least one circumferential slot provided in the pivotable blade member with the fixed pin received in the slot;
g) a biasing member biasing between the pivotable blade member and the distal portion of the support shaft to thereby maintain a selected pivoted relationship between the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member; and
h) wherein the pivotable blade member is rotatable toward the fixed blade member to provide the reamer in a fully contracted configuration with the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade being in a closely spaced relationship having the fixed pin abutting one end of the circumferential slot in the pivotable blade member; and
i) wherein the pivotable blade member is rotatable against tissue to thereby create friction which acts to open the reamer from the fully contracted position to the fully expanded configuration with the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade being in a spaced apart relationship having the fixed pin abutting an opposite end of the circumferential slot to thereby block further spaced apart rotational movement of the at least one fixed cutting blade relative to the at least one pivotable cutting blade when cutting bone.
15. A surgical reamer for cutting a bone socket, comprising:
a) a drive shaft means extending along a drive axis from a distal drive shaft portion to a proximal drive interface connectable to a rotary drive mechanism;
b) at least one fixed blade member comprising a proximal fixed blade portion secured to the drive shaft means and extending in a radial direction to a distal fixed blade portion, wherein at least one fixed cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the fixed blade member;
c) at least one pin secured to the fixed blade member, the pin having a pin axis spaced from, but parallel to the drive axis;
d) at least one pivotable blade member comprising a proximal pivotable blade portion having an opening pivotably supported on the drive shaft means and extending in a radial direction to a distal pivotable blade portion, wherein at least one pivotable cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the pivotable blade member;
e) at least one circumferential slot provided in the pivotable blade member with the fixed pin received in the slot;
f) a biasing member biasing between the pivotable blade member and the distal portion of the drive shaft means to thereby maintain a selected pivoted relationship between the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member; and
g) wherein the pivotable blade member is selectively pivotable toward or away from the fixed blade member to either expand and contract the reamer in relative overall size, such that:
i) when the reamer is in a fully contracted configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a closely spaced relationship with the fixed pin abutting one end of the circumferential slot in the pivotable blade member; and
ii) when the reamer is in a fully expanded configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a spaced apart relationship with the fixed pin abutting an opposite end of the circumferential slot to thereby block further spaced apart rotational movement of the at least one fixed cutting blade relative to the at least one pivotable cutting blade when cutting bone.
16. The surgical reamer of claim 15 wherein rotation of the reamer against tissue creates friction which acts to open the reamer from the fully contracted position into the fully expanded position.
17. A surgical reamer for cutting a bone socket, comprising:
a) a drive shaft comprising a distal drive shaft portion extending along a drive axis to a proximal drive interface connectable to a rotary drive mechanism;
b) a fixed blade member comprising opposed portions extending radially from a proximal fixed blade portion secured to the drive shaft to respective distal portions of the fixed blade member, wherein at least one fixed cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portions of each of the fixed blade portions;
c) a support shaft comprising a proximal support shaft portion secured to the proximal fixed blade portion and extending to a distal support shaft portion;
d) at least one fixed pin secured to the fixed blade member, the pin having a pin axis spaced from, but parallel to the drive axis;
e) a pivotable blade member comprising a proximal pivotable blade portion having an opening pivotably supported on the support shaft and extending in opposed radial directions to two distal pivotable blade portions, wherein at least one pivotable cutting blade extends upwardly from each of the distal pivotable portions;
f) at least one circumferential slot provided in the pivotable blade member with the fixed pin received in the slot;
g) a biasing member biasing between the pivotable blade member and the distal portion of the support shaft to thereby maintain a selected pivoted relationship between the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member; and
h) wherein the pivotable blade member is selectively pivotable toward and away from the fixed blade member to either expand or contract the reamer in relative overall size, such that:
i) when the reamer is in a fully contracted configuration, the fixed cutting blades and the pivotable cutting blades are in a closely spaced relationship with the fixed pin abutting one end of the circumferential slot in the pivotable blade member; and
ii) when the reamer is in a fully expanded configuration, the fixed cutting blades and the pivotable cutting blades are in a spaced apart relationship with the fixed pin abutting an opposite end of the circumferential slot to thereby block further spaced apart rotational movement of the fixed cutting blades relative to the pivotable cutting blades when cutting bone.
18. The surgical reamer of claim 17 wherein rotation of the reamer against tissue creates friction which acts to open the reamer from the fully contracted position into the fully expanded position.
19. A surgical method for cutting a bone socket in a patient, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a reamer, which comprises: a drive shaft comprising a distal drive shaft portion extending along a drive axis to a proximal drive interface connectable to a rotary drive mechanism; at least one fixed blade member comprising a proximal fixed blade portion secured to the drive shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal fixed blade portion, wherein at least one fixed cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the fixed blade member; a support shaft comprising a proximal support shaft portion secured to the proximal portion of the fixed blade member and extending to a distal support shaft portion; at least one pin secured to the fixed blade member, the pin having a pin axis spaced from, but parallel to the drive axis; at least one pivotable blade member comprising a proximal pivotable blade portion having an opening pivotably supported on the support shaft and extending in at least one radial direction to a distal pivotable blade portion, wherein at least one pivotable cutting blade extends upwardly from the distal portion of the pivotable blade member; at least one circumferential slot provided in the pivotable blade member with the fixed pin received in the slot; a biasing member biasing between the pivotable blade member and the distal portion of the support shaft to thereby maintain a selected pivoted relationship between the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member; and wherein the pivotable blade member is selectively pivotable toward and away from the fixed blade member to either expand or contract the reamer in relative overall size, such that:
i) when the reamer is in a fully contracted configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a closely spaced relationship with the fixed pin abutting one end of the circumferential slot in the pivotable blade member; and
ii) when the reamer is in a fully expanded configuration, the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade are in a spaced apart relationship with the fixed pin abutting an opposite end of the circumferential slot to thereby block further spaced apart rotational movement of the at least one fixed cutting blade relative to the at least one pivotable cutting blade when cutting bone;

b) providing a holder coupled to a source of rotary power;
c) releasably connecting the drive interface of the reamer to the holder;
d) collapsing the reamer into the fully contracted configuration having a less invasive insertion profile and passing the reamer through a surgical incision thence to the bone socket in the appropriate position for cutting;
e) powering the reamer in the bone socket to expand the reamer into the fully expanded configuration and then reaming the bone socket as required;
f) turning the reamer in a direction opposite to the cutting direction, thus causing the pivotable blade member and the fixed blade member to move into the fully contracted configuration having a smaller, less invasive insertion profile; and
g) removing the reamer, with its collected debris, back through the incision.
20. The method of claim 19 including providing the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade having discrete cutting sites with raised teeth.
21. The method of claim 19 including providing the fixed cutting blade and the pivotable cutting blade being arcuate blades.
22. The method of claim 19 including when the reamer is in the fully expanded configuration, the reamer defines a hollow concave domed structure suitable for collecting surgical debris during reaming and then collapsing the reamer into the fully contracted position for removal through an incision.

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 method for using a database to develop a color printing ink product, said method comprising: storing development information in said database, said development information including characteristics related to development of a plurality of color printing ink products; receiving information comprising a desired color for the color printing ink product; and identifying information in said database related to a color printing ink product of said desired color.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving further information of at least one desired characteristic in addition to the desired color of said color printing ink product and using said further information in identifying information in said database related to a color printing ink product of said desired color.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising communicating said identified information related to the color printing ink product.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said information in said database comprises color information in a plurality of formats.
5. A method according to claim 3, wherein said communicating comprises generating data to display a color on a monitor.
6. A method according to 1, comprising receiving information more than once.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said characteristics include at least one substrate characteristic.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said characteristics include a property of the product in addition to color.
9. A method according to claim 7, further comprising generating data to display a color on a monitor in response to the at least one substrate characteristic.
10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising printing said color printing ink product.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said printing step comprises at least one of flexographic printing, offset printing, and gravure printing methods.
12. A method for electronically providing a selection of colorant formulas, the method comprising: (a) electronically receiving color information, the color information representing a plurality of colors; (b) electronically receiving parameter information, the parameter information representing a plurality of parameters having an impact on the at least one plurality of colors; (c) electronically receiving colorant information, the colorant information representing formulas for making at least one colorant suitable for producing the plurality of colors and based on at least one of the plurality of parameters; (d) electronically providing an color selection, the color selection representing a choice of one of the plurality of colors; and (e) electronically providing the selection of colorant information that is suitable to produce a color and based on the color selection and based on the plurality of parameters.
13. A system to develop a color printing ink product, said system comprising: a database storing development information, said development information including characteristics related to development of a plurality of color printing ink products; first software for receiving color information and information of at least one physical characteristic of said color printing ink product; second software for identifying development information in said database based on the information received; and third software using said development information to communicate color printing ink product results.
14. A system according to claim 13, wherein said characteristics include at least one substrate characteristic.
15. A system according to claim 13, wherein said characteristics include at least one of chemical resistance, light-fastness, and heat resistance.
16. A system according to claim 13, wherein the color printing ink product results communicated comprise information to visually display a color.
17. A system according to claim 13, further comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of offset lithographic equipments, gravure printing equipment, flexographic printing equipment, and silk screen printing equipment.
18. A system according to claim 13, comprising software that provides for using a color measuring device.
19. A system according to claim 13, wherein said system provides for selecting color information from a plurality of retrievable samples located in at least one electronic color library.
20. A system according to claim 13, wherein said system is accessible to at least two locations.
21. A method for providing an electronic selection of at least one color ink formula that is suitable to produce a color for a colored print, wherein producing the color is based on at least one criteria, the method comprising: (a) electronically providing a plurality of colors and a plurality of criteria; (b) electronically providing a plurality of color ink formulas, each of the plurality of color ink formulas capable of defining a color ink suitable for producing at least one color for at least one colored print and based on the at least one criteria; (c) electronically making a color selection from the plurality of colors; (d) electronically making a selection of at least one parameter from the plurality of parameters; and (e) electronically matching the selected color and the at least one selected criteria thereby allowing for the electronic selection of the at least one color ink formula that is suitable to produce the color.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: electronically selecting a suitable color ink formula in step e; and electronically transmitting the color ink formula.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the parameters includes at least one of a substrate, expense, availability of materials, and color bases.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the parameters includes at least one of chemical resistance, light-fastness, and heat resistance.
25. The method of claim 21, further comprising storing color information in an electronic color library, the color information representing the plurality of colors.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising providing an assigned name for each color of the plurality of colors.
27. A method for electronically providing a selection of color ink formulas, the method comprising: (a) providing an electronic color database comprising information representing a plurality of ink colors, parameter information representing a plurality of parameters for inks, and color ink formula information for making color inks of the plurality of ink colors and the plurality of parameters; (b) providing an electronic selection of an ink color and at least one parameter; and (c) determining at least one color ink formulas to produce a color based on the electronic selection of an ink color and at least one parameter.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising electronically transmitting a selected color ink formula.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one parameter includes a substrate.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of chemical resistance, light-fastness, and heat resistance.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising storing the electronic color information in an electronic color library.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising providing an assigned name for each color of the plurality of colors.
33. A system for electronically providing a selection of a plurality of color ink formulas to produce a color for a colored print and based on at least one of a plurality of parameters, the system comprising: (a) a memory, the memory electronically providing a plurality of colors and the plurality of parameters, the memory further electronically providing a plurality of color ink formulas, each of the plurality of color ink formulas capable of defining a color ink suitable for producing at least one color for a colored print and based on at least one of the plurality of parameters; (b) an electronic color selection module, the electronic color selection module providing an interface to make an electronic color selection from the plurality of colors; (c) an electronic parameter selection module, the electronic parameter selection module providing an interface to make an electronic selection of at least one parameter from the plurality of parameters; and (d) an electronic matching module, the electronic matching module matching the selected color and the at least one selected parameter thereby allowing for the electronic selection of the at least one suitable color ink formula.
34. The system of claim 33, further comprising a color ink formula transmission module, the color ink formula transmission module transmitting at least one of the plurality of color ink formulas.
35. The system of claim 33, further comprising an electronic color display module that displays the electronic color information as a palette of colors.
36. A method for providing an electronic selection of at least one colorant formula that is suitable to produce a color for a colored product and based on at least one parameter, the method comprising: (a) electronically providing a plurality of colors and a plurality of parameters; (b) electronically providing a plurality of colorant formulas, each of the colorant formulas capable of defining a colorant suitable for producing at least one colored product, wherein the producing the colored product is based on the at least one parameter; (c) making an electronic color selection from the plurality of colors; (d) making an electronic selection of at least one parameter from the plurality of criteria; and (e) electronically matching the selected color and the selected parameter thereby allowing for the electronic selection of the at least one colorant formula to produce the color.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: electronically selecting a suitable colorant formula in step e; and electronically transmitting a colorant formula corresponding with the electronic selection of the colorant formula.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one parameter includes a substrate.
39. The method of claim 36, wherein the criteria includes at least one of financial cost, availability and pigment formulation.

1. A cold cathode tube lighting device for lighting two or more cold cathode tubes by applying driving pulses with different phases to be output from each of inverters through each of ballast elements used to make uniform a tube current of each of said cold cathode tubes to input terminals on both sides of each of two or more cold cathode tubes comprising:
a tube current controlling unit to detect a tube current flowing through each of said cold cathode tubes based on each current flowing through each of ballast elements and to control so that said tube current becomes a specified current value.
2. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the inverter comprises first and second separately-excited inverters and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects each current flowing through each of said ballast elements on both sides of each of said two or more cold cathode tubes and calculates said tube current based on a value obtained by adding said each current and sets a duty ratio of each of said driving pulses on each of said separately-excited inverters so that said tube current becomes said specified current value.
3. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein said inverter comprises first and second separately-excited inverters and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects each current flowing through each of said ballast elements on both sides of each of said two or more cold cathode tubes and calculates said tube current based on a value obtained by adding each current and sets a frequency of each of said driving pulses on each of said separately-excited inverters so that said tube current becomes said specified current value.
4. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein said inverter comprises first and second self-excited inverters and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects each current flowing through each of said ballast elements on both sides of each of said two or more cold cathode tubes and calculates said tube current based on a value obtained by adding each current and controls a time width during which each of said driving pulses is output by each of said self-exiting inverters so that said tube current becomes said specified current value.
5. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein each of said ballast elements comprises a coil and wherein first and second voltage-reducing coils are provided which generate a voltage being lower than a voltage across each of coils each being coupled inductively to each of the coils connected to each of input terminals on both sides of one of said two or more cold cathode tubes and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects a current flowing through each of said coils based on a voltage to be generated in each of said voltage-reducing coils.
6. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 2, wherein each of said ballast elements comprises a coil and wherein first and second voltage-reducing coils are provided which generate a voltage being lower than a voltage across each of coils each being coupled inductively to each of the coils connected to each of input terminals on both sides of one of said two or more cold cathode tubes and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects a current flowing through each of said coils based on a voltage to be generated in each of said voltage-reducing coils.
7. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 3, wherein each of said ballast elements comprises a coil and wherein first and second voltage-reducing coils are provided which generate a voltage being lower than a voltage across each of coils each being coupled inductively to each of the coils connected to each of input terminals on both sides of one of said two or more cold cathode tubes and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects a current flowing through each of said coils based on a voltage to be generated in each of said voltage-reducing coils.
8. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 4, wherein each of said ballast elements comprises a coil and wherein first and second voltage-reducing coils are provided which generate a voltage being lower than a voltage across each of coils each being coupled inductively to each of the coils connected to each of input terminals on both sides of one of said two or more cold cathode tubes and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects a current flowing through each of said coils based on a voltage to be generated in each of said voltage-reducing coils.
9. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a temperature detecting unit is provided which detects a temperature of each of said cold cathode tubes and wherein said tube current controlling unit detects a tube current flowing through each of said cold cathode tubes based on each current flowing through each of said ballast elements and on a temperature of each of said cold cathode tubes detected by said temperature detecting unit and exercises control so that said tube current becomes a specified current value.
10. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a voltage monitoring unit is provided which detects a voltage of each of said driving pulses to be applied to each of input terminals of each of said cold cathode tubes and stops operations of each of said inverters when abnormality occurs in at least one driving pulse.
11. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 9, wherein a voltage monitoring unit is provided which detects a voltage of each of said driving pulses to be applied to each of input terminals of each of said cold cathode tubes and stops operations of each of said inverters when abnormality occurs in at least one driving pulse.
12. A tube current detecting circuit to be used for a cold cathode tube lighting device which applies driving pulses with different phases to be output from each of inverters through each of ballast elements used to make uniform a tube current of each of the cold cathode tubes to input terminals on both sides of each of two or more cold cathode tubes and to detect a tube current flowing through each of said cold cathode tubes based on each current flowing through each of ballast elements, said tube current detecting circuit comprising:
each coil making up each of said ballast elements; and
first and second voltage-reducing coils to generate a voltage being lower than a voltage across each of coils each being coupled inductively to each of the coils connected to each of input terminals on both sides of one of said two or more cold cathode tubes.
13. A tube current controlling method to be used in a cold cathode tube lighting device which applies driving pulses with different phases to be output from each of inverters through each of ballast elements used to make uniform a tube current of each of said cold cathode tubes to input terminals on both sides of each of two or more cold cathode tubes, said tube current controlling method comprising:
detecting a tube current flowing through each of said cold cathode tubes based on each current flowing through each of said ballast elements and exerting control so that said tube current becomes a specified value.
14. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 1, wherein said tube current controlling unit is configured as one chip of an integrated circuit.
15. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 9, wherein said temperature detecting unit and said tube current controlling unit are together configured as one chip of an integrated circuit.
16. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 10, wherein said tube current controlling unit and said voltage monitoring unit are together configured as one chip of an integrated circuit.
17. The cold cathode tube lighting device according to claim 11, wherein said temperature detecting unit, said tube current controlling unit and said voltage monitoring unit are together configured as one chip of an integrated circuit.
18. An integrated circuit as set forth in claim 14.
19. An integrated circuit as set forth in claim 15.
20. An integrated circuit as set forth in claim 16.

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 casing for use with a golf bag, said casing comprising:
a shell affixed to an outer surface of the golf bag, said shell defining a recess in the outer surface of the golf bag, wherein the recess houses a stand system in a recessed configuration,
said stand system comprising:
a base member encasing a closed end of the golf bag, the base member comprising a cylindrically-shaped vertical constraint at a top portion of the base member;
a link;
a ground engaging member pivotally attached at one end to a bottom portion of the base member and pivotally connected at another end to one end of the link;
an elongated adjustment assembly pivotally connected to another end of said link and disposed within said vertical constraint;
a pair of pivotal members attached adjacent an open end of the golf bag;
a center rod assembly disposed between said pivotal members, the center rod assembly connected to the ground engaging member by the link;
a pair of connecting members rotatably connected to the center rod assembly and each of the pair of connecting members to a respective pivot member of the pair of pivotal members;
a spring disposed at an upper portion of said center rod assembly; whereby tilting of the golf bag toward said ground engaging member causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon said ground engaging member and translated to an upward force upon said center rod assembly, thereby compressing said spring and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag to an extended position, and tilting of the golf bag from said extended position away from said ground engaging member causes the upward ground force to be removed from said ground engaging member and said center rod assembly, thereby permitting said spring to expand and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag to a retracted position.
2. The casing of claim 1, wherein said shell is integrally formed with the golf bag.
3. The casing of claim 1, wherein the stand system is mounted in the recess.
4. The casing of claim 1, wherein the outer surface is a surface of a covering of the golf bag.
5. The casing of claim 1, wherein said elongated adjustment assembly facilitates a vertical adjustment of said stand system with respect to the golf bag.
6. The casing of claim 1, wherein said pivotal members comprise aluminum material.
7. The casing of claim 1, wherein said center rod assembly comprises aluminum material.
8. A casing for use with a golf bag, said casing comprising:
a shell affixed to an outer surface of the golf bag, said shell defining a recess in the outer surface of the golf bag, wherein the recess houses a stand system in a recessed configuration,
said stand system comprising:
a ground engaging member pivotally attached adjacent a closed end of the golf bag;
a pair of pivotal members attached adjacent an open end of the golf bag;
a center rod assembly disposed between said pivotal members, the center rod assembly connected to the ground engaging member by a link;
a pair of connecting members rotatably connected to the center rod assembly and each of the pair of connecting members to a mid-region pivot socket;
a spring disposed at an upper portion of said center rod assembly; whereby tilting of the golf bag toward said ground engaging member causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon said ground engaging member and translated to an upward force upon said center rod assembly, thereby compressing said spring and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag to an extended position, and tilting of the golf bag from said extended position away from said ground engaging member causes the upward ground force to be removed from said ground engaging member and said center rod assembly, thereby permitting said spring to expand and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag to a retracted position;

said center rod assembly comprising:
an outer tube comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said outer tube extending along a substantial length of said center rod assembly and said lower portion disposed within an elongated adjustment assembly; and
an inner tube guide comprising a top end and a bottom end, said top end disposed within a housing of a lateral bracket, said bottom end comprising external threads, and said inner tube guide longitudinally moveable within said upper portion of said outer tube.
9. The casing of claim 8, further comprising a knuckle secured to said upper portion of said outer tube, said knuckle comprising: a pair of opposing lateral pivot sockets; and a top portion comprising a gripping device, said gripping device comprising a plurality of substantially vertical flexible fingers comprising internal threads for engagement and disengagement with said external threads of said bottom end of said inner tube guide.
10. The casing of claim 9, wherein said connecting members pivotally connected at one end to said mid-region pivot sockets of cap members about a single pivot cap axis and pivotally connected at another end to said opposing lateral pivot sockets of said knuckle about a single knuckle axis, thereby pivotally linking said center rod assembly to said pivotal members.
11. The casing of claim 10, wherein a clevis axis, said pivot cap axis, and said knuckle axis are parallel with respect to each other.
12. The casing of claim 10, wherein said connecting members comprise rigid plastic material.
13. The casing of claim 10, further comprising an annular rotatable locking lever disposed about said substantially vertical flexible fingers of said gripping device of said knuckle.
14. The casing of claim 13, further comprising a washer fully disposed annularly about said inner tube guide and partially disposed vertically within an upper portion of said locking lever.
15. The casing of claim 14, wherein said spring is disposed about said inner tube guide, said spring comprising a top end disposed within said center housing of said bracket and a bottom end abutting against a top surface of said washer.
16. The casing of claim 15, whereby in said unlocked position of said locking lever, a tilting of the golf bag toward said ground engaging member causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon said ground engaging member and translated through said link resulting in an upward force upon said outer tube, a downward force from said center housing of said lateral bracket causes said inner tube guide to move longitudinally into said outer tube causing an upward force from said washer to compress said spring, thereby causing said connecting members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag causing said pivotal members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag to an extended position, and a tilting of the golf bag from said extended position away from said ground engaging member causes the upward ground force to be removed from said ground engaging member and said outer tube, thereby causing the upward force from said washer to be removed and permitting said spring to expand, causing said inner tube guide to move longitudinally out from said outer tube, thereby causing said connecting members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag causing said pivotal members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag to a retracted position.
17. The casing of claim 16, wherein the translation of force through said link translates a radial motion of said ground engaging member to a substantially vertical linear motion of said outer tube.
18. A casing for use with a golf bag, said casing comprising:
a shell affixed to an outer surface of the golf bag, said shell defining a recess in the outer surface of the golf bag, wherein the recess houses a stand system in a recessed configuration;
a base member encasing the closed end of the golf bag, said base member comprising a cylindrically-shaped vertical constraint at a top portion of said base member;
said stand system comprising:
a ground engaging member pivotally attached adjacent a closed end of the golf bag, wherein said ground engaging member is pivotally attached at one end to a bottom portion of said base member, and said stand system further comprises a link pivotally connected at one end to another end of said ground engaging member;
a pair of pivotal members attached adjacent an open end of the golf bag;
a center rod assembly disposed between said pivotal members;
a spring disposed at an upper portion of said center rod assembly;
an elongated adjustment assembly pivotally connected to another end of said link and disposed within said vertical constraint, whereby tilting of the golf bag toward said ground engaging member causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon said ground engaging member and translated to an upward force upon said center rod assembly, thereby compressing said spring and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag to an extended position, and tilting of the golf bag from said extended position away from said ground engaging member causes the upward ground force to be removed from said ground engaging member and said center rod assembly, thereby permitting said spring to expand and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag to a retracted position.
19. A casing for use with a golf bag, said casing comprising:
a shell affixed to an outer surface of the golf bag, said shell defining a recess in the outer surface of the golf bag, wherein the recess houses a stand system in a recessed configuration,
said stand system comprising:
a ground engaging member pivotally attached adjacent a closed end of the golf bag;
a pair of pivotal members attached adjacent an open end of the golf bag;
a center rod assembly disposed between said pivotal members;
a spring disposed at an upper portion of said center rod assembly; and
an outer tube comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said outer tube extending along a substantial length of said center rod assembly and said lower portion disposed within an elongated adjustment assembly; and an inner tube guide comprising a top end and a bottom end, said top end disposed within a housing of a lateral bracket, said bottom end comprising external threads, and said inner tube guide longitudinally moveable within said upper portion of said outer tube, whereby tilting of the golf bag toward said ground engaging member causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon said ground engaging member and translated to an upward force upon said center rod assembly, thereby compressing said spring and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag to an extended position, and tilting of the golf bag from said extended position away from said ground engaging member causes the upward ground force to be removed from said ground engaging member and said center rod assembly, thereby permitting said spring to expand and causing said pivotal members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag to a retracted position.