baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent EP-0698792-B1 (EP)
Inventor: OKU YUICHI
IPC: C12Q1/68
Filed: 1994-04-28
Granted: 2003-07-02
Abstract: An assay reagent and a kit whereby nonspecific capture of a labeled substance by a solid phase can be suppressed and more than one antibody or more than one antigen can be detected via a simple assay by using one reagent. An immunological ligand assay reagent comprising components selected from the following groups (A) and (B) at the same time is reacted with immunogical ligands to thereby form complexes, which are captured by separate solid phases (C) and analyzed based on the labeling substance contained in each complex: group (A): more than one type of immunological antiligand-nucleotide conjugates wherein antibodies having specific avidities respectively for immunological ligands of different types are bonded to nucleotides which are specific respectively for said immunological ligands and each has an arbitrarily selected base sequence; group (B): labeled substances having specific avidities respectively for the immunological antiligands of different types which are to be assayed; and group (C): solid phase-nucleotide conjugates wherein nucleotides having base sequences capable of complementarily binding respectively to the nucleotides of the group (A) are bonded to a water-insoluble carrier. Either antigens or antibodies are applicable to said immunological ligands and immunological antiligands. <MATH>
Patent EP-0788553-B1 (EP)
Inventor: SQUIRRELL DAVID JAMES
IPC: C12Q1/66
Filed: 1994-07-13
Granted: 2002-04-03
Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or amount of microorganisms and/or their intracellular material present in a sample comprising estimating the amount of adenylate kinase therein by its ability to convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the presence of added magnesium ions and relating that to the presence/or amount or organism and/or intracellular material. The method provides improved sensitivity over existing luciferase/luciferin assays. Reagents including purified ADP and adenylate kinase free luciferase are provided together with test kits including these and apparatus for automated operation of the method.
Patent EP-0664688-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HART RICKEY D
IPC: A61B17/04
Filed: 1994-07-25
Granted: 2002-06-05
Abstract: Dispositif (5) permettant de saisir des objets analogues à un fil. Ce dispositif comprend un tube creux (10) à extrémité distale pointue, une tige (12) à l'extrémité distale de laquelle est fixée une paire de fils (15, 20) qui sont sollicités dans la direction opposée l'un par rapport à l'autre, ainsi que des moyens d'actionnement (25). La tige et les fils sont situés dans la lumière du tube de façon à pouvoir effectuer un mouvement alternatif par rapport à ce dernier. Le moyen d'actionnement est fixé aux extrémités proximales du tube et de la tige, afin de permettre le mouvement régulé de cette dernière et des fils par rapport au tube. L'un des éléments en forme de fil présente une configuration en forme de crochet (85) au niveau de son extrémité distale. Ce dispositif permet de positionner sélectivement les éléments en forme de fil dans l'extrémité distale du tube ou selon une configuration dans laquelle ces éléments vont s'étendre vers l'extérieur à partir de l'extrémité distale du tube en divergeant l'un de l'autre.
Patent EP-0663042-B1 (EP)
Title: Moteur a essence a quatre temps a commande hybride
Inventor: SALBER WOLFGANG
IPC: F01L9/20
Filed: 1994-07-30
Granted: 1997-04-23
Abstract: Moteur à essence à quatre temps comprenant au moins un cylindre, chaque cylindre présentant au moins une soupape d'admission (10, 11) à commande desmodromique et au moins une soupape d'échappement à commande desmodromique, au moins une tubulure d'admission (13) pour une amenée d'air ou d'un mélange air-carburant étant associée à la soupape d'admission (11). L'invention a pour objet un perfectionnement d'un tel moteur, caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu au moins deux soupapes d'admission (10, 11), au moins une soupape d'admission (10) servant de soupape principale et au moins une soupape d'admission (11) servant de soupape auxiliaire, en ce que la soupape principale (10) est en liaison avec un arbre à cames (14) par l'intermédiaire d'un organe de transmission (15), en ce que l'organe de transmission (15) présente un dispositif de déconnexion réglable, et en ce que la soupape auxiliaire (11) est en liaison avec un dispositif d'actionnement réglable (18) permettant d'ajuster la levée de la soupape et/ou l'instant de l'ouverture de la soupape et/ou l'instant de la fermeture de la soupape.
Patent EP-0719323-B1 (EP)
Inventor: KUEMIN MARIUS A M
IPC: C11D7/50
Filed: 1994-09-02
Granted: 1997-09-10
Abstract: A cleaning composition comprises a (1) mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, (2) a solubilizer and (3) from 35 to 95 percent of water, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. The solubilizer is a C1-3-monoalkyl ether of mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol, a methyl ether acetate of mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol or a dimethyl ether of mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol. The cleaning composition is very useful for degreasing glass, metallic or polymeric articles.
Patent EP-0741679-B1 (EP)
Inventor: RAE PHILIP
IPC: C04B40/06
Filed: 1994-10-07
Granted: 2000-03-08
Abstract: In the method of the invention, a storable hydraulically-active cementitious slurry is made and used to cement within subterranean foundations for oil and gas wells. The slurry is made from hydraulically-active, cementitious material suitable for oil field purposes and can be stored until needed. During storage, the slurry remains liquid. The slurry is activated when needed for cementing. After pumping the activated slurry into the wellbore, the set cement has properties acceptable for well cementing.
Patent EP-0677325-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HERBERT JOHNS L
IPC: B01J2/08
Filed: 1995-03-16
Granted: 1998-10-14
Abstract: In the prodn. of ceramic balls by dripping a ceramic slip from a nozzle into a soln. in which the slip gels during sinking, the novelty is that (a) the slip is introduced from a supply container into the cylinder of a pressure piston-cylinder device; and (b) a single pressure piston stroke is used to expel an amount corresponding to the desired ball dia. through the nozzle. Also claimed is an appts. for carrying out the above process. <IMAGE>
Patent EP-0684743-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HOFMANN LUDWIG DIPL ING
IPC: G06F8/65
Filed: 1995-05-16
Granted: 1999-07-28
Abstract: The mobile radio device has transmission/reception circuits and control devices, with an actualization device allowing the operating software of the ratio device to be matched to the radio network within which it is to be used. Pref. the actualization device is provided by a notebook computer with appropriate software and interfaces for connection to the mobile radio device, allowing the user to update the operating software of the latter, e.g. by taking it to a service centre.
Patent EP-0688966-B1 (EP)
Inventor: KOENIG GOTTFRIED
IPC: F16B39/282
Filed: 1995-06-01
Granted: 1998-09-09
Abstract: The head of the screw has projections on its underside (2) which can cut. The projections (4) have a continuously decreasing width in an outward radial direction. The projections are formed as narrow radial ribs, with a radial cutting edge (5). The cutting edges extend parallel to the end face. They may increase or decrease in height in outward direction. <IMAGE>
Patent EP-0669100-B1 (EP)
Inventor: LINDER ALBERT DR MED DIPL-PHYS
IPC: A61B17/11
Filed: 1995-02-22
Granted: 1998-11-18
Abstract: The applicator has a one-piece component (1) with supply passages (8, 9) for the components leading from the union end (2) to the discharge end, together with a passage (13, 14) for medicinal gas spraying the components. All passages have separate outlets (10, 11, 15) in the face of the discharge end. For part at least of their length the component passages are enclosed by a common gas passage (14) immediately before their outlets. All passages can be parallel immediately before their outlets, while the enclosing part of the gas passage can be annular. The component outlets can be flush with that of the gas, or preferably set back from it. There can be a separate external component enclosing the annular passage and which is adjustable in the lengthwise direction.
Patent EP-0757879-B1 (EP)
Inventor: BANNISTER CECIL
IPC: H04W84/16
Filed: 1995-03-22
Granted: 1998-07-22
Abstract: Des installations de radiocommunications (112) répondant à un signal de radiomessagerie prennent une ligne principale (114) afin de connecter des appels radio à des téléphones (104) desservis par un central privé (106). Ces installations de radiocommunications (112) répondent chacune à un jeu différent de numéros d'identification de mobiles ou peuvent être configurées en appareils de commande asservis ou utiliser un sous-adressage. On peut aussi réaliser une liaison principale par radiocommunications vers un central de radiocommunications privé et constituer un système à couches hiérarchiques multiples.
Patent EP-0766696-B1 (EP)
Title: Thiazolidine derivatives, their preparation and drugs containing same
Inventor: CAPET MARC
IPC: A61P25/24
Filed: 1995-06-19
Granted: 1998-09-02
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/FR95/00808 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 19, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 19, 1996 PCT Filed Jun. 19, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/35314 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 28, 1995Thiazolidine derivatives of formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification. The invention also concerns the salts of these derivatives, the preparation thereof and drugs containing same.    <IMAGE>  (I)
Patent EP-0785745-B1 (EP)
Inventor: SCHMOLL ANDREAS
IPC: A47L9/04
Filed: 1995-10-10
Granted: 1999-09-08
Abstract: The invention relates to a brush vacuum cleaner (1) for the care of carpets or hard flooring, with a rotating brush (4) drivable by an electric motor, and with brushing bristles (3), in which the brushing bristles (13) can be moved vertically by the actuation of a switch between a lowered position bearing on the floor and a raised position and a motor and the brushing bristles can be operated by means of a foot switch. The invention deals with the technical problem of improving the design of a prior art type of brush vacuum cleaner (1). To this end, it is proposed that a motor switch (7) be arranged in the base plan region of a brushing bristle switch (6) and the motor switch (7) pass through the brushing bristle switch (6).
Patent EP-0746366-B1 (EP)
Inventor: JEWETT WARREN R
IPC: B05B11/00
Filed: 1995-11-14
Granted: 2002-01-02
Abstract: A metered dose inhaler is described having an improved electronic counting means to indicate the doses remaining in the aerosol canister component of the inhaler assembly.
Patent EP-0842612-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HALDEN JONAS PETER
IPC: A23L13/40
Filed: 1996-11-06
Granted: 2001-01-17
Abstract: A process for preparing meat containing meat trimmings therein which comprises fermenting meat trimmings with a starter culture, freezing the fermented meat trimmings and incorporating a frozen suspension of the meat trimmings in a brine, marinate or pickle into chilled meat characterised in that fat is added to the meat trimmings.
Patent EP-0809670-B1 (EP)
Inventor: BUESCHGES ULRICH
IPC: C08J7/12
Filed: 1996-02-03
Granted: 2000-04-26
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/EP96/00455 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 14, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 14, 1997 PCT Filed Feb. 3, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/25454 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 22, 1996A polymeric material of at least two layers and having at least one fluorine-containing layer and at least one non-fluorine-containing layer, the fluorine-containing layer is from 0.01 to 100  mu m thick, contains from 0.1 to 0.76 g of fluorine/g of the fluorine-containing layer and has from 361  mu g to 50 mg of fluorine/cm2. The polymeric material is used for the production of storage containers, in particular for fuel.
Patent EP-0788660-B1 (EP)
Inventor: LUDIKHUIZE ADRIANUS WILLEM
IPC: H01L29/78
Filed: 1996-07-11
Granted: 2001-10-17
Abstract: Dans de nombreux cas où intervient une commutation d'un courant, la mise hors circuit provoque une élévation de la tension à l'électrode de drain d'un transistor, en particulier dans le cas d'une charge inductive. En cas d'utilisation d'un transistor DMOS latéral haute tension, cette haute tension peut entraîner une instabilité dans les propriétés du transistor ou même endommager ce dernier. L'invention vise à supprimer ces inconvénients. A cet effet, le drain d'un transistor DMOS latéral haute tension est pourvu localement d'une zone de type N fortement dopée (18; 21) (dans le cas d'un transistor à canal N) qui s'étend, vu de la surface, vers le bas dans le corps semiconducteur à une profondeur supérieure à celle de la zone source (8), de façon à former une jonction PN à une profondeur relativement grande dans le corps dont la tension de claquage est inférieure à la tension de claquage BVds du transistor dépourvu de cette zone. La puissance emmagasinée dans la bobine d'inductance peut ainsi être évacuée par claquage. Ce claquage est séparé du trajet normal du courant du transistor en raison de la profondeur relativement grande de la jonction PN, ce qui augmente la robustesse du transistor. Ladite zone profonde dans le drain peut être formée, par exemple, par une couche enterrée à la limite entre la couche épitaxiale et le substrat.
Patent EP-0910563-B1 (EP)
Inventor: BONDINELL WILLIAM E
IPC: A61P9/10
Filed: 1996-06-28
Granted: 2003-05-02
Abstract: Multicyclic derivs. of formula (I) and their salts are new: A1 = C or N; E = 5-6 membered heteroaromatic or 6 membered aromatic ring opt. substd. by R3 or R4; X1-X2 = CHR1CH, CR1=CH, NR1CH, SOuCH or OCH; X3 = CR5R5', NR5, SOu or O; R' = H, 1-6C alkyl, 3-7C cycloalkyl-0-4C alkyl or Ar-0-4C alkyl; R" = R', COR' or CO2R5; R"' = 1-6C alkyl, 3-7C cycloalkyl-0-4C alkyl or Ar-0-4C alkyl; R1 = H, 1-6C alkyl, 3-7C cycloalkyl-0-4C alkyl or Ar-0-4C alkyl; R2 = OR', NR'R", NR'SO2R"', NR' OR', OCR'2CO2R', OCR'2OCOR', OCR'2CONR'2, CF3 or COCR'2R2'; R2' = OR', CN, SOrR', SO2NR'2, COR'CONR'2 or CO2R'; R5, R5' = H, 1-6C alkyl, 3-7C cycloalkyl-0-4C alkyl or Ar-0-4C alkyl; R6 = W(CR'2)q Z(CR'R10)r U(CR'2)5 V or W'(CR'2)qU(CR'2)s; R3, R4, R7 = H, halo, OR12, SR12, CN, NR'R12, NO2, CF3, CF3SOr, CO2R', CONR'2, R14-0-6C alkyl, R14-1-6C oxoalkyl, R14 2-6C alkenyl, R14-2-6C alkynyl, R14-0-6C alkoxy, R14-0-6C alkylamino or R14-0-6C alkyl-SOr; R8 = R', COR', CN, NO2, SO2R' or CO2R5; R9 = R', CF3, SR' or OR'; R10 = H, 1-4C alkyl or NR'R"; R12 = R', COR', CONR'2, CO2R5, SOmR' or SO2NR'2; R14 = H, 3-6C cycloalkyl, Het or Ar; R15 = H, 1-10C alkyl, 3-7C cycloalkyl-0-8 C alkyl or Ar-0-8C alkyl; U, V = absent or CO, CR'2, C(= CR15 2) (sic), SOn, O, NR15, CR15' OR15, CR'(OR")CR'2, CR'2CR'(OR"), COR'2, CR15 2 CO, CONR15, NR15CO, OC(O), CO2, C(S)O, OC(S), C(S)NR15, NR15C(S), SO2NR15, NR15SO2, N=N, NR15NR15, NR15C(R15)2, NR15C(R15)2, C(R15)2O, OC(R15)2, C?=C, CR15 = CR15, Het or Ar; provided that U and V are not both absent; W = R'R"N, R'R"NR'N, R'R"NR'NCO, (R')2NR'NC(=NR'), R'ONR'C(=NR')-, (R'2N)C(R9)=N-, (R'2N)2C=N-, R9C(=NR")NR', R"R'NC(=NR')Y, R"R'NC(=NR')NR'X-, R"R'NC(=NR8)NR' or a nitrogen contg. ring; W' = a gp. of e.g. formula (a) and (b); Q = NR', O or S; Ra = H, 1-6C alkyl, Ar-0-6C alkyl, Het-0-6C alkyl, 3-6C cycloalkyl 0-6C alkyl, halo, OR1, SR1, COR1, OH, NO2, N(R1)2, CO(NR1)2 or CH2N(R1)2; Rb, Rc = H, 1-6C alkyl, Ar-0-6C alkyl, Het-0-6C alkyl, 3-6C cycloalkyl-0-6C alkyl, halo, OR1, SR1, COR1, OH, NO2, N(R1)2, CO(NR1)2 or CH2N(R1)2; or Rb+Rc = 5-6 membered opt. aromatic ring opt. substd. by halo, 1-4C alkyl, OR1, SR1, COR1, OH, NO2, N(R1)2, CO(NR1)2, CH2N(R1)2, CN or R"R'NC(=NR'); X = NCR', CO or O; Y = absent, S or O; Z = (CH2)t, Het, Ar or 3-7C cycloalkyl; m = 1-2; q, n = 0-3; r-u = 0-2; v, w = 0-1; Ar = ph or naphthyl opt. substd. by 1-3 R7; R7 = 1-4C alkyl, 1-4C alkoxy, 1-4C alkylthio, trifluoroalkyl, OH, Cl, F, Br or I; Het = 5-6 membered monocycle or 9-10 membered bicycle contg. 1-3 N, O or S. opt. substd. by 1-3 R7.
Patent EP-0850198-B1 (EP)
Inventor: THOMPSON JOHN GERARD
IPC: C01B33/36
Filed: 1996-09-13
Granted: 2000-12-06
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/AU96/00576 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 10, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 10, 1998 PCT Filed Sep. 13, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/10179 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 20, 1997Novel magnesiosilicate compounds for use in detergent compositions and as water softeners have a calcium binding capacity of at least 10 mg CaO per gram, a magnesium binding capacity of at least 10 mg MgO per gram and a calcium binding rate of no more than 300 seconds, all at room temperature. The compounds have a stuffed silica polymorph-related structure or a layered structure with a broad X-ray powder diffraction peak at a d-spacing of between 11 and 17  ANGSTROM . The compounds have an anhydrous composition MaMgbAlcSi1-(b+c)Od, where M-alkali, 0.0<a<2.0, 0.0<b<0.7, 0.0</=c</=0.3, 1.15<d<3.0, c<b, and partial substitution of M, Mg, Al and Si is permitted. The compounds are prepared by solid state reaction or aqueous reaction of starting material such as magnesiosilicate mineral with alkali oxide-containing reagent under relatively mild conditions or by treating a magnesiosilicate compound having a stuffed silica polymorph-related structure with aqueous solution.
Patent EP-0865293-B1 (EP)
Inventor: ALLISON JAMES PATRICK
IPC: A61P37/04
Filed: 1996-12-04
Granted: 2008-11-26
Abstract: T Cell activation in response to antigen is increased by the administration of binding agents that block CTLA-4 signaling. When CTLA-4 signaling is thus blocked, the T cell response to antigen is released from inhibition. Such an enhanced response is useful for the treatment of tumors, chronic viral infections, and as an adjuvant during immunization.
Patent EP-0876163-B1 (EP)
Inventor: BARLOW IAN JOHN
IPC: A61L9/12
Filed: 1996-12-05
Granted: 2002-07-17
Abstract: A device for the controlled release of vapour and a method of dispensing a volatile medium into the air. The device includes a carrier impregnated with a volatile medium and a wrapper of flexible material surrounding said carrier for retaining the volatile medium on the carrier. Said wrapper has at least two contiguous tear strips disposed over the carrier that may be successively removed to expose a portion of the carrier of increasing size without any need to provide for relative movement of the wrapper and carrier. The method of dispensing a volatile medium into the air includes providing such a device, removing a first tear strip to expose a portion of the carrier, and subsequently removing an additional tear strip to expose a fresh area of carrier to maintain the concentration of volatile medium at desired level.
Patent EP-0868125-B1 (EP)
Inventor: GEISSER PETER
IPC: A23L5/20
Filed: 1996-12-19
Granted: 2001-10-31
Abstract: L'invention concerne des adsorbants pour phosphates formés à partir d'agents aqueux, notamment pour un phosphate inorganique ou lié à des produits alimentaires, prélevé dans des liquides biologiques ou des produits alimentaires, qui renferme un hydroxyde de fer béta polynucléaire stabilisé par des glucides et/ou un acide humique.
Patent EP-0906094-B1 (EP)
Inventor: GUERTIN KEVIN R
IPC: C07C205/57
Filed: 1996-12-23
Granted: 2003-06-25
Abstract: Composés constitués par des N-[(aminoiminométhyle ou aminométhyle)phényle]propylamides à substitution de la formule (I) exerçant une activité utile sur le plan pharmacologique et de ce fait incorporés dans des compositions pharmaceutiques pour le traitement de patients souffrants de certains troubles pathologiques. Ces composés sont plus spécialement des inhibiteurs du facteur Xa. L'invention porte sur des composés de la formule (I), des compositions contenant des composés de la formule (I), des méthodes de préparation et d'utilisation de ces composés pour le traitement d'un patient souffrant d'états pouvant être améliorés par l'administration d'un inhibiteur du facteur Xa.
Patent EP-0879185-B1 (EP)
Inventor: AUCLAIR JEAN-MICHEL
IPC: B65D71/28
Filed: 1996-12-20
Granted: 2001-07-04
Abstract: An article carrier of the top gripping type for accommodating articles such as bottles (B) is disclosed. The carrier includes a tubular central portion (K) and first and second panels (12, 20, 116, 124) extending outwardly from the tubular portion (K). The first and second panels (12, 20, 116, 124) have apertures (50, 52, 54, 152, 154, 156) each operatively engaging the underside of a radially protruding part of an article (B) present in that aperture by the abutment of tabs (56, 158) provided around the aperture. The tabs (56, 158) are foldable to stand out of the general plane of the aperture. The carrier also includes at least one locking panel (22) disposed in a face-to-face relationship with the first and second panels (12, 20, 116, 124) and having corresponding apertures (58, 60, 166, 168, 170) in registry with selected ones of those apertures of the first and second panels (12, 20, 116, 124). The tubular portion (K) is maintained only by the presence of at least one article (B) received in the respective registering apertures of the first, second and locking panel (12, 20, 22, 116, 124, 122).
Patent EP-0810336-B1 (EP)
Inventor: LONGONI UMBERTO
IPC: E06B9/40
Filed: 1997-05-21
Granted: 2002-02-13
Abstract: A headrail (2) with articulated arms (4) for an awning (1), comprising:   side plates (31) adjustable upon installation in any desired inclination; at least a support (29) with a hole where the winding drum (3) of awning (1) passes for its direct connection to a motor unit with help manoeuvre or to a hand activation group;   an internal shell (12) for the protection of the wound awning; a front transversal terminal (6) wherein a longitudinal recess is provided (13) for a winding roller (7) of awning (5); winding means for the same valance, of either a manual (15) or an automatic (21-28) type, dependent on those for winding awning (1), and   valance winding elastic guide pliers (8).   <IMAGE>
Patent EP-0811567-B1 (EP)
Inventor: AFFATICATI ARTEMIO
IPC: B65G47/68
Filed: 1995-03-09
Granted: 1999-08-18
Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for conveying parcels on a plurality of transport units (32) moving in a conveying path (30) between an induction station (26) and a discharge station (28). Each transport unit has a driven carrier belt (36) thereon, which is moveable orthogonally to the conveying path. The induction station includes a plurality of tandem driven induction belts (62), extending at an angle to the conveying path. The.discharge station has a plurality of receiving ports (46) positioned along the conveying path. The invention provides a crossbelt sortation system (25) with a transport unit test station (96) that is positioned adjacent to the conveying path. The purpose of the test station is to test movement of the carrier belt associated with individual ones of the transport units passing the test station. Each of the transport units (32) includes a magnet (204a, 204b) that moves in proportion to the linear speed of the carrier belt (36) associated with that transport unit. The test station includes a sensor (200) that senses the magnet of a transport unit passing the test station (96). The sensor includes at least one Hall-effect cell (208a, 208b) and a magnetic antenna (210) coupled with the Hall-effect cell. <IMAGE>
Patent EP-0955950-B1 (EP)
Inventor: CHUTER TIMOTHY A M DR
IPC: A61F2/90
Filed: 1997-01-03
Granted: 2006-03-22
Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved stent in which the limbs have been fabricated from a medium having a cross sectional profile in which at least one segment is flat and straight, whereby the stent is provided with improved expansion characteristics.