France Bed Co., Ltd.

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

Nihon University

Toki Corporation

Minoru Ikeda

Kyoichi Takao

Keiko Onoda

The present invention provides: a method for testing zinc deficiency dysgeusia, which is characterized in that it comprises correlating the expression levels of a gene encoding a gustatory receptor belonging to the THTR family and a gene encoding a gustatory receptor belonging to the T2R family obtained from a sample derived from the oral cavity of a subject, with a serum zinc level obtained from the sample of the subject; and a kit used for the aforementioned test.

Method of examining zinc-deficient taste disturbance by determining expression level of taste receptor genes

A light-emitting unit containing a substrate and light emitting diodes (LEDs) is housed inside a casing constituted by a first member and a second member which are joined together. The second member has a projecting piece which is inserted to the first member, and inside the projecting piece a passage is formed. When silicone is injected through an injection opening from an injector, the silicone starting from the projecting piece flows through in the order of the passage, first-member side space, connecting passage and second-member side space and it finally overflows from a discharge opening. By implementing this structure and process, the air or air bubbles inside the light-emitting unit is pushed outside completely.

Silicone-filled casing for use with light-emitting unit and method of manufacturing the light-emitting unit

A bedding or seating spring product comprising a spring assembly having multiple rows of coil springs wherein each row of coil springs is made from a single continuous length of wire and wherein each row contains a plurality of coils interconnected by interconnecting segments, alternate ones of which are disposed in the top and bottom planes of the spring assembly. The interconnecting segments are generally planar and include U-shaped portions having parallel legs and a connecting web. Adjacent rows of coils are connected by securement of the web of a U-shaped portion of each interconnecting segment of one row of coils to a pair of spaced portions of interconnecting segments of an adjacent row.

Bedding spring assembly

A mattress for use on a bed and settee comprises a spring unit, at least one cushion, a protection layer arranged between the spring unit and the cushion, and an outer covering for covering these component members. The protection layer includes a frame located at the circumference and outside of the spring unit, and a net tensioned inside the frame, the protection layer being made of synthetic resin and having the frame and net formed integral thereto. The frame has a flange with which end turns of coil springs arranged in the spring unit and adjacent to the frame can be contacted. The frame of each protection layer provided with the flange has sufficient rigidity and serves as a reinforcing member.

Mattress for use on a bed and settee

A mattress includes a pair of ridges made of elastomeric material and disposed respectively on both sides of an elastomeric layer which is laid on the top of a spring unit and covered with an outer covering, the ridges protruding from the elastomeric layer. Each ridge partially or fully extends in the longitudinal direction of the elastomeric layer. A user lying on the mattress is prevented from falling from the mattress by the ridges.

Growing community of inventors

Tokyo, Japan

Minoru Ikeda